TIL Monet painted The Water Lilies, 12 gigantic canvases at a time, based on the movement of the sun and its ray of lights, all while suffering from blurred vision, color blindness, and cataracts that began at the age of 73. There are a total of 250 canvases in the series. He began painting this vision in his sixties based on what he saw in his garden in Giverny, and continued working on it for several decades until his death at the age of 86. Now that’s a whole different level of multitasking under extreme challenges and patience. The Musée de l'Orangerie was designed to showcase the Water Lilies series in an oval-shaped room with natural light (sunrise to sunset), to immerse viewers in his artistic vision. Some consider it the first art installation ever. But while he was alive, Monet was reluctant to part with his art, and even after the museum was completed, he felt he wasn't finished with it. In fact, there remains a small unfinished patch in the series. After his death in 1926, his paintings were initially displayed but didn’t receive the attention hoped for and were largely forgotten. However, they were rediscovered in the 1950s and gained popularity for the emotional and artistic impact they left on viewers. I’ve never been to the Orangerie, but maybe someday.

MacGyver (the old one) is a nice inspiration of making the most out of everything you've got (That and he has nice hair, and an even nicer smile).

that excitement when your gadgets arrive! While stocking up for myself, i decided to get an arduino uno and a smart car chassis and its assemblies for my nephews, and they are super excited (or maybe I am). This will be their first encounter of electronics / programing project that's fun. But first, I've got to set up a proper discharge process, how do you'll normally remove static ? metal to metal or one of those anti static bracelets ? i've been kinda lazy about it so i just use a coin and touch a metal bracket

so much to do, so little time

Who sees the human face correctly : the photographer, the mirror, or the painter? – Pablo Picasso

I have long been fascinated by the Renaissance movement (14th - 17th century) with Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. When I was a little girl, I grew up seeing pictures of the Renaissance art, with my big brother telling me stories about it. During a backpacking trip to Italy many years ago, I fell in love with Florence, and walking through the Chapel in Vatican City and just looking up, felt surreal. Another movement I love is Impressionism of the late 19th century, particularly the works of Monet and Renoir, with their loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and play of light. This always felt safe, romantic, dreamy and just nice. This week, though, I thought I would shake it up a little and explore the Surrealism movement (1920s up to post-WW2). The first I looked into was the works of Salvador Dalí. And whoa, I was amazed by how he experimented with everything he felt - he captured his surreal visions so succinctly. His most famous painting, "The Persistence of Memory," with melting watches, became his iconic trademark (and I only recently noticed the ants!) . Dali had an interesting life journey, from his fascination with Freudian theories to becoming a Hollywood celebrity. That, and his method of boosting creativity: he would hold a spoon while napping in a chair. As he drifted off, he would drop the object, and the sound would wake him, allowing him to capture the bizarre dreams from his light sleep. This technique led him to explore the depths of his imagination and unveil hidden meanings. There's so much more to Dali and his paintings than I can possibly write here. Another interesting figure in Surrealism is Lee Miller. She went from being a Vogue cover model to becoming a famous photographer and war photojournalist during WW2, with that infamous picture of her captured in Hitler’s bathtub. Miller's journey is nothing short of a relentless pursuit of excellence, of wanting to be the best of the best. When she decided to become a photographer, she took a flight to meet Man Ray, a super famous surrealist photographer, and told him she wanted to apprentice under him. When he said no, that he didn't take an apprentice, she boldly said “ you now do”, and became his apprentice and assistant for 3 years. (As I was looking through Man Ray's works, I noticed his iconic "Violon d’Ingres" violin symbol looked similar to @jack's ink - not sure if its an intended resemblance). Miller wanted new adventures, so after her apprenticeship ended, she went to New York, moved to Cairo then to Europe. During WW2, she took numerous war photographs that were published in women's magazines, leading to her role as a war photojournalist. Coincidentally, on the day she took the infamous photograph in Hitler’s bathtub, Hitler shot himself, and the war ended soon after. Upon returning home, Miller suffered from PTSD due to the horrors she witnessed in concentration camps. Despite her many accomplishments, including becoming a renowned cook in her later life, the war images haunted her, and she kept the films hidden in her attic. It was only after her death that her son found these photographs, which cemented her legacy as one of the greatest surrealist photographers of our time. There’s definitely a lot of interesting things that went through this era with the art movements. I think understanding the art movement in parallel to history is incredibly fascinating, but this is something that comes as light bulb moments over time, at least for me. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s to let thoughts and imaginations flow. It takes you to the next step and the next…

It's the durian season. If you have not tried them, you have no idea what you are missing out on.

I think one of the most important use cases needed to improve and accelerate Bitcoin adoption is its flexibility in quick multi-currency transactions. If we look at it from 2 perspective : 1. De-dollarisation and Geopolitical Shifts Saudi refusing to renew the 1974 petrodollar deal in recent weeks, and further strengthening its partnership with BRICS is a symbolic movement towards de-dollarisation. The weakening of the US currency will reduce global trade dependency, undermine sanctions, expose vulnerabilities, and amplify FOMO towards BRICS (many countries are already quietly and rapidly joining this bloc). This can create global currency war. Bitcoin could serve as a "peacekeeper" by being a neutral medium that reduces dependency on politically influenced currencies. But more importantly, with the ease of currency exchanges, countries globally will no longer need to depend on USD or BRICS. Any two countries can interact with each other using Bitcoin or their own currencies via Bitcoin seamlessly. 2. On small business payments for global trade Small businesses often represent 80% - 90% of a country's business but struggle in competition with hegemony trades that have advanced payment systems, manufacturing and logistics. Current payment gateways often lack the ability to handle small business needs effectively, and manual wire transfers are cumbersome and expensive. Overcoming currency exchanges would improve Bitcoin’s ease of transfer and simplify cross-border transactions, making it an attractive option for SMEs. Both these scenarios got me thinking of how Bitcoin can come into play, for quick multi-currency transactions. There are possible options out there for now : 1. Collaboration with stable coins - Pros is stability in value and ease of integration with existing financial systems. Cons is that it is tied to specific currencies, corporate control, and potential centralization issues. 2. Token-based Solutions With tokens like Cashu, pros is that it is programmable to represent different currencies in real-time. Cons is that it lacks risk assessment, real-world usage, and challenges with ownership concentration. With tokens like the sidechain that Fiatjaf once shared, the pros is that it can enhance the scalability and functionality of Bitcoin without altering the main chain. But the cons is that there is potential centralization if tokens are controlled by individuals or specific entities. 3. Web5 financial layer - I’m not sure how the financial layer works, but I recall Jack mentioning Block and TBD will be releasing more info soon. The potential lies in integrating decentralized identity and financial systems more seamlessly. 4. Nostr zaps - any global trade or B2B focused client (or other stuff) can be created. Pros is that it could enable flexible currency display, conversion, and quick calculations for businesses. Cons is that it is still figuring out user adoption use cases and challenges. Also limitation of amount spent? 5. Wallets with multi-currency features for KYC and non-KYC - i reckon this follows many pros and cons of the above. I don’t know if the above list is accurate / inaccurate but all innovations have pros and cons and specific use cases. Continuous feedback from users in different use cases will help improve these technologies. But we definitely do need more innovations and brainstorming in this area. If the adoption of Bitcoin increases among businesses and individuals, then it will further drive innovation and refinement of Bitcoin's role in global finance.

Nice to see people winning this week - with chat privacy maintained in Europe - and oh man, Julian Assange walking free! Never ever stop believing. People wonder what democracy is - if its left right, white black, AA merits, city rural, race, religion etc etc . Nope, that's not democracy. That's what your leaders fool you into thinking and try you box you in. People get so engrossed choosing sides that even when the leaders are mentally incapable, they will defend to the end. Don't fall for that mind game. This, what we experience this week, this is democracy. Where people come together collectively and voice out what they want fervently, passionately and relentlessly, that it cannot be ignored, and leaders of many nations have to listen. Assange's fight is not over, and a shame he had to plead guilty to make his 5 year imprisonment justifiable which only goes to show he was imprisoned for no reason to begin with. But if they try to catch him again, people all over the world will flip out like hell. I can't wait for someday when Snowden gets to go back to the US and be welcomed a hero that he truly is. But for now, compared to all that's been happening, its been a damn good week. The people are winning. Don't stop believing.

The rarity of people gifted in both arts and science - the creative geniuses. Little did I know Leonardo’s full time job was an engineer, scientist and part time job was an artist. Throughout his life, Leonardo was portrayed as obsessively curious and intensely observant. His cross-disciplinary brilliance made him known as the quintessential The Renaissance Man. I picked up his journal interpretation last week and I’ve got Walter’s Isaacson’s copy of him for this week. There are very few people from the past and in today’s time who would fit into this category - and their brain just works differently. Here’s Leonardo Da Vinci to-do list - it's quite something. His thirst for information and knowledge is something else. He writes all he wants to achieve and underlines it, and how he plans to achieve it. I'm guessing the latter is a variable factor in achieving his goals, ie one way or another.

Picked up this book “My Inventions" by Nikola Tesla. Tesla invented AC current, wireless transmitter, transformer, magnifying transmitter, turbine generator, first one to mention end to end privacy in communications, stationary territorial waves, arc lamp, initiated automation among his many inventions in late 1800s. His style of writing was a Huckleberry Finn meets Catcher in the Rye meets In Pursuit of Happiness (Will Smith movie) - which vividly describes his adventures , his mental / emotional stage and his sheer determination. Here are some of the lines I liked from the book : 1. My method is different. I do not rush into actual work. When I get an idea I start at once building it up in my imagination. I change the construction, make improvements and operate the device in my mind. It is absolutely immaterial to me whether I run my turbine in thought or test it in my shop. I even note if it is out of balance. There is no difference whatever, the results are the same. In this way I am able to rapidly develop and perfect a conception without touching anything. 2. On one occasion I came across a novel entitled “Abafi” (the Son of Aba), a Serbian translation of a well known Hungarian writer, Josika. This work somehow awakened my dormant powers of will and I began to practise self-control. At first my resolutions faded like snow in April, but in a little while I conquered my weakness and felt a pleasure I never knew before—that of doing as I willed. In the course of time this vigorous mental exercise became second nature. 3. Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves. 4. A new idea must not be judged by its immediate results. 5. Instinct is something which transcends knowledge. 6. (Describing complex work used by many) - Under such circumstances the progress must be slow and perhaps the greatest impediment is encountered in the prejudicial opinions created in the minds of experts by organized opposition. 7. We crave for new sensations but soon become indifferent to them 8. The wonders of yesterday are today common occurrences. 9. My project was retarded by laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time. But the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success. 10. My belief is firm in a law of compensation. The true rewards are ever in proportion to the labor and sacrifices made. 11. I am prompted to this prediction not so much by thoughts of the commercial and industrial revolution which it will surely bring about, but of the humanitarian consequences of the many achievements it makes possible. 12. War can not be avoided until the physical cause for its recurrence is removed and this, in the last analysis, is the vast extent of the planet on which we live. 13. What we now want most is closer contact and better understanding between individuals and communities all over the earth, and the elimination of that fanatic devotion to exalted ideals of national egoism and pride which is always prone to plunge the world into primeval barbarism and strife. 14. As I view the world of today, in the light of the gigantic struggle we have witnessed (WW1), I am filled with conviction that the interests of humanity would be best served if the United States remained true to its traditions and kept out of “entangling alliances.” 15. Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing. 16. (On the League of Nations, predecessor to the UN, formed after WW1) - The proposed League is not a remedy but on the contrary, in the opinion of a number of competent men, may bring about results just the opposite. It is particularly regrettable that a punitive policy was adopted in framing the terms of peace, because a few years hence it will be possible for nations to fight without armies, ships or guns, by weapons far more terrible, to the destructive action and range of which there is virtually no limit. This was a short book. A good read.

I was reading about the archimedean solid, catalan solid and rhombicuboctahedron (of which I can neither pronounce nor spell) . While the geodesic dome by Buckminster Fuller made it more mainstream, it was first imagined by Leonardo Da Vincci (who was both technically and creatively adept) followed by the inaugural naming thanks to Kepler’s proof of equations in the 1600s. Somehow all this led me to a 90’s Australian kids sci fi movie The Girl from Tomorrow and now I really want a transducer with a trigger on your pituitary gland telepathically for self healing, protection etc and PJ, an AI assisted computer in a diamond studded wristband that has hologram. That and rhombicuboctahedron as a time machine that uses electromagnetic waves, NIR, Near UV, Soundwaves. Imagination is truly a powerful thing!

Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things, you can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage - Iris Apfel

BRICS is expanding whether we like it on not. Bitcoin will be the peacemaker of global currency war domination

In chess, the queen wins by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of all the players in order to execute both strategy and tactics, rather than lumping them all together or treating them all the same

Nostr is the avant-garde of social media

Vivienne Westwood got it right

Yesterday was a public holiday and my siblings and I spent the long weekend helping my mom clean up her house. The insides needed some painting, and fortunately I managed to engage a freelance construction person, a women in her mid 60s with shiny white hair, who has way more speed and energy than I could have hoped for. She completed most of the work in 2 days what I would have taken months just planning and tapping 😂. That and I need an upgrade from my pink 2kg dumbbells. The outside needed a lot of anti rust work and anti mold fixes before we can paint it so some sanding, welding, anti rust coats and pressure washing. We also got some gardening work done and unclogged the drains for her. While my bones are hurting my heart is happy. I remember watching pressure washing videos and lawn mowing videos that are satisfying to watch. These videos get millions of views which YouTube compensates financially. If you thought touching grass felt good, try cutting it - makes you famous, who would have thought! Anyone can be a content creator if they have an easy avenue to post, have engaging content and get financially compensated. As I watch the YT videos, I thought it would be nice if I can zap these videos, but I think zaps can only work effectively on Nostr if 1) it has easy onboarding 2) large crowds. Bringing in the large crowds though, is catch 22. Content creators will bring in their fans but at the same time they need new, fresh ways to increase fan base / followers / viewers. The good thing abt Nostr is that many diff clients collectively will have many viewers lurking around. When each client puts in the work in bringing in new users, eventually it will add up. The challenge for new users however, is finding or matching what interests them. Ideally as we overcome the challenges and the culture of zap picks up, the number of real viewers could translate into the amount of zaps aka direct money. Another thing about content creation is quality. Some are lazy. Some put in the work. I have learned more from YT lecturers than the colleges I have paid for. However, only the most engaging lessons attract viewers, hence content creators have to up their game. Maybe one way to encourage quality contents (esp during the early stages) is through rewards, reviews, ratings etc Then there’s that SEO where it’s a form of algo for content creators to reach a larger audience base. This is so old fashioned that Tik Tok revamped it completely to increase engagement. I’m sure Nostr can do a much better content creator’s algo tuning strategy in matching users that seek them out, then all of them put together. I think there are a lot of opportunities in driving content creators onto Nostr. But it requires some work, and has to start with research - esp in understanding what are content creators utopia and pain points. These can be done by reaching out to hundreds of content creators with diverse creations. Research is not easy work. And when carrying out these interviews, one has to go with that tabula rasa mindset, a blank sheet, a clean state. Leave the ego behind. Leave the stubbornness of old ways behind. Toyota in the 80s, before it ventured into the western market, sent a group of engineers and designers to live in the US, They lived in upscale neighborhoods, drove luxury cars, and studied the culture extensively. Only after immersing in that culture did the engineers and designers put their minds together and came up with Lexus to compete with the luxury automobile market. I think there is so many amazing opportunities in Nostr but it requires a lot of work. The more problems we uncover and the more we know what we don't know - only then we will have the opportunities in finding solutions. I truly hope Nostr makes it ❤️ Alright now, off to the madness of the real world. Have a great week everybody!

Woke up thinking of this beat..whatever happened to Blu Cantrell?

The history and evolution of the concept of Design Thinking is absolutely fascinating. TL;DR: Design Thinking is all about hacking designer's brain to figure out how they problem solve by focusing on end-users and studying their cognitive process. It took over 60 years to develop this concept into a step by step approach and adopted widely and globally. 1960: Buckminster Fuller proposed the concept of "Design Science Revolution"—to shift the focus of innovation, from military technology ("weaponry") to improving human lives ("livingry"). He hit fame for for completely something else though - on the geodesic dome architecture. I love putting the pieces of the puzzles together on a timeline. The Buckminster Fuller era is right before the Beatnik, Punk, and Hackers movements, and challenged limitations on innovation and creativity amidst controls by the upper class. There was a lot of struggle among innovators during that time as they had to license out their designs to limited manufacturers who end up owning the brands. Fuller's work promoted forward-thinking solutions. The beatnik era pushed forth creativity broadly (music, movies, universities) boosting the middle-class economy. Punk culture rebelled against mainstream norms with DIY creativity and individuality birthing the Maker’s culture, while Hackers innovated in technology and software, pioneering new computing approaches. 1969: Herbert A. Simon wrote "The Sciences of the Artificial." I am reading this at the moment. He introduced the idea of design as a way of thinking, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping/testing, which is now a crucial element of design thinking. 1973: Horst Rittel coined "Wicked Problems" to describe complex, undefined issues that require a deep understanding of people's needs, feelings, and behaviors. Wicked problems are not your usual problems and doesn't have a binary solutions to it - for example natural disaster, food security, climate change, public health crisis etc 1973: Robert H. McKim published "Experiences in Visual Thinking." I have read raving reviews on this book and can't wait to read it next. He emphasized solving problems visually through seeing, imagining, and drawing to enhance creativity. According this Kim, focused attention is key 1982: Nigel Cross published a seminal paper "Designerly Ways of Knowing." which explores how designers approach problem-solving differently from non-designers. The cognitive processes and methods used to solve complex problems set the foundation for design thinking as a way to innovate and problem-solve 1982: Bryan Lawson shared his research on the differences between scientist and designers and how each solve problems. Scientists are problem-focused, while designers are solution-focused. For example a biologist studies why a certain species of plants in a forest are dying out by focusing on the problem - the root causes of the decline - soil conditions, climate changes, and insect infestations affecting the plants - "problem focused" An interior designer tasked with redesigning a small apartment to maximize space and functionality will not be figuring out why the apartment is small, but rather, will brainstorm various layout options, storage solutions, and furniture arrangements to create a comfortable and efficient living environment for the client. - "solution focused" 1987: Peter Rowe published "Design Thinking." I have this book but I have never read it. He explores how design thinking applies in architecture, focusing on the cognitive processes of creating buildings and urban artifacts. His work advances the understanding of design thinking across various fields of specialization. 1991: IDEO was formed in the US by David Kelley, along with Bill Moggridge and Mike Nuttall as an innovation firm that developed and popularized tools and terms that made design thinking accessible and practical. 1992: Richard Buchanan published "Wicked Problems in Design Thinking" expanded design thinking beyond traditional disciplines, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and interdisciplinary thinking to address socio-economic, environmental, and policy challenges. 2004: David Kelley went on to co-found the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (d.school). This became a Silicon Valley hype. He promoted the development, teaching, and application of design thinking, inspiring educational institutions worldwide. I met him about 10 years ago but did not realize who he was nor appreciated the value of design thinking back then. Although the concept of design thinking is used a lot in software development these days and even in corporate entrepreneurship, it started off with hardware product developments and architecture. And i think its absolutely interesting how design thinking originated by proposing that creative people think differently and that its worth looking into.