The news that UK is soon to be allowing trading of bitcoin ETNs. This extract is from Investopedia. "Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs) An ETN also tracks an index, and the returns it pays out are based on the performance of that index. Like an ETF, an ETN can be bought or sold on an exchange. HOWEVER, THE ETN DOES NOT OWN THE UNDERLYING ASSETS. An ETN is an investment in debt, similar to a bond. It's an unsecured debt note issued by a bank. Just like a bond, an ETN can be held to maturity or bought and sold at will. If the underwriter (usually a bank) were to go bankrupt, the investor risks losing the entire investment. For that reason, anyone considering investing in an ETN needs to check the credit rating of the underwriter. If the underwriter were to receive a credit downgrade, shares of the ETN would probably experience a downturn that is unrelated to the underlying index it's tracking." This looks like a red flag to me. Having said that I think owning anything other than your own keys is a red flag but this looks to be creating a route to increased shenanigans. Any one with knowledge of such financial instruments have a comment?

Class

Received my household goods after they've been in storage in my home country for a few years and discovering some of the old things I've got. Self explanatory old advertising for fireworks in Macau.

Somewhat brief but interesting overview of Japan's financial history of the last 30, or so, years.

I'll share more and give some background for these comics if there's any interest.

My favourite "The Hobbit" book cover.

Tim Cook you are an ass kissing fukin liar

That time of the month again

My wife is a full trained barista and has specialised in grinding and hand drip techniques for the last 5 years. She uses a Japanese Fuji Royal grinder and takes the whole process very seriously which is lucky for me because she is a master at the craft. The brew this morning, on the first day that we have had our equipment back after two years without it, is a Musician Series Beethoven. IYKYK. 🤌 Life is good 😎

Enjoyed this thoughtful film directed by Martin McDonagh.

In the late 60s/early 70s my uncle was accused of being anti- revolutionary. Even some of his family members who were low level party members turned on him. He was beaten, abused, forced to confess in public, forced to kneel on broken glass and walk on his knees along the path strewn with glass. He was lucky, as he is still with us today. Many, many, many simply disappeared or openly imprisoned and killed. The darkness of this mindset still persists and many of you cannot see that your minds are being massaged by them today.