So far I have asked 7 square POS merchants if they take bitcoin. I ask “look for a bitcoin payment tab”. Only one merchant accepted bitcoin. Not that it pisses me off and makes me sad. But worst, I lose hope/ faith/ happiness. I am in a malaise.

So if lightning is becoming more centralised, (mags hubs). Will not relays start to act the same way?

Interesting.

I find very comforting that Alice and Bob are still around. And new advancements like silent payments haven’t replaced them with… Bailey or Riley

Trying to figure things. So I slopped in. The current monetary regime may be understood as a form of financial repression in which the state and financial system benefit from keeping gold and Bitcoin from fully signaling dollar debasement, while liquidity and negative real returns on cash push capital into equities. In that environment, stocks can rise in nominal USD terms not because they are becoming more valuable in real terms, but because the dollar is weakening and alternative monetary benchmarks are being held closer to fiat parity through paper-market mechanisms and synthetic supply.

22 years.

Slop but true. The tick most commonly responsible for causing a red meat allergy in the United States is the lone star tick (*Amblyomma americanum*). This allergic condition is medically known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).[1][2][3] The lone star tick is easily recognizable by a characteristic white or yellow spot on the back of adult females.[4] ## How the Allergy Develops When a lone star tick bites a human, it can transmit a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) through its saliva into the bloodstream. Because humans do not naturally carry this sugar, the immune system may identify it as a threat and produce antibodies against it. When the bitten person subsequently eats mammalian meat—such as beef, pork, lamb, or venison—which naturally contains alpha-gal, their immune system triggers an allergic reaction. This delayed allergic reaction does not affect the consumption of poultry or fish, as non-mammalian animals do not carry the alpha-gal molecule.[4][5][6] ## Global Tick Vectors While the lone star tick is the primary cause of alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S., different tick species are responsible for the allergy in other parts of the world.[2] - **Europe:** The castor bean tick (*Ixodes ricinus*) has been identified as the primary vector.[3] - **Australia:** The Australian paralysis tick (*Ixodes holocyclus*) is known to cause the delayed meat allergy.[3] - **Other Regions:** The black-legged tick and other regional species have been linked to cases in Asia, Africa, and Central America.[7][3] Sources [1] About Alpha-gal Syndrome - CDC

Alpha-gal Syndrome

About Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome can occur after certain types of tick bites and mostly affects adults.

[2] Alpha-gal syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608 [3] Ticks and Mammalian Meat Allergy - Beef Research https://www.beefresearch.org/resources/beef-safety/fact-sheets/ticks-and-mammalian-meat-allergy [4] Mayo Clinic Minute: A tick to blame for the alpha-gal, meat allergy [5] The Lone Star Tick: What to Know About the Tick that Causes a Red ...

NewYork-Presbyterian

The Lone Star Tick: What to Know About the Tick that Causes a Red Meat Allergy | Health Matters | NYP

An expert explains how a tick bite can cause a meat allergy and what to watch for if you’ve been bitten by the lone star tick.

[6] Ticks Causing Red Meat Allergy: All About Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Ticks Causing Red Meat Allergy: All About Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Learn about alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by lone star tick bites, its symptoms, diagnosis, and how to protect yourself.

[7] Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites ...

MU Health Care

Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites, is something we’re seeing more of in Missouri. Our dermatologist, Dr...

[8] New Jersey man's death first one to be tied to tick-related meat allergy

CIDRAP

New Jersey man's death first one to be tied to tick-related meat allergy

[9] The first reported cases of meat allergy following tick bites in the UK

The first reported cases of meat allergy following tick bites in the UK - PMC

Allergic reactions frequently involve the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to proteins. However, reactions directed against carbohyd...

[10] Alpha-gal Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Cleveland Clinic

What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a red meat allergy you get after being bitten by a tick. Learn how it’s diagnosed and what foods to avoid.

[11] The Centers for Disease Control is warning about a red meat allergy ...

The Centers for Disease Control is warning about a red meat allergy caused by a tick bite. A bite by a Lone Star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Allina Health allergist Pramod Kelkar, MD, and one of his patients spoke to FOX 9 News about what AGS is, how the tick bite causes it and how AGS affects the body. | Allina Health

The Centers for Disease Control is warning about a red meat allergy caused by a tick bite. A bite by a Lone Star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome...

[12] Mammalian meat allergy emerges after tick bite: the alpha-gal ... - PMC

Mammalian meat allergy emerges after tick bite: the alpha-gal syndrome - PMC

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a hypersensitivity reaction to mammalian meat that develops after tick bite exposure. AGS was first described in 2009 a...

[13] Taking a bite out of meat allergies | UNC-Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Taking a bite out of meat allergies | UNC-Chapel Hill

Food allergies have long baffled scientists — much is still to be learned about how they develop and why certain people are more susceptible than...

[14] Video: When a Tick Bite Causes a Red Meat Allergy - CDC

Alpha-gal Syndrome

Video: When a Tick Bite Causes a Red Meat Allergy

A man shares his personal story about being bitten by ticks and developing alpha-gal syndrome.

While Bitcoin is the headline currency requested due to its complete decentralization, blockchain analysts note that Iran has a strong historical preference for dollar-pegged stablecoins like Tether (USDT) because they avoid Bitcoin’s price volatility.

What does it start looking like when a currency is not backed by war?

C-day. July 4, 2026

Based on current market dynamics in May 2026, there's a compelling argument that Generation Jones's characteristic traits are indeed shaping today's confused and shifting market narrative. Consider how Gen Jones characteristics manifest in today's markets: Skepticism and Pragmatism: The shift toward value-oriented investing and away from speculative tech concentration mirrors Gen Jones's distrust of "flashy marketing" and preference for "real value". Markets are now "favoring investors over gamblers" and demanding "thoughtful position sizing" over momentum chasing —precisely the cautious approach Gen Jones learned navigating Reaganomics and broken pension promises. Structural Conservatism Gen Jones leaders' tendency to delay succession and maintain control reflects in corporate behavior. They advance "sophisticated language about empowerment" while providing "minimal actual transfer of decision-making authority". This organizational hesitancy could contribute to market confusion as companies struggle between innovation demands and leadership unwilling to accelerate change. Economic Trauma Response: Having experienced the oil embargo, stagflation, and corporate restructuring, Gen Jones developed a "quiet toughness" and expectation that "life won't be easy". Today's market anxieties—elevated oil prices near $120/barrel, inflation concerns, and geopolitical uncertainty—echo their formative economic traumas. Their leadership may be reinforcing defensive positioning and risk aversion precisely when markets need adaptive strategies. The confusion in 2026 markets may stem from Gen Jones leadership applying survival strategies learned in scarcity to an era requiring different approaches. Their pragmatism serves well in identifying overvaluation and speculation, but their "endurance over acceleration" mentality may be contributing to institutional paralysis and the breakdown of clear market narratives. Maybe.

I never heard this before. Since I’m in this group I better start speed reading. Generation Jones members possess a unique blend of characteristics shaped by coming of age during economic uncertainty and political disillusionment in the 1970s. Their defining qualities set them apart from both Baby Boomers and Generation X. Core Personality Traits Generation Jones is characterized by pessimism, distrust of government, and general cynicism. They developed a "trust no one" mentality due to experiencing Watergate, political betrayals, and corporate scandals during their formative years. Unlike their idealistic Boomer predecessors, Jonesers are pragmatic and skeptical, less swayed by flashy marketing and more focused on authenticity and value. Work Ethic and Resilience Jonesers possess a quiet toughness developed from navigating economic instability, including high unemployment and inflation during the Reagan years. They learned to hustle early, understanding that success required hard work without guarantees. This generation never expected life to be easy and developed the mentality of moving forward without looking back, making them calm in crises. Adaptability and Balance Members of this generation demonstrate exceptional adaptability and resilience, becoming adept at navigating technological advancements and shifting social norms. They bridge the gap between Boomers and Gen X, combining some idealism with strong pragmatism. While they still desire equality, peace, and happiness, their approach runs "down the middle of the road more than on the path of radical action". Social and Communication Skills Generation Jones excels at **in-person communication**, having grown up reading body language, facial expressions, and vocal nuances before digital communication became prevalent. They're known for not taking themselves too seriously, laughing more, and maintaining a calmer demeanor than surrounding generations. Many Jonesers view apathy not as negative but as part of their relaxed, go-with-the-flow outlook.

Is there an easy way to change zap amounts? I press the zap button and it defaults and sends. Or am I missing a setting. I’m on primal with this note. It would be nice to have control based on note appreciation.

These machines are taking over our streets.! They are scaring my horses, my kids and parents! This cannot be a good thing if this many people are afraid!!! Stop the madness!!!!

People are getting worked up over an assumption. “ Never sell YOUR bitcoin”. It’s understood he needed me to HODL.

This re-read is interesting from this perspective.

Walked by some Jasmine Spring gives the lovely scent of renewal, while fall gives the visual beauty of decay.

I am toying with this saying I am a series of events and expectations wrapped in genetics.

In the spirit of Thomas Paine. Common Truth Do not tell me the people govern. I have watched them stand in lines, ink their choices, and walk away as though they have completed some sacred duty. Only to return to lives untouched by the decisions made in their name. If this is governance, it is a hollow ritual, performed to comfort the powerless. Power does not vanish when the vote is cast. It moves. It gathers behind closed doors. It speaks in currencies the public does not possess. It shapes outcomes long before they are announced, and it rewards those who learn to serve it well. And those we send to represent us, do not pretend they are immune. They breathe that air. They learn its language. And in time, many forget who first sent them there. This is not shocking. What is shocking is our acceptance of it. You know it. You have said it in quieter rooms, in safer company; “They are not working for us.” And yet you rise the next day and behave as though nothing can be done. You call it realism. You call it survival. Call it what it is: surrender. A people who fear consequence more than they desire justice will have neither. Do you imagine power trembles at your frustration? That it yields to your private disapproval? No. It thrives on your restraint. It counts on it. Every moment you choose silence over resistance, convenience over conviction, you cast a far more powerful vote than any ballot has ever carried. You vote for the continuation of things as they are. And still you ask; “why does nothing change?” Because nothing has been demanded of it. Change is not granted to the well-behaved. It is not awarded to those who wait their turn. It is taken, by those who decide that obedience has a limit, and that limit has been reached. Not with chaos. With will. With numbers. With a refusal so clear and so sustained that power can no longer pretend not to see it. Do not mistake this for recklessness. There is nothing reckless about a people insisting they be represented. There is nothing radical about refusing to be quietly managed while calling it freedom. The only radical act left is to continue as we are; and expect a different result. So stand where you are and answer it plainly: Are you governed? Or are you merely handled? Because if you are content to be handled, then say so; and be done with the illusion. But if even a part of you recoils at that thought… if something in you refuses it… Then understand this: The moment you stop asking for change and begin requiring it is the moment power begins to answer to you again. And not before.