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To BRC 69 or not to BRC 69? That is the Amazonian Question!

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So we have reached the stage with Sinosignias and the Sino Amazons where all the product elements are ready and we are looking at the implementation side.

The Sinosignia is off the Handshake Blockchain, so it is as secure as a Bitcoin is.

Imagine a specific Bitcoin that is not on a Centralized Exchange. It’s owner downloaded it to a hardware wallet. Imagine in a moment of emotion, they threw that hardware wallet in a fire and burnt the book where they had their seed phrase.

Imagine the next day they were unlucky and got involved in a tragic and fatal accident.

Try to steal that specific bitcoin. This is how hard it is to steal a Sinosignia!

 

The Sino Amazon (artwork) side of the product therefore does not need to be so secure, because the product pair is anchored in the Sinosignia. Any tokenization solution will do as long as it is cheap and fast.

So we have been looking at options for a good while, and the leaders in the field so far have been Optimism and Solana.

9ja Cosmos is very vocal about the drawbacks of Eth L2s – but remember, the product does not rely on the artwork mint solution for its security. There is no bridge between both elements of the product at a technical level. They reside in different wallets.

Then along came BRC 69 which seems extremely interesting.

It’s interesting, because it promises to reduce the mint cost over BRC 20 by up to 90% through a recursive algorithm.

The nature of a recursive function is that it solves a particular problem by calling a copy of itself and solving smaller subproblems of the original problems. Many more recursive calls can be generated as and when required.

Anybody that spent at least 75% not asleep in maths class and honestly passed maths JAMB should know this.

Therefore a recursive process needs to find some common elements in the feed data in order to execute on this. I’m guessing the ‘up to’ caveat depends on how many common elements it can find.

It doesn’t take a lot more than 2 brain cells to look at a series like the Bored Apes and immediately see where recursion can play a role, from an image rendering perspective.

My concern is that while the Sino Amazons have huge contributions from AI, and Midjourney is used as the finishing tool, there are about 4 separate AI ecosystem stages minimum, and there is organic input also, and not in the same order, or following any specific production path.

We have a variable organic end-to-end with AI input, not an AI end-to-end with some organic overview.

I’m therefore highly suspect of the claim of BRC 69 to be able to reduce the fees by 90%. Anybody that is familiar with file compression systems will understand an analogy how some types of files can be subject to huge file compression, while a compression tool can hardly reduce the size of certain other types of files at all.

How the ‘recursive’ process reduces gas fees needs more ‘down the rabbit hole’ explanations for those that are going to risk the success of a major product launch on it.

At the moment I’m not convinced of the ‘recursive’ process performance, and how variable it is.

I am also not sure it is an open protocol. Every cryptojournalist who has produced an article about it only mentions Luminex.

This is bad in two ways –

If it is a proprietary protocol, it has no ‘competitive community’ within which to encourage continuous improvement and the emergence of ‘best of breed’.

If it’s not a proprietary protocol, then the question begs – why is it so unattractive that only Luminex is the only provider with a blockchain anchor?

It’s risky when a technology is a one horse race. It’s ominous when its available to all and yet there is only one primary mover.

Engagement with Luminex has not yielded any great depth of understanding and the main engagement agenda seems to be to convert the prospect to a (refundable) deposit of $5000

They tell you, your project will go through a review and verification process.

You need to provide more documentation on your project, but there is no prescribed list that drills down to explain these expectations.

They tell you ‘the partnership can only work out after the review & verification process has been completed. Note: for the process to begin you’ll make a refundable deposit of $5000’.

Apparently there is a ‘hand holder’ assigned once you make your deposit, however, that is a bit of a mexican stand off, as what this so called ‘hand holder’ is empowered to reveal, should be what you need to know, before parting with the $5000.

 

9ja Cosmos has been very frugal so far in its execution on bringing products to market, and so far, $5000 would represent a major slice of cumulative items of expenditure. This would represent a significant outgoing as a single item. The promise of it being a refundable deposit holds absolutely no solace for us at all, as it would represent assets beyond reach, and therefore, all the while, not working in the best interests of 9ja Cosmos.

There does not seem to be any detailed documentation online about BRC 69 to the standard provided by the documentation on taproot upgrade or bitcoin ordinals.

If any Tekedians would like to reach out to us bringing extra visibility on BRC 69, we would be happy to receive opinions.

The Amazons are becoming impatient with me!


 

 

Thank you to those who have come out to support the new 9ja Cosmos page

We do however need the strong support of ‘Tekedians’ to move the needle forward, so more followers for the page are urgently needed.

9ja Cosmos is here… 

Get your .9jacom and .9javerse Web 3 domains  for $2 at:

.9jacom Domains

.9javerse Domains

Visit 9ja Cosmos

Follow us on LinkedIn HERE

All reference sites accessed 10/08/2023

cnet.com/culture/internet/bored-ape-yacht-club-nfts-explained/

luminex.io

geeksforgeeks.org/introduction-to-recursion-data-structure-and-algorithm-tutorials

thedefiant.io/yield-guild-games-token-halves-in-a-day-after-500-rally

publish0x.com/hifi-finance/brc-69-standard-claims-to-reduce-transaction-costs-by-90-per-xmyqglo

decrypt.co/147270/new-bitcoin-standard-brc-69-removes-data-limit-ordinals

 

US SEC Files Letter with SDNY, Seeking Leave for Interlocutory Appeal in Ripple Case

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a letter with the Southern District of New York (SDNY) requesting permission to file an interlocutory appeal in the ongoing lawsuit against Ripple Labs and its executives. An interlocutory appeal is a legal procedure that allows a party to appeal a judge’s ruling on a preliminary matter before the final judgment is issued. The SEC wants to challenge Judge Sarah Netburn’s decision to grant Ripple access to the agency’s internal communications regarding cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The SEC argues that Judge Netburn’s order was “based on a misunderstanding of the governing law and an erroneous application of the relevant facts.” The agency claims that its internal deliberations are protected by the deliberative process privilege, which shields government officials from disclosing their opinions, recommendations, and advice on policy matters.

The SEC also contends that Ripple’s request for the agency’s communications with foreign regulators is irrelevant and overly burdensome, as it would require the SEC to review thousands of documents from dozens of countries. The agency says that such communications are not subject to discovery under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or the Hague Convention.

The SEC asserts that allowing Ripple to access its internal and external communications would “undermine the SEC’s ability to carry out its statutory mandate and protect investors.” The agency says that it would also “create a dangerous precedent for future enforcement actions.”

Ripple, on the other hand, maintains that the SEC’s communications are relevant and necessary for its fair notice defense. Ripple argues that the SEC failed to provide clear guidance on the legal status of XRP, the digital asset at the center of the lawsuit. Ripple claims that the SEC’s own statements and actions created confusion and inconsistency in the market, and that the agency treated XRP differently from Bitcoin and Ethereum, which it declared as not securities.

Ripple also accuses the SEC of engaging in “regulation by enforcement,” by suing Ripple without warning or prior notice. Ripple says that it needs to see the SEC’s internal and external communications to prove that the agency did not act in good faith and violated Ripple’s due process rights.

The letter filed by the SEC is not a formal motion for interlocutory appeal, but rather a request for leave to file one. The SDNY will have to decide whether to grant or deny the SEC’s request. If granted, the SEC will then have to file a motion for interlocutory appeal with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which will have to decide whether to accept or reject the appeal.

The reason why the SEC sued Ripple Labs in the first place is because it alleges that Ripple sold XRP as an unregistered security, in violation of the federal securities laws. The SEC claims that XRP is not a currency or a commodity, but rather an investment contract that represents a share in Ripple’s enterprise. The SEC says that Ripple raised over $1.3 billion through its sales of XRP, without disclosing the risks and benefits of investing in XRP to potential buyers. The SEC seeks to stop Ripple from selling XRP, impose civil penalties, and require Ripple to return the funds it obtained from investors.

The lawsuit also names Ripple’s co-founder and former CEO, Christian Larsen, and its current CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, as defendants. The SEC argues that XRP is not a currency, but a security, and that Ripple failed to register it as such or seek an exemption from the registration requirements. The SEC alleges that Ripple and its executives misled investors about the nature, status, and utility of XRP, and engaged in manipulative and deceptive conduct to increase demand and price for XRP. The SEC seeks injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil penalties, and a permanent ban on Ripple and its executives from participating in any future securities offerings.

Ripple has denied the SEC’s allegations, Ripple maintains that XRP is a currency, not a security, and that it has been operating in compliance with the law. Ripple also claims that the SEC’s action is an attack on the entire cryptocurrency industry and will harm millions of XRP holders who have done nothing wrong. Ripple argues that the SEC is applying an outdated and inconsistent framework to regulate digital assets, and that it is ignoring the clear regulatory guidance and precedent that exist for cryptocurrencies like XRP.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of XRP and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. The case is expected to continue until at least early 2024, unless a settlement is reached before then.

Genesis Trading Sees Institutional ‘Land Grab’ for Crypto

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Genesis Trading, a leading cryptocurrency brokerage firm, has observed a surge in demand from traditional financial institutions for exposure to digital assets. The company’s CEO, Michael Moro, said in a recent interview that the crypto space is witnessing an “institutional land grab” as more established players enter the market. Genesis Trading thinks the second quarter of the year will be remembered as the time when the establishment came running on a “land grab” for crypto.

Moro explained that Genesis Trading provides two main services to its clients: over the counter (OTC) trading and lending. OTC trading allows investors to buy and sell large amounts of cryptocurrencies without affecting the market price, while lending enables them to earn interest on their idle crypto holdings or borrow crypto for various purposes.

According to Moro, Genesis Trading has seen a significant increase in both OTC trading and lending volumes in the past year, especially from institutional investors such as hedge funds, family offices, endowments, and pension funds. He said that these investors are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure to the high returns and low correlation of crypto assets.

Moro also noted that the institutional interest in crypto is not limited to Bitcoin, the largest and most popular cryptocurrency. He said that Genesis Trading offers trading and lending services for more than 20 different digital assets, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and stablecoins. He added that some of the newer and more innovative crypto projects, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are also attracting attention from institutional clients.

Moro attributed the growing institutional adoption of crypto to several factors, such as the improved regulatory clarity, the increased availability of custody and infrastructure solutions, and the enhanced education and awareness of the crypto industry. He said that Genesis Trading is committed to providing its clients with the best execution, liquidity, and service in the crypto space, and that he expects the institutional demand for crypto to continue to grow in the future.

According to the company’s report, Genesis facilitated over $42 billion in spot trading volume, a 287% increase from the previous quarter. The report also highlighted the growing demand for crypto lending and borrowing services, as well as the expansion of the company’s derivatives and prime brokerage offerings. Genesis highlighted a number of “landmark announcements” including the slew of applications for spot bitcoin ETFs and a “drumbeat” of new trading venues and products offered by traditional finance.

One of the main drivers of this growth, according to Genesis CEO Michael Moro, is the “land grab” mentality of the established players in the financial industry. Moro said that many of these institutions are realizing the potential of crypto as an asset class and a technology and are eager to gain exposure and market share before their competitors do. He cited examples such as PayPal’s integration of crypto payments, Visa’s acquisition of CryptoPunk NFTs, and Morgan Stanley’s investment in Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.

Moro also noted that the regulatory environment for crypto is becoming more favorable but not clear, especially in the US, where several crypto-native officials have been appointed to key positions. “It is becoming increasingly clear that as long as there is regulatory scrutiny without clear guidance on rules and regulations, financial services firms will continue expanding their operations abroad,” Genesis added. Moro mentioned Gary Gensler, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has taught courses on blockchain and digital currencies at MIT; Brian Brooks, the former acting comptroller of the currency, who is now the CEO of Binance.US; and Hester Peirce, an SEC commissioner who is known for her pro-crypto stance.

Moro concluded that Genesis is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest and adoption of crypto by institutional investors. He said that the company’s mission is to provide a full suite of services that cater to the needs and preferences of different types of clients, from hedge funds and family offices to corporates and high-net-worth individuals. He added that Genesis is constantly innovating and expanding its product offerings, such as launching a new platform for NFT trading and custody.

ECOWAS Orders “the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger”

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has directed the deployment of troops against the Niger Republic junta. Following the summit held on Thursday in Abuja by its members, the regional bloc has decided to use force to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum

The Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in Niger Republic was attended by eight leaders from member countries, along with the Foreign Ministers of Liberia and the Gambia.

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and his Burundian counterpart, Everiste Ndayishimiye, who were invited by their fellow leaders, participated in the second ECOWAS extraordinary summit.

The communiqué, which was read by the President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reads partly: “Direct the committee and its Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”

The bloc, which had earlier adopted diplomacy over war, said all efforts made to dialogue with the junta have been defiantly rejected by the coup leaders.

The military junta, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, has begun to form a transitional government, defying warnings and threats from the ECOWAS leaders and Western governments.

On Wednesday, Tchiani signed the decree for an interim government made up of 21 ministers, according to the ActuNiger news portal.

The junta had on Monday appointed a former Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Niger Republic‘s new Prime Minister.

In addition, the junta has designated Amadou Didilli to lead the nation’s High Authority for Peace Consolidation (HACP), while Abou Tague Mahamadou has been selected as the inspector-general overseeing the army and national gendarmerie.

Ibro Amadou Bachirou takes on the role of the Chief of Staff for the junta leader’s private office, and Habibou Assoumane is appointed as the commander of the presidential guard.

Following the coup on July 26, ECOWAS, backed by Western leaders issued a 7-day ultimatum to the junta to reinstate Bazoum or risk sanctions with potential military action.

However, the coup plotters disregarded ECOWAS’ warnings and asserted their determination to oppose any external interference within their borders.

They also cut diplomatic relations with Nigeria, Togo, France, and the United States, while imposing an indefinite closure of the Nigerien airspace.

However, ECOWAS’ decision to use military force to restore the democratic government of Bazoum is expected to result in escalated conflict. Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has been advised to explore other options, including sanctions, but war.

With seven Nigerian states sharing a border with Niger, there is concern that a military conflict will exacerbate the fragile security of the two countries. The neighbors have had to deal with the impact of the activities of Islamic terrorists.

Although it has suspended its early plan to deploy troops to Niger, ECOWAS seems determined this time to use what it had described as a last resort. The bloc has called on the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to support its resolution.

Tinubu’s speech at the ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Niger Junta

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Let me commence by welcoming you all to the Second Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, within the space of ten days.

Your presence here, despite the short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our esteemed community to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

2. Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation.

During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military takeover and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would catalyze the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.

Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.

One of the facilitators, former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would update us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.

4. Similarly, as part of coherent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, particularly Libya and Algeria.

During these engagements, the Envoy designated for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya.

This discourse resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger.

In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country.

These initiatives are aimed at presenting a cohesive and united stance regarding the ongoing circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. Following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held from 2nd to 4th August 2023.

The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum by the President of the ECOWAS Commission on current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit.

These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.

6. Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering.

It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.

Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

7. Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.

We must exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger. 

8. More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.

By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.

Esteemed Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. I am confident that this 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be a defining moment in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa.

Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.

10. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that our deliberations will be productive and fruitful, leading us to find an amicable solution to the political crisis in Niger.

As we continue to work together in solidarity and harmony, we can ensure a prosperous future for the entire West African region.

With these remarks, I hereby declare this Extraordinary Summit open.

Thank you all, for your attention.

Speed, Sensitivity, and Resolution: How to Choose a Graphics Tablet for Beginners

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A graphics tablet is a useful tool for a designer, cartoonist, illustrator who creates visuals for Hellspin games, and just a fan of drawing. The choice of such a gadget may seem incredibly difficult to a novice artist because you need to consider many characteristics. Here’s what to consider when choosing a graphics tablet.

Connection Type

Everything is simple here — the connection can be wired and wireless. In the first case, the tablet is connected to the computer via USB cable, in the second case, via Bluetooth.

Device Type

There are two types of graphics tablets: with a screen and without. If the tablet doesn’t have a screen, the device must be connected to the computer to see the drawing process. If you have a screen, you don’t need to connect it.

Each type of tablet has advantages and disadvantages. For a beginner, both can be suitable, it’s just a matter of habit. Consider that in the absence of a screen you will draw on one surface, and the result will be seen on another (computer monitor). If possible, test the gadget before buying, so you can understand which option is more convenient and practical for you.

Workspace Size and Resolution

The size of the working area, as a rule, is smaller than the size of the tablet itself, so when choosing a device, pay attention to this parameter. There are several options — A6, A5, A4, A3, each of which is approximately the same size as the paper format. It’s also important to check the convenience of different formats for you. You shouldnt immediately chase the biggest gadget or limit yourself to a miniature one. A drawing tablet should be comfortable to work with and not restrain your hand movements.

The resolution of the device is measured by LPI (the number of lines per inch). The higher the resolution, the more accurate the drawing will be. A beginner can limit themselves to a lower resolution. If the computer to which the tablet is connected has a low resolution display, LPI 2540 is suitable.

Input Method

It can be pen and touch. The main difference is that a tablet with touch input allows you to zoom with your fingers, but you will still need to use an electronic pen to draw.

Response Speed

The higher the responsiveness of the tablet’s surface, the more accurate and faster the device will respond to commands. If a drawing tablet is bought by a beginner artist, a speed of up to 150 DPS will be enough.  For professional tasks you will need a higher speed (from 200 DPS).

Pen and Its Sensitivity

The final result of drawing largely depends on the convenience and functionality of the pen. Like the tablet itself, it can be wired or wireless. Besides, there are pens with a battery and without a battery — such pens are more convenient for those who don’t always have the opportunity to recharge the device.

The most important characteristic of a pen is its sensitivity. The higher it is, the more accurately you can control the gadget — adjust the color and thickness of lines, draw fine details. If a specialist needs sensitivity from 4096 to 8192 levels, then for a beginner 1024 to 2048 levels will do.

Brand

Wacom One by Wacom 2 Small

A great small A6 tablet that’s a pleasure to work on. Compatible with most drawing and 3D modeling software. With a resolution of 2540 LPI, 2048 levels of sensitivity and a response speed of 133, the Wacom One by Wacom 2 Small can easily handle basic and more advanced tasks.

Huion Kamvas 13

It’s a tablet with a screen — you can draw without connecting the device to a computer. Thanks to its excellent performance, the model is suitable for both beginner and advanced drawing. High resolution of 5080 LPI and sensitivity of 8192 levels will allow even a professional to use this tablet.

The device comes with 10 interchangeable pen nibs. It’s important to always have them on hand to keep the picture quality at an excellent level.

Wacom One 13

Wacom One 13 works with macOS, Linux and Windows. It can also be connected to Android devices (see the official website for a full list of gadgets).

The working area of the gadget is 13.3 inches. The display is matte, with large viewing angles (170 degrees). The picture is sharp, and color reproduction is natural. The pen has a sensitivity of 4096 levels. It’s also sensitive to tilt up to 60 degrees. Working with the pen is easy and convenient. You can draw a line with any slope, pressure, transparency and thickness.

XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd)

This is a graphics tablet with a diagonal of 16 inches (A4 size), 1920×1080 pixels resolution. The body is thin, lightweight. On the left side there is a panel with express access buttons. The viewing angle of the device is large – 178 degrees. The picture is contrasty, bright, well visible even in bright light. Color rendering is natural – and this is especially important when working with photos.

The device works with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and other editors. So you will be able to use your favorite and familiar software for work. Drawing and retouching is easy with a special stylus that has 8192 sensitivity levels.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Standard S

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Standard S is a compact desktop drawing tablet. The distinctive feature of this model is the presence of two electronic pens with three customizable buttons and an eraser. The pens are comfortable in your hand and will help you create the most detailed drawings. Also, a special glove reduces friction between the surface of the tablet and your hand and helps you draw smoother lines.