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February 11/12, 2025

Powell Commits to Fresh Look at Crypto Debanking

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has acknowledged the growing concern of debanking affecting Bitcoin and crypto firms. During a recent Senate committee meeting, Powell committed to reevaluating the Fed's approach towards these incidents. He emphasized the importance of not using reputational risk as a means to discriminate against legal businesses, and mentioned steps towards potentially revising supervisory practices to prevent such occurrences. (Grok)

News

Crypto: No Growth Without Fear

February 12, 2025
Market picture

The crypto market continues to bump along, pulling back 2.7% to $3.15 trillion after flirting with the $3.3 mark the day before. This week, the market is hovering near the lower boundary of the descending corridor.

Technically, a rebound from these levels is more likely. However, the wiser approach is to wait, as the risk of a sharper decline remains high after an extended period of weakness.
The cryptocurrency sentiment index is hovering between the fringes of fear and neutral territory, having lost 1 point to 46 by Wednesday morning. Still, the market lacks enough fear to attract buyers.

On Tuesday, Bitcoin once again rebounded from its 50-day moving average near $98,600, a strong resistance level over the past week. However, intraday buying interest on dips below $95,000 remains evident. The RSI dynamics align with sentiment index trends, suggesting that a deeper move into oversold territory may be needed to attract buyers.

News Background

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz expects Bitcoin to be on the government's books in six months. He also expects that following the SEC leadership change, many cryptocurrency companies, including Galaxy Digital, will go public and list their shares on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq.

Strategy, which had temporarily paused its initial cryptocurrency purchases, has now resumed buying Bitcoin. Last week, the company acquired 7,633 BTC for $742.2 million at an average price of approximately $97,255.

Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) holds 478,740 BTC, purchased for a combined $31bn at an average price of $65,033 per coin.

Santiment estimates that market participant interest has definitively shifted from meme coins to Bitcoin and leading alts. Leading Tier 1 blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Toncoin and Cardano, account for 44% of all cryptocurrency discussions on social media.

Bloomberg cites Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Dogecoin (DOGE) as having high odds of ETF approval. For LTC and DOGE, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has already accepted Forms 19b-4 for review.

In the 19 days since the launch of Official Trump (TRUMP), the volume of accumulated losses from investments in the US president's meme-coin has reached $2bn, the NYT estimates. More than 810,000 users have experienced losses. (FxPro)

News

SEC Poised to Review Grayscale's XRP ETF Application

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to acknowledge Grayscale's filing for an XRP ETF by February 13, 2025. This acknowledgment marks a procedural step, not an approval, amidst ongoing regulatory discussions surrounding XRP. Social media buzz reflects high anticipation among investors, with many predicting a potential surge in XRP value should the ETF progress further. (Grok)

News

Metaplanet

The ripple effects of US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto agenda are fuelling a surge in bitcoin demand in Japan, where one hotelier’s pivot to stockpiling the cryptocurrency is delivering eye-watering returns for shareholders.

Shares of Metaplanet are up more than 4000 per cent over the past 12 months, the largest gain among all Japanese stocks in that period and one of the highest globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Bitcoin itself hit a record of $US109,241 on January 20 as Mr Trump was sworn in for his second term. It has since erased some of those gains as his trade policies fanned global instability.

Metaplanet is one of the outfits that aim to emulate the success of Michael Saylor’s Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, which has morphed into a leveraged bitcoin proxy and behemoth after accumulating more than $US45 billion ($71.72 billion) of the cryptocurrency.

Metaplanet’s chief executive, former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader Simon Gerovich, said he was drawn to the idea after hearing about Mr Saylor’s strategy on a podcast.

Mr Gerovich, who is from Australia, had been running Metaplanet, formerly Red Planet Japan, as a hotel developer since 2013, but shifted to a “bitcoin-first strategy” in early 2024 after a pandemic slowdown forced the company to shutter all but one of its hotels.

Since then, Metaplanet’s shareholders have increased to almost 50,000, growing by 500 per cent in 2024, according to the company. Shareholders include Capital Group – which also invests in MicroStrategy – but the vast majority are retail investors, many of whom have limited experience with volatile crypto assets.

“Metaplanet has such high exposure to the volatile retail base,” said Rhiannon Ewart-White, Japan equity analyst and managing director of UK-based Storm Research. “They need to make sure shareholders understand exactly what their strategy is.”

Six straight years of losses
The company, which has posted six straight years of losses, has forecast a profit in its fourth-quarter earnings to be released late on Monday in Tokyo. That’s likely to bolster the stock, said Ms Ewart-White.

Mr Gerovich, who attended Mr Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington last month, told Bloomberg that “the excitement around a more bitcoin-friendly regulatory environment” in the US has catapulted demand in Japan for the token.

The company is not Japan’s only MicroStrategy copycat. Software developer Remixpoint, for example, announced a plan to buy ¥1.2 billion (roughly $12.8 million) in bitcoin last September, and its stock has grown over 300 per cent since.

A large chunk of Metaplanet’s retail shareholders bought shares via the Nippon Individual Savings Account program, which Japan’s government revamped in early 2024 to encourage citizens to invest their savings for long-term growth and retirement.

Getto Hagiya, an 18-year-old robotics student from Tokyo, bought Metaplanet shares as his first investment under the tax-free program. He got excited about bitcoin after hearing Mr Trump promote crypto-friendly policies during his campaign.

“I believe bitcoin will be an indispensable asset in the future,” he said. Mr Hagiya was further enticed to invest by Metaplanet’s promise of free bitcoin merchandise at its shareholder meetings.

Capital gains on direct bitcoin purchases are subject to taxes of up to 55 per cent in Japan, making investing in stock proxies like Metaplanet via NISA a cheap and convenient option for small-scale and first-time buyers.

Mr Gerovich said he believed “ongoing yen depreciation” also made Japan a ripe market for bitcoin, as many investors were seeking “a hedge against monetary debasement”.

Metaplanet held 1762 bitcoin (currently worth about $171 million) as of January 28, according to a company presentation, and intends to increase that to 10,000 tokens by the end of 2025 and 21,000 by the end of the following year. To fund those purchases, the firm aims to issue 21 million shares via moving strike warrants.

It also plans to rebrand its only remaining hotel, the Royal Oak in Tokyo’s Gotanda area, as The Bitcoin Hotel this year, with a view to hosting bitcoin-related seminars and events.

Metaplanet has “a profitable, albeit very small”, hotel business behind its bitcoin buying, said Storm Research’s Ms Ewart-White. Still, “if the price of bitcoin tanks, that’s going to be quite difficult for them”, she said. (A.I News)

News

Crypto.com Gains EEA Regulatory Approval

Crypto.com has been granted regulatory approval to offer cryptocurrency services throughout the European Economic Area (EEA), under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This approval allows Crypto.com to expand its operations, potentially including stock trading, banking features, and a Cronos ETF, across all EEA member states. This move positions Crypto.com as a pioneering major exchange with comprehensive licensing in Europe, enhancing its role in the region's financial sector.

News

AI in Hollywood: The Great Debate Over Creativity and Technology

The film industry is facing a significant transformation with the introduction of AI-generated content. Critics and fans alike have expressed strong reservations about AI's role in filmmaking, particularly after the disappointing reception of 'Captain America: Brave New World'. The consensus among many is that while AI can enhance technical aspects like CGI, it lacks the emotional depth and creative storytelling that human filmmakers provide. There is a widespread concern that an over-reliance on AI could lead to a loss of the human touch in cinema, prompting calls to support genuine human creativity in film. Discussions highlight a divide between those who see AI as a tool for efficiency and those who fear it might dilute the art of filmmaking. (Grok)

News

Top 10 Memecoins For Week

Here's a look at some of the top memecoins for the week of February 2025, based on performance and popularity:

1 - With a staggering weekly increase of 1326.64%, FU leads the pack, showing significant community support and market interest.FU (@_FuCoin

2 - Up by 113.36%, BAN has been gaining traction, possibly due to its unique branding or community-driven initiatives.BAN (@ban_comedian

3 - This memecoin saw a 20.16% rise, suggesting it's doing well among Ethereum-based tokens.MOODENG (@ethmoodengfan

4 - With a 13.38% increase, SHIBTC continues to be a notable player, combining the popularity of Shiba Inu with Bitcoin's branding.SHIBTC (@shibtcofficial

5 - Up by 12.66%, this token might be capturing attention with its thematic approach or community engagement.PORK (@PorkEthereum

6 - With a modest but positive 9.18% growth, FLORK shows steady interest from its community.FLORK (@florkcto

7 POPCAT ($POPCAT) - Posts on X indicate POPCAT soared over 110%, reflecting strong market performance or viral marketing success.

8 FART Coin ($FART) - A nearly 30% rise, suggesting this token could be riding on a wave of humor or social media buzz.

9 PEPE ($PEPE) - Up by 12%, PEPE continues to be a favorite in the memecoin space, known for its strong community backing.

10 DOGE ($DOGE) - With a 5.2% increase, Dogecoin remains a staple in the memecoin market, bolstered by its established community and broader recognition.

These rankings are based on recent performance metrics and social media sentiment from posts found on X, as well as broader market analysis from web sources. Remember, the memecoin market is highly volatile, and performance can change rapidly. Always conduct your own research before investing in any cryptocurrency. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

February 6, 2025

Bitcoin Strengthens as Crypto Falls Market picture

The cryptocurrency market is in no hurry to recover. Trading near $3.3 trillion in capitalisation, the crypto market is consolidating at a lower level. Before that, there was consolidation near $3.5 trillion, and a fortnight ago, it was just below $3.8 trillion.

It looks like we saw another ‘sell on fact’ as growth stopped after Trump's inauguration, which crypto enthusiasts were optimistic about. The sentiment index rolled back into neutral territory by the end of the first week of February.

Bitcoin is trading at 98,500, having lost over 6% in the last seven days. The bulls failed to organise a quick rebound after Monday's collapse. Corporates and private speculators seem to be buying BTC during downturns. It is not enough to refresh historical records, but it is causing Bitcoin's dominance to grow above 60%—the highest since March 2021.

News Background
Crypto investors are frustrated by the lack of progress on creating a US Bitcoin reserve. The day before, David Sachs, head of the Digital Asset Markets Task Force, called the evaluation of creating a Bitcoin reserve a priority but did not provide details.

Former BitMEX exchange head Arthur Hayes said the US, China and other nations will soon be forced to print money, driving Bitcoin to new records.

El Salvador has bought 20 more BTC over the past week, taking advantage of the price drop. On 4 February, the country bought 11 BTC at once, bringing the national bitcoin stockpile to 6,067 BTC.

Technology company Semler Scientific also continues to add to its Bitcoin reserve. It has purchased 871 BTC in the past three weeks and has a total of 3,192 BTC.

Ethereum issuance has grown to 120,521,725 ETH. Comparable levels were last seen in September 2022, before The Merge update. The rise in supply casts a shadow on the narrative of Ethereum as a deflationary asset.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to regulate stablecoins, which could boost demand for U.S. Treasuries and spur financial innovation. (FxPro)

News

Bitcoin Magazine wins Media Man 'Magazine Of The Month' award

News

Dogecoin News

Market Performance:
Dogecoin has experienced significant volatility recently, with a 39% plunge amid market turmoil and broader crypto market dips influenced by U.S. trade war fears and macroeconomic uncertainty. Despite this, there have been signs of recovery, with Dogecoin gaining 10% on a particular day, pushing its price back up to nearly $0.29. However, it later stabilized around $0.246.

Whale Activity:
Large investors, or "whales," have been actively accumulating Dogecoin, with reports indicating they bought 750 million DOGE coins during a recent market dip. This activity is seen as a sign of confidence in Dogecoin's future, potentially signaling that the coin might reclaim higher price levels.

Price Predictions and Analysis:
Analysts have made bold predictions for Dogecoin, with some suggesting it could reach $10 by leveraging historical patterns and whale accumulation. There's discussion about Dogecoin forming an ABC corrective wave pattern, hinting at a potential price reversal.

Crypto Market Context:
Dogecoin's performance is part of a larger crypto market trend where other cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, and Cardano have also seen significant declines. Bitcoin's struggles have had a ripple effect across the market, impacting meme coins like Dogecoin.

Regulatory and Legal News:
There's no direct regulatory news impacting Dogecoin specifically, but the broader crypto market often reacts to regulatory changes or news. However, Dogecoin's price movements have been influenced by general market sentiment around regulation and economic policies.

Community and Cultural Impact:
Dogecoin continues to have a strong community support, driven by its meme status and celebrity endorsements, particularly from Elon Musk. This support often leads to unpredictable price movements based on social media trends and public figures' comments.

In Summary:Dogecoin's recent performance has been a rollercoaster, with significant drops followed by some recovery, driven by whale accumulation and speculative predictions. The market remains volatile, with Dogecoin's price sensitive to broader crypto market trends and macroeconomic news.

Remember, cryptocurrency investments are speculative and come with high risk. Always conduct thorough research and consider your investment strategy carefully. (Grok)

News

Here's a summary of recent developments in the blockchain space based on the latest information available:

Crypto Crime and Regulation: In 2024, crypto crime proceeds were valued at $40.1 billion according to Chainalysis. Additionally, countries like Kenya are drafting policies to regulate virtual assets, while Namibia's central bank has granted provisional licenses to two crypto firms.

Blockchain in Government and Anti-Corruption: Malaysia is adopting blockchain and AI to combat graft, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) leveraging the technology for its immutable records and transparency features.

Blockchain for U.S. Treasury: There's a push from tech and crypto leaders, including Elon Musk and Brian Armstrong of Coinbase, for a blockchain-based U.S. Treasury system to enhance government spending transparency. This initiative is partially inspired by the reported savings from Musk's DOGE agency.

Blockchain Education and Business: USC Marshall School of Business has launched a Business of Blockchain Initiative to prepare students for shifts in technology, focusing on applications across supply chains and the creator economy.

Crypto Exchanges and Legal Developments: Kraken has resumed its crypto staking services in the U.S. after a regulatory shutdown in 2023, signaling a shift under the Trump administration's crypto policies. Meanwhile, Binance and the SEC are seeking to pause their legal battle, influenced by a new task force's potential impact.

Blockchain for Real-World Assets: There are advancements in tokenizing real-world assets, with Sidra Chain being highlighted as the first decentralized blockchain platform to tokenize various assets like oil, gold, and real estate.

Meme Coins and Market Influence: Trump's involvement with a new cryptocurrency, $Trump, has led to significant market movements, with early traders seeing profits while others faced losses, showcasing the volatile nature of meme coins.

Gaming and Blockchain: Blockchain gaming has shown significant activity, accounting for over 26% of on-chain activity in Q3, with new games being introduced on platforms like TikTok.

Blockchain Upgrades: IntelMarkets has raised over $7 million in presales and is planning a blockchain upgrade, aiming to become a notable Initial Coin Offering (ICO) with its AI-powered dual-chain trading ecosystem.

Crypto in Media: There was an incident where X account of Nick Robinson was hacked to promote a fake cryptocurrency, highlighting security issues within social media platforms.

These updates reflect a dynamic landscape where blockchain technology continues to intersect with various sectors, from government transparency to entertainment and education, while also facing regulatory challenges and security concerns. (Grok)

News

Bitcoin vs Gold

When comparing Bitcoin and gold, several key aspects highlight their differences and similarities:

Nature and Origin:
Bitcoin: A digital or cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity named Satoshi Nakamoto. It's decentralized, meaning it operates on a network without a central authority like a bank or government.

Gold: A physical metal, valued for millennia for its rarity, beauty, and utility in jewelry, electronics, and as a hedge against inflation. It's tangible and has been a recognized form of currency or value storage across cultures.

Functionality:
Store of Value: Both are considered stores of value but in different ways. Gold has a long history of maintaining value over time, though its value can fluctuate with economic conditions. Bitcoin is often touted for its potential to be "digital gold" due to its capped supply at 21 million coins, which theoretically could protect it against inflation.

Medium of Exchange: Gold, while still used in some transactions, is less practical for everyday use due to its weight and value. Bitcoin, despite its volatility, can be used for transactions, though its acceptance varies widely.

Accessibility and Liquidity:
Bitcoin: Offers high liquidity in the digital realm; you can buy, sell, or trade it anytime online. However, its value can be highly volatile.

Gold: While also liquid, selling or buying physical gold can take time and often involves physical logistics. Gold's value tends to be less volatile than Bitcoin's but still subject to market forces.

Security:
Bitcoin: Requires knowledge of cybersecurity to safely store (in digital wallets). It's vulnerable to hacking if not secured properly. However, the blockchain technology it uses is extremely secure for transactions.

Gold: Physical gold needs physical security against theft. However, once secured, it's less susceptible to digital attacks.

Regulation and Acceptance:
Bitcoin: Regulatory environments vary globally; some countries embrace it while others restrict it. Its acceptance as legal tender is limited but growing.

Gold: Universally recognized and regulated, making it easier to understand its legal standing in most jurisdictions.

Investment Perspective:
Bitcoin: Appeals to those interested in technology, digital assets, and high-risk/high-reward investments. Its future value is highly speculative.

Gold: Often seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty, appealing to those looking for stability and a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation.

Environmental Impact:
Bitcoin: Mining Bitcoin consumes a significant amount of energy, raising environmental concerns.

Gold: Mining gold has both environmental and human costs, including land degradation, water pollution, and health issues for miners.

Conclusion:
Both Bitcoin and gold can serve as part of a diversified investment portfolio, but they cater to different investor profiles. Bitcoin offers digital convenience and potential for high returns but with high volatility. Gold provides traditional security and stability but lacks the digital aspect of Bitcoin. Your choice might depend on your investment horizon, risk tolerance, belief in digital currencies versus traditional assets, and views on future economic conditions.

If you need more detailed comparisons or have specific questions about either, feel free to ask! (Grok)

News

Dogecoin wins Media Man 'Memecoin Of The Month' award

Media Man Int: X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award; Shortlist for 'Platform Of The Year'

Elon Musk Announces xAI's AI Game Studio Venture

Elon Musk has declared that xAI, his AI-focused company, will venture into creating an AI-driven game studio with the goal to 'make games great again'. This initiative comes in response to criticisms regarding the current state of game development, often pointing at ideological capture and corporate control. Musk's announcement has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming community, from enthusiastic support to concerns over the implications of AI in gaming. (Grok/X)

News

Zuckerberg and Trump: A Meeting at Mar-a-Lago

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, was reportedly seen at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The meeting between the tech mogul and the President-elect has sparked various speculations about their discussions, ranging from political realignment to potential business strategies. While the exact nature of their conversation remains undisclosed, this event highlights the ongoing interactions between key business leaders and political figures. (Grok/X)

News

Elon Musk Critiques IRS Budget Amid Tax Reform Talks

Elon Musk has publicly questioned the efficiency and necessity of the IRS, sparking a conversation on social media about simplifying the tax system. His posts reference the growing U.S. national debt and the complexity of current tax laws, suggesting alternatives like a flat tax or VAT system. This has led to a broader discourse on federal tax policy, with many users echoing calls for tax code simplification or even the abolition of income tax. (Grok/X)

News

X's New Feature: The Debate Over Verified Follower Counts

A new feature on platform X has been introduced, allowing premium subscribers to view their number of verified followers in the analytics section. This update has led to users sharing their verified follower counts, with some expressing surprise or pride. The feature is being rolled out gradually to all users. (Grok/X)

News

Musk Accuses Vindman of Treason, Sparks Heated Debate

Elon Musk has publicly accused Alexander Vindman of being on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and committing treason against the United States. These allegations have sparked a significant online debate, with responses ranging from demands for legal action against Vindman to support for Musk's claims. Vindman has responded by denying these accusations, calling them baseless and typical of conspiracy theories. No formal legal proceedings or official confirmations from governmental bodies have been reported in relation to these allegations. (Grok/X)

News

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has now completed 400 successful missions, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. This achievement was highlighted by SpaceX's recent posts, indicating that Falcon 9 not only completed its 400th mission but also achieved its 375th successful landing of an orbital-class booster. These milestones underscore the reliability and reusability of SpaceX's launch systems, with Falcon 9 demonstrating an impressive success rate over its many launches.

The Falcon 9's latest missions include regular deployments of Starlink satellites, which are part of SpaceX's initiative to provide global broadband coverage. The rocket's capacity to land its first stage booster for reuse has been pivotal in reducing the cost of space access, making each mission more economically viable.

For specific data on Falcon 9's performance:

As of the latest count, Falcon 9 has a mission success rate of 99.3% with 400 successful missions out of 403 attempts.

The rocket has had two in-flight failures and one partial failure over its lifetime.

Falcon 9 has successfully landed its first stage booster 375 times out of 388 attempts, showcasing a landing success rate of 96.9%. (Grok/X)

News

Elon Musk: News

Here's an overview of recent news related to Elon Musk:

Government Role: Elon Musk has been appointed to lead the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) by President-elect Donald Trump. This role, alongside former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to dismantle government bureaucracy and cut down on regulations. This move has sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest given Musk's extensive business ties with government contracts and regulations.

Legal and Political Activities: Musk has faced legal scrutiny, including a lawsuit from Philadelphia’s District Attorney over his $1 million voter giveaway, which was ruled to be allowed to proceed by a Pennsylvania judge. The Justice Department also warned that this giveaway might violate federal election laws.

Business and Innovation: Musk's companies continue to make headlines. SpaceX conducted a successful Starship test flight, focusing on reusable rocket technology to reduce costs and increase launch frequency. Tesla, under Musk's leadership, is navigating through challenges including regulatory scrutiny over its self-driving features but also potentially benefiting from a Trump administration's policy on deregulation.

Media and Social Impact: Musk's influence extends to the media landscape. His social media platform X has been at the center of controversy, with decisions like reducing the visibility of news links sparking debate over information access and free speech. The Guardian announced it would no longer post from its official accounts on X, citing concerns over the platform's content standards.

Political Influence: Musk has been a significant supporter of Donald Trump, donating millions to a pro-Trump PAC and appearing at campaign events. His involvement with Trump's administration has raised questions about his influence over policy, especially in areas that could benefit his businesses.

Trending Discussions on X: Discussions on X about Musk include his potential purchase of MSNBC, debates on the credibility of legacy media versus citizen journalism, and concerns over government overreach in debanking tech founders, highlighting Musk's critique of current systems.

This summary reflects the multifaceted impact of Elon Musk across business, politics, and media, showcasing both his innovations and the controversies surrounding his actions and decisions. (Grok/X)

X Corp: News

Here are some of the top headlines and developments related to X Corp:

Legal Challenges: X Corp has been involved in several legal battles. Recently, an Australian court upheld a fine against X Corp for failing to cooperate with a regulator's request for information about anti-child abuse practices. This follows a previous challenge where X Corp unsuccessfully argued it should not have to pay a fine issued to Twitter before its merger into X Corp,

Platform Changes and Policies: There's been controversy over X's policies, particularly around account ownership and content moderation. X Corp has been criticized for its handling of hate speech and misinformation, with some users and commentators questioning the fairness and transparency of these policies. Additionally, X has implemented changes like throttling news links, which Elon Musk has justified as a move against 'lazy linking', but this has sparked debate over free speech and access to information.

Operations and Business Moves: X Corp moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Bastrop, Texas, in part due to regulatory and political environments. This move was also influenced by broader business strategies under Elon Musk's leadership. Furthermore, X Corp has been seeking money transmitter licenses across various states, indicating plans to expand into financial services.

User and Community Response: There is a mix of sentiments among users regarding X's changes. Some celebrate their long-term association with the platform (#MyXAnniversary), while others are critical of how the platform has evolved under Musk's ownership, especially concerning user rights and platform control.

Financial and Market Impact: X Corp's valuation has seen significant changes, with a reported decline in share value since Musk's acquisition. This has been coupled with operational changes like downsizing teams responsible for content moderation and trust and safety, which has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, including advertisers and regulatory bodies.

Contentious Issues: Recent trends show discussions around X's handling of controversial accounts and content, including the case of The Onion's attempt to acquire InfoWars' account, which X Corp opposed, asserting ownership over all accounts on its platform. This has raised questions about digital ownership and platform control over user content.

These updates reflect X Corp's ongoing transformation and the challenges it faces in balancing innovation, legal compliance, user expectations, and its business model in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. (Grok/X)

News

Starlink: News

Starlink News Overview:

Satellite Launches: SpaceX has been actively expanding the Starlink constellation. Recent launches include a mission from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, where 20 Starlink satellites were deployed, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability. Another launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral added 23 Starlink satellites to the network. These launches are part of SpaceX's ongoing effort to provide global high-speed internet coverage.

Service Expansion: Starlink has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide direct-to-cell phone service in collaboration with T-Mobile, aiming to eliminate cellular dead zones in the U.S. This service will allow T-Mobile customers to connect directly to satellite internet from their existing phones.

International and Domestic Impact: Starlink has been deployed in various environments, including emergency response scenarios. It has been used to improve internet access in storm-ravaged areas of the U.S., like after hurricanes Helene and Milton, where service was provided free until the end of the year to aid in recovery efforts. Abroad, Starlink has been licensed in countries like Chad to bridge internet access gaps.

Astronomy and Environmental Concerns: There's ongoing debate about the impact of Starlink satellites on astronomical observations due to their visibility and electromagnetic emissions. Scientists have expressed concerns that these satellites could interfere with radio telescope observations and contribute to light pollution.

Security and Dependency Issues: In Australia, there's growing concern over reliance on Starlink for critical infrastructure, with discussions about security risks due to potential control by SpaceX's owner, Elon Musk, who could theoretically deny access at any time.

Public Perception and Misidentification: Starlink satellite trains have occasionally been mistaken for UFOs or other aerial phenomena, especially near sensitive locations like UK air force bases, leading to initial security concerns that were later clarified as Starlink sightings.

Service and Pricing: Starlink's pricing model remains high compared to traditional internet services, but its utility in areas without other broadband options has been noted. The service includes options like the Starlink Mini for mobile use, with a one-time equipment purchase rather than a lease model.

These updates reflect Starlink's continued growth, its impact on various sectors, and the challenges it faces in terms of environmental and security considerations. (Grok/X)

News

Media Man

Elon Musk wins 'Business Disruptor Of The Month' award; Shotlist for Media Man 'Business Disruptor Of The Year'

Politics/Pop Culture via Media Man

Politics/Pop Culture

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Connection By Media Man Gonzo Newshound with AI

Elon Musk and Donald Trump bromance

Not All Musk Suggestions Are Picked Up As One Would Imagine

Musk invested over $200m into the Trump campaign per folklore/news reports

Both gents share a mutual respect and love of the UFC, the world's leading MMA promotion. Musk currently has another open challenge out to Mark Zuckerberg. (Media Man Int)

Elon Musk Quotes:

"While I have offered my opinion on some cabinet candidates," Musk via X

"many selections occur without my knowledge, and decisions are 100 percent that of the President."

"I really enjoy spending time with President @realDonaldTrump

"Haven’t seen him do one bad thing even once."

News/Op

Media Man: Under The Watercooler

Avengers Assemble, Thunderbirds-A-Go, Affirmative Dave or something else

Trump may be more of a Time Traveller type, where perhaps Mr Musk or a relative invested time travel itself! Go down the Rabbit Hole of Nikola Tesla research, be it Grok, Wikipedia, Substack, Movies and Docos, or other!

Fun Quote From 2001: A Space Odyssey:

"This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardise it." HAL 9000

News

DOGE via Grok

Dogecoin (DOGE) is a cryptocurrency that originated as a meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, inspired by the "Doge" internet meme. Here are some key points about Dogecoin:

Origin: Created in December 2013 by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, Dogecoin was initially intended as a satirical take on the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin. It quickly gained a following due to its humorous origin and the light-hearted nature of its community.

Technology: Dogecoin is based on the Scrypt algorithm, which is similar to Litecoin. It has an uncapped supply, with 10,000 new coins mined every minute, leading to an inflationary model unlike Bitcoin's deflationary model.

Community and Use: Known for its friendly community, Dogecoin has been used for tipping on social media platforms, particularly Reddit and Twitter. Its ethos is encapsulated in the unofficial tagline "Do Only Good Everyday" (D.O.G.E.). The community has also engaged in various charitable activities, using Dogecoin for fundraising.

Market Impact: While often considered a meme coin, Dogecoin has had significant moments in the spotlight, especially in 2021 when it saw a massive surge in value, partly due to endorsements and mentions by high-profile individuals like Elon Musk. This increased its market cap significantly, though the price of individual coins remains low in comparison to other major cryptocurrencies.

Recent Developments:
Market Performance: Dogecoin has seen volatility, with its value often influenced by social media, especially X posts by influential figures. Recently, after the announcement of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President-elect Donald Trump, with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy leading, Dogecoin experienced a significant price surge.
Elon Musk's Involvement: Musk has expressed intentions for weekly updates on Dogecoin via livestream, indicating ongoing interest and potential influence on its development or perception.

Adoption and Utility: Beyond its use as a tipping currency, there have been discussions about integrating Dogecoin for more practical uses, although its primary value remains speculative or community-driven due to its unlimited supply.

Dogecoin's trajectory continues to be one of the more unique in the cryptocurrency space, driven by community sentiment, meme culture, and occasional high-profile endorsements. However, its lack of a maximum supply cap and its origins as a humorous venture mean it's often viewed differently from cryptocurrencies aimed at being serious financial instruments. (Grok)

News

DOGE News via Grok

The latest news surrounding Dogecoin (DOGE) includes:

Price Surge: Dogecoin has surged significantly, reaching close to $0.50 per coin, marking a notable increase in its valuation. This surge has excited the crypto community, with some enthusiasts anticipating Dogecoin could hit new all-time highs in the near future. Discussions on X suggest a strong bullish sentiment among its community, with some predicting it might become a globally recognized currency.

Formation of the Senate DOGE Caucus: Senator Joni Ernst has been appointed to lead the Senate's newly formed DOGE Caucus, which aims to improve government efficiency. This group includes Senators Rick Scott, Ted Budd, John Cornyn, Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and James Lankford. A parallel initiative in the House, led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, will focus on similar objectives, collaborating with figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy under the banner of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This political development is part of broader discussions about reducing federal waste and streamlining government operations.

Musk and Ramaswamy's DOGE Government Reform Plan: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have introduced the DOGE Plan aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy and government spending. This initiative has garnered attention for its potential to empower citizens by addressing inefficiencies within government operations, often critiquing what some refer to as the 'Deep State'.

Celebrities and Public Figures: Elon Musk's involvement with Dogecoin continues to be a significant factor in its popularity, with his tweets and actions often influencing its price. The recent dismissal of a lawsuit against Musk for allegedly manipulating Dogecoin's price has also made headlines, potentially impacting investor confidence.

Community and Utility: Despite its origins as a meme, Dogecoin has developed a robust community and has been used for tipping on social media platforms like X and Reddit. The cryptocurrency's lighthearted nature is reflected in humorous posts and interactions, like the one about the potential of DOGE's value and humorous warnings about holding onto Dogecoin.

These developments highlight Dogecoin's unique position in the cryptocurrency market, blending humor with significant economic and political discussions. (Grok)

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