I believe it was around $8,000 per BTC when I "returned" the coins.  This was after it hitting a peak of nearly $20,000 per coin a couple years earlier.  However, of all the things I've done for users of this forum, returning the coins was easily the most simple and least time consuming task (although the harassment I received for being a treasurer was shocking).  I would point to me being the manager of the only project from the long gone Global Bitcoin Securities Exchange (GLBSE) to continue running and returning funds to investors to this day (more than 10 years), or the inventor of the Minted Seats coins as well as dozens of precious metals Bitcoin themed coin releases, or an escrow agent with an address that has transferred nearly a billion dollars worth of BTC at current prices as much larger accomplishments.

Still it is an honor to be mentioned in this thread.

I was inspired by Gavin Andresen, Roger Ver, Casascius, and mjbmonetarymetals to do a lot of the things I've done here.

I would be surprised if we saw another good year for Bitcoin.  I think it's quite likely we'll see a new all time high this year, maybe ending the year at $80K or thereabouts.  That will be when the major rally is just getting started in my opinion though, as I'm expecting we get near the $200K mark in 2025.  The trick will be making sure you don't sell all your BTC on the way up because it will certainly be tempting.  For those that can manage to forget they own any BTC for the next 18+ months, I'm sure you'll be heavily rewarded for your patience.

I'm still not 100% sold on the idea that we're going to jump on the ETF approval news instead of take profits, but I'm excitedly waiting to see what happens.  You can see the market is still in rally mode even though 2023 is behind us, which I think is a good sign.  Now to wait and see what sort of trading the ETF brings.  I do feel like as we continue to clear news like the ETF approval, mtgox distribution, and halving event, the market will rally like we haven't seen before.  I think 18 months from now we'll all be surprised how big the move upward was.

Looks like we’re back to a full slate of NBA games after the holidays. Today there are a couple matchups I like if you wanted to go for an easy parlay win as is my calling card. First I like the Grizzlies to beat the Spurs.  Ow with Ja back it should be an easy game for them. I also like the Kings over the Hornets. The Kings are just a much better team.

No.  Stake doesn't have any issues with sending out distributions.  I also don't drink alcohol more than a couple times a year and when I do it's usually on vacation somewhere, not to post on the internet. 

I get that people want to remain anonymous and sending things overseas is costly.  Still cheaper than tx fees at times.  It was just a fun idea as back in 2012 I actually had discussions with a mining pool operator about the possibility of me shipping silver to their miners instead of paying them out BTC for mining rewards.  It would be cool to see something like that finally implemented in some fashion after all these years.

Maybe someone should take up donations for development of a new forum. 

Happy New Year!

Always tough betting on NBA games on New Year's Day.  You never know who was out late the night before and holding back vomit as they sprint up and down the court.  That being said, I think there are a couple of safe mismatches today that might make a decent multi-bet together.  First up, the Rockets and the Pistons.  I think the Pistons might be on a good run at the moment, but don't give them too much credit.  You also have the Nuggets likely beating the Hornets, and the Suns taking down the Trail Blazers.  Those are my picks for the day.  Good luck and Happy New Year!

If Bitcoin network fees get higher than shipping costs, it would make sense to start giving participants physical goods for their signature campaign participation. I think it would be cool and probably help cut down on abuse if people had to give their mailing address to be a part of the campaign. Maybe try shipping some silver?

Gambler’s intuition for the win! I wish the odds had been better but I’m glad I went against the grain on this one. I’m happy for the Detroit Pistons too. They needed a win bad as their situation was getting extremely embarrassing.

I've seen enough.  The market obviously wants to end the year at $42069 and at this point I don't even think people should fight it.  Just let it happen.  Maybe Elon is having some fun or the overall market is just a bunch of wise guys.  Pretty crazy that it could be manipulated seemingly so easily to hit a price target for a joke, but here we are.  Makes you wonder what will happen when those big money folks want to manipulate the price to the moon...  It will be hang on tight time for sure.

A lot of it depends on your own politics and beliefs.  For example, some states let you carry guns while others do not.  If you want to live somewhere that guns are commonplace, you'll want to choose your state wisely.  Other things like legalization of marijuana can differ from state to state as well.  If guns and weed aren't your concerns, there are also things like if alcohol can be sold on Sundays, if abortion is legal, the tax rates you have to pay for property and income...  Your personal situation on whether you're retired or working, renting or own your home...  All things that can make a big difference on your life state to state and should be considered.

Would love to see each of you share pictures of shawarmas from your country and the price you pay as a fun little experiment.  Maybe I'll branch out a bit one of these Tuesdays and get a little more upscale taco so that people can see a more typical price and taco for my area.  The tacos I get are pretty cheap fast food tacos, so some of the fancier folks in my area probably wouldn't even eat them to be honest.  I personally like the cheap fast food tacos from mom and pop shops, but I could do my part and show some variety on this thread as well. 

Over the years I've heard from so many people that they, "can't afford to invest."  The honest to god truth is that nobody can afford not to invest.  The way that inflation and costs are stacked against people, the only hope for any financial freedom is to invest.  It isn't even difficult.  Bitcoin is the birth of a new asset class that's already being widely accepted.  Start dollar cost averaging small amounts and holding them.  Also make sure you have a retirement account through your work or that you are putting money into the S&P500.  Over time, these two things are really all you need to do in order to see some financial success.

You're most likely going to be correct with this one.  The Pistons are terrible.  Dwight Howard was even posting on Twitter that him and other blackballed NBA players would be able to win more games than the current Pistons roster.

Today though, call it gamblers intuition...  I feel like today might be the day the Pistons break their losing streak.  Unlikely, sure.  I think they've had enough though.  They want to end this streak and go into the New Year with a clean slate.  Might have to toss a couple bucks at them today and cross my fingers.

Conor McGregor tweeted a couple of hours ago that he will be announcing his next opponent and fight date on New Years Day. Won’t be long now until we find out who and when he’ll be fighting next. I suspect it’ll be UFC 300 and it will be broadcast on the Vegas Sphere, but we’ll have to wait and see. Link to tweet posted below.

https://x.com/thenotoriousmma/status/1741033599510667650

A couple of good games on today. The 2-29 Detroit Pistons look to get win number 3 against the Toronto Raptors. Better matchups to actually watch are the Los Angeles Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks. Luka has been on a tear lately so that should be a good one to see.

The Wizards finally won a game as they beat the Brooklyn Nets 110-104. Funny enough, it was the Wizards bench that won the game for them. Jordan Poole had a terrible game with 5 points and a +/- of -16 which was the worst on the team. Maybe they should try playing the bench more and letting the starters figure out why they’re playing so badly.

This is a very easy question to answer. Not everyone gambles for the money. Since most people lose, it can’t just be about that… Betting is a form of entertainment and win or lose it provides that. Sure, everyone wants to win, but losing is part of the game. Imagine if you put your question to other forms of entertainment. Why go to the movies if you lose money? Why go on vacation? Why do anything?

Guess who got a hands on with the Cybertruck today!



I can say that it does look even more awesome in person. The biggest shock for me was how big the wheels are. They are MASSIVE in person. I was also surprised that all the buttons are real buttons that click in. I thought the doors and frunk would be awkward to open but they weren’t at all. The owner said range is a bit lower than expected but visibility and comfortability is amazing. It was the 2 motor version but he said it’s still extremely quick. I learned a lot and there were so many smart things that aren’t advertised with this vehicle. I’m even more excited now.

It’s telling that the Los Angeles Clippers started out the season so poorly and now have one of the best records in the league while the Phoenix Suns were expected to dominate the league and are struggling to maintain .500. It goes to show that talent alone won’t get you to the top. You need time to learn to work together, and the Suns haven’t gotten that yet.