I'm trying to find this guy as surely someone posted about him here already but no dice yet, will keep looking but..Anyone remember that one user who had that bald headed weird looking guy as his forum avatar who used to be the king of doing this, maybe 5-6 years back..I mean it was all day, every day..I can't remember his name but he was maybe up there with "The one above all" (which I'm also forgetting his orig forum name, as I think TOAA was his 3rd-5th alt or so..hard to keep up).  Those two were so deranged I almost miss them, and miss Tman going at them, who was equally loony just in a diff way, though a former friend (when he was thought to be trustworthily ..smh).  

I think it's also fair to say sometimes it's simply a matter of opinion that can't be proven.  Mike Caldwell is a cryptographer we all know well (he's not around anymore as he's flying the world in his leer jet, his small plane, and hanging out in his castle making tik tok videos with his new wife lol...all public info btw) who created bip38 or 39, can't ever remember.  But he's a sharp guy who believes the blockchain can help change voting methods.  I've heard other skilled cryptographers say the same, I wanted to discuss this topic further but Gmax shut it down  (I remember telling Mitchell, former mo,,still kind of a mod about this and he said he'd have done the same thing in a grumpy manner..lol..I love ModMitch though, he just a funny grump).  I mean I know Gmax is up there with the worlds elite like Szabo and Back..but is he 1000% right, while other cpunks disagree?  I dunno.  Also I wish I had someone to discuss this post with me like maybe say once a year ( https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=750.msg8140#msg8140 ).  It's such an epic post and a will become a thing one day (though Szabo who did say he believes satoshi was referring to smart contracts here..which...well you guys know...but one of the last things I heard Szabo say on a podcast was that smart contract advancment stalled out and is so far from advancing he's lost faith in real progress anytime soon.

Though some say it's already done.  The link I posted is indeed the satoshi escrow thread.. lulz ( I am going to frame this one day)
 (sorry so large..my buddy hueristic has already scolded me for these large photos but I've already forgotten how to resize  ..something a topic in the proposed tech talk thread would likely be easily found ..though I have no right to ask anything of Theymos as tech I shouldn't be here right now.

Anyway Yogg is gone, probably off with Rusbitcoin ruining lives elsewhere now, but glad to know other Mr Robot are around and I'll be paying attention to them now.  @Pooya hopefully you don't take offense to our disagreements of late..just differences of opinions is all and I appreciate your work here on the forum!

Last novel, I promise.  Thanks everyone

If this is all true, you need to read a recent post I made.. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5485048.msg63658943#msg63658943 .

STOP telling people how much bitcoin you have.  Don't even tell anyone if you own a single dime.  Keep this stuff private man!  Also, NO ONE can tell you properly how to go about this unless they knew your entire financial situation, your financial outlook, where you live and the tax implications etc etc etc.  Discuss it with a financial advisor in confidence ONLY!!!

So ya'll hear Caleb williams is going to the bears? Did you all hear the bears are trading justin this week.  Did any of you hear the Bears are being offered 3 first round picks for Caleb?  Did you hear...okay I'm done.  I think you all understand my point here.  Imagine being a bears fan..this is fun and all but also so stressful.  Seriously if they don't draft him then I'm a Bucs fan.  That's my second team having lived in Tampa and gone to many games, and who doesn't love the creamsicle old school unis?!..


I had the Doug Martin creamsicle jersey his rookie year.  Was living in tampa at the time and heard he was gunna be good...anyone remember his I 5 TD game? or was it 4 with 300 yds..something like that. 

I'm higher than two kites right now playing poker and doing quite well.  No offense, but it's obvious when people make posts like this, that they have likely never done drugs.  Have you ever gambled while eating candy?  Then you've gambled while under the influence of drugs. What about while drinking soda? Then two drugs (caffeine and sugar).  Smoking weed is being legalized across the world for a reason. 

Now I don't do hard drugs, and gambling while doing heroin is probably not going to work out well for you.

To me there is nothing better than an in person at home gambling game.  Growing up in college we would have texas hold'm tournaments almost daily and they were always so much fun.  I was never a fan of buy back poker, but it did make the night last longer. 

That said as long as it's fair, not cheating, it doesn't matter to me period.

I was chatting with Cyrus the other day about the forum vs twitter/reddit etc..& was telling him I can't imagine having started my path of bitcoin knowledge anywhere else online outside of btalk. But this isn't where I started period. I found out about bitcoin through Anonymous, more specifically my favorite hacktivist Jeremy Hammond (lulzsec used btc back when the gov had no idea how to track it..they were fighting a cause I deeply believed in and that's how I came to find orange coin). First I read Mastering Bitcoin, front to back, understood maybe 20% of it (even DL core which I think took an entire week  ).  Long story, but collectibles is what lead me to the forum finally.  Being in a close community/chat group with the likes of Charlie Lee, Fluff Pony and legit Mr Robots who understand cryptography like Rusbitcoin (scumbag), Satoshisghost, Yogg (scammer) and others..plus prob 75% of collectors are IT guys (who know a lot, but not cryptographers) I got lucky as they all guided me down the right path ..what wallets to use, best wallet practices etc. But that only goes so far in really learning the ins and outs like I want to. 

I also of course watched all of Andreas's stuff, but it's not like I can ask him questions when I don't understand parts of his books or videos. Rusbitcoin and Yogg are the two from here who spent hours teaching me and I ate it all up, but now they sub-humans are gone.  Not sure why such talented intelligent folks break bad. Neve will get that.

Satoshisghost many of you prob don't know, is the real deal..but he's not around much and I can't "bug" him like I would Yogg, Rusbit etc. Also that's the other thing, with cpunks and elite level guys..many don't have patience for fools like myself.  Gmax has been great and has taught me a lot, but he reaches a limit.  I get it though. I had a convo with Szabo a year or so ago that turned ugly pretty quickly & had to remind him I'm not a cpunk, didn't create bitgold nor did I coin the phrase smart contracts.  He laid off..but the convo ended there lol).  This is why I rarely post in btc tech dev..the few topics I've made have had good discussions but they seemingly fade pretty quickly or get locked (which I get, to a point), but feel some topics deserve further discussion so people like myself can keep trying to learn (my last post there https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5202083.0  is a good example. I now realize Gmax knows Steven Goldfeder (over the wknd I found that infamous roundtable photo and saw that they sat across the table from each other) whos a big ETH/shitcoin shill.. so doubt he has any interest going down the road discussing his character or the merits of the paper I was asking about that Goldfeder wrote.

But, the list of names everyone mentioned is a great start to knowing whom I can truly learn from and know it's not bs.  I don't google stuff much as how the heck do I know what's legit that pops up on google, like w/the aforementioned post about Goldfeder's paper on Satoshis proposed 2 party btc escrow).  Half the shit you find is from sites from dipshit nefarious turds like Ver, Calvin, CSW etc who paid corrupt ass google to get them towards the top (like the fake privnote keeps doing..google is corrupt and just cant be trusted, outside spelling stuff lol).

  I "know" franky1, ranochigo, cygan, dkbit98, BlackHatCoiner, NotATether, Charles-Tim, NeuroticFish, n0nce, and DireWolf (who I know well and will likely regret ya'll told me he's an expert lol..kidding) and they've all been helpful to me personally over the years. Plus others I mentioned and ones I'm forgetting.

I really really wish Theymos would consider a general tech discussion board.  Learning stuff there would greatly help with advancing my and others basic tech knowledge which is where you've got to start really.  I know it's a pain adding new boards and mods have their hands full as is..but I just think this would bring a whole new level to this forum and bring in new members which could grow the community, which isn't what it once way, as we all know (traffic wise anyhow).

If I can ever help anyone in terms of traditional finance, DM is open (I will never ever ask for a penny or anything in return).  If you're ever interested in collectible wallets, also feel free to reach out. These are areas I know well. Not much, but it's what I can offer.

Sorry for the novel..just had always wanted to share my thoughts on all this, as I know I'm not the only one w/these thoughts/feelings.



I know this, my point was asking if it COULD be an indicator.  I've got a lot of earned merit because I help the community out in different ways (scam busting, running forum events/charity auctions, providing financial knowledge/assistance which actually helps a lot in this space as I often can easily read white papers and recognize scams typically within just a few paragraphs, as well as discussions on "investing" in btc/crypto (something Gmax has merited me for as well interacted in threads I've made in this area).  Though it also can be, big time...Nullius being the best example.. A Mr Robot with an elite level of cryptographic knowledge. Merit, or lack of.. CAN also help point out morons whom aren't worth anyone's times...like..um...yourself.

Will he “allow this” ? That might break his no info to be posted as they are to remain “mysterious” rule  

Any idea about the older Kialara bars?  I hate NGC as a company (though not fond of PCGS customer service of late either as a PCGS rep told me just a week or so ago they don’t grade “fantasy coins”. Replied w proof they do, even with a link to their site and got no reply back. Some unprofessional bs) but their holders are way nicer for coins with the brackets holding them in place. Better slabs too imo.

As for bars, not sure which I prefer between the two..but thrilled PCGS is doing this nonetheless. Knew it was inevitable..

It's like I've said on here many times before, people fear what they don't understand or when things change status quo.  Warren Buffet is a prime example.  Somehow he got insanely rich despite being incredibly ignorant in some many factors.  The man didn't invest in tech (best performing sector for the past 15 years or so, until he bought some apple shares a couple years back but think he dumped.

He even admitted he doesn't understand it, yet hates on it.  That's the epitome of ignorance!  Baby boomers are the non-internet era and are living in the past.

Anyone who talks shit about bitcoin to you I challenge you to do this...ask "do you know what the blockchain is"  "do you know the basic concept of it"... 99% will have no idea, and that's where the convo ends.  Tell them to study up then come back and talk.

I recently posted about this based off this article I came across.  I have seen this photo long ago, but never this article. 

If you read the article you can easily tell it's very opinionated.  There's no proof that Nick Szabo was satoshi (despite thinking he and Hal are).

Anyways it goes on to say this is the btc core team and that it's all under NSA.  Most of these cypherpunks despite government/NSA etc.  No way these freedom fighters would be willing to work with the goverment, the exact reason bitcoin was created..go= not to be trusted

https://www.experiencelab.info/2018/06/unveiling-bitcoin-team-led-by-nick.html?m=1

 

Just wanted to share something that I find insanely amusing, sad and depressing all rolled in to one.  The Chicago Bulls have the #1 attendance this year (and many others) over all other teams...the Chicago freaking Bulls.  When a team does poorly due to lack of proper ownership...STOP supporting them.  I won't even turn a game on via the TV.  When they have turn outs like they do, make more and more money each year...where's the incentive for the owner to go out and spend money. 

I'm also done betting on the Bulls going forward due to this. Only against.  That doesn't change any of the above, but I simply don't want to do anything in favor of the Bulls until they decide to legit build a team.  You guys feel the same way?  Does it effect your gambling habits ?

The more I look in to possibly betting this election, the less I plan to do so.  Like with Hilary and Donald, I thought she'd win in a landslide.  TECHNICALLY she DID win.  The electoral college is a fckn joke.  That year I voted off ballet, but sadly I may vote for Biden, a senile dinosaur as Trump divided my country to the likes never seen since the civil rights era. 

With both candidates because total fools, and many people not planning to vote, or voting off ballot, this is  just going to be too hard to call.  ( we need independents / libertarians to have a fair shot ).

Very good topic and well said.  I hate when people get bashed over stuff like this, as so many people simply have no compassion.  Gambling addiction is a disease, plain and simply.

It's sort of like in the Netherlands ( I believe thats where it is).  Criminals (no hardcore, ie not murderers) I reformed in jail.  Taught to learn from their mistakes, understand why they made them, and work towards not making them again.  Stark contract from jail here in the US where you'll be raped, treated like shit, and given few opportunities to better yourself. 

Damming and shaming people does not help.  Support and education does!

I’ve been around for what’s getting close to 10 years now but I still don’t know which forum users are considered the most knowledgeable in terms of cryptographic expertise/programming experts etc..basically the Mr Robot types.  

I’ve always wanted to know but wasn’t really sure how to find out so figure maybe this thread could help shine light on those users. Now I know GMaxwell is probably the pinnacle of such members (we are very lucky to have him here) Loyce (tho he’s AI so not sure they count), suchmoon, satoshighost, Rusbitcoin nullius, tryninja, o_e_l_e_o 💔, Nutildah, DdmrDdmr, theymos (obviously), pooya87, I believe (though we may not see eye to eye on certain topics of late, I respect them nonetheless ) etc etc.

Is the most merited list a good indicator of this? Reason I bring this up ..Yogg. He was my go to (outside of bugging Loyce from time to time)..Yogg would let me sit on the phone for hours pestering him with tech questions with no judgement and it really sucks to have lost that friendship/teacher. So it would be nice to know which members I can trust or at least know they’ve got a strong understanding of cryptography/programming knowledge that way I can learn from them without having doubts of them just “blowing smoke”.

The names I’ve listed are just some I believe fit in this category. Maybe I’m wrong on some of them too

For years I’ve always thought it would be great to be able to recognize three types somehow: I know Theymos (though maybe it was Sirius) assigned special badges to some of the OGs that fit this sorts criteria (like Hal I believe has one, and know there’s others).

 I think I recently had a back and forth with one of these types, not realizing I was talking with a high skill level user, and feel like a moron because while I have a strong background in finance and basic cryptocurrency knowledge, it’s at a script kiddie level no question. Maybe some list like this already exists ? If anyone with knowledge of these types wouldn’t mind sharing or “recognizing” them, it’d be greatly appreciated!

(Cyrus-hope this is okay to post and in the right section).

What's even more odd is people making all of these claims, yet back it up with absolutely nothing.  It's quite clear those who've got knowledge and experience in the space, and those who just go off their gut feelings, or a few news articles. 

So here's the thing.. I will admit upfront that I despise this man with every fiber of my being.  Him and Joe Biden are dinosaurs whom shouldn't even be allowed to run for office.  Both are unfit, but that's another story.

We are in campaign season right now, and candidates will say just about anything to get certain sub-population of the nation to be on board with him.  I've heard Trump make all sorts of progressive statement, only to walk them back once in office.  Also, there is bitcoin regulation, not that he would have any sort of clue.  He says one thing now, but will it hold up? History show us, likely not. Also lets be frank, he doesn't understand it one damn bit..just like Warren Buffet, he's old an boomers tend to dislike change on this type of level. 
 

No one knows for sure, period.  No we do know that its not Craig Wright, but outside that it could be a combination of quite a few cryptographers. 

Here's an interesting story I read recently/happened to randomly come across.  Now no one knows for sure who Satoshi is, which is part of his genius.  I personally think it's Nick Szabo for many reason.  I've actually spoken with Craig Wright and Szabo individually on twitter, and Craig jut doesn't give me that vibe.

Szabo created bitgold /coined the term smart contracts etc.  He' an economist, cryptographer, etc..and he just fits the bill.  Plus Szabo is a bit of an asshole, and I hear Satoshi was much the same in forum PMs.  You could tell he was a bit brash just from his forum posts too.


   

(what an iconic/legendary photo.  Including our  own forum mod Greg Maxwell.  If you haven't read his posts, or his blog, I highly recommend it.  We are very lucky to have him here!!

https://www.experiencelab.info/2018/06/unveiling-bitcoin-team-led-by-nick.html?m=1  (for the record I believe this article to be total bullshit, but who knows).

This entirely depends on each one personally individually.  For some people, taking drugs is a great way to gamble.  Let's take for instance smoking marijuana.  For me, it helps calm my nerves, allows me to focus better and all at the same time helps with my back pain that I end up getting when I'm just sitting down in some chair for hours on it.  So, I would say it all depends.

lol, if it wasn't about making money, then I'm not sure why people would gamble at all?!  You can still play some of your most favorite games without the need for putting money on the table.  Take for instance Poker/Texas Hold'm..I love the game and will sometimes play just for the fun of it, not having anything to do with money.  I would imagine 95% of people whom gamble do so to make money.