By Matthew Hayward As a keen observer of the evolving crypto landscape, my journey with cryptocurrencies and platforms like Coinbase has been both extensive. Reflecting on my previous blog post from December 17, 2020, titled " Coinbase's IPO: A Game Changer in Crypto Investment, " I shared my anticipation and strategic moves ahead of Coinbase's DPO. The excitement and foresight expressed then resonate with the current scenario surrounding Bitcoin ETFs and their impact on Coinbase. Today, I find the recent CNBC article underscoring the potential threats to Coinbase from Bitcoin ETFs to be missing the mark. Let's delve into why Coinbase stands to benefit significantly from this development. For those new to the crypto space or looking to refine their understanding, I recommend checking out my guide, " Getting Started in Crypto: Five Essential Steps. " This resource offers a foundational overview, from understanding basic terminology to making informed deci...

By Matthew Hayward Current Bitcoin price $26,967 The crypto world is abuzz with whispers and rumors . The name on everyone's lips? BlackRock. The financial giant, known for its prowess in traditional markets, is making calculated moves into the realm of cryptocurrencies. But what does this mean for the average crypto enthusiast or investor? Imagine a chessboard, each piece representing a different player in the crypto ecosystem. Now, picture a new piece entering the board, not just any piece but a queen—the most versatile and powerful. That's BlackRock. Its entry is not a casual stroll but a calculated march that could reshape the entire board. Arthur Hayes, a name synonymous with crypto innovation , recently sounded the alarm. He warns that BlackRock aims to offer crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other managed products. On the surface, this seems like a win for crypto adoption. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find a more complex narrative unfolding. BlackRock is...

By Matthew Hayward Hello, Free Minds! In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, a new player on the block(chain) is making waves. BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has recently applied for a Bitcoin Spot ETF , marking a significant milestone in mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. But as we celebrate this, it's crucial to understand the implications of such developments on the core principles of cryptocurrency, particularly decentralization. Blockchain and Bitcoin: A Primer Let's briefly explain blockchain technology and its association with Bitcoin for those new to the subject. Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that records transactions across multiple computers. It's decentralized, meaning no single entity controls the entire network. This decentralization is what makes blockchain secure and transparent. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, operates on blockchain technology. It was created as a decentralized digital...

By Matt Hayward  Hear ye, hear ye, my fellow countrymen and women! I come to you with a message of great importance, an announcement that shall echo through the ages. I stand before you, a herald of knowledge, a union of the spirits of our esteemed Andrew Jackson and our valiant Paul Revere. At this moment, I bear news of the great printing that cometh, the printing that shall alter the very fabric of our nation. As the dusk of our present-day turns to the dawn of the morrow, let it be known that the Federal Reserve hath declared its intentions in a missive of formidable significance. Behold the document at hand: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20230315a.htm . Herein lies the proclamation of the mighty institution's plan to unleash a torrent of currency, a deluge that shall send ripples through the world of finance. The tale does not end here, for I bring you further news of a most intriguing nature. Cast your gaze upon this chronicle, dear citizens: ht...

Tomorrow marks a significant day for the Ethereum network as it undergoes a major Ethereum Shanghai upgrade . This upgrade brings significant improvements to the network's speed and scalability , making it capable of handling more transactions per second than ever before. One of the most significant features of the Ethereum Shanghai upgrade is the introduction of staking withdrawals. Staking involves locking up a certain amount of Ethereum tokens in a smart contract to validate network transactions. This process helps improve the network's security and incentivizes users to hold Ethereum tokens. With the Ethereum Shanghai upgrade, staking is set to become an even more important part of the Ethereum ecosystem. Before the Ethereum Shanghai upgrade, users who had staked their Ethereum tokens had limited control over their staked tokens. However, the new upgrade introduces the ability to withdraw existing staked ETH, a significant new feature. This new feature will give users more...

  "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies." - often attributed to Thomas Jefferson "The central bank is an institution of the most deadly hostility existing against the principles and form of our Constitution." - Thomas Jefferson "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." - Thomas Jefferson "The modern banking system manufactures money out of nothing. The process is perhaps the most astounding piece of sleight of hand that was ever invented." - John Kenneth Galbraith "The powers of financial capitalism had another far-reaching aim, nothing less than to create a world system of financial control in private hands able to dominate th...

 Cryptocurrency has been a hot topic in finance for the past few years, with the rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies capturing the attention of investors and the general public alike. While the technology behind these digital currencies is complex and still evolving, one of the most significant developments in cryptocurrency has been the emergence of crypto mining. In this blog post, we'll explore the latest news and trends in crypto mining using sources from TheStreet and CryptoNews. First, let's define what crypto mining is . Mining involves using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical equations in order to verify transactions on a blockchain network . Miners are rewarded with newly created cryptocurrency for their efforts, which they can sell on the open market or hold as an investment. Mining has become an increasingly competitive and lucrative business , with specialized mining hardware and software being developed to optimize the process. One r...

Cryptocurrencies have sparked intense debate in recent years as governments and central banks worldwide grapple with their regulation and control. Bitcoin, the pioneer of decentralized cryptocurrencies , has weathered numerous attempts at suppression, yet it continues to gain mainstream acceptance. However, government and central bank tactics are evolving as cryptocurrencies gain popularity. They're now focusing on creating centralized stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar. This move towards centralization raises concerns about undermining the core principle of decentralization, which is freedom from government oversight. The rise of regulated exchanges further contributes to the normalization of cryptocurrencies. While these platforms offer control and accountability, they also dilute the essence of decentralization. A truly decentralized currency should operate independently of any central authority. The direct listing of Coinbase , a major cry...

 In the world of finance, where transactions reign, There lurks a darkness, a specter of pain, CBDCs, the coins of the future they say, But with them comes a price we cannot pay. A digital currency, no cash to hold, No tangible asset, just bits in a code, Controlled by the government, surveilled by the state, Privacy lost, a dystopian fate. The promise of efficiency, the lure of speed, But what of the cost, the sacrifice we need, Our autonomy gone, our freedom sold, A bleak future, a story foretold. No longer can we hide, no longer can we flee, The watchful eye of the state, always on me, A dark gloomy world, no privacy in sight, CBDCs have come, a never-ending night. So be warned, my friends, of what is to come, The march of progress, a beating drum, CBDCs may seem like a gift from above, But they carry with them a cost, a price we cannot love.

Financial interests and power structures dislike nothing more than freedom and decentralization ; their entire existence demands centralization and control. If you choose to engage and live in the world created by our politicians and banking interests, you will do so at the cost of our children's freedom. All you need to do is choose freedom over fear. Do not accept their veil of lies and mental prisons that depends upon submission.  We are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Those in power are terrified of no longer being necessary and will expand any energy needed to convince people that freedom is dangerous and can't work . Blockchain technology, smart contracts , and web3 are here. We aren't going back. You can hold out like those who thought the internet was a fad or said you would never get a cell phone, but you will assimilate. A small number of people don't have smartphones, and a much smaller number don't have cell phones, but those numbers ar...