All posts by Alan B. Zibluk

The Psychology Of Marketing

The Psychology Of Marketing

 

Marketing aims to identify and satisfy customer demands by providing products and services. The marketing process includes exploring, creating, and delivering value to meet a target market's needs, whether online or at trade shows and public events. 

The decision to launch a marketing campaign is reasonable based on several factors, such as the availability of products, the need to correct erroneous information, or a desire to drive traffic to a particular website. 

You can implement a marketing campaign to emphasize specific themes or attributes and select a target audience. These themes or features may inform customers about the value of that particular product or service or inspire them to purchase it. It is essential to know your target demographic, as it allows you to tailor your ads to meet their needs and desires.

Marketing arose as a result of the rapid development of civilization. As long as there was an excess of demand over supply, manufacturing companies could concentrate on production only. However, with the rapid growth of technology, the production process accelerated, and gradually the market began to satiate until supply began to exceed demand. At that moment, solving how and what to produce was already necessary. 

With the modernization and simplification of production, the number of companies on the market also grew, and consumers got more choices. With increasing competition, companies began to address the question of what steps to take to make consumers choose their products. And hence there was space for the emergence of marketing.

 

Thus, marketing creates links between the market and businesses. It is based on human needs and desires. The human factor is applied and manifested both on the demand and supply sides. It is evident that psychology will also play a role in marketing.

Five Basic Psychological "Tricks."

1. Reciprocity (commitment)

    – give a little something for free, and then it'll come back to you

      as no one wants to be in debt 

2. Liquidation Offer and Consistency

    – we don't all like to make decisions 

    – we are afraid of the new and the unknown

    – we'd better shop at a friend's

3. Price Anchor and Contrast

     – When something's on sale, we go and shop

4. Paralysis of Decision-making

    – make it easier for people to make a choice and make an offer that, at a glance, 

      is the best possible solution you can buy

5. Social Proof

    – a lot of people have already bought it.

More About These Five Points:

What is the principle of reciprocity?

One person gives another a "gift," and the donee feels obligated. Thus, they feel a natural obligation to return the gift (to meet the following requirements of the donor).

What is a liquidation offer?

It is an offer so convenient and cheap that we do not have to think about buying for a long time. The price tag of such a liquidation offer is often meager, so we just do not have to consider for a long time whether it will pay off for us or not.

How does the principle of consistency work?

The principle "advises" us not to take risks and do what we already know and have tried. It protects us from the fear of the unknown. It is the principle people follow when they shop in the same supermarket for years, even if a few meters away is a new modern supermarket, which is cheaper and has a broader range.

What is a price anchor?

Discounts in marketing can work precisely because of the price anchor. It is the price tag or value of the goods. For example, when a product costs 100 USD, the price anchor equals 100 USD. When the goods suddenly have an "action" price of 69 USD, it seems advantageous to us thanks to the price anchor.

What is the paralysis of decision-making?

It is caused by more similar offers where the customer hesitates on what to choose.

Eliminate selection where possible or pre-select the most crucial option – the most effective solution to decision paralysis.

How does contrast work in marketing?

It is similar to a price anchor. In short, we compare two variants (more expensive / cheaper). And naturally, we choose the more profitable one. 

If it is not evident at first glance which offers are better, then follows a decision paralysis. In this case, customers often choose neither because they are looking for the best possible solution (convenience, savings, etc.) and cannot make a choice.

What is social proof?

It's confirmation from other people that our decision is the right one. These are references, sales figures, but also, for example, restaurants full of people.

 

 

Half of all our activities are based on habit. 

In marketing, on the contrary, we need to break the potential customer out of his habit. But psychologists have observed that we are most accessible when we have a life change – we are moving, we have a baby, we are approaching 20., 30., 40., 50…. birthday. 

Finally, Something About Colours

Colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour.

Carl Jung was one of the pioneers of the interpretation of colours and their significance for the human psyche.

Jung said,"colours are the mother tongue of the subconscious." Colour influences perceptions that are not obvious, such as the taste of food. Colours have qualities that can cause certain emotions in people. They can carry a specific meaning.

        

 

What Is New In The Last Years

Biochemical marketing, as the new type of marketing is called, can increase efficiency by up to half and reduce costs by 70-80% in the format of low-cost multi-layered marketing. And in doing so, it is enough to know and use the biochemistry of four substances generated in a healthy human body: serotonin, dopamine, endorphin, and oxytocin.

Each of these substances has its own features and functions. Still, they are all responsible for positive changes in the human body, increasing the level of trust between people, reducing stress and anxiety, and creating a sense of well-being. And thanks to this, low-cost marketing can be done through public relations, social media, events, etc., with the help of biochemistry.

 

In no case should we forget, whatever methods we use, that our goal is a satisfied customer who returns. The applied psychology of the marketing world helps to find the necessary keys to understanding how the human mind works and is the basic knowledge of getting potential customers to buy your products eventually.

 

Although, at first glance, marketing may seem like a simple matter, if you delve into the issue more, you may start to feel a little lost. Markethive will provide you with comprehensive marketing tools. It is a platform for entrepreneurs with many innovative features. You will find all the tools for your business under one roof and have the opportunity to contribute to the spirit of friendly cooperation.

"Marketing is a war of perceptions.“         Ivo  Toman

 

Sources:

https://www.marketingovenoviny.cz

https://foxentry.com

https://www.dusansoucek.cz

 

 

 

The Revolutionization of the Supply Chain Management by Vechain

The Revolutionization of the Supply Chain Management by Vechain

VeChain (VET) is a project that aims to transform the way consumers and producers do business by making traceability of products, services, and transactions easy, efficient, transparent, and secure, all powered through blockchain technology using smart contracts and digital identity. In addition to its primary objective, VeChain has also been trying to create a more decentralized economy with its DaaS (Decentralized Application Service) platform and other solutions such as its enterprise-oriented IoT products.

The Vechain network was launched in 2015 as a private consortium chain. Afterward, it transited to a public blockchain in 2017, launching its main net in 2018. One of the substantial benefits brought by VeChain is its toolchain.

What is toolchain technology, and why did Vechain implement it?

Vechain's founder Sunny Lu, has been working on developing Vechain-PoA and its related technologies for quite a while. The technology was not very popular in the crypto industry due to its complicated implementation process and high cost of development in the traditional industry compared with other solutions based on blockchain technology such as Ethereum. However, the Vechain team has recently started implementing new technologies such as the VeChainThor and VeChainGO.

Toolchains are an essential part of any blockchain project to build, develop, test, debug, and deploy smart contracts safely, ensuring the validity of each transaction made on its network. Without the need for third-party validation or audits to ensure correctness in transactions and blockchains, making them more transparent and auditable and improving efficiency and security. So you can be sure that this is where VeChain comes into play as the best blockchain technology provider of all time with its unique features in supply chain management, which include:

Security

As they use the latest version of Hyperledger Fabric, this offers an immutable ledger that is distributed to every participant, which means that it is safe from hacking, attacks, and fraudulent activities.

It is based on a tamper-proof public ledger and records each transaction through cryptographic hash values (a chain of blocks). So you can ensure that your data will not get lost if someone tries to hack or manipulate the network. 

Tracking

It allows tracking of products from origin to end-user without any intermediary services Smart Contracts. The code on top of the VET blockchain can automatically execute smart contracts, allowing you to set up agreements between parties.

Scalability

This feature can be used to store a large amount of data and process it in real-time for a faster transaction rate with smart contracts.

Reliability

IBM has tested them to ensure that everything works perfectly without any glitches or errors that may occur.

The Vechain technology is transparent and offers a traceable supply chain management system that allows every single detail of a product's movement to be tracked, recorded, and verified in real-time on a distributed ledger. It allows users to scan QR codes attached to products or use NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled devices to get instant access to product details, ingredients, expiry dates, certifications, and other data about the item. Enabling manufacturers to track their products from the production stage to retail allows consumers to see exactly where the product they bought came from and what it was made of.

Accessible Supply Chain Management Solutions

The VeChain toolchain is a network that allows the blockchain to get information from IoT devices. It delivers an expansive network with no code or low code blockchain solutions meeting the most demanding industry requirements.

The supply chain management process occasionally requires tools that are frequently assembled and complicated to use. The toolchain brings clarity, comfort, and affordability.

Essentially, the toolchain introduces a pay-as-you-earn pricing model that is quite affordable. The toolchain provides a complete set consisting of;

  • IoT chip and equipment
  • A management platform
  • A mobile app
  • H5 technology

Fight Against Counterfeiting Products

Vechain has become a significant player in anti-counterfeiting products by combining an innovative blockchain with modern technology to protect intellectual property rights and offer secure identification solutions to consumers worldwide for consumer goods, healthcare, financial services, Etc.

Today's counterfeits are getting increasingly sophisticated, making it harder and harder for brand owners to trace their origins back to the original manufacturer and source of their product. As a result, brand owners have been forced to take more drastic steps to combat this problem.

In 2017 alone, brand owners saw sales decline by $25 billion due to counterfeit goods being sold on websites such as Amazon and eBay, while others claim that there has been a "$200 billion a year loss of revenue to illegal manufacturers around the world" (Wakefield & Lacy, 2015). According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), counterfeit products account for an estimated $1 trillion per year worldwide (WIPO, 2019) – which is not only bad news for businesses but also has a direct impact on consumers.

VeChain delivers a fence against the risk of counterfeiting. Because of the linking with IoT devices allows both parties to a trade, i.e., supplier and buyer, to recognize the products and location in real-time. If the delivery vehicles stop, the IoT devices will transmit the information through the toolchain to the DLT. 

The constant tracking of products' data in the supply process guarantees that the persons delivering the products cannot provide counterfeited products.

Highly Convenient

The problem of supply chain management begins from the roots, which happens to be software support. Vechain toolchain makes it very easy for any project, individual, or company to create a blockchain with little to zero coding knowledge. Therefore, businesses can create apps that use the toolchain to offer their supply chain solutions. 

Final Word

This article has explored how the Vechain toolchains revolutionize supply chain management, offering privileges to participants. As mentioned, the toolchain touches on different aspects of the supply chain, including security, tracking, and reliability, all while offering convenience.

By touching on various aspects of the supply chain, the toolchain guarantees that the quality and health of products in supply are protected at high standards. Top networks have already been linking with the toolchain to enjoy its benefits. They include DNV, BitOcean, National Research Consulting Center, and Groupe Renault.

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BlackRock – Shadow Government? Is It Too Big To Fail? Or Has It Now Got Too Big To Control?

BlackRock – Shadow Government?
Is It Too Big To Fail? Or Has It Now Got Too Big To Control?

There is a company out there that has more funds running through its systems than the entire GDP of the USA. A company that can and has used its clout to effect “societal change” whether we like it or not. A company with a direct connection with powerful politicians in the world has recently come front and center as it has started exploring investments in the crypto space and venturing into governance territory that will impact worldwide. 

 

The BlackRock Behemoth

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, and while many may have heard of it, you may be surprised just how much control it has over the financial markets.  A control is afforded to it through leveraging our money, so there’s a strong chance that you and your money are connected with it somehow. It is a company that has its fingers in many pies, with over $10 trillion in assets under management. 

They are also one of the most secretive companies in the world of finance. Trading and commodities are two areas of BlackRock’s business that have come under scrutiny from government regulators in recent years. 

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has claimed that the process of trading commodities futures is not transparent and is likely being abused by large investment firms like BlackRock. One of the most controversial aspects of BlackRock’s business is the way they have been operating their so-called dark pools

Blackrock’s political connections are extensive. Over the past couple of years, there has been growing concern about how much control large corporations like Blackrock exert over American politics and economic policymaking. 

Although they claim to be a non-political organization whose only interest is maximizing shareholder value, it is clear that many large corporations like Blackrock do wield significant influence over how our government works and what kinds of policies it enacts into law. 


Image Source: Financial Times

BlackRock’s Genesis And Growth Spurt

BlackRock is a New York City-based company founded in 1988 by Laurence [Larry] Fink and Ralph Schlosstein. Starting as a Bond Asset manager, it quickly grew into a financial services company that provides investment management, risk management, and fiduciary financial services to a wide variety of clients ranging from Central Banks to pension funds and individual investors. 

In 1999, BlackRock became a publicly-traded company and continued its rapid expansion in the asset management sector. In 2006, the firm acquired Merrill Lynch's Asset Management business, which rapidly expanded its offerings in the equities sector. This was further compounded by the purchase of Barclay’s iShares in 2009. At $13.5 billion, this was one of the biggest deals in Asset Management history. 

As a result, BlackRock quickly morphed from being a bond asset management company to an Index Fund provider. Index Funds, sometimes called Exchange Traded Funds, are collective investment vehicles that track the performance of a particular index or basket of Securities. They're hugely popular, not only because they're easy to invest in but also because they incur lower fees than more active investment management firms. 

These benefits have also made index funds extremely attractive for more passive institutional investors, the most common being pension funds. Trillions of dollars are invested on our behalf and find their way into index funds of some sort. So there’s a strong possibility our money has been invested through BlackRock somehow. Either that or it's being invested by another index provider thanks to BlackRock’s technology.

The point is that BlackRock is a behemoth that invests on behalf of hundreds of millions of people, and what that means is it has an interest in nearly every company you can think of. Since BlackRock must invest funds to track indexes or other investing themes, it must invest in the underlying assets. If these funds track an equity index, BlackRock must take a stake in the underlying company, so BlackRock is often one of the largest shareholders of a company's outstanding shares. 

These companies include some of the biggest Wall Street banks, like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Citibank. Essentially, BlackRock is one of the top three shareholders in the banks that keep the financial markets running. 

BlackRock is also vested in the media with Comcast, Viacom, et al. Also, social media and tech companies with large stakes in Google, Apple, and Twitter. They even have stakes in the food industry with Mcdonald's, Chipotle, et al. Along with State Street and Vanguard, BlackRock forms a trio of the largest shareholders in the vast majority of publicly-traded companies in America. 


Image Source: Corpnet

For example, according to a recently published paper by Corpnet, these prominent three asset managers are the largest shareholders for over 90% of all companies in the S&P 500. In fact, in the broader collection of all outstanding publicly traded companies, 40% of them have these three as their most significant shareholders. And it’s not just America; it holds considerable positions in companies in Europe as well. 

 

A Slice Of The Real Estate Pie And Now Crypto

BlackRock has its eyes on cryptocurrency with BlackRock CEO, Larry Fink saying the firm is studying the crypto sector broadly, including assets, stablecoins, permissioned blockchains, and “tokenization,” where it perceives a benefit to its customers. We are increasingly seeing interest from our clients, he said.

BlackRock is an investor in a $400 million fundraising round for Circle Internet Financial, the crypto-focused company that manages the stablecoin USD Coin. During a conference call in April 2022, Larry Fink said BlackRock has been working with Circle over the past year as a manager of some of Circle’s cash reserves. He said he expects BlackRock eventually to be the primary manager of those reserves. We look forward to expanding our relationship, he said.

You might also be surprised to learn that asset managers like BlackRock have been competing with you regarding residential real estate. Last year, large institutional investors bought up entire property units to diversify their holdings. Just imagine, large asset managers could potentially be using your pension money to outbid you on a home. Despite how crazy all this sounds, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

ALADDIN – BlackRock’s Genie Of Growth And Control

BlackRock has not only made a name for itself through its index funds, but it's also developed an institutional investing platform that is the backbone of the asset management system. The “central nervous system” is relied upon by nearly every billion-dollar capital allocator. It’s called Aladdin, an acronym for Asset, Liability, And Debt, Derivative Investment Network.

Since Aladdin’s humble beginnings as a time-saving system that BlackRock could use to report on bond positions automatically, it has grown over the years to become the operating system for the company that inhabits multiple data centers and is maintained by a group of between 1,500 and 2,000 people. 

Aladdin is so integral to BlackRock’s internal risk management systems that around 13,000 BlackRock employees use it worldwide. Aladdin also became so sophisticated that BlackRock saw an opportunity to start making money from competing asset managers, institutional investors, and corporates by making the platform available to them. It would also allow these investors to manage their portfolios and model the inherent risk. 

The list of companies that use Aladdin is vast, with over 240 external clients currently relying on the platform. Companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft use it for their corporate treasury management. The $1.5 trillion Japanese government pension fund is also a client, as well as State Street and Vanguard. 

So, in reality, BlackRock’s biggest competitors are effectively paying to use BlackRock's systems and, in the process, giving BlackRock access to reams of data about their portfolios. This data further helps BlackRock refine Aladdin and better model risk. Needless to say, because all these portfolios are linked, it certainly gives BlackRock the edge with Aladdin as a critical component in the global management of assets. 

In 2020, an estimated $21.6 trillion sat on the platform, which is higher than the entire GDP of the United States at that time. Another comparison is if you were to empty the bank account of every one of the 7.6 billion people in the world, every single bill and coin, and place them all in a pile, it would be worth around $5 trillion. 

So, this means that Aladdin has grown into a system that is responsible, directly or indirectly, for over four times the value of all the money in the world. Aladdin doesn’t make investment decisions, but its risk models inform the investment decisions of all who use it.  

There have been many who have questioned whether this system poses a systemic risk to the market. For example, given how many managers rely on its analytics and modeling, does this create complacency and reliance that could give a false sense of security? What happens if there are inaccurate or erroneous readings? It's only a computer model, after all. 

A UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, reported that the failure of an extensive portfolio and risk system like Aladdin could cause serious consumer harm or even damage market integrity.

Jon Little, former head of BNY Mellon's international asset management business, told the Financial Times

“The industry is becoming reliant on a small number of players such as Aladdin, yet regulators seem to be reluctant to regulate or intervene to supervise these key service providers directly.”   

This video sums up the level of involvement BlackRock has with their technology, Aladdin has and looks somewhat like a terrifying science-fiction scenario, but it is happening today. 

BlackRock’s Helping Hand

Did you know that BlackRock was instrumental in the bailouts and deals in 2008’s GFC? It was a key adviser to other big banks and the government itself. So BlackRock is not only a massive asset manager that controls one of the world’s most powerful computers, but it also offers advisory services. 

It’s called the Financial Markets Advisory or FMA. It was born from the financial crisis as these big banks, along with the US Treasury and Federal Reserve Bank of New York, turned to Larry Fink of BlackRock for help and counsel on their predicament.

Through an array of government contracts, BlackRock effectively became the leading manager of Washington’s bailout of Wall Street. The firm oversaw the $130 billion of toxic assets that the U.S. government took on as part of the Bear Stearns sale and the rescue of A.I.G. 

It also monitored Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's balance sheets, which amount to some $5 trillion. It provided daily risk evaluations to the New York Fed on the $1.2 trillion worth of mortgage-backed securities it had purchased to jump-start the country’s housing market.

Eleven years after the financial crisis, we had another emergency, the pandemic, which brought on a level of spending that was many multiples larger. The FED embarked on an unprecedented bond-buying program and monetary stimulus. These were trillions upon trillions of dollars that are used to buy back not only treasury securities but, more risky, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. 

And, of course, they needed the advice of someone who knew about these types of securities. Thankfully, they had the industry experts such as Larry Fink on speed dial. It was later disclosed that BlackRock was central to the pandemic response. According to this New York Times article, Larry Fink was in constant contact with Jerome Powell and Stephen Minuchin in the days before and after the FED's stimulus program announcement.

According to a contract posted in March 2020, the FED hired BlackRock to help with the corporate bond purchase program. Although there was much more transparency about the terms of the deal compared to its work back in 2008, it meant that BlackRock was instrumental in that bond-buying program. 

It again shows how reliant these officials have become on this behemoth of Wall Street. So it's clear that BlackRock has political influence or, at the very least, is aligned with some really powerful people. But perhaps more concerning about the firm is its power and intention to exert over corporate board rooms. 

 

BlackRock’s Role And Goal Posts Have Shifted

As mentioned above, BlackRock and the top three asset managers generally are the largest shareholders in hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. What this means is that not only do they own the shares, but they also get board representation. These corporate boards are designed to help advise on company strategies, and board members can have much more say in a company’s strategic objectives.

Given that BlackRock invests on behalf of clients, it is considered a passive investor, meaning it's merely tasked with allocating capital and voting in the best interest of shareholders. Up until a few years ago, that's precisely what it did. However, in 2018, it all changed because, at this time, Larry Fink wrote a letter to the CEOs of some of America's largest public companies. This was the first salute in his pitch to better contribute to society, 

“Society is demanding the companies, both public and private serve a social purpose. To prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.” 

This was a novel idea at the time but has since shaped the mood around investing based on ESG or Environmental Social and Governance principles. The primary modus operandi behind this investing methodology is that companies should not only be graded on their bottom line but also on how they impact society. 


Image source: New York Times

This letter was a big deal. You had one of the most powerful investors on Wall Street saying that it would be using ESG criteria to grade companies, everything from their climate change records to diversity on their boards. Some wondered whether BlackRock really would carry out these plans for a more activist role; any doubts on the matter were laid to rest with some controversial shareholder votes.

For example, last year, BlackRock disclosed that as Exxon Mobil's second-largest shareholder, it was backing board changes proposed by an activist hedge fund. The fund in question was Engine No 1, and it's been trying to get Exxon Mobil to move faster in reducing its carbon footprint. The activist investor only held about $50 million in stock but had proposed some board members who Exxon claimed didn't possess the requisite skills to serve on the board. 

As mentioned in this WSJ report, BlackRock also backed similar initiatives by voting against a board director of an Australian oil and natural gas producer called Woodside Petroleum. The reason for the vote was that the company was not outlining targets for emission reductions to its customers. So the world’s largest asset manager is showing it is more willing to use its heft to influence the policies of the companies it invests in.

Rich Field, a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, who focuses on corporate governance issues, said,

“BlackRock has strongly signaled that quiet diplomacy is not the only tool in its toolbox. We expect more votes for shareholder proposals and against directors in this and future years.”

Since 2020, BlackRock has stepped up pressure on more companies by publishing criticism with online bulletins about key votes. Some executives worry they could face lawsuits for publicizing details on labor or climate plans in areas where global disclosure standards don’t yet exist. 

There are so many boards that BlackRock sits on that it could be hard to apply proper due diligence to these ESG votes. Some have complained BlackRock’s recent votes have come without warning or an adequate rationale. Ali Saribas, a partner at shareholder advisory firm SquareWell Partners, said,

“BlackRock’s approach will fuel a rising frustration among companies that believe BlackRock’s stewardship team will most likely apply a tick-the-box approach given the sheer volume of companies they passively own.” 

Jessica Strine, CEO at advisory firm Sustainable Governance Partners, says,

“It would be very hard for a passive fund manager to support a shareholder proposal that addresses systemic risks but wades too far into dictating strategy.” 

Investors propelled ESG funds to new heights in 2020, and federal agencies are watching. 
WSJ explains why regulators have ethical and sustainable investment funds under review. Photo Illustration: Alex Kuzoian

 

Has BlackRock Gone Too Far?

Some may think this is good news for a better future. Still, one of the biggest problems with this approach is that it assumes that meeting these ESG criteria could be complementary to the shareholder returns objectives. 

However, this is often not the case because meeting these criteria may come at the expense of potential company performance and long-term shareholder returns. For example, in the case of the Exxon proposal, unless these standards are applied to all competing companies in the field, you are hampering some to the advantage of others. 

Many oil and gas companies are private or listed elsewhere, companies that don't have BlackRock as a shareholder and hence don't have to worry about meeting the same standards. They can compete as much as the law allows them to, and sometimes to the detriment of Exxon. This could lead to a fall in the value of Exxon shares and the company as a whole. 

Now the same principles can, of course, be applied to the S and G angles of the ESG strategy too. Then, of course, you have the administrative burden and the unpredictable way this ESG mandate is managed.

The approach that BlackRock wants to take could hamper the efficient performance of a company's board and corporate strategy, which is unsuitable for that long-term shareholder value. Beyond the additional burdens that this could place on companies, you have the question of whether a company like BlackRock should have such a significant say in how society is shaped. 

 

The Silenced Majority

Have all the stakeholders, the millions of us who have pension funds and invest in ETFs, been asked how we feel about these proposals? Are stakeholders polled on each one of these proposals? And how do we know there's no broader political agenda that could seep in should the winds of public opinion shift. Does this create a precedent for other large companies to follow suit? These are all relevant questions that need to be answered. It is, after all, good governance. 

Many of us know BlackRock is a powerful company but to realize how far that power extends is an eye-opener, to say the least. As the world's largest asset manager, it manages an ocean of capital that gives it immense control over the financial system. 

Given that it's the owner and operator of one of the largest and most crucial asset management platforms, many would argue that it's too big to fail, but more to the point, it's now too big to control. That's because BlackRock seems to be taking on a new mission beyond mere capital allocation. 

The firm is looking to use its ESG mandate to shape the way that corporate America is run. It's also not as if politicians can really do much about it. Given BlackRock's connections with all of these higher-ups, it is more likely to call the shots than the other way around. 

Of course, the mandate and goals of BlackRock may be benevolent and sincere, but you have to question how this power could be used in the future should it fall into the hands of someone who would use it for more than just ESG benchmarks? Money is power, after all, and given that BlackRock controls so much money, it has absolute power. And as the saying goes, absolute power corrupts, absolutely. 

References:
The Wall St Journal
The New York Times
The Financial Times
CoinBureau

Also published @ BeforeIt’sNews.com: https://beforeitsnews.com/economics-and-politics

 

Cryptocurrency Has Changed the Dynamics of Savings and Investment: Will Banks Survive the Storm?

Cryptocurrency Has Changed the Dynamics of Savings and Investment: Will Banks Survive the Storm?

Cryptocurrency has changed the dynamics of savings and investment, but the effects of this change are not yet fully understood. This article discusses the impact of cryptocurrency on the global economy and the implications for banks.

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the banking industry. As banks continue to evolve and adopt new strategies, they may need a strong understanding and implementation of blockchain technology if they want to remain relevant in the future.

A blockchain is a public ledger that stores data without a centralized intermediary such as a bank or government agency that could become corrupted by fraudulent transactions, data loss, or malicious behavior on its part. Instead, it relies on consensus protocols that ensure trust between all users on the network when recording financial transactions on the shared ledger across multiple participants (called nodes).

Blockchain technology provides a secure way to store information and track transactions because it is not stored in any one place but dispersed across multiple networks.

Background of the Digital Currency 

Cryptocurrencies are a new form of digital currency that can be used to make purchases and transfer money anonymously. These currencies have no physical form and exist only in the digital world. The emergence of cryptocurrency has affected the banking industry: will banks survive the storm?

Cryptocurrency is decentralized, meaning any government or central authority does not control it. The transactions are verified through a process called mining, which involves solving complicated math problems with powerful computers to crack cryptographic codes. Blockchain technology enables cryptocurrency users to purchase goods and services online without having to worry about fraud or identity theft because all transactions are recorded on this shared public ledger for anyone to see.

The blockchain technology industry has been developing rapidly in recent years. Some projects are being used by well-known global organizations, including JPMorgan Chase and Accenture, to streamline the supply chain process. Others have been developed specifically for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin (although they can be applied to any form of digital currency).

However, despite the widespread interest in blockchain and how it could revolutionize business processes, there remains a lack of understanding among many businesses around its actual value and potential use cases, which limits their ability to benefit from using it.

Image courtesy of Vecteezy

Impacts of Cryptocurrency on the Global Economy

Cryptocurrency has a significant impact on the global economy. It affects the exchange of goods and services and the transfer of funds from one country to another, weakening the foreign exchange rates. As of March 2022, there are approximately 18,000 cryptocurrencies in existence. The number of cryptocurrencies is growing daily and its market capitalization is estimated to grow to $5 trillion by 2025.

Blockchain technology has already penetrated many industries, including the financial sector, government, healthcare, media, retail, etc. However, many issues with cryptocurrencies still need to be resolved before they can be used in a mainstream society like traditional currency.

Its significant benefits of being fast, easy, cheap, and secure have been widely accepted and embraced by people worldwide for years despite some shortcomings such as volatility, lack of regulation, etc. The digital currency has been used in various ways so far, most notably for online gambling, but also as an alternative to fiat currencies in some countries where they offer a better exchange rate (and are sometimes even preferred).

The use case of cryptocurrencies is also evolving; while many people will continue to use them as a form of money or payment systems, many others might use them for trading, which includes buying goods and services; using cryptocurrency instead of fiat currency.

Cryptocurrency and the Banking Industry 

Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, was created in 2009. It was created as a decentralized form of currency that is not controlled by any one country. It functions as a peer-to-peer payment system that does not require any middlemen, and a network of nodes verifies transactions.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have gained traction in recent years, but the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is still unclear. There are advantages to using cryptocurrencies, such as security, transparency, and no central control.

However, there are also disadvantages to using cryptocurrencies, such as price volatility, potential hacking, and lack of regulatory oversight. There are two sides to the cryptocurrency debate. One side argues that cryptocurrencies are the future of money and will replace cash, credit cards, and other payment methods. The other side argues that cryptocurrencies are a speculative bubble that will soon burst.

Some say that the implications of cryptocurrency on the global economy are not yet fully understood, but there are some apparent effects. For example, cryptocurrency has allowed individuals to transfer money internationally without banks or a third-party service. Cryptocurrency has also led to a decrease in demand for gold and other precious metals, as well as a reduction in cash usage.

The effects of cryptocurrency on banks are unclear. Some argue that banks will be irrelevant shortly, while others argue that banks will survive the storm. Cryptocurrency has caused a decrease in demand for banks' services and has led to an increase in financial risk. Banks may likely weather the storm by embracing cryptocurrencies and exploring new technologies like Blockchain. But will this ever happen? Who knows!

Roles of the Banking Sector in an Economy

In an economy, the banking sector plays a crucial role in facilitating the flow of money and providing loans to businesses and individuals. They have the power to regulate the money supply, which means they can determine how much money is in circulation.

This gives them control over inflation and deflation in the economy, so their actions must be responsible and transparent to avoid economic instability and financial crises such as the Great Recession from December 2007 to June 2009 and the recent financial crisis.

The central banks also determine whether the banks charge interest on loans and, if so, what the interest rate will be (known as the "prime rate" in the United States). Since banks can lend funds out of their reserves, there is a limit to the amount of capital they must hold; therefore, banks should borrow from other banks when necessary rather than from the public.

According to the conventional wisdom of financial economics, financial crises are inevitable in any economy that runs on fiat money because they occur when banks borrow more than they have and then fail to repay what they owe (Minsky, 1973).

The Federal Reserve System has attempted to prevent financial panics by keeping the supply of money constant and increasing it through open-market operations whenever the volume of outstanding debt increases by an amount greater than or equal to the Fed’s target for M1, which represents currency plus demand deposits at commercial banks. This method is commonly referred to as “monetizing the deficit.”

Why Are the Banks Cautious of Cryptocurrencies?

Undoubtedly, cryptocurrency has given rise to new, disruptive technology for money transfers and payment systems at large. Still, the central banking industry remains skeptical about its potential for displacing fiat currency as a medium of exchange or store of value, particularly when considering the risks associated with digital currencies like Bitcoin. 

The cryptocurrency pioneer relies on decentralized networks and cryptography for security purposes instead of traditional regulation and oversight methods employed by central bank regulators worldwide and their regulatory bodies (the Financial Services Authority in the UK is an example).

According to research conducted by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and the U.K.’s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), nearly 63% of survey respondents who work in the banking sector view cryptocurrency as a potential risk rather than an opportunity.

Bitcoin has been around for over a decade and is the most well-known cryptocurrency. But as more and more digital currencies come into the marketplace, banks are starting to get cautious. They are concerned about potential losses resulting from transactions on these platforms. They don’t know what regulations governments will put in place to ensure these cryptocurrencies are not used for illicit purposes such as money laundering or terrorism financing.

One of the world’s largest bitcoin exchanges, Bitfinex, was hacked in August 2016 and had millions of dollars worth of bitcoins stolen from its customer's wallets and accounts. This has raised many valid questions about why the banks are concerned about the emergence of cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrencies can also circumvent government-imposed capital controls, and it is now increasingly being used by international companies to avoid or evade taxes in various countries around the world.

This is due to the use of cryptography, allowing people worldwide to send funds to each other with complete anonymity and in a decentralized manner, using a peer-to-peer network of computers rather than a central server as traditional financial institutions do today.

However, because of its decentralized nature, bitcoin poses a risk of anonymous money laundering and terrorism financing, especially when combined with other forms of digital anonymity, such as “mixers” and other privacy-enhancing technology like Tor (The Onion Router) and VPNs (virtual private networks), which are used to mask IP addresses.

Can Cryptocurrency Eliminate the Banking Sector?

​​​​​ Image Courtesy of Medium

The latest trend in the financial sector is the rise of cryptocurrency. In 2009, a person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto published a paper describing digital currency. The paper introduced bitcoin, which became the first decentralized cryptocurrency in the world. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have since become increasingly popular but also volatile.

For example, the price of Bitcoin rose from $2,500 in January 2017 to $19,000 in December 2017. Cryptocurrency is decentralized and relies on blockchain technology, and a central bank or government does not regulate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This makes cryptocurrency appealing to those weary of the unpredictable monetary policies of central banks and governments.

Many advantages come with cryptocurrency, such as its decentralized nature and independence from government interference, making it a great alternative to fiat currency systems (e.g the $USD).

However, it is essential to note that not all currencies have the same benefits as Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. It is also safe to say there is no guarantee that Bitcoin will be successful in the long run when compared to fiat currency, which has been around for thousands of years and has proven itself over time to be a stable medium of exchange for both individuals and businesses alike.

Nevertheless, if you look at the current state of cryptocurrency and the new development of blockchain technology today, many believe that it could be the future of money in this century. So they are trying to create more decentralized systems like Bitcoin or Ethereum, etc., but these systems are still in the early stages of development. We need more time before we can see what will happen with these currencies and applications.

So, for now, we need to find ways to secure our money from banks and other traditional financial institutions because as long as we have centralized systems that control how much currency and transactions are allowed, it is very easy for them to steal your funds or freeze your account whenever they deem it necessary.

In Summary

The Central Banks are at the heart of the modern global financial infrastructure in the current economic system, and as such, they have become a powerful force in society. In many cases dominating the economic life of nations to the extent that can be likened to that of feudal rulers controlling their kingdoms and duchies during times past. 

Today we have what amounts to the equivalent of the Royal Family controlling central banks worldwide! In recent years, with the onset of a global economic collapse and with the Federal Reserve’s power over the American economy and the global economy increases, the Federal Reserve has become ever more influential over the entire planet.

Blockchain technology depends on algorithmic confidence, and its decentralized system offers an option to the current system. But the cryptocurrency has little adoption rates, and its legal reputation is still under the cloud. Cryptocurrencies are a new digital asset class with no central authority or bank behind them. 

Instead, it relies on a distributed network of computers and users to maintain order and security in exchange for incentives and rewards, which is why they are often called “digital cash” as opposed to more traditional means of storing value like paper currency and gold. Many different cryptocurrencies are available today: Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, Zcash, Monero, Dogecoin, and so on.

There are possibilities at this point that Central Banks will start to introduce their own central bank digital currencies (CBDC). The problem is that nobody has yet been able to provide a solution for what happens when CBDCs across international borders fail. The associated costs and risks become more challenging to manage than they currently are today for national fiat currency systems. 

The global financial system remains reliant on national monetary policymakers being willing to let the exchange rate of their respective countries weaken over time as part of ‘internal devaluation to encourage domestic consumption and investment spending via the money multiplier mechanism – something that can only be achieved if there are sufficient savings available.

 

References:

Investopedia 

​​​Wolfandco

Wikipedia

 

 

Europe Faces Its Worst Food Crisis In Decades

 

 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, headquarters located in Rome, was established in October 1945 by the United Nations assembly in the wake of World War 2. Its aim is to improve nutrition and living standards, agricultural productivity, and the conditions of farmers and make the best use of the world's food resources. It provides food and nutrition advice, technical assistance, and other support to people in need in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

During a meeting on 8th June 2022, FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, participated with dozens of ministers at the summit in Rome to tackle higher prices for food, fertilizer, and fuel. Acknowledging a “very complicated” global scenario, he urged countries in the Mediterranean to work together to mitigate food security risks that the war in Ukraine has further exacerbated. 

The Mediterranean Sea region includes 22 countries on three continents, each with diverse natural resources, agricultural traditions, and production potential. The Ministerial Mediterranean Dialogue on Food Crisis, an event convened by Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio, drew ministers and government participants from more than 24 countries.

 

Minister Luigi di Maio opened the Dialogue, noting that seldom has hunger had such a high profile on the public agenda and emphasizing the importance of sustainable agrifood systems.

Qu noted that,

“We must keep our global food trade system open and ensure that agrifood exports are not restricted or taxed.” 

Qu Dongyu outlined four major focal points across which cooperative efforts should be made: 

  1. More investment in countries that are severely affected by the current increase in food prices. 
  2. Reduction of food loss and waste. 
  3. Better and more efficient use of natural resources, especially water and fertilizer. 
  4. A focus on technological and social innovations that can significantly reduce market failures in agriculture.

“We are facing the worst food crisis in decades,” said Svenja Schulze, Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, who co-chaired the event.

Participants agreed that high prices for fertilizers and fuels, both critical agricultural inputs, are urgent matters for global food security.

 

European countries are now looking at options for compensation for individual industries, which have enormously high costs due to energy prices.

Before the war in Ukraine began, the European Union was an exporter of grain, like Ukraine and Russia. Export from Ukraine went mainly to the Middle East and North Africa. But that is likely to change now.

The Arab states now have grain stocks purchased, so prices would not have to go up again in the autumn. So far, the harvest looks good in the rest of Europe, but also in countries such as Australia and Canada.

Rising food prices could stabilize after this year's grain harvest, estimates the Food Chamber of the Czech Republic. According to her, current agricultural prices are speculative, with a good harvest, growth could calm down.

Following this, the prices of feed, flour and meat would no longer have to rise – however, food will not return to last year's values. "An absolutely crucial signal will be how this year's harvest ends, because prices now do not fully reflect reality," said Miroslav Koberna, director of the Chamber of Programming and Strategy of Czech Republic.

 

How Do Food Process Compare Across Europe?

Food prices are skyrocketing across Europe. In some countries, however, it does not burden people's wallets as much as in the Czech Republic. Experts say that this is due to higher incomes and different levels of food taxation.

In the Czech Republic, most foodstuffs are subject to 15% VAT. But some states are more lenient. For example, in Poland, several foods are not subject to VAT. They have a similar situation in Hungary.

For example, according to the so-called Big Mac index, the famous hamburger Big Mac earns the fastest in Luxembourg or Switzerland; it takes them about ten minutes. The longest then on one Big Mac they work in Ukraine, almost an hour. It'll take the Czechs about half an hour. 

 

Czech households spend 17.1% of their income on food, which is close to the European average. A quarter of the senior pension falls on basic foodstuffs in the Czech Republic. Comparing Czech food prices – in Italy are 22% more expensive. Lower prices of foods are in Bulgaria and Poland, about 20-25% more than in Czechia are the food prices in Greece, Austria, Italy or France.

In Czechia, the prices of foods in comparison to last year grow extremely. In May 2022  flour prices  accelerated to 64.6% year on year, for butter to about 52 %, for semi-skimmed long-life milk to about 42% and for eggs to about 34%.

 

        “Yellow prices” are reduced – very often quickly sold out

 

People in Ireland or Scandinavia spend the least on food. On the contrary, they pay the most for them in Romania and the Baltic states. In Germany the average income is about three times more than the Czechia, so of course Germans can afford to buy more food, says one Czech economist.

European countries are currently dealing with compensation options for individual sectors, which have enormously high costs due to energy prices.

 

Germany will pay about 32 million euro, Poland 800 000 euro and France will according to experts be the clear winner in the food industry due to its highest investments in rescuing processors. 

Food Inflation In Europe – The Numbers Say it All

This table shows the percentages of inflation in European countries – highest inflation in food prices has Moldova with 30.2%, second place is Lithuania with 24.8% and so on. Absolutely in the best situation is Switzerland with only 1.1% food inflation.

 

 

 

Source:

Ceskenoviny.cz

Idnes.cz

Fao.org

tradingeconomics.com

 

 

 

Linden Tree Symbol Of Health And Peace

Linden Tree Symbol Of Health And Peace

 

Linden trees have a long history of being cultivated for their therapeutic properties. In fact, the linden tree has been recognized as a symbol of health and peace for thousands of years. Throughout the ages, linden tree symbolism has been associated with a wide range of positive traits and qualities. In many cultures, the linden tree has been viewed as a potent charm against evil.

Tilia cordata, the small-leaved lime or small-leaved linden, is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae, native to much of Europe. Other common names include little-leaf or littleleaf linden, or traditionally in South East England, pry or pry tree. Its range extends from Britain through mainland Europe to the Caucasus and western Asia. In the south of its range, it is restricted to high elevations.

In the countries of Central, Southern and Western Europe, linden flowers are a traditional herbal remedy made into an herbal tea called lime tea or linden tea in Britain, tilleul in France.

Tilia cordata is the national tree of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, and one of two national trees in Latvia. The leaf of Tilia cordata is also considered a national symbol of Slovenia.

 

As a drug, the flower is also taken with the leaf (Flos tiliae). It is collected even before full flowering, since there should not be fruits in it. The torn flowers are dried and used for the preparation of lime tea or combined medicinal mixtures. 

When collecting it is necessary to beware of confusion with linden silver or linden American, whose flowers do not have the desired effects. It is not a problem to confuse it with the greater linden or its hybrid with the lesser linden.

Linden trees  grow from 20 to 40 meters in height and live at least 200 years.

 

Healing properties

It promotes sweating, has diuretic effect, treats colds, bronchitis, cough, congestion, and works as an effective antipyretic. It has a beneficial effect in diseases of the digestive and urinary systems, mild insomnia, neurosis and hysteria, and strengthens blood clotting.

Contraindication

Lime blossom is not associated with any contraindications, it is often recommended as a drinking tea, so it can be drunk continuously. Linden is just that herb , the effect of which is enhanced by long-term drinking. Tea from Linden is not given only in case of an allergy to linden blossom.

 

 

case of an allergy to linden blossom.

 

Linden Ointment

  • 2 handfuls of lime blossom 
  • 200 g of coconut oil 
  • 30 g of beeswax

Preparation

Add the lime blossom to the coconut oil, macerate, and heat occasionally. Let it stand for five days, then warm the mixture a final time. Strain the oil, and add pieces of beeswax into the warm oil and let them dissolve. Fill the prepared jars with the oil immediately.

Linden Decoction

Decoction of Linden is suitable for both adults and children and has proven to be very effective with viruses. Linden leaves are also recommended for people with sedentary work, who suffer, for example, swollen ankles or fingers on their hands. 

Decoction is also an assistant for people tired of work or raising children. Last but not least, the decoction of the leaves will be liked by overworked and mentally exhausted people who sleep poorly.

Combination With Other Herbs

You can combine Linden leaves with other herbs to enhance their effects. They get along well with chamomile, lemon balm and black elderberry. Linden with chamomile or lemon balm can calm the mind, and Linden with black elderberry facilitates expectoration.

 

                                  Spread of Linden in Europe and Asia

 

Tree Suitable Not Only For Healing

The healing properties of Linden are not the only use of this beautiful tree. It is commonly seen in parks and gardens to create shade. Linden is a widely used tree in many industries. It is purposefully planted for quality wood, which is popular among carvers and carpenters. 

 

The Linden tree is used, among other things, in the manufacture of musical instruments, furniture, as a raw material for the production of charcoal and animal charcoal (Carbo medicinalis). Lime bark is widely used in footwear, basketry and rope making.

Linden is richly mentioned in history as an ornamental tree with a significant symbolic meaning. In the US, the Linden during the 17th and 18th century, became an important part of building planning. 

A similar example can be found in Berlin (boulevard Unter den Linden). In the dark European Middle Ages, Linden was used to make weapons (see Beowulf). Linden is the National Tree of the Czech Republic, but also of Slovakia. Slovenians consider the leaf of the Linden heart as one of their national symbols.

 

In the old Slavic culture, Linden was a sacred tree and was identified with the goddess of love and beauty named Lada. 

A Symbol Of Protection

Have you ever wondered why Linden is the Czech national tree? Linden has become a symbol of protection, help and love for its fragrance, charming crown and kind shade. People believed that he could drive away evil spirits and with his energy, rid a person of gloomy thoughts.

Everything culminated at the All-Slavic Congress in Prague in 1848, where Linden became the tree of the Slavs and officially since then, the Czechs have also considered it their national tree.

Lindens have also been associated with justice and the life force of our country since ancient times. Lindens transmit this power in a calm and healing way. In many tribal areas of our ancestors, not only the Slavs and Germans, Linden was a center for meeting and resolving disputes leading to just punishment. 

 

Whenever it came to finding the truth in legal disputes, people gathered under the linden tree. They say that under it the pure truth will come to light, that its fragrance will tune the judge mercifully, and the quarreled parties will reconcile.

 

Linden in Glucholazy

Tree Of Peace

Glucholazy is a Polish town near to border of Czech Republic. This tree was probably planted after 1648 to commemorate the end of the thirty years ' war, which devastated parts of central Europe, including Silesia, as a Tree of Peace ("fridenslinde" – "Linden of peace")

Studies conducted several years ago allow, with a high probability, to assume that the deaf-mute monument of nature is indeed a "Linden of peace". Linden was mentioned already in antique times  in works, for example, by Vergilius, Ovidius and Plinius, calling it the "golden tree".

 

“There are trees that you will remember for the rest of your life as some human faces;

there are trees that are almost holy.” 

                                                                             Karel Čapek  (Czech writer)

 

Just in this period of year linden trees are smelling of reconciliation and peace.

 

                                                                                                                              Margaret

Source:

celostnimedicina.cz

Salviaparadise.cz

Botanic.cz

 

 

 

What Is Solana? And More Importantly How Does It Work?

What Is Solana? And More Importantly, How Does It Work?

 

Have you heard of the term Solana, and wondered what it might be? Discover the Solana Blockchain and how its unique technology works in more detail.

Cryptocurrencies marked the beginning of an entirely new era for finance and technology. The crypto sector has taken away intermediaries from the structure of conventional financial services by introducing peer-to-peer transactions. However, established cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have significant limitations in terms of scalability. Why? It is challenging to scale up the time required to reach a consensus on a specific order of transactions. 

Due to scalability problems, alternatives like Solana have emerged as promising solutions for such issues. Now, you might marvel at how the new cryptocurrency company could solve problems that the crypto pioneers could not. Let us dive deeply into the Solana blockchain and learn more about their system. This article will also help you discover the new and unique features introduced with the Solana Blockchain.

Image courtesy of Medium

Solana: What Is It?

Solana is a new blockchain platform with a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH). Proof of History allows Solana to achieve a sustained transaction rate of up to 65,000 transactions per second, much faster than Bitcoin and Ethereum. Solana’s programming language is similar to JavaScript and allows developers to build smart contracts with ease. 

The platform comprises three layers: the Protocol Layer, the Transaction Layer, and the Application Layer. The Protocol Layer is the Solana Blockchain's core, providing a framework for the rest of the platform. The Transaction Layer is the foundation for executing transactions and is made up of blocks. The Application Layer is where developers can create applications that use the protocol. 

Solana’s blockchain is built to solve many of the problems other blockchains face. For example, Solana doesn’t have any hard-coded limits for gas prices or gas limits, which can lead to users running out of gas and failing to complete their transactions. This has happened to users on Ethereum in the past, which has caused many issues for them. Solana’s Proof of History consensus mechanism also makes it possible for users to complete transactions quickly and reliably.

Who Are The Developers Of Solana?

Solana is the brainchild of a group of developers and entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to create a more efficient and secure form of blockchain technology. CEO Anatoly Yakovenko leads the team, and CTO Greg Fitzgerald, have both had extensive experience in the blockchain industry.

The team strongly believes in the potential of blockchain technology and is committed to using it to create a more equitable and secure world. They are also passionate about creating a product that can be used for trading digital assets and as a daily tool for consumers and merchants alike. 

This is a platform with genuine utility and value-added features such as a decentralized marketplace, exchange, and payment system. Users will benefit from increased security, transparency, and efficiency when purchasing online or at brick-and-mortar stores and shops worldwide. 

A truly global and unified currency system, enabling anyone anywhere to trade directly and instantly with other people within their community or across borders without any middlemen.

Solana's Key Innovation: Proof-of-Elapsed-Time

Proof-of-elapsed-time is the key innovation of Solana, which allows nodes to verify data without having to trust one another or confirm transactions through expensive intermediaries like banks. Instead, Solana's peer-to-peer network eliminates these middlemen and ensures that data that several parties in real-time have approved is valid. 

The proof-of-elapsed-time is implemented using an optional consensus mechanism called  "Tick Time Consensus" or TICK which relies on a timestamping system to establish the elapsed time since the last successful transaction (TICK_TIME). 

It was initially developed to improve privacy for the Bitcoin blockchain. However, it has since been adapted for use with any decentralized application platform such as Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, or even DFINITY.

So far, the network has been deployed in dozens of decentralized applications and has become the industry standard for distributed computing applications.

How Does Solana Deliver Scalability?

Solana delivers scalability using a unique combination of proof of stake and Byzantine Fault Tolerance. Proof of stake is a consensus algorithm that helps secure the blockchain by allowing stakeholders to vote on proposed blocks. This system is more efficient and environmentally friendly than proof of work and allows for faster transaction speeds.

Byzantine Fault Tolerance is a system that allows nodes in a network to agree on the validity of transactions without any single node being able to manipulate the system or change data on the blockchain because of malicious behavior or malfunctioning components. This ensures trustless networks and high availability with no downtime, censorship, or fraud as long as there are honest majority participants in the network.

When it comes to scaling, proof of stake can be used as an effective method of achieving fast confirmation times for smart contracts while avoiding the use of expensive hardware and energy consumption to validate blockchains.

Solana's Core Components

Image courtesy of Medium

For Solana to achieve all its goals, the developers have developed the essential technical components to make the blockchain suitable for the capabilities of a centralized system. As a result, the network is full of several kinds of systems, and these systems work together to create a useful and reliable blockchain network. Here are the core components of Solana Blockchain:

  • Proof of History
  • Tower BFT 
  • Gulf Stream 
  • Sealevel
  • Pipelining
  • Turbine
  • Cloud break
  • Archivers

Proof of History (PoH)

The important and key feature is that the PoH mechanism serves a vital role in the Solana blockchain. It creates more efficiency and a greater throughput rate within the network. This protocol improves the efficiency of blockchain by integrating timestamps in every transaction approval. So, historical records of transactions, blocks, etc., are stored on a distributed ledger which can be used for the security and verifiability of any smart contract or transaction that has been approved with the PoH function and time-stamp verification feature in the blockchain.

Tower BFT

The Tower BFT is the second and most crucial component of Solana Blockchain, and the system strengthens network responsiveness by empowering validators to vote on the state of the ledger. This mechanism also records the previous votes and the time stamp of each transaction, ensuring that the data cannot be altered later on (data integrity).

Gulf Stream

The gulf stream feature works with the mempool concept. You might be thinking about what mempool is. Mempool is a part of the blockchain that stores all transactions from previous blocks and is used to add new transactions to the blockchain.  

This is much like how banks use their vaults to store your money as it comes in and goes out of your bank account without losing it permanently, just temporarily stored in the vault. The same thing happens here; when money goes into a new transaction, it gets recorded on the blockchain forever to show where it came from and where it went.

Sealevel

The Sealevel feature provides a significant benefit over the most well-known smart contract-based networks out there today. This is used to perform smart contracts that can operate in parallel, and this system likewise allows compatible smart contracts to leverage the same protocols. 

As such, it permits easy interoperability with other blockchains, especially those that don’t have their custom-built systems or protocol layer for smart contracts, allowing the user to connect with them instead of learning entirely new technology and infrastructure. This helps users to start working on a project together and interact with each other more easily and efficiently than ever before.

Pipelining

The Solana Blockchain is an open-source hardware system that integrates a transaction processing unit called pipelining. The protocol works by processing the transactions in batches instead of one by one using the pipelined operation mode. It minimizes latency and increases throughput on a single machine/hardware platform running Solana Blockchain software or node application code, increasing overall network bandwidth and stability of the network and its applications (blockchain).

Turbines

The turbine is another blockchain feature introduced by Solana. The Solana blockchain distributed system takes massive data and segments it into smaller chunks, and this data can be sent to the computer faster and use less bandwidth.

Cloudbreak

The cloudbreak is another Solana network’s account database, and this system enhances iterations by enabling the system to read and write data simultaneously. Cloudbreak works in line with pipelining and other protocols.

Archivers

Archivers represent a group of nodes that are interconnected in a system outside the main Solana network and work as storage for Solana.

This means that if a node joins a network, it will not be able to join the Archiver network until it has been synced from one of the Archiver nodes or has its Archiver node created by another node in the main Solana network.

The reason is that nodes in the archiver network do not store any data; rather they only provide a connection between other nodes in the main network with each other to facilitate transactions without the need to transmit all the data over the network and increase transaction speeds.

What Is The Future Of Solana?

Solana is undoubtedly a new type of blockchain that can handle large amounts of transactions without ever clogging up the system. What does that mean for the future of Solana? It means that Solana has the potential to handle the load that traditional blockchains are not able to. 

Think about it this way: right now, Bitcoin can only manage seven transactions per second, and Ethereum can only manage fifteen. Solana has the potential to manage up to sixty-five thousand transactions per second. 

That's huge compared to the many transactions like Bitcoin and Ethereum execute altogether in a second. This makes Solana one of the most promising next-gen blockchain projects, with tremendous upside potential for those who invest in Solana early enough.

Conclusion

The Solana blockchain protocol is designed for scalability. It achieves scalability by implementing a proof of stake algorithm and by utilizing a revolutionary decentralized data storage technology known as Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC). IBC allows the nodes to communicate directly with each other without going through the network’s primary layer or any intermediary node on the blockchain network. 

The complete process happens via the IBC channel between two blockchains in real-time, allowing transactions to be processed almost instantly instead of waiting for blocks to be mined and confirmed on the network’s main chain first before moving forward with the transaction or block execution.

 

 

References:

Medium

Hashnode
 

 

 

Kim Dotcom Says ‘US Is Beyond Bankrupt’ Digital Entrepreneur Predicts a ‘Controlled Demolition of Global Markets’

Shared by:

Don Kepple from Bitcoin.com

6/11/22

Kim Dotcom Says 'US Is Beyond Bankrupt,' Digital Entrepreneur Predicts a 'Controlled Demolition of Global Markets'

ECONOMICS

by Jamie Redman

Kim Dotcom Says 'US Is Beyond Bankrupt,' Digital Entrepreneur Predicts a 'Controlled Demolition of Global Markets'

 

On June 5, 2022, the entrepreneur and activist known as Kim Dotcom published a post on Twitter and said it “may be the most important thread” he ever makes concerning a major global collapse. In the thread, Dotcom specifically highlights the American economy and he claims the “U.S. is beyond bankrupt.” Dotcom also talked about the “Great Reset” topic and how a “New World Order” aims to “shift into a new dystopian future where the elites are the masters of the slaves without the cosmetics of democracy.”

Kim Dotcom Dissects the American Economy, Says US Government ‘Spending and Debt Have Spiraled Out of Control’

On Sunday, the digital entrepreneur Kim Dotcom took to Twitter in order to discuss a major global collapse. In recent times, Dotcom has not been very optimistic about the global economy and in the Twitter thread he published this weekend, those beliefs are further described. In the thread, Dotcom explains what he believes is being planned by the global elite and he specifically dissects the U.S. economy.

“The United States did not have a surplus or a balanced budget since 2001,” Dotcom wrote. “In the last 50 years, the U.S. only had [four] years of profit. In fact, all the profit the U.S. had would not be enough to pay for [six] months of the current yearly deficit. So how did the U.S. pay for things? U.S. spending and debt have spiraled out of control and the [government] can only raise the money it needs by printing it.” While sharing an image of the Fed’s M1 money supply chart, Dotcom continued:

That causes inflation. It’s like taxing you extra because you pay more for the things you need and all your assets decline in value.

Dotcom Warns About ‘Mass Poverty and a New System of Control’

The former CEO of the now-defunct file hosting service Megaupload, is not the only one predicting rough times ahead, as Tesla’s Elon Musk said he has a “super bad feeling” about the U.S. economy, and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned about the possibility of an incoming economic hurricane. Trends forecaster Gerald Celente recently explained that if war continues in Europe, the odds of a recession increase.

Gold bug and economist Peter Schiff has warned his followers that the economic downturn in the United States “will be much worse than the ‘Great Recession.’” The digital entrepreneur Dotcom has similar views and in the thread, he claims the U.S. is bankrupt by breaking down the country’s debt and the Fed’s monetary expansion.

Dotcom stressed that the reason the U.S. has been able to get away with being bankrupt for so long is because the U.S. dollar is the world’s reserve currency. “Nations everywhere hold USD as a secure asset,” Dotcom said. “So when the U.S. [government] prints trillions it’s robbing Americans and the entire world. The biggest theft in history.”

He further added that the problem is it has been going on for decades and in the end, it will lead to “mass poverty and a new system of control.” Dotcom continued to prove that “this isn’t just doom and gloom talk” by doing the math tied to America’s unfunded liabilities and the total value of the country’s assets.

Dotcom said that even if the U.S. could sell all of its assets at current market rates, it would still be broke. “The U.S. is beyond bankrupt — This patient is already dead — This patient is now a zombie,” he opined. After explaining how broke he believes the country is today, Dotcom wrote about why he thinks reality won’t change and a “collapse is inevitable and coming.” Following that statement, Dotcom spoke about the ‘Great Reset’ theory, a subject covered by Bitcoin.com News in great detail.

“You may have heard about the ‘Great Reset’ or the ‘New World Order,’” Dotcom remarked. “Is it a controlled demolition of the global markets, economies, and the world as we know it? A shift into a new dystopian future where the elites are the masters of the slaves without the cosmetics of democracy?” Dotcom concludes his Twitter thread by stating:

Without a controlled demolition the world will collapse for all, including the elites. The world has changed so much and nothing seems to make sense anymore, the blatant corruption is out in the open, the obvious propaganda media, the erosion of our rights. What’s the end game?

The ‘Great Reset’ subject has been called a ‘conspiracy theory’ by mainstream media, as some believe it is a plot to deploy a totalitarian one-world government agenda, often referred to as the ‘New World Order.’ It is believed that specific global crises like Covid-19, the Ukraine-Russia war, climate change, and many other subjects are being used to establish a new dystopian future. Others believe that the while the ‘Great Reset’ is real and despite the theories, it is the path to a sustainable recovery from events like Covid-19 and what environmental activists call a climate change crisis.

TAGS IN THIS STORY

Americabreak downclimate changecontrolled demolitionCOVID-19Digital EntrepreneurDotcomDotcom economyDotcom threadEconomyElitesElon MuskGerald CelenteGlobal MarketsGreat ResetinflationJamie DimonKim Dotcommass povertyNew World OrderPeter SchiffTwitter threadUkraine-Russia warUS economy

What do you think about Kim Dotcom’s opinions about the U.S. economy and the ‘Great Reset’ topic? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Jamie Redman

Jamie Redman is the News Lead at Bitcoin.com News and a financial tech journalist living in Florida. Redman has been an active member of the cryptocurrency community since 2011. He has a passion for Bitcoin, open-source code, and decentralized applications. Since September 2015, Redman has written more than 5,000 articles for Bitcoin.com News about the disruptive protocols emerging today.

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The Z Generation And Cryptocurrency

The Z Generation And Cryptocurrency

 

In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of a new generation, who are often referred to as the “Z Generation.” A generation that has only ever known a world with the Internet. They have grown up in a time of rapid technological development and have been raised with ever-increasing political, social, and economic uncertainty. 

 

They are connected, globally-minded, and innovative; they are a product of their time in many ways. Gen Z is very familiar with technology and has always had access to it, and they do not need to be taught or encouraged to use it. They live their lives through their devices and social media, and many have turned to cryptocurrencies as an alternative investment.

Money And Excitement From The Game. 

The young are not discouraged by the endless crashes from cryptocurrencies, and they see it as a means to accumulate wealth and an investment opportunity. 

 

As 20-year-old Paxton See Tow told the BBC, "All my friends were talking about cryptocurrencies, so one day I decided I could get involved too and see if I could make a living." 

All he needed was a phone, and he was only a few clicks away from thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency purchases.

 

Who Are Gen Z?

Generation Z is a group of people born around the mid-1990s until about 2010. So it grew up in an interconnected world at a time when the Internet was practically everywhere. They are used to playing online games and meeting friends virtually, without physical contact.

This new generation was born into a relatively peaceful time. However, a peaceful childhood is undoubtedly compensated for by the events that take place during their adolescence. Recent developments in the world are proof of this. 

The Black Lives Matter movement in America, the riots in Hong Kong, and the Fridays for Future Movement have spread around the world. All these movements were founded or strongly supported by representatives of the Z generation.

The Economist has described Generation Z as a more educated, well-behaved, stressed, and depressed generation in comparison to previous generations.

From Wikipedia:

Other proposed names for the generation include iGeneration, Homeland Generation, Net Gen, Digital Natives, Neo-Digital Natives, Pluralist Generation, Internet Generation, Centennials, and Post-Millennials.

 

They Are Among The Technologies At Home

The development of technology is undoubtedly an important factor that contributed to the definition of Generation Z. 

In his article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Marc Prensky describes Generation Z as a digital native, and they are surrounded by technology from birth. According to Prensky (2001), the younger generation "thinks and processes information significantly differently than its predecessors."

The possibility of quick profits has always attracted young people to invest in risky assets. For Generation Z, it is the significant price fluctuations – and the decentralized nature – of digital assets that are pulling. 

Whether they are cryptocurrencies or so-called unmistakable tokens (NFT), however, no one regulates the sector, which means minimal investor protection.

 

 

The trend for young people to trade in cryptocurrencies and NFTs has intensified during the pandemic. 

"The market has gone through extreme price fluctuations. When you have such fluctuations, you have an opportunity in the market," says Lily Fang, a professor of finance at INSEAD Business School. 

"Young people stayed at home, and it became almost a game. All these factors created the perfect conditions for that."

 

The Thrill Of it All

But in addition to financial losses, addiction is also a great danger. Resh Chandran, a financial educator, said, “The cryptocurrency market never sleeps, so people really swallow it up.”

Andy Leach from an addiction clinic in Singapore says he has experienced an increase in addictions to the thrill of trading crypto and NFTs and confirms Chandran’s sentiments, stating, 

“You can watch the bitcoin rise and fall, the whole process, the roller coaster ride, the highs and lows – all on your phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” 

 

Making Money As A Game

But even the stories of people who lost a lot of money on cryptocurrencies do not seem to discourage young traders. Many of them have encountered digital assets for the first time through games that allow them to obtain NFTs or cryptocurrencies and use them within the game itself or exchange them for cash.

"Every child wants to make money playing games," says a 23-year-old Malaysian businessman who is nicknamed YellowPanther. "This is the dream of my generation."

“In the Czech Republic, the number of wallets with cryptocurrencies is estimated at half a million,” says Binance marketing manager Maya Bersheva.

On the opposite side of the globe, research has shown that one in five Australians believes that crypto is the key to homeownership as confidence in traditional savings dwindles. 

A survey conducted by the Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange found that a growing number of young Australians are depressed by traditional investment opportunities. Almost a quarter of respondents expressed concern that the value of money in traditional cash savings is declining.

A similar trend is confirmed by other research showing a change from traditional attitudes towards investment and property. More than a third of millennials view crypto assets as an increasingly valid alternative to an elusive investment property, a new survey finds.

Commissioned by cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, it found that around four million Aussies say they are likely to purchase digital currencies in the next 12 months.

The survey, which was conducted by global researcher YouGov, found 21% of Australians are readying to purchase digital tokens if they hadn’t already, including 34% of millennials and 32% of Gen Z.

According to the survey, young Russians consider cryptocurrencies a safe investment. Due to Western sanctions, which increase the pressure on Russia's economy, young Russians consider cryptocurrencies to be a reliable and profitable investment. According to a recent study on the existence of BTC, two-thirds of Russian citizens know.

 

New Research Shows That 40% Of Young People Want To Use Cryptocurrencies For Payments

Cryptocurrencies are rapidly gaining in attractiveness among younger groups, with 40% of consumers aged 18-35 expressing their intention to use cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ethereum, and stablecoins to pay for goods or services within the next 12 months.

The report, entitled "Cryptocurrency Demystification: Shedding Light on the Acceptance of Digital Currencies for Payments in 2022," was presented by global payment provider Checkout.com at the Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami on April 6. It revealed an increasingly positive trend in accepting cryptocurrencies for online payments.

Although digital currency often pretends to be an investment for young people, they often pay the most for its volatility. The "computer generation" perceives crypto as a game that can be easily and well earned.

 

Thanks for reading

                                   Margaret

 

Source:

https://zpravy.aktualne.cz

https://kryptomagazin.cz

https://medium.com

 

 

 

 

What Has The World Health Organization Been Up To Lately? WHO Knows Best??

What Has The World Health Organization Been Up To Lately? 
WHO Knows Best??
 

There is so much happening in our GOD-given world, and many are distractions to keep us occupied for many reasons. One reason could be that proposals and treaties were being discussed and perhaps even approved by the globalist few without our knowledge or consent. 

Last week, from May 22 to May 28, 2022, the WHO (World Health Organization) held its 75th annual assembly in Geneva. In this assembly, one of the things on the agenda is a proposal for amendments to the international health regulations. Titled – 


Image source: Geneva.usmission.gov 

You can also find the Proposal for Amendments document on the World Health Organization’s website under A75/18.pdf. All excerpts in this article are from this document. Strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies. Proposal for amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)

The results of this proposal will directly impact our lives, especially with what we’ve been through over the past two years. The United States proposed the amendment in January of 2022, and in this article, we’ll briefly interpret the sections in the amendment.

The regulations are not new, but the amendment reinforces some key elements. Some are crucial in what many people think and interpret as a very aggressive chunk into our civil rights and dangerous to our democracies.

Article 5 refers to surveillance and is a requirement for each country to develop its ability to identify, evaluate, inform, and report events according to the regulations within five years.

In layman's terms, besides monitoring medical information, they're asking countries to develop a system that monitors and reports data from airports, border crossings, and water and food infrastructure directly to the WHO surveillance team. 

This system should be able to surveil containers, suitcases, and equipment and isolate potential suspects in spreading disease. They also say that countries that cannot create this infrastructure for surveillance will be able to get assistance in funding.

Article 6: Notification. This section discusses the requirements for countries to notify the world about an event and its source, requiring all information to be routed through the WHO. It also lists organizations that must report to the WHO and requests genetic sequence data reports. 

Article 9: Other Reports. This section is one of the important ones, and I'll come back to it later when explaining the system they're implementing here. This section says that the WHO will no longer depend on the country itself to verify the occurrence of an event in its territory, and it can rely on other sources from other places. 

It’s basically saying that it can declare an event even if the country itself denies it or contradicts the information if the WHO claims to have other sources of information. It also retains the right to maintain the confidentiality of the source so that it can declare an event in any member country without the country's consent and without revealing the source of information. 

Article 10: Verification. This section is also curious about the language's meaning, where they move the language, and the tone to one of a threat, a motif that keeps reoccurring throughout this amendment. This is about the response time of the country once an event or even a suspicion of one is declared either by the country itself or by the WHO.

The country is requested to give an initial reply or acknowledgment within 24 hours and to provide initial information. The WHO will issue recommendations that may include an offer to mobilize international assistance. This means the people from the WHO may descend on the country and act. What is their status legally? What is their Authority? It’s unclear.

After 48 hours from the initial offer to collaborate with the WHO, if the country fails to respond or collaborate, the WHO shall (and that's a new term) immediately share with other member states the information available to it while encouraging the affected state to accept the offer of collaboration with the WHO. 

This is where they're crossing into the threat area, and the language being used is typical of organized crime. It seems like a message with a “cooperate, or else” tone.

Article 11: Provision of information by the WHO. This section is a direct continuation of the previous article, keeping the right to share information about the country suspected of having an event with other countries and parties. Any information can now be shared without consent, including medical cargo flights, passengers, the flow of commodities, etc. 

Article 12: The Determination of the public health emergency of international concern. It also adds public health, emergency of regional concern, or intermediate health alert to the title. 

This title is a long one and probably the most significant red flag in this entire Amendment. It is about who can declare an emergency event or suspicion of one, and it is just one person. That one person, in this case, is the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

He can determine that a potential or an actual public health emergency of international concern is occurring. Take note of the word, potential used – it’s vague language. So the fate of an entire country is in his hands; just one person can shut down an entire country with a nod of his head. Of course, it says, he will consult with the emergency committee and relevant State parties, but that is just to keep the appearance of a democratic process. When in fact, he has all the power to do that by himself. 

Article 13: Public health response. Again, the WHO is offering assistance to any state party in the case of an event, giving only a short time of 48 hours to respond. In case of a rejection, the information will be passed on to other state parties. The WHO can immediately send the team, and in the event of a denial, the state party must provide its rationale for the denial or rejection. 

Article 15: Temporary recommendations. This is more about the deployment of expert teams by the WHO. These teams will have access to basically everything; every site, border crossing, harbors, and data. 

Article18 is about traveling and travel restrictions. It underlines the free passage to health personnel and equipment, exempting themselves from any restrictions and giving themselves a free pass to go everywhere with no interference. 

Articles 48 and 49 are about the one-man show named Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He will pick the committee members, the duration of their service, pretty much everything. The committee, according to this, is nothing more than a rubber stamp and only gives the appearance of due process when in reality, he decides everything. 

Here we have a new chapter – Chapter 4: The Compliance Committee. Each member state that signs this amendment must establish a compliance committee, which would monitor the level of compliance in the state and report to the WHO. 

It has the right to give the WHO any information regarding the level of compliance, which could include information about vaccinations or any data that measures how much and to what extent the country's people are following the rules and orders of the WHO.

It states the compliance committee shall strive to make its recommendations based on
consensus. This section looks, sounds, and feels like a page from George Orwell’s book, 1984! This is the world they are preparing for us. 

Article 59: Entry into force; period for rejection or reservations. Last but not least, Article 59 says that any state party has only six months for rejection or reservation. Usually, this period is set for two years, but not in this case. 

 

In Summary

So to reiterate all of the above, countries that are members of the WHO are being asked to vote, to hand over their sovereignty to an unelected entity consisting mainly of one person, maybe two, who can decide to declare that there is a health emergency or even a suspicion of one in their territory.

The WHO can then threaten to share all information with other countries if they do not get full cooperation and compliance. For example, if that country's authorities do not agree with the WHO assessment or recommendations, they can send teams to the most sensitive places in your country. They can monitor food and water distribution, inspect the equipment and shipments and perform any test they see fit. 

They can shut down airports and harbors, stop the country's economy, and hold its fate and citizens in their hands. All they need to do is to declare an event. Every aspect of your life will be in the hands of a small group of people that was not elected in any democratic process. 

This type of power that is so concentrated and centralized with such a small group of people is unprecedented and extremely dangerous to what we thought was a free world, particularly in western civilization. 

The technique they use is sophisticated. Firstly, the language keeps it as vague and opaque as possible. What is an event? What is a suspicion of an event? What are the criteria? 

Every aspect of this amendment says one thing, one person will decide. Based on “the WHO knows best,” he will determine the definition of an event. That way, nobody can blame him or the WHO for not following an exact rule and also keeping all the definitions to themselves. 

In 2009, the WHO redefined the term pandemic to suit their needs making it easier to declare it. But the true genius in what and how they're doing it is in a false notion that countries have a choice. Even when they are taking your freedom, they have to maintain a false sense of democracy, as these NGOs know they have no true powers over a country that prides itself as free and democratic. 

Nobody elected them, and of course, they cannot just declare that they are, in fact, in power, and establish a dictatorship like in China, because the collective minds of citizens in the western world are that of freedom, or so they've been told. If they declare anything that contradicts that, people will rise and resist. 

So they need to act more subtly. First, by using fear, anxiety, and constant state of emergency and panic. People living in fear for their lives will be consumed by that and enter into a compliance state. Using the ultimate fear, the fear of death is the perfect leverage. As long as people are in a state of fear, those in power can demand and get anything they want. 

We have seen it in the covid years from the numbers of death attributed to the virus, which was later found to be massively exaggerated. Through to nothing less than crimes and lies surrounding the vaccine that turns out not to be nearly as effective as they claimed, not safe, and not relevant for most people.

As far as the country itself is concerned, they just need to threaten the government. Threaten to take it all away, to close everything. Like a mobster that enters your business, that in a polite voice tells you that you “better play nice or else.” It is extortion, and it’s s clear as day.  

This whole Amendment, everything that preceded it, and everything that will follow all come down to one thing. Like the Godfather stated, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” They are making us an offer we can't refuse. Why? 

Let’s Pretend…

Let's go into the state of mind of a prime minister or a country's president, and let's just assume that they are honest and not corrupt. Let's assume you lead the country that is probably already in debt to the World Bank. You are dependent on commerce, and business with other countries, and your whole infrastructure, economy, and security depend on your connection with other countries. 

Then one day, according to the WHO, there is an event in your country, some kind of an outbreak. And let's say that no such thing is happening according to your knowledge and investigation. The WHO, which is basically one man, the Director-General, backed by Bill Gates and all the people and entities behind them, tells you that you have 48 hours to decide if you will follow their recommendations—also notifying you that they're sending teams to your country. 

Let's say you try to resist. You disagree, and you do not follow the advice. According to WHO’s document, they can now share this information with other countries. What does it mean? They can warn them that you are a threat and dangerous and that no traffic of either people or commodities should occur in and from your country. 

In effect, you are isolating your country from the rest of the world and bringing everything to a halt. Would you take that risk if you were the leader of that country? Of course not. You’d never get elected again! (Remember, you’re honest and not corrupt. One of the very few, if any.) 

When South Africa signaled Pfizer that they wanted to stop buying vaccines, there was a declaration about a virus mutation called Omicron, which they immediately announced came from, you guessed it, South Africa. The mentality of what they're creating is a herd mentality that no individual, country, or person can leave; the perfect mechanism. 

This is the same mechanism they used with the vaccinations, only in that case, instead of a country, it was the individual. The authorities did not physically coerce people into getting the shots; instead, they were threatened they’d lose their jobs, livelihood, and freedom to travel and attend school. There were fired or dismissed. 

They had their name smeared by the media, calling them anti-vaxxers, and were blamed for everything. That's why so many agreed to get the shots, not for health reasons but for fear of losing everything. 

Ironically, their fear of losing their freedoms caused them to lose their freedoms on a much bigger scale. And that is precisely what this WHO amendment is all about; the same mechanism and covid-19 is just phase one. 

So why is it happening? It's just another brick in the wall of what has occurred over the last couple of years and started long ago. A small, rich, and influential group of people, who actually own most, if not almost, all the commerce in the world, are using these bodies, like the UN and the WEF led by Klaus Schwab, who wants to shape the future. In his own words, “to globalize the world,” he is also not elected by anyone. 

And by the WHO is being used to create this control over countries and people and maintains a state of medical emergency as an excuse to take more freedoms and civil rights away and give governments and corporations more power.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and their almost insane vision of the world of top-down control. Transhumanism, loss of privacy, total control over the exchange of money, digital passport, social ranking systems, collapsing the middle class, relying on a fixed income provided by them that will be only be given with the demand to agree to any terms they dish out. These are different branches of the same tree, and behind it, all is a group of very wealthy and powerful people who have a plan. 

The current world population of 7.3 billion people who seek freedoms and rights is something that scares them deeply. (And expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030) They cannot afford anything but complete control over our lives, and the use of technology is one of the ways to implement that. As we've seen throughout the past two years, they used covid as an opportunity, as an excuse to escalate their plans. 

The sheer amount of lies, corruption, and nothing less than crimes against humanity, as far as false information, the vaccines, the way they ignore all vaccine injuries and death. Labeling people who are not playing ball and resisting their agenda as ‘anti-vaxxers’ or “corona deniers” looks like a playbook from every dictator’s manual. 

Bill Gates’ foundation and his Gavi initiative are one of their tools and the biggest donor to the WHO. His foundation is behind every action being taken by the WHO. Gates made billions from investing in covid tests, and he has holdings in what are deemed very unhealthy corporations, such as  McDonald's and Coca-Cola. 

Here’s a snippet of the TED Talk Bill Gates presented in 2010 on the topic of climate issues, CO2, vaccines, and how they plan to slow population growth. He also talks relentlessly about the next plague or disease, which always miraculously shows up immediately after his predictions. He is currently creating a “GERM team.” More control, more fear, and more power. 

Additionally, The world population of 500 million is blatantly displayed and first on the list etched into the monument of the Georgia Guidestones. It seems that it may be all part of the elites’ Agenda 21/30

 

Final Results Of The Assembly (for now)

The United States Biden Administration put forward the information about the proposal above. Although some amendments were approved, some smaller nations took the time to read the proposal and saw it was questionable, so the WHO could not pass the amendments the United States submitted at this stage. 

We can consider it a battle won, but not the war. An international health regulations working group was organized, encouraging all nations to submit their amendments by September 20th, to be considered in November, and to be presented before January 2023 for consideration next May at the Assembly. 

Investigative journalist James Roguski took a deep dive into the conference analyzing the complete live stream over the five days and reporting the results. The video below explains further, and full coverage is on his website LeaveTheWHO.com.

 

What Can We Do?

So what can we do? Well, these people get the power from us, pure and simple. As long as we keep playing their game, which is based on “divide and conquer,” they will keep doing whatever they want. But we need to remember without our money, our consumption of what they want us to consume, without our silence, and without our obedience, they have nothing.

New world order is necessary, not the one they're planning, but a world that puts the people first. This 1% of wealthy and powerful people will stop at nothing. They own the media (MSM), entertainment industry, most social media platforms, and information and search engine platforms. 

They are censoring anything that contradicts their wishes and agendas, and that is how they think they control the message and are hell-bent on creating the reality they want. This 1% may own significant corporations and the online media giants that have the monopoly for the time being, but they don’t own Markethive

Markethive is the only social media, marketing, and broadcasting platform underpinned by Blockchain technology that is sovereign, built by the people, and for the people. It stands for freedom and liberty with a non-partisan approach, so you’ll never be surveilled or canceled for expressing yourself, thoughts and beliefs. 

It’s the perfect way to get your message out to countless other platforms with the technology to help you “fly under the radar,” so to speak. By sharing any information and raising the issues like the one being told here to the surface, we can counteract their power in attempting to create a sick and dependent society and dystopian reality. 

The only way to defeat their plot is by creating a united world of people who are aware of what's being done and ensuring that people en masse are aware of these crimes and this shadow dictatorship that each day with each play is increasingly coming out of the shadows. 

A united world and the flow of information are their biggest threat. Don't underestimate these so-called overlords or think they care about humanity. But be aware of your personal power and as a collective. Remember, fear is their weapon, and ours is love and unity, and our strength is in numbers and solidarity. You're not alone.

References:
Avi Barak 
James Roguski 
Sarah Westall 

Also published @ BeforeIt’sNews.com:  https://beforeitsnews.com/agenda-21/2022/06/what-has-the-world-health-organization-been-up-to-lately-who-knows-best-3698.html