April 2025 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Watch "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks before Returning to Israel" on YouTube
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

Watch "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks before Returning to Israel" on YouTube https://youtu.be/kRfVecmOzqc?si=CG5GYRmvZYa01d_R

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Watch "President Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu speak from the Oval Office — 4/7/2025" on YouTube
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

https://www.youtube.com/live/P3uOBiv7R8Q?si=jG8aOonDxS-IJkz2 Watch "President Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu speak from the Oval Office — 4/7/2025" on YouTube

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Watch "BREAKING NEWS: Karoline Leavitt Holds White House Press Briefing As Tariff War Rocks Global Markets" on YouTube
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

Watch "BREAKING NEWS: Karoline Leavitt Holds White House Press Briefing As Tariff War Rocks Global Markets" on YouTube https://youtu.be/fly3zC_eGYo?si=Byc8iTU1iP-vkuuS

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What is the Meaning Behind the American Flag with Gold Fringe?
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

https://www.americanflags.com/blog/post/american-flag-with-gold-fringe-mean… Honoring Heritage: What is the Meaning Behind the American Flag with Gold Fringe? American flag with gold fringe meaning Nothing is as beautiful as a vibrant American flag adorned with rich gold fringe hoisted proudly on a flagpole. Seeing the stars and stripes given the honor it deserves invokes patriotism in every American. While there’s no denying that gold fringe is the perfect addition to the United States flag, have you ever wondered why it’s there? Interestingly, there’s a deep meaning and history behind adorning the flag, but there are also many misconceptions. Let’s explore more of the fascinating meaning behind an American flag with gold fringe. AmericanFlags.com is the foremost provider of high-quality, Indoor American flags with gold fringe. Our indoor flags are crafted from the finest materials for superior durability and vibrancy. Showcase your patriotism with an unforgettable flag display from AmericanFlags.com, featuring a stunning U.S. flag proudly made in the U.S.A. Buy now! What is the American Flag with Gold Fringe's Meaning? The use of gold fringe on the flag of the United States is for honorable enrichment, according to the American Legion. In other words, fringe is a decorative addition that adds to the beauty of the ensign. For civilians, it isn’t a required addition or one that goes against the Flag Code. Hoisting a flag with gold or yellow fringe is considered proper flag etiquette for memorials, funerals, and more. What are the Historical Origins of Gold Fringe on the American Flag? The first recorded use of a gold-fringed flag was in 1835. However, it wasn’t until 1895, when the U.S. Army added the adornment to the national flag, that it became popular. While a popular ceremonial choice, no Executive Order or Congress Act requires or denounces the use of fringe on American flags. In 1925, the Attorney General gave an opinion on the subject, saying that the use of external fringe “cannot be said to constitute an unauthorized additional to the design prescribed by statute.” Using fringe on the American flag isn’t only limited to the federal government. Civilians, veterans, private organizations, and military branches, including the Army and Coast Guard, can also use it. Customarily, gold-fringed flags aren’t used on stationary flagpoles or as burial flags.

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Watch "WATCH LIVE: Trump signs executive order to unleash American energy" on YouTube
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

https://www.youtube.com/live/cB6d0H3mSNA?si=_8QbfApxjR3NFJm-

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In 2024, Health Savings Account (HSA) assets in the US reached nearly $147 billion, across more than 39 million accounts, a 19% increase in assets and 5% in accounts compared to the previous year.
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

In 2024, Health Savings Account (HSA) <https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-charter-us-revc&sca_esv=ede…> assets in the US reached nearly $147 billion, across more than 39 million accounts, a 19% increase in assets and 5% in accounts compared to the previous year. Here's a more detailed breakdown: - *Asset Growth:* - HSA assets grew to nearly $147 billion by the end of 2024, a 19% increase year-over-year. - HSA investment assets increased by 38%, reaching $64 billion by the end of 2024. - *Account Growth:* - The number of HSA accounts increased to more than 39 million, a 5% increase year-over-year. - *HSA Market Projections:* - Devenir projects that the HSA market will exceed 43 million accounts by the end of 2026, holding nearly $175 billion in assets. - *HSA Benefits:* - HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that can be used to save for qualified medical expenses. - Funds contributed to an HSA are tax-deductible, and any earnings or interest on the assets are tax-free. - Distributions from an HSA can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, and are tax-free. - HSAs can also be used for retirement planning, as funds can be used for qualified medical expenses in retirement. - *HSA Investment:* - You can invest HSA funds in a variety of mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more. - Any earnings on investments in your HSA are federally tax-free. - You can choose to invest a portion of your HSA funds and keep the rest in a cash account to cover current expenses. - *HSA Providers:* - HSA Bank <https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-charter-us-revc&sca_esv=ede…> is a division of Webster Bank, N.A. <https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-charter-us-revc&sca_esv=ede…> . - Other providers include Fidelity <https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-charter-us-revc&sca_esv=ede…> and Bank of America <https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-charter-us-revc&sca_esv=ede…> .

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Bank.org — xNY.io: International Virtual Health Member Mutual Accounts (Savings/Insurance)
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

https://xny.io/bank International Virtual Health Member Mutual Accounts (Savings/Insurance) Bank.org notes that for our clients located in places like Africa, government debt is likely to restrict the ability of future governments to support health care populations, either through private or public services such as primary health or wellness care. The world’s best innovations in virtual healthcare are successful as well-developed private member mutual pioneers. The exciting thing about these private member mutual accounts is the next-level reinvention of healthcare savings accounts. Bank.org owns the international virtual health platform MyDr.co, and upholds the notion that healthcare savings accounts are a wise store of value inside many depressed banking economies. MyDr.co’s founders set out to assess the integrity of the government which plays a critical role in the ongoing governance, legal framework, regulation, policy development and stability of the healthcare income system. Unfortunately, there is very little transparency about the overall costs of running many public systems or the total direct and indirect fees that are charged to participants. Private member mutual accounts have an incentive to be transparent, further allowing members complete and full control of their healthcare records. An essential characteristic of a sound healthcare finance system is that a member who opts into private options sees accrued benefits that are not subject to the financial position of the public healthcare system. For example, one industry virtual health trailblazer, MyDr.co, offers cross-border consultations with doctors throughout Europe and is organized as a private mutual membership model. Each month, MyDr.co’s member dues are deposited inside their healthcare savings accounts. While earning interest, the funds from the savings accounts can be used as necessary throughout a member’s life. MyDr.co’s concept is 100x of the traditional HSA. Further scrutiny highlights the fact that economies of scale matter. That is, it is likely that as MyDr.co will increase in size, a proportion of assets will reduce and some (or all) of these benefits will be passed to our mutual members. With these cross-border private mutual memberships, scales are not pinned down to one country, or even one continent. This sort of efficiency allows for greater return on member health savings accounts, further allowing for the mutual account to offer special exclusive benefits depending on the size of membership. Private virtual health member mutual accounts are desirable in that they provide members with access to an independent body, should any disputes arise for patients navigating the public system. Perhaps more intriguing, private mutual savings accounts create a new lifetime growth asset for members. Public systems are bleeding money to keep their operations afloat. Bank.org recognizes the provision of healthcare savings benefits can represent an individual’s most important financial utility. There is good reason for such a provision to exist in the form of a private sector virtual health mutual account. Mydr.co’s findings are clear. Public options that delve into the exciting world of virtual health never result in savings. Instead, they perpetuate the old-world government budget tailspins into further depths of financial and budgetary jeopardy. Bank.org forecasts that the savings and/or insurance accounts that MyDr.co aims to offer as virtual health member mutual accounts provide administrative savings compared to public health plans. Many individuals will have access to better overall care, and these accounts also provide the overall best return for mutual savings accounts over time. MyDr.co sees an opportunity to add value through a broader range of virtual health access and is actively investing to expand service opportunities in Africa and Australia to extend the platform beyond Europe. Bank.org has thought about the future and notes healthcare savings accounts play a critical role in a multi-pillar asset structure, particularly in providing solutions for financial pressures associated with young populations. These healthcare savings assets are extremely wise, as the savings accounts represent assets set aside to provide future overall life benefits. Bank.org indicators show success in the level of assets set aside to fund growing each month versus the longer terms associated with public fund structures. The longer the period between contributions, the larger the total value of benefits that will be needed, and hence there will be an increased financial strain placed on the overall system. Monthly contributions prove to be a key factor in the ability of the system to pay future benefits. Bank.org aims to offer a voluntary opt-in private member mutual system outside of the government's public system with access to a range of financial and non-financial assets and informal support, such as healthcare and wellness points awarded for healthy behaviors. Ensuring that the accumulated benefits start as early as possible (focusing on students as they enter University) and are preserved over the course of life represents an important design feature for private member mutual arrangements. In addition to these design benefits, the most important contributor to the long-term confidence of virtual health mutual account members is that they receive good value from their membership at reasonable costs. Bank.org feels private health savings accounts are of great economic importance and that MyDr.co can supplement public health schemes and the associated current level of government debt and economic growth in each country.

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Fwd: The Biggest Crypto Security Risks of 2025—Are You Prepared?
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Jesmine DeJesus <jdejesus(a)fireblocks.com> Date: Tue, Apr 8, 2025, 11:35 AM Subject: The Biggest Crypto Security Risks of 2025—Are You Prepared? To: <g(a)xny.io> View in browser <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> [image: Fireblocks-Logo@2x] Hi Gunnar, The ByBit hack is just the latest example of how attackers are evolving—API exploits, blind signing vulnerabilities, and deepfake-driven fraud are accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Our 2025 crypto security report, The New Frontier of Crypto Security <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…>, breaks down: ✔ The top security risks facing exchanges, institutions, and Web3 businesses ✔ Why traditional security models aren’t built for today’s threats ✔ 7 key strategies to outpace evolving attack methods *Read the full report →* <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> Want more expert insights? Join Fireblocks VP Security & Trust Products, Shahar Madar, on *March 13th @ 10 AM ET* for a live session on today’s most sophisticated attack methods—and how to stop them. *Register for the webinar* <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> *The threats are evolving. Your security should, too.* Get the insights now. *Battle-tested digital asset security.* Request a demo <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…>. [image: YouTube] <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> [image: LinkedIn] <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> [image: X] <https://emails.fireblocks.com/e3t/Ctc/GC+113/cwJqf04/VWmBqT43TV91W427kHL7yH…> Fireblocks, 441 9th Ave, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001, United States <https://www.google.com/maps/search/441+9th+Ave,+15th+Floor,+New+York,+NY+10…> Unsubscribe <https://emails.fireblocks.com/hs/preferences-center/en/direct?data=W2nXS-N3…> Manage preferences <https://emails.fireblocks.com/hs/preferences-center/en/page?data=W2nXS-N30h…>

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In other news: Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis as gangs overwhelm security forces, already displacing over 78,500 people since the start of the year, according to Save the Children. [Reuters]
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

In other news U.S. Catholic bishops *ended a century-old refugee resettlement program* after “drastic” funding cuts by the Trump administration, halting services for refugees and undocumented children. [The Washington Post <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGZtA5w9UdJ0Lhr6VF-NbSJUOvPfApTD6iQmiN…> ] *Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis* as gangs overwhelm security forces, already displacing over 78,500 people since the start of the year, according to Save the Children. [Reuters <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGZtA5w9jCOxOGPVrzj_2NVNiF7yRdPcu7fx4p…> ] Médecins Sans Frontiéres reported the *first cases of child malnutrition in Greece’s migrant facility*, urging immediate action after finding six Syrian and Afghan children needing urgent care. [Al Jazeera <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGZtA5w9jIIPod48S00ViSezbMV7wyJh3QqerD…> ]

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AI for all: “Africa stands at a defining moment,” she wrote. “With the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, we have an opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence for economic growth, job creation, and social progress.”
by Gunnar Larson 08 Apr '25

08 Apr '25

AI for all Ahead of the Global AI Summit on Africa last week, Rose Kimu, a Mastercard Foundation <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGZtA5w9TyunlbuzQJ4sbHwEtCe0oo2pmtxXL2…> scholar at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, urged leaders to invest in young women <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POhclVMjy-fPC1nQx1DZzXLlfdZzubphg…> like herself so that Africa can benefit from the AI revolution. <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POhclVMjy-fPC1nQx1DZzXLlfdZzubphg…> “My journey — from an overcrowded public school where I was one of nearly 100 students sharing a single classroom, to conducting advanced AI research at a prestigious university — has given me a unique insight into both the privilege and systemic barriers facing many young Africans,” she wrote in an opinion piece for Devex, *outlining ways to break down those barriers*, from mentorship programs to stronger AI governance. “Africa stands at a defining moment,” she wrote. “With the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, we have an opportunity to *leverage artificial intelligence for economic growth, job creation, and social progress*.” *Opinion:* Africa's AI future hinges on youth investment <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POhclVMjy-fPC1nQx1DZzXLlfdZzubphg…>

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