The push to make Bitcoin (BTC) legal tender is gaining momentum, this time in Germany. Joana Cotar, a member of the German Bundestag, has expressed her support for recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender in the country. Cotar aims to initiate a “preliminary examination” to establish a legal framework that officially recognizes BTC.

Cotar acknowledges the need to combat potential risks associated with Bitcoin such as money laundering and tax evasion. However, she emphasizes that regulations should not stifle innovation and the freedom aspects of Bitcoin.

One key concern raised by Cotar is the issue of privacy and surveillance. She argues against the introduction of a digital euro, citing China’s social credit system as an example of state-controlled payment systems that invade citizens’ privacy. Cotar firmly rejects any form of surveillance and advocates for protecting individuals’ freedom.

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To promote understanding among her fellow Bundestag members, Cotar has launched the “Bitcoin in the Bundestag” initiative. The aim is to educate lawmakers about Bitcoin’s benefits, including privacy protection, security standards, and limiting excessive regulation.

Cotar makes it clear that her focus is solely on Bitcoin and its societal importance. Other cryptocurrencies do not hold much interest for her.

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If Germany adopts BTC as legal tender, it would be a significant move globally. Currently, only El Salvador and the Central African Republic recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. Germany’s economic influence could potentially encourage other nations to reconsider their stance on cryptocurrency adoption.

A black-cab driver, Micky Harris from Gravesend, Kent, has been recognized with a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister’s office for developing Unify London, a new taxi app. The app charges customers a £2 booking fee on top of their fare, which is then donated to a charity chosen by the driver. Mr. Harris credits his late wife Barbara as the inspiration for the app.

• Over 3,000 London cab drivers have already signed up to use Unify London since its launch.
• The app was created in response to frustration with existing taxi apps that charged both drivers and customers for bookings.
• Unify London is free for drivers to use and customers only pay the metered fare plus a small booking fee that goes entirely to charity.
• The app ensures reliable service by prohibiting taxis from canceling once booked.

Micky Harris received the award in recognition of his outstanding volunteer work within the community. He shared that Barbara’s last wish was for him to make the app successful. Barbara spent her final weeks at an hospice run by ellenor, a charity dedicated to offering care for patients with life-limiting illnesses in Kent.

Mr. Harris emphasized the importance of ensuring charities like ellenor benefit from Unify London:

“On her deathbed, Barbara held my hand, and said, ‘Make it work, Micky’. And I still have her on my shoulders,” he said.

The success of Unify London demonstrates how individuals can make extraordinary contributions through innovative solutions while giving back to their communities. It serves as an example of making positive change in an otherwise competitive industry.

For more information on Unify London, visit their website.

We all know the feeling of a bad night’s sleep – the fatigue, irritability, and lack of focus. But chronic insomnia is more than just an inconvenience; it can have serious health consequences such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around a third of adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, with about 20% suffering from chronic sleep conditions. This lack of rest has prompted researchers to search for solutions to help people achieve better sleep.

The Promise of Brain Stimulation

Although there are numerous sleep apps and gadgets available, recent advancements in brain stimulation technology offer a new approach to improving sleep quality. These devices directly interact with your brainwaves to optimize your body’s natural sleeping processes. But can they really deliver on their promises?

The Rise of Consumer Sleep Technology

In 2005, Zeo introduced a headband that claimed to track and analyze sleep patterns while providing advice on how to enhance sleep quality. However, it was ahead of its time and eventually ceased operations in 2012.

Since then, other companies have entered the market with innovative products that aim to tackle the issue of poor sleep:

• Dreem: A wearable headband that uses bone conduction technology to stimulate deep sleep.
• Fisher Wallace Stimulator: A device that targets brain regions associated with anxiety and insomnia through gentle electrical stimulation.
• Pzizz: An app that combines soothing sounds and voice guidance to help users relax and fall asleep more easily.

While these devices and apps have shown promise in initial trials and user testimonials, scientific studies are still needed to fully evaluate their effectiveness.

The Science Behind Sleep Stimulation

Brain stimulation technologies primarily rely on two methods:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in sleep regulation.
• Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES): Delivers low-level electrical currents to the brain, aiming to modulate its activity and promote better sleep.

Both TMS and CES have demonstrated potential in clinical trials for improving sleep quality. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects and safety profiles of these interventions.

The Future of Sleep Technology

As consumer sleep technology continues to evolve, researchers are optimistic about the possibility of finding effective solutions for those struggling with insomnia. The integration of wearables, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence holds great potential for personalized sleep optimization.

In conclusion, while brain stimulation devices offer a promising avenue for improving sleep quality, it’s important to approach them with caution. As more scientific evidence emerges regarding their efficacy and safety, consumers can make more informed decisions about incorporating these technologies into their bedtime routines.