2023-10-13

😲 Did Mastercard Just Reinvent Money?

October 13, 2023

Good morning, beautiful people,Hey, don't forget to do that important thing you've been putting off; it'll take less time than you think!

Now that it's done let's go!

🦘 Aussie CBDC Triumph?
🖋️NFT Ink Innovation!
📝 Gensler's Transparency Test?

🧗 Mastercard's Crypto Leap!

So, you've heard about money growing on trees, right? How about money going digital down under? 🌏

Mastercard recently did its own rendition of a financial waltz with the Reserve Bank of Australia, completing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot.Participants, who could prove they knew their own customer (KYC), played around with CBDCs and even treated themselves to some Ethereum-based NFTs.Who knew digital money could be so artsy? 🎨Well, they've gotta try and dress CBDCs up somehow! 🙄Richard Wormald, from Mastercard's Australasia division, pitched in, suggesting that this digital wave gives consumers more choice.And let's face it, who doesn't love options? 😍 Since 2020, Mastercard has been an eager student in class, hand perpetually raised, wanting to dive deep into the CBDC pool.I think it will still take a fair bit of convincing that CBDCs aren't the devil's product! Collaborations with Ripple and Consensys in 2023? Just the tip of the crypto iceberg! 🌊🔍However, I've said it a gazillion times: when Web2 moves into Web3...mass adoption happens!

💡 Tattoos Meet Blockchain Brilliance!

What's black, white, and makes you unique all over? It's the tattoo game-changer by Blackdot! 😎

For the artists out there still manually inking, hold onto your needles.Blackdot, hailing from the music-loving city of Austin, has unveiled a tattoo machine that doubles up as...wait for it...an NFT creator!Holy dermis, Batman!Yup, your tattoo isn't just a piece of art anymore; it's a slice of blockchain brilliance. NFT enthusiast Tyler Hobbs is already on board and having a blast with it. 👨‍🎨

Blackdot's nifty tech will mean artists can receive royalties for their masterpieces. It's not just a touch of the future; it's the future touching you!Just don't be left with someone making money from your ex's name on your shoulder! 🤣Before diving in, the machine will test your skin with pin-sized dots to ensure each design is literally skin-deep perfection. 🎨🔍

Thinking of jumping on the bandwagon? The company, having raked in a cool $4.5 million in 2021, is gearing up for a U.S. expansion.So, are you ready for a unique blend of self-expression and high-tech? Tattoos just got even cooler, if that's possible! 🌟🚀

🤡 US Rep. Calls Out SEC's Elusiveness

In today's episode of "Who's Writing Strongly Worded Letters," U.S. Representative James Comer has thrown some rather spicy quills at Gary Gensler, the top hat at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Comer, known to many as the "subpoena supremo" for his fearless approach towards government agencies, accused Gensler of playing peek-a-boo with crucial information. 😲🙈Gensler being shady? Nah..not our Gary! 🧌

His sassy letter mentioned the SEC's mysterious vanishing act, where the Commission has, for nearly four months, been more elusive than a cat at bath time when it comes to sharing vital documents.Comer even pointed out the irony of the SEC fining Goldman Sachs for being secretive while they, in his words, "stonewall our investigation." 🤨💸

While Comer's letter is hotter than a summer in Arizona, the public's reception has been cooler than a snowman's toes.Users on X (Twitter for the old school) feel Congress is all bark and no bite.Does anyone trust government agencies anymore? 🫢With Gensler given a week to respond, only time will tell if actions will follow the tough talk. 🕰️🍿