Welcome to Blouny Mag – 54 SZN 4!
Let’s dive into our comprehensive weekly recap of the latest in NFTs and crypto. From market trends to groundbreaking innovations, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights and insights from the past week.
LFG !!
Weekly Crypto Market, Macro and NFT Update
Crypto Market Overview
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) Price Analysis
From July 22nd to July 29th, 2024, the cryptocurrency market exhibited notable activity:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $69,500 (+4%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $3,380 (+5%)
- Solana (SOL): $192 (+5%)
Bitcoin saw a 4% increase, reaching $69,500 by the end of the week. Ethereum followed with a 5% rise, closing at approximately $3,380. Solana stood out with an impressive 5% surge, bringing its price to $192. These movements reflect growing investor confidence and market dynamics in the current crypto landscape.
Major Headlines
Seedphrase’s NFT Investments
On Sunday, Seedphrase expressed strong conviction across three collections. The highlight was the acquisition of a ‘Winds of Yawanawa’ Flower trait by Refik Anadol for 9.5 ETH. This marks the first of 69 Flowers to be sold since Hivemind Capital collected five on July 15th.
- ‘Sketchbook A’ /64 by williamapan: Sold for 4.11 ETH.
‘Feather Blossoms | 羽の花’ by IDerech: Sold for 10 ETH (approximately $32,517 USD)
High-Value NFT Sales
- ‘Garhi’s Inversion’ by Sam Spratt: Sold for 85 ETH (approximately $270,000 USD) to Batzdu from Borrborre. The 1/1/50 ‘Skull of Luci’ equaled the collection’s all-time high in ETH terms, matching June 6th’s ‘Recoated’ sale to Blondie23LMD.
Bitcoin’s Political Momentum
Last week saw significant political developments influencing Bitcoin’s momentum. Former President Donald Trump announced plans to build a strategic Bitcoin reserve if elected, preventing the U.S. from selling its Bitcoin holdings and firing current SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Trump compared Bitcoin’s future potential to the steel industry of 100 years ago. Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he would consider creating a massive government reserve of Bitcoin, matching the proportion of gold in U.S. reserves.
These announcements have driven BTCUSD higher, aiming for the $72,000 level and potentially reaching all-time highs of approximately $73,800. Market participants are watching closely for potential one-sided moves if these levels are breached.
Ethereum’s Market Movements
Ethereum is following Bitcoin’s upward trend. Despite positive ETF news, Ethereum’s price movement has been more subdued compared to Bitcoin. Analysts suggest Bitcoin may outperform Ethereum in the current political momentum. Key levels to watch for ETH are $4,000.
Market Sentiment and Activity
Bitcoin continues its bullish momentum, closing the week at $68,200 following Trump’s positive stance on crypto. While Bitcoin and Solana had positive weeks, Ethereum closed down 7.5% due to net outflows from Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust ETF amounting to $1.5 billion.
USDT traded slightly below parity for most of the week, indicative of market participants exchanging USDT for other crypto assets. AUD/USD experienced a 4% hit over two weeks due to concerns over Chinese demand for Australian commodities, resulting in increased USDT/AUD trading activity.
The crypto market remains volatile, with Bitcoin just 6% off all-time highs. Increased trading volume is anticipated across the major cryptocurrencies and altcoins as market optimism grows.
Derivatives Market
All eyes are on the U.S. with the upcoming FOMC rate decision and Non-Farm Payrolls data. This has caused the volatility term structure to enter contango, with near-term expiries priced higher. Post-event, the term structure is expected to revert, making short-term yield entry notes attractive to take advantage of elevated implied volatility.
Google Controversy
Google has been accused of suppressing search results related to an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, sparking election interference concerns. Users reported that Google’s autocomplete feature did not suggest terms related to the incident, unlike searches for other political figures. This has led to accusations of intentional censorship, with comparisons to previous allegations of information suppression, such as during the Hillary Clinton email scandal. Elon Musk and other prominent figures have voiced concerns over potential bias within Google’s search algorithms. Users noted that alternative search engines like Luxxle did not exhibit similar behavior.
Who is Boldleonidas?
Meet the Crypto Cartoonist Shaping Web3 Culture
Boldleonidas, a pseudonymous Australian illustrator, has rapidly gained prominence within the Web3 and crypto communities through his daily hand-drawn cartoons and memes. With a knack for capturing the zeitgeist of the crypto space, Boldleonidas has become a celebrated figure, especially on crypto Twitter. His art, which frequently features recurring characters like apes, bears, and his unique take on Pepe the Frog, offers a humorous and insightful commentary on the daily happenings within the cryptocurrency market.
The Genesis of Boldleonidas
Early Life and Interest in Digital Art
From a young age, Boldleonidas was fascinated by both technology and art. However, merging these passions proved challenging initially. As someone who predominantly worked with acrylic paints, transitioning to digital art was not seamless. The disconnect between the tactile nature of traditional painting and the digital medium left him dissatisfied. It wasn’t until he started exploring illustration while reading children’s books with his son that he found his stride in digital art.
The Birth of Boldleonidas’ Style
Inspired by the simple yet impactful nature of children’s book illustrations, Boldleonidas began developing his unique style. This new direction felt more authentic and satisfying than traditional painting. He embraced a modern take on the ‘daily funnies’ that once graced newspapers, similar to comics like Dilbert, but infused with the contemporary meme culture prevalent on social media.
The Rise of Boldleonidas in Web3
Daily Comics and Memes
Boldleonidas committed to creating and sharing daily comics and memes on Twitter, focusing primarily on the cryptocurrency market’s fluctuations and general news. His initial goal was to post at least one piece per day for a year, ensuring his content was fresh and engaging without cluttering his followers’ timelines with retweets or irrelevant posts.
— Bold (@boldleonidas) July 27, 2024
— Bold (@boldleonidas) July 29, 2024
Success and Recognition
His unique approach quickly garnered a dedicated following. Boldleonidas sold 77 pieces in his “Bold Pepes” 1/1 series on Foundation and achieved significant success with an open edition release, moving 1,443 mints. His ability to connect with the crypto community through humor and timely commentary has positioned him as a key figure in the Web3 space, especially among the notorious ‘degens’ of the crypto world.
Artistic Process and Philosophy
Creating Original Content
Boldleonidas is known for his prolific output, having created over 1,400 original, hand-drawn pieces in under a year. His creative process is relentless, often working from early morning until late at night. He constantly jots down ideas, sometimes even getting out of bed to capture a thought. His inspiration comes from various sources, including the ever-changing news cycle and the rich history of internet memes.
Maintaining Authenticity
A crucial aspect of Boldleonidas’ work is its authenticity. He draws each comic from scratch, ensuring that his character, Bold, is inherently imperfect and unique in every piece. This human element is something he believes artificial intelligence (A.I.) cannot replicate, and it adds a layer of genuineness to his art that resonates with his audience.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Navigating the Web3 Space
Boldleonidas identifies A.I. as the biggest challenge for rising artists in the Web3 space. The rapid advancement of digital mediums poses a threat to traditional art forms. However, this has also motivated him to double down on his efforts, ensuring that his work stands out through its human touch and originality.
Community and Collaboration
Building and maintaining a community is vital in the Web3 space. Boldleonidas advises new artists to manage their supply carefully, avoiding the temptation to over-mint and dilute their work’s value. His strategic partnerships, such as the one with RektGuy, have provided him with additional exposure and creative freedom, further solidifying his position in the market.
Supporting Boldleonidas
For those looking to support Boldleonidas, following his Twitter for daily comics is the best way. Additionally, his Open Editions on platforms like OpenSea offer fans a chance to own a piece of his work and support his creative endeavors. These editions act like a Patreon, providing ongoing support for his content creation.
Exploring Boldleonidas’ Work
Boldleonidas’ art is a celebration of the crypto community and culture. His ambitious pieces, filled with Easter Eggs and intricate details, reflect the complexity and dynamism of the space he portrays. Whether through his daily comics or his more elaborate works, Boldleonidas continues to captivate and entertain his audience, ensuring his place as a significant artist in the Web3 world.
SHAPE Network Layer 2 on Optimism
SHAPE Network is a new Layer 2 solution on Optimism, designed specifically for creators. It provides a unique ecosystem where culture and creativity can thrive, allowing digital objects to interact programmatically.
Key Features of SHAPE:
- Gasback Model: Redirects 80% of sequencer fees back to contract owners, ensuring creators benefit from the network’s success.
- Testnet and Mainnet: The testnet is live, with the mainnet launch scheduled for Q3 2024.
- Open and Inclusive: SHAPE is a universal platform without gatekeepers, promoting diverse creations from fine art to experimental ideas.
- EVM Equivalence: Powered by the Optimism OP Stack, SHAPE integrates seamlessly with Ethereum, offering enhanced security, stability, and scalability.
- Supporting Communities: SHAPE provides a platform for various communities to contribute and benefit from ecosystem growth.
- Funding Public Goods: Allocates 15% of sequencer fees to fund public goods, supporting the broader ecosystem.
Differences from Ethereum:
- Lower Transaction Fees: SHAPE’s transaction fees are significantly lower, with a split between L1 security fees and L2 execution fees.
- Gasback: 80% of L2 fees are returned to contract owners, while the remaining 20% supports the Optimism Collective and infrastructure development.
To read the full article, visit SHAPE Network Layer 2 of Optimism.
UNFK Aims to Bring Accountability to Corporate Corruption, One Prank at a Time
Introduction
UNFK (pronounced “un-fuck”), a groundbreaking web3 project, is taking a bold approach to tackle corporate corruption and governmental misdeeds through humor and performance art. Founded by entrepreneur Gunnar Lovelace, the campaign leverages pranks and digital art to create social impact, aiming to disrupt the corrupt status quo.
The Visionary Behind UNFK
Gunnar Lovelace: The Mastermind
Gunnar Lovelace, known for founding Thrive Markets, is the driving force behind UNFK. His mission is to use humor and pranks to challenge major corporations and government officials, bringing accountability to their actions. Lovelace’s passion for social activism and crypto’s anti-establishment ethos fuels this innovative project.
The Genesis of UNFK
The Origin Story
The idea for UNFK was sparked on New Year’s Eve when Lovelace’s computer was hacked with messages from a futuristic Oracle. This Oracle conveyed a mission to seed UNFK into popular culture during the 2020s to combat a potentially dystopian future dominated by corrupt mega-corporations. Inspired by this vision, Lovelace combined his love for pranks, crypto, and digital art to launch UNFK.
Key Events and Strategies
Consensus 2024: The Jamie Dimon Prank
At the Consensus 2024 conference in Austin, Texas, UNFK made headlines by hiring impersonators of JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon to perform provocative stunts, symbolizing corporate repentance. This act set the stage for UNFK’s ongoing campaign of high-profile pranks.
Community Engagement: “Give Gensler The Finger”
In partnership with digital art collector Cozomo de’ Medici, UNFK is hosting a community prank contest titled “Give Gensler The Finger.” This meme contest invites participants to create playful memes aimed at SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, with a chance to win $10,000 in SOL. The contest fosters community participation and amplifies the project’s message against regulatory overreach.
do you know *why* Gary Gensler wants to destroy crypto?
— UNFK (@UNFKearth) July 24, 2024
what I'm about to share may shock you
but it may also change your life
our crazy plan to UNF*K the world 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/axpkXAZQjZ
The UNFK Web-App: Gamifying Social Activism
Bridging URL and IRL
UNFK’s recently launched web-app, built on the Solana blockchain, gamifies social activism by encouraging users to engage in humorous pranks to support social causes. This platform merges online and real-life actions to foster community and collective action against corruption.
Future Plans: Flying Finger Game
The web-app will soon feature a video game called Flying Finger, where players earn points towards airdrops by virtually giving corrupt bankers and Gensler the finger. This game aims to engage users further and incentivize participation in the UNFK movement.
Achieving Impact Through IRL Stunts
Memorable Stunts and Their Impact
UNFK’s strategy includes executing Borat-level pranks and stunts. One notable example is a staged press conference where an impersonator of Gary Gensler apologized for his stance on crypto and was publicly spanked by a dominatrix on Wall Street. Such pranks highlight corporate and regulatory corruption, drawing public attention and media coverage.
Mobilizing Community Action
A pilot event in Los Angeles saw 5,000 people shutting down five major banks with a dance party and treasure hunt. This event, targeting banks like Chase for their role in rainforest destruction, showcased UNFK’s ability to mobilize large crowds and create impactful protests.
Building a Coalition of Support
Partnerships with Web3 Leaders
UNFK has garnered support from influential web3 figures and projects, including Cozomo de’ Medici, Pudgy Penguins, and Pixelmon. These partnerships enhance the project’s reach and effectiveness in promoting its anti-corruption message.
Engaging the Crypto Community
The project’s coalition includes notable allies like Luca, Seedphrase, Ice Bagz, Mooncat, Bharat, Joe McCann, and others. Their involvement helps drive the UNFK movement forward, making it a mass-market crypto initiative centered around pranking corrupt entities.
Conclusion
UNFK represents a unique blend of humor, digital art, and social activism, aiming to hold corporations and government officials accountable for their actions. Through innovative pranks, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, UNFK is set to make a significant impact in the fight against corruption.
Featured Artwork
Chromie Squiggle #9998
Squiggle #9998 is a significant part of the Chromie Squiggle project’s conclusion. Minted as part of the farewell event, it is permanently residing at squigglefarewell.eth to commemorate the community and participants. The contract holding Squiggle #9998 has no transfer function, meaning it will remain locked at that address forever. This ensures a collective sense of ownership among the 3,149 participants who signed the farewell contract, allowing them to use Squiggle #9998 for personal, non-commercial purposes. This gesture by Snowfro aims to honor the vibrant community and their contribution to the project’s legacy.
Presenting Chromie Squiggle #9998!
— Erick / Snowfro / 🦩 / LAO / #️⃣ / 🔴 (@ArtOnBlockchain) July 23, 2024
Co-owned by 3149 folks that signed the Squiggle Farewell contract.
And amazingly already available for them to view in the @whitewallsapp 🤯.
Thank you all so so much for participating!!! pic.twitter.com/6HwgIhWUbT
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