It is becoming more common to see celebrities and pop stars using classic cameras as the vintage aesthetic continues to burn white hot. However, most tend to stick with digital -- Taylor Swift and Selina Gomez both really like the Olympus EM-10 Mark IV, for example. Sabrina Carpenter is going even further back in time though as she has been spotted sporting a beautiful Contax G2.
Photographer and YouTube creator Mathieu Stern saw an incredible piece of cinematic and optical history show up on an auction site. While it was outside his price range, it was not beyond the reach of Atlas Lens Co., known for its Orion and Mercury series cinema lenses. The lens in question was a Bausch + Lomb CinemaScope anamorphic lens attachment, which could turn a traditional cinema lens into a then-groundbreaking anamorphic optic.
Many Bitcoin advocates now align with Tether’s ecosystem, unintentionally helping extend the fiat system they claim to resist.
Bitcoin’s Quiet Compromise
When the GENIUS Act became law on 18 July 2025, the crypto industry celebrated it as the end of regulatory uncertainty. The Act requires licensed stablecoin issuers to hold liquid reserves such as cash and U.S. Treasuries, publish monthly disclosures, and submit to federal or state supervision. At the same time, Congress shelved a federal central bank digital currency.
Supporters saw this as a victory for innovation, but critics called it a quiet federalization of private money. The United States no longer needs to issue its own digital dollar. It has simply delegated that function to private issuers operating under oversight. For Bitcoiners, whose movement was built around sound, decentralised money, that shift should have triggered alarm bells.
Custody of those assets rests with Cantor Fitzgerald, the Wall Street firm led by Howard Lutnick. Lutnick has publicly defended the soundness of Tether’s reserves, confirming Cantor’s role as custodian while emphasising that it holds no equity stake in the company.
The connection is now more delicate: Lutnick was later nominated for a senior White House economic position overseeing elements of trade and financial regulation. That appointment places a federal policymaker in proximity to one of the largest private holders of U.S. government debt and the key custodian for a company whose dollar backed token depends on the U.S. Treasuries for profit. The optics are uncomfortable. What began as a business relationship now blurs into a potential conflict of interest, embedding Tether in Wall Street’s plumbing and within the political apparatus that governs it.
In effect, Tether has become a private central bank: issuing dollar liabilities, earning seigniorage, and distributing liquidity through the crypto economy, all while piggy backing on U.S. sovereign debt. Its profit per employee rivals the most profitable institutions in finance.
This is not inherently sinister, it’s what regulators demand, but it means enforcement now operates within the money itself. The control lever no longer sits solely with banks, it resides in the smart contract of the token issuer.
As Tether expands USDT onto Bitcoin adjacent networks such as Liquid and the RGB protocol, the same compliance logic will travel with it. The more Bitcoin infrastructure hosts these tokens, the more identity, KYC, and whitelisting mechanisms will appear around Bitcoin wallets and payment channels. The network that once prided itself on neutrality risks becoming a conduit for surveillance grade rails.
The Political Economy of the Digital Dollar
The GENIUS Act’s passage also realigned the politics of digital currency. Its sponsors framed it as an anti-CBDC measure, arguing that private stablecoins preserve choice and limit government power. However, the result is nearly identical to what a central bank digital currency would achieve: programmable, trackable dollars, only administered by corporations instead of the Fed. Some analysts have called this the birth of a “CBDC by proxy.”
The policy also meshes neatly with fiscal priorities. Every USDT minted represents demand for short dated Treasuries, effectively financing the same government that stablecoin advocates claim to bypass. Tether’s profits flow from the interest rate paid on those securities, an invisible subsidy from public debt to private issuers.
By situating stablecoins within the traditional bond market, the U.S. has created a dollar based feedback loop: bitcoin demand supports Treasury issuance, and Treasury yields support bitcoin profitability. In that loop, decentralization is incidental.
Co-opting the Bitcoin Narrative
Within the Bitcoin community, opposition to altcoins remains strong, but sponsorships, event partnerships, and integrations show how quickly principle bends toward funding. Bitcoin conferences increasingly feature Tether executives and supporters on stage, often framed as “bridges” to adoption.
A familiar refrain has emerged among those bitcoiners who take money from Tether, ‘if stablecoins are inevitable, it’s better they be run by Bitcoiners’. Another popular defence is that Tether provides a lifeline for people in countries locked out of the dollar system or suffering from hyperinflation and collapsing economies. This is an emotionally persuasive narrative. These convenient mantras turn compromise into virtue, allowing Bitcoiners to take sponsorships and funding from the same system they once swore to oppose.
That logic may offer comfort to some, but erodes clarity. USDT on Bitcoin does not make Bitcoin more sovereign; it makes the dollar more omnipresent. When Bitcoin developers or advocates align with Tether for sponsorship or exposure, they lend moral legitimacy to a system that thrives on fiat’s dominance. The irony is that Bitcoin’s fiercest defenders are now helping entrench the very structure it was built to escape.
Follow the Money
Tether’s scale gives it power in markets and in messaging. With billions in annual profits and deep links to Wall Street custodians, it can sponsor conferences, fund research, and influence narratives across the digital asset world. Its executives appear frequently at policy forums to present stablecoins as allies of innovation and freedom. Each appearance helps normalise the idea that regulated, dollar denominated tokens represent progress for Bitcoin.
But the money tells a different story. Each stablecoin transaction that settles in USDT extends the dollar system’s reach and perpetuates the weaponization of money. Every layer of compliance embeds surveillance deeper into the blockchain economy. And every Bitcoiner who accepts that trade off helps build a network where decentralization endures mostly as branding.
Bitcoin doesn’t need a conspiracy against it; it only needs its followers to forget what made it different. The GENIUS Act, the rise of Tether, and the regulatory preference for private rails all point to a future where digital cash exists, but never without permission. The Trojan horse is not Tether, it’s the belief that working with it preserves freedom.
In the end, too many Bitcoiners remain exactly where Tether wants them, still tethered to the system they are trying to escape.
This is a guest post by Plain Memo. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson are superb in this labyrinthine, nervy and archly funny conspiracy thriller, adapted from Mick Herron’s debut novel. Oxford hasn’t seen this many murders since Inspector Morse
U.S. tech firm Cybastion hosts Mauritania for digital transformation, while Vietnam's agriculture embraces digital technologies for sustainable growth.
KEH is gearing up (pun intended) to host its annual Gear Expo & Trade Event, which it calls the Southeast's Ultimate Photography Event. Taking place November 14-15, the pre-owned camera gear dealer promises demos, workshops, and special trade-in savings.
Ballad of a Small Player sees Colin Farrell take on one of his most physical roles yet – a high-stakes gambler haunted by his past as his debts close in. We sit down with Farrell and director Edward Berger (Conclave, All Quiet on the Western Front) to explore how they captured the film’s sensory chaos, and how a story takes on a life of its own once it’s out in the world.
HBO’s new Stephen King adaptation is completely watchable television, writes Louis Chilton – but part of a dispiriting trend that’s sweeping the industry
The National Museum of Korea has made history by welcoming more than 5 million visitors for the first time since it opened 80 years ago. From January 1 to October 20 of 2025, the Museum recorded 5,103,709 visitors, a 69.7% increase from the preceding year. This sharp increase in visitors is a significant milestone for the museum’s history, while also revealing South Korea’s growing stature as a centre for international culture. This is happening as international travel is beginning to rebound; the wealth of culture of Korea continues to draw in travellers from every corner of the globe.
Visitor Demographics and Growth Trends
The visitors’ data of the museum is a combination of Korean nationals and foreign visitors. Of total visitors, 4,913,657 were South Korean, representing 96.3% of total attendance, and 190,052 were overseas visitors, representing roughly 3.7% of the total. Domestic tourism is growing, as is international tourism, a reflection of the museum’s global recognition. This is also a result of the growing global interest in Korean culture, primarily due to the K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and Korean cuisine phenomena.
Due to its expanding collection that includes artefacts like Goryeo celadon and Joseon Dynasty porcelain, as well as Buddhist sculptures from various ages, the National Museum of Korea captures the essence of the nation. To the delight of both locals and visitors, the combination of ancient and modern exhibitions serve as attractions of the utmost significance. Korea prides itself as the curator of the largest collection of Korean artifacts and ancient treasures.
Due to its expanding collection that includes artifacts like Goryeo celadon and Joseon Dynasty porcelain, as well as Buddhist sculptures from various ages, the National Museum of Korea captures the essence of the nation. To the delight of both locals and visitors, the combination of ancient and modern exhibitions serve as attraction of the utmost significance. Korea prides itself as the curator of the largest collection of Korean artifacts and ancient treasures.
The museum continuously upgrades its exhibitions and adds new interactive components and virtual tours to its displays to keep its visitors engaged and interested. It also provides temporary exhibits on various subjects, including the Korean Buddhist tradition and modern Korean art, so that visitors will always have something new and interesting to see.
Visitor Engagement and Enhancement
Visitors have benefited the most in the museum’s developments. The National Museum of Korea has worked diligently to improve access to facilities for all visitors, especially foreign guests. The museum’s foreign language services, including guides and audio guides in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, enable visitors who do not speak Korean to find their way around the exhibits with ease.
Visitors have benefited from the museum’s active promotion of the use of technologies in many of its exhibits. Unique technology offers virtual reality tours, augmented reality experiences and interactive touch screens. Whereas the use of technology in the presentation of Korea’s history has enhanced learning, it has also widened the target audience to include the younger, computer-oriented generation, who can enjoy culture and its art in new and innovative ways.
In addition, the museum upgrades its facilities to make the experience enjoyable for people of any age and any level of ability. The museum provides accessible doors, elevators and ramps for people with restricted mobility, promoting an inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Approx and Cultural Diplomacy
In addition, the National Museum of Korea has also become an important institution for the country’s cultural diplomacy. The museum has served for the purpose of advancing the national identity and values of the country abroad, promoting Korea’s profound and cultural legacy. Its partnerships with other important national museums enable to share the cultural exchange and expand Korea’s outreach to the international cultural community.
The museum’s location at the centre of Seoul, capital of and a tourism magnet for South Korea, adds to its worldwide allure. The National Museum of requires Korea is pivotal in receiving the visitors who want to discover the Korean culture, as the capital continues to attract millions of tourists every year. The location of the museum is close to other significant cultural and historical monuments in the city, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village, making it easy for those wishing to experience Korea’s history and culture to include it in their itinerary.
Prospects for The National Museum of Korea.
The expansion and growth the museum is planning goes hand in hand with the growth of the tourism industry. With the rise in number of visitors anticipated, the National Museum of Korea is geared to welcome them with new exhibitions and programs. The museum is working on exciting new exhibitions that seek to emphasize her international linkages and the role of Korean culture in world civilisation.
The museum engages in sustainable tourism as part of the national drive for green tourism, and is taking steps to offset carbon emissions by more readily employing solar power, energy-efficient practices, and green building materials in its exhibits and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The NMK is once again in the news with unprecedented figures of over 5 million visits since the museum was established. This is the building block for NMK to propel to the forefront of the global museum landscape, and this development also indicates an increasing trend in tourism of the country. With excellent exhibitions, innovative approaches to enhancing visitor engagement, and cultural diplomacy, the museum is expected to continue to grow and maintain its position as a leading cultural institution in the country and a global center of culture, welcoming visitors from across the globe.
Tucked away in Brandenburg, just southeast of Berlin, lies Spreewald, a region renowned for its picturesque waterways, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Spreewald offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant local culture. It’s a destination that attracts nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience Germany beyond its famous cities.
The Enchanting Waterways of Spreewald
Spreewald is often referred to as “Germany’s Venice” due to its remarkable network of over 1,500 kilometers of canals, winding through forests, meadows, and charming villages. These waterways were formed thousands of years ago during the Ice Age, and today, they remain a central feature of the region’s landscape.
Visitors can explore the canals by traditional punt boats, allowing them to glide through the peaceful waters and admire the surrounding nature. This tranquil experience is a favorite among nature lovers and birdwatchers, as the canals are home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, otters, and numerous plant species. With its unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere, the waterways of Spreewald provide an unforgettable escape into nature.
A Rich Ecosystem: Spreewald’s Unique Biodiversity
The biodiversity of Spreewald is one of the primary reasons it earned its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Over 5,000 species of plants and animals can be found here, many of which are rare or endangered. The reserve is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, meadows, and forests, providing a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.
The region is also recognized for its commitment to conservation. Spreewald’s farmers use organic farming methods on over 70% of the land, ensuring that the environment remains protected while providing high-quality, local products. This sustainable approach not only helps preserve the landscape but also enhances the experience for visitors who can enjoy organic produce, such as the famous Spreewald gherkins, known for their distinctive taste and quality.
Sorbian Culture: A Rich Heritage
Spreewald is also home to the Sorbs, a Slavic minority group with a unique language and customs that have been preserved for centuries. The Sorbs’ influence can be seen throughout the region, from their language to traditional crafts and festivals.
The Sorbian culture is an integral part of Spreewald’s identity. Visitors can learn more about the Sorbs through various cultural experiences, such as visiting the Sorbian Cultural Center or attending local festivals that celebrate their traditions. The region’s architecture also reflects Sorbian influence, with quaint wooden houses and picturesque villages dotting the landscape.
The Lehde Open-Air Museum provides further insight into the area’s history and traditions, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the life of the Sorbs. The museum’s exhibits showcase traditional farming tools, local customs, and the everyday lives of the region’s inhabitants.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices
Spreewald is a model of eco-tourism, with sustainability at the heart of its tourism practices. Many of the region’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions are committed to environmentally friendly practices, such as using renewable energy and promoting local, organic products.
Boat tours in Spreewald are designed to have minimal environmental impact, with some operators offering eco-friendly boats powered by solar energy or electric motors. Additionally, the region’s bike trails provide an excellent way for visitors to explore the area while minimizing their carbon footprint. The Gherkin Cycling Trail, in particular, offers a scenic route through the countryside and along the canals, allowing cyclists to experience the beauty of Spreewald up close.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
For those looking to get active, Spreewald offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Canoeing and kayaking are popular ways to explore the region’s canals, offering a chance to paddle through tranquil waters and enjoy the natural surroundings. The area’s bike and hiking trails also provide an opportunity to discover the landscape at a leisurely pace, with paths that lead through forests, meadows, and charming villages.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the well-maintained trails that wind through the biosphere reserve, offering stunning views of the landscape. Whether by foot or by bike, visitors will find plenty of ways to immerse themselves in the beauty of Spreewald.
Festivals and Events: Celebrating Local Traditions
Throughout the year, Spreewald hosts a variety of festivals and events that celebrate its cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Spreewald Marathon is one of the region’s most popular events, attracting runners from all over the world. The marathon takes participants on a scenic route through the canals and forests, making it a unique and picturesque race.
The Aquamediale art festival is another highlight, showcasing contemporary art in the midst of Spreewald’s stunning natural landscapes. The festival features installations and performances that highlight the region’s beauty while promoting environmental awareness. Additionally, the Spreewald Light Nights illuminate the waterways with enchanting light displays, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit Destination
Spreewald is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and sustainability. With its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, the region is a testament to the successful integration of conservation and tourism. Whether exploring the canals by boat, cycling through the countryside, or learning about the Sorbian culture, visitors will find that Spreewald offers an authentic and enriching experience. For those seeking a tranquil escape into nature and a deeper connection with German heritage, Spreewald is an unmissable destination.
The "Delicious School Lunch" series is a TV and theatrical production starring actor Ichihara Hayato that has been running since 2019.
Set in a junior high school in the 1980s, this school gourmet comedy depicts a battle between "school lunch absolutist" Amarida Yukio and a male student who is a "school lunch maniac" over who can "eat school lunch more deliciously."
"Amarida Yukio's School Lunch Path" depicts the endless battle between Amarida Yukio and a male student (Tsuburai Ken) as a running game, making it a competitive running game that can be enjoyed not only by fans of delicious school lunches, but also by anyone who likes games.
point
・Exciting action scenes featuring Yukio Amarida and Ken Tsuburai, expressed in 3DCG
- A lineup of 40 stages based on the school lunch menus that appeared in the work
・Control the famous Amarida sensei and enjoy a heated eating and running battle with Tsuburai Ken!
-Stages are randomly generated, with a variety of stages based on familiar school interiors and school routes from the series.
- The game balance has been adjusted so that even beginners can enjoy the game.
・Earn "School Lunch Ranks" as you clear stages. Ultimately, aim to become a "School Lunch Master"!
The a16z podcast, hosted by Erik Torenberg, recently featured a fascinating discussion with co-founder Marc Andreessen and General Partner Katherine Boyle on how cinema illuminates the American cultural psyche. The episode, “Marc Andreessen: How Movies Explain America,” delved into iconic films like *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, *Tropic Thunder*, and *Fight Club*, using them […]
Award-winning photographer Joe Vitti remembers the night he encountered Bruce Springsteen in a small-town campus bar in 1976, ultimately capturing just one single shot. But what a shot it was of the rock star known as "The Boss."
This one-day workshop offers a rare chance to learn directly from Natsuki Otake, a popular contemporary artist known for her vivid, pop-style wax-dyed works of girls.
In this 3-hour class, you will:
1️⃣ Draw your own design on fabric2️⃣ Use melted wax with a brush to create resist lines3️⃣ Prepare and apply dyes with water for soft, colorful effects4️⃣ Wash the fabric in hot water to remove the wax5️⃣ Rinse, dry, and reveal your unique creation
Guided carefully in a small group setting, you'll explore both the beauty of color and the quiet rhythm of Japanese craftsmanship.
Venue: somenova (Nihonbashi, Tokyo) Date: Tuesday, October 28⏰ Time: 14:00 – 17:00 Instructor: Natsuki Otake, Wax-Dyeing Artist Limited to a small group – advance reservation required
Natsuki Otake is a well-known Roketsu-zome artist who combines traditional wax-resist dyeing with modern expression.Her colorful and pop-style artworks captivate audiences across Japan.In this workshop, you'll have the rare opportunity to learn directly from her.
When planning a trip to Tokyo, many people wonder, "Where should I visit to get a true Tokyo experience?" As one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo has an immense number of attractions, making it difficult to get around efficiently. If you're going to visit, you'll want to make sure you know the classic spots that even first-time visitors can enjoy.
Nintendo TOKYO
Nintendo TOKYO is an official Nintendo store located on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco . In addition to selling game consoles, software, and limited edition original goods, it is also a much-anticipated hub for fans, hosting demo spaces and events.
Meiji Shrine is a shrine located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo , and was founded in 1920. The enshrined deities are Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and the approximately 700,000 square meter forest is an artificial forest created by planting trees donated from all over the country.
SHIBUYA SKY is an observation facility that stretches 229 meters above the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square . It consists of three areas: SKY GATE, which spans the 14th to 45th floors; the open rooftop SKY STAGE; and the indoor observation corridor SKY GALLERY on the 46th floor, from which you can enjoy a grand panoramic view of Tokyo.
BiKN shibuya is a showcase festival held in Shibuya since 2023, with the aim of "bringing new Asian music to the world." It brings together notable artists from Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and more, realizing musical exchange across borders alongside talented Japanese artists.
SHIBUYA109 is a symbol of Shibuya that opened in 1979, and is a fashion building that houses approximately 120 shops aimed at women in their teens and twenties.
Takeshita Street Shopping District, which stretches for about 350 meters from Harajuku Station, is officially called the Harajuku Takeshita Street Shopping District and is a spot that symbolizes Harajuku culture . It is popular with foreign visitors tourists as an area that condenses youth trends, with gourmet food like crepes to eat on the go, pop and colorful fashion items, photo booths, and character shops.
ZAKURO SHOW is a live performance featuring Japanese instruments, featuring performances by top Japanese musicians who are highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas, using the koto, shakuhachi, shamisen, 17-stringed instrument, and taiko drums . The program is wide-ranging, from classical pieces to contemporary music and Western covers, allowing you to experience the power and healing power of Japanese instruments with all five senses.
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