Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a type of digital asset that have been gaining popularity in recent years. They are unique, one-of-a-kind tokens that are created on blockchain networks, making them both secure and transparent. NFTs can be used to represent anything from artwork to music to virtual real estate, and they have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about digital ownership.

One of the key benefits of NFTs is that they allow for true ownership of digital assets. Prior to NFTs, digital assets could be easily copied and distributed without the original creator receiving any compensation. With NFTs, however, the ownership of the asset is stored on the blockchain, meaning that it can be easily verified and transferred. This has huge implications for artists and creators, who can now sell their digital creations without fear of them being stolen or copied.

Another advantage of NFTs is that they provide a new revenue stream for creators. By selling their digital assets as NFTs, creators can earn royalties every time the asset is sold or traded on the blockchain. This is a significant departure from traditional models of digital content distribution, where creators typically only receive a one-time payment for their work.

NFTs are also attractive to investors, as they offer a way to invest in unique digital assets. Just as traditional art collectors might buy a one-of-a-kind painting, NFT investors can purchase unique digital assets that are likely to appreciate in value over time. This has led to some NFTs selling for millions of dollars, with high-profile investors such as Mark Cuban and Elon Musk entering the market.

Despite their many benefits, NFTs are not without their criticisms. Some argue that the high prices being paid for NFTs are not justified, as the underlying digital assets can often be easily replicated. Others worry that the hype around NFTs is creating a bubble that will eventually burst, leaving investors with worthless assets.

Despite these concerns, it seems likely that NFTs are here to stay. They offer a new way of thinking about digital ownership that has the potential to revolutionize the way we create, share, and invest in digital assets. As the market for NFTs continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this new form of digital ownership evolves and matures over time.

Cryptocurrency, or digital currency, has been a hot topic in recent years as more people become interested in this innovative and decentralized form of money. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009 and has since been joined by thousands of other cryptocurrencies. In this article, we will explore the basics of cryptocurrency, including its history, how it works, and some of the potential benefits and challenges of using it.

What is Cryptocurrency?

At its core, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions and to control the creation of new units. Cryptography is a method of encrypting information so that it can only be read and understood by those who have the key or password to decode it. In the case of cryptocurrency, cryptography is used to ensure that transactions are secure, anonymous, and irreversible.

The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been developed, including Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.

How Does Cryptocurrency Work?

Cryptocurrency operates on a decentralized network that allows for secure, peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks or payment processors. Transactions are verified and recorded on a public ledger called a blockchain, which is maintained by a network of computers or nodes.

When a transaction is initiated, it is broadcast to the network and verified by other nodes using complex mathematical algorithms. Once the transaction is confirmed, it is added to the blockchain and cannot be altered or deleted. This ensures that transactions are secure and irreversible, and that the network is transparent and auditable.

Benefits of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency offers several potential benefits over traditional forms of money, including:

Decentralization: Cryptocurrency operates on a decentralized network, meaning that there is no central authority controlling the supply or distribution of the currency.

Security: Cryptocurrency uses cryptography to secure transactions, making it more difficult to hack or steal.

Anonymity: Cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous, meaning that users can exchange value without revealing their identity.

Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions can be processed quickly and efficiently, without the need for intermediaries or delays.

Challenges of Cryptocurrency

While cryptocurrency offers many potential benefits, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed, including:

Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can be volatile, with rapid and unpredictable changes in value.

Regulation: Cryptocurrency is largely unregulated, leading to concerns about money laundering and other illicit activities.

Adoption: Cryptocurrency is still not widely accepted as a form of payment, limiting its usefulness in everyday transactions.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency is an exciting development in the world of finance that has the potential to disrupt traditional forms of money and create a more secure, efficient, and decentralized financial system. While there are challenges that need to be addressed, the potential benefits of cryptocurrency are clear, and it is likely that we will continue to see innovation and growth in this space in the coming years.

Decentralized Finance, or DeFi for short, is the latest buzzword in the cryptocurrency world. DeFi refers to a new breed of financial applications that operate on a decentralized network, typically built on blockchain technology. These applications aim to disrupt traditional finance by enabling open and permissionless access to financial services without intermediaries such as banks, brokers, or insurance companies. In this article, we will explore the rise of DeFi, its benefits, and its challenges.

What is DeFi?

DeFi is a movement that seeks to create a more open and accessible financial system. It is built on the principles of blockchain technology, which enables trustless and transparent transactions between parties without the need for intermediaries. DeFi applications include decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, stablecoins, insurance protocols, and more.

One of the key features of DeFi is its permissionless nature, meaning that anyone with an internet connection and a compatible wallet can access DeFi services. This is in contrast to traditional finance, which often requires extensive identity verification and approval processes.

Benefits of DeFi

DeFi offers several benefits over traditional finance, including:

Openness and Transparency: DeFi protocols operate on a public blockchain, meaning that all transactions are transparent and auditable by anyone.

No Middlemen: DeFi eliminates the need for intermediaries such as banks, brokers, or insurance companies, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

Accessibility: Anyone with an internet connection can access DeFi services, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

Programmability: DeFi protocols are programmable, meaning that developers can build on top of existing protocols to create new financial applications and services.

Challenges of DeFi

While DeFi offers many benefits, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed:

Security: DeFi protocols are susceptible to hacks and exploits, and users need to be vigilant when using these services.

Complexity: DeFi protocols can be complex, and users may need to have a technical understanding of blockchain technology to use them effectively.

Scalability: As DeFi grows in popularity, the current infrastructure may not be able to handle the increased demand, leading to slower transaction times and higher fees.

Conclusion

DeFi is an exciting development in the cryptocurrency world that has the potential to revolutionize traditional finance. While there are challenges that need to be addressed, the benefits of DeFi are clear, and it is likely that we will see continued growth and innovation in this space in the coming years.

Cryptocurrency is quickly becoming a popular payment method around the world. As more businesses and individuals begin to recognize the benefits of using digital currency, its adoption is on the rise.

One of the key advantages of cryptocurrency as a payment method is that it is fast and secure. Transactions are processed quickly and are verified by a network of computers around the world, making it virtually impossible for them to be hacked or compromised. This means that businesses can accept payments from customers anywhere in the world, without having to worry about security issues or delays.

Another advantage of cryptocurrency is that it is borderless. Traditional payment methods such as credit cards and wire transfers are often subject to high fees and lengthy processing times when used for international transactions. With cryptocurrency, there are no borders or restrictions, making it an ideal payment method for global transactions.

In addition, cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly accessible to the average person. As more businesses begin to accept digital currency, consumers are also becoming more comfortable with using it. Digital wallets are easy to set up and use, and there are now numerous cryptocurrency exchanges where users can buy and sell digital currency.

Despite these advantages, there are still some challenges to widespread adoption of cryptocurrency as a payment method. One of the biggest hurdles is volatility. The value of digital currency can fluctuate wildly, which makes it difficult for businesses to set prices and for consumers to budget effectively.

However, many experts believe that as the technology behind cryptocurrency continues to improve, these challenges will become less of an issue. The rise of stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies that are pegged to a stable asset such as the US dollar, are also helping to mitigate some of the volatility.

Overall, the rise of cryptocurrency as a global payment method is an exciting development that has the potential to revolutionize the way we transact business. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how digital currency continues to disrupt traditional payment methods and reshape the global economy.

As cryptocurrency becomes more popular and valuable, the energy consumption required for mining these digital assets has come under scrutiny. Cryptocurrency mining requires powerful computers to solve complex mathematical equations, which consume a significant amount of electricity.

So, what is the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining?

Energy consumption:

The energy consumption required for cryptocurrency mining is significant. According to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index, Bitcoin mining alone consumes around 114.68 TWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of the entire country of Argentina. This high energy consumption is largely due to the use of powerful computing equipment, such as ASIC miners, which require a lot of electricity to operate.

Carbon emissions:

The high energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining also results in significant carbon emissions. The University of Cambridge estimated that Bitcoin mining alone accounts for around 0.6% of the world's total carbon emissions. This is due to the fact that a large percentage of the world's electricity is generated from fossil fuels.

E-waste:

Cryptocurrency mining equipment also generates e-waste, which is harmful to the environment. When mining equipment becomes outdated or no longer profitable, it is often discarded, leading to a build-up of electronic waste. This waste can contain hazardous materials that can cause environmental damage if not disposed of properly.

What are the solutions to reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining?

Renewable energy:

One of the most effective solutions to reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining is to shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Some cryptocurrency mining companies have already begun using renewable energy sources to power their operations, and this trend is expected to continue.

Energy-efficient hardware:

Another solution to reduce the energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining is to use energy-efficient hardware. Some newer models of ASIC miners are designed to use less energy than older models, and the use of these more efficient machines can significantly reduce the energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining.

Recycling:

Finally, recycling and repurposing of mining equipment can help reduce e-waste. Instead of discarding outdated equipment, it can be recycled or repurposed for other uses, such as scientific research or other computing tasks.

Conclusion:

The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining is a significant concern that needs to be addressed. Shifting to renewable energy sources, using energy-efficient hardware, and recycling and repurposing mining equipment are some of the solutions that can help reduce the impact of cryptocurrency mining on the environment. As the popularity of cryptocurrency continues to grow, it is important to prioritize sustainable practices to mitigate the impact on the environment.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has been one of the most notable developments in the crypto world over the past few years. This new approach to finance has been touted as a way to disrupt traditional financial systems and create a more accessible and transparent financial ecosystem.

So, what exactly is DeFi?

DeFi is a term used to describe a variety of financial applications and platforms built on top of blockchain technology. These applications are decentralized, meaning they are not controlled by any central authority, and are open to anyone with an internet connection. DeFi platforms typically use smart contracts, self-executing code that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement, to manage transactions and automate processes.

How is DeFi different from traditional finance?

DeFi is fundamentally different from traditional finance in several ways. Firstly, it is decentralized, meaning there is no central authority controlling the system. This allows for greater accessibility and transparency, as anyone can participate in the system and see the transactions taking place.

Secondly, DeFi is built on blockchain technology, which provides a high degree of security and immutability. Transactions on a blockchain cannot be altered or deleted, providing a level of transparency and accountability that is not possible in traditional financial systems.

Finally, DeFi offers a range of financial services that are not typically available in traditional finance, such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and prediction markets.

What are the benefits of DeFi?

DeFi offers several benefits over traditional finance. Firstly, it is more accessible, as anyone with an internet connection can participate in the system. This is particularly important for people who are unbanked or underbanked, who may not have access to traditional financial services.

Secondly, DeFi offers greater transparency and accountability, as all transactions are recorded on a blockchain and can be audited by anyone. This reduces the potential for fraud and corruption, and helps to build trust in the system.

Finally, DeFi offers a range of financial services that are not typically available in traditional finance. For example, lending platforms allow people to borrow and lend money without the need for a central intermediary, while decentralized exchanges allow people to trade cryptocurrencies without the need for a centralized exchange.

What are the challenges of DeFi?

As with any emerging technology, there are challenges associated with DeFi. One of the biggest challenges is scalability, as the current infrastructure supporting DeFi is not yet able to handle the level of demand that traditional financial systems can.

Another challenge is the potential for security vulnerabilities, as the code powering DeFi platforms is open source and can be vulnerable to attack. This has led to several high-profile hacks and thefts in the DeFi space.

Finally, there is also the challenge of regulation, as DeFi platforms are currently largely unregulated. This has led to concerns about money laundering and other illegal activities taking place on these platforms.

Conclusion:

DeFi is a new and exciting development in the crypto world, with the potential to disrupt traditional finance and create a more accessible and transparent financial ecosystem. While there are challenges associated with DeFi, its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. As the technology and infrastructure supporting DeFi continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative uses for this new approach to finance.

Over the past few years, cryptocurrencies have gained widespread attention and adoption among investors and traders. One of the most recent developments in the crypto world is the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These unique digital assets have been making headlines due to their skyrocketing prices and popularity.

So, what are NFTs?

An NFT is a type of cryptographic token that represents a unique asset, such as a piece of artwork, a tweet, or a video. Unlike cryptocurrencies, which are interchangeable and have the same value, each NFT is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated. This makes them a valuable digital asset in the same way that physical art, collectibles, and other unique items hold value.

Why are NFTs becoming popular?

NFTs have gained popularity due to their potential for creating scarcity in the digital world. With the increasing prevalence of digital art and other digital assets, NFTs provide a way for creators to monetize their work and maintain ownership. Additionally, NFTs can be used for gaming and other virtual experiences, creating unique and immersive experiences for users.

Another reason for the popularity of NFTs is the ability to verify ownership and authenticity. The blockchain technology used to create NFTs allows for a secure and transparent record of ownership, preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the asset.

How are NFTs being used?

NFTs are being used in a variety of ways, from the sale of digital art and collectibles to virtual real estate and even tweets. Some artists and creators are using NFTs as a new way to monetize their work, while others are exploring the potential for creating unique and immersive virtual experiences.

One of the most notable examples of NFTs in action is the sale of Beeple's "The First 5000 Days" digital artwork for $69 million at Christie's auction house in March 2021. This sale made Beeple one of the most valuable living artists and brought significant attention to the potential of NFTs.

What are the risks and challenges of NFTs?

As with any emerging technology, there are risks and challenges associated with NFTs. One concern is the potential for scams and fraud, as the unregulated nature of the crypto world can make it easy for bad actors to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

Another challenge is the environmental impact of NFTs, as the energy consumption required to create and trade them can be significant. This has led to criticism of NFTs as a wasteful and unsustainable technology.

Conclusion:

NFTs are a new and exciting development in the crypto world, with the potential to revolutionize how we think about digital assets and ownership. While there are risks and challenges associated with NFTs, their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. As the technology and infrastructure supporting NFTs continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative uses for this unique digital asset.

The article discusses how El Salvador has become the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as a national currency. The move was announced by President Nayib Bukele in June 2021 and officially went into effect on September 7, 2021.

Under the new law, businesses in El Salvador must accept Bitcoin as payment alongside the U.S. dollar, which has been the country's official currency since 2001. The government has also created a $150 million trust fund to facilitate the conversion of Bitcoin to U.S. dollars, in case businesses want to avoid the cryptocurrency's volatility.

The article notes that the move has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Supporters see it as a way to boost financial inclusion and promote innovation, while critics worry about the potential risks and uncertainties associated with Bitcoin, including its volatility and susceptibility to fraud and hacking.

The article also discusses how the move could have broader implications for the future of cryptocurrency adoption. Other countries, including Panama and Brazil, have expressed interest in adopting Bitcoin or creating their own digital currencies. Additionally, the move could lead to increased demand for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as more people become aware of their potential uses and benefits.

The article discusses how cryptocurrency firms are scrambling to keep up with the surging demand for Bitcoin and other digital coins. The cryptocurrency market has seen a dramatic increase in activity in recent months, with more people buying and trading cryptocurrencies than ever before.

According to the article, some cryptocurrency exchanges have reported record-high trading volumes, while others are struggling to keep up with customer demand. Some firms are also facing challenges in scaling their operations to handle the increased traffic, leading to delays and other issues.

The article notes that the rise in cryptocurrency activity has been driven by several factors, including the increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies and the growing interest from institutional investors. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people turning to digital assets as a way to store and transfer value.

Despite the challenges facing cryptocurrency firms, the article notes that many in the industry remain optimistic about the future of digital currencies. Some experts predict that cryptocurrencies will continue to gain traction as more people adopt them for various use cases, including cross-border payments, remittances, and investments.

Visa, one of the world's largest payment networks, has announced that it is working on integrating bitcoin payments into its network of 70 million merchants. The move would allow users to use bitcoin to purchase goods and services at any merchant that accepts Visa.

According to Visa CEO Al Kelly, the company is working with around 35 cryptocurrency platforms to develop new ways for users to buy and sell digital assets. The company is also exploring the use of stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of traditional assets such as the U.S. dollar.

Visa's announcement is the latest in a series of moves by traditional financial institutions to adopt cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. In recent months, major banks such as JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs have announced plans to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services to their clients.

The adoption of cryptocurrency by traditional financial institutions is seen by many as a sign that digital assets are becoming more mainstream and accepted. However, some critics argue that this could undermine the decentralization and independence of cryptocurrency, as it becomes increasingly integrated into the traditional financial system.

Overall, the integration of bitcoin payments into Visa's network is a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry and could help to increase the adoption and use of digital assets in the mainstream economy. However, it remains to be seen how this will play out and what impact it will have on the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem.

A Dynamic NFT is a type of non-fungible token that can change its appearance or behavior over time. It is a new and innovative form of NFT that uses smart contracts to modify its properties and create new user experiences. Unlike traditional NFTs, which are static and have a fixed image or file, dynamic NFTs allow for continuous updates and modifications to the token's attributes.

Dynamic NFTs are powered by blockchain technology, which provides a secure and transparent way to update the token's code and properties. The blockchain also ensures that the token's ownership and authenticity can be verified and tracked, providing a new level of trust and transparency for digital assets.

The main advantage of dynamic NFTs is that they can evolve and change based on certain conditions or external inputs. For example, a dynamic NFT could be designed to respond to real-world events, such as weather conditions, stock prices, or social media activity. It could also be programmed to react to user interactions, such as changing its color or shape based on the user's input.

To create a dynamic NFT, a developer would use a smart contract platform, such as Ethereum, to code the token's properties and behavior. The smart contract would contain a set of rules and conditions that determine how the token should behave and how it should respond to different inputs. The smart contract would also be responsible for updating the token's properties based on the specified conditions.

Dynamic NFTs have numerous potential applications, including in the digital art and gaming industries. For example, a digital artist could create a dynamic NFT that changes its appearance or message over time, creating a new and unique user experience for the collector. Similarly, a game developer could create dynamic NFTs that modify their attributes based on the user's gameplay, creating a more engaging and interactive gaming experience.

In conclusion, dynamic NFTs represent an exciting new development in the NFT space, offering a new level of interactivity and engagement for collectors and creators alike. While they are still a relatively new and experimental technology, they have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about digital assets and the role of blockchain technology in creating new forms of value.

According to a Coinbase study conducted in 2021, around 20% of Americans reported that they currently own cryptocurrency. This represents a significant increase from just a few years ago when the percentage was much lower.

The study also found that younger generations are more likely to own cryptocurrency than older generations, with 31% of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) reporting ownership of crypto. In contrast, only 8% of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) reported owning cryptocurrency.

Furthermore, the study revealed that there is still a lot of room for growth in the cryptocurrency market, as 51% of respondents said they were interested in learning more about crypto. This suggests that there is a potential for broader adoption in the future, especially as more people become familiar with the technology and its potential benefits.

Introduction:

The Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake consensus algorithms are the two most used ones in the blockchain sector (PoS). These two algorithms both function to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. Nonetheless, they are unlike in terms of their workings and guiding ideas. We'll talk about the main distinctions between PoW and PoS in this article.

Resource consumption:

The resources needed to validate transactions and build new blocks are one of the biggest differences between PoW and PoS. In PoW, miners compete with one another to solve challenging mathematical puzzles. The first miner to finish the puzzle receives the prize of the right to start a new block. It may be fairly expensive for this operation because it uses a lot of computer power and energy. PoS validators, on the other hand, are picked based on their stake or ownership in the cryptocurrency, thus they don't need expensive hardware or use a lot of energy.

Security:

Both PoW and PoS provide a high level of security for the blockchain network, but they achieve this in different ways. PoW relies on the computational power of the miners to solve complex mathematical problems, which makes it difficult for attackers to modify past transactions. However, the 51% attack, where a miner or a group of miners control more than 51% of the computational power, can still compromise the network's security. PoS, on the other hand, relies on the validators' stake in the cryptocurrency to secure the network. Validators are incentivized to maintain the integrity of the network because they stand to lose their stake if they are caught cheating.

Decentralization:

Each blockchain network must have decentralisation, and PoW and PoS take different approaches to attaining it. PoW is frequently accused for being centralised since massive mining farms and pools control the majority of the network's computing power. Because of this power imbalance, the network is more susceptible to 51% assaults and has worse overall security. As long as they have a sufficient stake in the cryptocurrency, anybody may become a validator in PoS, which is intended to be more decentralised. The network is made more secure and robust because to the decentralisation, which assures that no one entity has influence over it.

Energy efficiency:

As mentioned earlier, PoW requires a significant amount of energy to solve complex mathematical problems and validate transactions. This energy consumption has made PoW a subject of criticism, especially as the world becomes more concerned about the impact of energy consumption on the environment. In contrast, PoS is much more energy-efficient because it does not require miners to solve complex mathematical problems. Instead, validators are chosen based on their stake in the cryptocurrency, which means that energy consumption is much lower.

Conclusion:

PoW and PoS are both legitimate consensus algorithms, but they take different approaches to safeguarding the blockchain network. PoS is gaining popularity despite PoW being older and more well-known because to its decentralised structure and energy efficiency. We may anticipate seeing further testing with various consensus algorithms, each of which has certain benefits and disadvantages, as the blockchain industry continues to develop.

The Chinese government is apparently gently backing Hong Kong's decision to offer crypto trading to regular investors. This is notable since it follows Beijing's full prohibition on all crypto-related transactions in mainland China in 2021.

Hong Kong Wants To Become A Crypto Hub

Hong Kong appears to be poised to reintroduce retail crypto trading after barring them in 2018.

The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) has issued a new consultation paper proposing "to allow all sorts of investors, including retail investors, to access trading services provided by licenced VA [virtual asset] trading platform providers."

But, a number of requirements must be completed before ordinary investors may resume trading in cryptocurrency. For example, the SFC proposed that trading platforms undertake due diligence on the team behind a token as well as determine how resistant the token's network is to typical assaults, ensuring that only pre-approved tokens are made available to traders. The plan also suggests limiting the amount of exposure available to retail dealers.

Furthermore, the SFC proposes that only "large-cap virtual assets" be listed for trade. Although the Commission did not specify which major tokens would be eligible for listing, a representative for the securities watchdog said that bitcoin and ether would most likely be among them.

Hong Kong Gets Subtle Endorsement From Beijing

According to a Feb. 21 Bloomberg story citing persons familiar with the situation, Hong Kong has received soft support from Beijing. Representatives from China's Liaison Office are said to have been visiting Hong Kong crypto events in order to better grasp what is going on in the city.

Their interactions with Beijing authorities on the subject have thus far been amicable, which local players see as a hint that Beijing supports — if quietly — Hong Kong's goal to become a regional crypto hub and is willing to use the city as a testing ground for crypto assets.

This current move comes after months of high volatility in the cryptocurrency sector, with the latest blow being the dramatic implosion of digital asset exchange FTX.

Bitcoin, the market's most valued cryptocurrency, has fallen around 63.70% since reaching a lifetime high in November 2021, with several so-called altcoins faring considerably worse.