Author: Yogi Nelson

Namaste Friends. Welcome to the Blockchain & AI Forum, where your blockchain and artificial intelligence technology questions are answered, mostly correct! Here no question is too basic nor simple. As a bonus, a proverb is included at the conclusion of every article. Today’s question was submitted by Wanda and she wants to know: What is a blockchain?

Wanda you came to the right place. Let’s walk one step at a time. There are hundreds of blockchains. “The blockchain” does not exist. Blockchains are categorized into one of four classes. Of the four types, public and private are most common, and the remaining two are consortium and hybrid.

Blockchain technology is computer software. Blockchains are essentially advanced databases or put another way blockchains are digital ledgers. What’s more, blockchains are databases that are shared over the internet. That’s the headline but of course there is more.

Blockchains exhibit certain characteristics. First, a blockchain must be immutable, meaning the contents of a published block cannot be changed. Changing even one letter within a record of a blockchain will trigger an entirely new unique identifier number thus causing that block to break its link to the previous block and breaking the chain.

Second, blockchains are append only. Adding a new block to the end of the chain is of course permitted. However, it is impossible to insert a new block in between two existing blocks. In other words, if the chain has 15 blocks, adding a 16th is permitted to the tail of the chain but it is not possible to slip a new block in between blocks 7 and 8, for instance.

You might ask, given the shared nature of blockchains and the fact there is no central authority in public blockchains, how do blockchains know what is correct? That is the right question, and the answer is blockchains have a method for getting the network to reach agreement known as the consensus algorithm. There are several consensus methods, the two most common are proof of work (Bitcoin) and proof of stake (most all other blockchains). Now, what are blocks?

A “block” is a list of transactions. Transactions are recorded onto a block over a pre-determined period. Block size and time permitted to fill blocks varies from blockchain to blockchain. Image a block as a book and each page as a transaction. Once the book reaches maximum capacity, or the time expires to fill the block, the “book”/block in the queue is time stamped and sealed. The block is then given a unique identifier and connected to the previous block thus forming a chain of blocks known as blockchain. YEAH! But there’s more.

Block 1 is connected to Block 2, Block 2 to Block 3, etc. Blocks are connected through a “chain”. The “chain” in blockchain is a series of hash tags produced by cryptography. Basically, hashes are fingerprints that lock blocks onto the chain in order and time. Hashing creates a one-way function that cannot be decrypted resulting in maximum security!

Wanda, I hope I answered your question. I would be disappointed if I violated the Turkish proverb of being a guide to a village that is visible in the distance.

Until next time.

Yogi Nelson

In earlier blogs I explained how Cardano could prevent fraudulent yoga teacher certificates and the advantages of using ADA coins to pay for yoga services. In this blog I’ll give you the environmental reasons for choosing an investment in Cardano over other crypto-currency alternatives. I’ll keep the explanation relatively jargon free.

The legitimacy of a transaction using blockchain technology can be verified in one of two ways. One method is called proof-of-work the other proof-of-stake (the Cardano way). The proof-of-work approached is identified with Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s proof-of-work has several disadvantages including the enormous amount of energy it takes to “mine” Bitcoin. According to a 2018 Harvard Business Review article, mining Bitcoin consumes as much energy as does the entire country of Ireland! Proof-of-work was cutting edge in 2008; but we live in 2021.

Using proof-of-stake technology, Cardano consumes only 1% of the energy compared to proof-of-work. Why is that? Well, the answer is simple–Cardano is third generation crypto-currency and blockchain technology. Just think for a moment about your mobile phone in 2008 versus your cell phone of 2021! With proof-of-stake Cardano delivers the same results without causing environmental damage.

Frankly, I entered the world of crypto-currency blockchain technology looking for investment opportunity. However, I want my “greenbacks” to earn a return in a “green” manner. My fellow yogis, I invest in Cardano because it is consistent with yoga values, e.g. no environmental damage, more inclusive society, and decentralization of power. I would not consider any other way.

There is a direct connection between yoga and Cardano. Yogis perform pranayama (breath control) as a means to control, preserve and elevate life energies. We understand the importance of creating energy, directing energy and preserving energy in ourself and earth. Investing in companies whose technologies preserves energy, protects the earth and enhances society is the ideal. Cardano’s technology is also all about using energy wisely. I discovered Cardano and hope you will consider it also.

See you on the yoga mat. Namaste and hari ohm. http://cardano.org

Believe it or not, Cardano’s technology can and should be a big part of the yoga industry. Yes that’s right. You may think, come on Nelson get serious. And I agree it may appear unbelievable or perhaps even a typo–it’s not. You might say, how in the world does yoga, an ancient philosophy and exercise relate to a 21st century technology like Cardano? If you guess nothing, perhaps you will be surprised as you read this post. As a practicing yogi and a Cardano enthusiast I too had doubts. Stretch out your yoga mat and meditate on Cardano as I explain.

The most recognized yoga teacher certification in the world is issued by the Yoga Alliance. Essentially, after completing 200 hours of yoga teacher training (YTT) from an accredited yoga school the student earns a yoga teacher certificate. After completing 500 hours from an accredited school the student earns a master teacher certificate, meaning the student is a teacher-of-teachers, provided the student has completed the required number of teaching hours. Follow me so far? Okay good. Well, just as every certificate, diploma, etc. from a university can be forged the same applies to certificates from the Yoga Alliance. Yoga studios, gyms, private clients could be victims of fake certifications. Unqualified teachers could lead to unnecessary injuries. Is there a solution or are we stuck in the downward dog position? Fortunately, there is a solution and it’s called Cardano.

Using the Cardano blockchain technology the Yoga Alliance could eliminate the threat of yoga teacher certificate forgeries. Essentially, Cardano can do for yoga what Cardano is doing for students in Ethiopia; creating a permanent unalterable record that proves the person is in fact a certified yoga instructor. The Cardano blockchain will assure potential yoga employers they are hiring legitimate instructors and that helps gyms and studios comply with insurance requirements. Risk managers will love it! Equally important students will have confidence in the instructor knowing he/she has earned the certificate. The quality of yoga goes up and everyone is better off because of Cardano’s technology.

Now do you agree Cardano should be part of yoga’s future? I suspect you. So let’s stay flexible with yoga but solid with the Cardano ecosystem.