Business
Minty-Swap 2.0 real or fake?
There is another pandemic infecting investors, that is deadlier than Covid-19. “Rug pull” isn’t a word that has any positive connotations attached to it. The collateral damage of losing a lot of money on useless Tokens and total economic despair will be felt by many. “Rug pull” leaves the NFT community members orphaned, picking up the scraps of a failed investment, while the founders have fled with golden parachutes. In an effort to police the NFT Metaverse, exchanges like OpenSea have delisted such NFT projects entirely, but new NFT projects are being created at an alarming rate.
NFT’s/Token’s original rug pull company will launch version 2.0 of the Token/NFT before a new investor can collaborate with the victimized Alpha group. In order to double dip on further proceeds, the original Token company claims all “so-called problems” with its Token or NFT have been resolved, plotting yet another rug pull on its community members and Token holders. Does this sound a little bit like fraud? If you are nodding your head in agreement, I believe that is the textbook definition.
Rug pulls in recent years have served as evergreen reminders of the risks associated with NFT/Tokens. We’ve compiled a short list of some of the most memorable (and costly) events in ecosystem history. The bright side of these events is that they have helped educate people about identifying and avoiding NFT scams.
Frosties freeze rug pull nets $1.3 million
Frosties, launched on January 7, 2022, was an ice cream-themed collection of 8,888 NFTs that marketed itself as “cool, delectable, and unique”. Ethan Nguyen (known as “Frostie”) and Andre Llacuna (known as “Heyandre”), the two founders of the project, had already been able to build up a sizable community in their Discord channel, as well as promised collectors merch, raffles and a fund in the hope of ensuring the project’s success for the long term.
It was estimated that the NFTs would sell for 0.04 ETH each, so, after the collection had been sold out a few hours later, the team behind the project had been able to generate 335 ETH – just over a million dollars. There was a brief period of time where the project’s website and Discord dropped, and the funds from the sale were transferred to a variety of wallets; the founders were now ghosts.
Evil Ape dupes the Evolved Apes NFT community
The founder of Evolution Ape, known as Evil Ape, stole 798 ETH ($2.7 million) from investors just a week after the collection launched. The Twitter account and project website of Evil Ape are no longer available.
The Evolved Apes project was originally intended to be a fight game, but has now become just another scammer rug pull statistic.
MintySwap , Swaps investor dollars for Lamborghinis
Layth Samarah created MintySwap Token to fund his Lamborghinis, houses, and vacations using investor money. Developing Legends of Mintonia, a game that earns Minty tokens, was a lie, used to sell project tokens and deposit money into exchange accounts, estimated at $2-3 million. Hundreds of people have been scammed out of millions of dollars by Layth’s Token Minty-swap by blacklisting their wallets (preventing them from using the contract, transferring, or selling their investments). When people start asking questions, Layth then blocks and kicks them out of the investment chat.
MintySwap also sold 10,000 copies of its NFT called “Mintonians” stealing funds from investors, claiming that a so-called “Whale” purchased all of these NFTs when Layth himself sold “mintys” Tokens and bought mintonians, misleading investors.
Openseas has now permanently delisted mintonians NFT which deems them 100% worthless. Users were supposed to receive a certain amount of staking rewards with each mintonian, but the amount has changed 4-5 times since initial promises. Mintonians were only purchased because of the staking reward promise. Token holders have either not received their Tokens or the investors money has gone straight into the founders account. Mintyswaps platform is now planning a 2.0 release, Buyers Beware!
Delisted MintySwap Tokens
Business
Brooke Sandoval’s Inspiring Journey to Brookies Kitchen: A Culinary Dream Fueled by Love and Family
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and passion, Brooke Sandoval has embarked on a culinary adventure with the launch of her very own cooking company, Brookies Kitchen. Motivated by her deep love for cooking, her family, and the infectious joy she brings to people’s faces through her delicious creations, Brooke’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
The spark that ignited Brookies Kitchen was Brooke’s unwavering dedication to her kids and her family. Faced with the challenges of caring for her son, who suffers from the rare syndrome of Treacher Collins, and requiring 24-hour watch under certified supervision, Brooke found herself unable to work in a traditional setting. However, instead of letting this setback deter her, she turned to her passion for cooking as a means of both creative expression and financial support for her family.
Drawing inspiration from her grandmothers, KC and Christina, Brooke honed her culinary skills and developed a unique flair for creating mouthwatering dishes that not only delighted the taste buds but also warmed the heart. Her kitchen became a sanctuary of love and creativity, where she poured her soul into every recipe, infusing them with the love and care that only a devoted mother could provide.
For Brooke, nothing compares to the joy of cooking and sharing her creations with her family, friends, and even her children’s friends. The smiles that light up the faces of those who taste her food are a testament to the passion and dedication she pours into every dish. It is this joy, this connection with others through food, that drives Brooke to continue pursuing her culinary dreams despite the challenges she faces.
Brookies Kitchen is not just a business venture for Brooke; it is a labor of love, a testament to the power of family, and a celebration of the simple joys that come from sharing a delicious meal with those we hold dear. As Brooke continues to grow her company and share her culinary gifts with the world, she remains rooted in the values of love, family, and the transformative power of a home-cooked meal.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Brooke Sandoval and Brookies Kitchen stand as a shining example of resilience, love, and the enduring power of food to bring people together. With every dish she creates, Brooke is not just feeding stomachs; she is nourishing souls and spreading joy one bite at a time.
Business
The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose By: Ladaro (Monsta Yo) Pennix II and Colin Randolph
This project originally started as an examination of our past, aiming to expose our mistakes and explore our transformation over time. Monsta Yo and I wanted to compare how we had evolved from a regretful period to where we are now. However, delving into our painful memories from decades of incarceration revealed disturbing and disheartening experiences. We realized how deeply we had been involved in destructive behaviors towards others and ourselves, driven by violence, hatred, and fury. Our lives had been shaped by a system that perpetuated hatred and violence, leaving us unable to understand why we behaved the way we did.
Reflecting on our past proved to be emotionally draining, prompting us to shift our focus towards exploring the factors that shaped us into the men we are today. Monsta Yo suggested concentrating on our foundational beliefs, leading to the creation of “The Foundational Steps of Divine Purpose and Wisdom.” We found that scripture had a profound impact on our lives and decided to center our project around its teachings.
I gathered scriptures that had influenced me significantly and discussed their practical applications, especially for those who are incarcerated. Monsta Yo, with his theological expertise, provided insights into the power and wisdom of these scriptures, enriching our reflections. Together, we brought passion, perspective, and purpose to each discussion, resulting in the title “The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose.”
Through this project, we realized that examining our past was not just about acknowledging our mistakes but understanding the journey of our transformation. Our painful memories laid the foundation for our growth, highlighted through our reflections on scripture’s wisdom and purpose. This project evolved into a testament to our faith and the transformative power of scripture.
Monsta Yo’s theological insights complemented my reflections, offering a deeper understanding of the scriptures’ impact. By blending personal experiences with theological wisdom, we created a compelling exploration of the Divine wisdom and purpose found in scriptures.
-Colin Randolph
Order Now on Amazon:
The Foundational Steps of Divine Wisdom and Purpose https://a.co/d/hKEPE1p
Business
Unveiling the Artistry of Abeni Productions: A Glimpse into the World of Film Director
Originating as a freelance videographer, Abeni Nazeer embarked on her journey directing, filming, and editing her own projects. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she drew inspiration from the community’s passion for youth activism, advocating for initiatives such as youth employment, afterschool programs, and improved school curricula. Her dedication to these causes fueled her media production efforts aimed at instigating social change. As she matured, Abeni established her own company, Abeni Productions, where she remains committed to leveraging film as a tool for driving positive societal impact.
Nazeer epitomizes more than just a director; she embodies a visionary, a determined achiever, and a dedicated servant of the community. Renowned for her deep connection to culture and society, her work resonates with the authentic energy of the people. Her company is not merely a business venture but a manifestation of her profound love and unwavering loyalty towards others. In an industry often tainted by inappropriate conduct, Abeni stands out by prioritizing love and camaraderie, fostering an environment of respect and solidarity both within her team and beyond.
Nazeer is preparing for the release of her upcoming Director Debut, titled ‘SIN,’ featuring the late Louis Gossett Jr., who recently passed away. Abeni took to social media to share her heartfelt connection with Mr. Gossett, describing him as both a mentor and a teacher. Speculation arises whether this film marks the final project directed and produced by the esteemed actor.