Good evening (because it's always evening somewhere!). You're reading "To The Moon," it’s Friday and we just found out we may have been looking at stolen art all week. But on the other hand, new use-cases are being launched for NFTs! Let’s dive in!

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• Atomic Ordinals Are Just…Stolen Art?

• Cyberspace Treasure Hunts: BND Recruits Hacker Hunters via NFTs!

• Half Moons 🌗 - Daily tidbits

• NFTevening's Shooting Star 🌠 - Our artist of the day

• Dark Side of The Meme 🌚 - your daily dose of NFT laughter

To the Moon index

Atomic Ordinals Are Just…Stolen Art?

Prominent Web3 figure Elena is facing intense backlash over her Atomic Ordinals project due to the revelation that she used stolen NFT art. The project, an NFT collection on the BRC-20 network, aimed to “showcase Elena's diverse interests through exclusive on-chain abstract art with rare Bitcoin Sats”.

The controversy revolves around the Heart of Genesis, a centerpiece inscribed on a Sat mined by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, which previously sold for 0.7875 BTC ($23,700). Elena postponed the collection's release on Magic Eden after the scandal broke and the platform removed Atomic Ordinals from its launchpad. Big oof!

Prior to this, Elena had been accused of imitating another artist's project, Abstraordinals. She initially claimed to have created the art herself but was later exposed for stealing and purchasing art.

A supporter of Elena attempted to discredit the evidence by pointing out inappropriate behavior by one of the accusers. Elena received significant hate and death threats, prompting her to postpone the release and address concerns about the art's originality.

NFT Mfers be like:

However, she contradicted herself in an AMA session, admitting to making a pixel-perfect copy of the artwork. Elena's reputation has been severely damaged, and she no longer holds her previous position as a Researcher in Residence for Azuki.

The incident highlights the importance of due diligence and caution in the Web3 space, which has a history of scams and unethical practices.

Read the full story here

Cyberspace Treasure Hunts: BND Recruits Hacker Hunters via NFTs!

Germany's intelligence agency, Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), is utilizing NFTs and a cyber quest to recruit new talent in cybersecurity.

The "Dogs of BND" NFT collection features 999 dog-themed profile pictures that can only be earned through a cyber quest testing the desired skills.

Participants must navigate real-life cybersecurity scenarios and uncover clues to gain access to the collection.

The cost to mint an NFT from the collection is minimal, but their value increases in the secondary marketplace. Now THAT’s how you use utility with engagement for an NFT project!

BND aims to attract blockchain-savvy individuals through this treasure hunt, recognizing the need to combat cybercrime and enhance cybersecurity in the face of blockchain and NFT's growing popularity.

They are leveraging social media, particularly Instagram, to engage with NFT enthusiasts and address emerging cybersecurity threats.

Read the full story here

🌐Metaverse Memo

The Metaverse has been buzzing with action this week, and it can be hard to keep up. So, we've got the juicy highlights for you. Firstly, FIFA, those soccer overlords, are diving into the virtual world with trademark applications that cover everything from VR to high-fashion couture for pixelated players. Next, the luxury giant LVMH has joined forces with Epic Games to unleash mind-blowing experiences that will take fashion to a whole new level. Get ready for fashionistas strutting their digital stuff like never before.

Meanwhile, in the virtual realm of Second Life, Motown Records is cranking up the volume and bringing legendary artists and groovy vibes to avatars far and wide. And if you thought things couldn't get any more weird, prepare to unleash your inner rock god in Blast Valley. This heavy metal collaboration between The Sandbox Music and Nuclear Blast will have you headbanging in virtual worlds.

Oh, and how could we forget? The Weeknd and Binance are teaming up to offer fans an interactive metaverse experience. Imagine hunting for treasures, exploring a neon-soaked digital universe, and getting up close and personal with the one and only Weeknd.

Now, here's a surprising twist. Who knew the metaverse could actually save the planet? According to Cornell University, this virtual wonderland has the potential to cool the Earth's surface and reduce carbon emissions. So, we can explore virtual worlds and feel good about it.

That’s it for this week folks!

Half Moons 🌓

• No NFTs Involved: Nike x Fortnite 'Airphoria' Experience [NFTEvening]

• Act Fast! Gucci KodaPendant Holders Can Now Claim Their Physical Treasures [NFTEvening]

• Targeting Criminals on the Darknet: U.S. Federal Agencies Collaborate in New Task Force [NFTEvening]

• The Rise of Blus Teaser: Nouns DAO's Animated Film Enters Exciting New Chapter [NFTEvening]

Shooting Star 🌠

N ₳ NCY

A Collector, Artist of AI Art and Hand drawn creations, Nancy is also the founder of Trendy Women NFT.

Follow her on Twitter @AllAloneNFT to learn more

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