A scientist who made headlines for implanting an Opal Card chip into his hand is one of the first people to sign up to new Illawarra skill sharing website, Course Couch.
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The site, similar to Air Tasker and free to join, has just launched with career coaching, baking lessons and a multicultural day all advertised on the platform.
One of the more interesting courses on offer is the Beginners Guide to Cryptocurrencies, run by Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow.
Meow is fascinated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but admits they’re a tricky digital enterprise to get your head around, so wants to teach people the basics for $150 at the Zig Zag Hub in Wollongong.
“I passionately believe in the vision of cryptocurrencies and also blockchains - the technology that sits behind it … the biggest hurdle is to get enough people to use it,” he said.
Another hindrance he said was cryptocurrencies were volatile, like the stock market, and some people exploit this fact. While getting past the technology to acquire currency in the first place was also difficult – but that’s what he wants to teach.
And while Meow believes it is the way of the future, only 47 businesses in Sydney and none in the Illawarra accept Bitcoin as a form of payment according to the Australian Bitcoin directory BitFinder.
Digital currencies are not the only thing he’s passionate about: politics and biohacking are other areas he loves to focus his time on.
Meow ran in last year’s Federal Election against Anthony Albanese in the seat of Grayndler, he lost. But it didn’t squash his political spirit as he has aspirations to campaign again with a number of interesting policies.
“Vaccinations and microchips should be mandatory for everyone, adopt a blockchain senate, high density urban accommodation ... recognition for indigenous Australians after we form a republic and sit down with them to form a new constitution,” he said.
“[Australia needs] less career politicians and more ordinary people and educated professionals.”
Educated Meow is, with qualifications in molecular genetics from the University of NSW, biohacking grabbing his attention the most – this is where the Opal Card stunt came in.
He explained there were five elements to biohacking, the last one being inserting technology into your body.
Putting an Opal Card chip into his hand to make transit easier wasn’t the first time – nor will be the last – chip he’s inserted.
Meow has another re-programmable chip elsewhere in his body (with his e-business card) and said he’s currently in talks with Mastercard to allow him to use EFTPOS with the tap of his hand.
Beginners Guide to Cryptocurrencies, October 14, Zig Zag Hub on Crown Street. Cost $150. www.coursecouch.com