#Not One Us Digest 61 April 2019

[lisamasonthewriter]

Available on PreOrder Available November 17, 2020 ODDITIES: 22 Stories by Lisa Mason #publishedstories #magazinestories #anthologystories #newstories ODDITIES: 22 Stories is on Kindle Preorder worldwide, including in the US, in the UK…

[fallentimbersfairways]

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

By Matthew Rudy

Andrew RedingtonAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 13: Eddie Pepperell of England fist bumps marker Jeff Knox on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Yes, you’ve already heard about Augusta member Jeff Knox, the decorated amateur who holds the course record of 61 from the member tees and gets the call to play as a marker when the field goes to an odd number after the cut.

But what exactly makes the 56-year-old charitable foundation executive such a good player? It goes without saying that anybody who can shoot 61 from any tees at Augusta National has a wonderful short game—and every tour player who has gone around with Knox has confirmed he’s the best at navigating the greens here they’ve ever seen. But it’s his simple, repeatable swing that makes him such a valuable marker. He almost always hits it where he’s looking—so he can do his thing at the speed his playing partner prefers.

“When you bake out the differences between tour players because of their different body types and flexibility levels, virtually all of them still do some common things that explain why they hit the ball so well and so consistently,” says Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher Michael Jacobs. “Jeff Knox does a lot of the same things. He has what I would call a great ‘vanilla’ tour swing. It’s a terrific model for anybody to use as a starting point for their swing.”

The reason tour players look so fluid is because they aren’t doing a lot of re-routing of the club. “Knox’s left arm comes up during his backswing and goes directly across his right shoulder, and when he makes his downswing, the club never gets pushed or forced too much behind him or in front of him,” says Jacobs, who is based at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville, New York. “When you see better players come down with the clubhead way behind them, they have to contort their body in strange ways to get to the ball. And weekend players usually have the opposite problem—they push the club way out and over the top so that it comes down steep and cuts across the ball.”

Knox’s clean and efficient move is why he’s been able to keep up on a 7,500-yard course well into his 50s—and shoot an unofficial 74 that would have beat or tied ten official competitors who teed it up Saturday.

“Like I said, players have different bodies and levels of flexibility, so you don’t want to try to copy exactly what somebody else’s move is,” says Jacobs. “But you can definitely train a better hand path like the one Jeff has by simply paying more attention to how much it goes behind you or in front of you on the downswing. Get that part more ‘neutral’ and your pattern of misses will get much more narrow.”

  Source: GolfDigest.com

The post Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox appeared first on Fallen Timbers Fairways.

[brooksidegolf]

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

By Matthew Rudy

Andrew RedingtonAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 13: Eddie Pepperell of England fist bumps marker Jeff Knox on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Yes, you’ve already heard about Augusta member Jeff Knox, the decorated amateur who holds the course record of 61 from the member tees and gets the call to play as a marker when the field goes to an odd number after the cut.

But what exactly makes the 56-year-old charitable foundation executive such a good player? It goes without saying that anybody who can shoot 61 from any tees at Augusta National has a wonderful short game—and every tour player who has gone around with Knox has confirmed he’s the best at navigating the greens here they’ve ever seen. But it’s his simple, repeatable swing that makes him such a valuable marker. He almost always hits it where he’s looking—so he can do his thing at the speed his playing partner prefers.

“When you bake out the differences between tour players because of their different body types and flexibility levels, virtually all of them still do some common things that explain why they hit the ball so well and so consistently,” says Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher Michael Jacobs. “Jeff Knox does a lot of the same things. He has what I would call a great ‘vanilla’ tour swing. It’s a terrific model for anybody to use as a starting point for their swing.”

The reason tour players look so fluid is because they aren’t doing a lot of re-routing of the club. “Knox’s left arm comes up during his backswing and goes directly across his right shoulder, and when he makes his downswing, the club never gets pushed or forced too much behind him or in front of him,” says Jacobs, who is based at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville, New York. “When you see better players come down with the clubhead way behind them, they have to contort their body in strange ways to get to the ball. And weekend players usually have the opposite problem—they push the club way out and over the top so that it comes down steep and cuts across the ball.”

Knox’s clean and efficient move is why he’s been able to keep up on a 7,500-yard course well into his 50s—and shoot an unofficial 74 that would have beat or tied ten official competitors who teed it up Saturday.

“Like I said, players have different bodies and levels of flexibility, so you don’t want to try to copy exactly what somebody else’s move is,” says Jacobs. “But you can definitely train a better hand path like the one Jeff has by simply paying more attention to how much it goes behind you or in front of you on the downswing. Get that part more ‘neutral’ and your pattern of misses will get much more narrow.”

  Source: GolfDigest.com

The post Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox appeared first on Brookside Golf Course and Grill.

[melodyhillcc]

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

By Matthew Rudy

Andrew RedingtonAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 13: Eddie Pepperell of England fist bumps marker Jeff Knox on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Yes, you’ve already heard about Augusta member Jeff Knox, the decorated amateur who holds the course record of 61 from the member tees and gets the call to play as a marker when the field goes to an odd number after the cut.

But what exactly makes the 56-year-old charitable foundation executive such a good player? It goes without saying that anybody who can shoot 61 from any tees at Augusta National has a wonderful short game—and every tour player who has gone around with Knox has confirmed he’s the best at navigating the greens here they’ve ever seen. But it’s his simple, repeatable swing that makes him such a valuable marker. He almost always hits it where he’s looking—so he can do his thing at the speed his playing partner prefers.

“When you bake out the differences between tour players because of their different body types and flexibility levels, virtually all of them still do some common things that explain why they hit the ball so well and so consistently,” says Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher Michael Jacobs. “Jeff Knox does a lot of the same things. He has what I would call a great ‘vanilla’ tour swing. It’s a terrific model for anybody to use as a starting point for their swing.”

The reason tour players look so fluid is because they aren’t doing a lot of re-routing of the club. “Knox’s left arm comes up during his backswing and goes directly across his right shoulder, and when he makes his downswing, the club never gets pushed or forced too much behind him or in front of him,” says Jacobs, who is based at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville, New York. “When you see better players come down with the clubhead way behind them, they have to contort their body in strange ways to get to the ball. And weekend players usually have the opposite problem—they push the club way out and over the top so that it comes down steep and cuts across the ball.”

Knox’s clean and efficient move is why he’s been able to keep up on a 7,500-yard course well into his 50s—and shoot an unofficial 74 that would have beat or tied ten official competitors who teed it up Saturday.

“Like I said, players have different bodies and levels of flexibility, so you don’t want to try to copy exactly what somebody else’s move is,” says Jacobs. “But you can definitely train a better hand path like the one Jeff has by simply paying more attention to how much it goes behind you or in front of you on the downswing. Get that part more ‘neutral’ and your pattern of misses will get much more narrow.”

  Source: GolfDigest.com

The post Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox appeared first on Melody Hill.

[countryclubofbarre]

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox

By Matthew Rudy

Andrew RedingtonAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 13: Eddie Pepperell of England fist bumps marker Jeff Knox on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Yes, you’ve already heard about Augusta member Jeff Knox, the decorated amateur who holds the course record of 61 from the member tees and gets the call to play as a marker when the field goes to an odd number after the cut.

But what exactly makes the 56-year-old charitable foundation executive such a good player? It goes without saying that anybody who can shoot 61 from any tees at Augusta National has a wonderful short game—and every tour player who has gone around with Knox has confirmed he’s the best at navigating the greens here they’ve ever seen. But it’s his simple, repeatable swing that makes him such a valuable marker. He almost always hits it where he’s looking—so he can do his thing at the speed his playing partner prefers.

“When you bake out the differences between tour players because of their different body types and flexibility levels, virtually all of them still do some common things that explain why they hit the ball so well and so consistently,” says Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher Michael Jacobs. “Jeff Knox does a lot of the same things. He has what I would call a great ‘vanilla’ tour swing. It’s a terrific model for anybody to use as a starting point for their swing.”

The reason tour players look so fluid is because they aren’t doing a lot of re-routing of the club. “Knox’s left arm comes up during his backswing and goes directly across his right shoulder, and when he makes his downswing, the club never gets pushed or forced too much behind him or in front of him,” says Jacobs, who is based at Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville, New York. “When you see better players come down with the clubhead way behind them, they have to contort their body in strange ways to get to the ball. And weekend players usually have the opposite problem—they push the club way out and over the top so that it comes down steep and cuts across the ball.”

Knox’s clean and efficient move is why he’s been able to keep up on a 7,500-yard course well into his 50s—and shoot an unofficial 74 that would have beat or tied ten official competitors who teed it up Saturday.

“Like I said, players have different bodies and levels of flexibility, so you don’t want to try to copy exactly what somebody else’s move is,” says Jacobs. “But you can definitely train a better hand path like the one Jeff has by simply paying more attention to how much it goes behind you or in front of you on the downswing. Get that part more ‘neutral’ and your pattern of misses will get much more narrow.”

  Source: GolfDigest.com

The post Masters 2019: Never mind copying a tour player – you should swing like Augusta legend Jeff Knox appeared first on Country Club of Barre.

[bittenpath-blog]

48cm:"What's in store for 2019?" BRAIN talks to retailers at CABDA West

Spoiler: "E-bikes, lots of e-bikes."

DEL MAR, Calif. (BRAIN) — On the second and final day of the inaugural CABDA West trade show, BRAIN contributor Ray Keener asked retailers, "What's in store for 2019?" 

Donnie Bennett Mr. B's Bicycles Yuma, AZ

"E-bikes, lots of e-bikes. We've sold more e-bikes in our three stores than regular bicycles so far this year. We picked up Pedego a year-and-a-half ago and it's been a great partnership. We have a Pedego store within one of our stores now and we're building a separate building that will be Pedego Yuma."

  LaLa Mijares Incycle Bicycle Santa Clarita, CA

"A lot of our focus in 2019 is on community. We have five locations and the new Santa Clarita store is in a community-friendly cycling area where there are 61 miles of paved trails. What we're seeing is e-bikes selling well in our new store and it's catching on in our other locations as well."

  David Jaeger Biking Boundless Dresden, TN

"It'll be an interesting year because there's been a lot of ups and downs. For us, we're really excited about e-bikes, alternate transportation, replacing daily commutes with an e-bike. We have a brick and mortar store and we're continuing to pivot more toward online. We're all about providing product to cyclists wherever they want it."

  Graciela Guzman and Gilberto Cortez California Bicycle Utopia San Diego, CA

"We have a mobile shop and we're starting a new mountain biking team, we're going to be racing the California series. We also offer coaching plans, we're upgrading that to road cycling as well as coaching for juniors. As fast as everything is changing, we're at CABDA to stay up to speed with all the new products."

  Jacob Abrantes Holland's Bicycles El Cajon, CA

"Bringing fit to the masses. Getting customers in for sizing appointments and then back for fit appointments if they feel like they need more help. Coming back a couple weeks after riding really helps them digest everything so we can custom tailor their fit and their experience. So they can catch the cycling bug like we all have."

  Gordon and Joey Hobbis Cap's Bicycle Shop New Westminster, British Columbia

"In our shop, e-bikes are the direction we're going. We opened up a second shop last April as a pedal mountain bike store and we're going to pivot that to all e-assist. In the last six months we've seen a huge shift in consumer sentiment toward e-bikes. It might not be for every shop but I'm really excited about it."

      Donnie Bennett

Lala Mijares

David Jaeger

Graciela Guzman and Gilberto Cortez

Jacob Abrantes

Joey and Gordon Hobbis

[preciousmetals0]

Bitcoin Threat, CoinMarketCap Bought, Trump Hint, Apple Rumor: Hodler’s Digest, March 30–April 5

Bitcoin Threat, CoinMarketCap Bought, Trump Hint, Apple Rumor: Hodler’s Digest, March 30–April 5:

Coming every Sunday, Hodler’s Digest will help you track every single important news story that happened this week. The best (and worst) quotes, adoption and regulation highlights, leading coins, predictions and much more — a week on Cointelegraph in one link.

Top Stories This Week

Bitcoin flips bullish — but here’s why BTC price may still hit $3,900

BTC has gained more than 10% in the past week, fueling hope that there’s a bullish future ahead for the world’s biggest cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple. There was a valiant effort to smash through the critical resistance level of $7,200 — but this triggered a huge rejection. Perhaps it’s a little too soon to expect a miraculous bounceback to $8,000 and beyond. In other developments, a survey suggests traditional financial institutions are becoming increasingly interested in taking advantage of the recent crypto plunge. A whopping 97% are considering trading digital assets within the next two years. Also this week, the billionaire CEO of Social Capital said it could be Bitcoin’s time to shine and predicted the cryptocurrency could eventually be seen as a “flight to safety.”

Binance announces CoinMarketCap acquisition

Big news in the crypto sector this week: One of the biggest mergers in the industry’s history has been signed on the dotted line. Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, has acquired CoinMarketCap, one of the most-referenced crypto data websites. The value of the deal is undisclosed, but it’s rumored to have cost Binance a cool $400 million. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao told Cointelegraph that negotiations had been ongoing for several months, adding: “The acquisition will enable us to build on each other’s strengths and further grow and instill transparency in the industry.” Both companies have stressed that CoinMarketCap will continue to operate independently, meaning Binance will have no bearing on cryptocurrency rankings. CMC’s interim CEO, Carylyne Chan, added: “We’ll stick to our listing requirements and make sure that everything is fair and unbiased to anyone who wants to list anything on CoinMarketCap.”

Not April Fool’s — Trump hints at $9 oil after accidental Bitcoin plug

Last week, Trump had inadvertently advertised Bitcoin after appearing to suggest he supports manipulating the U.S. dollar. This week, the U.S. president raised eyebrows by indicating that he expects oil to crash to just $9. It comes as Russia and Saudi Arabia continue their tiff, with both of them planning to increase oil production this month despite a plunge in demand caused by the coronavirus. WTI crude prices have tumbled by more than 50% in the past 30 days alone — and are down 68% year to date. Trump said: “Look, it’s $22, but it’s really much cheaper than that if you want to negotiate — nobody’s seen that. That’s like from the 1950s, it really is — to think that it was $50, $60, $70, $80 — and now it’s $22, but you know, if you put a good bid in at $9, I think you could probably get what you wanted, right?” The last time oil circled $10 was actually in 1998.

Pandemic is changing Bitcoin usage in “unexpected ways,” says Chainalysis

The coronavirus pandemic and the global economic slowdown are affecting Bitcoin consumer habits in surprising ways, according to a new report by Chainalysis. The blockchain intelligence firm says BTC merchant services have shown resilience in recent weeks — and although overall levels of spending have fallen, they haven’t declined as dramatically as expected. Darknet markets are having a particularly miserable time. Their revenues have decreased substantially, possibly because the global supply chains of illicit substances such as recreational drugs have been badly hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The Hubei province, the epicenter of the pandemic, is also a hub of the global fentanyl trade — and according to Chainalysis, the disruption “could be hampering darknet vendors’ ability to do business.”

Did Apple just kill crypto “burner wallets?”

Burner wallets — non-custodial wallets that store a user’s private key in the browser’s local storage — may have just been killed off by Apple. It’s feared that recent changes to Intelligent Tracking Protection in the iOS on iPhones will jeopardize this model for good. The change is designed to enhance user privacy, with client-side cookies expiring after seven days. This implies that burner wallets will be destroyed after that short period. One workaround appears to be adding a burner wallet to the iPhone’s home screen, but software engineers have warned that this doesn’t appear to be an easy task.

Winners and Losers

At the end of the week, Bitcoin is at $6,790.33, Ether at $144.33 and XRP at $0.18. The total market cap is at $191,021,323,529.

Among the biggest 100 cryptocurrencies, the top three altcoin gainers of the week are Swipe, Digitex Futures and Quant. The top three altcoin losers of the week are Status, WAX and STASIS EURO.

For more info on crypto prices, make sure to read Cointelegraph’s market analysis. 

Most Memorable Quotations

“Our customers typically buy 60% more than they sell but during the crash this jumped to 67%, taking advantage of market troughs and representing strong demand for crypto assets even during extreme volatility.”

Coinbase, crypto exchange

“I predict — and this is not only the ultimate use case but the ultimate irony — that once people realize that they cannot get gold, they’ll start flocking en masse into Bitcoin.”

Max Keiser, TV host

“BTC does offer an alternative store of value, and there is no question about that. The issue is: How good is it? It all depends upon when you buy and when you sell, and so there remains a huge element of luck.”

Kevin Dowd, professor of finance and economics, Durham University

“Bitcoin was innovated to become a safe haven during times just like this. So why aren’t we seeing Bitcoin become the safe haven that it was developed to be and was for a number of years?”

Jeffrey Tucker, American Institute for Economic Research

“Binance has no bearing on CoinMarketCap rankings. CoinMarketCap stays committed to providing the most accurate, timely and quality cryptocurrency data in the industry while benefiting from Binance’s expertise, resources and scale.”

Changpeng Zhao, Binance CEO

“The beautiful thing about our country is $6.2 trillion — because it is 2.2 plus 4 — it’s $6.2 trillion, and we can handle that easily because of who we are, what we are. It’s our money; we are the ones, it’s our currency.”

Donald Trump, U.S. president

“How much did we pay Trump to advertise Bitcoin?”

Samson Mow, Blockstream CSO

Prediction of the Week

Mike Novogratz may “hang his spurs” if Bitcoin doesn’t hit $20,000 in 2020

Every week on Hodler’s Digest, we see endless predictions on where Bitcoin is going to be in the coming years — $1,000, $100,000, $250,000, $1 million… The list is endless. There’s a bit of a twist this week. Mike Novogratz, a frequent flier in this column, has reaffirmed his belief that Bitcoin will reach an all-time high this year — and warned he might give up on BTC altogether if it doesn’t. The CEO of Galaxy Digital, a well-known Bitcoin bull, expressed his confidence that Bitcoin’s price will at least double by October. He also told CNBC: “This is the year of Bitcoin, and if it doesn’t go up now by the end of the year, I might just hang my spurs.” It is worth bearing in mind that Novogratz has made inaccurate forecasts before. He incorrectly predicted that Bitcoin would be back at $20,000 before the end of 2019.

FUD of the Week

French soccer star claims crypto scam impersonated him

Paris Saint-Germain player Kylian Mbappé has claimed that his name has been used without his permission on a cryptocurrency scam network. The French striker alleges that false statements attributed to him have appeared in advertising campaigns where he is wrongly quoted as saying that people could become millionaires in two or three months. Crypto scam articles have also started circulating with the title: “The latest Kylian Mbappé investment that put pressure on experts and scared big banks.” Local authorities are now investigating the scam and said: “These pages are used to impersonate future victims, save your contact details, then an alleged vendor calls them to explain the procedure for investing, but there is never a product that is invested in.” Mbappé has fallen victim to this before. Last April, his official Twitter account was hacked, and tweets were posted where his followers were encouraged to make investments in crypto scams.

Philippine SEC warns of international Ponzi scheme offering 300% daily returns

A crypto Ponzi scheme is targeting Filipino, Australian and European investors, according to the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission. The scheme — known as “Bitcoin Revolution” — offers investors exorbitant compounding daily returns on deposited funds. It claims to offer software that produces trades with a success rate of between 88% and 95%, offering a path to seven-figure gains in just 61 days. From an initial deposit of just $250, the scammers claim that investors can earn 300% per day or 9,000% per month. The SEC is warning that anyone involved in the scam will face up to 21 years of imprisonment and/or maximum fines of $100,000.

FBI arrests Russian rapper for crypto money laundering, cites damning Instagram

A Russian national has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering, with U.S. authorities pointing to an Instagram account that promoted his rap career as evidence against him. FBI investigators claim Maksim Boiko laundered money using cryptocurrencies, including via the disgraced BTC-e exchange. It’s also alleged that he conspired with QQAAZZ, a transnational organized crime organization. Boiko entered the U.S on Jan. 19, carrying $20,000 in cash. He told airport security that the money had come from investments in Bitcoin and rental properties in Russia. Data from BTC-e showed his account had received deposits worth $387,964 — and pictures uploaded to his Instagram show him holding large wads of cash. The rapper has, er, 341 YouTube subscribers and 2,619 Instagram followers.

Best Cointelegraph Features

Crypto community largely approves of Binance acquiring CoinMarketCap

The reaction has mostly been upbeat following Binance’s acquisition of CoinMarketCap. Shiraz Jagati has had his finger on the pulse of reactions from across the industry.

Remaining anonymous: which crypto privacy solution works best?

Various methods to achieve privacy in crypto transactions have been developed over the years. Andrey Shevchenko takes a look at some of the best-known solutions and explores their pros and cons.

How I taught a total stranger in Kenya about Bitcoin

Steven Msoh has written for Cointelegraph Magazine about educating random strangers about Bitcoin in Kenya — a country where the mobile money system M-Pesa dominates the market.

[goldira01]

Coming every Sunday, Hodler’s Digest will help you track every single important news story that happened this week. The best (and worst) quotes, adoption and regulation highlights, leading coins, predictions and much more — a week on Cointelegraph in one link.

Top Stories This Week

Bitcoin flips bullish — but here’s why BTC price may still hit $3,900

BTC has gained more than 10% in the past week, fueling hope that there’s a bullish future ahead for the world’s biggest cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple. There was a valiant effort to smash through the critical resistance level of $7,200 — but this triggered a huge rejection. Perhaps it’s a little too soon to expect a miraculous bounceback to $8,000 and beyond. In other developments, a survey suggests traditional financial institutions are becoming increasingly interested in taking advantage of the recent crypto plunge. A whopping 97% are considering trading digital assets within the next two years. Also this week, the billionaire CEO of Social Capital said it could be Bitcoin’s time to shine and predicted the cryptocurrency could eventually be seen as a “flight to safety.”

Binance announces CoinMarketCap acquisition

Big news in the crypto sector this week: One of the biggest mergers in the industry’s history has been signed on the dotted line. Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, has acquired CoinMarketCap, one of the most-referenced crypto data websites. The value of the deal is undisclosed, but it’s rumored to have cost Binance a cool $400 million. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao told Cointelegraph that negotiations had been ongoing for several months, adding: “The acquisition will enable us to build on each other’s strengths and further grow and instill transparency in the industry.” Both companies have stressed that CoinMarketCap will continue to operate independently, meaning Binance will have no bearing on cryptocurrency rankings. CMC’s interim CEO, Carylyne Chan, added: “We’ll stick to our listing requirements and make sure that everything is fair and unbiased to anyone who wants to list anything on CoinMarketCap.”

Not April Fool’s — Trump hints at $9 oil after accidental Bitcoin plug

Last week, Trump had inadvertently advertised Bitcoin after appearing to suggest he supports manipulating the U.S. dollar. This week, the U.S. president raised eyebrows by indicating that he expects oil to crash to just $9. It comes as Russia and Saudi Arabia continue their tiff, with both of them planning to increase oil production this month despite a plunge in demand caused by the coronavirus. WTI crude prices have tumbled by more than 50% in the past 30 days alone — and are down 68% year to date. Trump said: “Look, it’s $22, but it’s really much cheaper than that if you want to negotiate — nobody’s seen that. That’s like from the 1950s, it really is — to think that it was $50, $60, $70, $80 — and now it’s $22, but you know, if you put a good bid in at $9, I think you could probably get what you wanted, right?” The last time oil circled $10 was actually in 1998.

Pandemic is changing Bitcoin usage in “unexpected ways,” says Chainalysis

The coronavirus pandemic and the global economic slowdown are affecting Bitcoin consumer habits in surprising ways, according to a new report by Chainalysis. The blockchain intelligence firm says BTC merchant services have shown resilience in recent weeks — and although overall levels of spending have fallen, they haven’t declined as dramatically as expected. Darknet markets are having a particularly miserable time. Their revenues have decreased substantially, possibly because the global supply chains of illicit substances such as recreational drugs have been badly hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The Hubei province, the epicenter of the pandemic, is also a hub of the global fentanyl trade — and according to Chainalysis, the disruption “could be hampering darknet vendors’ ability to do business.”

Did Apple just kill crypto “burner wallets?”

Burner wallets — non-custodial wallets that store a user’s private key in the browser’s local storage — may have just been killed off by Apple. It’s feared that recent changes to Intelligent Tracking Protection in the iOS on iPhones will jeopardize this model for good. The change is designed to enhance user privacy, with client-side cookies expiring after seven days. This implies that burner wallets will be destroyed after that short period. One workaround appears to be adding a burner wallet to the iPhone’s home screen, but software engineers have warned that this doesn’t appear to be an easy task.

Winners and Losers

At the end of the week, Bitcoin is at $6,790.33, Ether at $144.33 and XRP at $0.18. The total market cap is at $191,021,323,529.

Among the biggest 100 cryptocurrencies, the top three altcoin gainers of the week are Swipe, Digitex Futures and Quant. The top three altcoin losers of the week are Status, WAX and STASIS EURO.

For more info on crypto prices, make sure to read Cointelegraph’s market analysis. 

Most Memorable Quotations

“Our customers typically buy 60% more than they sell but during the crash this jumped to 67%, taking advantage of market troughs and representing strong demand for crypto assets even during extreme volatility.”

Coinbase, crypto exchange

“I predict — and this is not only the ultimate use case but the ultimate irony — that once people realize that they cannot get gold, they’ll start flocking en masse into Bitcoin.”

Max Keiser, TV host

“BTC does offer an alternative store of value, and there is no question about that. The issue is: How good is it? It all depends upon when you buy and when you sell, and so there remains a huge element of luck.”

Kevin Dowd, professor of finance and economics, Durham University

“Bitcoin was innovated to become a safe haven during times just like this. So why aren’t we seeing Bitcoin become the safe haven that it was developed to be and was for a number of years?”

Jeffrey Tucker, American Institute for Economic Research

“Binance has no bearing on CoinMarketCap rankings. CoinMarketCap stays committed to providing the most accurate, timely and quality cryptocurrency data in the industry while benefiting from Binance’s expertise, resources and scale.”

Changpeng Zhao, Binance CEO

“The beautiful thing about our country is $6.2 trillion — because it is 2.2 plus 4 — it’s $6.2 trillion, and we can handle that easily because of who we are, what we are. It’s our money; we are the ones, it’s our currency.”

Donald Trump, U.S. president

“How much did we pay Trump to advertise Bitcoin?”

Samson Mow, Blockstream CSO

Prediction of the Week

Mike Novogratz may “hang his spurs” if Bitcoin doesn’t hit $20,000 in 2020

Every week on Hodler’s Digest, we see endless predictions on where Bitcoin is going to be in the coming years — $1,000, $100,000, $250,000, $1 million… The list is endless. There’s a bit of a twist this week. Mike Novogratz, a frequent flier in this column, has reaffirmed his belief that Bitcoin will reach an all-time high this year — and warned he might give up on BTC altogether if it doesn’t. The CEO of Galaxy Digital, a well-known Bitcoin bull, expressed his confidence that Bitcoin’s price will at least double by October. He also told CNBC: “This is the year of Bitcoin, and if it doesn’t go up now by the end of the year, I might just hang my spurs.” It is worth bearing in mind that Novogratz has made inaccurate forecasts before. He incorrectly predicted that Bitcoin would be back at $20,000 before the end of 2019.

FUD of the Week

French soccer star claims crypto scam impersonated him

Paris Saint-Germain player Kylian Mbappé has claimed that his name has been used without his permission on a cryptocurrency scam network. The French striker alleges that false statements attributed to him have appeared in advertising campaigns where he is wrongly quoted as saying that people could become millionaires in two or three months. Crypto scam articles have also started circulating with the title: “The latest Kylian Mbappé investment that put pressure on experts and scared big banks.” Local authorities are now investigating the scam and said: “These pages are used to impersonate future victims, save your contact details, then an alleged vendor calls them to explain the procedure for investing, but there is never a product that is invested in.” Mbappé has fallen victim to this before. Last April, his official Twitter account was hacked, and tweets were posted where his followers were encouraged to make investments in crypto scams.

Philippine SEC warns of international Ponzi scheme offering 300% daily returns

A crypto Ponzi scheme is targeting Filipino, Australian and European investors, according to the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission. The scheme — known as “Bitcoin Revolution” — offers investors exorbitant compounding daily returns on deposited funds. It claims to offer software that produces trades with a success rate of between 88% and 95%, offering a path to seven-figure gains in just 61 days. From an initial deposit of just $250, the scammers claim that investors can earn 300% per day or 9,000% per month. The SEC is warning that anyone involved in the scam will face up to 21 years of imprisonment and/or maximum fines of $100,000.

FBI arrests Russian rapper for crypto money laundering, cites damning Instagram

A Russian national has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering, with U.S. authorities pointing to an Instagram account that promoted his rap career as evidence against him. FBI investigators claim Maksim Boiko laundered money using cryptocurrencies, including via the disgraced BTC-e exchange. It’s also alleged that he conspired with QQAAZZ, a transnational organized crime organization. Boiko entered the U.S on Jan. 19, carrying $20,000 in cash. He told airport security that the money had come from investments in Bitcoin and rental properties in Russia. Data from BTC-e showed his account had received deposits worth $387,964 — and pictures uploaded to his Instagram show him holding large wads of cash. The rapper has, er, 341 YouTube subscribers and 2,619 Instagram followers.

Best Cointelegraph Features

Crypto community largely approves of Binance acquiring CoinMarketCap

The reaction has mostly been upbeat following Binance’s acquisition of CoinMarketCap. Shiraz Jagati has had his finger on the pulse of reactions from across the industry.

Remaining anonymous: which crypto privacy solution works best?

Various methods to achieve privacy in crypto transactions have been developed over the years. Andrey Shevchenko takes a look at some of the best-known solutions and explores their pros and cons.

How I taught a total stranger in Kenya about Bitcoin

Steven Msoh has written for Cointelegraph Magazine about educating random strangers about Bitcoin in Kenya — a country where the mobile money system M-Pesa dominates the market.

[lisamasonthewriter]

ODDITIES: 22 Stories by Lisa Mason #publishedstories #magazinestories #anthologystories #sciencefiction #fantasy #historical #SFWApro ODDITIES 22 Stories Lisa Mason Here You Enter Yesterday Tomorrow & Fantasy Coming November 17, 2020 in Print and Ebook

[armeniaitn]

Armenia Politics News Digest for Wednesday, February 12, 2020

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/daily-digests/politics-digests/armenia-politics-news-digest-for-wednesday-february-12-2020-1932-12-02-2020/

Armenia Politics News Digest for Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Here is the Daily Digest of political news for Armenia for Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The notable posts are the following (we hope you enjoy them):

The “channel” for the re-export of cars from Armenia closed forever: Deputy Prime Minister explained the reasons

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. The authorities of Armenia can no longer discuss with colleagues in the EEU benefits of import of cars to Armenia. This was stated at a government hour in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, answering a question of Deputy from “Prosperous Armenia” Mikayel Melkumyan.

The MP noted that colleagues in Kazakhstan have complained about the influx of cars from Armenia, where the end of 2019, the clearance was cheaper (until the Republic had a national, not a Eurasian duties on cars). Many local car dealers because of this was carrying the machine from Armenia.

“However, they themselves set the benefits. We have 20% VAT, while they have 12%. Then why don’t we reduce VAT to compete in Eurasian markets?” asked Melkumyan.

In response, Krikorian said: if these machines are made in Armenia, it was still possible to try to defend the interests of their industry. Then the arguments of the Armenian side would have sounded much stronger.

“But no production here, but there is only resale. And it is clear that Russia and Kazakhstan who have your automotive, do not agree to it,” – said Grigoryan.

He recalled that initially Armenia will be allowed to retain duty on cars within five years to the market of the Republic was able to adapt to new conditions. But it was stipulated that cars imported in this period of transition, intended for use only in Armenia to the EEU markets are not created unequal competition (and it occurs if you arrive from Armenia cheap vehicles). And out of Armenia these cars are actively exported.

“So I don’t think we will be able to raise the question of how to reduce the cost of our customs clearance. This is not consistent with the rules of the Eurasian economic Union,” he added.

We will note, according to data presented by Mikayel Melkumyan in Armenia to 2019 has been delivered to about 190 thousand cars, from them 22 thousand re-exported to Kazakhstan, 77 thousand – in Russia.

Read original article here.

Recall whose car we were burning and someone was beaten? Pashinyan responded to the criticism of the opposition

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Those who accuse the government of violence against the opposition, let me remind you, when and who suffered from it. With such question has addressed to deputies during the governmental hour in Parliament of Armenia , Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Raised the topic of Pro-government Deputy Sisak Gabrielian. He asked the Prime Minister to comment on the appeared somewhere statements that the authorities are ready to burn the car disagreed with the referendum and to beat them in the hallways. Pashinyan asked to recall when and with whom the current government has done. Moreover, if the government do is allowed, no one would have dared to speak to them so sharply as now, he said.

“When the previous government really were people who did that. And here they are not so sharply spoken, because this really could follow or set the car on fire, or beating in the stairwell, or other, more “persuasive” methods”, — said the Prime Minister.

Authorities calling for the referendum, but their opponents, no one bothers to Express his opinion. In confirmation the Prime Minister added that in the Republic now broadcast five opposition TV channels: in the history of Armenia has never happened before.

Note, according to press freedom Index of the organization reporters without borders, in 2019 Armenia divides 60-61 th place out of 180 countries for the year rising to 19 points.

The Commission was established: refuse Pashinyan from “superpremium suit”?>>

Recall that on 5 April, Armenia held a referendum on the bill on the reform of the constitutional court. The goal of the current authorities to withdraw judges elected under the previous government, including the President of the court, Hrayr Tovmasyan.

Read original article here.

No “elite military units” in the Armenian army does not exist, Tonoyan

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan, during the governmental hour in Parliament on Wednesday commented on the sensational publication of “elite military unit”, which supposedly serve the sons of high-ranking officials and wealthy citizens. He categorically denied this information.

Formerly one of the local media , citing an unnamed source wrote that military unit, where on 30 January under mysterious circumstances died Vahram Avakian is a place for the “privileged” soldiers — sons of high officials and the rich. The source claimed that in part has a “clan” that oppresses not included in the number of elected colleagues.

“The Armed forces of any elite military unit does not exist”, – said the Minister, reminding that the defense Ministry has issued a statement about it.

As for the tragic incident in the specified military unit, David Tonoyan said that the command of the Army of defence of Karabakh has attracted all responsible to the appropriate disciplinary action.

“And those soldiers who are responsible for the incident or their responsibilities will be established by the investigation, will be either detained or arrested,” – said the head of the defense Department.

Recall the day on January 30 in one of the units under the Department of Karabakh defense Army, was fatally injured serviceman Hakob Avagyan (born in 2000). According to the preliminary version, presented by the Investigative Committee of Armenia, he from his gun shot himself in the chest.

On the morning of February 2 relatives who died in Karabakh soldier headed to Yerevan, carrying in the hands of the coffin with the body of a soldier. They do not agree with the version of the investigation that Vahram had committed suicide. They met the defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan and promised an objective investigation of the case. After negotiations, the protesters decided to return to the village to bury Wagram.

Wounded soldier in Karabakh: opened case under article “incitement to suicide”>>

In the present case, detained colleagues of the late soldier – David Movsisyan (son of the former Deputy of the Armenian Parliament Arakel Movsisyan, Khachik Gasparyan, Spartak Avetisyan. They are suspected of committing an offence under part 3 of article 359 (hazing) of the Criminal code of Armenia.

Read original article here.

Armenia PM details top court developments to OSCE envoys

February 12, 2020 – 17:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday, February 12 hosted ambassadors of Armenia-accredited OSCE countries, his office reveals.

“Pashinyan addressed in detail the situation around the Constitutional Court, the referendum on Constitutional amendments and the circumstances that led to the decision to hold a referendum,” the statement from the government reads.

“The Prime Minister on his government’s comprehensive reform agenda, the ongoing democratic transformations and the government’s anti-corruption policy.”

In conclusion, Pashinyan answered questions by the ambassadors.

Read original article here.

IAEA hails Armenia’s efforts towards enhancing nuclear security

On a working visit to Austria, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with Rafael Gross, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Hakob Vardanyan was also present at the meeting.

Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia, being a proponent of peaceful use of nuclear energy, attaches great importance to the cooperation with the IAEA. The sides highly appreciated the effective cooperation existing between Armenia and the IAEA and expressed their readiness to make joint efforts to point out new horizons of cooperation and make full use of the existing potential.

The parties touched upon a number of issues on the agenda of the Armenia-IAEA interaction, in particular the terms of operation and safe operation of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, the development of nuclear energy and nuclear security. The IAEA Director General highly appreciated Armenia’s ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing security in the field of nuclear energy.

The Minister emphasized the importance of peaceful use of nuclear energy in the economic development and energy security of Armenia. In this context, the two sides underscored the effective cooperation between Armenia and the Agency in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Read original article here.

The Commission was established: refuse Pashinyan from “superpremium suit”?

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Member of the parliamentary faction “prosperous Armenia,” Gevorg Petrosyan doesn’t know that it will be forthcoming constitutional reform. He said this to journalists in Parliament, answering a question Sputnik Armenia.

Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister signed the decision about creation of the specialized Commission on constitutional reforms and the approval of the composition and working rules of the Commission. The new on came in and Petrosyan.

“The question is, in what direction should the reform go, should explain the subject, initiating constitutional changes. This subject is obliged to present to the public the concept that the people knew in what direction will develop the state,” he said.

After appear concept, and will be the first meeting, Petrosyan and the faction he represents, to Express their positions. The approval of the Commission Petrosyan considers it a mere formality, which in this case does not give a concrete answer to the main question – what kind of reform.

“When people do not know where it lead, he has a moral right not to participate in the referendum,” he added.

Petrosyan also added that while the actions and rhetoric of the authorities do not allow to count on the rejection of “superpremium” system. At least the Deputy didn’t see such readiness.

Prosperous Armenia still undecided on the “for” and “against” in the referendum>>

“I remember when they were the opposition, criticized the “superprimer” system, saying that it should be repealed. But now, after coming to power, apparently, they liked, they have adapted to this atmosphere, to this regime,” – said Petrosyan.

The Commission shall within three months to develop the concept of constitutional reforms, to initiate the public discussion document and submit to the office of the Prime Minister. In addition, you have until September 1 to develop and submit to the office of the head of the government’s draft constitutional amendments.

Read original article here.

Armenian PM to attend Munich Security Conference

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will pay a working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany on February 13-15.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. The leaders of the two countries will make statements for the press. Nikol Pashinyan will also meet with the President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Schauble.

The head of government will meet with the German scientific and expert circles at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung of the Social Democratic Party.

On February 14, PM Pashinyan will leave for Munich to attend the official opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference. He is expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.

Read original article here.

Rep. Jackie Speier commemorates 30th anniversary of anti-Armenian Baku Pogroms

[embedded content]

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Armenian Caucus, commemorated the 30th anniversary of the 1990 anti-Armenian Baku Pogroms, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

She made a powerful case for peace, freedom and security for the Artsakh Republic, advanced the Royce-Engel Peace Proposals, and supported full funding for the HALO Trust’s de-mining program.

” Today I spoke on the House floor to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Baku pogroms and push for increased US aid to Armenia and Artsakh. We must keep fighting for justice,” Rep. Speier said.

Read original article here.

King of Jordan says proud to be responsible for holy sites of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On an official visit to Armenia, His Royal Majesty Abdullah II Al Hussein All Hashimi sent his massage of “Religion and Tolerance.”

Speaking at the Presidential Palace, the King said “being one of the world’s oldest cities, Yerevan is the capital of a young a vibrant country. It reminds me very much of my beloved Jordan. Our two countries and peoples have carved a niche for themselves in the contemporary world.”

“Jordan, much like Armenia has made its human capital the main driving force in its journey towards development. Our countries have much to gain from cooperating, to capitalize on this promising potential,” he added.

“Although this is our first official visit to your beautiful country, we feel like we are a family, and, in fact, we are a family. These bonds are dating back hundreds of years. My grand grandfather, as you mentioned, Mr. President, commanded to love God and love our neighbor and gave refuge to the Armenian Christian families. My grand grandfather, my grandfather, my father and me, helping those, who are desperately in need understood that it is the only option. It is a duty that Jordan continues to live by. Thousands of Jordanian trace their roots back to Armenia. They are an honor to both our countries and play a vital role in the arts, education, public service, business and much, much more. And they form the solid bedrock on which our friendship continues,” he added.

King Abdullah said that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was preparing to celebrate its first centennial, “We look back fondly and proudly on the role that the Jordanians of the Armenian descent and all Jordanians have played working for progress and prosperity of our homeland,” he said.

 “But our joint history extends far beyond that. Armenians in the Middle East are part of the oldest Christian community of the world. They are an inextricable part of our past, and we look forward to working with you to make sure they continue to play such a role in shaping the present and the future,” King Abdullah said.

According to him, Saint Karapet Armenian Apostolic Church in Jordan that stands at the christening site of Jesus Christ on the banks of Jordan River is a testament to the enduring Armenian history in the country.

“The Armenian quarter in Jerusalem has been part of the city for centuries, and the Armenian Patriarchate along with other churches has been under Omar’s protection. A tradition of Christian and Muslim coexistence dates back over thirteen hundred years. This heritage continues today at the Islamic and Christian holy sites. This is a duty I am carrying proudly. And I am especially proud to be responsible for the holy sites of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” he stated.

“Jerusalem holds great historic significance not only to me and my family; the city is holy to the three monotheistic faiths, and they all have a stake in safeguarding the spiritual, peace and co-existence that it symbolizes. We cannot let the Holy City turning into a city for violence and division. So preserving the city’s identity, its legal status as well as historic status quo in relations to holy sites, Islamic and Christian alike, is of critical importance. We look to Christian leaders and friends like you all over the world in safeguarding Jerusalem as a unifying city of peace. I have spoken today of our old friendship which has rich history,” the King continued.

He added that for the past 100 years Jordanians of Armenian descent have been creating an exemplary story of friendship and proved that friendship and, certainly, brotherhood always win.

“So, I hope that days and months ahead we can write a new chapter together, a chapter that builds upon friendship that began so long ago, new partnership and promise for all our people,” King Abdullah concluded.

Read original article here.

Armenia: President not ruling out discussions with Constitutional Court

February 11, 2020 – 15:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – By appointing a referendum on constitutional amendments in Armenia on April 5, President Armen Sarkissian does not rule out the possibility of further discussions, including with the Constitutional Court, his office said in a statement on Tuesday, February 11.

The President could also hold consultations with international organizations and experts, the statement said.

“Prioritizing the constitutional amendments, as well as the need to maintain the rule of law and Armenia’s international reputation, the President does not rule out further discussions and consultations with public and political groups, professional community members, state authorities like the National Assembly, the government, the Constitutional Court, and relevant international institutions and experts,” Sarkissian’s office said.

“The President has repeatedly expressed his principled position on the expediency and necessity of making decisions on public life by referendum.”

The country will hold a referendum on suspending the powers of seven out of nine judges of its Constitutional Court on April 5, according to a decision signed by Sarkissian.

If the constitutional amendments are approved by the public, the two other judges, who were appointed after the peaceful revolution against corruption and former authorities, will maintain their powers.

Read original article here.

European Court ruling in Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan case “unprecedented” – Armenian MFA

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the European Court in the case of Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan as “unprecedented.”

On January 30 the European Court of Human Rights ruled in the case of Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan. It is related to the death circumstances of Armenian national Manvel Saribekyan at the Military Police Department of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

On September 11, 2010, Manvel Saribekyan due to bad weather conditions lost his way in the borderline of Tavush region of Armenia and found himself on the Azerbaijani side. A month later Saribekyan’s body was returned to the Armenian side. Azerbaijan claimed the Armenian shepherd had committed suicide.

The Azerbaijani side had initiated criminal proceedings against Manvel Saribekyan on obviously false charges and forced him to appear on the Azerbaijani TV by means of torture.

The European Court of Human Rights has concluded that the fundamental human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (hereinafter: the Convention) of the citizen of the Republic of Armenia were breached, particularly substantive and procedural aspects of the Right to Life (Article 2 of the Convention), as well as breach of Article 3 of the Convention prohibiting torture, as the European Court of Human Rights undoubtedly ruled that Saribekyan was subjected to very serious and cruel suffering and that it was carried out intentionally on a detained person under the exclusive control of the Azerbaijani authorities.

“The ruling is unprecedented: for the first time the European Court of Human Rights has found  Azerbaijan responsible for depriving an Armenian national of life and established that the citizen of the Republic of Armenia  died as a result of violent actions of others, notably personnel at the Military Police Department of Azerbaijan,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“This ruling once again demonstrates that Azerbaijan is overtly violating its international human rights obligations. It also indicates that every Armenian who would fall under the control of the Azerbaijani authorities, regardless of his or her status, is subjected to a life threat,” the statement reads.

The Ministry said the Republic of Armenia will continue its consistent efforts to ensure security of the citizens of Armenia and the Armenian people and achieve justice. 

Read original article here.

Armenia, Jordan discuss perspectives of visa-free travel

President Armen Sarkissian received today the King of Jordan Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein Al Hashimi at the Presidential Palace.

President Sarkissian welcomed the high guest and said in particular that the visit of the King of Jordan is historic and significant. He expressed hope that there would be many occasions to host His Majesty in Armenia. “Our two nations are ancient. Your nation represents the essence and axis of Islam; You, Your Majesty, as well as Your family, are descendants of Prophet Muhammad. As a country which was the first to adopt Christianity, PA WIRE not only has good relations with Jordan but we two have a lot to tell each other,” the President of Armenia underscored.

President Sarkissian expressed confidence that potential, which the two countries could reach in the future, would be much more that it is today.

The King of Jordan Abdullah II said that the two countries are linked by good friendship and history. “We have great reverence towards the oldest Christian Church which is represented not only in Jerusalem but in our country too. It represents part of our past and is a beautiful element not only of our present but also of our future,” he underscored.

At the meeting, the President of Armenia raised the issues of a visa free regime for the citizens of Armenia travelling to Jordan and signing the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. The interlocutors noted that great opportunities exist for cooperation in the areas of high-tech, education, science, and healthcare. Stressed was the necessity of expanding the already existing student exchange program, as well as the establishment of a direct air link between the capitals of the two countries – Yerevan and Amman.

Read original article here.

EPP alarmed by "rushed procedure" to change Armenian Constitution

February 11, 2020 – 13:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The European People’s Party (EPP) has expressed concern over “the rushed procedure” to initiate changes to the Armenian Constitution.

“We call on the authorities of Armenia to request and consider the opinion of the Venice Commission as soon as possible,” the EPP said in a tweet.

The country will hold a referendum on suspending the powers of seven out of nine judges of its Constitutional Court on April 5, according to a decision signed by President Armen Sarkissian.

If the constitutional amendments are approved by the public, the two other judges, who were appointed after the peaceful revolution against corruption and former authorities, will maintain their powers.

Read original article here.

Yerevan dismisses Baku’s “nuclear terrorism” remarks as “flimsy”

February 11, 2020 – 11:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Monday, February 10 blasted Azerbaijan’s “non-existent” and “flimsy” allegations concerning Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

Mnatsakanyan made the comments at the at the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts after Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that because of the “occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory”, the country “is unable to control the territory, which creates favorable conditions for illegal activities, including nuclear terrorism.”

“Flimsy and unjustified charges were made against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh by the speaker from Azerbaijan. Those are totally rejected. The territory of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is under full and legitimate control of NK authorities and nothing indicates to the contrary. NK authorities are open for international cooperation and at any time the Azeri allegations can be easily verified and proven as non-existent,” said Mnatsakanyan.

“I would like to reiterate Armenia’s strong commitment to our shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy and wish every success to the conference.”

Read original article here.

2020-2023 Business Environment Improvement Program Discussed in Government

Tuesday, 11 February 2020

2020-2023 Business Environment Improvement Program Discussed in Government

On February 11, Armenia’s Business Environment Improvement Program for 2020-2023 was discussed in Government, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan.

Tigran Avinyan noted that the evaluations issued by internationally recognized reports are important from the perspective of creating a favorable business environment in the Republic of Armenia, as well as increasing the country’s attractiveness for investments since they help assess the impact of the reforms underway in the country. In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report, which ranked Armenia 47th among some 190 countries.

A number of reforms were carried out in 2018-2019 with a view to improving the applicable business regulations. According to the report, Armenia has implemented serious reforms over the past few years in the fields of property registration, taxation, foreign trade and power grid connectivity.

Despite the above, in 2020 Armenia’s position deteriorated in the Doing Business report as compared to 2019. One of the main reasons for this is our country’s poor performance under the Protecting Small Investors index, which fell to 120 from last year’s 51 due to a change in the World Bank’s assessment methodology. In addition, Armenia’s position is low in Building Permits and Contract Execution categories.

The Deputy Premier said that irrespective of World Bank’s methodological innovations, the business environment reform should be implemented in a progressive manner in order to ensure higher country positions on a yearly basis. The program of measures to improve Armenia’s business environment consisted of 51 activities in 2019, 26 of which have been completed, work on 6 of them has not yet started, and 19 are underway.

Tigran Avinyan noted that the government agencies should be more attentive and consistent in implementing the proposed activities. He underscored that those responsible for failures shall be held accountable.

The meeting focused on the Action Plan for 2020–2023, which features both short-term and long-term activities, the implementation of which will lead to tangible improvements to the business and investment environment.

Stressing the need for coordinated joint efforts, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that all program activities should be carried out in a timely and adequate manner.  

Read original article here.

Armenian President congratulates Iran’s Rouhani on anniversary of Islamic Revolution

President Armen Sarkissian has congratulated Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei on the 41st anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

“Due to the deep-rooted good-neighborly traditions between Armenia and Iran, close political and economic cooperation continues today,” President Sarkissian said in a message to Rouhani.

He voiced confidence that the m confident that the Armenian-Iranian relations would strengthen and develop steadily.  

“Today, as the world faces many challenges, it is important to maintain and develop a stable and mutually beneficial relationship between Armenia and Iran,” he added.

In a separate message to Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the President said, “respect for one another’s religion and culture, coupled with political dialogue, contributes to the establishment of peace and stability in the region.”

The President hailed the “successfully developing cooperation” between Armenia and Iran in various fields.

The President of Armenia wished the spiritual leader of Iran good health and success, as well as peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Iran.

Read original article here.

Today on Twitter

Here are several tweets about Armenia from some of the Twitter accounts we follow. Contact us via Twitter if you want to be part of this Twitter list. We retweet occasionally.

Armenia @armenia·

5h

No, not finished yet… Greco-Roman #wrestlers Karen #Aslanyan (67 kg) & Karapet #Chalyan (77 kg) ensured the presence of the Armenian flag on pedestal by taking the #bronze medals during #EuropeanChampionship. Congrats to our heroes! #wretslerome

2

Reply on Twitter 1227698917468405760Retweet on Twitter 12276989174684057603Like on Twitter 122769891746840576036Twitter 1227698917468405760

Retweet on TwitterEmbassy of Armenia to Austria/Slovakia Retweeted

Government of Armenia@armgov·

14h

PM Nikol Pashinyan has met ambassadors of @OSCE member states. During the meeting the PM has presented in detail the current situation of the Constitutional Court.

Reply on Twitter 1227571632526503941Retweet on Twitter 12275716325265039411Like on Twitter 12275716325265039415Twitter 1227571632526503941

Armenia Mission to UN@ArmeniaUN·

11 Feb

Important conversation on #education & adolescent girls, with Bono of @U2 and @ONECampaign, Mary Robinson, Chair of @TheElders. Quality #education for all named N1 priority by @antonioguterres. Armenia is committed to equal access to education #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience

2

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JAMnews@JAMnewsCaucasus·

13h

Politicians and experts call #Ugulava a “political prisoner” and assert #Georgia is departing from democracy and the western course:

https://jam-news.net/georgian-govt-going-the-way-of-repressions-arrest-of-opposition-leader-ugulava-analysis/

Reply on Twitter 1227581280705024001Retweet on Twitter 12275812807050240012Like on Twitter 12275812807050240013Twitter 1227581280705024001

Armenia at NATO@armmission_nato·

11 Feb

While celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, today we remember this remarkable #Armenian-#American woman, who dedicated her entire life to science. #WomenInScience @USNATO, @NATO_SPS, @NATO1325

Armenia @armenia

Anna L. Kazanjian – the first woman scientist in the #US in the field of controlling unmanned aerial vehicles. In the 1960s, she established the American #Saturn rocket launcher. #WomenInScience

Reply on Twitter 1227273176327032833Retweet on Twitter 12272731763270328335Like on Twitter 122727317632703283310Twitter 1227273176327032833

Artsakh Parliament@Artsakh_Parl·

11 Feb

#Accreditation_2020 #Journalists and #cameramen of National Assembly of the Republic of #Artsakh.

Reply on Twitter 1227280235823017984Retweet on Twitter 1227280235823017984Like on Twitter 12272802358230179845Twitter 1227280235823017984

Retweet on TwitterArmenia Ombudsman Retweeted

Arman Tatoyan@atatoyan·

18h

We took a decision requiring to change law & immediately stop practice when #detainees r placed in #prison #disciplinary #cells & isolated for acts of self-harm. These people should be under #psychological & #psychiatric care! The problem detected by #NPM unit. @OmbudsArmenia

Reply on Twitter 1227501205003231233Retweet on Twitter 12275012050032312333Like on Twitter 122750120500323123313Twitter 1227501205003231233

Retweet on TwitterUSC Armenian Studies Retweeted

Emil Sanamyan@emil_sanamyan·

22h

I looked at composition of Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s first elected parliament (1991-95). Some things stood out: of 81 seats, 6 were set aside for NKR’s Azerbaijani minority (3 in Shushi, 1 in Khojali, 1 in Karadagli & 1 in Umudlu); they remained vacant. https://twitter.com/ArmenianStudies/status/1227282593516621824

USC Armenian Studies@ArmenianStudies

Leading up to #elections in #Karabakh scheduled for March 31, here is a look back at electing #Artsakh’s Parliament in 1991 by @emil_sanamyan for #FocusOnKarabakh https://armenian.usc.edu/electing-artsakhs-first-parliament-conditions-and-composition/

Reply on Twitter 1227452337255518209Retweet on Twitter 12274523372555182093Like on Twitter 122745233725551820918Twitter 1227452337255518209

ArtsakhPress Agency@ArtsakhPress·

13h

#Armenia FM in #Austria, meets with #IAEA chief https://artsakhpress.am/eng/news/121062/armenia-fm-in-austria-meets-with-iaea-chief.html

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EAFJD@eafjd·

6 Feb

Yestreday, MEP #CostasMavrides hosted a conference with the title “The forgotten #refugees: What Happened to the #Armenians of #Baku?” in the @Europarl_EN. Keynote speakers were #BaronessCarolineCox, @AnnaATurcotte and David Babaev. Press Release https://eafjd.eu/forgottenrefugees.html

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Today on Facebook

Here is a selection of a few Facebook posts about Armenia. Contact us on Facebook if you want to be included in this list. We share posts occasionally.

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[lisamasonthewriter]

“Taiga” Has Been Published in Not One of Us, Poetry and Fiction Digest #61, April 2019! Inspiration for My Story “Taiga” Lisa Mason #SFWApro #SFWAauthor #sciencefiction #PhilipKDickAwardFinalist #aliens #psychology #poetry #womenssciencefiction I appreciate SF stories that explore the inner space of humanity, rather than the outer space of the universe with space ships, space travel, ship’s captains, and the like.

[lisamasonthewriter]

“Taiga” Has Been Published in Not One of Us, Poetry and Fiction Digest #61, April 2019! Research I Undertook to Write “Taiga” Lisa Mason #SFWApro #SFWAauthor #sciencefiction #PhilipKDickAwardFinalist #aliens #psychology #poetry #womenssciencefiction “Taiga” has several components or plot lines, and each required research on my part to give the story the necessary veracity.

[lisamasonthewriter]

“Taiga” Has Been Published in Not One of Us, Poetry and Fiction Digest #61, April 2019! What the Story is About (Not Too Many Plot Spoilers) Lisa Mason #SFWApro #SFWAauthor #sciencefiction #PhilipKDickAwardFinalist #aliens #psychology #poetry #womenssciencefiction

“Taiga” is the story of Katarina Malkovich, an immigrant from Lithuania to the U.S. who becomes a trained NASA astronaut. NASA prefers people with professional scientific degrees, and Katarina is a psychiatrist. She’s en route on a space shuttle with an international crew bound on a routine mission to the International Space Station when the shuttle shudders—and they’re sucked through a…

[lisamasonthewriter]

“Taiga” Has Been Published in Not One of Us, Poetry and Fiction Digest #61, April 2019! Editor John Benson’s Description of What He Is Looking For Lisa Mason #SFWApro #SFWAauthor #sciencefiction #PhilipKDickAwardFinalist #aliens #psychology #poetry #womenssciencefiction

I’ll let Editor John Benson explicate the premise of his poetry and fiction digest:

“Not One of Us is about people (or things) out of place in their surroundings, outsiders, social misfits, aliens in the SF sense—anyone excluded from society for whatever the reason. We’d like Not One of Us to consider the problem of “otherness” from every possible fictional angle: horror, SF, fantasy, noir,…

[lisamasonthewriter]

“Taiga” Has Been Published in Not One of Us, Poetry and Fiction Digest #61, April 2019! Table of Contents and Description of the Issue Lisa Mason #SFWApro #SFWAauthor #sciencefiction #PhilipKDickAwardFinalist #aliens #psychology #poetry #womenssciencefiction

Poetry and Fiction Digest #61 (2019) Published April 2019 https://not-one-of-us.pub/latest-issues/61-2019/ Theme: Another World

“Everyone in this issue seems to end up in another world. We have one woman living in two realities, another transported to another planet where she is small but determined to survive, a man who accidentally designs a nightmare for all, and a reluctant leader who enforces…