Playboy going public: Porn, Gambling, and Cannabis
NEW INFO 5 Results from share redemption are posted. Less than .2% redeemed. Very bullish as investors are showing extreme confidence in the future of PLBY. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/playboy-mountain-crest-acquisition-corp-120000721.html NEW INFO 4 Definitive Agreement to purchase 100% of Lovers brand stores announced 2/1. https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Playboy+%28MCAC%29+Confirms+Deal+to+Acquire+Lovers/17892359.html NEW INFO 3 I bought more on the dip today. 5081 total. Price rose AH to $12.38 (2.15%) NEW INFO 2 Here is the full webinar. https://icrinc.zoom.us/rec/play/9GWKdmOYumjWfZuufW3QXpe_FW_g--qeNbg6PnTjTMbnNTgLmCbWjeRFpQga1iPc-elpGap8dnDv8Zww.yD7DjUwuPmapeEdP?continueMode=true&tk=lEYc4F_FkKlgsmCIs6w0gtGHT2kbgVGbUju3cIRBSjk.DQIAAAAV8NK49xZWdldRM2xNSFNQcTBmcE00UzM3bXh3AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA&uuid=WN_GKWqbHkeSyuWetJmLFkj4g&_x_zm_rtaid=kR45-uuqRE-L65AxLjpbQw.1611967079119.2c054e3d3f8d8e63339273d9175939ed&_x_zm_rhtaid=866 NEW INFO 1 Live merger webinar with PLBY and MCAC on Friday January 29, 2021 at 12:00 NOON EST link below https://mcacquisition.com/investor-relations/press-release-details/2021/Playboy-Enterprises-Inc.-and-Mountain-Crest-Acquisition-Corp-Participate-in-SPACInsider-ICR-Webinar-on-January-29th-at-12pm-ET/default.aspx Playboy going public: Porn, Gambling, and Cannabis !!!WARNING READING AHEAD!!! TL;DR at the end. It will take some time to sort through all the links and read/watch everything, but you should. In the next couple weeks, Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp is taking Playboy public. The existing ticker MCAC will become PLBY. Special purpose acquisition companies have taken private companies public in recent months with great success. I believe this will be no exception. Notably, Playboy is profitable and has skyrocketing revenue going into a transformational growth phase. Porn - First and foremost, let's talk about porn. I know what you guys are thinking. “Porno mags are dead. Why would I want to invest in something like that? I can get porn for free online.” Guess what? You are absolutely right. And that’s exactly why Playboy doesn’t do that anymore. That’s right, they eliminated their print division. And yet they somehow STILL make money from porn that people (see: boomers) pay for on their website through PlayboyTV, Playboy Plus, and iPlayboy. Here’s the thing: Playboy has international, multi-generational name recognition from porn. They have content available in 180 countries. It will be the only publicly traded adult entertainment (porn) company. But that is not where this company is going. It will help support them along the way. You can see every Playboy magazine through iPlayboy if you’re interested. NSFW links below: https://www.playboy.com/ https://www.playboytv.com/ https://www.playboyplus.com/ https://www.iplayboy.com/ Gambling - Some of you might recognize the Playboy brand from gambling trips to places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Cancun, London or Macau. They’ve been in the gambling biz for decades through their casinos, clubs, and licensed gaming products. They see the writing on the wall. COVID is accelerating the transition to digital, application based GAMBLING. That’s right. What we are doing on Robinhood with risky options is gambling, and the only reason regulators might give a shit anymore is because we are making too much money. There may be some restrictions put in place, but gambling from your phone on your couch is not going anywhere. More and more states are allowing things like Draftkings, poker, state ‘lottery” apps, hell - even political betting. Michigan and Virginia just ok’d gambling apps. They won’t be the last. This is all from your couch and any 18 year old with a cracked iphone can access it. Wouldn’t it be cool if Playboy was going to do something like that? They’re already working on it. As per CEO Ben Kohn who we will get to later, “...the company’s casino-style digital gaming products with Scientific Games and Microgaming continue to see significant global growth.” Honestly, I stopped researching Scientific Games' sports betting segment when I saw the word ‘omni-channel’. That told me all I needed to know about it’s success. “Our SG Sports™ platform is an enhanced, omni-channel solution for online, self-service and retail fixed odds sports betting – from soccer to tennis, basketball, football, baseball, hockey, motor sports, racing and more.” https://www.scientificgames.com/ https://www.microgaming.co.uk/ “This latter segment has become increasingly enticing for Playboy, and it said last week that it is considering new tie-ups that could include gaming operators like PointsBet and 888Holdings.” https://calvinayre.com/2020/10/05/business/playboys-gaming-ops-could-get-a-boost-from-spac-purchase/ As per their SEC filing: “Significant consumer engagement and spend with Playboy-branded gaming properties around the world, including with leading partners such as Microgaming, Scientific Games, and Caesar’s Entertainment, steers our investment in digital gaming, sports betting and other digital offerings to further support our commercial strategy to expand consumer spend with minimal marginal cost, and gain consumer data to inform go-to-market plans across categories.” https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgadata/1803914/000110465921005986/tm2034213-12_defm14a.htm#tMDAA1 They are expanding into more areas of gaming/gambling, working with international players in the digital gaming/gambling arena, and a Playboy sportsbook is on the horizon. https://www.playboy.com/read/the-pleasure-of-playing-with-yourself-mobile-gaming-in-the-covid-era Cannabis - If you’ve ever read through a Playboy magazine, you know they’ve had a positive relationship with cannabis for many years. As of September 2020, Playboy has made a major shift into the cannabis space. Too good to be true you say? Check their website. Playboy currently sells a range of CBD products. This is a good sign. Federal hemp products, which these most likely are, can be mailed across state lines and most importantly for a company like Playboy, can operate through a traditional banking institution. CBD products are usually the first step towards the cannabis space for large companies. Playboy didn’t make these products themselves meaning they are working with a processor in the cannabis industry. Another good sign for future expansion. What else do they have for sale? Pipes, grinders, ashtrays, rolling trays, joint holders. Hmm. Ok. So it looks like they want to sell some shit. They probably don’t have an active interest in cannabis right? Think again: https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/09/24/playboy-gets-serious-about-cannabis-law-reform-advocacy-with-new-partnership-grants/?sh=62f044a65cea “Taking yet another step into the cannabis space, Playboy will be announcing later on Thursday (September, 2020) that it is launching a cannabis law reform and advocacy campaign in partnership with National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Last Prisoner Project, Marijuana Policy Project, the Veterans Cannabis Project, and the Eaze Momentum Program.” “According to information procured exclusively, the three-pronged campaign will focus on calling for federal legalization. The program also includes the creation of a mentorship plan, through which the Playboy Foundation will support entrepreneurs from groups that are underrepresented in the industry.” Remember that CEO Kohn from earlier? He wrote this recently: https://medium.com/naked-open-letters-from-playboy/congress-must-pass-the-more-act-c867c35239ae Seems like he really wants weed to be legal? Hmm wonder why? The writing's on the wall my friends. Playboy wants into the cannabis industry, they are making steps towards this end, and we have favorable conditions for legislative progress. Don’t think branding your own cannabis line is profitable or worthwhile? Tell me why these 41 celebrity millionaires and billionaires are dummies. I’ll wait. https://www.celebstoner.com/news/celebstoner-news/2019/07/12/top-celebrity-cannabis-brands/ Confirmation: I hear you. “This all seems pretty speculative. It would be wildly profitable if they pull this shift off. But how do we really know?” Watch this whole video: https://finance.yahoo.com/video/playboy-ceo-telling-story-female-154907068.html Man - this interview just gets my juices flowing. And highlights one of my favorite reasons for this play. They have so many different business avenues from which a catalyst could appear. I think paying attention, holding shares, and options on these staggered announcements over the next year is the way I am going to go about it. "There's definitely been a shift to direct-to-consumer," he (Kohn) said. "About 50 percent of our revenue today is direct-to-consumer, and that will continue to grow going forward.” “Kohn touted Playboy's portfolio of both digital and consumer products, with casino-style gaming, in particular, serving a crucial role under the company's new business model. Playboy also has its sights on the emerging cannabis market, from CBD products to marijuana products geared toward sexual health and pleasure.” "If THC does become legal in the United States, we have developed certain strains to enhance your sex life that we will launch," Kohn said. https://cheddar.com/media/playboy-goes-public-health-gaming-lifestyle-focus Oh? The CEO actually said it? Ok then. “We have developed certain strains…” They’re already working with growers on strains and genetics? Ok. There are several legal cannabis markets for those products right now, international and stateside. I expect Playboy licensed hemp and THC pre-rolls by EOY. Something like this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/842996758/10-playboy-pre-roll-tubes-limited?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pre+roll+playboy&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1 Maintaining cannabis operations can be costly and a regulatory headache. Playboy’s licensing strategy allows them to pick successful, established partners and sidestep traditional barriers to entry. You know what I like about these new markets? They’re expanding. Worldwide. And they are going to be a bigger deal than they already are with or without Playboy. Who thinks weed and gambling are going away? Too many people like that stuff. These are easy markets. And Playboy is early enough to carve out their spot in each. Fuck it, read this too: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimosman/2020/10/20/playboy-could-be-the-king-of-spacs-here-are-three-picks/?sh=2e13dcaa3e05 Numbers: You want numbers? I got numbers. As per the company’s most recent SEC filing: “For the year ended December 31, 2019, and the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Playboy’s historical consolidated revenue was $78.1 million and $101.3 million, respectively, historical consolidated net income (loss) was $(23.6) million and $(4.8) million, respectively, and Adjusted EBITDA was $13.1 million and $21.8 million, respectively.” “In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Playboy’s Licensing segment contributed $44.2 million in revenue and $31.1 million in net income.” “In the ninth months ended September 30, 2020, Playboy’s Direct-to-Consumer segment contributed $40.2 million in revenue and net income of $0.1 million.” “In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Playboy’s Digital Subscriptions and Content segment contributed $15.4 million in revenue and net income of $7.4 million.” They are profitable across all three of their current business segments. “Playboy’s return to the public markets presents a transformed, streamlined and high-growth business. The Company has over $400 million in cash flows contracted through 2029, sexual wellness products available for sale online and in over 10,000 major retail stores in the US, and a growing variety of clothing and branded lifestyle and digital gaming products.” https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgadata/1803914/000110465921005986/tm2034213-12_defm14a.htm#tSHCF Growth: Playboy has massive growth in China and massive growth potential in India. “In China, where Playboy has spent more than 25 years building its business, our licensees have an enormous footprint of nearly 2,500 brick and mortar stores and 1,000 ecommerce stores selling high quality, Playboy-branded men’s casual wear, shoes/footwear, sleepwear, swimwear, formal suits, leather & non-leather goods, sweaters, active wear, and accessories. We have achieved significant growth in China licensing revenues over the past several years in partnership with strong licensees and high-quality manufacturers, and we are planning for increased growth through updates to our men’s fashion lines and expansion into adjacent categories in men’s skincare and grooming, sexual wellness, and women’s fashion, a category where recent launches have been well received.” The men’s market in China is about the same size as the entire population of the United States and European Union combined. Playboy is a leading brand in this market. They are expanding into the women’s market too. Did you know CBD toothpaste is huge in China? China loves CBD products and has hemp fields that dwarf those in the US. If Playboy expands their CBD line China it will be huge. Did you know the gambling money in Macau absolutely puts Las Vegas to shame? Technically, it's illegal on the mainland, but in reality, there is a lot of gambling going on in China. https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/10/19/magic-johnson-and-uncle-buds-cbd-brand-enter-china-via-tmall-partnership/?sh=271776ca411e “In India, Playboy today has a presence through select apparel licensees and hospitality establishments. Consumer research suggests significant growth opportunities in the territory with Playboy’s brand and categories of focus.” “Playboy Enterprises has announced the expansion of its global consumer products business into India as part of a partnership with Jay Jay Iconic Brands, a leading fashion and lifestyle Company in India.” “The Indian market today is dominated by consumers under the age of 35, who represent more than 65 percent of the country’s total population and are driving India’s significant online shopping growth. The Playboy brand’s core values of playfulness and exploration resonate strongly with the expressed desires of today’s younger millennial consumers. For us, Playboy was the perfect fit.” “The Playboy international portfolio has been flourishing for more than 25 years in several South Asian markets such as China and Japan. In particular, it has strategically targeted the millennial and gen-Z audiences across categories such as apparel, footwear, home textiles, eyewear and watches.” https://www.licenseglobal.com/industry-news/playboy-expands-global-footprint-india It looks like they gave COVID the heisman in terms of net damage sustained: “Although Playboy has not suffered any material adverse consequences to date from the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has been impacted both negatively and positively. The remote working and stay-at-home orders resulted in the closure of the London Playboy Club and retail stores of Playboy’s licensees, decreasing licensing revenues in the second quarter, as well as causing supply chain disruption and less efficient product development thereby slowing the launch of new products. However, these negative impacts were offset by an increase in Yandy’s direct-to-consumer sales, which have benefited in part from overall increases in online retail sales so far during the pandemic.” Looks like the positives are long term (Yandy acquisition) and the negatives are temporary (stay-at-home orders). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgadata/1803914/000110465921006093/tm213766-1_defa14a.htm This speaks to their ability to maintain a financially solvent company throughout the transition phase to the aforementioned areas. They’d say some fancy shit like “expanded business model to encompass four key revenue streams: Sexual Wellness, Style & Apparel, Gaming & Lifestyle, and Beauty & Grooming.” I hear “we’re just biding our time with these trinkets until those dollar dollar bill y’all markets are fully up and running.” But the truth is these existing revenue streams are profitable, scalable, and rapidly expanding Playboy’s e-commerce segment around the world. "Even in the face of COVID this year, we've been able to grow EBITDA over 100 percent and revenue over 68 percent, and I expect that to accelerate going into 2021," he said. “Playboy is accelerating its growth in company-owned and branded consumer products in attractive and expanding markets in which it has a proven history of brand affinity and consumer spend.” Also in the SEC filing, the Time Frame: “As we detailed in the definitive proxy statement, the SPAC stockholder meeting to vote on the transaction has been set for February 9th, and, subject to stockholder approval and satisfaction of the other closing conditions, we expect to complete the merger and begin trading on NASDAQ under ticker PLBY shortly thereafter,” concluded Kohn. The Players: Suhail “The Whale” Rizvi (HMFIC), Ben “The Bridge” Kohn (CEO), “lil” Suying Liu & “Big” Dong Liu (Young-gun China gang). I encourage you to look these folks up. The real OG here is Suhail Rizvi. He’s from India originally and Chairman of the Board for the new PLBY company. He was an early investor in Twitter, Square, Facebook and others. His firm, Rizvi Traverse, currently invests in Instacart, Pinterest, Snapchat, Playboy, and SpaceX. Maybe you’ve heard of them. “Rizvi, who owns a sprawling three-home compound in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a 1.65-acre estate in Palm Beach, Florida, near Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, moved to Iowa Falls when he was five. His father was a professor of psychology at Iowa. Along with his older brother Ashraf, a hedge fund manager, Rizvi graduated from Wharton business school.” “Suhail Rizvi: the 47-year-old 'unsocial' social media baron: When Twitter goes public in the coming weeks (2013), one of the biggest winners will be a 47-year-old financier who guards his secrecy so zealously that he employs a person to take down his Wikipedia entry and scrub his photos from the internet. In IPO, Twitter seeks to be 'anti-FB'” “Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia looks like a big Twitter winner. So do the moneyed clients of Jamie Dimon. But as you’ve-got-to-be-joking wealth washed over Twitter on Thursday — a company that didn’t exist eight years ago was worth $31.7 billion after its first day on the stock market — the non-boldface name of the moment is Suhail R. Rizvi. Mr. Rizvi, 47, runs a private investment company that is the largest outside investor in Twitter with a 15.6 percent stake worth $3.8 billion at the end of trading on Thursday (November, 2013). Using a web of connections in the tech industry and in finance, as well as a hearty dose of good timing, he brought many prominent names in at the ground floor, including the Saudi prince and some of JPMorgan’s wealthiest clients.” https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/technology/at-twitter-working-behind-the-scenes-toward-a-billion-dollar-payday.html Y’all like that Arab money? How about a dude that can call up Saudi Princes and convince them to spend? Funniest shit about I read about him: “Rizvi was able to buy only $100 million in Facebook shortly before its IPO, thus limiting his returns, according to people with knowledge of the matter.” Poor guy :( He should be fine with the 16 million PLBY shares he's going to have though :) Shuhail also has experience in the entertainment industry. He’s invested in companies like SESAC, ICM, and Summit Entertainment. He’s got Hollywood connections to blast this stuff post-merger. And he’s at least partially responsible for that whole Twilight thing. I’m team Edward btw. I really like what Suhail has done so far. He’s lurked in the shadows while Kohn is consolidating the company, trimming the fat, making Playboy profitable, and aiming the ship at modern growing markets. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-twitter-ipo-rizvi-insight/insight-little-known-hollywood-investor-poised-to-score-with-twitter-ipo-idUSBRE9920VW20131003 Ben “The Bridge” Kohn is an interesting guy. He’s the connection between Rizvi Traverse and Playboy. He’s both CEO of Playboy and was previously Managing Partner at Rizvi Traverse. Ben seems to be the voice of the Playboy-Rizvi partnership, which makes sense with Suhail’s privacy concerns. Kohn said this: “Today is a very big day for all of us at Playboy and for all our partners globally. I stepped into the CEO role at Playboy in 2017 because I saw the biggest opportunity of my career. Playboy is a brand and platform that could not be replicated today. It has massive global reach, with more than $3B of global consumer spend and products sold in over 180 countries. Our mission – to create a culture where all people can pursue pleasure – is rooted in our 67-year history and creates a clear focus for our business and role we play in people’s lives, providing them with the products, services and experiences that create a lifestyle of pleasure. We are taking this step into the public markets because the committed capital will enable us to accelerate our product development and go-to-market strategies and to more rapidly build our direct to consumer capabilities,” said Ben Kohn, CEO of Playboy. “Playboy today is a highly profitable commerce business with a total addressable market projected in the trillions of dollars,” Mr. Kohn continued, “We are actively selling into the Sexual Wellness consumer category, projected to be approximately $400 billion in size by 2024, where our recently launched intimacy products have rolled out to more than 10,000 stores at major US retailers in the United States. Combined with our owned & operated ecommerce Sexual Wellness initiatives, the category will contribute more than 40% of our revenue this year. In our Apparel and Beauty categories, our collaborations with high-end fashion brands including Missguided and PacSun are projected to achieve over $50M in retail sales across the US and UK this year, our leading men’s apparel lines in China expanded to nearly 2500 brick and mortar stores and almost 1000 digital stores, and our new men’s and women’s fragrance line recently launched in Europe. In Gaming, our casino-style digital gaming products with Scientific Games and Microgaming continue to see significant global growth. Our product strategy is informed by years of consumer data as we actively expand from a purely licensing model into owning and operating key high-growth product lines focused on driving profitability and consumer lifetime value. We are thrilled about the future of Playboy. Our foundation has been set to drive further growth and margin, and with the committed capital from this transaction and our more than $180M in NOLs, we will take advantage of the opportunity in front of us, building to our goal of $100M of adjusted EBITDA in 2025.” https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201001005404/en/Playboy-to-Become-a-Public-Company Also, according to their Form 4s, “Big” Dong Liu and “lil” Suying Liu just loaded up with shares last week. These guys are brothers and seem like the Chinese market connection. They are only 32 & 35 years old. I don’t even know what that means, but it's provocative. https://www.secform4.com/insider-trading/1832415.htm https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mountain-crest-acquisition-corp-ii-002600994.html Y’all like that China money? “Mr. Liu has been the Chief Financial Officer of Dongguan Zhishang Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd., a regional designer, manufacturer and distributor of LED lights serving commercial customers throughout Southern China since November 2016, at which time he led a syndicate of investments into the firm. Mr. Liu has since overseen the financials of Dongguan Zhishang as well as provided strategic guidance to its board of directors, advising on operational efficiency and cash flow performance. From March 2010 to October 2016, Mr. Liu was the Head of Finance at Feidiao Electrical Group Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of electrical outlets headquartered in Shanghai and with businesses in the greater China region as well as Europe.” Dr. Suying Liu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp., commented, “Playboy is a unique and compelling investment opportunity, with one of the world’s largest and most recognized brands, its proven consumer affinity and spend, and its enormous future growth potential in its four product segments and new and existing geographic regions. I am thrilled to be partnering with Ben and his exceptional team to bring his vision to fruition.” https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201001005404/en/Playboy-to-Become-a-Public-Company These guys are good. They have a proven track record of success across multiple industries. Connections and money run deep with all of these guys. I don’t think they’re in the game to lose. I was going to write a couple more paragraphs about why you should have a look at this but really the best thing you can do is read this SEC filing from a couple days ago. It explains the situation in far better detail. Specifically, look to page 137 and read through their strategy. Also, look at their ownership percentages and compensation plans including the stock options and their prices. The financials look great, revenue is up 90% Q3, and it looks like a bright future. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgadata/1803914/000110465921005986/tm2034213-12_defm14a.htm#tSHCF I’m hesitant to attach this because his position seems short term, but I’m going to with a warning because he does hit on some good points (two are below his link) and he’s got a sizable position in this thing (500k+ on margin, I think). I don’t know this guy but he did look at the same publicly available info and make roughly the same prediction, albeit without the in depth gambling or cannabis mention. You can also search reddit for ‘MCAC’ and very few relevant results come up and none of them even come close to really looking at this thing. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gOvAd6lebs452hFlWWbxVjQ3VMsjGBkbJeXRwDwIJfM/edit?usp=sharing “Also, before you people start making claims that Playboy is a “boomer” company, STOP RIGHT THERE. This is not a good argument. Simply put. The only thing that matters is Playboy’s name recognition, not their archaic business model which doesn’t even exist anymore as they have completely repurposed their business.” “Imagine not buying $MCAC at a 400M valuation lol. Streetwear department is worth 1B alone imo.” Considering the ridiculous Chinese growth as a lifestyle brand, he’s not wrong. Current Cultural Significance and Meme Value: A year ago I wouldn’t have included this section but the events from the last several weeks (even going back to tsla) have proven that a company’s ability to meme and/or gain social network popularity can have an effect. Tik-tok, Snapchat, Twitch, Reddit, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter. They all have Playboy stuff on them. Kids in middle and highschool know what Playboy is but will likely never see or touch one of the magazines in person. They’ll have a Playboy hoodie though. Crazy huh? A lot like GME, PLBY would hugely benefit from meme-value stock interest to drive engagement towards their new business model while also building strategic coffers. This interest may not directly and/or significantly move the stock price but can generate significant interest from larger players who will. Bull Case: The year is 2025. Playboy is now the world leader pleasure brand. They began by offering Playboy licensed gaming products, including gambling products, direct to consumers through existing names. By 2022, demand has skyrocketed and Playboy has designed and released their own gambling platforms. In 2025, they are also a leading cannabis brand in the United States and Canada with proprietary strains and products geared towards sexual wellness. Cannabis was legalized in the US in 2023 when President Biden got glaucoma but had success with cannabis treatment. He personally pushes for cannabis legalization as he steps out of office after his first term. Playboy has also grown their brand in China and India to multi-billion per year markets. The stock goes up from 11ish to 100ish and everyone makes big gains buying somewhere along the way. Bear Case: The United States does a complete 180 on marijuana and gambling. President Biden overdoses on marijuana in the Lincoln bedroom when his FDs go tits up and he loses a ton of money in his sports book app after the Fighting Blue Hens narrowly lose the National Championship to Bama. Playboy is unable to expand their cannabis and gambling brands but still does well with their worldwide lifestyle brand. They gain and lose some interest in China and India but the markets are too large to ignore them completely. The stock goes up from 11ish to 13ish and everyone makes 15-20% gains. TL;DR: Successful technology/e-commerce investment firm took over Playboy to turn it into a porn, online gambling/gaming, sports book, cannabis company, worldwide lifestyle brand that promotes sexual wellness, vetern access, women-ownership, minority-ownership, and “pleasure for all”. Does a successful online team reinventing an antiquated physical copy giant sound familiar? No options yet, shares only for now. $11.38 per share at time of writing. My guess? $20 by the end of February. $50 by EOY. This is not financial advice. I am not qualified to give financial advice. I’m just sayin’ I would personally use a Playboy sports book app while smoking a Playboy strain specific joint and it would be cool if they did that. Do your own research. You’d probably want to start here: WARNING - POTENTIALLY NSFW - SEXY MODELS AHEAD - no actual nudity though https://s26.q4cdn.com/895475556/files/doc_presentations/Playboy-Craig-Hallum-Conference-Investor-Presentation-11_17_20-compressed.pdf Or here: https://www.mcacquisition.com/investor-relations/default.aspx Jimmy Chill: “Get into any SPAC at $10 or $11 and you are going to make money.” STL;DR: Buy MCAC. MCAC > PLBY couple weeks. Rocketship. Moon. Position: 5000 shares. I will buy short, medium, and long-dated calls once available.
Ignorance of Agriculture will ultimately contribute to collapse. (debate prep)
My apologies, this is a long post, TL;DR is at the end Disclaimer: I am not a scientist. This is a later draft which I have shortened and to an extent, dumbed down to be understood by a wider audience, motivated by my comment on thedebate thread. The statements included have been researched thoroughly and there are links to data on which I provide my own analysis (some links are generic wiki pages but I cannot seem to link 30 odd years of learned experience and university level material very easily). My writing is based from over 15 years of working in the UK agricultural sector with time also spent working in New Zealand. I have also studied Geography, Geology and Biology at college, Agriculture + Land Management at foundation degree level and hold a degree in Architecture – I very much welcome discussion over the topics raised and for comments to provide alternative viewpoints, conclusions and sources but I do not wish for people to just tell me that ‘you’re wrong’. What this post describes, personally causes much concern that I feel others should learn to understand before forming their own opinion - UK agriculture is often unfairly judged through ignorance and misinformation. It is focused around a UK/Europe perspective and history but I’m sure there is evidence to suggest similar trends globally. When trying to predict a future, it is wise to analyse the past and in this instance, to know an origin story, that of Society. From a geological point of view, the beginning of human society happened yesterday, roughly 10,000 years ago. It is important to use this time scale because this is of a similar scale that we assess previous climate changes and extinction events. Appropriately, it is of a time scale that The Long Now project views humanity if we are to survive the next 10,000 years as a species. Society arose from the fields and herds of our invention, Agriculture. Settling as communities and tribes to plant seed and tend to domesticated animals slowly created a surplus of food. This crucially meant, for example, out of a group of 50 adults, only 40 would need to farm, leaving the remaining 10 to learn, innovate, rule, and relax – the notion of Progress. For millennia this trend continued as agricultural processes benefited from the new ideas and tools that the non-farmers provided. Right through to the medieval and renaissance periods, a vast majority of the population worked in the food supply system; not all were farmers but butchers and bakers, blacksmiths, and cart manufacturers etc. Society was still focused around the growing seasons and it is no coincidence that northern hemisphere religions practice Lent around early spring, the time when food stocks from the previous years harvest were running low. It was a method of control to discourage selfish behavior and instead share remaining food stocks proportionately within a community. Farming methods at this time were relatively sustainable and ‘eco-friendly’, using organically grown crops and animals that formed part of a natural Carbon cycle and Nitrogen cycle. This concept soon changed, firstly with the age of discovery but more importantly, with the following Industrial Revolution. This was an acceleration of the same process as before; food surplus became so great that many more people were free to innovate, invent and discover – creating a positive feedback loop. The issue was however that this explosion of Progress was directly a result of fossil fuels. First coal and coke which perfected methods of steel production before being used as a source of power to transport goods, power factories and machinery, thus enabling great increases in Efficiency. Later, oil became more important to further increase power efficiencies but also to produce vast quantities of synthetic fertilizer and chemical pesticides. Our modern day society is built on the efficiencies and the stored energy that fossil fuels provided. The apple air pods, the tiktok, the football stadiums and the long-haul flights are all possible because of the exploits of oil to provide enough surplus food. Only a tiny fraction of our society now produce the food that the rest of us consume. In particularly the work of Fritz Haber and his work of creating a synthetic fertiliser in 1918 as clearly shown in this graph – UK yields of arable crops from 1200 to modern day. (measured by tonne/hectare – how much stuff is harvested over about 1.5 soccer pitches) This causes me concern for three reasons: 1) Look at the graph again and zoom in to the past 20 years. Yields have become stagnant, growth has ceased. I have witnessed this firsthand. We have reached a ceiling of productivity we can no longer push any higher much like assuming a 100m Olympic sprinter will one day set a record of under 4 seconds, it is just not physically possible. There is not going to be any more increase in food surplus to take advantage of under the current system of extracting fossil fuels. 2) The increase in yield has been directly provided by the very thing which causes us environmental harm – oil. If we are to give up fossil fuels, then we must accept a huge drop in agricultural output. My estimation is not to a scale before the industrial revolution as we have since learnt more about drainage, crop rotation and breeding for instance but I would comfortably assume average yields could halve within a generation if we were to give up ‘oil’. 3) The graph shows an average yield – meaning some areas may still be increasing production but areas that were breaking records are now falling, thus bringing the average down. I explain this by many farms reaching an efficiency limit through financial constraints in a capitalist market and land usage but more importantly, climate change is already altering our agriculture through floods, droughts, pests, and diseases. Stuff that our ancestors would worship a god to try and prevent. 2012 was a bad harvest I remember, 2019 was also too wet that crops didn’t get sown in time for 2020. I believe this trend is important for the average person to grasp. Our society has been so far removed from food production that most people are ignorant of its power. Agriculture is THE bottom rung of societies ladder, it is our foundation stone and if it were to fail or indeed just wobble, we all fall. This group shares many posts about political and civil unrest that would spark a collapse and although it has done in the past such as the fall of Rome, this is equivalent to a tree losing its top branches which cause damage as they fall. The tree still stands, and like the Dark Ages of Europe, time allows it to regrow and flourish. To use the same analogy, Agriculture is the trunk of the tree and climate is the ground in which it stands; if these are significantly destroyed or damaged then the entire tree falls and there is no regrowth because it is dead. The next 10,000 years look bleak if we fail to transition away from fossil fuel exploitation over the next century. TD;DR the very thing that society is supported by, agriculture, is currently balancing on a tightrope and there is a hurricane forecast to hit real soon.
Jan/29/2021: __ Volunteer soldier's story __ Opposition members arrested after calls for murder & violence __ Interview: corruption in army __ Public official arrested for bribery __ Paid paternity leave __ Stats: economy, corruption busts, COVID __ Genome sequencing __ Smart farming __ Avg. salary
Your 15-minute Friday report in 3633 words.
the war, army corruption, and possible solutions
Segment from an interview with legal expert Joanna Alexanyan, the head of Journalists for Human Rights. Aleksanyan: many soldiers didn't have basic items such as helmets and bulletproof vests. The army wasn't ready. It wasn't the enemy strikes that lead to this outcome. The situation was exposed at the worst moment. We've always criticized the shortcomings and crime in the army. Why was the army command responding to criticism so harshly? Their behavior didn't change even after the 2018 revolution. Reporter: how did the criminal element affect the war? When you look at the heroes from this war, they aren't criminals, they are ordinary conscripts whom rights are defended by people like you. Aleksanyan: when comedian Vardan Petrosyan went to Artsakh to meet his soldier son, he returned and described that love is what defined things in the front lines. Conscripts faced death regularly and it was the love towards the homeland and their lives that made them strong. I don't accuse conscripts of being responsible for the criminal atmosphere in the army. The crime existed for years, and commanders are responsible for that. A street kid with a criminal mentality could join the army, but it's a closed structure and should filter these elements out, but the corruption in the system didn't let that happen. Reporter: civil society has spoken about corruption in the army for years, before and after the 2016 war. Why didn't the commanders offer a solution? Did they want the army to be weak? Aleksanyan: no one seems to think about it today. I look around and I see funerals, news about bodies being discovered, then I see some opposition forces who make threats and ultimatums in the public square, we see inadequate actions by the government post-war. Everyone brings the Israeli army as an example. When you ask them why their army is good, they answer "we have the family model." (also maybe all the billions of dollars in investment from the US possibly???). What is the family model in the Israeli army? It's love towards the army and soldiers. We don't have love in our army. Do commanders know where their subordinates died? Where they went missing? Did they take steps to make their squads like a family? Today they are busy hitting one place, and they all blame one person. That's strange. Those who accuse are the ones who share the blame for the corruption and plunder in the army, and they continue to blame one person. For years you could either praise or stay silent about the army. That didn't change after the revolution. Young (ex-MOD) Davit Tonoyan sugarcoated and praised the army, but it was exposed. Reporter: why are both political camps busy with hateful rhetoric instead of working on these issues? Aleksanyan: it's the hatred that they have towards each other. How can a person, full of hatred inside, think rationally about something good? Words, words, and only words. When I hear those public square speeches and threats, it terrifies me. How can Vazgen Manukyan claim today that he plans to organize rebellion and capture buildings? They don't love their country, their army, their Armenia. Why do you make such claims? So Nikol will leave? So you will come to power? Reporter: ... to save the country, as Manukyan says... Aleksanyan: ...to come to power. To do what then? And at what cost? Are you inciting civil war? There is nothing good in this. Reporter: how do families who lost sons respond to this political struggle? Aleksanyan: with indifference. Not many participated in these rallies. families who have POW relatives are active, but the rest are indifferent. They don't believe anyone, especially [opposition parties] in the public square. Reporter: do you agree with Robert Kocharyan that this government intentionally came to weaken the army? Aleksanyan: I'm surprised that Robert Kocharyan still expresses opinions. Inexperience? Maybe, but not intentional weakening. Didn't the state weaken on March 1st? If Kocharyan rejects responsibility for March 1st that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Reporter: Kocharyan said he plans to participate in elections and "win". Does he have a chance? Aleksanyan: I can't predict his chance, but I know that he is widely rejected in the country. Good luck to him. Reporter: Serj released a statement saying the army was stabbed in the back. Why are both former presidents claiming that there was intentional treason? Aleksanyan: Pashinyan inherited a corrupt army from Serj and Kocharyan. How could he completely reform it in 2 years? What treason? The word "treason" is very trendy today. Everyone is a "traitor". I reject that word. It's divisive. It would be better if Serj and Kocharyan accepted their guilt, for what they failed to do for the state and the army, for the degradation of the army. Wasn't it Serj Sargsyan who stood in Ejmiatsin and praised Generals Manvel Grigoryan and Seyran Saroyan, people who were securing his election victory in their respective regions, and where considered the face of corruption? Full: https://factor.am/332879.html
flyers are distributed encouraging murder
Non-ex-regime opposition LHK MP: Flyers with the words "eliminate the traitor" are being spread in public places. This can lead to physical aggression. We are a civilized country where violence and terrorism cannot be means for resolving issues, especially if they are directed against high-ranking officials and legitimate authorities. Thoughts of "physical elimination" have recently been voiced by public and political figures, which is exacerbating the situation. Remember October 27, which bent the backbone of our statehood, and do not encourage crimes. https://www.facebook.com/samsonyan.ani/posts/2924886244458329 https://factor.am/333304.html
update: five arrested after trying to break into government building
The incident took place yesterday after a group of nationalist opposition figures held a protest in Republic Square and attempted to break into the govt building. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041777.html
update: Vahan Badasryan arrested after threats
Nationalist opposition figure Vahan Badasyan was arrested yesterday after threatening to use weapons to forcefully "remove Pashinyan." Today the court decided that he should remain arrested until his trial. He is charged with Code 301. Ruling QP MP Hakobyan criticized Badasyan's words and accused him of behaving as a head of a criminal band. "If you are so confident in your abilities, let's hold snap elections," said the MP in response to other opposition parties' demands for PM's resignation. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041794.html , https://factor.am/333211.html , https://factor.am/333217.html , https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/205515
update: group tasked with Constitutional reform discussion will wrap-up soon
A group consisted of civil society members, NGOs, and various parties has been discussing reforms in the Constitution. They will finalize and provide the results in a week. It includes the possible merger of Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, reforms in investigative committees, topics about the church, election process, age restrictions in judicial, vetting, etc. https://factor.am/333134.html
volunteer soldier recalls Artsakh war episodes / Manuel Manukyan and Edward Manukyan:
We learned about the war on September 27th and drove to Artsakh with 6 friends. The next day we were at Hadrut military base. We felt obligated to be there because our 18-year-old brothers were there. The fighting spirit of the boys was very high, they were very strong and confident in their actions. They were eagerly waiting for the next tank. They fought with great enthusiasm. It doubled my spirit. I will never forget our friend Mush who shot 4 tanks without missing one. Unfortunately, 3 of my friends and Mush died next to me while stopping an enemy tank attack. My parents initially panicked and didn't want to allow my brother and me to volunteer. These were the heaviest days of the war. On the 3rd day, we were with a squad with 5 others. They were experienced although under the age of 30. We referred to one of them as "Crazy". He was very brave. We heard the sound of a drone while in the trenches. We were instructed to take cover in those situations. We suddenly noticed that Crazy got out of the shelter and tried to shoot the drone. He returned very unhappily because he couldn't see the drone up-close. The fighting spirit of our boys was really high. Everyone knew where they came to, why, that it was likely they would never return. They stood their ground to the end. I hope that people will take the enemy seriously and not betray their homeland. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041857.html Tags #ArtsakhWar #44daywar #war
The crews discovered 8 bodies on Artsakh battlefields. Medical tests will be needed for identification. The work continues in Martuni, Hadrut, and Jabrayil regions. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041776.html
POWs
5 POWs who were returned yesterday were part of the volunteer group that was captured during the Khtsaberd incident in the narrow strip of land west of the Hadrut-Shushi corridor. Additionally, there were other POWs who were captured during the 44-day war. Russian outlet RBK says the total number of POW is 140. It was confirmed by MFA official the Armenian ambassador to the Netherlands Tigran Balayan, who said "There are still over 120 POWs. Azerbaijan still commits war crimes. One of the POWs mentioned the physical abuse he went through." https://factor.am/333228.html , https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/289839/ The EU welcomed return of 5 Armenian POWs and called for immediate return of others, said the EU foreign affairs spokesman. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041817.html Rumors and rebuttals: army denies media rumors about 15 soldiers being captured on their way to Artsakh's Askeran region. They also denied rumors surrounding a Colonel named Gor Ishkhanyan: "His unit did not retreat during the war. After the war, his unit pulled back from its positions as part of the November 9th statement. Spreading false news does not contribute to strengthening the defense capacity of the homeland." https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041823.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041834.html
Qashatagh residents need compensation
Some of the villagers in Artsakh's Qashatagh region, which went under Azeri control after the war, weren't aware until the last moment that they had to leave, so they didn't have time to take the household items with them. A group of residents gathered in front of the government building today and asked for housing. "Aid was provided multiple times but that's not enough to make ends meet," said a resident. Prime Minister's office invited the residents to discuss the issues on February 3rd. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041812.html
displaced Shurnukh and Vorotan villagers will have new homes
Deputy PM Avinyan visited Syunik province to meet residents of bordering villages Shurnukh and Vorotan. Around 20 houses in these villages went under Azeri control because they were built on the internationally-recognized Azeri side of the borders. Avinyan: during discussions with the residents, we agreed that new houses would be built for them. Each member of every family will receive ֏300K, plus ֏68K/mo for 6 months. https://armtimes.com/hy/article/205478
anti-corruption: NSS busts Economy Ministry official with bribery
NSS report says: a company imported a diamond from UAE and paid ֏72M in customs taxes. However, subsequent investigation revealed that the diamond was worth 6x more than it was declared. NSS found that the director of the Economy Ministry's Licensing and Permits Department received a bribe from the company to intentionally undervalue the item on paper. The director instructed a subordinate to falsify paperwork; the latter confessed and testified. The department director has been arrested. The bribe-giver company owners and dozens of others have been brought in for questioning. A felony case is launched. https://youtu.be/Rgntt6JqHVk https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041780.html
update: some large businesses abused micro-business laws to evade taxes
Micro-businesses laws were recently reformed to reduce taxes for many self-employed and small businesses. Some dishonest large businesses decided to game the system and split into smaller parts to provide themselves services as contractors and pay fewer taxes individually. The IRS is aware and decided to increase the monitoring. They caught 258 such instances in 2020, up from 116 in 2019. There are over 40,000 micro-businesses in Armenia. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041809.html
anti-corruption: +70% felony cases by IRS / ֏21 billion in damages uncovered
IRS exposed ֏21 billion in damages to the state during 622 felony cases (+70% compared to 2019). 244 were about tax evasion, 62 falsifying docs, 23 illegal operations of a business, 265 narcotics transfers via border. ֏7 billion was recovered, which is +14% compared to 2019. Please do not ship narcotics via the post office. Thank you. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041824.html
Do not ship narcotics wrapped inside tolma. Thank you.
draft bill to prohibit legalization of illegal buildings on public lands
There is a law that allows illegal property owners to go through a process and legalize their structures. QP MPs drafted a bill to prohibit this for any illegal structure built after the approval of the bill if the structure is on public land. Bill authors: //practice was developed in previous years when businesses and individuals carried out construction without a permit, then asked the mayor to legalize the structures. This is because obtaining a license for an illegal structure was cheaper and faster than obtaining a permit and building a legal structure (huh?). The bill will take into account the owners' rights while allowing municipalities to dismantle illegal structures without administrative proceedings. The dismantling will be paid fully by the builder. The bill will reduce beurocracy in the property registration and permit process. // https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/205473
COVID stats
1190 tested. 59 infected. 265 tested. 2 deaths. 5984 active. https://factor.am/333046.html The highest infection rates were observed in Tavush, Syunik, Lori, Yerevan. Ministry reminded to wear a mask and avoid crowded places. "Keep a 1.5m distance from household members suspected/confirmed with COVID. Keep a social distance in grocery shops. Use 70% alcohol sanitizer after touching public surfaces. Teach the rules to your kids. Call your doctor if you have symptoms." https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041804.html
COVID vaccines for Russian peacekeepers
Over 1,900 Russian men and women serving as peacekeepers in Artsakh have received the Sputnik V vaccine. The boxes with vaccines were driven around the country in coolers and administered only to those who agreed to take it. The second shot is scheduled before February 28th. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041792.html , https://youtu.be/cLbTwMsFgKQ
Armenian scientists sequence 12 coronavirus genomes / Mutation details revealed
National Academy of Sciences of Armenia: Almost a year has passed since the first COVID infection in Armenia, but it has not been revealed yet which COVID mutations are common among patients in our country. Knowledge of this information is important for analyzing the situation. // The scientists conducted 12 whole genome sequencing and found that D614G mutation in T gene - whatever that means - is responsible for the virus's interaction with human cells. This type was first revealed in February 2020 and is the most common in the world. No Brith or South African mutations have been observed. The examination continues. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041841.html
Soccer Federation will renovate a stadium in Abovyan city
The project was finalized. The construction begins soon. New grass, renovated stands, facilities, small playground, nicer surroundings. It will meet the UEFA Category-2 standard and be able to host UEFA Champions League qualification games, up to second stage matches. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041814.html
you've got to clean that snow from sidewalks
... reminded Yerevan municipality to businesses that have the entrance facing the sidewalks. Right now it's mainly done by the city's sanitation department. The city says there is a law that requires businesses to keep their surroundings tidy. "It will also increase your economic activity." The municipality has been distributing reminders to businesses. A few of them received ֏20K citations for ignoring it. The law also requires these businesses to plant vegetation and pave the sidewalks. "If the 4000 businesses in Center or 2150 in Arabkir do their part, the capital will be cleaner and well-maintained," said Mayor Marutyan. https://youtu.be/DKtTuNejSnQ?t=9 , https://youtu.be/BunvWmggdrg , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041801.html
farmers to use drones and robots
The National Agrarian University of Armenia has programs for 2021, in cooperation with the government and private sector. Sos Avetisyan: "We consult leading professionals in the field so that the curricula meet the requirements of today's market. This year, we will have a Master's Degree in Precision Agriculture. We want to keep up with the world and train specialists to become leaders in this field tomorrow." "Precision agriculture is a new emerging industry based on high tech. We will obtain agricultural drones to inject and cure crops. There is a pilot program in Voskehat and Akunq villages. The donors are purchased as part of the "Green Agriculture" program by the EU and Austrian Development Bank." "The Water and Soil Resources Research Center was also put into operation very recently, which has a very serious perspective. Economy Minister Qerobyan visited recently and offered to work together to expand the irrigated lands in Syunik province. We need this to substitute the lost lands." "We will continue the FRUITENIA program launched in 2020. It creates intensive orchards with an efficient drip irrigation system. Farmers and scientists will be invited to teach students. The orchards will also be used commercially because begin the process of commercializing our scientific output." Full: https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/205373 Tags #Agriculture
Nature Ministry busts illegal fishing in Lake Sevan
Every year, there is a period when fishing is prohibited to allow whitefish to lay eggs. Nature Ministry confiscated 5100 illegally-caught whitefish and removed 22 large fishing nets. The loot was donated to Artsakh refugees and facilities that help people with special needs. https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/205450
forest guards will receive another salary raise
ArmForest (Hayantar) workers will receive a $40-135 raise, depending on their position, beginning on March 1st. "The decision was made possible by cost optimization, increased savings, the fight against shadow economy and illegal logging, and increase in revenues," said the Nature Ministry. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041810.html , https://hetq.am/en/article/107840
2020 average monthly nominal salaries
Throughout the year, it was ֏186K ($383), or +4.2% from last year. Public sector at ֏165K (+5.9%), while the private sector ֏196K (+3.2%). It increased in December, from ֏224K to ֏228K year-over-year. The highest 11.3% growth was observed in the culture/entertainment/recreation field: at ֏182K/mo. The second highest 11.2% growth was in the high-tech field: ֏476K The third highest 9.7% growth was in construction: ֏201K Watesewage/waste management salaries +9.2% at ֏175K. Education +6.5% at ֏126K. Finance/insurance +5.1% at ֏411K. Full: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041771.html , https://factor.am/333350.html
Astghik Charity Foundation is tasked with developing provincial communities. They built a fabric factory "Made in Kurtan" to produce winter jackets. "They are very warm and sewed with love." They are looking for young designers with ideas to produce custom-designed clothing with the designer's name on it. https://youtu.be/Ga1rA-Y5aak https://factor.am/333198.html
female + male = ?
"Let's install cameras and find out," said scientists. The FPWC cameras spotted another rare leopard in Armenian forests. They believe this one is a female. Scientists are excited. This is the sighting of a 4th leopard since 2013 and a first female. They still need to verify it's a female. The male leopard "Neo" was spotted approximately in the same just a month ago. Scientists do not believe the two would stay so close to each other if both were male. (they better not be we don't need another George Soros scandal) https://youtu.be/mjm0SgYUVHI Full: https://armtimes.com/hy/article/205494
Museum of Russian Arts
Marine Mkhtchyan, the director of the Museum of Russian Arts, says the museum will organize a number of educational programs and exhibitions in Yerevan. There will be a collab with Armenian museums. Negotiations are currently underway with the Tretyakov Gallery to display Mikhail Vrubel's "Demon and Angel with Tamara's Soul" painting. Sketches by different artists will be presented. A collab with Sardarapat Museum will present Russian tea drinking and tea culture. The "Armenian Ally" exhibition will be held in September, dedicated to Moscow Day. This exhibition will be continuous. Every year, it will touch upon a specific historical period. This year the museum will present art about the 19th century, the Lazaryan family, the formation of the Armenian community. The year will end with an exhibition about Russian Christmas Tree decorations. 19th and 20th-century pieces will be presented. Classes for engraving will be taught in Armenia's provinces. Visitors will use VR headsets to walk inside a painting of a famous artist. This practice is common in the world; the Musem of Russian Arts made the debate in Armenia. Full: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041787.html
Artsakh refugee children entertain fellow refugee children
Refugee kids in Gyumri organized a Պոչատ աղվես-based performance in Gyumri's Մտորումների թատրոն. They were allowed to decorate the scene besides performing in it. The event for hundreds of children across multiple cities is organized by Jinishyan and Galust Gyulbenkyan Foundations. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041789.html
All Armenia Fund donates warm bedding to Artsakh refugees
The www.HimnaDram.org purchased and sent the items to 200 families. They were sewed by Artsakh refugees living in Tsakhkadzor who found jobs at a small fabric facility as part of the Project Hope initiative. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041855.html
top-10 bestseller children's books in December
10) Cat and Dog, by Hovhannes Tumanyan. 9) Frozen heart, Disney classic. 8) Harry Potter and the Political Prisoner of Azkaban, by JK Rowling. 7) tele-trip, by Lilith Hakobyan 6) the 3 little pigs (0% YoY) 5) Չարի վերջը, by Hovhannes Tumanyan. 4) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Commerce, by JK Rowling. 3) kolobok 2) Harry Potter and the Smart Stone, by JK Rowing. 1) Հայկական հեքիաթներ, collection from various authors. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1041490.html
I made a list of every Unus Annus video name. Posting this here because someone wanted to see it and a comment doesn't allow more than 1000 characters. November 15th - Unus Annus (note- The Very Start.) November 15th - Cooking with Sex Toys (note- 365 Days Left) November 16th - Purging Our Sins with a Net Pot November 17th - Hot Dog'd to Death November 18th - Making Our Own Sensory Deprivation Tank November 19th - The Good Kind of Cupping November 20th - The Bad Kind of Cupping November 21st - The Worst Kind of Cupping November 22nd - Ethan Will Be Kicked in the Balls November 23rd - Doing Each Other's Makeup in the Dark November 24th - Baby Hands Operation November 25th - Mark and Ethan Summon a Ghost November 26th - 2 Truths and 1 Lie -- Waxing Edition November 27th - Poopsie Sparkly Critters (a slime surpise...) November 28th - Play-Doh Thanksgiving November 29th - Helium Therapy November 30th - Drawing Memes From Memory December 1st - 1 Man 100 Accents December 2nd - An A.I. Predicts How We're Going to Die December 3rd - Mark Turns Ethan into a Mummy to Prepare Him for the Great Beyond December 4th - The Cubby Gummy Challenge December 5th - We Buy a Professional Hypnosis Video and React To It December 6th - Mark and Ethan Attempt and Escape Room December 7th - Ethan Destroys Mark's Van with a Bat December 8th - There's Still Hope... December 9th - Ethan Gives Mark a Viking Funeral December 10th - The Great Meat Mistake December 11th - Acupuncture Is NOT Painful December 12th - Floating in a Real Sensory Deprivation Tank December 13th - Mark Reviews The Impossible Burger But There's a Looming Sense of Impending Doom (note- Paintball gun) December 14th - We Made Nude Pictures of Eachother December 15th - You made Beautiful Music for The Barrel... But Only One Could Win December 16th - We Had To Drink Each Other's Pee (note- The first of the Pee Trilogy) December 17th - Ethan Explores Mark's Haunted Basement December 18th - Giving Away Our 1,000,000 Subscriber Gold Play Button December 19th - Ethan's Relaxing and Totally Normal Naul Salon December 20th - Taped and Afraid December 21st - What Was The Most Painful Thing We've Ever Endured? December 22nd - Donating Toys to charity w/ JackSepticEye December 23rd - Harnessing Our Dogs' Unlimited Energy December 24th - Santa's Mukbang (Drinking 1 Gallon of Eggnog) December 25th - Forcibly Turning Mark Into Santa Claus Against His Will December 26th - Preserving Ourselves In Wax (note- JackSepticEye was also here!) December 27th - Beating Inanimate Objects to Death December 28th - Emotional Pain vs Physical Pain... Which is worse? December 29th - Duct Tape Crusifixion (Amy, Please Don't Watch This Video) December 30th - You Blink You Lose December 31th - 2 Grown Men Attempt the Presidential Fitness Test January 1st - We Took The Polar Plunge Janurary 2nd - Hiding Out Sins from Amy's Holy Peepers January 3rd - We Eat Bugs January 4th - DIY Bungee Jump (Please don't try this) (note- Disclamer Song Origin) January 5th - We Have The BEST Thumbnails on Youtube and No One Can Tell Us Otherwise January 6th - Who Can Make Themselves Taller? January 7th - The Sensory Overload Tank January 8th - Recreating Ourselves as a Cursed Mannequin January 9th - We Took an IQ Test January 10th - Ethan Fianlly Becomes a MAN January 11th - Mark and Ethan Go Casket Shopping January 12th - We Take a Lie Detector Test to Uncover Our Darkest Sins January 13th - Learning to Breathe Underwater January 14th - Fixing Mark's Hole with Ramen but Every Time We Add Glue We Get 5% Closer to God (note- The hole made in the video where Mark punched a hole in the wall) January 15th - Mark Steals Ethan's Face January 16th - You Breathe You Die January 17th - 2 Absolute Beginners Experience the Dancing Glory that is Salsa January 18th - DIY Geriatric Simulator January 19th - This Is How We'll Die... January 20th - We Cryogenically Freeze Ourselves January 21st - This is What Being Tased Feels Like January 22nd - What Happens When A Youtube Channel Dies? January 23rd - Bad Bad Beans January 24th - We hired a Real Hypnotherapist to Analyze Our Darkest Dreams January 25th - We Turned Our Bodies Into Art (note- painting each other naked) January 26th - Mark and Ethan Lean About The Human Body January 27th - Mark Punishes Ethan January 28th - Strange (and legal) Things You Can Do With Your Body After Death January 29th - DIY Cheese January 30th - Hacking The Very Fabric of the Universe January 31st - Looking at Long Lost Memes February 1st - Discovering the Secret to Eternal Life February 2nd - Turning Mark Into an E-Boy February 3rd - Ethan Redefines Male Beauty February 4th - Professional Fire Cupping (Going Even Further Beyond) February 5th - An Extremely Sour, Not-at-all Sour Meal February 6th - Literally Eating Fire February 7th - Unregulated Axe Throwing February 8th - Literally Laying On Broken Glass February 9th - Making an Indoor Tornado to Flex on Mother Nature February 10th - Nutball: The Most Dangerous Game (note- First of the Nutball Trilogy) February 11th - Becoming a Master of Mime February 12th - Discussing the Idea of Murdering Each Other bit It's Just a Joke and Definitely Not Serious Haha February 13th - Are We Already Dead? February 14th - Our Perfect (and last) Valentine's Day February 15th - Drunk College Party Simulator February 16th - 10 Strange Amazon Paroducts Ethan Bought Mark Because He Doesn't Know How To Spend Money Responsibly February 17th - Chickens Teach Us About Life and Death February 18th - 3 Big Boys Attempt the Kings Royal Fitness Test February 19th - Being Attacked by a Fully Trained Bodyguard Dog February 20th - Learning the Ancient Art of Chinese Archery February 21st - The Ultimate Trolley Problem February 22nd - Goat Yoga February 23rd - Edible Slime was a Mistake February 24th - Granting Acces Into Heaven's Sweet Gates February 25th - Long Hair, Do We Dare? (note- With Marks Quarintine Hair, yes, he did dare) February 26th - We Wrote a Hit Pop Song in 30 Minutes February 27th - Mark and Ethan go on a "Drum Date" February 28th - Blowing Our Souls Into Some Hot Glass February 29th - Top 10 Worst Things Your Friend Could Possibly Spend Their Money On March 1st - Nutball Extreme: Taser Edition (note- Second of the Nutball Trilogy) March 2nd - REAL Ghost Hunting at an Abandoned Zoo March 3rd - We Bought a Camera That Can Look Inside Us March 4th - Becoming the World's Greatest DJs March 5th - Who Can Teach Their Dog a Trick the Fastest? March 6th - Middle School Science Experiment Teaches Us About Life and Death (note- Owl pellets) March 7th - DIY Chiropractor March 8th - Mark and Ethan Get Into a Fight March 9th - The Barrel - Offical Music Video March 10th - We Got Pepper Sprayed March 11th - We Give Each Other Tattoos Blindfolded March 12th - What Does Astrology Say About Our Friendship? March 13th - Mark and Ethan Get a Full Body Scan to See What Secrets Lay Hidden Within (and learn their body fat) March 14th - Mark Needs To Rub Ethan and Only His Mom Can Help Him March 15th - 2 Idiots Get Crushed by 18-Foot Giant Snakes March 16th - Beer Sauna: Turning a Portable Sauna into a Portable Hell (note- The video where Pee Sauna was first mentioned) March 17th - Mark and Ethan Hunt The World's Most Wanted Criminals March 18th - Unus Annus Carves the Roast Beast March 19th - 5 Weird Apps That Predicted Our Death March 20th - We Tried a Labor Pain Simulator March 21st - Recreating the Miracle of Childbirth March 22nd - Mark and Ethan Are Now Fathers March 23rd - We Force James Charles to Run a Military Obstacle Course March 24th - Desperately Trying To Not Touch Our Faces (note- Start of Quarintine videos) March 25th - Reddit 50/50: Two Player Edition March 26th - Going on an Internet Scavenger Hunt March 27th - Having an Adventure In VR Chat Becuase We Can't Go Outside March 28th - Amazon Shopping for the Apocalypse March 29th - Whom Would Eat Whomst First in a Zombie Apocalypse? March 30th - Ultimate Youtuber Boxing Showdown March 31st - The Deep End of Omegle: Risky Boogalo (note- This video was deleted for an unknown reason) April 1st - Where in the World is Unus Annus? (note- Timer was at 401 days) April 2nd - Mark Builds a Pillow Fort for the Very First Time April 3rd - Mark's 1 Weird Talent Leaves Ethan Absolutely Speechless April 4th - Wikifeet: A Tale of 2 Tootsies April 5th - We Made Every YouTuber Battle in the Hunger Games April 6th - We Google Each Other to Find Our Darkest Forgotten Sins April 7th - We Played Mad Libs and Ran It Through Google Translate April 8th - Mark and Ethan Desperately Try and Nae a Single State in the USA April 9th - Speed Reading 1000+ WPM To Gain a Complete Understanding of All Human Knowledge April 10th - What is the Least Viewed Video on YouTube April 11th - We Found Websites That The World Forgot About April 12th - The Scariest True Stories on the Internet April 13th - How to NOT be the Perfect Boyfriend April 14th - Mark and Ethan Find The Lost City of EL Dorado April 15th - Mark and Ethan Bet Everything on a Wikipedia Race April 16th - The Creepiest Videos on Youtube April 17th - Help Us Break a YouTube World Record (note- The birth of Norbert Moses. The video was called "Subscribe to Norbert Moses") April 18th - 2 Men 200 Accents April 19th - The Illuminati... Do They Really Exist? April 20th - Using Google Maps to Find the Lost City of Atlantis April 21st - Reading YOUR Scariest True Stories April 22nd - Mark and Ethan Take a Personality Test April 23rd - Will AI Soon Take Over Humanity As We Know It? April 24th - Running Internet Drama through Google Translate April 25th - The Secret Unus Annus NO-Touchy-Touchy Hand Shake April 26th - Two Male Men Judge Female Women on Their Beauty April 27th - Bored? Press This Button. April 28th - Don't Go in the Ocean... Ever. April 29th - We Explore the Most MYSTERIOUS Mysteries of our Wildy Mysterious Mystery Moon of Mysteries April 30th - We Looked at Unus Annus Memes May 1st - Is Mark a Masochist? (note- yes.) May 2nd - What the Hell is a Pink Trombone? May 3rd - Professional Fetish Scientists Rank the Best/Worst Fetishes of 2020 May 4th - Mark and Ethan Desperately Attempt to Feel Something May 5th - An A.I. Generates Out Worst Nightmare May 6th - Are Reptilian Humanoids Living Among us? May 7th - Like It or Not... This is What The New Human Looks Like May 8th - Eating Only Onions for 24 Hours: How Many Onions Does it Take to Kill a Man? May 9th - Unus Annus ASMR May 10th - We Attempted to Create THICC Water May 11th - Making Our Own Gravestones to Prepare For Our Inevitable Demise May 12th - How Tall Can A Human Get?: An Impartial Review by 2 Average Height Men May 13th - Mark Teaches Ethan Korean May 14th - Bigfoot is Real and It Ate My Friend May 15th - The End of Unus Annus is Almost Here... (note- The Halfway point) May 16th - We Explore the Unus Annus Subreddit for Your Delicious Memes May 17th - How Big Can a Nuke Get? May 18th - How Much Caffeine Does It Take to Kill a Man? May 19th - Drinking Real THICC Water... How Bad Does It Taste? May 20th - We Played Strip Poker (note- Mark lost so badly. Ethan also cheated on the first game) May 21st - Harnessing Our Yodeling Power to End the World aAs We Know It May 22nd - Mark Cooks Blindfolded While Ethan Guides Him Through FaceTime May 23rd - We Played the Newlywed Game While Consuimg That Which Will Kill the Other May 24th - DIY Boob May 25th - We Have the Best Bellies on Youtube May 26th - The Unus Annus Confessional Booth May 27th - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL 2080 (note- Mark will be 90 and Ethan will be 83) May 28th - Only UNUS-es May Watch This Video (note- Unus vs Annus. Most Likes to Win.) May 28th - Only ANNUS-es May Watch This Video (note- Annus vs Unus. Most Likes to Win.) May 29th - Only Watch from 2:15 to 6:11 --- DO NOT WATCH ANY OTHER PART OF THE VIDEO (note- Annus Won) May 30th - DIY Wine May 31st - Tearing a Phone Book in Half with Our Huge Manly Muscles June 1st - 2 Complete Amateurs Enter a Body Building Competition June 2nd - BLACK LIVES MATTER. Resources and How You Can Help in the Description. (note- This video was 8 Minutes and 47 seconds of silence) June 3rd - Crushing Watermelons Betwixt Our Mighty Thighs June 4th - Morphing Our Bodies Into Superhero Poses June 5th - Reacting to Your Hilarious Green Screen Memes June 6th - Mark Teaches Ethan to Read with Hooked on Phonics June 7th - Ethan Roasts Mark of 15 Minutes Straight June 8th - There's Something Horribly Wrong with This Picture... (note- When they made their own creepy photos) June 9th - Attempting to Build IKEA Furniture Without Instructions June 10th - Mark and Ethan Become United State Citizens June 11th - We Made Fanart for Each Other June 12th - Our Fans Try and Scare Us with Their Homemade Creepypasta June 13th - Recreating Childhood Photos June 14th - Will We Break the Boards... Or Will They Break Us? June 15th - Finding the Most Cursed Image on the Internet June 16th - Learning to Cry on Command to Increase Our YouTube Views June 17th - Pee Sauna (note- The end of quarintine videos. Second of the Pee Trilogy) June 18th - Building IKEA's Hardest Piece of Furniture Without Instruction is Impossible June 19th - Becoming One With the Horse June 20th - The Ultimate Paper Airplane Showdown June 21st - Creating Mark FISHbach (note- Origin of Mermer June 22nd - Leaning How to Lock Pick (FBI Please Don't Watch) June 23rd - The Most Dangerous Shave June 24th - Ethan Traps Mark's Soul in the Palm of his Hand June 25th - Bear Trapping 101: An Elegant Knot For An Elegant Beast June 26th - 2 Men In a Trench Coat Teach You How to Save Money at the Movies June 27th - Building the World's First IKEA Boat June 28th - Ethan Teaches Mark How to Swim June 29th - 10 Miracle Products to Give YOU the Thiccest Jaw on Planet Earth June 30th - 2 Dirty Boys Wash Their Filthy Mouths Out with Soap July 1st - Mark is Guilty. Ethan Has the Proof. July 2nd - Recreating Mark's Childhood July 3rd - We Put an Apple Watch in a Rock Tumbler July 4th - Dummy Thicc for Dummies | A Tale of 2 Butts | Pushing Our Butts Even Further Beyond July 5th - Reverse Engineering a Kite to Steal the Idea of Electricity From Benjamin Franklin July 6th - The Candy Bra Challenge July 7th - Mark and Ethan Look at a Puppy for 10 Minutes July 8th - Unus Annus Try Pole Dancing July 9th - This Is Hiding On Your Body RIGHT NOW. July 10th - Tasting Weird Food Combos: Pickles and Chocolate? Ice Cream and Soy Sauce? July 11th - The Unus Annus Space Program July 12th - The Egg Smashing Game July 13th - Can You Bake a Cookie from Cookie Dough Ice Cream? July 14th - Bleachus Annus July 15th - Dunking Oreos In Literally Anything But Milk July 16th - Preparing a 5-Star Meal for Our Youtube Famous Dogs July 17th - DIY Teeth July 18th - How to Escape from a Hostage Situation July 19th - Does This Magnetic Skincare Routine Really Work? July 20th - DIY Bed of Nails : OH GOD, PLEASE DON'T EVER TRY THIS July 21st - The Human Mop July 22nd - Can Sound Therapy Heal All Wounds? July 23rd - This Is The Most Dangerous Children's Toy Ever Made July 24th - Would Chica Save Us From Drowning? July 25th - We Do It Better Than Icarus Ever Could July 26th - The Beginning of The End (note- 110 days left. Start of the Desert videos) July 27th - The Annual Unus Annus Dunk Contest July 28th - Ultimate Horseshoes July 29th - A Serious Conversation Under the Stars (note- Last of the Desert videos) July 30th - Recharging Our Phones Using Only Brute Strength July 31st - 5 Products to Grow Your Patchy Beard August 1st - Mark Teaches Ethan How to Play the Trumpet August 2nd - Playing Cards: The World's Deadliest Weapon August 3rd - We Lubed Our Floor For a Sliding Competition August 4th - Breaking Glass With Our Screams August 5th - This is Goodbye (note- 100 Days Left) August 6th - Mark and Ethan Share a Drink August 7th - The Wubble August 8th - Mark and Ethan Shave Chica August 9th - DO NOT TRY THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES August 10th - Judging Your Terrible Unus Annus Ideas August 11th - Hydro Dipping a Baby August 12th - Popping Popcorn with a High-Powered Laser August 13th - Puberty Simulator August 14th - Grip Strength Test: Loser Becomes the Winner's Butler for a Day (note- Ethan "won" but Mark never became his Butler) August 15th - Transforming Mark into the 8th Wonder of the World August 16th - Momiplier Teaches Self-Defense August 17th - Playing Children's Games in Total Darkness August 18th - We're Better Than Dogs August 19th - The Koala Challenge: TikTok's Intimate Couple's Trend August 20th - 1 Gallon of Jello Nearly Broke Us August 21st - Too Many Pickles (note- The Video before the start of Camp Unus Annus) August 22nd - Pitching a Tent in the Woods But There's a Bear 15 Feet Away (note- Start of Camp Unus Annus. Mark was Blind while Ethan was Deaf) August 23rd - How to Rescue a Cat from a Tree August 24th - A Bear Attacked Us in the Middle of the Night August 25th - How to Safely Bury Your Friend August 26th - Team Building for 2: Trust Fall, Tug-of-War, and More! August 27th - How to Start a Fire (except don't...) (note- The infamous video where Unus appears at the window before Mark kills Ethan) August 28th - Mark's Outdoor Escape Room August 29th - Hunting HeeHoo August 30th - Was 2020 a Bad Year for Unus Annus? (note- End of Camp Unus Annus) August 31st - Mark Gives Ethan a HOT (stone) Massage September 1st - We Smell Every Smell September 2nd - How Many Slaps Does It Take to Cook a Chicken? September 3rd - 2 Boys 2 Poops September 4th - Mark Teaches Ethan How to March in a Marching Band September 5th - We Finally Drank Our DIY Wine September 6th - 2 Adults Take a 4th Grade Math Test September 7th - Making Snow Cones With Literally Anything but Normal Flavors September 8th - We Attempts Pottery Without Amy's Help September 9th - Can Plants Feel Pain? September 10th - How Far Can We Chuck a 16lbs Rock? September 11th - We Pierced Each Other's Ears September 12th - We Ate Dog Treats So You Don't Have To September 13th - We Accidentally Made an SCP While Amy Was Away September 14th - BEYBLADE NUTBALL (note- The Finale of the Nutball Trilogy) September 15th - Making the Ultimate Unus Annus Burger September 16th - Making Soda With Literally Anything But Soda September 17th - Pee Soda (note- The Finale of the Pee Trilogy) September 18th - Learning to Use The Force September 19th - Brick Soccer September 20th - We Attempt to Make Holy Water September 21st - Amy Sent Us a Mystery Box September 22nd - Mark Knows What Ethan Did... (note- Ethan cheated on the Grip Test Video) September 23rd - This Video Will Never Make Sense September 24th - We Attempt to Make UNHOLY Water September 25h - We Will Churn Thy Butter September 26th - Ethan Teaches Mark Gymnastics September 27th - The Great Ice Cream Cake Race September 28th - Mark Teaches Ethan to Wrestle September 29th - Ethan Watches as Mark Achieves the Impossible September 30th - Consuming the World's Hottest Chip October 1st - This Video Went Completely Out of Control October 2nd - The 1000 High Five Challenge October 3rd - Bobbing For Apples But the Water Keeps Getting Thiccer October 4th - Mark Breaks His Nose On An Aerial Hoop (note- Was the second time in one week) October 5th - Mark and Ethan Milk a Goat October 6th - Shooting Archery ON A HORSE October 7th - DIY Minesweeper October 8th - Literally Finding a needle in a Haystack October 9th - Drawing on Each Other's Backs in Total Darkness October 10th - This is For FUN and NOT a Fetish (note- They were in black bags with a vacuum to such out the air) October 11th - Mark Conquers His Fear of Night Swimming (note- Birth of the Gongoozler) October 12th - The Painful Wolrd of Aerial Silks October 13th - We Bought Every Grinch Costume on Ebay October 14th - Pumpkin Taste Tier List October 15th - Learn to Jump Higher in 16 Minutes and 16 Seconds October 16th - Bobbing for Literally Anything but Apples October 17th - This Video is Completely Unedited (note- This is the video where they shoved Wax up their nose and Marks got stuck) October 18th - Momiplier Tells Us True Scary Stories from Korea October 19th - Pumpkin Spice "Challenge" (note- Similar to the Cinnamon Challenge excpet with Pumpkin Spice and don't do this please) October 20th - Mark and Ethan Build a Scarecrow October 21st - Preassure Waching Our Sins Away October 22nd - We Force Mark to Swin in the Ocean (HIS GREATEST FEAR) (note- First of the Two Boat videos) October 23rd - Fighting Fish to the Deathin in the Deep Blue Sea (note- Second of the Two Boat Videos October 24th - Cryptid Olympics October 25th - Phasmophobia in Real Life (note- Ghost hunt time) October 26th - Edward Pumpkin Hands (note- First Video in big spooky house) October 27th - Blood Bath October 28th - The Unus Annus Annual Costume Contest (note- Second Video in big spooky house) October 29th - Ethan Turns Mark into a Werewolf October 30th - Ethan Kidnapped Mark (note- Third Video in big spooky house. Ethan made Mark an escape room) October 31st - The Truth of Unus Annus (note- Final Video in the big house. They open the Custom Coffin and change from their clothes into their suits. 13 Days Left) November 1st - Accepting the Truth (note- They Accept they are going to die. They remain in their suits from this point onward) November 2nd - The Unus Annus Last Supper November 3rd - Being Brutally Honest with Each Other (note- Mark cries) November 4th - Recreating Every Single Unus Annus Video (note- 45 minutes and 11 seconds. Longest video) November 5th - All Our Video Ideas That Never Happened November 6th - Who's Cutting Onions In Here??? November 7th - The 1st Annual Unus Annus Roast November 8th - God's Fitness Test November 9th - Saying Goodbye to All Our Guests November 10th - Everything's Legal If You're Dead (note- Cooking with Sex Toys 2) November 11th - 7 Minutes in Heaven | 7 Minutes in Hell (note- Ethan got heaven, Mark got hell) November 12th - The Unus Annus Annual Sleepover (note- The final video.) November 13th - Goodbye. (note- The final livestream.)
Pashinyan talks about the history of negotiations, responds to accusations by previous presidents, Russia relations, etc.:
After I took the responsibility for our failures in the war, an interesting process began in Armenia. Certain officials decided to blame their 25-year-long diplomatic failures on us. The person [ex-president] who left Karabakh out of the negotiating table, and changed the format to AM-AZ negotiations, is now accusing us of turning the Karabakh issue into a territorial issue. In reality, this conflict became a territorial issue when AM began negotiating on behalf of Karabakh. This began over 20 years ago. We are criticized for the international community viewing this war as AZ's attempt to restore its territorial integrity. The critic is the person, under whose administration, when the international community criticized AM for "occupying" AZ territories, was reassuring the Armenian public that there is nothing dangerous in it because when you enter a toilet in an airplane and close the door, the sign also says "occupied", so there is nothing scary about the word "occupy". This was the explanation given by the administration in the 2000s to address their diplomatic failures. We forget things over time, so they want to take advantage of that. The international community's stance wasn't formed in 2020 but in the past 25 years. That the world began viewing this as a territorial integrity issue, that Armenia became viewed as an occupant, did not develop beginning 2018. Since 2018 we've been trying to exit that state. They blame the starting of the war on our diplomatic failures. Let's look at the diplomatic events that we inherited: 1995 Lisbon: shortly after our military victory, the international community agreed that Karabakh should stay as part of AZ and granted autonomy. 1998 document: Armenia, not Artsakh but the Republic of Armenia, was told to give 7 regions to AZ. It states that Karabakh should be part of AZ. 1999 OCSE Istanbul: states that conflicts must be resolved based on the principles of territorial integrity. Madrid Principles: these were hailed as a diplomatic success by the former govt, but in reality, it was a shameful thing, because it states that Karabakh can be separate from AZ only if AZ agrees to it. 2011 Kazan: AZ slams the door and leaves, while AM president went around and gave interviews stating that we are ready to give away 7 regions to AZ, but AZ demands more than 7. Resolutions in international institutes: stating that AZ lands are occupied and the conflict must be resolved based on the principles of territorial integrity. 2013: AZ begins military escalation and no one condemns them, maybe because as our former leader said, "when you enter a toilet and shut the door, even the tag says occupied." 2016 Russian offer: the topic of Artsakh's status was completely removed from the agenda. You say you built great relations with Russia while my administration couldn't... if that's the case, then how come our strategic partner left Artsakh's status out of negotiations under your administration? This was the level of our diplomatic history, and these people are now lecturing us about failing diplomacy.
If you were good diplomats, why wasn't AZ punished for the 2016 April events? Because you went there and silently agreed to whatever was offered to you: accept the legitimacy of AZ's right to wage war. It's not that our administration failed the diplomacy, it's that we failed the attempts to fend off the consequences of Armenia's past 25 years of diplomacy. If you were so good, why didn't you avoid the 2016 war? You couldn't. You only halted it after promising to give away the lands. Why couldn't I do the same? Because we were told that since Armenia had already promised but failed to return lands in the past, now it has to be done legally written on paper with specific withdrawal deadlines. We could stop this war by signing a document that would be somewhat similar to what was signed on November 9th. On the first day of this war, while in Parliament, I publicly stated that I can stop the war right now, and I listed the conditions for that. So why didn't you [former regime] make statements back then and publicly agree to [give away lands] and stop the war? Now it turns out every opposition was in favor of giving away 7 regions with a 5+2 format. So why hadn't you done that yourself, in 2016, in 2017, to prevent the war? Especially since you knew what would happen after the 2016 April. Some people think that AZ would easily agree on the 5+2 format. But that was the preliminary offer. The terms would still have to be negotiated. AZ would demand more, Shushi, Lachin, etc. and I'm amazed that some people, who consider themselves as great diplomats, do not understand, or do not want to understand, these simple things. We are blamed for Turkey's entry into the conflict. Sorry, but Turkey had gotten involved since the Football Diplomacy [referring to Serj's soccer diplomacy], when due to AM's diplomatic failures, TR declared that there won't be good relations with AM unless AZ's lands are freed. This Turkish involvement began 10 years ago. Another baseless criticism is about us allegedly dismantling the army in two years. "Why didn't you close the air during the war?". The air was closed... with the help of $42 million useless dysfunctional [radio] equipment that you purchased in 2017 [sarcasm, referring to felony case that Pashinyan administration launched against former regime officials for wasting money]. The author of this $42m waste [fired general Movses Hakobyan] now claims to make sensational revelations that he was apparently offered a kickback during the SU-30 jet purchase. Question: did you buy the $42m dysfunctional weapons without a kickback? Or are we supposed to believe that the $42m waste was purchased as an act of kindness? To distract from the topic of waste, they focus on our decision to purchase OSA-AK units [Russia-made anti-missile and anti-drone tech]. First, we purchased OSA after discussions with broad circles. Second, OSA shot many drones; it shot an Israeli-made Hermes-900 drone in July, making it the first-ever occurrence and a sensation. Now they ask, why did you buy THIS instead of THAT. Because we purchased whatever we could in the 2.5-year period. We had to raise soldiers' salaries, solve their food issue, solve the clothing and underwear issue, buy warheads which were missing, buy automatic rifles to replace bad ones, buy bullets, and buy jets. In 2 years we had to purchase everything that wasn't purchased in the past 20 years. Why didn't you make these purchases in the past 18 years? How come building mansions, buying islands, buying mansions in Europe, accumulating millions in Swiss banks, were more important to you? They began circulating a thesis that I made a catastrophic decision on the 3rd day of the war. We spent 15 days looking for that decision of mine, and couldn't find it. Maybe these are the times we live in: you can make a lie and get away with it. Was the PM leading a battle? Was the PM making division-level decisions on the battlefield by himself? I only made one decision by myself throughout the war, and thanks to that, the 7th Defense Division remained intact because they were panicked and had earlier decided to retreat from the 7th Defense Zone. I'm glad that they [former regime] admit that there was a chance to finish the war with success. After all, this wasn't a completely crazy and hopeless war. [referring to hopes that we could still make a breakthrough and win] Frontline soldiers testified that in the first days of the war, some people [allegedly allied to the former regime] came and told them to leave because "Nikol has already sold the lands, go home." Months earlier, during the war, certain opposition parties had promised "political surprises" regarding the war. Whom did they collude with to deliver the "surprise"? In global terms, we must admit that the reason for our failure was Armenia being corrupt for >25 years. Today, the most influential part of our political elite are people who had done nothing but accumulate wealth and embezzlement. This was done by an entire system, and this system resists us today. They want to manipulate the public. Today the most important thing is the steps we take for the future. Regarding POWs and missing soldiers: we agreed that Armenians and Azeris who were captured during or before the war will be exchanged (all for all). We need patience here. We must ensure that anyone whose name is uncovered as a POW after the swap, is also repatriated. The process of finding missing soldiers is slow but ongoing. It's consisted of two parts: identify bodies under our possession, and find bodies from areas under AZ control. Since November 9th we have recovered >600 bodies. Over 500 are being identified right now. DNA samples are used. It's a time-consuming process. 135 bodies were identified this way. There are some painful events near our borders these days. Our army is being deployed along the line of the Republic of Armenia borders [Syunik province]. This process could lead to various interpretations in the public, but we are working on this process and I ask you not to fall into the panic mood on a daily basis regarding this. We need a real border and not a line of active military conflict. There is progress in the resumption of Karabakh negotiations. OCSE states that all the conditions and willingness are present to resume it, which is important. The November 9th document will make our soldiers' service safer. Currently, there are no border tensions. We're working on addressing issues related to soldiers' living conditions. Certain people circulate rumors about the "Meghri corridor" regarding the November 9th document. I'd like you to pay attention to the fact that the document has no mention of "Meghri" and "corridor", but it does mention "Lachin" (which allows Armenian to connect to Artsakh). There is no Meghri Corridor. It's about removing transport blockade. If we want to take care of our future, we must think about economic opportunities. Could the restoration of AM-RU and AM-IR railroad improve the economy? I believe so. Now I'll report on the progress regarding my 6-month roadmap: We approved aid packages, refugees were given one-time financial aid, those who lost their homes were given another aid package, govt is subsidizing the repair of damaged property in Armenia, families of wounded or deceased soldiers receive aid, those who housed refugees will get compensation, we'll soon pay the 2H2020 tuition of soldiers and their children, we're assessing damage to property (non-housing) to issue compensations, new social aid package for families of POWs, we're helping to restore daily lives in Artsakh. Simultaneously, we continue the reforms aimed at the judicial system and electoral laws. This isn't being done so that I can remain in power. It's done to make sure people remain in power. Armenian citizens must have the free right to choose their government. 2018 was the only election in our modern history that wasn't disputed. Today, some circles want to make sure it remains the last. Not one accusation will remain unaddressed by us, even if with a delay. We can't spend all day in front of cameras addressing accusations. We have work to do. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036850.html
Serj Sargsyan and negotiations
Serj Sargsyan's office responded to the aforementioned message by Pashinyan, saying he failed the foreign policy, has no right to criticize others, and that he "trusted Aliyev more than Serj and Kocharyan". A 2018 audio conversation between Serj and Belarus president Lukashenko was leaked on social media showing how Serj refused to give 7 regions to Azerbaijan in exchange for peacekeepers and $6 billion in presumably aid. https://youtu.be/fxbpRTjFIAs https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/288434/ https://factor.am/317644.html
opposition figure reveals details about October 19th meeting between Pashinyan and opposition parties / could the war be stopped?
On November 30th we learned the details revealed by Pashinyan about the closed-door meeting that he held with opposition members to discuss the options. It was about Putin offering to give away 7 regions without Artsakh's Status but Aliyev began demanding repopulation of Shushi. Opposition party leader Suren Sahakyan [not part of the former regime] says he was taking notes during the meeting with Pashinyan and decided to share the details today because "some analysts are using not-so-accurate information circulated by media". Sahakyan about the meeting: the meeting with 9 parties lasted only an hour. Pashinyan said that he received a letter from President Arayik that Artsakh is ready to give away 5 regions now and discuss the timeframe to return 2 other regions (aka 5+2 Lavrov's Plan). Pashinyan mentioned that he spoke with Putin. He said he asked Putin's opinion on how to end the war. Putin told him "Lavrov's Plan". Pashinyan said he did not reject or accept the Plan, and asked Putin, "If we agree, can Russia guarantee that the war will be stopped?". Putin told him, "We will do everything possible to stop it but we don't have the same leverage [over Azerbaijan] as we once had." To which Pashinyan responded, "And if we don't accept Lavrov's Plan, will this be viewed by Russia as a non-constructive step?" Putin said, "no, of course not." After the meeting with us, Pashinyan and Putin held another phone conversation. It turns out Azerbaijan had rejected Lavrov's Plan. The war continued. I say this in response to claims that Armenia could have stopped the war any moment by signing the papers on October 19th. [Sahakyan essentially confirms what Pashinyan said on November 30th].
Another info that Pashinyan gave us during the meeting was the installation of Russian border guards in the southern Armenian borders near Nakhijevan and Meghri. Pashinyan informed that Russia had said that any attack against these Russian soldiers would be viewed as an attack against Russia. [Russia implementing the security agreement with Armenia]
When Pashinyan mentioned the offer to give away the 5+2 regions, the dissatisfied ARF representative called it a capitulation and asked whether there is no other option. Pashinyan agreed that it would have been a capitulation to sign such a document as of October 19th, but said that inability to shoot the drones played a major role in the decision. [Azerbaijan would later reject this deal, as already mentioned] Hours later, the MoD announced the shooting of the first Bayraktar drone. Artsakh army informed us that they shot 80% of Azerbaijan's heavy equipment and that we aren't the only one in a difficult situation. [might be why Armenia decided to keep on fighting with a hope to stop advancement at Shushi] I reminded Pashinyan of his own words that "he who thinks like a loser will lose the war on the battlefield". I asked him why we can't shoot the drones. After all, they were shot in Syria and Libya. Was it money or politics? I also spoke about the possibility to officially recognize Artsakh. I also reminded that wherever Russian peacekeepers were stationed, it eventually led to a war, so we shouldn't solely rely on peacekeepers. Our situation was difficult as of October 19th, but so was Azerbaijan's. https://factor.am/318014.html
construction of free housing for 1988 earthquake survivors
... continues in Shirak province's villages. 4 more will be built by the end of this year, and 20 more ready by 2021. This is part of the 3 billion AMD aid package for 229 families for 2020. The govt decided to pass that aid package this year to provide housing for all remaining homeless families who are entitled to housing from the state. There were 5,406 qualified families. 4,838 had received housing between 2008-2017. In 2019 families were given an option to take the money instead of the house; some did. 570 families received housing since 2018 as part of a >6 billion AMD aid package, said PM's office. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036868.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036954.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036965.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1037012.html
she lived to become a model
Lilith Mkrtchyan survived the 88's quake and her entire family of 4 also miraculously survived. They lost everything. Today she shared her journey in an interview: https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/202429
Syunik deputy governor denied the rumors that Armenia gave away Armenian lands near village Aravus. "The commander of Corps met the Azeri delegation on December 6th and discussed the borders. In the Lachin region [now legally part of Azerbaijan] the front line was somewhat pulled back. Not one meter of land belonging to Armenia was yielded," said Babayan. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1037024.html
BHK leader Gagik Tsarukyan
... visited NSS to testify regarding his 2017 voter-bribery charges that were pressed against him earlier this year after an investigation that began in 2019. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036871.html
First president Levon TP released a message expressing concerns over possible political violence. He urged Pashinyan and former regime-nominated candidate Vazgen Manukyan to prevent physical conflicts. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036874.html The mayors of several cities and villages in Syunik province joined the calls for Pashinyan's resignation. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036877.html The 16 opposition parties [mostly former regime and their allies such as BHK] resumed their demonstrations in the public square. Their candidate Vazgen Manukyan presented their roadmap: they disagree with the November 9th document but won't repeal it, they'll try to strengthen the army and modernize it, strengthen ties with Russia, resume negotiations. They gave Pashinyan and the government until December 8th to resign, otherwise, "there will be acts of mass disobedience across Armenia." https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036876.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036884.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036890.html Former regime's outlets exaggerated the attendance numbers, claiming there were 50,000, says FIP fact-checker. "There could be 50,000 people only if the entire square in front of the Opera building was filled. At the time of Vazgen Manukyan's speech, there were only 7400 people," said the outlet and presents the aerial photo of the crowd. [I've read the number 20,000 after the march began. I think it was The Independent. For comparison, in Yerevan, the parties received a combined of "very approximately" 120,000 votes in the 2018 elections.] https://fip.am/14132 LHK has distanced itself from the rest of the 16 opposition parties and decided not to support Vazgen Manukyan but to nominate LHK chief Marukyan for PM. LHK also agrees that the November 9th document should not be repealed. They released a message in support of strengthening ties with Russia. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036944.html Pashinyan and others went to Gyurmi to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of victims of the Spitak earthquake. One of the pastors, who is known to publicly oppose Pashinyan, refused to participate, saying "Pashinyan is not my Prime Minister". PM's secretary responded saying the sermon is first and foremost for the victims of the earthquake and that PM is there as a Christian man and that there is no difference on which pastor officiates the sermon. https://factor.am/318233.html , https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1037023.html
opposition is accused of forcing & bribing people to participate in rallies
NSS says: we received information that several representatives of businesses and local government officials threatened to fire their subordinates, or offered them "bribes", to convince them to take part in demonstrations. Such demands are illegal. We will find and take action against those who do this. We're also aware of tensions that could lead to violence so we urge the public not to respond to provocations and not to spread hatred. [this wouldn't be the first time BHK Tsarukyan's own workers come forward and admit they were threatened to participate in an event under threats of being fired] https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036976.html
media & free speech organizations released a statement
It condemns the "discrimination and harassment" of 1in.am and Azatutyun outlet journalists (pro-western) by allies of 16 opposition parties during their demonstration. One of the journalists was forced to shut down the camera. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036945.html
Dvin restaurant owner to create a new political party
Investigative Committee says: in 2011, the director of Vanadzor N1 clinic learned about financial problems faced by her sister-in-law, and decided to falsify documents to register the latter as a fake employee to embezzle 3.5m in salaries. A felony case is launched. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036930.html
POWs and missing soldiers
Pashinyan, the MoD, and Healthcare Minister met the families of POWs and missing soldiers to brief them about the ongoing works. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036889.html Artsakh President Arayik: Azerbaijan has so far confirmed the names of fewer POWs than the evidence shows exist. [they probably want to do the all-for-all swap then claim they have more, hence the government's attempt to secure transfer of future POWs, too, who are "revealed" later]. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036892.html The search for missing soldiers' bodies began in Hadrut and Fizuli regions, which are under Azeri control. It's done by the Red Cross, Russian Peacekeepers, and the Armenian delegation. The searches are almost complete in Shushi and Martakert regions. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036935.html FOX11 Los Angeles: Hollywood celebrities turned activists over abuse of Armenian prisoners-of-war. Kim K, Cher, and Tankian. https://www.foxla.com/news/hollywood-celebrities-turned-activists-over-abuse-of-armenian-prisoners-of-war
French Socialist Party will send a delegation to Artsakh this week, headed by the first secretary Olivier Faure, to "share the pain caused by this conflict and analyze solutions." https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036899.html The French Isère Department has donated 50K Euros to Artsakh refugees residing in Gegharquniq province. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036941.html
update: Turkey releases Russian NTV reporters from jail
... and will deport them to Russia. They were arrested last week for allegedly secretly filming inside the Bayraktar drone facility. https://factor.am/318078.html
there is always a loophole
Belgian companies circumvent the arms embargo to Turkey. Flemish companies continue to deliver parts for the A400M, a military aircraft used by Turkey. The A400M is a project involving six NATO member states, among them Belgium and Turkey, and parts are not covered by Jambon’s embargo. "The Turkish military actions in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh show that this is not a country that can be exported to without any control. It is time to close this loophole in the legislation.” https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/business/143995/belgian-companies-circumvent-arms-embargo-to-turkey/
... are conducted on an hourly basis. Temperature, smell, taste, nitrite, ammonium, bacterias, etc. https://factor.am/317771.html
the 12-month inflation was
... +1.6%. Food and beverages +0.8%. Alcohol +10%. Cigarette +0.4%. Clothing +1.6%. Utilities +0.4%. House appliances +2.3%. Healthcare +2.8%. Transport +2%. Telecommunication -0.1%. Leisure -0.2%. Education +2%. Restaurants +1.6%. Hotel service -0.5%. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036924.html
Kapan airport construction progress
The Civil Aviation says the construction of Kapan's "Syunik" airport is over. It's part of a plan to develop small aviation in Armenia. It has a new runway, passenger area, other structures that meet standards. L-410 small aircraft will fly there. https://factor.am/317656.html
TUMO tech & science center
... has repaired Gyumri's 150-year-old theater building on the city park and converted it into an education center. It'll house up to 4,000 students. "Thanks to the multifunctional stage, it can rediscover its role as one of the most important cultural structures in the city." It was repaired with the help of Chon & Hasmik Mkrtchyan and Gyumri residents. https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/202401
arts & music
"Aratsani" is a project that collected 2,000 Armenian proverbs from around the world. The Education Ministry organized an exhibition to have 100 of the proverbs illustrated by Armenian painters. More: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1036979.html Bulgarian international "Вместе в 21 веке" music festival took place. Yerevan State Choir won the most prestigious Grand Prix award. The composer is Armenian-Israeli violinist Willy Weiner. https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/202328
World Cup 2022... we are screwed (official prediction)
The Soccer world cup is in 2022. Today they drew a lottery to place each country in a group. Armenia's opponent will be Germany (easy), Romania (done), Iceland (no problem), Macedonia (been there done that), and the much-dreaded Lichtainstain (press F. didn't we lose to the farmers last time and miss an advancement ticket?). https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1037022.html
System Of A Down Has Raised Nearly $1 Million For Armenia With New Singles
The yearly beating of french clubs in european group stages has come to an end with two teams getting out (Paris in Champions League, Lille in Europa League) and the other three (Marseille, Rennes and Nice) managing to earn a whopping combined total of 7 points in 18 matches. Congrats to them. This weekend, the Ligue 1 teams started a little marathon of four matches in ten days before the winter break with an exciting Marseille-Monaco on saturday and a climactic Paris SG-Lyon on sunday night.
Appetizers
On the day it was announced that Mediapro, the new broadcaster of Ligue 1, was giving up for default of payment after only four months, the opening match of the matchday, usually the symbol of a festive weekend, was an appealing Saint-Étienne-Angers. Yes, Saint-Étienne-Angers. 0-0. Next.
Marseille made a statement in the race for the podium, beating Monaco, a direct rival, 2-1 on saturday afternoon, their sixth straight win in the league. Despite a larger possession and more chances throughout the game, the monégasques conceded two early goals from the Benedetto-Thauvin duo who exchanged assists with each other to get that early lead. After the loss in Lille to another european aiming team, Monaco concedes another loss, a definite halt after climbing up the rankings in the past weeks.
Lens-Montpellier was expected to be a pretty entertaining fixture and it was indeed. Even though the southerners took a healthy lead in the first 30 minutes, their opponents from the other side of the hexagon came back thanks to a lucky goal and a penalty. In the middle of the second half, Gaëtan Laborde, usually assister, gave Montpellier the three points and a fifth victory across their last six matches (the other one being the loss last week against PSG).
The clash between the teams-that-play-in-red-and-black-and-that-ashamed-the-whole-country-in-Europe resulted in a win for Rennes away in Nice with a goal from Mbaye Niang at the end of a game easily controlled by the Bretons. Despite a managerial change, Nice is still struggling to get back in form, their last win dating from a month and a half (same for Rennes before this one).
Speaking of teams that hadn't won in a long time, Lorient was part of this not really prestigious club until this sunday where they dispatched Nîmes 3-0 at home. The Merlus (Hakes in english) were finally rewarded for their quality of play and their lack of efficiency (six matches in a row without scoring). Nîmes on the other end continues to fall and hit the 18th place, synonymous of a playoff spot.
After a great start of the season, Metz is starting to struggle a bit, suffering a fifth match without a win, this time in Strasbourg, at the end of a high-scoring match (for Ligue 1 standards at least). Bronn and Nguette successively gave Metz the advantage but they were answered respectively by Simakan and Thomasson.
Three days after throwing the first place of their Europa League group at Celtic Park, Lille had the opportunity to reclaim another top position in the case of a misstep from PSG at Lyon. And they did the job with a splendid strike from Jonathan Bamba and a rocket of a header from José Fonte. After a solid first half, Bordeaux was dominated quite heavily throughout the last 45 minutes and despite a recent good form couldn't avoid the loss.
The most anticipated match of the week (arguably of the whole season even) unfortunately didn't provide the most entertaining spectacle. Lyon's domination in the first half was rewarded by a goal from Kadewere following a disastrous misunderstanding between Kimpembe and Paredes. With only one shot on target during the whole game, the parisians were barely able to provide any danger towards Anthony Lopes. With that win, their first at the Parc des Princes since 2007, Lyon takes the second place, ahead of their opponents of the day.
With 0,48 penalty per match, Ligue 1 tops the rankings among the top 5 leagues in Europe (ahead of Premier League with 0,47 and Bundesliga with 0,45). Another seven of them were whistled this weekend.
1-2 Champions League group stage 3 Champions League qualifiers round 3 4 Europa League group stage 5 Europa Conference League play-offs 18 Relegation play-offs 19-20 Relegation to Ligue 2
Stade Brestois : Le Bilan didn't talk about Brest yet, not in length at least, and it's a mistake because the team has certainly been one of the most interesting to follow this season. You just have to look at the table to understand what kind of team it is. With seven wins, seven losses and no draw, the 6th best attack and the 3rd worst defense of the league, the bretons, led by the former Dijon coach Olivier Dall'Oglio, have gambled everything on entertainment in a safer Bielsist way. And it works. Of course they have conceded a lot of goals, of course they have yet to play Paris, Lyon and Montpellier but as they have shown in the past, much like their english counterparts, they are not afraid of big teams. They beat Lille 3-2, Monaco 1-0 and lost 3-2 a match they should have won against Marseille. With four wins in the last five matchdays, the brestois have given themselves a large cushion so that they don't have to think yet about an eventual return in Ligue 2. Oh yes, we didn't mention it yet, they got promoted only last year.
Downwards
David Guion : After correctly predicting the dismissals of Patrick Vieira and Christian Gourcuff in the past two weeks, Le Bilan has basically become the equivalent of the Washington Post of french football, no less. Pulitzer, here we come. Anyway, there's another man whose job is more and more in danger. And it would be by far the saddest of the three if David Guion was showed the door. Not that it wouldn't do good (the way Reims has been playing for a long time now is quite shocking) but what he has done for the club in the past three seasons must not be overlooked. For his first year in Champagne in 2017-2018, Guion led Reims to a Ligue 2 champion title (getting the UNFP best Ligue 2 coach trophy in the process), followed by an 8th place, then a 6th place (though the season was stopped early) and a first participation in a european competition in almost sixty years (stopped early in playoffs against the modest MOL Fehérvár). Sadly, this season has not been good for David Guion and his team. At all. Reims curretnly sits at the 19th place, has not won in the last five games and does not seem to have many assets to get back on track. Their reputation of a solid defensive team has disappeared and it would be unrealistic to ask Boulaye Dia (8 goals already) to carry the entire attack by himself for the whole season. Even worse, Reims president said he wouldn't oppose a departure from his striker. If he does indeed leave, Reims would need a miraculous replacement to save themselves from a sure relegation. Paris Saint-Germain : We may not get a lot of opportunities to have PSG in this category so let's not waste this golden one. Indeed, Paris has struggled lately in the league. With 4 points taken out of the last possible 12, already 4 losses in 14 matchdays (more than Lyon, Lille and Marseille combined), Paris has logically let go its top spot, reclaimed by Lille, their opponents on next sunday. In fact, PSG had not lost four times this early since 2009-2010, a season in which they ended 13th and Jean-Eudes Maurice had regular play time. Of course Paris won't finish 13th this year, they still have the best attack and the best defense of the league but it's clear that the crucial european matches against Leipzig, Manchester United and Istanbul Başakşehir have put an emotional and physical toll on players already tired since the end of Champions League this summer. One thing is certain though : for the first time since 2017, the league title is in play.
I am very, very happy. With our different systems, we have an element of surprise that we didn't have last year. It's harder for the opponents to prepare their match and it's interesting for us. Emotionally, it was very hard with the end of the european adventure. So to do a performance like that, I say bravo to the team.
Morgan Schneiderlin, Nice midfielder :
We have to keep this collective spirit, we take fewer goals but we score less or not at all, it's hard to win matches. Believe me, the fans are disappointed but we, the players, are the first to be affected by this situation. We are keen to rectify all this before the break. We don't want to spend a season playing nothing, getting bored. We're going to do everything we can to win on Wednesday.
Christophe Pelissier, Lorient coach :
It is a success both offensively and defensively. It's a perfect evening. It's a relief because it was a burden not to score, not to be rewarded. We must savour it and recover well. This victory allows us to be in the running, with 4-5 teams (Strasbourg, Nîmes, Reims, Dijon). We have a mini-Championship (for survival) where we have to perform well. We have to win that championship.
Thomas Tuchel, Paris coach :
We saw a very mentally tired team. I had the impression that the last sequence (Manchester United - Montpellier - Basaksehir) was too much for us. We missed even some easy passes. It's the fault of all of us, me first, the team. It wasn't serious enough, we must have enough quality to win every match. That remains my responsibility, that's clear.
Rerel, Paris supporter but football connoisseur first and foremost :
You give money to Arsenal, they turn it into shit.
Next matchday
Wednesday 16/12, 19:00 Dijon FCO - Lille OSC Montpellier Hérault SC - FC Metz Angers SCO - RC Strasbourg Nîmes Olympique - OGC Nice Stade de Reims - FC Nantes Wednesday 16/12, 21:00 Paris Saint-Germain - FC Lorient Olympique Lyonnais - Stade Brestois Stade Rennais - Olympique de Marseille AS Monaco - RC Lens Girondins de Bordeaux - AS Saint-Étienne Thanks a lot to Hippemann and NotMeladroit for all the clips and the tables ! For more news about the best league in the world (except for the other four) and to improve your french, come and subscribe to /Ligue1. All feedbacks are welcome ! Previous matchdays : Season 2020-2021 M1 - M2 - M3 - M4 - M5 - M6 - M7 - M8 - M9 - M10 - M11 - M12 - M13 Season 2019-2020 M12 - M13 - M14 - M15 - M16 - M17 - M18 - M19 - M20 - M21 - M22 - M23 - M24 - M25 - M26 - M27 - M28
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