Author: Elizabeth Jabejian

Rosa Linn dominates Spotify Viral Charts in Latin America and hits #26 in the U.K.

Elizabeth Jabejian
wiwibloggs – Eurovision News
  • POSTED ONJULY 30, 2022
  • BYWILLIAM LEE ADAMS
Latin America has embraced Armenia’s Rosa Linn. On Saturday morning her song “SNAP” sat at #1 on the Spotify Viral chart in nearly every country we checked, including: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay and Venezuela. It was also at #2 in Bolivia, Mexico, and Paraguay.

Given the massive swell in interest throughout the region, it’s no wonder that Rosa Linn has climbed to #4 on the Spotify Global Viral chart. “SNAP” is also #55 on the Billboard Global 200, just ahead of songs like “Un Rattio” from Bad Bunny” and “Another Love” from Tom Odell.

Even as she picks up momentum in Latin America, Rosa Linn is maintaining her foothold in Europe. 

In her third week on the Official Charts in the United Kingdom, she shows no signs of slowing down.

“SNAP” has jumped to #26 this week — up from #43 last week. The only other Eurovision 2022 song still in the Top 100 is the U.K.’s own entry “SPACE MAN” from Sam Ryder, which is down at #71 this week (having dropped from #64 last week).

Rosa Linn’s viral TikTok song continues to rack of views on the platform, where it’s been used on more than 360,000 clips, garnering millions of likes.

Different versions of the song — including a hugely popular sped-up clip — have helped propel the song into TikTok and Instagram feeds around the world. 

Rosa Linn’s success carries a David versus Goliath feel. Whereas many Eurovision 2022 artists have big corporate labels, she’s part of the smaller and more independent Nvak Collective. Founded by Eurovision 2015 alum Tamar Kaprelian, Nvak discovers, nurtures and champions young singers, songwriters and producers. They obviously have good ears. 

Speaking to the BBC, Rosa said: “I’m from Vanadzor, in Armenia, which you probably don’t know where it is in the world, and I’m so, so happy. As a child I’d dream about this.”

Are you over-the-moon excited for Rosa Linn? Which language should she release the song in next? Let us know down below!

As a result of Azerbaijani shooting, the window and the entrance door of the house in Karmir Shuka were damaged

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 21:06,

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Resident of Karmir Shuka community V. Shahnazaryan applied to the Red Market Department of the Martuni Regional Police Department on July 28, saying that on the same day, at around 11:45, as a result of shots fired by the adversary, the kitchen window and entrance door of the second floor of his private house were damaged, ARMENPRESS reports the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Artsakh informed.

8 bullets of 7.62 mm caliber were also found in the yard of the resident of Karmir Shuka.

The Azerbaijani armed forces fired irregular shots at Taghavard and Karmir Shuka communities of Artsakh, the Interior Ministry of Artsakh said.

“The Martuni police department was notified that at around 11:45 Azerbaijanis fired intensively from various firearms in the direction of Taghavard and Karmir Shuka communities for about 20 minutes.

There are no casualties.




Camp Haiastan celebrates 70th anniversary

Elizabeth Jabejian
 Camp Haiastan Community News, Diaspora 0

2022 Camp Haiastan Staff

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Hundreds of campers, counselors, staff, alumni and community members gathered at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club on Saturday evening to celebrate the 70th anniversary of AYF Camp Haiastan. 

The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring a slideshow of past and present camp photos. Passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks were the backdrop of this unique family reunion.

First campers with Kenar Charchaflian (Photo: George Aghjayan)

The dining room was decorated with the camp’s new logo. Dinner included carving stations, pasta and salad stations, a very popular kids station and a surprise camp recipe: pilaf. As dinner music played in the background, the room was filled with friends catching up and sharing stories of their favorite camp memories. Among the attendees were four 1951 charter members—Shooshig (DerManuelian) Aghjayan, Barbara (Goshgarian) Berberian, Dorothy Melikian and Sylvia Simonian. There were also several three-generation legacy families—Alashaians, Alemians, Almasians, Altoonians, Apigians, Asbedians, Berberians, Boyajians, Dagdigians, Gharibians, Kaligians, Kushigians, Mangasarians, Manuelians, Papazians and Sogoians. Margo and Arev Dinkjian arrived from New Jersey as the only parent-child duo to have served as summer directors. Former executive and summer directors and Board of Directors members were also in attendance.

Mistress of Ceremonies Sarine Adishian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Sarine Adishian, a former camper, staff member and summer director and now a current Board of Directors member, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The program began with a quick round of losh kebab pickers—a camper favorite at early morning exercises—and continued with a blessing from Reverend Father Mikael Der Kosrofian of St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville. Reminiscing on the variations of ice cream outings, bug juice and campouts that have been staples in over seven decades of Camp Haiastan, it was clear by the reactions that each guest in the room had their unique memories of what so many consider the “best place on earth.” While much has changed, the camaraderie that camp has given so many remains the same. 

Der Mikael Der Kosrofian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

The first speaker of the night was Camp Haiastan’s current executive director, Kenar Charchaflian. Charchaflian is a former camper and staff member who shows her love for camp and the Armenian community through her unyielding dedication and work ethic. In her first public appearance as executive director after two years in this role, Charchaflian remarked not on the pandemic that closed the gates of camp, but on the community and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure they would open again as soon and as safely as possible. She also acknowledged those who made it possible for over 200 campers to experience a form of camp through “Camp Zoomastan” during such a difficult summer. Charchaflian also discussed the many improvements the camp has seen over the years and this year’s milestones, including a record number of Teen Session campers and a sold-out first session. 

Board of Directors, Gala Committee and Executive Director: Left to right: Susan Guzelian, Flo Bahtiarian, Michael Guzelian, Michael Bahtiarian, Hagop Soulakian, Melissa Simonian, Taline Badrikian, Nairi Khachatourian, Hratch Najarian, Sarine Adishian, Raffi Varjabedian, Mimi Parseghian, Kenar Charchaflian, Nareg Mkrtschjan, Alidz and Phil Nigon, Shant Saroukhanian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

The program continued with Hratch Najarian, chairman of Camp Haiastan’s Board of Directors. Najarian has been serving on the Board of Directors for five years and is in his second year as chairman. His message to the guests was simple: pay it forward. He reminded those in the room that AYF Camp Haiastan and those who built it had a clear vision which has proven itself time and time again. It is now time to not only continue to support the camp, but also to encourage others to do the same. They will walk away with “more than what they could have imagined,” said Najarian. 

Najarian proceeded to announce the recipients of the first ever Forever Tornig award, recognizing individuals for their lifelong commitment to Camp Haiastan. Each of the honorees began their relationship with AYF Camp Haiastan as campers, proceeded to work as staff members, served a tenure on the camp’s Board of Directors and continue until today to volunteer their time toward the betterment of camp. Each honoree shared heartwarming memories of their days at camp as well as lessons learned throughout their experiences. 

Executive Director, Board of Director and Forever Tornig Honorees: Kenar Charchaflian, Hratch Najarian, Shant Saroukhanian, Mimi Parseghian, Hagop Soulakian, Richard Krikorian, John Mangassarian, Peter Jelalian, Phil Nigon, Sarine Adishian, Michael Bahtiarian, Taline Badrikian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Peter Jelalian of New Jersey served as summer director many times and continues to be a resource for incoming directors. He is also currently serving on the camp’s recruitment committee. 

Richard Krikorian, also of New Jersey, helped to establish the camp’s current endowment and investment strategies and continues to serve on the camp’s finance and investment committee.

John Mangassarian of Rhode Island is always willing to lend a hand and can be found at camp multiple times a week, ensuring the grounds are well-maintained. 

A surprise honoree was also announced that evening — Muriel “Mimi” Parseghian. Like her fellow honorees, Parseghian is a lifelong supporter of the camp; she was a former summer director and served on the board on multiple occasions, including on the current body. The dedication of the honorees is appreciated by all who love camp and serve as examples to current and future generations of campers, staff and supporters. 

Mike Bahtiarian (also known as Unger Nature Hike Mike) serves on the Board of Directors and chair of the infrastructure committee. He approached the stage to give an update on the current and upcoming projects at AYF Camp Haiastan. The featured projects included a two-phase upgrade, redesign and rebuild of the kitchen and mess hall, aesthetic improvements to the Cabin Circle and an expansion/replacement of the Under the Trees area. The Cabin Circle repairs will include improving the landscaping, grass coverage and walking paths, as well as adding new seating and lighting. The Under the Trees area, where campers gather multiple times a day, was originally constructed in 1982 and dedicated to Vaghinag Koroghlian. The new concept will include expanded seating for 150 people in two sections, new lighting and retaining walls. The project will be dedicated to the late Mark Alashaian, who could be found Under the Trees on any given Sunday during the camp season. Bahtiarian concluded his presentation by sharing the fundraising goals and overall plans of the infrastructure committee. 

These projects, set to be completed for the 2023 summer season, have a target fundraising goal of $1.5 million. The anniversary gala provided a wonderful opportunity to launch the campaign, which raised just over $400,000 in one night. The community can still show its support and dedication to the camp by donating online. Donations can also be mailed to the camp office (PO Box C, Franklin, MA 02038). 

The second raffle drawing also took place during the program. Charchaflian, who is also sometimes known as the “raffle girl,” returned to the podium to conduct the drawing. The winners were Laurie and Thomas Christopher from New Jersey.

Adishian concluded the program by remembering those who came before us with the vision to create “a little Armenia in Franklin” and reminding those in the room of their responsibility to “continue the positive impact of camp.” 

The evening concluded with musical performances by Michael Gostanian, Mal Barsamian, Richie Berberian, Bruce Gigarjian, Paul Mooradian and Ron Tutunjian. Guests danced the night away with old and new friends. 

A fun night of dancing to music by Michael Gostanian, Mal Barsamian, Richie Berberian, Bruce Gigarjian, Paul Mooradian and Ron Tutunjian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Guests are invited to email photos from the evening to [email protected]. 

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Founded in 1951, AYF Camp Haiastan is the oldest Armenian residential camp in the United States. Camp Haiastan is located in Franklin, Massachusetts.


Armenia expects Albania’s support in preventing Azerbaijan from distorting cultural heritage

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 13:22,

YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Artur Martirosyan received Ambassador of Albania to Armenia Luela Hajdaraga (residence in Athens, Greece), the ministry said.

Congratulating the Ambassador on appointment, the Armenian Deputy Minister wished her a productive work for the benefit of the development of the Armenian-Albanian ties. He expressed confidence that the Ambassador will contribute to further strengthening and deepening the relations between Armenia and Albania.

The Ambassador of Albania thanked for the reception and stated that there are many commonalities between Armenia and Albania, and the close cooperation in educational, cultural and a number of other directions has a very big potential.

Deputy Minister Martirosyan in turn noted that the cooperation with Albania is also special in a sense that being a transitional country it has significant achievements that could be taken into consideration in the context of developing Armenia’s education, cultural, science and other sectors.

The sides discussed the bilateral and multilateral cooperation prospects in education, culture and youth spheres and expressed readiness to encourage the agencies operating in these areas to expand the partnership. As a first step they highlighted the opportunity of inter-university cooperation within Erasmus+, Horizon Europe programs, the cultural mutual visits and the partnership between youth structures.

The Deputy Minister of Culture drew the attention of the Ambassador to the issue of preservation of Armenian cultural heritage in the territories under the Azerbaijani control, stating that the Armenian side is expecting the support of the international community, including Albania, so that Azerbaijan refrains from destroying and distorting the Armenian cultural heritage.

In response the Ambassador said that the government of Albania is well aware of the current situation and expressed readiness to convey these concerns to the Albanian government.

Artur Martirosyan invited the Ambassador to attend the STARMUS VI festival in Armenia on September 5-10.

AUA Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Sona Hamalian Conference Room

Elizabeth Jabejian
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in Armenia, Latest, News, Top Stories

Dr. Karin Markides, Dr. Vicken Aharonian, and Sossy Hamalian at the ribbon-cutting ceremony


YEREVAN—The American University of Armenia hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 27 for the Sona Hamalian conference room (413M), named in memory of the first director of the AUA Extension program. 

Since the day AUA opened its doors in 1991, Hamalian served as the administrator and right-hand assistant to Dr. Mihran Agbabian, AUA’s co-founder and first president. In 1992, she became the director of AUA Extension, now called Open Education. Following her untimely death, Hamalian’s twin sister Sossy and her husband Dr. Vicken Aharonian, both AUA Pillars, memorialized her legacy by naming conference room 413M in the AUA Main Building in her honor.

The ceremony was attended by the Aharonians’ and Hamalians’ immediate family members, close friends and relatives, as well as AUA community members who had known and worked with Sona Hamalian in the past.

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian addressing guests at the ceremony

Following the ribbon-cutting, the guests gathered for a reception in the Faculty Center. In her welcoming speech, AUA President Dr. Karin Markides addressed the guests highlighting the naming of 413M Sona Hamalian conference room in commemoration of her life and in honor of her memory.

“Sona Hamalian was a well-respected and devoted member of the AUA community, whose memory will live on through the widely used Sona Hamalian conference room, which serves as a meeting point for discussions, interviews, and team meetings to collaborate, recruit the best faculty and staff, and work towards the flourishing future of the University. She would have been very proud to see all the accomplishments AUA continues to have,” said Dr. Markides.

AUA’s co-founder and former president Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian reflected on the past, on the University’s inception and Hamalian’s crucial role in its development. 

“Dr. Mihran Agbabian hired Sona around July of 1991. He was familiar with her work ethic and skills. Sona did an impossible job in setting up offices, classrooms, library textbooks, the registrar’s office, housing for faculty members, and more. It was all possible due to her dedication and commitment to the University,” remarked Dr. Der Kiureghian.

The Aharonians’ and Hamalians’ immediate family members, close friends and relatives at the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Following his speech, Dr. Der Kiureghian shared a short passage from Sona Hamalian’s report on the Extension program. The very last paragraph of the report contained the following message: “When asked, ‘What is your vision for the 90s,’ I respond humorously. “I am not a visionary. I am a dreamer and I have fantasies”. We are excited for our next 1000 years (after all, for a nation 4000 years old, this kind of exaggeration is permissible). The technological advancements of recent years are revolutionizing education, and we are looking forward to providing the highest quality of instruction in the formats that best serve Armenia’s educational goals.”

Dr. Vicken Aharonian, brother-in-law to Sona Hamalian, shared the thought that had inspired the naming of the conference room in her honor and expressed gratitude to the University staff, faculty, and guests for their support and efforts in developing Armenia.

“We wanted to honor her memory. Nobody will live forever, but it is good to create something that will, and I hope that this conference room will serve AUA, where her name will endure forever,” said Aharonian. “We are truly grateful to the University, which we have been supporting for many years. AUA is the future of this country. I wish you the best. Thank you very much.”

For more information on naming opportunities at AUA, visit the website.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values. For more information about AUA and its donor opportunities, please visit the website.




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 18-07-22

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 17:36,

YEREVAN, 18 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 18 July, USD exchange rate up by 1.63 drams to 415.05 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 5.62 drams to 421.48 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.12 drams to 7.37 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 7.82 drams to 497.35 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 161.85 drams to 22767.15 drams. Silver price down by 3.02 drams to 246.33 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Armenia international Varazdat Haroyan signs for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta

Elizabeth Jabejian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – July 12 2022
July 12, 2022, 13:45

 Less than a minute

Armenia international Varazdat Haroyan has signed for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta FC. The collaboration will last until summer 2024.

He thus joins his teammate Hovhannes Hambartsumyan at the club.

Haroyan earlier terminated the contract with Spanish Cadiz.

Varazdat Haroyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia on August 24, 1992 and plays as central defender. He started his career in local Pyunik, where he played until 2016 with three championships and five cups of Armenia. He then moved to the Iranian league for a year before moving on to Russia. He competed there for three years and continued in Kazakhstan with Astana. 

He spent the last season at Cadiz, Spain. He was named Armenian footballer of the year in 2021.

U.S. House set to vote on amendments calling for release of Armenian POWs, requiring reports on Azerbaijani war crimes

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 11:12, 13 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. House Rules Committee cleared the path for full House consideration of four ANCA-backed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA – H.R.7900) that call for Azerbaijan’s immediate release of Armenian POWs, require U.S. State Department reports on Azerbaijani war crimes, and place conditions on the proposed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, ANCA reports.

The amendments may be voted on individually or grouped in “blocs” and voted upon during House consideration of the NDAA, which may begin as early as this Wednesday evening, July 13th.

Amendment #611 (formerly #698): Introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the amendment expresses the sense of Congress that the government of Azerbaijan should immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians.

Amendment #121 (formerly #837): Spearheaded by Representatives Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), the amendment calls for a report by the State Department and Defense Department that would detail the use of U.S. parts in Turkish drones used by Azerbaijan against Armenia and Artsakh; Azerbaijan’s use of white phosphorous, cluster bombs and other prohibited munitions deployed against Artsakh; Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters during the 2020 Artsakh war. 

Amendment #337 (formerly #992): Introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), the amendment directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to document details of the waiver requirements to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and report on whether security assistance to the government of Azerbaijan undermines efforts toward a peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Amendment #399 (formerly #478): Led by Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), the amendment would place conditions upon the sale or transfer of F-16s or F-16 modernization kits to Turkey.

Union of Armenian Foundations of Turkey issues statement on Pashinyan-Erdogan phone talk

Elizabeth Jabejian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
13:47, 13.07.2022

The Union of Armenian Foundations of Turkey has issued a statement regarding the recent telephonic conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reports ermenihaber.am.

In the statement, it is noted that this phone talk has become the agenda topic of the Armenian community of Turkey, and the indisputable optimism observed in this regard at the level of individuals is completely shared by the community at the administrative and institutional level as well.

The aforesaid statement adds that the Armenian community of Turkey, despite its fairly small potential, can be considered a symbolic bridge between Turkey and Armenia.

The Universal Appeal Of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Elizabeth Jabejian
Bustle
June 29 2022
By Audrey Noble

TikTok beauty trends and viral products are many and fleeting, but one fragrance has remained a constant for the past couple of years — Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Baccarat Rouge 540.

The hold that this fragrance has on everyone’s hearts (and algorithms) is only surprising in that it’s not a new scent and it’s a pretty big investment, especially for young beauty lovers. But its popularity seems to only be getting stronger despite that. Research done by Hey Discount in 2022 shows that the Baccarat Rouge remains a highly sought-after fragrance, with just under six million Google searches and over 110 million TikTok views yearly.

“I don’t know, I don’t have an account on TikTok,” Francis Kurkdjian, perfumer and creative director at Maison Francis Kurkdjian, tells Bustle lightheartedly when asked about its current status as Gen Z’s favorite scent. “More seriously, it makes me very happy; it means my creations are connected to the younger generation.”

Baccarat Rouge 540 launched in 2016 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the French luxury and crystal manufactory brand Baccarat. Kurkdjian had partnered with Baccarat many times before and it only made sense for him to be the one to create the signature scent for this milestone.

“The [president of Baccarat] wanted me to encapsulate the spirit of Baccarat in a bottle. I asked, what is its signature, and she answered, ‘Red crystal: the exact same crystal that hangs on each Baccarat chandelier,’” he says. “I started looking into the impressive heritage of the maison and focused on the process of creation behind their signature golden red.”

Baccarat Rouge 540 strikes the perfect balance of being floral without being too overwhelmingly sweet, and has a woody aroma that is decadent in all the best ways. Its ingredient list is surprisingly short compared to other beloved fragrances; it only contains seven ingredients — such as jasmine, saffron, and woody amber — which are divided by three accords. Kurkdjian says that its specific formulation remains a secret, despite the efforts of many counterfeits and dupes to replicate it out on the market. But what he can share about the formula is that its ingredient layering is based on a technique created by famed perfumer Jean Carle, the man responsible for another iconic fragrance Miss Dior.

The technique is pretty straightforward. You start with two ingredients and balance them. Then you add another ingredient and balance. And you keep going until you’re done. With Baccarat Rouge, he says that he put in a dash of orange and Tagetes and a few natural notes at the very end. The other notes — moss oakmoss, ethyl maltol, ambroxan, and hedione — are aroma molecules put together by a very precise, modern technology.

“It is truly the balance between these four raw materials based on my emotions and vision that makes this fragrance completely new,” he says. “That specific balance delivers a clear and recognizable olfactory signature.”

What was meant to be a limited-edition release (there were only 5,000 bottles produced for one year) sold out in two months. That was when Kurkdjian decided to make Baccarat Rouge a permanent part of the collection — and the rest is history.

“When I created it, I knew the fragrance was amazing because every time I was wearing it, I had so many good comments. Numerous people [who wore the scent] told me the same thing,” he says. “Its trail is distinctive and memorable.”

“I’m an unabashed stan of this Tiktok-dubbed ‘rich girl’ scent, and I always have a travel-sized version in my carry-on,” writes BDG executive beauty director Faith Xue of the scent. “I’m guaranteed instant compliments from anyone around me.”

What makes a product go viral is the existential question beauty brands have sought to answer since the inception of social media. But if Baccarat Rouge 540 proves anything, it takes more than just a good product to win the hearts of a younger generation (and TikTok’s current obsession with “old money ” and the “night luxe” aesthetic definitely helps). It has to evoke a good feeling.

“This fragrance resonates with people in different ways; people are passionate and feel very strongly about this scent,” he says. “There’s no rational explanation for it, but it shows again how much perfume is linked to people’s state of mind and how powerful the effect of a scent can be.”

We at Bustle only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

https://www.bustle.com/style/maison-francis-kurkdjian-baccarat-rouge-540-tiktok