Cryptocurrency
Coinbase CEO Armstrong Opposes US Govt Selling Bitcoin
2024-12-03
Coinbase COIN CEO Brian Armstrong has emerged as a prominent figure in the ongoing debate surrounding the U.S. government's handling of its Bitcoin BTC/USD holdings. His strong stance against the potential sale of these holdings has sparked significant discussions within the cryptocurrency community.

"Coinbase's Armstrong Urges Against US Govt Bitcoin Sell-Off"

Debate Intensifies After Bitcoin Transfers

On Tuesday, Coinbase COIN CEO Brian Armstrong voiced his vehement opposition to the U.S. government selling its Bitcoin holdings. This came in the wake of a significant event where 19,800 bitcoin, valued at $1.9 billion, was transferred to a Coinbase Prime deposit address on December 2. The debate surrounding this transfer has intensified, with various experts and industry players weighing in.Jason Lowery, a U.S. Space Force major and author of Softwar, tweeted that this is a "huge strategic mistake." He emphasized that there is no price at which it makes sense for the U.S. to sell any Bitcoin it holds. Armstrong echoed Lowery's sentiment, stating, "Agreed – the U.S. government should never sell Bitcoin IMO."

Strategic Concerns Over Bitcoin Sales

Lowery argued that the government lacks an understanding of Bitcoin's strategic value. He drew parallels to past shortsighted policies and warned that the U.S. may later attempt to reclaim Bitcoin sold off due to its ignorance of its importance. Referencing Executive Order 6102, a 1933 directive that forbade hoarding gold, Lowery suggested that future policies might aim to reacquire Bitcoin in a similar fashion.Crypto educator Toby Cunningham labeled the potential sale as "dumb," asserting that the supply would be instantly absorbed by the market. Meanwhile, Tether USDT/USD strategy adviser Gabor Gurbacs speculated that the transfers could be routine custody updates rather than sales. He noted, "There is also a lot we don't know. It's not guaranteed they will sell. I haven't seen any official auction information yet."

Mixed Signals and Market Implications

While the government has moved 25,999 bitcoin worth approximately $2.49 billion to Coinbase this year, analytics platforms suggest that not all these transfers are intended for sale. Spot On Chain indicated that some movements could involve consolidating wallets or upgrading security for older addresses. CryptoQuant's head of research, Julio Moreno, noted that it was "highly likely" only 10,000 bitcoin were sold in the latest transactions, with the remaining 9,800 BTC transferred to a newly created wallet.Currently, the U.S. government holds approximately 183,850 BTC valued at $17.7 billion across various addresses. Armstrong emphasized, "The U.S. should recognize the significance of this technology before making irreversible mistakes."
The 2024 ComicBook.com TV Golden Issue Award Nominees
2024-12-03
As the year 2024 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the vast array of entertainment that graced our screens. Television emerged as a dominant source of amusement, offering a diverse range of genres and captivating stories. From fantasy to sci-fi and comic book shows, viewers were treated to an abundance of new characters, narratives, and beloved favorites.

Honoring Television's Best with Golden Issue Awards

At ComicBook.com, we take pride in celebrating the television shows that brought joy to our homes throughout the year. Chosen by our dedicated staff, these Golden Issue Awards represent the pinnacle of television entertainment. Let's delve into the nominations and discover the stars that shone brightest.

Best TV Show

Television offered a plethora of captivating shows this year, and the Best TV Show category showcases the ones that held our attention. Fantasy and sci-fi dominated, captivating audiences with their imaginative worlds. Doctor Who, with its timeless adventures, Fallout, set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, House of the Dragon, bringing the world of Game of Thrones to life, Shogun, with its historical grandeur, and Star Wars: The Acolyte, expanding the Star Wars universe, all made the cut. These shows demonstrated the power of television to transport us to different realms and engage our imaginations. 2: Each of these shows brought something unique to the table. Doctor Who continued to charm audiences with its time-traveling antics and the evolution of the Doctor. Fallout offered a gritty and intense post-nuclear world, while House of the Dragon captured the essence of Westeros with its epic battles and political intrigue. Shogun transported viewers to feudal Japan, immersing them in a world of samurai and honor. Star Wars: The Acolyte added a new chapter to the Star Wars saga, introducing exciting new characters and storylines.

Best Comic Book TV Show

Comic book-inspired television remains a fan favorite, and 2024 was no exception. This category celebrates shows that draw inspiration from the world of comics, bringing beloved characters and stories to life. Agatha All Along, Batman: Caped Crusader, The Boys, The Penguin, and X-Men 97 all vied for the top spot. These shows offered a mix of action, drama, and humor, appealing to both comic book enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. 2: Agatha All Along brought a unique twist to the Marvel universe, with Kathryn Hahn's portrayal of Agatha Harkness stealing the show. Batman: Caped Crusader continued to be a fan favorite, with its dark and gritty take on the Caped Crusader. The Boys delivered its usual dose of social commentary and action, while The Penguin introduced a new and intriguing version of the iconic villain. X-Men 97 brought back the beloved X-Men with a fresh new spin, captivating audiences with its nostalgic charm.

Best Animated TV Show

Animation took center stage in 2024, especially in the comic book space. This category highlights the best animated shows that entertained audiences of all ages. Batman: Caped Crusader, Creature Commandos, My Adventures With Superman, What If…?, and X-Men 97 all made the nominee list. These shows proved that animation can be just as engaging and exciting as live-action television. 2: Batman: Caped Crusader continued to be a visual masterpiece, with its stunning animation and thrilling storylines. Creature Commandos brought a unique team of heroes to life, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities. My Adventures With Superman offered a fresh take on the Man of Steel, exploring his adventures in a more lighthearted manner. What If…? pushed the boundaries of storytelling, presenting alternate versions of familiar characters and events. X-Men 97 brought back the X-Men with a modern twist, captivating fans with its vibrant animation and exciting storylines.

Best Male TV Character

The male TV characters of 2024 were diverse and captivating, ranging from heroes to villains and everything in between. Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who, Walton Goggins as The Ghoul in Fallout, Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepott / The Penguin in The Penguin, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun all made the cut. These characters brought their respective shows to life with their charisma and talent. 2: The Fifteenth Doctor brought a new energy to the Doctor Who franchise, captivating audiences with his charm and wit. The Ghoul in Fallout was a menacing presence, adding a dark and gritty element to the show. Jack Reacher was a tough and resourceful hero, while The Penguin became a complex and intriguing villain. Lord Yoshii Toranaga was a powerful and commanding figure, adding depth to the historical drama of Shogun.

Best Female TV Character

The female TV characters of 2024 were equally impressive, with witches, survivors, and mystical twins stealing the show. Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness in Agatha All Along, Ella Purnell as Lucy MacLean in Fallout, Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone in The Penguin, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko in Shogun, and Amandla Stenberg as Osha and Mae in Star Wars: The Acolyte all left a lasting impression. 2: Agatha Harkness was a powerful and mysterious witch, adding a touch of magic to the Marvel universe. Lucy MacLean was a resilient survivor, facing the challenges of a post-apocalyptic world with courage. Sofia Falcone was a complex and cunning villain, adding depth to the Penguin's story. Toda Mariko was a strong and independent character, representing the spirit of feudal Japan. Osha and Mae in Star Wars: The Acolyte were a dynamic duo, bringing a unique perspective to the Star Wars universe.

Best TV Scene Stealer

Some characters may not have been the main focus of their shows, but they stole every scene they were in. Basil in Star Wars: The Acolyte, Cody Lightning as Biscuits in Echo, Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige in Shogun, Jennifer Hale as Madelyne Pryor in X-Men '97, and Aubrey Plaza as Rio Vidal in Agatha All Along all had that special something that made them stand out. 2: Basil added a touch of humor and charm to Star Wars: The Acolyte, becoming a fan favorite. Biscuits in Echo was a loyal and endearing sidekick, adding heart to the show. Kashigi Yabushige was a mysterious and intriguing character, adding depth to the story of Shogun. Madelyne Pryor in X-Men '97 was a powerful and complex character, adding a new dimension to the X-Men universe. Rio Vidal in Agatha All Along was a captivating and unpredictable character, stealing the show with her wit and charm.

Best TV Villain

Television wouldn't be complete without a villain, and 2024 delivered some of the best. Theo James as Bastian in X-Men '97, Aubrey Plaza as Death in Agatha All Along, Antony Starr as Homelander in The Boys, Cristin Milioti as Sofia Gigante (née Falcone) in The Penguin, and Manny Jacinto as Qimir / The Stranger in Star Wars: The Acolyte all brought their villainous personas to life with style. 2: Bastian was a mysterious and dangerous villain, adding a new level of intrigue to the X-Men universe. Death was a powerful and imposing force, adding a dark and macabre element to Agatha All Along. Homelander was a terrifying and corrupt hero, representing the darker side of society. Sofia Gigante was a cunning and ruthless villain, adding a new dimension to the Penguin's story. Qimir / The Stranger was a mysterious and menacing character, adding a sense of mystery to Star Wars: The Acolyte.
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Your Guide to Holiday TV Specials with Hallmark's Shay Watson
2024-12-03
During this time of the year, television networks and streaming services are flooded with holiday content. It's a season that brings joy and entertainment to viewers around the world. And for my friend Shay Watson, one of the staff composers for the Hallmark Channel, it's a time when he earns those much-deserved royalty checks. Shay's work on the Hallmark Channel's holiday programs has made him a key figure in the holiday entertainment industry. His compositions add a special touch to the stories told on the channel, making them even more memorable for viewers. The royalty checks he receives are a testament to his talent and hard work. They represent the fruits of his labor and the recognition he has received for his musical contributions. Shay's story is just one example of the many success stories that come out of the holiday season. It shows that with talent and dedication, one can achieve great things in the entertainment industry. Whether it's through composing music or acting in holiday movies, there are countless opportunities to shine during this special time of the year. So, as you sit back and enjoy the holiday content on your TV or streaming device, remember the hard work and talent that goes into making it all possible. And keep an eye out for the next big thing from the Hallmark Channel and its talented staff composers like Shay Watson.

Uncover the Magic of Holiday Entertainment with Shay Watson

Holiday Content: A Visual Delight

The holiday season is a time when television and streaming services go all out with their content. From heartwarming Christmas movies to festive family dramas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Hallmark Channel, in particular, is known for its charming and romantic holiday shows. Shay Watson's compositions play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of these stories. His music adds a layer of depth and sentimentality that makes the viewers feel connected to the characters and their experiences. Whether it's a gentle piano melody or a lively orchestral arrangement, Shay's music sets the tone for each holiday episode. It creates a magical atmosphere that transports the viewers to a world of love and joy.

The visual aspect of holiday content is also a major draw. The colorful sets, beautiful costumes, and festive decorations bring the holiday spirit to life on the screen. The attention to detail in these productions is remarkable, making the viewers feel like they are part of the holiday celebration. From the snow-covered streets of a small town to the glittering lights of a city skyline, every scene is designed to capture the essence of the holiday season. Shay Watson's music complements these visuals perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience and making the holiday content even more memorable.

Royalty Checks: A Reward for Talent

For Shay Watson, the royalty checks he receives from the Hallmark Channel are more than just a source of income. They are a recognition of his talent and hard work. As a staff composer, Shay pours his heart and soul into creating music that captures the essence of the holiday season. His compositions are carefully crafted to evoke emotions and create a lasting impact on the viewers. The fact that his music is being played on a national television network and is being enjoyed by millions of people around the world is a huge accomplishment.

The royalty system is a way for artists to be compensated for their creative work. When a song is played on television or in a movie, the composer receives a percentage of the revenue generated. For Shay Watson, these royalty checks are a tangible reward for his talent and creativity. They allow him to continue pursuing his passion for music and to create more beautiful compositions. It's a reminder that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.

Shay Watson: A Key Figure in Holiday Entertainment

Shay Watson is not just any composer. He is a key figure in the holiday entertainment industry. His music has become synonymous with the Hallmark Channel's holiday programming, and his name is recognized by viewers across the country. Shay's talent and creativity have made him a sought-after composer, and his work has been featured in numerous holiday movies and specials.

His ability to capture the essence of the holiday season in his music is what sets him apart from other composers. Shay understands the emotions and feelings that people associate with the holidays, and he uses his music to convey those emotions to the viewers. His compositions are not just background music; they are a integral part of the story being told. They add depth and meaning to the characters and their experiences, making the holiday content more engaging and memorable.

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