Vision Times Newspaper VOL.4 JAN 29,2021

JAN 29 - FEB 4,

2021

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Biden’s Pick

Janet Yellen Nominated for

US Treasury Secretary

By Debbie Cho Vision Times

J

anet Yellen, former chair of the Federal Reserve Board under Barack Obama, has been nominated to become the new Treasury Secretary serving the Biden administration.

Known to be a fiscal dove and a Keynesian economist, her preference is to support low interest rates and low unemployment while encouraging government regulation to aid in a stable economy.

Yellen had spent a good part of her career as an academic professor and lecturer at institutions such as Harvard, The London School of Economics, and U.C. Berkeley. She transitioned from her role as a professor to serving within government, first as the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and eventually leading up to becoming the Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2017.

After her leaving the position at the federal reserve, Yellen became a Distinguished Fellow in Residence at the Brookings Institute and earned speaking fees from major Wall Street banks.

has expressed her desire to work with congress to ensure no increase will occur for this group.

In addition, Yellen supports a federal minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. The Congressional Budget Office believes this, “move could cost upwards of 3.7 million workers a job,” but in Yellen’s opinion this increase will fuel the economy by stimulating spending by the workers benefiting from the increase. She stated that “raising the minimum wage will lift tens of millions of Americans out of poverty while expanding access to opportunity for countless small businesses nationwide.”

To combat climate change, Biden supports a carbon tax on producers of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. In a podcast with the Brookings Institute, Dollars and Sense, in Feb. 2019, Yellen described implementing a $40 tax per ton

on the suppliers of fossil fuels with an increase of tax faster than inf lation until emission goals are met. The revenue would be distributed to households to offset increases in higher energy costs.

China relations

Yellen has had experience working with China’s central bank during the 2015 devaluation that surprised global markets when the Chinese yuan was devalued against the U.S. dollar. The devaluation was thought to be to be a form of currency manipulation to in order boost exports after the U.S. dollar rose in value pulling up the Chinese currency.

China’s response was that the devaluation was in preparation to move to a market based economy.

In response to the Senate Finance Committee’s question on competing with foreign countries, including

Gettyimages

The Biden Administration will be willing to make use of the full array of tools to hold China accountable.

Our approach to date has focused on a unilateral approach — and, as a result, could have been more effective.

--Yellen

Flickr

Monetary policies

During the past week’s Senate Finance Committee hearings for her nomination, Yellen was asked questions regarding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Reforms that are due to expire in 2026.

Many middle class citizens benefited from the tax cut under the former administration but will face an increase when they expire. Biden had pledged no tax increases to households making less than $400,000 per year and Yellen ny@visiontimes.com

Janet Yellen, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, listens to the discussion from the audience. To Yellen's right is former Congressional Budget Office director, Doug Elmendorf.

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China, and bringing offshore jobs back to the U.S., Yellen responded, “The Biden administration will engage in a whole-of-government approach to China that uses our available tools in a manner that is designed to achieve our economic, national security, and foreign policy goals. U.S. efforts to maintain its technological and innovation edge, including in sensitive 'dualuse' technologies, must focus on reshoring critical supply chains.”

Tough China policy had been a hallmark of the Trump administration, which advocated a clear-eyed approach to the communist regime. The U.S. under Trump pursued a trade war and expanded the confrontation to various other fields, such as human rights and tech.

In early 2020, Yellen had voiced opposition to Trump administration moves to cut off Chinese tech companies from access to U.S. products, claiming. that it would stifle innovation.

Since the 2020 campaign trail, Team Biden has sharpened its rhetoric on China, maintaining that it will continue much of what the Trump administration started. Yellen stated, “The Biden Administration will be willing to make use of the full array of tools to hold China accountable. Our approach to date has focused on a unilateral approach — and, as a result, could have been more effective. Going forward, we should strive to meet this important challenge by building a united front of U.S. allies and partners, including through multilateral institutions, to confront China’s abusive behaviors.”

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Biden: COVID-19 Will Take Months To Tackle

By Arvind Datta

I

n a speech given at the State Dining Room, Biden announced that the CCP virus is not going to end anytime soon. This contradicts his statements before becoming president where he said that he would suppress the viral outbreak in short order.

Before he became president, Biden had announced that 100 million Americans would be vaccinated within his first 100 days in office.

However, when a reporter recently asked him about this, Biden snapped back and told the reporter to “give me a break.”

“We didn’t get into this

mess overnight and it’s going to take months for us to turn things around. But let me be equally clear — we will get through this… We will defeat this pandemic, and to a nation waiting for action, let me be the clearest on this point: Help is on the way,” Biden said in the speech.

Longtime Obama administration official Chris Lu said that Biden must ‘restore trust’ in the US government which eroded under Trump’s administration. Biden’s aides said that his administration’s approach is to establish realistic and achievable goals rather than promise something extraordinary that cannot be fulfilled.

Backtracking on his prom-

ise to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 100 days makes Biden’s promise appear more like a campaign talking point rather than a realistic goal.

On Thursday, he said that it will take eight months for his administration to get the majority of Americans vaccinated. The very next day, he stated that there is nothing he could do to change the trajectory of the pandemic over the next several months.

Biden has signed many orders with regard to pandemic relief. One order asked the US Department of Labor to provide people with unemployment insurance if they have left their jobs due to safety concerns at the workplace. Another executive

order targeted federal agencies.

“It requires all federal agencies to do what they can do to provide relief to families, small businesses, and communities. And in the days ahead, I expect agencies to act… A lot of America is hurting. The virus is surging. We’re 400,000 dead, expected to reach well over 600,000. Families are going hungry. People are at risk of being evicted. Job losses are mounting again. We need to act. No matter how you look at it, we need to act,” he said in a statement.

Biden did not give a source for his death toll prediction.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation expects

Before becoming president, Biden had promised to vaccinate 100 million people in 100 days. (pixabay/CC0.01)

the number of CCP virus deaths to reach 568,806 by May 1. However, this organization is known to have given false coronavirus death toll projections in the past.

Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion pandemic aid plan that he wants Congress to approve at the earliest. It will

pay every American citizen $1,400. That amount along with the earlier $600 direct payments will fulfill Biden’s promise of giving $2,000 to each American. However, some media reports suggest that Democrats do not expect the bill to be approved until March.

Trump Keeps His Future Plans Secret as Democrats Move Forward With Impeachment Gettyimages

By Prakash Gogoi

T

rump left the White House on January 20, choosing not to attend Biden’s inauguration ceremony. In his first public remark since that day, Trump remained secretive about his future plans. While dining at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, a reporter from the Washington Examiner asked him what he intended to do.

To the question, Trump simply replied that he would “do something, but not yet.”

Before leaving office, Trump had said to his followers that the “movement we started is only just beginning.”

Stephen Miller, Trump’s former advisor, noted that the ex-President will likely play a critical role politically in the future of American politics. “Florida… is really the perfect place to be the new HQ of the MAGA movement and a launching pad for the president’s next endeavor…

He leaves with the certain knowledge that he put everything you have into the mission… This movement is beginning. This movement is a young movement. It’s still in its infancy and the president — his own journey is still only begun,” Miller told the Washington Examiner.

President Trump and Melania leave the White House.

In the meantime, Trump is keeping his future plans a secret.

Chuck Grassley (wikimedia / CC0.01)

Some reports have also suggested that he might establish a new party, the Patriot Party, for this purpose. Other reports say that Trump will be running for the 2022 midterm elections, recruiting trustworthy people to run for key Senate and House elections. He might also run in the Republican primaries, directly competing against the sitting members who have voted to impeach him.

If he cannot run for the 2024 presidential race, Trump will act as the “kingmaker” in the GOP and choose the Republican nominee who will run for the post. Trump’s Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago resort, where he is currently settled with his family members, has become the focal point of political activity.

Some of his former aides and representatives for international negotiations have apparently moved into the resort. Important media personalities like Tucker Carlson, Rush Limbaugh, and Newsmax head Chris Ruddy have also visited the ex-President. Former Trump campaign fundraiser Blair Brandt believes that the resort will definitely be the Trump Headquarters.

The former president might even uproot the entire Trump Corporation from New York and shift it

to Florida, which is currently more conducive to conservatives. New York recently cut ties with Trump.

Meanwhile, Trump’s impeachment trial is scheduled to begin the week of Feb. 8 according to Senate Majority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that she will be sending the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday. She dismissed concerns that impeaching Trump will only lead to further divisions in the society and goes against Biden’s call for unity that he made during his inauguration ceremony.

House Minority Leader Republican Kevin McCarthy states that the Trump impeachment is politically driven and pointed out that Trump is now a private citizen which would make his impeachment wrong.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley also slammed the impeachment, warning that it only brings more trouble to American society.

“Pres Biden is preaching unity & healing while Dem leadership is focused on the impeachment of a former president. Does Pres Biden not [have] control of congressional Democrats as leader of [his] party??? This move will surely slow up Biden cabinet confirmations/agenda + increase division,” he said in a tweet.

Thousands of Moderna Vaccine Doses Spoil During Transit

By Arvind Datta

T

went y-one shipments of Moderna vaccines have been damaged during transportation from failure to maintain temperature limits. The shipments contained a total of 11,900 doses of the vaccine. The company responsible for transporting the vaccine has announced that they will investigate the issue to uncover the cause of the mishap. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health, announced that replacements for the spoilt vaccines will soon be procured.

“Although it is unfortunate

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that this vaccine will not be able to be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put into place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine worked. This is the first report of vaccine potentially being compromised during shipment in Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to have replacement vaccine shipped out… We are committed to accelerating vaccine delivery as we work to reach our goal of vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders over age 16 as quickly as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” Khaldun said in a statement.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that even though the temperature

range of the Moderna vaccine is within that of other routinely recommended vaccines, the range is much tighter. As such, slight variations in temperature beyond the limits can end up spoiling the vaccine altogether.

The Moderna vaccine has different storage temperature limits depending on whether it is kept in a freezer or refrigerator. If using a freezer, the doses have to be stored at a temperature between -25°C and -15°C (-13°F and 5°F).

However, if the Moderna vaccine is stored in a refrigerator, a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) will keep it fresh for up to 30 days. Once 30 days are over, the vials must be discarded.

Moderna’s storage require-

ments are less harsh than that of the Pfizer vaccine, which needs to be stored between -60°C and -80°C (-51°F and -62°F) to remain effective. As such, Moderna vaccines are easier to transport, allowing governments to ship them off to remote regions.

Side effects

Moderna vaccines do have some side effects that people need to be aware of. Moderna has been found to cause swelling among people who have used cosmetic facial fillers. These fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the facial skin to make it look smoother, fuller, and younger. In its phase three clinical trial, two people with fillers reported experiencing

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the side effects.

“It is possible the localized swelling in these cases is due to an inflammatory reaction from interaction between the immune response after vaccination and the dermal filler.

This phenomenon has been reported after natural infection (e.g., after an influenzalike illness),” the FDA said in its briefing document to the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee.

The good news is that swelling in the face is not a dangerous reaction to the vaccine. It is a natural immune response to sensing an unnatural substance in the body. As such, even if there is a risk that your face might swell, experts recommend

taking the vaccine.

In late December, a doctor from Boston reported a more serious adverse reaction to the Moderna vaccine. His heart rate raced to 150 beats per minute while his blood pressure dropped significantly. A few minutes after the injection, he started feeling numbness in his throat. He was quickly treated and discharged.

In California, officials put a temporary stop to administering the Moderna vaccine after observing a “higher-than-usual number of possible allergic reactions.” All allergic reactions were experienced by people within 30 minutes of getting injected with the vaccine. The 10 allergic reactions were found to be all from the same lot, and administration has since resumed. ny@visiontimes.com

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JAN 29 - FEB 4, 2021 |

A3

Amateur Investors Fodder, Not Driver of GameStop’s Meteoric NYSE Climb

By Neil Campbell

G

ameStop’s (NYSE: GME) meteoric rise on the New York Stock Exchange saw shares skyrocket more than 700 percent in value two days after a Jan. 11 Press Release reporting 2020 holiday sales figures.

Nothing about the figures would indicate a bull run of any magnitude was on the horizon. Although the retailer reported a 4.8 percent increase in “total comparable store sales” over 2019 results, which is impressive considering GameStop is mostly a mall-based business trying to keep its head above water in the Novel Coronavirus pandemic era, they did report a net 3.1 percent decrease over 2019 numbers.

2020’s numbers were primarily bolstered by the release of Sony’s Playstation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S consoles.

GME opened at $88.56 Tuesday, with intraday trading of the video game retailer showing a 92 percent increase in value, making it the second-largest gainer on the entire market with a closing price of $147.98, forming a “double-top” chart pattern against Monday’s close. In comparison, GameStop finished 2020 at $18.84.

The retailer, which saw its market capitalization balloon by nearly $5 billion in a single day, ended Tuesday trading at more than double its previous all-time high set in December of 2007 of $63.77.

A staggering 178 million shares exchanged hands.

According to SEC filings, GameStop Directors Lizabeth Dunn, James Kurt Wolf, Kathy Vrabeck, and Raul Fernandez all made substantial sales of their personal holdings between Jan. 13 and Jan. 15 after the share price doubled from $20.42 to a high of $43.06. James Kurt Wolf’s transaction was the largest, selling 810,000 shares between $19.99 and $31.08 in an approximate $17 million sale. No insider trading has been reported during the parabola.

Since there are no compelling developments from

People run away from and enter GameStop during widespread unrest following the death of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images)

GameStop as a company to explain its massive increase in value, the prevailing theory leading the public’s view of why GME has gone parabolic relates to Reddit’s WallStreetBets sub-Reddit. According to a Jan. 22 CNBC report, GameStop was the most short-sold stock on the entire market, making it an attractive target for an engineered “short squeeze.”

Most investors are familiar with “long” trading, purchasing a stock or commodity, betting on its future success and longevity. Usually, an investor will purchase a stock at say $10 and hope for either short-term gains where they can sell at $11 or $12, netting 10 or 20 percent return on investment, or long-term gains where they hope the company, and its share price, will multiply in value.

In short-selling, it’s the opposite. Investors gamble on the company’s short or long term demise. A trader borrows stock from an existing owner in exchange for a lending fee, sells the stock on the market and hopes to buy back lower, pocketing the difference. However, the prospect is extremely risky.

A graph is pictured before the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

on November 14, 2019 in New York City. (Image: by JOHANNES EISELE / AFP via Getty Images) In a long trade, your risk is limited to the size of your initial investment. If you buy a stock for $10 and the company goes bankrupt and is delisted, then the most you can lose is $10. However, when short selling, if you borrow one share for $10, sell it, and the company then experiences a seven-fold increase in value as GME did, then you will have to buy back your outstanding share, “covering” your trade at $70, losing $60, six times your original investment.

A “short squeeze” is where this phenomenon is exactly targeted by institutional traders. In summary, when they know a large number of stocks are being sold “short,” they will begin to buy up as much of the stock as they can, causing the price to increase.

As supply decreases, price continually increases. Short sellers begin to cover their trades at higher and higher prices.

Since many short sellers are trading on leverage (i.e. holding a $10,000 trade on $1,000 in deposited capital) by definition, these positions are “liquidated,” which means

as their paper profit-and-loss meets or exceeds their deposited capital, their brokerage’s risk-limiting algorithms forcibly close positions by buying at the next available market price, no matter how high it is, forcing short sellers to realize greater and greater losses.

These losses are re-distributed to the institutions who are executing the squeeze and have their sell orders for the millions of shares they purchased in the $20 range placed in advance at $80, $100, and $120+.

The popular theory is that posts on r/WallStreetBets, a community of more than 2.7 million subscribers, led to a stampede of retail investors buying up all of GameStop’s stock. However, with 178,588,127 shares traded on Jan. 26 and a median price of $115.10, more than $20.5 billion in GME shares traded hands in a single day. GME has experienced three consecutive days of similar trading volume.

According to PlexusMedia, the average retail stock investor’s total portfolio is approximately $12,000.

While Reddit does not publish demographic data on its sub-Reddits, such as locale and account activity, it should be assumed that a large per-

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centage of the 2.7 million subscribers of WallStreetBets are not actively trading on U.S. exchanges because Reddit is a global and anonymous social marketing platform.

Meaning, even if Reddit’s amateur investors were going all-in, the combined group would be equivalent to throwing a bathtub of water into the ocean.

A Google search of Reddit for “GameStop” between Jan. 11 and 12, before the retailer’s shares doubled in price, showed only 420 total results and 6 posts about GameStop on r/WallStreetBets, all banal in nature, casting serious doubt on the notion that the community organized any form of a raid on hedge fund short sellers. The total number of search results for GameStop went parabolic as price went parabolic, tripling from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15 and doubling again from Jan. 19 to 21 before reaching a peak of more than 23,000 between Jan. 22 and Jan. 26.

What is more likely to have happened is as the GME price began to moon, Reddit-savvy public relations companies contracted by the institutions and funds looking to sell their GME shares at a very high price began to utilize r/ WallStreetBets as a platform

to advertise the rocket ship to un-savvy retail investors, leading lambs to the slaughterhouse through a common psychological mechanic that plagues amateur investors known as “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).

In July, after the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) announced it would be providing Eastman Kodak with a $765 million capital market infusion to pivot from making printers to pharmaceuticals under President Trump’s America First manufacturing policy, the share price increased almost 3000 percent from $2.13 to a high of $60.00 in a three-day period.

According to data from Robintrack.net, a service that analyzed data from the widely popular amateur trading platform Robinhood, it found that while 9,300 traders held the stock before the announcement, that number had increased to over 72,000 before noon the day of the announcement. By the time Kodak began to return to Earth, that figure had increased to over 132,000.

Democrats accused Kodak of insider trading surrounding the announcement. Three days after the announcement, the IDFC halted funding pending an SEC review.

The halt was announced on a Sunday, causing shares to fall from a Friday close of $14.88 to a Monday pre-market opening gap of $8.90.

Then White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro called Kodak’s actions “probably the dumbest decisions made by executives in corporate history,” going further to say: “You can’t fix stupid… You can’t even anticipate that degree of stupidity.”

By mid-August, Kodak shares had fallen to slightly over $9 and Robintrack data showed almost 94,000 traders still held shares.

As of today, Kodak is trading at $9.43, and while Kodak’s own special committee completed an independent review of insider trading allegations on Sep. 15, finding no evidence of illegal conduct, the SEC still has not released their report and IDFC funding has not resumed.

At Vision Times, we endeavour to provide our readers with timely and insightful coverage on a broad range of issues, placing special emphasis on China and its shifting relationship with the rest of the world. Our take on current events is informed by an appreciation for the enduring traditional heritages of both the East and the West, which we seek to highlight and promote across all our platforms.

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CHINA

A4 | JAN 29 - FEB 4 , 2021

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Communist China Breaches Taiwan Air Defense Zone, Sends Aggressive Message to Biden Administration

By Arvind Datta

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ommunist China recently sent warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) for two consecutive days. On Saturday, the communist regime sent 13 planes, including fighter jets, nuclear-capable bombers, and anti-submarine aircraft. On Sunday, China sent in 15 planes, including a reconnaissance aircraft, anti-submarine planes, and stealth-capable aircraft. This is the largest border violation communist China has committed against Taiwan in recent memory. Many security experts believe that Beijing is sending an aggressive

message to Washington with these actions.

The U.S. State Department has asked the communist Chinese regime to stop its military pressure against Taiwan. It advised the government to focus on meaningful dialogue. It pledged “rock-solid” support to Taiwan and promised assistance to ensure the island nation has “sufficient self-defense capability.”

You Si-kun, president of Taiwan’s democratically elected parliament, thanked the American government for responding to communist China’s aggression. Former Taiwanese fighter pilot Chang Yen-ting said that Beijing is testing the U.S. to see how the new president and

secretary of state will react.

Taiwanese military analyst Cheng Chi-wen warned that if the United States does not react aggressively to communist China’s actions against Taiwan, Beijing will get increasingly emboldened with its plan to annex the island.

China analyst Tang Jingyuan said that the Biden administration criticized the incursion into Taiwan in a polite manner It suggested a “peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues” rather than issuing a stern warning to Beijing against any military advances to Taiwan. This kind of “softened message” worries many Taiwanese nationals who are getting increasingly apprehen-

sive about America’s support.

“What did Taiwanese media talk about during the Trump times? It’s about when the United States will forge ties with Taiwan. What are they discussing now? About whether the United States will offer protection [to Taiwan] — there’s a world of difference,” he told The Epoch Times.

An op-ed published in the Chinese state-backed Global Times argues that the interaction between China, Taiwan, and the U.S. has been broken and has become too difficult to repair. It accused the Trump administration of pushing the Taiwan situation to the edge of collapse.

The op-ed warned Biden to distinguish itself from the “mischief ” of the Trump

administration. Biden must send a clear political signal affirming its commitment to the “One China” policy that proposes Taiwan as a part of China. If Biden fails to do so, the situation might “get out of control.”

A U.S. carrier group led

by USS Theodore Roosevelt entered the South China Sea amidst simmering tensions between Taiwan and communist China. The U.S. military said that the aim of the journey is to promote “freedom of the seas.” The ships entered the South China Sea on the same day that Chinese planes breached Taiwan’s airspace. The Chinese foreign ministry objected to America’s presence in the region, claiming that the

U.S. simply wanted to “flex its muscles.”

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, commander of the strike group, said that the visit is necessary to maintain peace.

“After sailing through these waters throughout my 30-year career, it’s great to be in the South China Sea again, conducting routine operations, promoting freedom of the seas, and reassuring allies and partners… With twothirds of the world’s trade traveling through this very important region, it is vital that we maintain our presence and continue to promote the rules-based order which has allowed us all to prosper,” he said in a statement.

Shanghai Announces Lockdown as Coronavirus Infections Rise

By Jonathan Walker

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hanghai announces lockdown as it becomes the latest Chinese city to be afflicted by a new wave of CCP virus infections. Officials have claimed at least six cases from the Zhaotong residential community in the Huangpu District. Authorities have since imposed a lockdown in the residential community.

According to state-backed Global Times, more than 15,000 people may have come into contact with these infected people or might share overlapping travel histories. Three additional cases of infection were said to be imported. Mass testing of hospital workers is currently underway.

In the Zhaotong residential compound, all shops have been closed and no one is allowed to come in or go out.

All hotels have shut down, with customers and staff being sent to other hotels for isolation. The place has been classified as a mediumrisk area. “[Some] residents are now staying in hotels under quarantine, under restriction…

There is no outbreak in the district where I live … but you have to wear a mask in Shanghai now when you go to supermarkets and to residential communities… They take your body temperature when you go to buy grocer-

Not only is Shanghai on high alert, Tianjin has blocked transportation into the city. (pixabay / CC0.01)

ies,” a source told Radio Free Asia.

All 13,000 residential complexes in Shanghai are under high alert Before entering any complex, visitors must submit their health QR codes and do temperature checks.

Civil affairs officials have announced that people who travel out of the city for the Lunar New Year festival will have to submit negative nucleic acid results once they return.

Those who come from

areas designated “mediumrisk” will be placed under 14-day quarantine at home and will have to submit two nucleic acid tests. Those coming from high-risk areas will be under central quarantine for 14 days.

The first two cases of infections in Shanghai were discovered in two hospitals.

Authorities have asked all personnel at the medical institutions to get tested for the virus. As of Jan. 22, more than 15,900 people have been tested. A team

of around 3,100 people has been deployed in the city to investigate the infections as well as to help with contact tracing.

The shutdown of hospitals has created panic among medical students that are affiliated with these hospitals. Some students are worried that they may be forced to stay on campus. Many have left the campus before any movement restrictions were announced.

“Students who were scheduled to do experiments on

Jan. 30 all rescheduled for today (Jan. 22)… The campus is full of the sound of suitcases rubbing the ground. I feel that the epidemic is so close to me. I really hope that the epidemic in Shanghai will be effectively controlled as soon as possible,” one student said in a social media post.

The CCP virus is spreading throughout other parts of China as well. On Jan. 19, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan blamed the outbreak in Hebei province

Dr Fauci Concerned That New Coronavirus Variants Will Resist Vaccines

By Prakash Gogoi

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hite House health a d v i s or D r.

Anthony Fauci has warned that some of the new coronavirus variants may be able to resist the current vaccines. Scientists are concerned about the viral strains that have emerged from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil that are more contagious than earlier versions.

One research study conducted by bioRxiv found that the South African variant might not only diminish the efficacy of current vac212-730-6963

cines, but can also evade the antibodies supplied by existing coronavirus treatments.

Dr. Fauci said that the UK variant has almost twice the transmissibility of the original “wild type” virus. Due to the higher rate of transmission, the death rate also increases.

“So even though the virus [UK variant], on a one-to-one basis, isn’t more serious, the phenomenon of a more transmissible virus is something that you take seriously…

What we likely will be seeing is a diminution in the efficacy of the vaccine — more in South Africa than UK,” Fauci

said at a press briefing.

The South African version shares similarities with the Brazilian strain. They both impact the monoclonal antibodies that are used in CCP virus treatments.

Despite diminishing vaccine effectiveness, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have a high efficacy rate. It will provide a “cushion” that will ensure that the vaccines do have some positive effect on infected people.

Both vaccines are currently being distributed in the U.S. They have an efficacy rate of 95 percent. Fauci said that if 70 to 85 percent of Ameri-

can citizens get vaccinated by summer, there could be some level of normalcy by fall.

The UK government has also warned of the dangers of the South African and Brazilian variants. Patrick Vallance, the UK government’s chief scientific advisor, said that these two strains have features that make them “less susceptible to vaccines.”

Recent research led by the Rockefeller University in New York also reaffirmed the concern that vaccines might become ineffective due to the emergence of new mutated coronaviruses. When they tested the Moderna and

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Pfizer vaccine against the new variants, the scientists discovered that the antibodies were not working well against the virus. Results were up to three times less effective depending on the strain.

University of Pennsylvania immunology expert E. John Wherry explained that the results do suggest continued risk.

“We don’t want people thinking that the current vaccine is already outdated.

That’s absolutely not true…

There’s still immunity here … a good level of protection… [but the mutations] do in fact reduce how well

on religious gatherings and asked officials to persuade people to change their religious customs.

In the city of Shijiazhuang, officials laid the blame on events like weddings and funerals in which a large number of people are tightly packed indoors and shared food with each other.

In the port city of Tianjin, authorities have shut down transportation routes into the city so that the virus isn’t brought in from neighboring Hebei.

our immune response is recognizing the virus,” he told Breitbart.

Dr. Buddy Creech, a vaccine specialist at Vanderbilt University, said that the slower people are vaccinated, the more opportunities the virus will have to mutate.

He called the situation “an arms race between the vaccines and the virus.”

The UK’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan VanTam raised an additional concern: even if people are vaccinated, it does not mean that they won’t spread the virus. Nobody is sure how vaccines impact the transmission of the virus. He advised people to keep following lockdown rules. ny@visiontimes.com

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JAN 29 - FEB 4, 2021 |

A5

Boris Johnson Says B.1.1.7 UK Coronavirus Strain May Be More Deadly, Researchers Say ‘Data Not Yet Strong’ B system.

According to a 2004 study published in the National Library of Medicine, which focused on finding the path

by the UK’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats (NERVTAG), the B.1.1.7 mutation only presents a “realistic possibility” that the mutation is “associated with an increased risk of death compared to infection with nonVOC (Variant of Concern) [mutation] viruses.” The study found an approximate 30 percent increase in deaths between patients who tested positive for the mutation versus the original virus. However: “It should be noted that the absolute risk of death per infection remains low,” states the report.

The UK Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance told the BCC the data was not yet strong.

He said:

“I want to stress that there’s a lot of uncertainty around these numbers and we need more work to get a precise handle on it, but it obviously is a concern that this has an increase in mortality as well as an increase in transmissibility.”

One of the limitations the report noted is only an 8 percent subset of all COVID-19 deaths during the study period were analyzed in the findings.

It also pointed out: “Currently, we do not have evidence of an increased risk of hospitalisation in individuals with VOC B1.1.7…” However, researchers issued the caveat that “data are limited due to lags in the availability of hospitalisation data.”

es

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves after attending a coronavirus press conference at 10 Downing Street on January 22, 2021, in London, England. The Prime Minister announced that the new variant of COVID-19, which was first discovered in the south of England, appears to be linked with an increase in the mortality rate.

the original 2003 SARS pandemic took to root in the body, ACE-2 receptors are “abundantly present in humans in the epithelia of the lung and small intestine.”

The CDC’s report also found that the new variants may also “affect the performance” of the widely used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which uses up to 40 cycles to find increasingly smaller portions of SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load in the nose or throat to determine if you have “tested positive” for COVID-19. Concerns with this testing methodology abound due to both false positives and “positive” tests not equating to patients actually suffering from COVID-19.

According to a report

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due to the United Nations Organization’s close ties to Beijing.

The B.1.1.7 mutation was first discovered in September of 2020 and has since become the predominant strain of the virus in the UK. A report released by the CDC on Friday says the new strain is “more efficiently transmitted than are other SARS-CoV-2 variants” and anticipates the UK strain will become the predominant strain in the U.S.

by March, according to CDC modeling.

The CDC website and report also notes two other prevailing mutations of the Novel Coronavirus, the “1.351” mutation from South Africa, which “shares some mutations with the variant detected in the UK” and a “P.1” mutation from Brazil that was detected in Brazillian travelers to Japan, which contains “a set of additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies.”

Neither the South African nor the Brazillian strains have been detected in the U.S., according to the CDC. The CDC report describes both variants as carrying a “constellation of genetic mutations, including in the S protein receptor-binding domain, which is essential for binding to the host cell angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor to facilitate virus entry.”

When a virus enters the human body, it is quickly cleared by the human immune system. In order for a virus to survive and cause a disease, it must bind to and enter human cells, turning the human body’s cells into factories for the replication of the virus and virus-like particles. Once a cell is infected, it can only be destroyed by the immune

Leon Neal /

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK coronavirus strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Novel Coronavirus may be more lethal than the original at a press conference held on Friday.

“We’ve been informed today that in addition to spreading more quickly, it also now appears that there is some evidence that the new variant — the variant that was first discovered in London and the southeast (of England) — may be associated with a higher degree of mortality,” said Johnson.

The UK variant of the original Novel Coronavirus that emerged from Wuhan City, China, in late 2019, is called B.1.1.7. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website’s most recent update of January 15: “This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants… currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death.”

The SARS-CoV-2 Novel Coronavirus causes the severe respiratory and immune function disease the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-centric World Health Organization (WHO) coined as “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) in early 2020.

Some refer to the virus as the “CCP Virus” because Beijing and the WHO took steps to cover up the existence of the pandemic in its earliest phases, costing the world crucial weeks in the beginning stages of the pandemic when the virus could have otherwise been easily contained as it was in Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC).

As of today, the ROC, a small island off the coast of Mainland China with a history of vehemently rejecting the CCP, has had 887 cases and 7 deaths in a population of almost 24 million people since the pandemic began, resulting from its quick, independent identification of and response to the virus. The ROC has always been excluded from the WHO

Experts Struggle to Handle Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Strains

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everal countries across the world have begun rolling out vaccination programs to curtail the spread of the CCP virus.

However, scientists and health experts are increasingly worried about new coronavirus mutations that are more contagious and deadlier. At present, five variants of the coronavirus are attracting expert attention: • UK strain: This is the most widespread variant at present. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that the UK variant will become the dominant strain in the US by March. According to reports, the strain is contagious by up to 74 percent. That means that the virus spreads to more peony@visiontimes.com

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

ple faster, causing a massive surge in infection rates.

• South African strain: This variant is believed to be even more infectious than the UK one and has entered several nations. UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the presence of the South African variant in the UK is concerning since it has “mutated fur-

ther” than the UK variant.

In parts of Africa, the South African strain has become dominant.

• Danish strain: Known as the cluster 5 variant, it was discovered last year in Aug-Sept. This mutation infected farmed mink and then transmitted to humans. It has not infected many people, but the virus

will potentially reduce the impact of vaccines.

• Brazilian strain: Like the UK and South African variants, this strain is also believed to spread more easily.

• Nigerian strain: In late December, a new CCP virus variant emerged in Nigeria. Its contagiousness is unknown.

Currently, the main concern of most scientists is the UK variant. It’s the most widespread of these five new strains. It is harder to control compared to previous versions of the virus. It also requires that more people will need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health,

VISION TIMES

said that the UK virus variant is what the United States should focus on.

“The variant is a really big deal… To the extent that we can find those and preferentially stop the spread, it won’t be perfect, it will be far from perfect, but anything we can do to delay the spread of this new variant virus will make control easier and will help us in the race to get more people vaccinated before this becomes more common,” he told Statnews.

White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci recently warned that the CCP virus vaccines presently available may not fully protect against the new strains. The South African variant, for example, might cause a dip in the effectiveness of the vaccines. But

given that the U.S.-approved Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have an efficacy rate of 95 percent, Fauci believes that there is enough “cushion effect” to deal with a decline in vaccine effectiveness.

Fauci said that since vaccine effectiveness will decline, it is important to inoculate as many people as possible.

“We’re following very carefully the one in South Africa, which is a little bit more concerning, but nonetheless not something that we don’t think we can handle… There are alternative plans if we ever have to modify the vaccine.

That’s not something that is a very onerous thing, we can do that given the platforms we have,” he said in a White House press briefing.

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Five Things to Know Before Getting a Coronavirus Vaccine 1

By Steven Li

Vaccine adverse events are commonly underreported and are solicited only within seven days after each coronavirus vaccine injection

2

Pharmaceutical companies have a history of criminal fraud and are not liable for vaccine-related injuries

Based on the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (also known as the Vaccine Act) passed by ConVaccines are one of the only medical interventions given to healthy gress, if a vaccine injures a person, no matter how toxic people to help prevent infection. Particularly for young children, accuthe ingredients or severe the injury, the drug comparate reporting of adverse events and rigorous testing ensuring safety and nies are not liable. Instead, when a party files a claim effectiveness is vital to avoid irreversible damage. Unfortunately, adverse of harm that could feasibly be related to a vaccine, the events from vaccines are commonly underreported. The Agency for Healthcase is reviewed by the Vaccine Injury Compensation care Research Quality (AHRQ) used machine cluster analysis, an artificial intelProgram and either sent to be defended in a federal ligence counting method, and found that the actual rate of vaccine injury was claims court or awarded compensation by a governapproximately 2.6% between 2006 and 2009. That is to say, 1 in 40 people suffered ment program. In other words, pharmaceutical comfrom an adverse reaction. Since less than 1% of vaccine adverse events are reported panies do not have to pay compensation because tax to the FDA, the public health programs are limited in their ability to respond to money is used instead [5]. More recently, on February problematic vaccines in a timely and safe manner [1].

4, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Azar invoked the 2005 Public Readiness and EmerTracker, as of January 27, 2021, over 13 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vacgency Preparedness Act. This is a blanket immunity cine and 11 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered. A wide law that provides legal protection to Pfizer, Moderna, range of possible adverse reactions to these coronavirus vaccines were uncovered and other vaccine producers such that they are not liausing the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Vaccine Adverse ble for side effects, no matter how severe [6]. The list of Event Reporting System (VAERS) data and the CDC WONDER search tool. VAERS compensated illnesses, disabilities, injuries, or condireports are not automatically submitted, and are filed by anybody including medical tions associated with vaccines are detailed here: https:// professionals, patients, and family members. The VAERS website states, “VAERS is www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/vaccinecompensation/ not designed to detect if a vaccine caused an adverse event, but it can identify unuvaccineinjurytable.pdf. sual or unexpected patterns of reporting that might indicate possible safety probAccording to ProPublica, big pharma companies lems requiring a closer look.” The reported adverse events are significant safety conthat include major vaccine producers have a history of cerns that should be further evaluated and reported to the general public so that serial criminal fraud. Four of the top 10 vaccine manpeople can give informed consent with knowledge of all possible risks and benefits. ufacturers in the world are Pfizer, Merck & Co, GlaxoSome of the most common COVID-19 vaccine side effects were fever, chills, flushSmithKline, and Sanofi. In September 2009, Pfizer was ing, fatigue, headaches, tingling, numbness, decreased sensation, nausea, injection fined $2.3 billion and pled guilty to misbranding Bexsite pain, rash, and diffuse pain or aches. Based on unique VAERS IDs in the United tra, a painkiller, with “intent to defraud or mislead,” States, there have been 148 deaths, 287 hospitalizations, 96 cases of anaphylactic shock encouraging the drug to be taken in dangerously high or reactions, 62 cases of anosmia with loss of taste or smell, 99 cases of facial pain dosages. Pfizer also allegedly promoted three other or weakness, 528 cases of shortness of breath at rest or exertion, 122 cases of loss of drugs, named Geodon, Zyvox, and Lyrica illegally. In consciousness or syncope, 204 cases of throat tightness, and 95 cases of visual blurNovember 2011, Merck was fined $950 million for illering or impairment. In addition to the fact that vaccine side effects are known to be gally promoting the painkiller Vioxx and making false grossly underreported, hundreds of significant adverse reactions were not included or misleading statements about the drug’s heart safety in the above counts because although the descriptions included severe reactions, despite its association with heart attacks. In July 2012, the symptom name was vague, such as “electrocardiogram,” “fatigue,” or “pain.” Of GlaxoSmithKline paid $3 billion for falsely promoting note, in the ongoing Phase III clinical trials for both vaccines, adverse reactions are drugs, including misbranding the anti-depression drug only solicited within 7 days after the first or second dose. Unsolicited adverse Paxil, and failing to report safety data to the FDA about reactions are tracked afterwards, but it is up to vaccine recipients themthe diabetes drug Avandia. In December 2012, Sanofiselves to report these events [3, 4]. In other words, if a patient Aventis paid $109 million to resolve allegations of illesuffers a severe adverse reaction on day 8 after a coronagally encouraging physicians to buy its products by givvirus vaccine injection, the event is not reported ing free units of the joint inflammation drug Hyalgan, unless the vaccine recipient or somebody and submitting false price reports worth millions who knows the recipient decides of dollars to U.S. government health to report the event without care programs [7]. being asked.

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ith the recent emergency use authorization of the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines in December 2020, hope for the possible end of the pandemic is on the horizon. However, below are five things to take into account before getting the injections.

Works Cited

[Accessed 15 January 2021].

2 January 2021].

[1] R. Lazarus, "Electronic Support for Public Health–Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (ESP:VAERS)," The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, 2011.

[3] L. Baden, H. El Sahly, B. Essink, K. Kotloff, S. Frey, R. Novak, D. Diemert, S. Spector, N. Rouphael, C. Creech, J. McGettigan, S. Kehtan, N. Segall, J. Solis, A. Brosz, C. Fierro, H. Schwartz, K. Neuzil, L. Corey, P. Gilbert, H. Janes and D. Follmann, "Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine," 30 December 2020. [Online].

Available: https://www.nejm.org/doi/ full/10.1056/NEJMoa2035389. [Accessed

[4] F. Polack, S. Thomas, N. Kitchin, J. Absalon, A. Gurtman, S. Lockhart, J. Perez, M. G. Pérez, E. Moreira, C. Zerbini, R. Bailey, K. Swanson, S. Roychoudhury, K. Koury, P. Li, W. Kalina, D. Cooper, R. J. Frenck, L. Hammitt, Ö. Türeci and H. Nell, "Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA coronavirus Vaccine," N Engl J Med, vol. 383, no. 27, pp.

2603-2615, 31 December 2020.

[2] CDC, "About The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)," 15 January 2021. [Online]. Available: https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D8.

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[5] L. Groeger, "Big Pharma’s Big Fines," 24

February 2014. [Online]. Available: https:// projects.propublica.org/graphics/bigpharma.

[6] CNBC, "You can’t sue Pfizer or Moderna if you have severe Covid vaccine side effects. The government likely won’t compensate you for damages either," 17 December 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www. cnbc.com/2020/12/16/covid-vaccine-sideeffects-compensation-lawsuit.html.

[7] J. Hamblin, "https://www.theatlantic.com/

health/archive/2019/05/vaccine-safety-program/589354/," 14 May 2019. [Online].

[8] CDC, "Vaccines & Immunizations - Glossary," 30 July 2020. [Online]. Available: https:// www.cdc.gov/vaccines/terms/glossary.html.

[9] WHO, "Expert Consultation on the Use of Placebos in Vaccine Trials," 2013. [Online]. Available: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/94056/9789241506250_eng.pdf;j sessionid=CEC55188988B99746BBB3E834C5 0A273?sequence=1.

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Coronavirus vaccine trials: accelerated timeline with testing in healthy, stable adults and unknown long-term risks

3

Many vaccines given today have not been tested against a true placebo

Vaccines are the only medical product that does not have to be safety-tested against a true placebo. In fact, several vaccines administered to children today have never undergone true placebo testing. The CDC defines a placebo as “a substance or treatment that has no effect on human beings” [8]. The 2013 WHO Expert Consultation document states, “In place of a placebo, a vaccine against a disease that is not the focus of the trial is given to participants who do not receive the trial vaccine.” Alternatively, “add-on” vaccines are used: “the trial vaccine or placebo product is mixed with an existing vaccine not studied in the trial.” In other words, many vaccines are not tested against a true placebo, and are instead tested against other vaccines that contain the same or similar toxic ingredients present in all vaccines. Indeed, the WHO concedes that “it may be difficult or impossible to assess fully the safety and reactogenicity of the trial vaccine, although its efficacy can usually be assessed satisfactorily” [9].

As an example, clinical trial data from the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows that the Engerix B Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombinant) from GlaxoSmithKline was tested against plasma-derived vaccines instead of a true placebo. The results of this study showed that the Hepatitis B vaccine did not cause any more harm than other vaccines would cause, and this was the standard of measure used for its adoption. Furthermore, subjects were monitored only for 4 days after drug administration, thus patients who suffered from mild to severe adverse reactions on day 5 or later were not reported [10]. In addition, seven clinical trials were conducted with the Gardasil vaccine from Merck, with 15,706 participants receiving Gardasil, 13,023 participants receiving Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate (AAHS) that is commonly present in vaccines, and 594 participants receiving a saline placebo. However, since the saline placebo group was combined with the much larger AAHS control group, the studies primarily compared Gardasil to toxic ingredients present in Gardasil and other vaccines. Again, Gardasil was only proven to not cause more harm than other vaccines [11], and thereby approved for use.

The U.S. Department of Health and 5 Human Services failed to provide safety reports to Congress for 30 years

According to the nonprofit organization PR Newswire, Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), successfully sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2018, after the HHS refused to acquiesce to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from ICAN for eight months. Since 1988, the HHS has been required to submit reports about improvements made to vaccine safety every two years. However, HHS refused to make these reports public and eventually conceded that the reports did not exist. Del Bigtree, founder of ICAN, stated, “The 1986 National Childhood Vaccination Injury Act granted economic immunity to pharmaceutical companies for vaccine injuries… It is apparent that HHS doesn't have a clue as to the actual safety profile of the now 39 doses, and growing, of vaccines given by one year of age, including in utero" [18].

The hope is that this lawsuit will encourage HHS to take vaccine safety more seriously.

In addition, the Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMBs) overseeing coronavirus vaccine trials may have conflicts of interest. These boards are supposed to be independent, but

With regard to coronavirus vaccine trials, a long and hard-fought battle has been raging for several months to convince the FDA to modify federal guidelines. According to the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), in response to the Phase III coronavirus vaccine trial by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in England that was using a different vaccine called Menveo instead of a true placebo as a control, ICAN filed a petition in June 2020 to require a placebo control and track long-term safety. It was only after this petition that the FDA modified its position and issued emergency guidance to industry that all clinical trials were required to use a placebo control. Multiple subsequent ICAN petitions and lawsuits were filed to further promote vaccine safety, such as demanding tracking of adverse events for longer durations, and these documents can be found on the ICAN website. It is important to note that these vaccine trials do not study the spread of the disease or whether a vaccine recipient can still transmit coronavirus to others [12]. These studies also do not measure the duration of protection, the efficacy of protection against new variants of the coronavirus, and the efficacy of the vaccine in people who previously had a coronavirus infection.

According to Johns Hopkins, the vaccine development timeline typically takes 5 to 10 years or longer to determine whether a vaccine is safe and efficacious, to undergo regulatory approval, and to be manufactured for distribution. Some coronavirus trials have combined phases 1 and 2 to save time, while others have combined phases II and III. Vaccine manufacturers typically wait until phase III trial analyses are complete before submitting a Biologics License Application with data on vaccine safety, immune responses, and efficacy for review and approval [13]. Learn more about clinical trial phases from the NIH (https://www.nih.gov/health-information/ nih-clinical-research-trials-you/basics).

On December 11, 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. while studies of safety and efficacy are still ongoing. Soon after, on December 18, 2020, the FDA granted authorization to Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine [14]. Full approval for these coronavirus vaccines will likely not occur until several months later.

Both of these vaccines are being studied in healthy adults, so the results cannot be directly applied to everyone. The CDC recommends not taking the coronavirus vaccine if seriously allergic to any of the ingredients [15].

Please refer to Pfizer’s vaccine prescribing information chart (https://www. fda.gov/media/144413/download) and Moderna’s vaccine prescribing information chart (https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download) for ingredients.

Pfizer’s Phase III clinical trial includes healthy participants 12 years or older and excludes patients with a history of coronavirus, treatment with immunosuppressive therapy, diagnosis with an immunocompromising condition, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding [4]. According to the CDC, immunosuppressants that can weaken the immune system such as oral or intravenous corticosteroids are commonly used in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease [16]. Similarly, Moderna’s Phase III clinical trial includes healthy adults or adults with pre-existing medical conditions who are in stable condition with no significant changes in treatment or hospitalizations during the last three months, and excludes people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in an immunosuppressive or immunodeficient state [17].

their members are selected secretly, and they meet privately.

A thorough ICAN investigation revealed likely conflicts of interest with members Dr. Richard Whitley and Dr. Kathryn Edwards, whose identities were mistakenly revealed. Allegedly, these doctors have been consultants for numerous drug companies, paid speakers, and have financially benefited from these companies [19].

On the surface, the preliminary phase III trial analyses for coronavirus vaccines look promising, with 95% efficacy in Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine trials, and 94.1% efficacy in Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) vaccine trial. However, the criminal history of major vaccine producers, implementation of stricter FDA guidelines only after ICAN’s petitions and lawsuits, potential bias of the overseeing DSMBs, lack of long-term data, and lack of determination if vaccine recipients can transmit coronavirus to others, do not instill confidence that the public’s best interests are a top priority.

Although there are enormous potential benefits to the new coronavirus vaccines, the accelerated timeline, unknown long-term risks, and questionable history of vaccine producers should all be taken into account. Everyone is encouraged to do their own research and make their own decisions.

Adobe stock

[10] GlaxoSmithKline, "ENGERIX-B," 2007.

[Online]. Available: https://dailymed.nlm. nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo. cfm?archiveid=17369.

[11] Merck, "Highlights of Prescribing Information," 2011. [Online]. Available: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_ circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf.

[12] ICAN, "coronavirus Vaccine Clinical Trials: Failure to Properly Assess Safety and Efficacy," November 2020. [Online].

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Available: https://www.icandecide.org/ ican_covid/coronavirus-vaccine-clinicaltrials-failure-to-properly-assess-safetyand-efficacy/.

response/coronavirus-disease-2019-coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccines.

[14] FDA, "coronavirus Vaccines," Decem-

[15] J. Ries, "Here Are the CDC Guidelines for Allergic Reactions to coronavirus Vaccines," 21 December 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ here-are-the-cdc-guidelines-for-allergicreactions-to-coronavirus-vaccines#Whatingredients-to-look-for.

ber 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www. fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-

[16] CDC, "If You Are Immunocompromised, Protect Yourself From coronavirus," 16 Decem-

[13] Johns Hopkins, "Vaccine Research Development," 2020. [Online]. Available: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/timeline.

ber 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/immunocompromised.html.

[17] NIH, "A Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Adults Aged 18 Years and Older to Prevent coronavirus," 28 October 2020. [Online]. Available: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT 04470427?term=moderna&cond=coronavi rus&draw=2.

Win Recasts Vaccine Debate," 14 September 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www. prnewswire.com/news-releases/icanvs-hhs-key-legal-win-recasts-vaccinedebate-300712629.html.

[19] ICAN, "coronavirus Vaccines: Clinical Trials," 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www. icandecide.org/covid-backup/vaccinetrials/.

[18] PR Newswire, "ICAN vs. HHS: Key Legal

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Why Must We Improve IoT Security ? rising. Now, IoTs aren’t only dangerous as an entryway into a network.

There are connected cars, HVAC systems and medical devices, all of which could have devastating effects if someone hacked them.

By Emily Newton

T

he Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most disruptive technological advances in the modern world. By 2019, there were roughly 8 billion IoT devices, and experts expect that figure to pass 41 billion by 2027. As this astronomical growth continues, the world needs to adopt a new emphasis on how we improve IoT security.

An advancement as substantial as the IoT is exciting, but this excitement can overshadow the need for caution. Businesses and individuals should not be scared of IoT adoption, but they need to remember their risks. Without the right security, these devices could present more threats than benefits.

The IoT has immense potential, but it can’t reach it without better protection. Here’s why IoT security is such a pressing matter.

Built-in IoT security is almost nonexistent

Another reason why IoT security needs to improve is that builtin options are few and far between.

Most companies don’t make a connected coffee machine with safety in mind. Since these devices don’t seem dangerous at first, they typically come without security infrastructure, making them vulnerable.

Other devices, like computers and Wi-Fi routers, come with security options like encryption and passwords built-in. Most IoT gadgets won’t have anything beyond a password, if they even have that.

Without built-in security, users who don’t know the risks of unsecured IoT devices could be completely vulnerable.

The recently signed IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act could prompt more manufacturers to offer base security measures with their devices. In the meantime, though, users still need to secure their IoT gadgets themselves or turn to IoT cybersecurity

More endpoints means more vulnerabilities

The most significant risk with IoT devices is that they increase the number of endpoints on a network.

Every connected device is a potential entry point for hackers. Someone hacking into a fridge may not seem dangerous, but they can use that fridge as a gateway to other, more sensitive information on a network.

In 2018, researchers at the University of Texas accessed users’ phones through smart lightbulbs in a study about IoT security. Since the phones and lightbulbs were on the same network, hackers could install malware on smartphones after hacking into the lights. Network passwords and encryption may not be enough if the endpoints themselves are vulnerable.

As companies add IoT capabilities to more machines, these risks keep

vendors. Many people and companies aren’t aware of this need, though.

If industries like manufacturing and logistics want to add as much value to the economy as possible, they’ll need better IoT cybersecurity.

Security risks limit industries

As long as the IoT is vulnerable to hackers, it can’t offer users as much help as possible. With stories of IoT hacks becoming increasingly prominent, many people may shy away from the technology. Worries over cybersecurity could limit IoT adoption, curbing many industries’ potential.

IoT security concerns are a leading barrier to Industry 4.0, as many facilities don’t want to adopt potentially vulnerable technologies. There’s nothing wrong with companies trying to stay safe, but they won’t be as efficient as possible without the IoT. Productivity improvements from the IoT could save factories $3.7 trillion a year, adding considerable value to the economy.

IoT technologies have too much potential for businesses to miss out on them. However, without better security, adoption will slow and hinder economic growth. If industries like manufacturing and logistics want to add as much value to the economy as possible, they’ll need better IoT

cybersecurity.

How to implement IoT security

Gaps in IoT safety are prevalent, but the answers are available today.

Some steps to improve security with these devices are remarkably straightforward, like network segmentation. If users keep IoT gadgets on a separate network, they won’t pose a risk as an entryway to more sensitive data.

Like with computers, IoT users need to enable automatic updates to avoid outdated firmware vulnerabilities. Many people use the same password for multiple devices, which is a risk, but an easy-to-fix one. If users set up strong, varied passwords for every gadget, they’ll immediately make them more secure.

Some security improvements require more technical knowledge.

Perimeter firewalls are insufficient for IoT devices, so businesses need to install features like conditional access too. Zero-trust frameworks and continuous monitoring are other cybersecurity practices that would improve IoT safety.

Security is crucial for the IoT to reach its full potential

Any piece of digital technology is going to come with some inherent risks. Cybersecurity is one of the most crucial considerations for any company or individual today, and that should extend to the IoT. Security risks don’t make the IoT more trouble than it’s worth, but users shouldn’t ignore them.

The IoT could revolutionize the modern world, and in many ways, it already has. If it’s going to do all it can, though, its adopters need to secure it. Better security will let the IoT impact the world to its full potential.

Internet Security: 6 Must-Know Tips for Keeping Your Data Safe Online

By Vision Times Staff

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nyone who uses the Internet must have a minimum knowledge of how to protect their data online. Otherwise, hackers can get hold of personal data like images, bank information, credit card details, etc., and wreak havoc on your life.

Here are the six must-know Internet security tips you should always keep in mind while surfing online.

1

HTTPS protocol

When shopping online or dealing with financial information, always ensure that the website is a secure one, meaning that the site should be HTTPS and not HTTP. 212-730-6963

HTTP “is already obsolete because it’s been proven to do a lot of damage from a security viewpoint. Websites containing the HTTPS… combine the HTTP — or Hypertext Transfer Protocol — with something called a Secure Socket Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. In other words: You’re offered strong encryption whenever a session between the browser you’re using and a web server happens,” according to Tech Droider. If you use your credit card on a non-HTTP website, a hacker can intercept your session and steal the information.

2

Passwords

Some people have a habit of using the same pass-

word for all accounts like social media, online banking, email, and so on. While this is indeed super-convenient, it is a rather foolish decision. If a third party were to get hold of the password from any single account, they would be able to use it and access other accounts too. As such, always use different passwords for different online services and try to keep multi-factor authentication active since it provides an extra layer of security.

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Accessing Wi-Fi

It can be tempting to use free public Wi-Fi. However, doing so can open your device and data to vulnerabilities. To keep yourself

safe from being infiltrated through such open networks, make sure that the Wi-Fi itself is fully encrypted. “Ask your hotel about its security protocol before connecting to the Web. Be extra cautious using Internet cafés and free Wi-Fi hotspots; if you must use them, avoid accessing personal accounts or sensitive data while connected to that network,” according to Norton.

4

Mobile device safety

Always lock your mobile with a password or a PIN. This way, even if you lose the phone, third parties won’t be able to access your private data. Keep the device OS updated and

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only install apps from trusted sources like the Google Play store. As far as possible, avoid storing sensitive information like passwords of other accounts on the device. Never click on the links of unsolicited emails. Finally, always backup your data.

5

Messaging

Even though all messaging apps claim that they offer encryption, the fact is that most only offer something called “encryption in transit.” For this type of encryption, the message is decrypted and stored on the servers of the provider.

As such, anyone who hacks into the server will basically get access to all your messag-

ing history. To protect yourself: “Use a messaging app with end-to-end encryption — for example, WhatsApp… by default, Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Google Allo do not use end-to-end encryption. To enable it, manually start a secret chat,” according to Kaspersky.

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Bluetooth

Just like the Wi-Fi connection for your mobile device, Bluetooth connectivity can also be problematic.

Some people just leave their Bluetooth feature on even while not using it. Other people nearby can connect to your phone and get access to your data. So always switch it off after use. ny@visiontimes.com

MYSTERIES

www.VisionTimes.com

JAN 29 - FEB 4, 2021 |

A9

Shambala: r Ea r

e n n I s u o i r e t s y M

By Vision Times Staff

M

any mystical religions have a concept of an ideal place on Earth, a region untouched by human greed or vices where spiritually evolved people reside. In Buddhism, the legendary city of Shambala is one such place. Many believe that the city is located deep beneath the Earth.

Buddhism and Shambala

Shambala is a Sanskrit word that means a “place of peace” or a “place of silence.” It is mentioned in Buddhist and Hindu texts. In Buddhism, Shambala is specifically mentioned in the Kalachakra Tantra as a unique place that exists within our own planet. “Shambala is a kingdom where humanity’s wisdom is spared from the destruction and corruptions of time and history, ready to save the world in its hour of need,” a commentary of the Kalachakra Tantra states (Collective Evolution).

Traditional Buddhists believe the place to exist somewhere in the Himalayan/Tibetan region. According to Tibetan beliefs, Shambala is guarded by unique beings with immense supernatural powers. Some have reported seeing them. People who search for Shambala are said to either end up discovering the place or perish in the process. Those who succeed choose to remain in Shambala, cut off from the rest of the world.

Shambala being located inside the Earth is also supported by the Hollow Earth Theory, which propounds that our planet is largely hollow, containing significant interior space that might contain vegetation and life forms. However, Buddhists are not the only ones obsessed with the idea of Shambala.

The Nazis were so smitten by the concept of a spiritual utopia that they sent several teams in search of the legendary place.

Nazis and Shambala

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“In the Himalayas, a Tibet expedition in 1938 was intended to produce new findings relating to early Germanic history. The Nazis believed in a Nordic master race that was supposed to have survived the demise of the legendary Atlantis. In Tibet — so the theory goes — these people of Nordic origin are supposed to have constructed the underground realm of Shambalah, traces of which the expedition hoped to find,” according to Above Top Secret.

The expeditionary team apparently came across a surprise in Shambala — a group of extraterrestrials. The beings refused to cooperate with the Nazi war efforts. Instead, the extraterrestrials offered to travel to Germany to help people in their spiritual development. This is believed to have led to the establishment of the Vril society, an occult group.

One of Buddhism’s highest figures, the Dalai Lama, believed that only those with a pure mind could visit Shambala. “Although those with special affiliation may actually be able to go there through their karmic connection, nevertheless it is not a physical place that we can actually find. We can only say that it is a pure land, a pure land in the human realm. And unless one has the merit and the actual karmic association, one cannot actually arrive there,” he said in a 1985 speech (Ancient Code).

Shambala is also mentioned in Hindu mythology as the birthplace of the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu. Named Kalki, the incarnation is prophesied to appear on Earth when evil reaches its peak. The avatar will destroy all wicked people and help the surviving good ones to usher in a new golden age that will last for 10,000 years.

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Th e

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Mystery Surrounds the Monolith Phenomenon Appearing Around the World The “Monolith Mystery” was started last month when the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) discovered a massive metal monolith in the middle of Utah’s Red Rock Country. It appeared as three large sheets riveted together, with the inside left hollow. The structure was embedded into the bedrock using heavy-duty tools.

The 12-foot high metal monolith disappeared, leaving behind mysteries.

The official announcement regarding this disappearance came from the Federal Bureau of Land Management’s Utah office. Local officials told The Guardian that the structure had been removed “by an unknown party” on Nov. 27, with rocks left behind to mark the place where it had stood. ny@visiontimes.com

Screenshot / YouTube

Appearing and disappearing

By Armin Auctor

A mysterious 12-foot high metal monolith was found in Utah's Red Rock Country by United States Fish and Wildlife Service employees.( Patrick A.Mackie /wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Soon after the disappearance of the monolith in Utah, on Nov. 26, a 9-foot structure that appeared to be identical to the one in Utah was found on Batca Doamnei Hill in Romania, but it disappeared four days later.

The next spot was the top of Pine Mountain in Atascadero, California. On Dec. 3, a 10-foot monolith appeared, raising eyebrows. But soon after the discovery, it was removed by a group of young men from Southern California. The replacement of the monolith with a wooden cross was live-streamed on social media.

On Dec. 3, tour guide Sylvan Christensen and YouTube personality Andy Lewis published a YouTube video claiming the removal of the Utah monolith citing environmental reasons.

“We removed the Utah

Monolith because there are clear precedents for how we share and standardize the use of our public lands, natural wildlife, native plants, freshwater sources, and human impacts upon them,” Christensen told news agencies.

Later on Dec. 6, a 7.5-foot monolith was spotted on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. As the previous ones were still trending online, the mystery structure was quickly recognized by locals, according to the BBC.

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Rise of theories

Netizens were divided on the theory of the origin of the monolith. Ripley’s (Believe It or Not) announced US$10,000 to the first person who comes forward as the legal owner of the monolith or provides accurate information on its origin.

Still, it’s unclear what these monoliths are or where they came from. Stories vary from art projects to nature, aliens, or something even bigger.

Many suggested that they are related to the Vein of the Earth

Art (Land Art) Movement that emerged in the 1960s and ’70s.

The movement made artistic interventions in remote, inaccessible landscapes.

The most popular theory is that these are the artifacts left on earth by an alien race.

People sought to decode the patterns to extract what they believed were alien communications. The structure’s similarity to the alien monoliths in Kubrick’s classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey sparkled these theories. While some other theories point to a simple hoax played by pranksters to kickstart conversations.

Interestingly, people found Google Earth images of the object dating back to 2016.

Officials had refused to disclose the metal obelisk’s location earlier, but netizens managed to pinpoint its position.

This indicates that it was reportedly put in place long before it became popular on Nov. 18.

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HEALTH

A10 | JAN 29 - FEB 4 , 2021

www.VisionTimes.com

Selenium:

The Much-Needed Antioxidant Element for Detoxification and Protection

By Vision Times Staff

Health

W

e are taught about the importance of calcium in our bodies. Do you know about another rarely mentioned trace element that functions to detoxify and help fight against cancer and blood clots? That is selenium. Selenium can be found in plenty of foods. These include garlic, purple sweet potato, eggs, ginkgo, seafood, fish, meat, sesame, malt, milkvetch, mushrooms, and animal organs. Here are some recommended recipes that are high in selenium.

Benefits of O

Honeyed garlic

nions

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By Vision Times Staff

O

nions are best eaten uncooked when they are soft and juicy. Onions originate in western Asia and are available all year round. Onions are nutrient-dense, with the bulb containing 8.5 percent sugar, 9.2 percent dry matter, and it’s rich in vitamins and minerals; in every 100 g of onion, there is 5 mg of Vitamin A, 9.3 mg of Vitamin C, 40 mg of calcium, 50 mg of phosphorus, 8 mg of iron, and 18 amino acids.

The eight health benefits of onions are as follows:

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Lowering cholesterol

Onions contain diallyl disulfide, which can activate fibrinolytic proteins and vasodilate blood vessels and coronary arteries, as well as facilitate the evacuation of sodium salts.

This lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of thrombus.

Preventing cardiovascular diseases

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Onions are rich in quercet in (among the top ones of all vegetables), a compound that can vasodilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, lower the rigidity of blood vessels, and prevent arteriosclerosis. Onions also contain onion essential oils, which suppresses cholesterol in high-fat diets and increases the activity of fibrinolytic enzymes, reducing blood viscosity and improving atherosclerosis.

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Loweringblood sugar

Boosting bone density

Onions are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The proportion of calcium and phosphorus is in the correct balance to facilitate the absorption of calcium, which may boost your bone density.

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5

Onions contain an organic component similar to Tolbutamide, a component of drugs that treat diabetes. Onions can cause Cortexin to be generated in the body, which is a diuretic and supports the absorption of glucose by the cells.

The intake of 25-50 g of onions with each main meal will help diabetic patients lower their level of blood sugar and obtain a better diuretic effect. People who are taking medicine and intending to consume onions to achieve the same effect should monitor the change of blood sugar and consult their doctor to get the dose corrected.

Selenium, a trace element, is found in onions. It is an antioxidant that can generate Glutathione and transport oxygen to cells so they can breathe.

With the increase of glutathione in the body, the occurrence rate of cancer will be reduced substantially. Studies have shown that people who eat onions frequently are less likely to contract stomach cancer than those who do not.

Onions can be used for sterilization and act as a bacteriostat. In some countries and regions, people use onion extract to treat and control infectious diseases.

Supporting dental health

The sulfur compounds in onions are strong antibacterial agents that kill many bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities. Fresh onions are most effective, but due to the strong odor, eating them in a salad may make them more palatable. Chew some mint leaves or parsley stems to help reduce the odor for those around you afterward.

Fighting colds

The pungent component in onions can be viewed as “a natural antibacterial agent,” and be used to fight the common cold. Onions can boost your immunity, so they are anti-bacterial. A quick homemade cold medicine can be made by cutting an onion in half and sprinkling the cut surfaces with brown sugar to draw out the beneficial liquid. Consume by the spoonful to help the body fight off a cold.

Freepik

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Poached eggs

Chestnut millet congee

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Sterilization and bacteriostat

If raw garlic does not agree with you, try the following method to create a less strong flavor.

Method: • Peel off the garlic skin, cut off the top and base, rinse well • Put garlic, 2 tsp of salt, and water into a container and soak for about 24 hours • Turn the soaked garlic upside down to drain the water and dry with a kitchen towel • Put the dried garlic into a glass or earthen jar • Add a small amount of honey, pour in vinegar to cover up all the garlic, and add a pinch of salt • Seal and store in a cool place for three to four weeks Adobe stock

Eggs are rich in selenium. For every 100 g, pork contains 10.6 micrograms (mcg) of selenium whereas chicken eggs contain 23.3 mcg, duck eggs 30.7 mcg, and goose eggs 33.6 mcg. For better health, raw and fried eggs should be avoided, while poached eggs are best.

Method: • Put an egg in a pot with water, slowly bring to boil • When the water is boiling, lower the heat and cook for three minutes • Switch off and let the egg rest in the hot water for five minutes

3

Antioxidant

Adobe stock

Adobe stock

Both chestnuts and millet contain a good amount of selenium. This recipe is recommended for frequent consumption.

Method: • Gather a small handful of cooked chestnuts, peel off the skin and cut into small pieces • Wash the millet and put in a pot with the chopped chestnut and water • Boil till the millet is done and serve

Mushroom chicken stew

Adobe stock

Mushroom and chicken make a remarkably tasty dish that is rich in selenium and other nutrients.

Method: • Wash the mushrooms in warm water • Put the chicken in a pot with water, boil at high heat • Skim off any residue, add wine, salt, sectioned green onion, mushrooms, and dates • Cook over medium heat until the meat is soft and tender

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WISDOM

www.VisionTimes.com

JAN 29 - FEB 4, 2021 |

Technological Mysteries of the Ancient World

Public domain

Elixir

By Qinglian

M

Sting/wikipedia/CC BY-SA 2.5

any people think that thousands of years ago, human science had not yet been enlightened, and people could only live-in ignorance. But in fact, even in ancient times, the light of human wisdom could not be blocked. The splendor of ancient civilization far exceeds today's imagination.

Mysterious chemical weapon

From the 7th to the 12th century AD, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, relied on a mysterious chemical weapon to be invincible in naval battles and once dominated Europe. According to historical records, this chemical weapon is a liquid that can be ejected through a tube burning in water and form a huge fireball. Usually, opponents want to put out the fire that hits, they can only use vinegar, sand, and urine! And where did these things come from in the fierce, intense battle?

The chemical formula of this secret weapon has always been the highest secret of the Byzantine Empire. With the passage of time, future generations will no longer know it, and it has become an eternal secret.

Emperor Mithridates of the Pontus Kingdom was called "the Poison King".

Archimedes heat ray

Archimedes was the most famous mathematician, physicist, inventor, engineer, and astronomer in ancient Greece.

He is also the founder of modern science.

In the second century AD, the author Ellucian mentioned in his work that Archimedes used a heat ray to destroy enemy ships during the siege of Syracuse. Heat rays are the use of mirrors or glass to refract light, shining sunlight on the ship of the other party, and finally set the ship on fire. After the Renaissance, people questioned the claim that such heat rays destroyed enemy ships.

In 1973, Greek scientists conducted a set of heat-ray experiments at a naval base outside of Athenaeum. As a result, the ship model burned within a few seconds. In a similar experiment in the United States in 2006, researchers concluded that this way of setting fire to a ship can only happen when the weather is particularly good. The 2010 experiment also failed, so the current scientific community still has reservations about Archimedes heat rays.

ny@visiontimes.com

A11

In ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, to win the war, poison was a common method. They collect poisonous weeds, poisonous mushrooms and other plants, poisonous snakes, scorpions, jellyfish, poisonous spiders, and other animals, and mix them with special metal mercury to obtain highly toxic poisons.

Emperor Mithridates of the Pontus Kingdom, who spent his entire life studying poisons and developing corresponding antidotes, was later called "the Poison King".

In 121 BC, Mithridati VI finally invented an antidote that can cure all kinds of poisons. Later, the medical officer of Emperor Nero of the Roman Empire improved this medicine to make its detoxification properties more extensive.

Today, people have no way of knowing the antidote formula, and later historians speculated that this medicine might contain a small dose of opium.

Roman concrete

Pixabay

Damascus Steel

Rich Bowen/wikipedia/ CC BY 2.0

Ancient Roman architecture is an architectural wonder that has survived for thousands of years. The Colosseum is the most prominent representative of existing ancient Roman architecture.

According to records, it was built between 72 and 82 AD. In contrast, the reinforced concrete structures used in modern buildings will show signs of serious corrosion in more than 50 years.

According to researchers, it was a special concrete used by the ancients that made the main structure of the building enduring for a long time, even after thousands of years of wind and rain.

Research has found that the ancient Romans used volcanic rock and mortar to make concrete and obtained accurate proportions by exploring ancient Western skills. But the strange thing is that even if modern scientists use the same material and the same precise proportions, they cannot make this kind of highstrength concrete.

In the Middle Ages, the Middle East and Indians used Walt Steel from Asia as raw materials to produce a sword called Damascus steel. This kind of steel-cast sword not only cuts the iron like mud but can even cut the hair that lightly falls on the blade. It is reported that after this steel is made into a sword, a special flower pattern-Muhammad pattern will appear on the surface. This special pattern produces fine serrations invisible to the naked eye on the blade, which makes the knife particularly sharp. The forging technology of Walter Steel was lost in the mid-18th century. Modern people try to replicate in the laboratory. Only after using nanotechnology can they produce equally sharp knives. Many archaeologists believe that the ancients may have used a special additive material to enable steel production at that time to create quantum-level chemical reactions.

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It is reported that after this steel is made into a sword, a special flower patternMuhammad pattern will appear on the surface.

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LIFTSTYLE

A12 | JAN 29 - FEB 4 , 2021

www.VisionTimes.com

Cabochons, Chlorine, and Other Things You Need to Know About

Jade

By Vision Times Staff

T

he demand for jade gemstones and jewelry is on the rise. If you plan on buying jade either as an investment or solely out of interest in jewelry, you should know that there are three important things that determine the value of jade — color, cabochons, and maintenance.

Evaluating color and translucency

The quality of a jade stone’s color is judged by taking into account three components — its hue, saturation, and tone. The finest quality jade is considered to be a vibrant, emerald green color. Known as “imperial jade,” such stones can easily command millions on the market. These gems should not contain even the slightest gray or brown modifiers.

With regard to saturation, the color must appear intense even from a distance. The preferred tone for jade is medium, meaning that it should not be too dark or

Jade’s translucency ranges from transparent to opaque. ( pixabay / CC0 1.0)

light. Plus, the color distribution must be perfect, without any spotting or veins on the stone.

Jade’s translucency ranges from transparent to opaque. “The best jadeite is semi-transparent, meaning the text you can read through it would be slightly blurred. Because light penetrates below the surface, semi-transparent jadeite has an alluring brilliance. It almost appears to glow, increasing the charm of a lush green or rich lavender hue. The least desirable jadeites are completely opaque or have opaque or cloudy patches that break up their transparency,” according to GIA.

Cabochons

The finest quality jade is typically cut as cabochons, which means that it is shaped and polished rather than keeping it faceted. The premium standard used for jade is 14×10 mm. At present, double cabochons are considered the best for topgrade stones, since the convex bottom ends up intensifying the color of jade. Hollow cabochons are the leastvalued.

Important factors to consider when judging cabochons “are the contour of the dome, the symmetry and proportions

of the cabochon, and its thickness.

Cabochon domes should be smoothly curved, not too high or too flat, and should have no irregular flat spots.

Proportions should be well balanced, not too narrow or wide, with a pleasing length-to-width ratio… The bestcut cabochons have no flaws or unevenness of color that is visible to the unaided eye,” according to Louts Gemology.

Caring for jade

The value of jade can only be maintained if the jade receives proper care.

You should only use water mixed with mild soap to clean jade. Avoid household detergents or jewelry cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Use soft cotton pads to gently wipe the surface of the jade to avoid scratching. Never put the stone in water. You should also avoid using steam cleaners or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.

“When wearing jade, be careful not to hit the stone as it may easily crack or chip. Chlorine, which is often added to water in pools and to tap water, can be harmful to jade, so make sure you take off your jade jewelry before you swim or take a shower. It’s best to avoid contact of jade with makeup, perfume, hair spray, and other chemicals that may have an adverse effect on the stone’s surface,” according to Jewelry Notes.

As far as storage is concerned, keep jade separate from other gemstones as it can get easily scratched. If you have no choice but to put it with other stones, be sure to wrap the jade in a soft cloth. If unfortunately it gets damaged, you can still sell the jade for some value provided it has recut potential.

The Jade Market usually doesn't deal with high-quality jade.

AdobeStock

Color, Type, and Other Things You Should Know When Buying a Jade Bracelet

By Vision Times Staff

F

or most Americans, a jade bracelet might seem like an alien choice, as they are more accustomed to wearing bracelets made of gold, diamonds, and other gemstones. However, jade is very popular in China and is attracting demand from the U.S. as well. Its lustrous green color can make you look unique and extra stylish at the next party. But before purchasing a jade bracelet, there are some fundamental things you need to know.

Color

Jade comes in various colors, like green, red, yellow, orange, black, white, and so on. However, the most 212-730-6963

sought after color is Imperial Green.

Most of the jade ornaments worn by ancient Chinese royals and today’s upper class have this specific color.

Lavender jade, which has a purple color, is also in high demand.

Jadeite and nephrite

First, you need to know which type of jade you should buy. “Jade is divided into two major types on the market: nephrite and jadeite jade…

Nephrite is often used in sculptures, as its texture is not suitable for fine jewelry. Jadeite is the material used in fine jewelry,” according to Leaf.

However, there are nephrite bracelets available to cater to demand from people looking for cheaper options.

You can easily differentiate them from jadeite due to their low luster and high

opaqueness. The jade bangles that are auctioned for millions of dollars are usually made from jadeite.

Treatments

Jade jewelry is classified into several groups, ranging from A to D. Grade A represents the highest quality jade that has not been treated with any chemicals. At most, it might be waxed to increase its luster. This type of jade can gain value over time.

Grade B refers to jade that has been bleached and impregnated with a polymer in order to improve color and translucency. Grade C jade is dyed to improve color.

“These treatments are not permanent and affects its general durability.

The good appearance can deteriorate over time. Colour dyed Jadeite usually

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loses its colour with long exposure to sunlight. Depending on the level of treatment, the value of the Jadeite drops dramatically. Treated Jadeite will not gain value over time like untreated Jadeite,” according to Mays.

Grade D represents jade that is basically a composite material wherein the jadeite is combined with glass or plastic.

Real or fake

Given the high demand for jade, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are many fake pieces in the market.

You can identify real jade by holding it in the palm of your hands. The real thing will feel heavier than the duplicates. Authentic jade will feel cool against your skin. If you hold jade against your face for a couple of

minutes and it heats up, the stone is not authentic.

“Real jade is also very tough, so there should be no scratches on the surface. If you can scratch the stone with your fingernail, it’s an imitation… If the seller won’t let you run the fingernail test, then there is a good chance the stone is fake,” according to Trip Savvy.

To avoid getting scammed, check whether the jeweler is registered with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) or the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). Plus, ask for certificates from the China Gemological Testing Center (GTC), the U.S. Gemological Institute Of America (G.I.A.), or any international testing laboratory to verify authenticity. ny@visiontimes.com