VISION TIMES
VOL.048 DEC 3 - DEC 9 , 2021
WORLD’S FIRST
SELF-REPLICATING ROBOTS
(Image: Marcos/Getty Images)
By Neil Campbell Vision Times
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By Todd Crawford Vision Times These Xenobots can assemble “baby” bots inside their mouth, which after a few days look and move just like them.
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(Image:Harvard University)
n outlier in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry’s vaccine wars, one which uses a totally different technology than the current gene therapy vaccines sold by Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson, says it will have a vaccine ready for testing and manufacturing ready in the next several weeks, according to reports. Novavax was paraphrased by Reuters on Nov. 26 amid the emerging hype around the B. 1.1.529 Omicron variant of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), as announcing “it had started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine to target the variant detected in South Africa and would have the shot ready for testing and manufacturing in the next few weeks.”
“When somebody is naturally immune, like, they got COVID, they probably have better… Like, not better, but probably more antibodies against the virus.”
A new era in regenerative medicine
The development of self-replicating living bio-robots could bring about a new era of drug treatment for traumatic injury, birth defects, cancer, ageing and more. Micael Levin, one of the researchers from Tufts University said, “If we knew how to tell collections of cells to do what we wanted them to do, ultimately, that’s regenerative medicine – that’s the solution to traumatic injury, birth defects, cancer, and aging.” Traditional robots were developed to complete tasks too dangerous for humans or tasks that are repetitive and
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New Omicron Vaccine Tech Ready for Testing in ‘Next Few Weeks’
Scientists Invent
iologists at Tufts University and computer scientists from the University of Vermont have announced the development of the world’s first, self-replicating living robots. Dubbed Xenobots 3.0, the robots — machine-animal hybrids that are approximately one millimeter in size — were developed using cells derived from an African frog (Xenopus laevis) embryo and artificial intelligence. The computer-designed organisms gather single cells together in its “mouth” and release its “young” that look and move like its parents and are able to replicate over multiple generations. Scientists say that no animal or plant known to science replicates in this way. The first iteration of Xenobots were reported in 2020 as being the first living robots. Xenobots 2.0 added the ability to self-propel using hair-like “legs” called cilia to move and had the ability to keep memories. It wasn’t until this most recent iteration that they gained the ability to self-replicate. The robot organisms can also move independently and have the ability to self-heal any damage they suffer. They also have the abilities to push or carry objects, navigate around particles in their surroundings and communicate with one another while moving together as a swarm. Joshua Bongard, a computer scientist and robotics expert at the University of Vermont told the Dailymail that, “We found Xenobots that walk. We found Xenobots that swim. And now, in this study, we’ve found Xenobots that kinematically replicate.”
$2.00
programmable. These robots, thanks to their tiny size, enable them to enter the body to perform operations that may not be possible for humans. They are also constructed entirely of biological material allowing them to degrade in the body after they have completed its assigned task. Immediate potential uses identified for the bio-robots include scraping off harmful arterial deposits or genetically changing cancer cells back to normal cells as well as delivering medicine to specific parts of the body. Continued on A2
The timing is significant considering that the Government of Botswana revealed on Nov. 25 that it had first discovered Omicron in four fully vaccinated diplomats from an undisclosed country who tested positive on Nov. 11. The diplomats entered Botswana on Nov. 7 and have “since left the country,” according to a Nov. 26 statement by the Ministry of Health & Wellness. The Ministry said genomic sequencing of the positive test was not completed until Nov. 24.
A difference maker
Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine. On the company’s website, it describes its COVID-19 vaccine as a “recombinant nanoparticle technology” used “to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein.” The company also says it uses a “proprietary Matrix-M™ adjuvant.” Continued on A2
The C-shaped parent xenobots collect and compress loose stem cells together into piles which can mature into offspring. (Image:Harvard University)
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NATION
A2 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 (Image:Josh Edelson/Getty Images)
VISION TIMES
New Omicron Vaccine Tech Ready for Testing in ‘Next Few Weeks’ Continued from FRONT
California Town Declares Itself a ‘Constitutional Republic’ Defying COVID-19 Mandates (Image: Wikipedia)
By Victor Westerkamp Vision Times
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Californian town declared itself a constitutional republic last month to halt what city authorities refer to as increasing federal overreach concerning the imposition of COVID19 mandates, with many saying the resolution has “no teeth.” The resolution, issued on Nov. 2, stated, “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Oroville City Council that the City of Oroville is declared to be a Constitutional Republic City,” adding “That any executive orders issued by the State of California or by the United States federal government that are overreaching or clearly violate our constitutionally protected rights will not be enforced by the City of Oroville against its citizens.” According to the East Bay Times, the resolution passed in a 6-1 vote and was mainly intended to “reaffirm to people what type of government we live under,” Mayor Chuck Reynolds said. With Oroville as its seat, Butte County has a population of about 220,000, with roughly 47 percent of its inhabitants being fully vaccinated. This makes it one of the least vaccinated counties in California, with an average vaccination rate of 64 percent.
California mandating child vaccination the breaking-point
For Oroville Vice Mayor Scott Thomson, a proponent of the resolution, Governor Gavin Newsom’s
Historic Downtown Oroville.
“(The resolution) doesn’t change anything.” “Again, it’s simply reminding people what kind of government we live under and that they do have personal choices and freedoms.” --Mayor Reynolds
mandate requiring schoolchildren to be vaccinated against COVID19 was his breaking point. “Now that the mandates have gone from not just putting something on the outside of your body or modifying how you run your business, but now shoving something inside your body that nobody knows the long-term effects of, that’s just like, OK, now you’re, in my opinion, crossing the line,” Thomson told the Press Democrat. Thomson said, “I proposed it
after 18 months of increasingly intrusive executive mandates and what I felt to be excessive overreach by our government,” The Guardian reported. “After the failed recall in California, our state governor seems to be on a rampage, and the mandates are getting more intrusive. Now he’s going after our kids and schools,” he added. Counselor Dave Pittman told the East Bay Times there are way too many rules that state and federal law bodies try to impose on local communities, and that’s why Oroville is pushing back. “We stand by and believe in our constitution; our republic, and we believe that many times others in state and federal government are exceeding their authority across the board in everything we do. Mandates eliminate personal right of choice – to get vaccinated or not, to vaccinate your kids or not — and violate basic constitutional choice we all have,” Pittman said. Councilmember Janet Goodson expressed her concerns about the possibility of Oroville losing out on millions in COVID funding if it were to abide by its resolution to no longer comply with state and federal mandates, KRCR reported. However, city attorney Scott Huber argued that the resolution is not a policy, and it doesn’t change the city’s ordinance. It can be customized if needed, so “As a result, there is no risk of loss of funding with it,” he said. The resolution does not impact any school mandates since the state school districts police them. Or, as Councilmember Art Hartley put it, “basically all we’re doing is making a political statement…it has absolutely no teeth.”
The CDC says, “An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine. In other words, adjuvants help vaccines work better.” While the messenger RNA types sold by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna deploy a genetic instruction to your cells to forcibly grow the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inside your body in order to elicit an immune response, and the J&J adenovirus vector uses a neutralized adenovirus genetically engineered to carry a double stranded DNA instruction to perform the same function, Novavax’s protein subunit vaccine works by directly injecting cultured spike proteins into the human body. A June 25 article published by Nebraska Medicine explains this variety of vaccine was created by using spike proteins cultured from moth cells and says the proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant is “made from tree bark.” The spike proteins are created in a method very similar to how an adenovirus vector vaccine works, but in moths instead of humans. The spikes are manufactured by genetically engineering an insect virus called baculovirus with the genetic instructions required to grow the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. “The baculovirus infects moth cells and replicates inside them… These moth cells create lots of spike proteins….Researchers extract and purify the spike proteins,” explains the article, which adds that some influenza vaccines already use a similar technology. NebraskaMed also adds that the proprietary adjuvant is “based on a saponin extracted from the soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria).” “The soapbark extract encourages immune cells to activate, generating a more potent immune response.” Novavax’s offering is already in phase 3 clinical trials in the United Kingdom, with the U.S. trial beginning in December of 2020.
Like a key
The spike protein, which a coronavirus uses like a pass card to enter human cells to begin the process of infection, is a key issue as humanity fights the pandemic with measures and medicine. The Omicron variant is reported by CNN to have “about 50 overall” mutations, noting “more than 30
of the mutations were found in the spike protein.” In early October, investigative journalist team Project Veritas captured Pfizer scientist Nick Karl on hidden camera in a personal, after hours setting, explaining the significance of mRNA generated immune responses versus that from natural exposure, “When somebody is naturally immune, like, they got COVID, they probably have better… Like, not better, but probably more antibodies against the virus.” “Because what the vaccine is, is like I said that [spike] protein, that’s just on the outside [of a coronavirus].” Karl continued, “So it’s just one antibody against one specific part of the virus. When you actually get the virus, you’re going to start producing antibodies against, like, multiple pieces of virus, and not only just like that outside portion, like the inside portion. The actual virus.” “So your antibodies at that point are probably better at that point than the vaccination.” Karl’s impromptu immunology lesson may explain why a September preprint study from researchers in Israel who examined anonymized health records held at one of the nation’s four mandatory healthcare providers found that those who had accepted Pfizer’s vaccination, but had not been naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2, were at significantly greater risk of symptomatic breakthrough COVID than those with natural immunity were at risk of reinfection.
(Image: PAUL/Getty Images)
Moreover, an October study published in Viruses by two Chinese scientists working at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology at Umea University in Sweden found that the full length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is also the same spike that mRNA and adenovirus vector vaccines force the human body to synthesize, tended to concentrate in cellular nuclei, significantly inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism utilized by the body after the immune system forges antibodies in response to exposure to pathogenic antigens.
Scientists Invent World’s First Self-Replicating Robots Continued from FRONT Scientists are exploring ways to utilize Xenobots outside the body as well. They have the potential to clean up radioactive waste or to clean oil spills and microplastics in the environment. Since Xenobots are biodegradable they will not pollute the environment. The robots could also be utilized to gain a better understanding of biology and the evolution of multicellular organisms.
Gray goo
Xenobots are not a traditional robot nor are they a known species of animal but rather a new class of artefact, a living programmable organism consisting of approximately 5,000 cells.
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of self-replicating swarms of biological robots lit up Twitter with many commenting that this development could produce the dreaded “gray goo” scenario. The gray goo scenario is a hypothetical global catastrophe involving molecular nanotechnology where out-of-control self-replicating machines consume all biomass on earth in an effort to continue to reproduce. The scenario has also been called “ecophagy” literally meaning, “eating the environment.” The idea was originally the brainchild of John von Neumann, a Hungarian-American mathema-
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tician, physicist, computer scientist, engineer and polymath (Image:Harvard University) leading some to refer to the machines that make up the theoretical gray goo as “Neumann machines.” The term “gray goo” was first coined by nanotechnology pioneer K. Eric Drexler in his book Engines of Creation published in 1986. The concept alarmed Prince Charles at the turn of the millennium. At that time he called upon the British Royal Society to investiad.ny@visiontimes.com
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gate the “enormous environmental and social risks” of nanotechnology. The Royal Society produced a report that concluded that the possibility of self-replicating machines posing an existential threat to humanity was too far into the future to be of any real concern for regulators. The gray goo scenario, while extremely improbable, is a useful construct for considering low-probability, and high-impact outcomes for emerging technologies. Scientists conclude that it is a useful tool when considering the ethics concerning technological advancement.
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NATION
VISION TIMES
DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 |
A3
(Image: AdobeStock)
How To Make Money During Inflation By Jonathan Walker Vision Times
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inancial experts are predicting that the current high inflation levels might continue for a few years. The number one priority for investors in an inflationary environment would be to hedge their assets. Such a move can counteract the effects of inflation and protect the value of their investments. However, this conservative move might not even work. A more aggressive and possibly profitable way to tackle an inflationary economy would be to actually try making money during this time through investments.
Commodities investment
“Oftentimes, real asset price increases are what fuels inflation in the first place… So, we believe investing in these assets can work as a natural hedge against rising costs in our everyday lives,” analysts from Wells Fargo stated in a recent report. According to the bank, commodities like agricultural products, oil, and gold have outperformed the broader markets by a big margin during the three previous inflationary periods in American history— the 70s, late 80s, and early 2000s. There is no reason why it couldn’t happen again this time around.
American Economy Could Be Headed Toward 1970s-Style Stagflation, Warns Economist
Value Stocks
Value stocks are your best bet during an inflationary period. Value stocks refer to shares of companies that show strong earnings relative to their present
inflation are stagflation, and that’s what the market is worried about right now,” El-Erian told Fox News. The Allianz economic advisor also he United States is grappling believes that the possibility of inflation with the highest levels of infla- carrying over into 2022 is very likely. tion in over thirty years. The He wants measures to tackle inflaConsumer Price Index (CPI) numbers tion to be implemented soon because released lately showed that prices rose “it can, by itself, derail our economic 6.2 percent in October compared with recovery.” the same time last year. With the emerEl-Erian appealed to Jerome Powell gence of the new coronavirus variant to give utmost importance to controlOmicron, policymakers and financial ling inflation. Biden nominated Powell markets are worried that the economy for a second term as Chair of the Fedcould get even worse. eral Reserve. Mohamed El-Erian, the Powell believes inflation is transitory and has chief economic adviser placed almost comfor financial services firm Allianz, warned plete blame on the that the Omicron pandemic. However, variant could lead to El-Erian argues that a 1970s-style “stagflainflation is not transition.” This is because tory and that it is time Omicron has the potenfor a change of policy at Mohamed El-Erian tial to escalate record inflathe Fed. (Gettyimages) tionary pressures, worsen supply “The worst thing that can hapchain issues, and unsettle the markets. pen is that in addition to the supply As the holiday season gets disruption, which they can’t do underway, the imposition of anything about, in additravel restrictions around tion to labor shortthe world is likely to ages, they destabilize our expectations and drive consumer and corporate confidence we change behavior to record lows. The siteven faster,” he said. uation could worsen if This will prompt companies to quickly the new variant leads to further lockdowns that raise prices and make Jerome Powell would pressure the already wage earners demand (Gettyimages) clogged supply chains and wreck higher incomes, leading to an any form of economic recovery. inflationary cycle. Currently, El-Erian doesn’t see any High inflation are stagflation problem with the demand side. Com“The marketplace is worried about panies have plenty of capital and retail two things: one, that yet another var- sales remain strong. The issue is with iant of COVID is going to hit them the supply side. If it is not addressed, it hard. We travel less. We go out to res- will impair the demand side. taurants less, and we may have addiThe last time the U.S. experienced tional restrictions that are imposed stagflation was in the 1970s when on us. That’s issue number one… And Jimmy Carter was president. Risissue number two, the marketplace is ing unemployment, lower economic worried also that this will cause more growth, and surging energy costs triginflation, that the supply chain will gered by the Arab nations banning oil be disrupted even more… Those two supply to the United States saw Carter things together: lower growth, high serve only one term as president. By Ashok Ramprasad Vision Times
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price. Such companies usually have strong cash flows as well, which is a big plus during inflation. Between the 60s and the 80s when inflation was an issue, most stocks lost their value as the cost of living surged. However, stocks of companies that held real assets had debts—the value of which declined due to inflation—and were in a position to raise prices without affecting sales did very well. Asset manager GMO did an analysis and found issues with investing in most assets during inflation, including treasury bonds. Even industrial commodities were dismissed since they cost money to store. Traditional havens like gold or new digital cryptos like Bitcoin have no intrinsic value, the group said. “This is like being offered inflation insurance at a discount,” the organization said.
Investing in real estate
Not only do rising prices boost the value of the real estate over time, you can also make monthly income by renting out homes and office spaces. The rental income can help the investor beat the inflationary surges. “Real estate performs well because landlords and property owners see the values of their properties increase… Also, landlords can somewhat easily pass-through rent increases,” Alex Doll, a certified financial planner and president of Anfield Wealth Management in Cleveland, told CNBC. He has recently been cutting down his clients’ exposure in growth stocks, moving their funds into value stocks as he believes such stocks “do a bit better” during inflation.
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CHINA
A4 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021
VISION TIMES
WTA Officially Pulls Out of China Over Peng Shuai Disappearance The PSC is the Party’s most powerful leading body.
By Alina Wang Vision Times
Dubious assurances The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has decided to end all tournaments in China over concerns surrounding Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, whose safety has been in doubt since she accused a former regime leader of sexual assault. WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in a statement released today that with the “full support of the WTA Board of Directors,” all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong, would be suspended immediately. The statement stated that he “could not allow in good conscience for other athletes to compete [in China] when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault.” Peng Shuai first came forward on Nov. 2 alleging that she had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who also served on the Chinese Communist Party’s seven-man Politburo Standing Committee.
After not being heard from since going public with her allegations against Zhang, an email allegedly written by Peng was released on Nov. 18 by Communist Party-run broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN). The email claimed that she was fine and was just resting at home. Doubts were immediately cast over the authenticity of the email and concerns raised over Peng’s safety and wellbeing. On Nov. 17, CGTN also published on its Twitter account what it claimed to be a copy of an email written by Peng addressing WTA Chairman Steve Simon. The statement recanted her sexual assault allegations against the 75-year-old retired official: “… the allegation of sexual assault, is not true.” In response to what many believe to be a fabricated email, Simon said that “the statement released by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts,” adding that “The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a
full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation.” The Sport & Rights Alliance praised the WTA’s decision to end all tournaments in China and has called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take a similar stance on the matter. With the Beijing Winter
in close consultation with affected stakeholders, placing athletes at the center,” Andrea Florence, the acting director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, said in a statement released on Dec. 1.
Olympics scheduled to begin in just two months in February, 2020, many activists have called for the cancellation or postponement of the Games over human rights concerns. President Joe Biden told reporters on Nov. 18 that the U.S. is also considering a diplomatic boycott of Beijing’s Winter Olympics citing reports of human rights abuse in China. “The IOC’s eagerness to ignore the voice of an Olympian who may be in danger and to support claims of state-sponsored media in China shows the urgent and critical need for an IOC human rights strategy
Peng Shuai of China serves during her match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia on day three of the ASB Classic at ASB Tennis Centre on January 5, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Image: Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Hundreds of Taiwanese Nationals Handed Over to Mainland China By Alina Wang Vision Times
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ccording to an investigation titled China’s Hunt for Overseas Taiwanese released on Nov. 30 by Safeguard Defenders, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been arranging for Taiwanese citizens arrested abroad to be extradited back to communist-ruled mainland, instead of Taiwan. Between 2016 and 2019, human rights NGO Safeguard Defenders has documented over 600 cases of Taiwan nationals being extradited or deported from countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, and sent to mainland China. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), once ruled all of China prior to its defeat on the mainland by communist
rebels in 1949. Despite not having U.N. membership, Taiwan functions as a fully independent, democratic nation. The PRC claims Taiwan as an “indivisible” part of its sovereign territory, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) vowing to retake the island and retaliate against any country that interferes with its “internal affairs.” Taiwan’s government has always insisted that ROC citizens arrested abroad be repatriated to Taiwan for trial. However, Beijing claims that as an unrecognized “separatist movement,” all ROC citizens should be extradited back to the mainland instead.
Concerns about communist ‘justice’
The Spain-based Safeguard Defenders said the deportations were precarious because many of the Taiwanese sent back to the
PRC have no family or connections there and risk facing persecution or severe human rights violations. The investigation also points out that several nations are in breach of international human rights laws by following extradition treaties with Beijing, specifically singling out Spain and Kenya for extraditing the most number of Taiwanese to mainland China. According to the report, “these forcible transfers are also often taking place following the denial of access to Taiwanese consular support or communication in the sending country, and sometimes followed by ongoing denial of contact with Taiwanese officials or family members once they are in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).” It highlighted an example that took place in Kenya in 2016, where local authorities defended their
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decision to deport a group of PRC and Taiwan citizens — some of whom were acquitted of all charges — to the mainland. Kenyan police stated the decision was made in accordance with Beijing’s urging and because they did not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
‘One China’
The PRC was handed Taiwan’s U.N. seat in the 1971 decision, becoming the internationally recognized “China.” This status was further boosted when the United States dropped official recognition for Taiwan in 1979, though Washington and Taipei continue to maintain informal relations and military cooperation. Furthermore, the American “One China Policy” differs from the PRC’s stance, in that Washington does not take a stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty or lack thereof.
No information was provided on the fate of the Taiwanese nationals upon their extradition, but the report noted that at least two people were shown on CCP-run state media giving public apologies. In response to the investigation’s findings, Taiwan’s government was quoted by AFP as saying the PRC “does not have jurisdiction” over Taiwanese arrested or convicted abroad, and that Beijing aims to “show its sovereignty over Taiwan.” “We again urge the Chinese side that crime-fighting should not involve politics and we hope law enforcement units on both sides can continue to cooperate on an existing basis to effectively fight crimes and protest public welfare,” it said. The mainland government has yet to formally respond.
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CHINA
VISION TIMES
DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 |
A5
Chinese police officers watch a cargo ship at a port in Qingdao in China's eastern Shandong province on March 8, 2018. (Image:AFP via Getty Images)
Number Of Vessels Signaling
160 (Thousands)
140
85
This aerial photo taken on June 22, 2021 shows cargo containers stacked at Yantian port in Shenzhen .
%
120
(Image:STR/AFP via Getty Images)
OF CHINESE SHIPS
‘DISAPPEAR’ ,
100
AIS BASE STATIONS SEIZED ALONG CHINA’S COAST
By Juliet Wei Vision Times
80
60
40
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ince early November, the number of vessels sending the Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal from seas around China plunged by 85 percent. On Oct. 28, more than 100,000 ships were broadcasting but, according to global shipping data provider VesselsValue, by Nov. 17, only 15,000 were broadcasting the signal. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an international standard for ship-to-ship, shipto-shore, and shore-to-ship data communication approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The steep decline comes after China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)came into effect on Nov. 1. It requires companies that process data to get approval from the Chinese government before letting personal information leave Chinese soil.
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Strategic AIS base stations seized and inventoried
Chinese companies and individuals sanctioned
According to a CCTV 13 News program “Focused Interviews” on Nov. 1, since 2020, Chinese security sectors have been investigating foreign-related maritime data companies and radio enthusiasts based in Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, and other places. In addition, Chinese security agencies found out more than 700 self-built AIS base stations on important islands along the coastline. The security officials “seized a large number of base station equipment, intercepted more than 10,000 GB of outgoing maritime data, promptly cut off the data leakage channels, and required relevant organizations and individuals to rectify and eliminate hidden dangers." Wu Chengbin, a clerk for the Security Office of the Department of Political Affairs at the Southern Command in China, said, “Some of the land-based base stations were set up in our important military ports and sensitive areas.
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The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an international standard for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and shore-to-ship data communication approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The scope of the base station searching signal covers our key military areas. They can collect information about the movements of our ships. Such information can be provided to foreign countries in real-time. It can be used by their military and intelligence departments to study the navigation trajectory of our ships and analyze our naval deployment and activity patterns. Those will result in the leakage of our military intelligence.” According to the program on CCTV 13, many countries and regions used to use the AIS data of many domestic maritime data companies to collect information on the construction of China’s offshore drilling rigs, track and “grasp the movements and activity patterns of the cruising and law enforcement of China’s maritime police vessels.”
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According to a Chinese national security officer involved with the program, relevant Chinese companies and individuals have been sanctioned because of the information collected. The officer told CCTV 13 that “Several foreign maritime data companies have used AIS data analysis to provide black evidence for foreign ‘longarm jurisdiction’ over us. In March 2020, a Defense Advanced Research Center reported that they had used some foreign maritime data companies to conduct AIS data analysis and obtain so-called ‘evidence’. Their government later imposed sanctions on the Chinese companies and individuals on such basis.” CNN reported on Nov. 24 that VesselValue's head trade analyst Charlotte Cook received reports earlier in the month about the Chinese national security authorities' removal of AIS responders from stations along the country's coast. Per CNN writer Laura He, "The only systems allowed to remain needed to be installed by 'qualified parties.'" According to Article 40 of China’s Personal Information Protection Law, “For the operators of critical information infrastructure and processors of the personal information of amount up to that specified by the state internet information department, they should store personal information that is collected and generated in the territory of the People’s Republic of China within China’s borders.”
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WORLD WHO Pushing for ‘Legally Binding’ Agreement to Deploy ‘Whole-of-Society’ Pandemic Measures
A6 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021
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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a ceremony to launch of a multiyear partnership with Qatar ahead of FIFA Football World Cup 2022 at the WHO headquarters in Geneva on October 18, 2021.(Image: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty
By Neil Campbell
Vision Times
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he Chinese Communist Party-friendly World Health Organization (WHO) convened a Special Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Nov. 29, only the second in its history, for the express purposes of negotiating a legally binding agreement among member states to deploy a wholeof-government and whole-of-society approach to pandemic measures. The website for the meeting says the session “will consider” a “single substantive agenda item” surrounding the “benefits of developing a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response.” The WHA normally meets every May, and met for the 74th time this year on May 31. During this year’s session, the Assembly had excellent foresight, calling on Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus “to convene a special session of the World Health Assembly in November 2021” to negotiate its structural and regulatory changes. The Special Session arrives at the same time the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and its 50+ mutations, mostly concentrated in the spike protein, was first announced in Botswana on Nov. 24 after being discovered in four unvaccinated diplomats from an undisclosed country on Nov. 11. The 10-page document supporting the Special Session is published by the Member States Working Group (WGPR), and revolves around the creation of a “New Instrument” focusing “on pandemic preparedness and response.” The document says the WGPR
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The WHO notes the “New Instrument” would be “legally binding on States Parties that opt to ratify it.” “Legally binding status offers the potential for greater sustained attention, both political and normative, to the critical issue of a pandemic preparedness and response, than a non-binding act.” - The WHO.
has already met four times on this topic between July and November, in addition to “conduct[ing] several intersessional informal consultations” and “two dialogues with non-State actors.” In an assessment of the benefits of a New Instrument, the Organization mentioned strengthening its “One Health approach,” which is not defined in the doc-
ument. However, it is defined on the WHO Europe website as an initiative that will have “multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes.” Specifically, the One Health website focuses on food safety, noting a trifecta alliance between itself and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the
World Organisation for Animal Health “to promote multisectoral responses to public health threats originating in the animal-humanenvironment interface.” The assessment section of the document also lauds the opportunity to increase funding to the WHO, not only from member states, but from “other actors, including the international financial institutions and existing global health institutions.” The document further advocated for a global deployment of public health measures and crackdown on dissent when it called for “structural solutions to promote a whole-of-government and wholeof-society approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response,” in near proximity to a statement calling for “the need for national and global coordinated actions to address the misinformation, disinformation and stigmatization that undermine public health.”
A second, similar subsection additionally elaborates “a number of potential benefits” in the deployment of a “New Instrument,” many of which point towards an escalating trend of centrally-coordinated global public health measures, “Highlevel political commitment and a whole-of-government and wholeof-society approach, which could strengthen cross-sectoral coherence and mobilization,” is the first promoted. The WHO notes the “New Instrument” would be “legally binding on States Parties that opt to ratify it.” “Legally binding status offers the potential for greater sustained attention, both political and normative, to the critical issue of a pandemic preparedness and response, than a non-binding act.” - The WHO. The document next lauds the opportunity for the WHO to “enhance, update and strengthen” its position as “the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.” The WHO claims its position as a central, global authority would give “policy-makers and leaders in pandemic preparedness and response” the ability to achieve “coherence and avoiding fragmentation at both the national and global levels.” The document notes there are also risks to attempting to evolve into a global and centralized distributor of measures, unless the biggest players are on board.
Austria Mandatory Vaccination Bill Draft Text Will Punish Unvaccinated increased to 7,200 Euros ($8,160 USD approx.). Euractiv says DP’s report says the government is questioning how to coerce those who have the means to simply pay the fine to accept vaccination. One solution being considered is to distribute the fines every six months.
By Neil Campbell
Vision Times
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ustria will begin imposing heavy fines and prison sentences on citizens who refuse Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination starting in February, according to media reports. In the Google translate version of a Nov. 29 paywalled article by Austrian media outlet Die Presse, a “first rough draft” of the country’s new COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act was viewed by the outlet. DP says the legislation will apply to Austrian residents and those who have a “habitual abode” in the country, and is set to have limited exceptions for children under the age of 12 and some pregnant women. The article notes that maintaining fully vaccinated status will require taking booster injections as prescribed by the Minister of Health. www.visiontimes.com
Four months in prison 3,600-euro fines Demonstrators protest against the government's coronavirus measures on November 27, 2021 in Graz, Austria. Draft text of Austria’s COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act reveals unvaccinated citizens will be subject to 3,600/7,200 Euro fines and/or four months in prison starting in February. (Image: ERWIN SCHERIAU/ APA/AFP via Getty Images)
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Website Euractiv says, based on DP’s reporting, that citizens who still refuse to comply with compulsory vaccination will be summoned by law enforcement. If they continue to refuse injection after a second summon, a 3,600 Euro ($4,080 USD approx.) fine will be assessed. After the first fine, if the person is considered to be putting another individual at “serious risk” or continues to refuse to comply, the fine will be
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Bulgarian media outlet Novinite says the first fine also comes with an “or four months in prison” clause. European news aggregator Free West Media, based on a rewrite of a paywalled article by German language outlet Kurier, said the Act would be reviewed next week and is set to persist for three years if enacted. The outlet appears to say 15 professions are targeted by the Act, including “doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, midwives and paramedics,” and “music therapists, therapeutic masseurs ad.ny@visiontimes.com
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GERT EGGENBERGER/APA/AFP via Getty Images
and psychologists.” On Nov. 22, Austria initiated a full lockdown on all citizens after plans to implement a lockdown on only the vaccinated backfired after massive protests by citizens and a refusal from some labor unions to support the mandate emerged. USA Today says that mandatory vaccination regimens were already announced at the time, but no penalties had been decided upon.
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WORLD
VISION TIMES
DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 |
A7
British Expert ‘Very Confident’
ABOUT EXACT LOCATION OF MISSING FLIGHT MH370
Debris from the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is displayed during a Day of Remembrance for MH370 event on March 3, 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.(Image: Mohd Samsul Mohd/AFP / Getty Images)
By Todd Crawford
Vision Times
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ritish aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey, a founding member of the nongovernment MH370 independent Group, said on Wednesday that he was “very confident” that by utilizing new mapping technology he has pinpointed the final resting place of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, the New Zealand Herald reported. MH370 went missing on March 8, 2014 after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing with 227 passengers, two pilots and 10 cabin crew aboard sparking one of the most extensive aviation searches in history. Godfrey, using software based on “weak signal propagation” data, says the craft should be resting approximately 4 km under sea in a mountainous region of the southern Indian Ocean, an area that had been missed by previous search efforts. “[The] data supports an overwhelming case for a renewed search in the prime crash location of 33.177°S 95.300°E.” - British aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey writes in his report. Godfrey added that, “The proposed search area is defined by a circle with a radius of 40 nautical miles centered on the prime crash location.”
Beachgoers walk past a sand sculpture made by Indian sand artist Sudersan Pattnaik with a message of prayers for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. (Image: ASIT KUMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Over the years, various pieces of debris from the lost flight have washed ashore in southern Africa and islands in the Indian Ocean, leading many to believe that the plane crashed in the remote waters west of Australia.
MH370’s fate remains a mystery
To date, the exact circumstances leading to the loss of the flight and all aboard remains shrouded in mystery with many competing theories.
Google maps view of where Richard Godfrey believes is the final resting place of flight MH370.(Image: Goole map)
[The] data supports an overwhelming case for a renewed search in the prime crash location of 33.177°S 95.300°E.” - British aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey writes in his report.
A young girl holds a balloon with a message during a memorial event for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, in Kuala Lumpur on March 3, 2018 ahead of the fourth anniversary of the ill-fated planes disappearance.(Image: MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP / Getty Images)
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Godfrey told the New Zealand Herald that he is convinced that “it was a hijacking. It was an act of terrorrism,” adding that, “But you know, I’m not a court of law. And I can only say that that’s my current theory. I’m still open if the authorities want to reveal more information that they may have.” A theory involving electronic hijacking was popularized at the time by former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. In 2014, he said, “Clearly Boeing and certain agencies have the capacity to take over uninterruptible control of commercial airliners of which MH370 B777 is one.” The theory alleges that bad actors remotely sabotaged the flight by accessing the B777’s security system by exploiting purposely programmed access software. At the time, media mogul Rupert Murdoch tweeted that the flights disappearance, “confirms jihadists turning to make trouble for China,” later suggesting that the flight may have been hidden in northern Pakistan. None of his remarks were confirmed and were panned as conspiracy theories however, a month after Murdoch’s comments Russian newspaper, Moskovskij Komsomolets, published a similar theory claim-
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ing “unknown terrorists” hijacked the plane, flew it to Afghanistan, and then held the crew and passengers hostage. Deceased American political commentator, Rush Limbaugh, speculated at the time that the aircraft may have been shot down, noting that there have been incidents in the past where civilian aircraft have been shot down by military forces. One widely referenced example is that of Iran Air Flight 655 which was shot down by the U.S. in 1988. Theories, many considered absurd, flourished at the time in the absence of hard data. CNN’s Don Lemon famously floated the idea that the flight may have been consumed by a black hole. Lemon was criticized by former U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General Mary Schiavo who responded to Lemon’s comments stating, “…a small black hole would suck in our entire universe so we know it’s not that.” Many interpreted her remarks as being flippant. A poll posted to CNN’s website reported that 9 percent of respondents thought it was either very or somewhat likely that the aircraft was abducted by aliens, time travelers, or beings from another dimension. On March 9, 2014 journalists with a Chinese media agency received an open letter, claiming to be from the leader of an unknown group named the Chinese Martyrs Brigade. The letter claimed that the loss of flight MH370 was in retaliation for the Chinese government’s response to knife attacks at the Kunming railway station in March of 2014. The letter also listed grievances against the Malaysian government. The letter’s claims were ultimately dismissed as fraudulent due to a lack of detail regarding the fate of the flight and the fact that the name “Chinese Martyrs Brigade” was “inconsistent with Uyghur separatist groups which describe themselves as ‘East Turkestan’ and ‘Islamic’ rather than ‘Chinese’” the IB Times reported at the time.
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NATURE
A8 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021
VISION TIMES Adobe Stock
T H I S S E A C R E AT U R E H A S A S U R PR I S I N G LY S I M PL E S O LU T I O N TO O N E O F THE OCEAN’S G R E AT ES T T H R E AT S:
MICRO PLASTICS By Darren Maung
P
lastic has been used en masse for less than a century, but has had a huge and lasting impact on our environment. The very durability that makes plastics so useful is the same reason it can be such a problem. How do we get rid of it responsibly? While many plastics are now recyclable, or made of recycled material, the vast majority of all the plastic ever produced is accumulated as trash.
Microplastics are affecting our environment in so many ways, and it’s still something that we don’t fully understand.
PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic has already become a widespread catalyst for pollution. Because it is not biodegradable, almost 80% of the world’s plastics end up in landfills or, worse still, in our environment. Recycling plastic is commonly heard of, but only 9% of the world’s plastic has been recycled, presumably because some plastics are more difficult to recycle than others, and only clean plastics without any residue on them can be recycled. Burning plastic is another alternative, providing energyrelated benefits, but it is also costly and not renewable. Thus, it is common to see plastic bags discarded carelessly everywhere, and nowhere is this more damaging than in the oceans. Images of collected rubbish contrast-
MICROSCOPIC DANGER While plastic is not biodegradable, it does disintegrate into much smaller pieces, culminating in a form of plastic called microplastics. Of the hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste in our waters, much of it is in the form of tiny floating particles, no bigger than 5mm in dimension. It is not widely known what these tiny particles could do to our environment, but Tom Stanton, a PhD researcher of the School of Geography and Faculty of Engineering, believes that microplastics are a substantial threat. He said, “Microplastics are affecting our environment in so many ways, and it’s still something that we don’t fully understand.” According to Stanton, rivers have become an entry point for microplastics to pass into the oceans, but there is no published work on this fact. He has dedicated his work to provide insight on the problem of freshwater microplastics by examining the pollution at the River Trent and the smaller Rivers Soar and Leen, in addition to “atmospheric fallout in local areas.” Stanton has deduced that microplastics in freshwater are consumed by microorganisms like zooplankton, which then clog the gastrointestinal tracts before causing starvation. Toxic chemicals found on microplastics could also poison any creature that ingests them.
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More alarming is the recent evidence by the Austrian Environment Agency and the University of Vienna, which finds that microplastics are making their way into our own bodies. The research conducted by Tom Stanton and his team in the University of Nottingham paints an important picture of the threat of microplastics, which is supported by the academic microplastic community. Speaking to an international microplastics conference, he emphasized the importance of combating microplastics, stating that it is not the plastic that is the problem, but what we do with it. “We need to stop using plastic that is not necessary, and to have a much simpler and more transparent recycling system,” he said. “Plastic is not the root of the problem, but rather the single-use lifestyle that we have become accustomed to.” Tom also stressed the need for officials from the government, industry, and the public itself to be aware of the problems posed by plastics and microplastics.
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Cleaning microplastics out of the ocean In searching for an answer to the problem that not only affects marine life, and potentially human life, but also clogs the sievelike filters of water treatment plants, one sea creature has been discovered to have a breakthrough solution. The manta ray, the largest ray in the world, devours plankton by filtering water through their gaping mouths. When the water enters the mouth, tiny angled slats inside the filters create vortexes when water flows in. These swirly currents bounce the plankton away while the water seeps out without clogging the filters, allowing the manta ray to swallow all the plankton they consume in one gulp. Scientists are now searching for ways to implement this same filtration system in water treatment plants to prevent microplastics from blocking their filters. 212-730-6963
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ing with the clear, blue waters are an eyesore for viewers, but the scenes of animals dying due to pollution are even more heartbreaking. Turtles often mistake transparent plastic bags for tasty jellyfish, and suffocate from either consuming the waste, or becoming entangled in it. Plastic straws, too, are a danger, as they break down into smaller particles that become readily ingested poisons for a variety of sea life. Between California and Hawaii, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains the highest concentration of plastic waste; it covers an area thrice the size of France. But it is not just the solid plastics causing pollution. There are widespread plastics that are so small, we would not be able to see them to avoid them.
There is, in fact, a ship in the works that will use a cleaning system inspired by the ray. The vessel, called the Manta, is designed to scoop up and trap plastic waste in the ocean, serving a dual purpose of both cleaning the waters and providing a renewable source of energy for the boat. This would allow the ship to continue cleansing the seas for long periods of time.
(Image: The SeaCleaners)
The Manta is planned to set sail in 2024.
In addition to cleaning the oceans, the ship will also conduct scientific missions and provide educational insight for the public when docked. The Manta is planned to set sail in 2024. As stewards of the Earth, we need to keep our lands and oceans clean and healthy, and the threat posed by microplastics must be acknowledged. Once we understand the danger, we can face the problem squarely, and help cleanse our oceans to preserve and protect all life on our planet. 703-868-1509
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CULTURE
VISION TIMES
DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 |
A9
Advent calendar in the land of the Christ Child. The windows originally contained Christmas verses which were pasted over day by day, with pictures from a cutout sheet. Published by Gerhard Lang in Munich.
(Image: Richard Ernst Kepler via Wikimedia Commons Public domain)
What Is Spirit of Advent? By Simone Jonker
Every year, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or the closest Sunday to St Andrew’s Day (Nov. 30), and ends on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Advent can start on any day from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3. While the primary reason for the tradition is to commemorate the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, it also refers to the “second coming,” when Jesus Christ is thought to be returning to serve as both judge and ruler on the Day of Judgment. Advent is also commemorated in various ways by different Christian denominations. The Nativity Fast is a time of penance and abstinence in the Eastern Churches. During the 40-day Nativity Fast, they proclaim and glorify Jesus Christ and his incarnation.
D
uring a season filled with shopping, lights, decorations, and joyful songs,
Christians all across the globe are peacefully preparing themselves by following a pious custom known as “Advent.” The four weeks leading up to the Christmas Season are full of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, and longing; the spirit of Advent.
Traditions in the Spirit of Advent The Advent wreath, bright and cheerful, is a combination of tradition and symbolism. With its round design, the garland represents perfection, unity, and the warm, eternal sun. The wreath is made of evergreens. Pine, holly, and yew represent immortality; cedar symbolizes strength and healing. Holly has Christian symbolism: the prickly leaves recall the crown of thorns, and an English tradition
Public domain
says the cross was built of holly. Wreath decorations such as pine cones and seed pods represent life and resurrection. Traditionally, the Advent wreath holds candles which are lit around dinner time, after the blessing of the mea. A new candle is lit each Sunday of Advent, each symbolizing a different virtue. The first candle, usually purple, symbolizes hope, the second, also purple, symbolizes faith. The third candle is pink, and symbolizes joy; the fourth is purple and symbolizes peace, and the
Advent Calendars Another tradition used to measure the time preceding Christmas is the Advent calendar, an engaging display of the days in the month of Advent. Advent calendars can be as simple as a pictorial poster with small daily windows that open up to a new illustration or verse, to an ornate display with a small treasure inside
Hymns
I heard the bells
Because most Christmas carols are of a celebratory nature, some Chistians feel that it is inappropriate to sing them during this time of anticipation. The accepted tradition is to sing hymns that reflect Advent as a time of preparation, saving the celebration of Christ’s birth until the Christmas Season has begun, on Christmas Day. Martin Luther, the famous German professor of theology best known for his role in the Protestant Reformation, was also a hymn composer and lutist. “Music is God’s greatest gift,” he said. A 4th century Advent hymn called Savior of the Nation, Come (Nun Komm der Eiden Heiland,) is attributed to the “Father of Latin Hymnody,” Ambrose of Milan. Martin Luther translated the hymn into German in 1523, and William M. Reynolds translated Luther’s German into English in 1880. The melody comes from one of Luther’s
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each window. In 2010, jewelers created the most costly calendar in the world. Produced in Belgium, its surprises included a collection of diamonds and silver valued at $3.3 million. Throughout the month, the window for each day is opened, revealing the secret image or surprise inside, which often includes a piece of candy. The final window is opened on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning.
on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of Peace on Earth, goodwill to men! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – Christmas Bells
hymn collections, Enchiridia, in 1524. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) is another well-known advent hymn that has its roots in the 8th or 9th century monasteries, where the monks would sing O Antiphons in the days before Christmas. The metrical form was composed in Latin around the 12th century, paraphrasing the
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final candle is white, symbolizing purity, and is lit on Christmas Day. This family custom encourages believers to maintain vigilance in their homes and never lose sight of the genuine spirit of the Christmas season. While many families erect a Christmas tree directly after Thanksgiving, the nature of the adorned and lighted tree is festive, and not exactly in the spirit of Advent. Traditionally, an evergreen was set up on Christmas Eve, with gifts piled underneath.
A lesser known advent tradition is lighting a Christingle, a custom that originated in 18th century Germany and was first popularized in England in 1968. A Christingle is an oddity formed of orange impaled with a lit candle and cocktail sticks topped with candy. The name Christingle may be derived from a mix of the words “Christmas” and “ingle,” an old Scottish word that means “fire.” chanted scriptures. Christmas Day is the start of the actual “Christmas season,” when the celebration is to begin. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is believed to be an English Christmas carol with a hidden layer of meaning. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly, so this song was a way to secretly pass on the ideology of Christianity. The song continues over the twelve days that comprise the Christmas season – Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, the day before Epiphany. Each day marks a new gift, with the first being a partridge in a pear tree, and the last being twelve drummers drumming. Savior Of The Each gift symbolizes a different Nations Come aspect of the faith, with the partridge representing Jesus. Ila Bonczek contributed to this report.
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CULTURE
A10 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021
VISION TIMES (wikipedia)
Site of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's purported tomb beneath the high altar.
The project was able to find a handful of Glastonbury’s past, including evidence of Roman and Saxon activity at the time before the abbey’s beginnings. Furnaces used to produce glass discovered at the site not only proved that Saxons recycled Roman glass, but also that the furnaces were older than originally believed, and were connected to the churches built around A.D. 700; making the manufacturing of glass some of the earliest in Saxon England.
King Arthur found?
UNE ARTHING THE MYSTERY OF THE ARTHURIAN GIANT OF
After King Arthur and Guinevere’s purported remains were placed in the church, Glastonbury’s links to Arthurian legends persisted over time. The grave where Arthur was supposedly buried was surveyed, but the skeletal remains and the cross were lost after the abbey finally shut down in 1539. Analysis of the abbey church fueled opposition to the claims that the king was buried there, and led to speculation that the monks used the site’s historic reputation to their advantage, reusing old styles of architecture in the restoration of the church to deliver a fake sense of historical wonder. Thus, many believed that the cross was nothing more than a fraud – a tool used by the monks to gain fame and fortune over the nobility and followers of the church. The Encyclopedia Britannica follows this theory, stating that the links of Avalon to Glastonbury were a way for the monks to gain off of the legend for their own benefit. Others have also said that the bodies were potentially Celtic, owing to the burial being similar to what was traditionally used by One of the earliest the Celts at the time. surviving manuArchaeologist scripts, now at the Ralegh Redford Bodleian Library in Oxford, telling claimed to have that Dunstan the located the burabbot gave orders for the writing of ial site he dug up this book. around the 1950s and 1960s, but there was very little proof of any connection to the legendary king. “Radford may have exaggerated his evidence,” said Gilchrist. “Reassessment of his excavation records shows that this was merely a pit in a cemetery, dating to someone between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries.” Whether the legend of King Arthur’s grave is fact or fable, or an elaborate scheme for the sake of profit, the significance and impact of the legend of King Arthur remains a solid piece of lore and literature for the people of England.
Glastonbury Abbey Archaeological discovery
By Darren Maung
E
ngland has always been a host of numerous medieval legends, especially the tale of King Arthur, whose legend has continued to inspire heroism and hope to this day. The story has become so widely accepted that many believe his final resting place can be found in the ruins within the English countryside.
Colossal remains
Glastonbury Abbey, located in Somerset, England, is a treasure trove of history, religion and myths. It is believed that the first Christian church in Britain was founded here by Joseph of Arimathea, the keeper of the fabled Holy Grail. However, another legend tells of the revelation made by local monks, who found what they believed to be the remains of the long-lost King of England in 1190. Along with the remains, there was also a stone cross etched with an inscription that read: “Here lies buried King Arthur and his wife Guinevere.” An eyewitness account made by archdeacon Gerald of Wales was written, describing the remains that were found. The tomb was discovered between two pyramid-shaped stone pillars, containing both the skeletal remains of a man and a woman. A long blonde lock of a woman’s hair was also found, but it quickly disintegrated as a monk picked it up. What fascinated Gerald was the sheer size of the bones.
The Abbot's Kitchen. (Image: wikipedia)
When placed alongside the tallest man on site, the shank-bone reached slightly above the man’s knee. The eye-socket on the skull was about a palm’s width and there were multiple scarred wounds throughout, including a gaping hole larger than the rest. The skeleton measured an astounding near-nine feet, supporting the belief in a long-lost race of giants. Gerald also wrote that the “leaden cross” with the inscription was found under a stone instead of directly above the tomb as per usual customs. While the traditions and myths associated with Glastonbury Abbey have made it among the most prominent monasteries in Europe, the legends were often condemned by skeptics, who suggested that the monks made up the tales to gain money for reconstruction, especially after a destructive fire in 1184. Due to this controversy, the history of the body has been blurred, leaving more questions than answers. Did the monastery burn during, or after the reign of Henry II, who was suspected to have started the fire? If the bones did not belong to King Arthur and Guinevere, who did they belong to?
Despite the skeptics’ mistrust and the degradation of the remains over time, the unearthing of these skeletons attracted the attention of archaeologist Roberta Gilchrist of the University of Reading. Completing a project spanning years, Gilchrist was unhindered by assumptions made about the legend, and pressed on to share stories about the lost past. “Glastonbury Abbey holds a unique place in the history of medieval monasticism and in the development of English cultural identity,” she said. “Yet despite its historical and cultural significance, relatively little was known about the abbey’s archaeology.” From 1904 to 1979, the archaeological project saw at least 36 excavations, only to come up with very few finds and misinterpretations to work with. Gilchrist’s team worked through the entire collection of archives with modern technology such as radiocarbon dating and chemical composition analysis on artifacts. “Our goals were to assess the scholarly significance of the excavations and provide a new historical source of evidence for understanding the site,” said Gilchrist.
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LIFESTYLE
VISION TIMES
A
toy kitchen at this age is a treasure. Tiny pots and pans, bowls and utensils in just the right spatial accommodations will give them hours of entertainment. Here, they can practice the cooking skills you teach them without supervision. TINY TOTS In the kitchen, prepare a workstaUNDER tion for your litTHREE tle one: a separate area near you that will keep your toddler safely away from potential dangers like kettles, wires, pan han-
A child will feel valuable and necessary if you let her search for ingredients in the cupboard or fridge. Give her a plastic lemon juicer and let her do her best. To build confidence, give her choices and let her make some decisions. Mixing and mashing are simple activities that even young children can do. For banana bread or muffins, instruct your child to mash the bananas with a fork. For
dles, stovetops, sharp objects, etc. Collect some child-friendly kitchen utensils at a small table, or at the counter with a safety step stool so they can reach. Children love playing with water. This can make even the preparation process of washing up an enjoyable part of the experience. Give your toddler a bowl of vegetables to wash, and ask him to identify them as he goes along. Let them own part of the process.
Raising Kids to
Cook
A GUIDE FOR ALL AGES By Simone Jonker
Cooking with children is an absolute blast! So, get your youngsters involved in the kitchen and cook up something delicious. Simple meals need few ingredients, are easy to make, and can be prepared and served in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Children can participate in culinary activities from a very young age, and learn valuable life skills, respect for their food, and healthy eating habits.
T
his age group is more coordinated and should T WEENS be able to operate AND appliances withTEENS out assistance. Stress the importance of hand-washing before and after handling food. The ability to measure, carry or pour without spilling, open containers and packets, and weigh ingredients will make them quite efficient in the kitchen. Teens should be able to create a variety of meals by following recipes. Provide nutritional guidelines and let them pack their own lunch. Fruit salads and smoothies are well within their capabilities. As they gain knowledge of various food groups, nutrients, and what makes a balanced meal, they will become more competent in the kitchen, a quality that will serve them throughout their lives.
DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021 |
mashed potatoes, let the cooked potatoes cool a bit, then have your child pound away. Give him a wooden spoon, spatula or whisk, and let them mix, roll, or flatten dough. Helping your child understand where food comes from will sow the seeds of respect. If you don’t have the means to plant a little garden in your own backyard, try visiting a local farm so they can observe the process of growing produce. Even just sprouting seeds in the kitchen is a tiny miracle that they will appreciate.
C
hildren of this age will want to be more involved in whatever you’re doing as an adult. Due to their increased dexterity, you may give them more challenging tasks. In the case of cutting food, make sure they have a suitable knife — child-safe knives are available and are worth the extra cost. Choose soft items to cut, like cooked vegetables CHILDREN that have cooled, or fruits that are not too AGES THREE firm. TO FIVE Bread and muffin mixes are ideal for a young cook- and the sieving process is fun! To minimize the mess, balance the sieve over a bowl and tap it, rather than shaking it around. Let them use a rolling pin to roll out cookie dough and find some amusingly shaped plastic cookie cutters. Small people adore small things. Individual serving recipes are always a big hit with toddlers: mini bread pans or mini pitas for individual pizzas are perfect. Let them create their own pizza with toppings. If your toddler is picky about food, incorporate new items in your joint culinary efforts. They’ll want to try what they’ve helped to make, so include plenty of healthy ingredients. Enlist the help of your toddler. Young children are capable of sweeping, putting items in low cupboards, recycling, and other household tasks. Teach them how to properly set the table, and encourage them to value the tradition of family meals. You may be surprised how much a young child enjoys helping his parents.
CHILDREN AGES FIVE AND UP
F
ive year olds can make their own simple breakfast with whole-grain cereal and milk or simply berries over yogurt. Spend some time with your child looking over recipes, and ask them to write out a grocery list. Your child is likely able to read a whole recipe, so encourage him or her to do so. Children ages five and above are capable of doing more complex activities. They can use scissors, for instance, to snip herbs. A grater can be used, with caution to avoid the fingers. Greasing a pan with butter using the bare hands is easy and fun. If they can do all this, you might let them attempt something more difficult, like cutting shortening into flour, but remember to have patience. The more you
The word for eating in Chinese consists of two characters: chi fan (吃飯), or eat rice. The word for taking medicine is chi yao (吃藥), or eat medicine. The ancient culinary traditions of China produced meals that were both delicious and curative. Teaching children how to cook well equips them with a vital skill that will enable them to take responsibility for their own health. Some say “food is medicine.” In that case, the cooking skills they learn with you will give them the ability to maintain health for themselves and their families in the future.
A11
let them do, the prouder they will be of their achievement! How about engaging your child in making preparations for a stew? Guide them through knife safety, and help them cut raw vegetables and toss them into a big sturdy pot. Assisted tasting and seasoning while it simmers will make them feel like a real chef. After the age of eight, children can begin to participate in more complex activities. With proper attention to the heat source, ingredients may be stirred on the stove. Because of the large number of possible kitchen dangers, constant supervision is still necessary. By now they may open cans, use peelers, balloon whisks and handheld mixers. Encourage your child to devise a meal plan and create a dish from start to finish, independently.
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HEALTH
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VISION TIMES
ANCE MED H N E ITA O T TI S ON A E T (P By Ila Bonczek
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Continued from the previous issue
7 Rooibos
8Lemon Balm
9 Licorice
Rooibos (pronounced ROYboss) tea is produced from the needle-like leaves of Aspalathus linearis, a small shrub endemic to South Africa. Rooibos tea is a proud inheritance of the country as the first food in Africa to be approved by the EU for listing on the register. Rooibos tea is traditionally used to relieve colic in infants. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, and includes a plethora of antioxidants as well. Tea made from Rooibos has been shown to have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Rooibos combines well with flowers, citrus peels, mints, and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and cardamom. For a more stimulating brew, ginseng can be added. Measure out 1 teaspoon of organic loose leaf rooibos tea for every 8 ounces of hot water and brew for about five minutes. Strain and serve. Rooibos has a sweet, earthy flavor and takes milk nicely.
A member of the mint family, lemon balm is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia, but has naturalized in the Americas as well. It is one of the earliest plants used medicinally, and it was considered a mainstay of doctors in both ancient Greece and through the Middle Ages. It was also believed to be Goddess Diana’s favorite plant. This is another plant you can easily grow at home. In fact, you just might have some in a neglected area of your garden without realizing it, as it spreads readily from seed. The easiest way to recognize it is its “Lemon Pledge” scent. One of the benefits of consuming lemon balm is that it includes numerous antiviral components, such as flavonoids, which are beneficial in fighting diseases, and it also has a high concentration of antioxidants. Lemon balm can also soothe headaches and relieve stress and anxiety, so have included it in our list.
Lemon balm tea
Steep one tea bag or 1 tablespoon of dry loose-leaf, or 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the strainer or teabag. Lemon balm makes a refreshing sun tea as well. Simply add 4 tablespoons of tea to a glass container filled with 40 ounces of cool water and place it in the bright sunlight for 3 – 4 hours. Lemon balm tea has a delicate, lemony taste that can be enhanced with the addition of a slice of lemon.
Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Asia. A tea from its root, also known as ‘sweet root,’ has been used as a natural medicine for hundreds of years. There are over 300 compounds in the licorice root, some of which have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral components. Scientists believe that licorice has a substantial impact on improving brain function., and it has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Drinking licorice tea after a long day may help relax the muscles and quiet one’s thoughts. Anethole, coumarins, sterols, and other antioxidants present in licorice root tea may help with upper respiratory problem, dissolve phlegm and mucus, ease inflammation in the throat, and boost the immune system’s ability to fight off the underlying bacteria or viruses. People who suffer from anxiety and depression are often prescribed this herbal tea, frequently combined with St. John’s Wort. This tea helps to enhance mood and regulate stress hormone levels.
Licorice Root Tea
Use one tablespoon, or ½ ounce dried licorice root for each cup of boiling water, and steep five minutes. The tea is naturally sweet and combines nicely with other spices like cinnamon, ginger, and dried orange peel.
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A12 | DEC 3 - DEC 9, 2021
10 Astragalus Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a plant from the Leguminosae family native to China and Mongolia. Known as “yellow leader” in Chinese, because of the color of its roots, it is considered to be one of the 50 most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The root contains strong immune-boosting properties and is commonly used for colds, flu, and upper respiratory issues. A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea from astragalus root is said to open the heart and bring joy w it h its stress-relieving qualities and ability to restore inner balance, making it a natural facilitator for meditation.
Astragalus tea
Measure 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried astragalus root per cup of tea. Pour boiling water over it. Steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Strain through a fine filter. This golden tea has a natural earthy-sweet flavor. Drinking astragalus tea in the early fall months may help ward off colds and flu. A word of caution: If you are taking medications to treat anxiety, always talk to your doctor before trying a new herbal supplement or remedy.
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