Health Experts Worry Biden’s Plan To Distribute 500 Million COVID-19 Tests Isn’t Enough
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
Health Experts Worry Biden’s Plan To Distribute 500 Million COVID-19 Tests Isn’t Enough
Health Experts Worry Biden's Plan, To Distribute 500 Million, COVID-19 Tests Isn't Enough.
Health Experts Worry Biden's Plan, To Distribute 500 Million, COVID-19 Tests Isn't Enough.
As the Omicron variant began its swift spread across the nation, the Biden administration announced plans to distribute 500 million
at-home COVID-19 tests starting next month.
As the Omicron variant began its swift spread across the nation, the Biden administration announced plans to distribute 500 million
at-home COVID-19 tests starting next month.
Experts are concerned 500 million tests aren't enough to address the surge of Omicron.
Some say the administration should have been distributing tests weeks ago.
Health officials say the administration's incompetence in rolling out test kits before the holidays was an "opportunity lost.".
The quality of life for people over Christmas was probably diminished if they
couldn't get a test.
, Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at
Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, via Fox News.
Compounding issues further, a nationwide shortage of COVID-19 tests has left many Americans in the dark.
Compounding issues further, a nationwide shortage of COVID-19 tests has left many Americans in the dark.
Experts say 500 million tests aren't enough even if limited only to the nation's labor force.
I can imagine
each 200 million
needing at
least one
test a week.
, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor of medicine at
Stanford University, via Fox News.
I can imagine
each 200 million
needing at
least one
test a week.
, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor of medicine at
Stanford University, via Fox News.
Thus far, the Biden administration's
response to the Omicron variant has been underwhelming, to say the least.
Thus far, the Biden administration's
response to the Omicron variant has been underwhelming, to say the least.
The reality is that we’re probably not going to have [tests] in time
to mitigate the current
surge and at least that.
, Neil Jay Sehgal, assistant professor of health policy at
University of Maryland School of Public Health, via Fox News.
The reality is that we’re probably not going to have [tests] in time
to mitigate the current
surge and at least that.
, Neil Jay Sehgal, assistant professor of health policy at
University of Maryland School of Public Health, via Fox News
Federal Student Loan Repayment , Pause Extended Through August.
Federal Student Loan Repayment , Pause Extended Through August.
CNN reports the pause on federal student
loan repayments has been extended yet
again by the Biden administration.
Borrowers will now have until August 31
to forego student loan repayments.
The pause on loan repayments has
been in effect since the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most recently, the freeze was
scheduled to expire on May 1.
President Biden believes the U.S. economy is on the rebound but acknowledged that...
... “we are still recovering from the pandemic and
the unprecedented economic disruption it caused.”.
That additional time will assist borrowers in achieving greater financial security and support
the Department of Education’s
efforts to continue improving
student loan programs. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
A handful of Democratic lawmakers, such as
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
have called on the president to
cancel $50,000 of student loan debt
for each borrower.
While campaigning for office, Biden vocally supported
student debt cancellation, but since becoming president,
he has avoided any executive action
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Invokes Defense Powers , to Address Baby Formula Shortage.
President Joe Biden invoked the
Defense Production Act on May 18.
“Operation Fly Formula” will make use of planes owned by the Defense Department to assist in the distribution of baby formula.
The planes will be deployed both
nationally and internationally.
I know parents all across the country are worried about finding enough infant formula to feed their babies — , President Joe Biden, via 'The New York Times'.
... as a parent and as a grandparent, I know just how stressful that is, President Joe Biden, via 'The New York Times'.
[I have directed my administration] to do everything possible to ensure there’s enough safe baby formula.., President Joe Biden, via 'The New York Times'.
... and that it’s quickly reaching families that need it the most, President Joe Biden, via 'The New York Times'.
In this case, the Defense Production Act allows the president to order companies to prioritize the production and distribution of baby formula. .
The House of Representatives approved $28 million in emergency funds to address the shortage.
It also approved a bill that would ease restrictions on the types of formula that can be purchased through federal aid programs geared toward women and children.
I know what it means to not be able to stretch out milk for the entire month, Rep. Jahana Hayes, (CA-D),
via 'The New York Times'.
With everything going on right now, the last thing a family should have to worry about is feeding their children, Rep. Jahana Hayes, (CA-D),
via 'The New York Times'.
This is so basic. Everyone understands that we’re all on high alert here, and this is an incredible emergency, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, (MI-D),
via 'The New York Times'.
While the emergency funds did not receive overwhelming bipartisan support, the bill to ease baby formula purchasing restrictions did.
The emergency funds would allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to increase its ability to oversee companies that produce baby formula.
Both measures are expected to pass in the Senate
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Prime Minister narendra Modi will travel to Japan to participate in the Quad summit on May 24. Officially announcing the visit, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.. IndiaTimes
According to the Union Health ministry's data, India added 2,364 Covid cases and 10 Covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours.
#CovidIndia #Covid19 #CovidCases #CoronaDeaths
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Biden Admin Opens
Up Another Round , of Free At-Home COVID Tests , Delivered by USPS.
The White House announced the new round of available tests on May 17.
The Biden administration has made up to 16 free at-home COVID tests available to American households.
The Biden administration has made up to 16 free at-home COVID tests available to American households.
Providing the tests makes good on one of President Joe Biden's pledges during the initial Omicron wave in the U.S.
The tests have been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and deliver results in 15 minutes.
The process of ordering
them has been simplified,
and the tests arrive in
the mail via USPS.
To date, nearly 350 million of the at-home COVID tests have been ordered and delivered.
COVID cases have
risen dramatically in recent weeks.
On May 16, more than 95,000 new cases of COVID were reported in the U.S.
COVID hospitalizations have also risen by
26 percent in the past two weeks.
The tests have become an important resource in early detection of the virus.
Going to a large gathering? , Dr. Ashish K. Jha, White House COVID Response Coordinator, via 'The New York Times'.
Use rapid tests to not be the person who brings COVID to
the party, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, White House COVID Response Coordinator, via 'The New York Times'.
Visiting a vulnerable relative? , Dr. Ashish K. Jha, White House COVID Response Coordinator, via 'The New York Times'.
Use rapids tests to keep
them safe, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, White House COVID Response Coordinator, via 'The New York Times'.
Those who wish to order the at-home tests should visit covidtests.gov
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
According to the Union Health ministry's data, India added 1,829 Covid cases and 33 Covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours.
#CovidIndia #Covid19 #CovidCases #CoronaDeaths
India, XE variant, Omicron, New Covid cases, Active cases, Daily new cases, Covid fatalities, Delta plus variant, Corona second wave, Corona third wave, Corona recovery rate, Weekly positivity rate, Covid tests done, Coronavirus case count, India, Covid vaccination drive, Omicron alert, Covid guidelines.
Increased Number of COVID-19 Deaths , Among Vaccinated Americans.
CNN reports as COVID-19 vaccines became available, there has been a stark divide in
deaths between those who received a
vaccine and those who did not. .
But experts say as vaccine
protection has diminished, .
more transmissible variants have made coronavirus deaths closer to an even split.
In recent months, breakthrough
infections have heightened risks
for vulnerable populations.
According to federal data, less than 25% of deaths occurred in vaccinated citizens during the peak of the Delta Variant.
Comparatively, vaccinated Americans accounted for over 40% of deaths at the height of Omicron.
Experts say those who have only received the first series of coronavirus vaccines may be three times more likely to die.
Almost no one in this country should be dying from Covid. , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN.
What we really should be worried about is getting the boosters that we need to stay up to date so with the new variants that we have... , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN.
...we don’t have unnecessary deaths
and hospitalizations. , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN
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US Economy Shrunk , in the First Quarter of 2022.
The U.S. Commerce Department
released its findings on April 28.
According to the report, gross domestic product (GDP) in the U.S. fell by 1.4 percent during the first quarter.
When the percentage is adjusted for inflation,
GDP fell by less than half a percent.
By contrast, GDP during the first quarter of 2021 in the U.S. grew by 1.7 percent.
According to 'The New York Times,' international trade and inventories contributed the most to contraction.
Decreased spending by the U.S. government is also thought to have played a role.
Despite the numbers, consumer demand continues to grow.
This is reflected by a 0.7 percent increase in consumer spending for the first quarter.
Spending increased despite the onset
of the Omicron COVID variant.
Consumer spending is the aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean — it just keeps plowing ahead, Jay Bryson, Chief Economist for Wells Fargo,
via 'The New York Times'.
U.S. exports decreased due to strains on international economies.
The moral of the story is that the Omicron wave, the war in Ukraine and new lockdowns in China were more costly for growth abroad than they were at home, Diane Swonk, Chief Economist For Grant Thornton, via 'The New York Times'.
Despite the dismal report, underlying growth actually increased from the first quarter of 2021.
Domestic spending was remarkably resilient. It
actually accelerated, Diane Swonk, Chief Economist For Grant Thornton, via 'The New York Times'
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President Biden Urges , Major Cities to Take Action , as Violent Crimes Continue to Rise.
President Biden Urges , Major Cities to Take Action , as Violent Crimes Continue to Rise.
Fox News reports that violent crimes
have risen in major cities across
the United States in 2022.
The increase follows a spike
in murders that began in 2020
and carried over into 2021.
FBI data shows that murders
increased by almost 30% in 2020.
In January, the Council on Criminal
Justice released data showing another
5% increase in murders in 2021. .
Crime data from major cities including Chicago,
Los Angeles and New York City found that violent crime was up between 5% and 40% compared to the same time in 2021.
Crime data from major cities including Chicago,
Los Angeles and New York City found that violent crime was up between 5% and 40% compared to the same time in 2021.
Violent crimes include rape,
sexual assault, robbery,
assault and murder. .
Violent crimes in New York City
shot up an alarming 40.6%
compared to 2021.
Chicago has recorded 17,597 violent
crimes since the beginning of 2022,
a 35% increase from the same time in 2021.
On May 13, President Joe Biden called on
local leaders to utilize funds from the American
Rescue Plan to bolster police departments.
On May 13, President Joe Biden called on
local leaders to utilize funds from the American
Rescue Plan to bolster police departments.
Use these funds we made available
to you to prioritize public safety.
Do it quickly, before the summer,
when crime rates typically surge, Joe Biden, President of the United States, via Fox News.
Taking action today is going to save
lives tomorrow. So, use the money.
Hire the police officers. Build up your
emergency response systems.
Invest in proven solutions, Joe Biden, President of the United States, via Fox
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Finland and Sweden , Officially File To Join NATO.
Finland and Sweden , Officially File To Join NATO.
Fox News reports the two Nordic countries formally applied to join NATO on May 18.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said,
"I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and
Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners.".
The 30 member countries belonging to the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will now
take about two weeks to review the applications.
According to Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense
Intelligence Agency intelligence officer and the author of
'Putin’s Playbook: Russia's Secret Plan to Defeat America,'.
"It’s an absolute certainty that NATO will approve Finland and Sweden’s application for membership.".
This will fundamentally transform the balance of power between Russia and the West, in Northern Europe, in favor of the alliance, Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency
intelligence officer, via Fox News.
Russia’s nuclear-capable Iskander missile presents a serious threat to NATO forces, however, Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency
intelligence officer, via Fox News.
Finland shares an 810-mile border with Russia.
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov previously said, "Finland's entry into NATO will become a threat to Russia." .
Fox News reports the Kremlin warned that nuclear warheads would be deployed to the border if the country joins NATO.
Fox News reports the Kremlin warned that nuclear warheads would be deployed to the border if the country joins NATO.
But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later asserted
that Finland joining NATO "makes no difference."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
If Trump Wins 2024 Election, , Fauci Says He’s Leaving the White House.
Fox News reports that in
a recent interview with CNN, .
Fauci was asked if he would remain the White House's chief medical adviser should former President
Donald Trump be appointed to office again in 2024.
Fauci was asked if he would remain the White House's chief medical adviser should former President
Donald Trump be appointed to office again in 2024.
He reportedly laughed and said "no.".
If you look at the history of what the response was during the administration,
I think, you know, at best, you can say it wasn’t optimal. And I think just, history will speak for itself about that, Dr. Anthony Fauci, via interview with CNN, as reported by Fox News.
Trump and Fauci repeatedly butted heads amid the government's fight against COVID.
People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots, these people. Every time he goes on TV, there's a bomb, but there's a bigger bomb if you fire him, Donald Trump, via an October 2020 campaign conference call,
as reported by Fox News.
While Trump has not publicly
announced a 2024 presidential bid.
he's been hosting rallies across America and teasing he'll throw his hat into the ring once more.
he's been hosting rallies across America and teasing he'll throw his hat into the ring once more.
While speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the beginning of the year, .
he alluded to running for office by referencing the Democratic Party's slim chances of victory.
They're going to find out the hard way starting Nov. 8 and even more so starting November 2024, Donald Trump, at the Conservative Political Action Conference
in February, via Fox News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Social Security Recipients Could See , Biggest Cost-of-Living Increase Since 1981.
On May 11, taking April inflation data into account, .
the Senior Citizens League estimated that social security recipients could receive a cost-of-living increase of up to 8.6% in 2023.
Each year, the Social Security change is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earner and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Fox News reports that over the past year,
the CPI-W rose 9.4%.
If Social Security checks do see an 8.6% increase in 2023, it would be the largest annual adjustment in 40 years.
The final adjustment percentage will be announced by the Social Security Administration in October.
It may still be subject to change
depending on inflation.
According to the Senior Citizens League,
Social Security benefits have risen 64% since 2000 because of the cost of living.
but standard senior
expenses have grown by
130% through March 2022.
Fox News reports that monthly benefits would need to be increased by $539.80 to have the same purchasing power as 22 years ago
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Votes To Allow , Congressional Staffers To Unionize.
Fox News reports that on the evening of May 10,
the House of Representatives passed a bill that
gives congressional employees the right to unionize.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, issued a statement after the "historic" bill was passed by a vote of 217-202.
Today, the House took historic action paving the way for Congressional staffers to choose to join together in a union. By empowering staffers to advocate for themselves and each other, we take an important step to ensure the House is best able to serve the American people, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
The Democratic House is committed to honoring their service, while ensuring the Congress is well-positioned to compete for outstanding and diverse staff. Last week, I was proud to announce that the House will set its first-ever pay floor, establishing a minimum annual salary of $45,000, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
These new steps build on the actions that
I have been proud to take as Speaker to strengthen and diversify our Capitol Hill workforce, including establishing the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion to help
open the doors to public service for underrepresented communities, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
Rep. Andy Levin, who authored the resolution, also issued a statement.
After 26 years, the House has finally provided its workers the fundamental human right to form a union without fear of retaliation. , Rep. Andy Levin, resolution author, via statement.
As someone who has spent decades in the labor movement and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a major highlight, Rep. Andy Levin, resolution author, via statement.
According to current White House
Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Biden
is also in favor of the resolution.
According to current White House
Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Biden
is also in favor of the resolution
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Scientists Use Spinal Fluid , From Young Mice to Reverse , Age-Related Memory Loss.
NPR reports that a team
at Stanford University has successfully
reversed memory loss in mice.
The team found that an infusion of spinal fluid
taken from young mice was able to reverse
memory loss experienced by aging animals. .
The team found that an infusion of spinal fluid
taken from young mice was able to reverse
memory loss experienced by aging animals. .
Tony Wyss-Coray, a neuroscientist and senior author of the study, said that a growth factor found in the spinal fluid was also able to improve memory.
Tony Wyss-Coray, a neuroscientist and senior author of the study, said that a growth factor found in the spinal fluid was also able to improve memory.
When we put the factor
in the mice, they actually are
better able to perform a memory
task where they have to remember
something that happened to them
(a small electric shock), Tony Wyss-Coray, Neuroscientist and
senior author of the study, via NPR.
The findings, which were published in the journal
'Nature,' could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's
disease and other age-related conditions. .
NPR reports that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
bathes the brain and the spinal cord. .
We were hoping that by mimicking
a young environment, that the brain
would respond to that with better function, Tony Wyss-Coray, Neuroscientist and
senior author of the study, via NPR.
Maria Lehtinen, a neuroscientist at Harvard
Medical School, has been studying the role CSF
plays in the development of mouse brains. .
We found that the CSF delivers
these important health and growth
promoting factors that can, essentially,
modulate brain growth, Maria Lehtinen, Neuroscientist
at Harvard Medical School, via NPR.
What's been lacking, so far, is the next
step of testing whether these CSF factors
can confer benefits to adult [brains], Maria Lehtinen, Neuroscientist
at Harvard Medical School, via NPR
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Here's Why Deep Breathing Works, to Keep You Calm.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
They were, for mice,
remarkably chill, Dr. Mark Krasnow, Stanford University,
via 'The New York Times'.
What we think was going on was that the disabled neurons normally would detect activity in other neurons within the pacemaker that regulate rapid breathing and sniffing, Dr. Kevin Yackle, UC San Francisco,
via 'The New York Times'.
Mothers were probably right all along when they told us to stop and take a deep breath when we got upset, Dr. Kevin Yackle, UC San Francisco,
via 'The New York Times'.
Take the time to understand each other, Rumi.
Take the time to understand each other, Rumi.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other.
Take the time to understand each other
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Study Warns of , Global Energy , Consumption Inequality .
A new study suggests that the average
American uses far more energy than
is necessary to have a good and healthy life. .
NPR reports that a new Stanford University
study compared energy use and
quality of life across 140 countries. .
The team of researchers found
that 75 gigajoules a year would provide
enough power to lead a happy life. .
The team of researchers found
that 75 gigajoules a year would provide
enough power to lead a happy life. .
According to the study, Americans use
284 gigajoules a year on average, nearly four times
the amount the team of researchers deemed necessary. .
That suggests to me that we could nudge
energy use downwards in a bunch of
hyper-consuming countries and not just
make a more equitable world, but perhaps
make ourselves healthier and happier, Rob Jackson, lead author and professor
of Earth system science, via NPR.
That suggests to me that we could nudge
energy use downwards in a bunch of
hyper-consuming countries and not just
make a more equitable world, but perhaps
make ourselves healthier and happier, Rob Jackson, lead author and professor
of Earth system science, via NPR.
According to the World Bank,
there were 759 million people
around the world living without electricity in 2019.
According to the World Bank,
there were 759 million people
around the world living without electricity in 2019.
The Stanford study found that enough
energy is produced annually to provide
79 gigajoules for every person each year. .
However, that energy is not currently distributed
evenly and experts warn that American energy
habits leave much room for improvement. .
However, that energy is not currently distributed
evenly and experts warn that American energy
habits leave much room for improvement. .
NPR reports that experts believe changes
individuals and policymakers can make could help
redistribute energy equally around the world. .
NPR reports that experts believe changes
individuals and policymakers can make could help
redistribute energy equally around the world. .
This includes lawmakers promoting improved
energy efficiency standards and individuals changing
behaviors to reduce overall residential energy demands. .
This includes lawmakers promoting improved
energy efficiency standards and individuals changing
behaviors to reduce overall residential energy demands.
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How To Cultivate, a 'Growth Mindset' .
The phrase "growth mindset" has come
to be a ubiquitous, but often misunderstood,
idea in the business world. .
Lifehack recently offered readers insight into
the true meaning of having a "growth mindset.".
The term was coined by author and Stanford University professor Carol Dweck in her 2006 book, 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.'.
The term was coined by author and Stanford University professor Carol Dweck in her 2006 book, 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.'.
Dweck explained in a Harvard Business Review that
a "growth mindset" is based on the belief that one's talents can
be developed with hard work, strategy and input from others. .
On an organizational level, a growth mindset
can help to cultivate an atmosphere
of collaboration and innovation. .
According to Lifehack, the most successful companies know that a growth mindset is developed from the top down. .
Leadership must remain adaptable in order
to commit to continued growth and learning. .
Leaders should create and promote
channels for coworkers to collaborate
and seek help from each other. .
It is important to acknowledge both successes and failures, and take advantage of teachable moments. .
This can help to establish an atmosphere that encourages risk-taking and experimentation. .
In the modern world,
don’t minimize your risks –
maximize your opportunities, Naval Ravikant, AngelList CEO, via Lifehack
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Rome celebrated this week its birthday, known as "Natale di Roma (Rome's Christmas)", with four days of events based on the legendary foundation of the Italian capital by Romulus in 753 BC.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
Happy Birthday,
Mariah Carey!.
Mariah Carey turns
53 years old today.
Here are five
fun facts about
the singer.
1. She was named after the song,
“They Call The Wind Maria.”.
2. The World Music Awards
honored her as the world's
best-selling recording artist
of the 1990s.
3. She won
two Grammys
following her
debut album.
4. Carey is known for her
five-note octave and whistle register.
5. Her holiday album, ‘Merry Christmas,’
is one of the best-selling Christmas
albums of all time.
Happy Birthday,
Mariah Carey!
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2nd At-Home Rapid COVID Test , Is Authorized by the FDA.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its authorization on Dec. 28.
The test was designed by Siemens Healthineers and can now..
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COVID-19: the United States , Sets Daily High for Infections.
Politico reports on Dec. 28,
the United States set a record for its highest total of new daily COVID-19 infections.
441,278 new..
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NYC Schools To Reopen , With Increased COVID-19 Testing.
On Dec. 28, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced schools will reopen on Jan. 3 despite a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron..
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