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Pandemic Paranoia: How it is Affecting Us in the COVID Era

People with Masks — Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

There’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to its knees, and in a previous post, we saw how it is affecting the poor around the world, but they are not the only ones being forced to change their lifestyle.

As we make our way into this new decade, thanks to the vaccines, things are beginning to change for the better, schools, offices and other public places are reopening; albeit, with restrictions. With that said, some states have recently lifted all restrictions and the pandemic situation doesn’t seem as dire as it was a few months ago as many of us are starting to go out and resume our daily activities, but we still must follow COVID safety protocols. Surely, there is still a long way to go before the world gets back into its pre-pandemic routine, but with immunizations being dispensed worldwide, normalcy is starting to return.

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, governments have been forcing everyone to quarantine and as a result, some people began living in a constant state of fear, afraid of getting infected and even dying was not too far from the truth. After all, when you walk out your door, there are invisible creatures waiting to kill you, what’s not to fear? Surely, this is something that sci-fi shows are made of, but, unfortunately, this is real!

So it is within this framework that paranoia can develop and subsequently trigger a panic. For those that worry a lot or have sensitive mindsets, pandemic paranoia can become a reality. They will become fearful and refuse to accept any changes in the COVID situation.

So, what characterizes pandemic paranoia and who is more likely to have it? Let’s find out.

Paranoia Can Lead to Psychosis

Woman lying down with mask — Photo by Cade Renfroe on Unsplash

Paranoia is defined as the irrational belief that one is being victimized and is a target of premeditated persecution. If this is an ongoing issue with someone, it falls in the realm of an issue with their mental health. These people can lose touch with reality. They believe that everyone is out to get them and is conspiring against them.

One of the categories where this can occur is with people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Additionally, those that are always on edge or worry a lot or tend to lead to negative thinking, also resulting in a state of paranoia.

For these people, their thoughts are mostly baseless but continue anyway and consequently, their fears can get so overwhelming that after some time, the person may even begin to hallucinate, completely losing the sense of what’s real and what’s not.

Another category where paranoia can develop are people who are subjected to prolonged exposure to stress, social deprivation and/or loneliness. And once they fall into this mindset, it can eventually lead to psychosis, which is the medical term for a condition in which the brain begins misprocessing information. As a result, the person loses touch with reality.

Pandemic Paranoia

Tired businesswoman in office Feeling restless and scared due to a rampant and deadly viral infection is understandable. So, naturally, when the COVID took over, many people, especially those psychologically fragile became wholly preoccupied and obsessed with the fear of getting the disease. So much so that after taking all the necessary precautions, their anxiety did not dissipate.

And now, when things are beginning to get better and the dangers of the coronavirus have gone down, people suffering from pandemic paranoia still feel exposed and afraid of catching it.

People Who Get Pandemic Paranoia and What They Do

When a person’s preoccupation with the coronavirus gets to the point where they aren’t able to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not, they become obsessed with taking preventive measures, which can include:

Washing hands repeatedly
Disinfecting household articles again and again
Staying indoors at all costs
Getting groceries delivered and then sanitizing all items
Getting worked up at every cough or sneeze, thinking that they have caught the coronavirus
Quarantining if they ever leave the house, even with all the protocols

Other activities indicating pandemic paranoia in people include:

Watching COVID-related news all the time
Following COVID-related mortality stats
Talking about the pandemic with every other person they speak to over the phone or via messages

Parents with Pandemic Paranoia

People with pandemic paranoia don’t just affect their lives, but everyone else who lives with them. They demand their cohabitants perform similar rituals and avoid social contact. Being forced to do actions driven by the irrational fears of a family member is hard to understand for most people, but it’s unfathomable for children whose parents have become this way.

Parents with pandemic paranoia force their kids to do unnecessary things, such as:

Keep their kids locked in and not let them go out, even with PPE
Push them to shower multiple times a day to stay safe
Stop them from meeting friends
Don’t send their kids to school, even now when schools have begun opening nationwide.
Isolate them if their child sneezes, coughs or runs a fever.

Living with paranoid parents can lead to developmental problems in children. Kids who are not allowed to leave the house, even to go to school can develop psychological issues and become aggressive or socially awkward.

Dr. Laura Saunders, a child psychologist at IOL, Institute of Living, believes that venturing out is essential to a child’s emotional and mental development. Denying kids the opportunity to explore the outside world could be detrimental to their well-being. She thinks that parents need to reconsider their methods and let their children go out and socialize as long as they abide by the state commanded restrictions.

One of the most damaging aspects of the restrictive social movement in children is losing or not building a sense of self-worth. Children are prone to feel anxious in unfamiliar environments, so they need to be exposed to varied social settings. If you don’t let your child meet with people or socialize with friends, you increase their chances of developing social anxiety or fueling any underlying psychological issues.

Parents need to understand that children are extraordinarily resilient and need to get all the opportunities for mental, physical and emotional growth.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for people to meet in regular social settings, like in the pre-pandemic days, the world’s new normal has presented alternative ways of socializing, such as Zoom. Those may not be the most convenient methods of interacting with one another, but they are not undoable.

The Way Forward for People with Pandemic Paranoia

If you follow the state guidelines regarding going to public places, meeting with people and wearing the necessary PPEs, you may be able to adapt to this new lifestyle, but long exposure to it or to make it the permanent norm is not recommended. That goes 10-fold for people suffering from COVID paranoia. For such patients, Dr. Saunders suggests the following steps to overcome these fears:

Stay away from COVID-related news as much as possible.
Fight the urge to clean things repeatedly and needlessly (but don’t completely stop. Cleanliness is still essential; however, there is a balance between normal behavior and obsessive behavior)
Let the kids go out with a facemask and sanitizer
Reach out to support groups or medical professionals for help
Understand the difference between physical distancing and social distancing. You don’t need to completely distance yourself from other humans; as long as you maintain a safe physical distance, you can interact with them.

Summary

It takes time and patience to overcome fears, especially if those fears may be unrealistic. Yes, COVID-19 is a dangerous disease, but hundreds of millions of people are managing to maintain their normal lives, as long as they keep to the standard policy of wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from others and washing their hands frequently, but not obsessively, they should be fine.

Video Conferencing Etiquette – 5 Ways to Prove Yourself on Screen!

How Do You Appear to Others on a Video Conference?

Zoom meeting shown on a laptop — Photo: Chris-Montgomery, Unsplash

Don’t ever underestimate this!
You are always being judged!

Telecommunications has skyrocketed since the coronavirus pandemic. The medical field is one area, but corporate distance meetings exploded within the last year as well.

Let’s look at a common scenario and let us know if this has happened to you?

It’s a summer day and you are working from home because of COVID. In the morning you get an email that the company VP is having a Zoom meeting at 2:00 PM with a potential client and he would like you to join in on the conference.

At 1:55, you stop your exercise routine and join the meeting on your cell phone. You answer questions and even purpose some new ideas that they didn’t think of. When the meeting is over, you leave the conference and sit back with a smile that you are going to get kudus because of your excellent ideas and participation.

At 2:15, the phone rings. There it is. The call you’ve been waiting for. Maybe you will be getting a promotion?

“Joe,” the VP says. You respond with the typical “Yes” and with a smile. “Thank you for coming on the call today, but I have to tell you, the client was a bit disappointed. They had some comments about your appearance.” “What?” you say. “Why would anyone care about my appearance?” you say to yourself. The answer is – they do.

Man video conferencing — Photo by Tarun Savvy on Unsplash

Joe was taking the liberty of home living and carried this liberty right to the video conference, ugly t-shirt and all.

If you think this is not typical, you are wrong. In fact, this particular scenario is a true story and there are many others just like this one.

How Should You Dress on a Zoom Call?

You don’t need to wear a suit; however, don’t rule it out, but generally, just wear a nice shirt or top that compliments your look and make sure you take that COVID mask off. You don’t have to prove to anyone that you are following COVID protocol. The rest is common sense.

So dressing appropriately is one factor, but there are others. Let’s take a look at these other factors that will make you look your best!

Make Sure Your Camera and Lighting are Set Up Correctly

Silhouette of a person in front of a windwo — Photo by Alex McCarthy on Unsplash

How many times have you been on a video call and have seen people look like a silhouette?

To avoid looking like a shadow, follow these recommendations.

Test Your Set Up First

Take a seat. Position your device (computer, laptop, tablet, etc.) so that the camera is facing you. Locate the app that allows you to see yourself on the display screen. Do you look too dark, too light or are there other uninviting circumstances? If so, adjust!

Ensure That the Light Faces at You and is Not Behind You

Make sure that there is no large light source behind you, like a window or bright light. Instead, add a light that faces you. Depending upon the type of light you use will show you for better or worse.

Portrait of a woman in the sun — Harsh light can produce ugly shadows. Photo by Taylor Knox on Unsplash

You could get a lamp with a standard incandescent bulb, but to really look good, purchase an LED Ring Light or a photographic softbox. These lights bring out the best in you by diffusing the light source, resulting in a soft illumination and not that harsh glow on your face like the sun does on a beach.

Harsh lighting intensifies dark shadows and makes you look like a Holloween mask instead of your beautiful self. Contrarily, a soft light can work wonders, even if it is natural light, such as in front of a window. Just make sure that the sun isn’t shining directly on your face. A cloudy or hazy day is best for this type of lighting.

Woman in front of a soft light box — Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

Your face should not be too light or too dark and there should be no shadows on your face. A soft light such as this softbox (left) diffuses the light which avoids harsh shadows and is used by professional photographers. This particular unit is expensive, but you get the picture (pun intended!). Finally and importantly, position the camera so that it is level with your eyes.

Think of it that light can determine your mood. To look dramatic, some shadow on the face would be a good thing, but not on a business video conference. That’s for sure. When your lighting is finally set up, if you’re lucky, you might look like your favorite Hollywood movie star.

What Did You Say? Is Your Audio Connection Correct?

If you hear your peers saying “What” and “I can’t hear you”, check your settings. One of the most common mistakes that people do is forget to unmute themselves. If that is not the problem, ensure that your computer audio is set up correctly.

The other way is to make a call on your phone instead, using the phone number and access code they give you for your meeting.

4. What’s Behind You?

Whatever it is, those in the conference will see it, so take down that political poster or picture of the latest swimsuit winner that’s pasted on your back wall. Also, remove any items that make your background look cluttered.

Cluttered Garage — Does your background look like this? Photo by todd kent on Unsplash

A clean background reduces distractions and looks more professional.

Photos of your beautiful family are a nice touch, but even better, use the app in the video chat software that allows you to place an animated background behind you. Zoom has one called the Virtual Background.

5. Smile for the Camera!

Don’t look at the ceiling while you are on the call. Don’t look at your dog either. Remember, they see everything you are doing! If you are looking away, it shows you are bored. If you are looking at the screen, it shows that you are interested. Keep it that way and smile when appropriate.

Tip: Throw in a joke (appropriately of course). Humor makes everyone feel more comfortable, breaks the monotony of the call and makes you appear more popular! Triple win! You can’t lose with this one.

For managing and hosting a Zoom meeting, as well as additional tips, take a look at this video:

Bottom line:

You are on a video call, so act the same as if you were in front of a live audience. People are watching you when you least expect. Promote yourself at your best and finally, keep smiling for the camera!

ReplyForward

11 Trends That Have Gone Viral During COVID-19

Woman with tie-dye shirt on ground — Photo: Jason-yoder-beRDGiXtBAk-unsplash

COVID is not over and even with the vaccines being distributed, we have many more months to deal with its effect on our society, so what are you going to do about it?

As far as our younger generation is concerned, they have definitely done something about it.

We are in a time when we are our most creative selves, so our desires to stay sane are resulting in finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained while we sit in these quarantined holes we call home.

In this article, we will focus mainly on the social aspects of COVID and the effect it is having on social media, as we visit the ongoing creativity of our millennial and Gen Z age groups. Here are 11 of the most popular social trends that have gone viral.

1. Tik Tok Videos

Screenshot of Tic Toc videos The world’s most popular video-sharing app became all the more popular during quarantine. One of the more common videos was ‘bored in the house’ by Tyga x Curtis Roach that got young people finding ways not to get bored and showing their creativity over social media.

It was interesting to see that families have partaken in this trend also, using it as a means to bond with each other as they stay cooped up at home.

2. Dalgona Coffee

This was probably the most viral trend of the COVID era. There was a time when it seemed that almost every single person in the world was indulging and sharing this coffee trend on social media, which only added to its popularity.

It originated in South Korea and became so big that coffee companies had a large increase in sales. What also helped is that it was pretty easy to make as it requires only four ingredients: coffee, milk, sugar and hot water.

3. Fitness Challenges

Fitness challenges took over social media by a storm during the early stages of quarantine. This was when people were more motivated to be their most productive. People got creative with these challenges and started tagging one another on Instagram to participate in them.

There were many different types, from the plank challenge to the football challenge to the more innovative upside-down challenge. Since there was no way anyone could go to the gyms at that point, this was a great way to motivate each other to work out at home.

4. Banana Bread

There was a time when we couldn’t get enough of it and Instagram feeds were nonstop! It was one of those trends that caused a domino effect and became super popular because everyone was making it.

We can’t deny how delicious it tasted especially straight out of the oven! At least, it was a relatively healthier option than other desserts so we can’t complain about that too much.

5. Zoom Hangouts

Whether it is game night, karaoke night or just a simple hangout, Zoom is the way to go! Having zoom parties has become a trend so much so that people would actually make an effort to dress up for them. And now, there are even proper etiquettes when attending a Zoom meeting, especially when attending a business meeting.

Since there are limited ways that you could meet your family, friends and co-workers, this is a great alternate. One that brings everyone together and keeps you connected.

6. Drive-In Cinemas

Since going to the movies wasn’t an option anymore, we had to find some sort of alternative. Drive-in movie theaters seemed to do the trick and after a while, they seemed to be the ‘in’ thing. It was the highlight of people’s quarantine where they got a chance to leave their homes and do something different. Personally, for us, the drive-in cinema had its own vibe, an old-school charm that many of us older folks still remember.

7. InstaLive

Ever noticed how Insta lives weren’t a thing before COVID-19? Of course, they existed but they really seemed to pick up during COVID-19 and it makes sense. People were bored in their homes, looking for entertainment and ways to connect with the outside world and what better way than an Insta or Facebook Live? From influencers to celebrities and your everyday person, everyone seemed to be conducting these sessions. We think that this trend is definitely here to stay and it’ll always be looked on as a way to interact with others.

8. Tie & Dye

Tie Dye Clothes — Photo: sharon-mccutcheon-BMrL6YDauWE-unsplash

We have to admit that this was our personal favorite. We just can’t get enough of all those delicious colors and designs. From T-shirts to hoodies and dresses and scrunchies, tie & dye took over the internet by storm. Suddenly all the top fashionistas and celebrities were posting pictures in tie & dye outfits and it just went viral. Maybe it was because it was the positivity that the world needed at that point or because it was a fun activity to do while being stuck at home. Either way, it was a brilliant and fun trend!

9. Pillow Challenge

This was popular with the ladies. It was a kind of fashion challenge where women created outfits with their pillows and accessorized them. It was a kind of creative outlet where they got to style their pillow outfits with funky shoes, bags and jewelry. Who says you can’t get dressed just because you have to stay home? Although this was a fun and innovative challenge, it was short-lived.

10. Nail Art

Woman's fingers with different nail colors — Photo by Evelyn Semenyuk on Unsplash

There’s only a certain number of ways in which you can entertain yourself at home and for women, this one was a quarantine hit. Many different designs of nail art became began to take over social media.

Once a particular one started trending and the rest just followed along. A popular one was the ombre trend in which every nail was painted a different color that made an overall ombre effect. This trend is still very much out there with new designs taking over.

11. Binge Watching

We spoke about this trend in a previous article. We are sure that Netflix, Hulu, Prime and all the other networks are building a huge profit from the quarantined people who need that exit into the world of fantasy, excitement, drama, comedy and sci-fi.

It’s interesting to note how each of these trends is unique in its own way. Some such as the dalgona broke the Internet, while others were there for a while and quietly phased out, but no doubt that as this pandemic continues to affect our lives, different trends will materialize to keep us busy in our homes. What do you think the next one will be?

11 Shows to Watch During Quarantine

Couple Watching Netfix TV — Photo: Pexels

Quarantine equals binging and what better channel to watch than Netflix? So if you’re worried about what to do this quarantine season, all you have to do is turn on the TV and chill. There are hundreds of shows that you can watch to keep yourself entertained, but to make it easier for you, we have made a list of our top 11 picks. We guarantee you you’ll love them and won’t be able to move from your seat!

1. You

This psychological thriller will have you sitting with your eyes glued to the TV. Its first season is based on a novel by Caroline Kepnes and follows Joe Goldberg, a serial killer and bookstore manager, who becomes obsessed with a customer in the most deluded, toxic and extreme way. There’s something about this show that just has us hooked and we can’t wait for season 3, which is supposedly coming out this year!

2. Bridgerton

This American romantic TV Show aired only last year and is all the hype right now. Like so many others out there, we cannot stop drooling over the Duke who is all the looks and personality. The show got so many views in a short span of time and became the most watched on Netflix, which is why it was renewed for season 2 last month. It is set in the high society of London and is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels. If you want a good plot and some eye-candy to keep you entertained during quarantine, this show is the way to go!

3. The Queen’s Gambit

You must have heard about this one with all the rage around it. It is a unique show that has the most intriguing plot and character. Centered around chess, it is an American coming-of- age drama that is based on Walter Tevis’s novel. The show was so good that it even earned two Golden Globe award nominations. You’ll be in for a real surprise with this one so give it a shot!

4. Stranger Things

This science-fiction, mystery thriller will instantly grab your interest. It is set in 1983 in Indiana and is centered around the disappearance of a young girl. The show was first released five years ago and has an eerie feel to it. It’ll definitely have you hooked and keep you busy this quarantine season.

5.Black Mirror

A fascinating Sci-Fi block of episodes that takes a close look at modern society, especially in relation to the effects of new technologies and how they can backfire. It explores a dystopian future that is interesting and disturbing at the same time. The show has received several awards and nominations. Each episode is well-thought out. It will leave you speechless. We would highly recommend this one for you to watch during quarantine.

6. Emily in Paris

Light and funny, Emily in Paris is the perfect binge watch. Even if rom-coms are not usually your type, it’ll be hard for you not to like this one. Full of wit, banter, humor and the most scenic places in Paris, this show has got it all. Emily in Paris is every girl’s dream show and it’ll give you just the inspiration you need this quarantine season. So far, only one season is out but season 2 is officially confirmed so worry not!

7. Lupin

This amazing French mystery thriller came out only earlier this year and already has so many views! The story is centered on Arsene Lupin, a world famous thief and master of disguise. Lupin, the main character is supposed to be a Sherlock Holmes type. The show will have you so hooked that you may even end up finishing the season in one night, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

8. The Crown

A historical drama, The Crown is based on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s all the way to modern times. It takes a look at all the political rivalries and romance of her reign and the events that shaped the latter part of England in the 20th century. Not only is it informative but also entertaining and will give you an inside perspective of the royal family. If you are particularly a fan of history, you will love this one for sure!

9. Peaky Blinders

Created by Steven Knight, this series has been all the talk for a while now. It is a British period crime drama, which is set in Birmingham, England. The show has five seasons and is centered around Tommy Shelby who’s a dangerous man and leader of the peaky blinders. We guarantee you that this show will give you goosebumps and leave you on the edge of your seat so brace yourself!

10.Gilmore Girls

If a good old throwback is more your type then look no further than this classic! Girlmore Girls is a lighthearted show about a mother daughter duo and their lives. It is funny and heartwarming and just the kind of energy that you need during quarantine. Even though it may appear to be a time pass, the show has many lessons that you can learn from and you’ll adore every part of it.

11. Dynasty

Similar to Gossip Girl, Dynasty is about the lives and politics between two of America’s richest families. We just have one word for this show, Drama. So if you’re a drama lover, then you’ll definitely love this one. It’ll keep you engaged and entertained the whole time. To add to that, the wardrobe is phenomenal and will serve as major fashion goals so get ready to be inspired. Each character adds a new perspective and makes the show the complex one that it is.

What’s interesting is that each of these shows is so different to the other but created to perfection. There’s one for every type so take your pick and watch one that resonates with you or is experimental and try out a new type!

Top Scams of Recent Times

Corporate scams have always been a part of the post-industrialization world and now with COVID, it is much worse.

With that said, we thought you’d like to know how the extent and scope of fraudulent activity had increased by the end of the 20th century. And although scams involving the coronavirus have not reached the level of those mentioned below, we think it may be only a matter of time before a COVID fraud materializes that equates to these monster scams below, unless law enforcement takes an active role in controlling it.

All these financial and accounting scandals had one thing in common i.e. they were instigated by a handful of voracious insiders whose actions brought about grave consequences for hundreds and thousands of people and the companies in question.

Here, we will delve into brief details of some of the biggest accounting and financial scams of recent times. We will discuss them in descending order using the category of the amount of money involved in these scandals.

Enron’s Bankruptcy

Enron Building Texas — Enron Complex. (Wikipedia Public Domain)

Enron Corporation was a hot favorite option for investors. At its peak, a single share of Enron soared over $90. This Texas-based energy and services company was doing fine when the news broke out (via a whistleblower) that they are keeping their debts off the balance sheet in collusion with their auditing firm and showing inflated revenues to maintain the stock market standing of the company.

As we know, such information spreads like wildfire and the same happened in the case of Enron’s exposé. In the coming days, the shareholders would collectively lose $74 billion with stock price dipping unprecedentedly from $90 to under $1 within 12 months. Enron’s then CEO and his predecessor were accused of hiding the debts and misleading the investors.

Aftermath

The then CEO of the company, Jeff Skillings, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison while the company claimed bankruptcy in the following days. They entirely ceased its operations six years after the scandal was unearthed. The auditing firm, Arthur Anderson, had to face severe fallout of the scandal because the entire company got indicted for fudging the accounts of Enron. However, the conviction was later turned over. By then, the company was already out of business.

Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme

A Wall Street Investment LLC, Bernier Madoff Investment Securities instigated probably the biggest Ponzi scheme of history by ripping off roughly $65 billion from the investors. The company’s CEO Bernie Madoff, a well-known stockbroker of his time, orchestrated this fraud along with his accountant and second-in-command.

The scheme started to unearth just after the US had experienced its worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression. Madoff was playing a simple Ponzi scheme of scamming investors by returning their own money to each other. No actual profit was being made with these transactions, with the exception of the money that went into Madoff’s portfolio and the bank accounts of his accomplices.

In 2005, the same Ponzi scheme was on the brink of getting unraveled because the investors requested a large sum of money in redemptions after hearing rumors that they were being ripped off. However, Madoff managed to handle the situation through the credit lines he had established with his 50 years of working in stock investments.

Aftermath

Since Bernie Madoff ran one of the biggest brokerage firms of Wall Street, its freeze of assets sent a ripple down the industry where many companies had to provisionally terminate their operations. His philanthropic works were also hit by the scam. Madoff pled guilty in March 2009 and was sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, with the restitution penalty of $170 billion.

The collapse of Lehman Brothers

Lehman Brothers were one of the largest investment firms in the United States. But the notorious financial crisis of 2008 also proved to be the end of this global financial services provider. During that time of economical catastrophe, when things had already gone south for financial institutions, it was discovered that the company was hiding the loans of over $50 billion in the disguise of toxic assets sold off to different banks in the Cayman Islands with the understanding that they would be bought back after a short time period.

Aftermath

The news acted as the final nail in the coffin of Lehman Brothers, which was already struggling with the fast depletion of cash. Its stock price experienced a drastic dip of 45% with a 66% rise in the company’s debt.

Finally, the company had to announce bankruptcy. No penalties or prison times were given due to lack of evidence. The downfall of Lehman Brothers was the leading headline of 2008’s financial crisis.

Freddie Mac’s Misstatement of Earnings

Freddie Mac was a big home mortgage corporation that had complete patronage of the federal government. In 2003, an investigation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found out that the company was misstating and understating its earnings. The difference between instated and actual earnings was a staggering $5 billion. It was later understood that all the key players (CEO, COO, and CFO) were part of this false assertion.

In its defense, the company stated that it had to do this manipulation of accounts to meet the steady growth objective of Wall Street. It was a shocker for Wall Street pundits who always considered Freddie Mac as a top and steady performer.

Aftermath

All three top executives were fired and the company was fined for $120 million in civil penalties. The company was also obliged to overhaul its governance and accounting structure through a consent order from the SEC.

AIG Scandal

AIG Headquarters Building NY Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain

American Insurance Group (AIG) is a US-based multinational insurance firm, having its operations covering over 100 countries and serving millions of customers. In 2005, through whistleblowing, an SEC investigation was started against the company. The company’s CEO was held responsible for accounting fraud for approximately $4 billion in the form of stock manipulations and rigging of bids. The company showed the loans as revenues and artificially inflated the stock prices in collusion with traders.

Aftermath

The CEO was fired without being convicted of any criminal charges and the company had to pay several multi-million penalties in the coming years. The total amount of paid penalties exceeded $2.5 billion. However, the company recovered from this crisis. These days, the stock price of AIG revolves around $56 per share, as per the listings on the NYSE.

Conclusion

As you can see, almost all of the financial scandals that we have discussed involved a few individuals whose shenanigans have had their fall out on millions of people and an entire industry. A wise man once said ‘How do you expect to continuously do something bad and not expect to get caught?”. It will catch up with you!

The COVID scams such as this one are still small in comparison, but who knows what will happen in the future?

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Photo of a decaying tooth — Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash

Tooth decay or cavity formation is one of the most prevalent oral health issues in the US and the world. It is an ongoing process that can lead to serious consequences in oral health and in particular, your overall health.

According to a report furnished by the National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC, around 90% of US adults are suffering from the problem of dental caries (a scientific term for tooth decay).

Another survey indicates that 42% of children (between 2 to 11 years) in the US are facing the problem of tooth decay and cavities. More alarming is the issue that more than half of them haven’t undergone any treatment. The American Dental Health Association has termed tooth decay as the most chronic health problem among the child population in the US.

Consequences of Tooth Decay

Many people treat tooth decay as a natural course of growing old, however, this is not the case. Tooth decay possesses some serious ramifications if not treated appropriately:

Gingivitis or in more severe cases, periodontal (gum) disease will develop
Tooth decay with severe cavity formations and cuts causes intense chronic pain
Decayed teeth infested with bacteria produce odor in the mouth resulting in bad breath.
Tooth decay of a higher degree can result in inflammation and the formation of abscessed teeth due to the infection of periapical tissues.
At the end stage of tooth decay, dentists advise extraction of the affected tooth, leaving the space empty which can cause misalignment of the teeth.

On the whole, tooth decay significantly imposes major inconveniences and can severely affect the well-being of an otherwise healthy individual.

Dynamics of Tooth Decay

Unlike other diseases caused by specific viruses and groups of infectious bacteria, tooth decay is prompted by the presence of acidogenic bacteria in the mouth. In normal circumstances, these bacteria get neutralized by saliva. However, in a poor upkeep routine of oral and dental health, the remnants of carbohydrates, especially glucose interact with acidogenic bacteria.

The bacteria break down glucose and sugar by creating acid as a by-product of their activity. This bacterial action transforms the oral environment into an acidic one which is harmful to teeth enamel, the peripheral covering made of phosphate and calcium.

Once enamel gets eroded due to the higher levels of acidity, dentin starts to get exposed to acidic reactions. The structure of dentin is softer than enamel, so the tooth decay process gets expedited.

Causes

Apart from poor dental hygiene, several other factors can also set off tooth decay.

Deep Teeth Pits and Fissures

Some individuals inherently have deep crevices and pits in their teeth. This type of tooth structure is ideal for the buildup of plaque and acidogenic bacteria. To prevent tooth decay in people with deep tooth fissures, dentists use dental sealants.

Inviting Sugar into Your Body

Spoon spilling sugar onto a cup — Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash

Sugar, as good as it tastes is a prime culprit for tooth decay. And it is not only candy or soda. As previously discussed, carbohydrates with rich sugar content are one of the main sources of making the oral environment acidic.

With a greater proportion of sugary foods in your diet, you are not only inviting obesity, but you are also making your oral cavity more susceptible to tooth decay. Drinks acidic in nature such as carbonated sodas and fruit juices also assist the process of tooth decay (See image above). Therefore, it is necessary to have moderation in your daily diet with all such dietary items, even if you are taking good care of your oral health.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth is a condition in which salivary glands in the mouth fail to produce enough amount of saliva required to maintain the acid-base balance of the oral cavity. A dry mouth is more vulnerable to acidogenic bacterial reactions.

A well-practiced physician and dentist can help patients with the problem of dry mouth issues. Non-prescription remedies for dry mouth include limiting caffeine intake and smoking. Sugar-free gum and candies are also used for sufficient saliva production.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Other than the detrimental bacterial actions, tooth grinding can also bring about the decaying process. In bruxism, intense clenching of teeth occurs during sleep due to stress and anxiety. The resultant abrasion also destroys the enamel and exposes the inner dentin to bacterial reactions. Therefore, treatment of bruxism is necessary for the prevention of tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Prevention

How to maintain good teeth and gums is essentially common knowledge, but we’ll discuss them briefly here:

Brush Daily

Woman brushing her teeth — Preventing gum disease starts with good dental health

Like the commercial, be sure to brush after every meal. If that is not feasible, brush in the morning and at night. Soft brushes are better than hard brushes and you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. Dentists do recommend using electric toothbrushes over manual ones.

Floss Daily

Brushing isn’t the only preventive technique to help prevent the buildup of plaque. Flossing is just as important. Without daily flossing, bacteria will accumulate in the spaces between the teeth. These are areas where brushing is not that helpful. By flossing in the spaces between the teeth, you help keep the bacteria out and consequently, the plaque and tartar will not build up.

Visit Your Dentist

Needless to say, the above prevention methods are only part of the action you can take towards good oral health. Visit your dentist for a routine examination and a cleaning twice a year.

It is quite apparent that a good oral health regimen is the key to the prevention of tooth decay.

Summary

Teeth will begin to decay when sugar combines with bacteria to form acid. This acid, also known as plaque will gradually eat away at the enamel of the tooth and if not corrected, will work its way down towards the second layer, called dentin. When this happens, cavities are formed. If you haven’t been to the dentist, now is the time to go before your cavities reach the next layer, called the pulp and the possibility of root canal work may be necessary.

Learn more in this video on the hows, whys, and protection against tooth decay.

The COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids – When Will the Wait End?

On December 14, 2020, Americans got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC symptoms guidelines, healthcare workers were among the first group of people who received the shots followed by older adults living in nursing care facilities.

As of now, more than 134 million shots of the vaccine have been given to people in different parts of the world. Over the coming months, we can expect the number to grow further, but what about people under age 16?

Why do they have to wait? When can they expect the COVID vaccine? Find out the answers to these questions below.

Why Do Kids Have to Wait?

Doctor taking child's temperature As per CDC guidelines, healthcare workers get the doses of the approved vaccines first (Phase 1a). Next on the list are adults 75 years and older (Phase 1b) ) and then persons 65 and older and people with high-risk health conditions (phase 1c). But where does that leave a healthy adult and also children?

Kids have to Wait for the vaccine for Two Reasons

Milder Infection

Unlike adults, the symptoms most children get are mild. While more than a million kids have been infected by the virus and a few deaths have been reported, the disease is not likely to cause severe symptoms among them.

Some real-life examples of COVID-19-infected children experienced by the author have been a three-year-old child who caught a mild cold for 24 hours, then was fine, and a 17-year-old who had no symptoms and is now COVID-free.

Due to this reason, children are among the least needy group of people who need immunity against the disease. As a result, the U.S. and most of the other countries prioritize people with the highest risk of acquiring a very severe infection or even dying from the virus.

No Trials

Child getting a vaccine injection Despite mild infections and less likelihood of complications, children of all ages still need a vaccine. Without immunization, they can still spread the disease to their parents, teachers or other adults, including the high-risk category of folks such as grandparents. However, children were never part of the trials for the coronavirus vaccine.

COVID-19 is still relatively new and there is a lot more that needs to be learned. Moreover, vaccine formation is usually a long and complicated process. With the vaccine available now, safety is still a concern for people of all ages.

Pediatric research requires a higher safety bar and any new treatment must be at least as safe for children as it is for adults. Since this vaccine’s safety for adults is still under observation, how the COVID-19 vaccine will affect kids under 16 is still a question. Due to this very reason, many kids and their parents are reluctant to participate in a vaccine trial.

Without enough research and trial participants, the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to remain unavailable for kids at least for a few more months.

COVID-19 Vaccine for Teenagers

Woman being injected with COVID vaccine The vaccine is considered safe for healthy teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18. However, according to the CDC guidelines, most teens between 16 and 18 will not receive the immunization in the first several months of distribution. Again, young adults and teens are less likely to become seriously ill when infected with COVID-19. With that said, this age group will certainly have access to the vaccine in a few months with a priority to teenagers with underlying health conditions.

When Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Available to Kids Under 16?

The three big pharmaceutical giants, Pzifer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca are looking forward to enough safety and effectiveness data from their clinical trials in adults in the next few months. The data will prove the effectiveness as well as the safety of the vaccine.

Once the results are available and support the drug’s effectiveness, the drug companies predict that their vaccines could be authorized among younger teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17-year-olds. Pfizer is currently researching the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine among children over age 12.

However, these are relatively recent developments. Similarly, Moderna will start testing its vaccine on kids. However, they still need more participants. The delay in testing kids for the vaccine means it could still be several months before the FDA-approved vaccinations for children under 16.

Lastly, for kids younger than 12 years of age, it is still a long way to go as none of these vaccines are ready for kids.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Educational Inactivity

The educational system has suffered dramatically due to the pandemic, and children’s academic and social development have experienced a significant setback. With the COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 16, we can hope and look forward to an educational system that is safe for conducive learning.

Once a vaccine shows its safety and effectiveness for children, the concerned health authorities in the U.S. and other parts of the world can approve the vaccine. However, as of now, no state can set a policy of mandatory vaccination before kids can return to school.

Regardless of state policy for immunization among kids under 16, one thing is sure: We look forward to the day when children can safely return to school and get started with their social activities with minimal risk of disease transmission.

Final Words

Image of doctor holding globe with injection needle — Image: Flicker CC 2.0

COVID-19 was never there before, and there is still so much to learn about the virus and its ever-changing strains. Moreover, no vaccine in the history of medical science has been created in months, so there are still many questions and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

While it is true that it could save hundreds and thousands of lives every week, its effectiveness for kids is still not known. Since COVID-19 affects kids and adults differently, it is essential to understand whether a vaccine might work equally well for people of all ages. Immunizing kids is still important to control and end the pandemic, but they will be unable to get the vaccine until its safety has been verified for the particular age group.

12 Ways to Keep Yourself Entertained During Lockdown

Display of Paintbrushes — Photo: Unsplash

Running out of ideas to keep yourself entertained during lockdown? We hear you! It can become quite monotonous if you don’t keep mixing it up. However, let us enlighten you with a variety of ways to keep yourself busy and entertained during this time.

Each of these tips is different from the other and has its own magic. Use them to make your time in lockdown one of the fun-est experiences and one that you may even look back on over the years!

So without further ado, here are some things to do during quarantine:

Take Up a New Hobby

Staying cooped up at home means that you have to say bye to some of your old outdoor hobbies for a while. These could include anything from playing golf to running in a park or going to the beach. Don’t let this dishearten you, it just means that you need to develop a new hobby. Think about something that interests you and that you can do indoors of course, and try it out. Some examples are sewing, cooking, painting, photography (indoors), etc.

Take a Virtual Trip

Virtual Tour Device — Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

Since you can’t take a real one, why not take a virtual one instead? Imagine that you can go anywhere you’ve always dreamed of going. Just pick a place on the globe and visit it virtually. Thanks to technology this is now possible. You can do this by using Google Earth and by watching videos on the culture and life in a particular country.

Get a 3D device and go to places you only can imagine or play games with it. Also, Facebook has groups that take you on virtual tours, called virtual events – take a tour or create one yourself!

Read a New Book / Start a New TV Show

This may sound obvious but sometimes we don’t always think of the obvious. You know that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for a while? Maybe it’s time you finally gave it a read. Or that new show on Netflix that everyone’s been talking about, you finally have all the time in the world to binge-watch it. Reading and watching a show are good ways to keep yourself entertained and busy during the lockdown.

Workout

Being quarantined at home isn’t all about eating junk food and lazing around. Do something productive that’ll help your body and mind stay healthy. There are so many home workout options available online. Whether it’s a workout, pilates, yoga or even just some dance moves, it’ll help keep you occupied in the best possible manner.

Learn a New Language

One of the best ways in which you can keep yourself busy is to learn a new language. Pick one that has always intrigued you and start learning it. From French and German to Spanish and mandarin, the world is your oyster! It’ll sharpen your mind and give you something to do and who knows, it could come to great use someday.

Have a Virtual Karaoke Night

If you can’t go to the club, why not bring the club home to you? Use this free time to connect with your friends and family virtually doing fun activities. Plan a karaoke night and sing throwbacks from the 1990’s. We guarantee you, you’ll have a blast and it’ll liven up your spirits. For an added feel, make the effort to dress up for it, that way you’ll actually feel like you’re hitting the club.

Cooking/Baking

By this we mean anything other than banana bread! Just kidding. We know that cooking and baking became a huge quarantine trend. Even those who had never stepped into the kitchen before were experimenting with all sorts of new recipes. This is a great way to keep yourself occupied and you may just discover a hidden talent so why not give it a shot?

Listen to Podcasts

If you’re tired of watching shows/movies or reading books, try listening to a podcast for a change. Podcasts are inspirational, motivating and funny too, there’s basically a podcast for everything under the sun, so choose a topic that interests you. It’ll give you a new perspective on things or simply keep you entertained and pass your time.

Paint

Unleash that inner artist and paint your heart out. You’ll be surprised at how therapeutic this can be. It doesn’t matter if you’ve ever done it before, there is always a first time so grab a canvas and some paints and just pour your feelings onto the canvas. Don’t let fear get in the way, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to painting so that’s not something you need to worry about.

10.Give Yourself a Makeover

Who says dressing up is only for going out? Why not dress up for yourself. Wear that dress you have been eyeing for months and dress it up with a little makeover. Everyone knows that half the fun of a night out is getting ready for it so put on some music and get ready like never before. You can always do it for the gram, if nothing else!

Retail Therapy

This may not be the best option for your wallet, but a little retail therapy killed nobody. Pamper yourself with some online shopping that you have been meaning to do for a while and get excited when it arrives. It can be anything from clothes to shoes and candles or even some new pieces of art. Just be sure not to go overboard and stay within your budget.

Make a Scrapbook

Take a walk down memory lane and create a scrapbook. Go through your old photos and reflect on some of your greatest memories. Put them together in the form of a scrapbook, it’ll be a great exercise and use of time and the best part is that you can look at it years down the road. Not only will it bring out your creative side but it’ll also give you a sense of gratitude.

You now have all the tips you need to keep yourself entertained during lockdown. This too shall pass, so get yourself in the best spirits and make the most of it using these great ideas.

How Gas Prices are Affected During the Pandemic and What You Can Do About It

Man in panda mask in front of a car — Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Have you ever driven on a highway and noticed a car come flying from behind you and then speed right past you? This disrespect for the road may anger some and others might not care, but one thing is for certain. Their gas tank will hit zero faster than yours will.

This is because the faster you drive, the more gas you are using; in other words, the amount of fuel being used is proportional to the speed at which you are driving. In mechanical terms that means that, if you are driving at 50 mph, the pistons in the engine would cycle at say, 50 times per minute. (We are using hypothetical numbers to simplify this example). That means that gas is injected into the piston’s cylinder 50 times per minute.

If you speed up to 100 mph, the engine has to work harder, which means that the pistons have to cycle twice as much within that one minute and consequently, so does the amount of gas that needs to be ignited.

The bottom line: The slower you drive, the more gas you save!

Don’t Hit the Pedal

Another nifty method for saving gas is by not pressing on the gas pedal when you are going downhill. Better yet, put the car in neutral. Yes, that’s right. Taking your car out of drive lowers the RPMs (revolutions per minute) which in turn causes less gas to be sent to the engine. Any doubts? Try it then look at your odometer to see how the needle goes down.

Of course, this is not a recommended solution if you are driving in a city or crowded location, but where the area is hilly or mountainous, this method works great!

One person reported that he went to upstate NY and each time he went downhill he geared the car to neutral. His calculations showed he was averaging 45 MPG per 100 miles.

Here’s How You Can Calculate Your MPH

1. Let the car’s fuel tank go towards (but not all) empty.
2. Then fill up with the desired amount.
3. Once the car’s gas tank reaches where it was before, divide the range (in miles) by the amount you paid and that is your MPH.

Example: Using the Upstate NY scenario. The man let the car reach close to empty, then bought 3 gallons in Tioga NY. (Price doesn’t matter in these calculations). As he proceeded down the highway, his car was reaching empty when he reached Parsippany NJ. About a 63 mile stretch.

Car Sizes vs. Gas Used

Why are you driving that SUV? Do you really need it? Do you have any idea how much more gas you are using when compared to driving a sedan? Try this gas calculator to find out! You will be surprised what the difference is.

But if you find an SUV to be the most practical vehicle for your purposes, shop around. There are differences in gas mileage between them. Also, you want to consider a hybrid one.

Going Electric!

<span>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@olav_tvedt?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Olav Tvedt</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pump-gas?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span> Of course, there are electric cars. Right now, Tesla has the market lead, but more and more vehicle manufactures are jumping on the bandwagon, so one day, maybe sooner than later, expect to find gas pumps in the fields of antiquity. Currently, there are electric charging stations in various designated areas around the country, but more are being added every day.

If you are a homeowner, you have the added advantage of charging your car overnight, but you need to have your voltage upgraded, usually in your garage. An added benefit is with the added power, it is a help when selling your house; albeit, it won’t change your selling price much, but it is still one more incentive for someone to purchase yours over other people’s homes.

Follow the Standard Rules

Pumping Gas — Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash

Don’t let your car idle. If you are waiting for someone and you know that it will be more than a minute when they will arrive, shut the car off. Also, some of the newer conventional vehicles are designed to shut off when waiting at red lights.

If you don’t have one of these cars, you can, at your option, shut your car off when waiting at a light, but do it for lights that you know are stay red for a longer time than the normal time period.

The Current Status on Gas Prices

The answer to how things are now and how gas prices will be in the future remains to be seen. Just last week, President Biden closed the pipeline. Some say that this was a terrible thing to do because it will have a negative effect on the economy, while others say it is a great thing to do because it helps the environment.

Well, we are not here to discuss the politics of it, but we are here to discuss the facts and the consequences of these facts, whether good or bad and the fact is that gas prices have risen since the closing of the pipeline.

How the current administration is going to resolve this remains to be seen. Maybe the president will have a new plan for the US economy, but for now, we have to be more vigilant in finding ways to save money on gas. What we have mentioned should be a good start!

The New COVID-19 Strain – What We Know So Far?

Checking COVID-19 speciman — Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

Before we were even able to get accustomed to the new COVID variant that has hit the UK, another one is cooking in South Africa, but in order to understand how they worked to control the UK variant, let’s take a look at what they did before we tackle a discussion on the South African one.

It was just before Christmas 2020 when we heard of this new strain. What was done about it?

- The U.K. imposed fresh and more severe lockdowns across London
- Several countries worldwide placed a travel ban on the U.K. to curtail the new variant’s spread.
- Tier-four restrictions were placed for Christmas in Scotland, Wales, and England.

What is this new variant all about? How did it come to becoming the most common form of the virus in the U.K.? Is it more contagious? Is it more dangerous? Will the vaccine work against this new COVID-19 strain? Let’s explore the answers. But before we get started, let’s first look into why this new strain is a cause of concern for people worldwide.

The New COVID-19 Strain and the Concerns

Woman lying down with ask — Photo by Cade Renfroe on Unsplash

Genetic changes are a natural phenomenon that occurs every time a genetic material is copied. When any virus replicates inside the infected cells, the new copies are genetically different from the parent virus. The same is the case with the COVID-19 virus. But why is the new variant a cause of concern for people in the U.K. and around the world?

As the COVID-19 virus continued to modify genetically, a particularly interesting mutation was the one that altered the spike protein. It affects how the virus penetrates inside the cells and causes infections. The new variant, known as the VUI-202012/01 (the first Variant Under Investigation in December 2020), has 17 mutations, which are a lot of changes in any specific microorganism.

These changes have increased the transmission of the virus and the new strain is around 70% more transmissible than the previous one. The increased hospitalization in an already overworked healthcare sector is a concern, not only in the U.K. but throughout the world.

Is the New Variant Causing More Severe Infections?

As of now, no evidence suggests the increased severity of infections. However, the effects are still under consideration. While there is still no evidence that the new variant can cause more severe illnesses, the high transmissibility is still a concern. Since it can infect anyone quickly, a high-risk person with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes is more likely to end up in the hospital. So the new COVID-19 strain is a concern for the old and vulnerable high-risk category for COVID-19 as it could lead to an increasing number of people needing hospital treatment.

Will the Vaccine Still be Effective Against the New Strain?

As of now, there is no evidence that the current vaccine used in the U.K. against the COVID-19 virus will not be effective against the new strain. So, it is reasonable to assume that, at least for now, the vaccine will still be effective against the new COVID-19 strain.

All three leading vaccine manufacturers have worked on an mRNA vaccine that trains the immune system to attack several different parts of the virus. Even if the spike has mutated, the vaccine can still be useful. However, if the virus’s genetic coding continues to change at the same speed and we see a lot more mutations, then maybe it will be a concern. In that case, vaccine manufacturers and governments worldwide will have to work together to tweak the vaccines, just like the flu vaccine, to make them more effective against the ever-mutating virus. Fortunately, modifying an existing vaccine is a lot easier than creating a new one.

How Far Has the New COVID-19 Strain Spread?

Conductor on train with mask — Photo by Liam Burnett-Blue on Unsplash

The U.K. government has taken timely and strict measures to control the spread of the new strain. It is believed that it either emerged in the U.K. or has been imported from another country with a lower ability to observe and track coronavirus mutations. It is also thought that the highly mutated form of the virus bred somewhere inside the body of an infected patient with a compromised immune system. The patient’s immune system couldn’t fight the infection; instead served as a breeding ground for endless additional mutations.

The new COVID-19 variant that was found in the U.K. is heavily concentrated in London, the South East, and eastern England. The number of infections elsewhere in the country is still relatively stable. Data from Nextstrain suggests that some cases in Denmark and Australia have been reported as well, which came from the U.K. A few cases were also reported in the Netherlands.

Is it Normal for Viruses to Mutate?

As mentioned earlier, virus mutations are completely natural and are due to the same mutation that the flu vaccine needs to modify every year.

If you look at the COVID-19 virus, it changed its forms several times and is no longer the same that was initially detected in Wuhan, China. The initial virus mutated and then the D614G version began to materialize in Europe, which eventually spread around the world. Moreover, another mutation called the A222V also spread in Europe. And today, we have the new COVID-19 strain that was first detected in England.

Scientists and researchers around the world cannot predict how many more mutations the world will experience for COVID-19.

New COVID-19 Strain Protocols

We know that the new COVID-19 strain is far more contagious than the initial COVID strain and is the driving force behind the rapid upheaval in infections across London and other parts of the U.K. However, there is still limited evidence that this new strain can cause more severe infections and stronger symptoms. Timely efforts by the concerned authorities may only prove effective if people stick to the rules to prevent infections.

Even with the new variant and all the concern it is causing, the best way to prevent infections is to keep washing your hands, wear a face mask, maintain a distance of 6 feet from others and limit your number of physical contacts.

Additionally, even though the infections are still increasing, the number of deaths are not increasing respectively. That is a good sign and signals that our front-line scientists are really getting a better hold on this disease.