In recent years, electric cars have been gaining popularity as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. With advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability, electric cars are becoming increasingly accessible and practical for everyday consumers. If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), there are several key factors you should be aware of to make an informed decision.
Understanding Electric Cars
Electric cars, also known as electric vehicles (EVs), are automobiles that are powered by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines. These vehicles rely on rechargeable batteries to store electricity, which is used to power the motor and propel the car forward. Unlike conventional cars that run on gasoline or diesel, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner and greener transportation option.
Types of Electric Cars
There are three main types of electric cars: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). BEVs are fully electric cars that run solely on electricity and need to be plugged in to charge. PHEVs have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, allowing them to run on electricity or gasoline, providing more flexibility for longer trips. HEVs, on the other hand, primarily rely on gasoline but use regenerative braking to charge a small battery that assists the engine during acceleration.
One of the primary concerns for potential electric car owners is the availability of charging infrastructure. Charging an electric car can be done at home using a standard electrical outlet, but for faster charging speeds, dedicated charging stations are essential. Public charging stations are increasingly common in urban areas, and many workplaces, shopping centers, and public facilities offer charging facilities as well. Additionally, the development of fast-charging networks along highways has made long-distance travel in electric cars more feasible.
Range and Battery Technology
Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station, is a common concern for those considering an electric car. However, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the range of electric vehicles in recent years. Many modern EVs can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, with some high-end models boasting ranges of over 300 miles. Additionally, rapid advancements in battery technology are driving down costs and increasing energy density, making electric cars more affordable and practical for the average consumer.
While electric cars generally have higher upfront costs compared to traditional vehicles, they offer significant savings in the long run. Electric cars have lower operating costs due to the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline, as well as reduced maintenance requirements. With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, electric cars are typically cheaper to maintain over their lifetime. Additionally, government incentives, tax credits, and rebates are often available to offset the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle.
One of the key reasons many consumers choose electric cars is their reduced environmental impact. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, electric cars help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. While the environmental benefits of electric cars depend on the source of electricity used for charging, transitioning to electric vehicles is seen as a crucial step towards a more sustainable transportation system.
The Future of Electric Cars
As technology continues to evolve and battery costs decline, the future of electric cars looks promising. Automakers are investing heavily in electric vehicle development, with many companies announcing plans to electrify their vehicle lineups in the coming years. The shift towards electric cars is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by advancements in autonomous driving technology, connectivity, and energy storage.
In conclusion, electric cars offer a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable transportation option for the future. With improvements in range, charging infrastructure, and battery technology, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly practical for everyday use. Whether you’re motivated by environmental concerns, cost savings, or the thrill of driving cutting-edge technology, electric cars are worth considering as your next vehicle purchase.


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Official death toll now five Despite claims by the State Government that adequate measures have been taken to contain the spread of dengue, the number of patients affected by the deadly disease is rising
This study is concerned with the Dhamra port site in Bhadrak district, near the mouth of the Dhamra river, and surrounding areas. The proposed port site is a unique habitat in that it has long stretches of inter-tidal mudflats from the site up till the river mouth. The inter-tidal zone is in some places as wide as two kilometers, and serves as an important breeding ground for
BHUBANESWAR: Forget about remote tribal pockets and Naxal-hit areas, this gram panchayat in Bhadrak district is going without power even after six decades of Independence.
Bhubaneswar: Three private companies have evinced interest to set up 2490-MW thermal power plants at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore in Bhdrakh districts, energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak informed the State Assembly here on Tuesday. Replying to a question during the Question Hour, he said that while L&T has decided to set up 1,680 MW capacity captive thermal power plant at Dhamra f

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text: In light of the rich and rewarding project that e_compass_rosa has started, I have been wondering how to articulate the weight that I carry around with me. The problem, to state it as plainly as I can, is that the weight I struggle with the most is a kind of weightlessness. To be sure, I have been carrying an awful lot in recent years. But what undoes me, time and time again, is the feeling that I have been removed from my own life like the fat that shoots up the tube during liposuction. Even the weight that I impose on others is cut out of the picture. Although I know the ostensible reasons for being "disappeared" in this manner, I still find myself being persuaded that I'm not really here. That shiver I used to get looking through photo albums in which I rarely appear, because I was taking the picture, has now become my primary response to the world.

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Colin Perkel The Canadian PressHillary Clinton speaks to an audience in Toronto promoting her new book "What Happened" on Thursday, September 28, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov CKL
TORONTO - Former American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told an appreciative crowd on Thursday that more women in politics is the way to overcome the sexism that pervades the political world, and that democracy is under assault.
The Democrat was in Toronto to promote her new best-selling memoir, "What Happened," in which she describes her stunning loss in last year's election to political newcomer, Republican Donald Trump, a man often criticized as a misogynist.
"The only way to get sexism out of politics is to get more women into politics," Clinton, 69, said. "I want more women in politics so our politics is more representative."
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Meagan Fitzpatrick Reporter
Hillary Clinton spoke to an audience in Toronto Thursday promoting her new book, What Happened. She said democracy is under assault around the world. (Christopher Katsarov/Canadian Press)
Hillary Clinton warned Canadians that "democracy is under attack" not just in the United States, but in Canada and around the world, and she told a Toronto audience Thursday night that she will do everything she can to fight against the forces trying to undermine it.
"Democracy is under attack everywhere. It's not only my country," Clinton told a packed hall of an estimated 5,500 at the Enercare Centre. She pledged to use her voice and platform to encourage people to get involved and help tackle the things that are challenging democracy in the U.S. and globally.
"I'm not going anywhere except right into the middle of the debates about our future," she told the sellout crowd.
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‘We are living through an all-out assault on truth and reason,’ Hillary Clinton warns Toronto audienceBy Victoria GibsonStaff ReporterHillary Clinton revved up an enthusiastic crowd of about 5,000 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto on Thursday, as she promoted her new memoir, What Happened. (Steve Russell / Toronto Star)
The event itself was tightly locked down. Men and women in black suits, many with telltale earpieces snaking up their necks, led media to a cordoned-off area and audience members to their places.
RCMP officers were embedded for Clinton’s protection, and maintained a low profile. Instead of their usual scarlet uniforms, they wore suits that blended easily with the crowd of about 5,000 — most of them women, who howled and applauded above Clinton’s comments, which ranged in topic from Donald Trump to HGTV.
After a musical opener warmed up the crowd, playing songs such as “Sway” and “Hold On,” Clinton’s appearance began with a set of opening remarks, which brought the crowd to their feet.
From the back of the room, one woman called out: “We love you!”
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After driving the 2008 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Corvette around the brick yard, Emo got bitten by the Corvette bug!
Yahoo’s UK sport site, “Eurosport” recently caught up with Fittipaldi and did a 60 second interview where they asked him questions like what’s your favorite food, favorite movie and other such bio info!
The question that got a surprise was about his driving habbits.
Eurosport writer Jonathan Symcox asked him, “What car do you drive?”
Fittapaldi answered, “Always a Mercedes. But I’ve just ordered the fastest car in the world. It’s amazing, the new Corvette. It costs over 100,000 dollars. It has amazing handling, amazing speed – they have made a car that would beat any Ferrari, any Lamborghini in the world. Test drive it in the future, and remember what I told you.”
Coming from a multiple time winner of the Indy 500, the Formula One World Championship, and too many other accomplishments to list here, that’s a pretty impressive endorsement!
You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!


Written by: Carlena Knight
It’s the ‘Clash of the Titans’ on Sunday at JSC Sports Complex as the top teams in division one of the ABBA league battle it out. The big guns will be out in full force ready to take the victory.
In the first clash starting at 6:30pm Flyers Basketball led by the reigning League MVP Keroi ‘Dragon’ Lee and national guard Kenya Achom will look to continue their winning streak as they face a hungry H.U. F Baldwin Braves led by national player Lennox ‘Termite’ McCoy who will be looking to redeem themselves after a blow out defeat at the hands of SaniPro Northside Stingerz on Thursday February 18.
While the only unbeaten team in the league and the reigning champions F&G Trading Cuties Ovals Ojays will battle SaniPro Northside Stingerz at 8:00pm. Stingerz, who is known to have a roster full of ammunition such as Chaz Samuel and the Davis brothers, debuted their secret weapon ‘the giant from Cuba’, Abraham Richardson Cruz on Thursday February 18.
The “Swarm” (Stingerz) will come into the game with a boost of confidence but the champions led by former national players Bryan ‘Hollywood’ Matthew and Marlon ‘Buju’ Charles are not phased by the new addition.
“Honeybees don’t come out at night and if they do we will exterminate them”, were the words spoken by teammate Adissa ‘Rass-I’ Harris.


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Molecular detection and genetic characteristics of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in Shaanxi Province, China
Parasites & Vectors volume 13, Article number: 366 (2020)
Several members of genus Babesia are important pathogens causing babesiosis in dogs. In China, at least five Babesia species have been described in dogs or ticks. This study sought to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of various Babesia spp. in dogs in cities in Shaanxi Province in China, including Xi’an and Hanzhong.
A total of 371 blood samples were collected from pet dogs presenting to veterinary clinics in the cities of Xi’an and Hanzhong in Shaanxi, China. Babesia spp. DNA was detected via amplification of partial 18S rRNA genes by semi-nested PCR. Almost full-length 18S rRNA, ITS, partial TRAP and complete cytb genes were recovered for analysis of the genetic characteristics and relationships with known isolates.
A single species, Babesia gibsoni, was identified in dogs in Xi’an and Hanzhong. Consistently, B. gibsoni was also detected in 14 ticks collected from positive dogs. Sequence similarities and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the isolates identified herein showed a closer genetic relationship with isolates from East Asian countries rather than India, Bangladesh, or the USA. Sequence analysis based on tandem repeat analysis of the TRAP gene further revealed that specific haplotypes were circulating in both Xi’an and Hanzhong, with no specific regionality. In addition, 10.9% of all isolates with atovaquone (ATV)-resistance were identified because of M121I mutation in the deduced cytb protein.
This study revealed a high prevalence rate of Babesia infection. Babesia gibsoni was the only Babesia species identified in cases of canine babesiosis in the cities of Xi’an and Hanzhong cities in Shaanxi, China. In addition, the TRAP gene presented high genetic diversity across isolates. Such information is useful for elucidating the epidemiological characteristics of canine babesiosis, as well as the overall genetic diversity of Babesia spp. circulating in dog populations in Shaanxi Province.
Babesiosis refers to a serious, worldwide, tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease caused by various Babesia spp. These Babesia spp. are classified as either large (3–5 μm) or small (1.5–2.5 μm) species based on their morphological size in erythrocytes . Several members of the genus Babesia have gained increased attention due to their clinical significance in both veterinary and human medicine . Canine babesiosis, a significant disease in dogs, is caused by at least seven validated Babesia species, including B. gibsoni, B. conradae, B. vulpes, B. vogeli, B. canis, B. rossi and B. caballi . In addition, several unclassified Babesia spp. have also been detected in dogs [4,5,6]. Of these, B. vogeli and B. gibsoni present the most widespread distribution. Babesia spp. mainly spread between dogs through tick bites, although other ways of transmission, including dog bites, blood transfusions, and transplacental transmission is possible [7,8,9].
The clinical signs of canine babesiosis are similar for infection with both small and large Babesia spp. and include pyrexia, anemia, jaundice, hemoglobinuria, splenomegaly and weakness [3, 10,11,12,13]. The severity of canine babesiosis varies from mild to serious illness, largely depending on the specific species of infecting parasite, and conditions of the affected dog, such as age, nutritional and immune status [10,11,12]. For example, B. rossi, a highly virulent species, is associated with higher mortality in infected dogs compared to other Babesia species due to various complications of infection, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ dysfunction .
In China, serological investigation and molecular surveys of Babesia spp. infection have shown the geographical circulation of B. gibsoni, B. caballi, B. canis, B. rossi and B. vogeli in dog populations. As the most prevalent Babesia species, B. gibsoni is responsible for canine babesiosis in the central, southern and eastern regions of China, as well as Taiwan [15,16,17,18,19,20]. Babesia vogeli has been identified in dogs in Gansu, Jiangxi, Guangdong and Hunan provinces [21, 22] and in ticks in Henan . Babesia canis has been reported in dogs in Henan  and various 18S rRNA gene sequences of B. canis have been identified in dogs and ticks in Hunan and Qinghai provinces, respectively. Babesia rossi isolated identified in dogs in Hunan are further available in the GenBank database. Babesia caballi has been detected in ticks in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Jilin Province, as well as in horses (rather than dogs) in Gansu Province [25, 26]. Importantly, as a zoonotic agent, B. caballi has also been detected in one human blood sample (GenBank: KJ715182).
To date, no information is available regarding the prevalence of babesiosis in dogs in Shaanxi Province in China. To better understand the prevalence of various Babesia spp. in dogs, blood samples were collected in the cities of Xi’an and Hanzhong to characterize the prevalence and genetic diversity of Babesia spp. infections in dogs in Shaanxi Province.
Collection of canine blood samples and ticks
Xi’an city is located in the middle of the Guanzhong Plain with the Qinling Mountains to the south, and its average elevation is 400 meters above sea level. Xi’an is characterized by a semi-moist monsoon climate with a clear distinction between the four seasons, and the annual average temperature is approximately 13 °C. Hanzhong city is located in the Hanjiang River basin with the Qinling Mountains to the north, and its average elevation is 550 meters above sea level. Hanzhong is characterized by a subtropical moist monsoon climate, with the annual average temperature of approximately 14 °C. From 2017 to 2018, EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood samples were aseptically collected from 371 pet dogs at four veterinary clinics located in urban areas, including two in Xi’an city and two in Hanzhong city in Shaanxi Province, China (Fig. 1). Among these, 260 (144 from Hanzhong and 116 from Xi’an) whole blood samples were collected from dogs suspected of having babesiosis that presented with at least two of the following clinical signs: fever; jaundice; anemia; thrombocytopenia; or hemoglobinuria. Moreover, all babesiosis-suspected dogs had a history of outdoor activities in the field and tick bites based on their owners’ statements. Additionally, 111 apparently healthy dogs (64 from Xi’an and 47 from Hanzhong) attended for prophylactic procedures were randomly selected, none of which presented with any of the above-mentioned clinical signs based on their owners’ statements. Furthermore, 15 adult and 2 nymphal ticks were collected from 9 babesiosis-suspected dogs. The tick species were first identified morphologically , and then further confirmed by analysis of the 710 bp cox1 gene .
DNA extraction and detection of Babesia
Total DNA was extracted from canine blood samples using an E.Z.N.A.® Blood DNA Kit (Omega, Norcross, GA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Meanwhile, total DNA was also extracted individually from all ticks using the E.Z.N.A.® Tissue DNA Kit (Omega) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Babesia spp. DNA was detected using primers targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Primary primer sets BS1 and PiroC, and secondary PiroA and PiroC, were used to amplify a 352-bp 18S rRNA gene fragment (Table 1).
Amplification of nearly complete 18S rRNA gene, ITS region, partial TRAP gene and complete cytb gene
A nearly complete 18S rRNA gene, ITS region, partial thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) gene and complete cytb gene were recovered from positive samples to investigate the genetic relationships among Babesia species. All the primer sequences were shown in Table 1 in detail. The nearly full length 18S rRNA gene and the ITS region were amplified using the primer pairs P1/P2 and ITSF/ITS2, respectively, as previously described . The 1100 bp TRAP gene was amplified by nested PCR using external primer set BgTRAPtF1 and BgTRAPtR1 and internal primer set BgTRAPtF2 and BgTRAPtR2 .
The complete cytb gene was amplified with primer set Bgcytb-F and Bgcytb-R designed in-house based on the conserved regions of cytb gene sequences of the genus Babesia available in the GenBank database. PCR was performed in a 50 μl volume including 25 μl Premix Taq (Takara), 3μl extracted total DNA as a template, 2 μl of each primer (10 pmol) and 18 μl water. The PCR cycling condition comprised an initial denaturation at 94 °C for 5 min, followed by 35 cycles denaturation at 94 °C for 40 s, annealing at 50 °C for 40 s, and elongation at 72 °C for 1 min, with a final extension step at 72 °C for 7 min.
Cloning and sequencing of PCR products
All PCR amplicons were electrophoresed in 1.0% agarose gels, and those with expected size were purified using a Gel Extraction kit (TaKaRa). Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences were subjected to sequencing in both directions using an Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer with a BigDye v3.1 Terminator cycle sequencing kit (Applied Biosystems Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA). The purified PCR products were cloned into pMD19-T vector (TaKaRa, Dalian, China), and then the recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α competent cells. Positive clones were identified by PCR and at least 3 positive clones were sequenced for each PCR product to determine a consensus sequence.
Sequence and phylogenetic analyses
DNA sequences of the 18S rRNA, ITS, TRAP and cytb genes recovered from positive samples were assembled and edited using the Lasergene program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, WI, USA). The obtained sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis against the GenBank database. The nucleotide identity was calculated using the ClustalW method implemented in Lasergene. The alignment among the new sequences obtained here and the reference sequences retrieved from GenBank was conducted using MAFFT (version 7) . The optimal nucleotide substitution model, GTR+Γ+I, was determined using jModeltest 0.1 . Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method based on the four above-mentioned 4 gene sequences using MEGA7 , with 1000 replications for bootstrap test.
Tandem repeat analysis of TRAP gene fragments
Tandem Repeats Finder (version 4.09; http://tandem.bu.edu/trf/trf.html), a program for the detection of tandem repeats (TR) in a DNA sequence, was used to find out the location and to display TR DNA sequences in TRAP gene fragments, as previously described [34, 35].
Detection and identification of Babesia spp
Of the 260 babesiosis-suspected dogs, PCR products with expected size were successfully amplified from 73 and 94 samples collected in Xi’an and Hanzhong, respectively. Sequencing and further BLAST analysis showed that all sequences had the highest nucleotide identity with sequences of B. gibsoni (more than 99.0%), suggesting B. gibsoni infection in all babesiosis-suspected dogs. The overall prevalence of B. gibsoni in babesiosis-suspected dogs was 64.2% (62.9% in Xi’an and 65.3% in Hanzhong, respectively; Table 2). Meanwhile, B. gibsoni was also detected in 4.7% and 10.6% of healthy dog samples collected in Xi’an (3/64) and Hanzhong (5/47), respectively, with an overall infection rate of 7.2% in healthy dogs. The positive rates of B. gibsoni infection in relation to season, age, sex, and breed of dogs are shown in Table 3.
All the infested ticks were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis based on their morphological characters and the position of their cox1 gene sequences in the phylogenetic tree (Additional file 1: Figure S1). Consistent with the finding that 8 out of 9 dogs infested with ticks tested positive for B. gibsoni, 14 ticks collected from these 8 dogs also tested positive. In contrast, 3 other ticks sampled from a single B. gibsoni-negative dog also tested negative.
Genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS region
Nearly full-length 18S rRNA gene sequences of B. gibsoni obtained from all positive samples (MN928814-MN928833) shared 99.3–100% nucleotide identity with each other, as well as a high identity of 99.0–100% with known 18S rRNA gene sequences. They specifically showed 100% nucleotide identity with Shikoku 1 (GenBank: AB478329), Aomori (GenBank: AB118032), and Okinawa (GenBank: AB478328) from Japan, Jeju 4 (GenBank: AB478323) from South Korea and TWN5 (GenBank: JQ710685) from Taiwan. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences recovered from tick samples were identical to those obtained from the positive canine blood samples. The 1100 bp ITS sequences recovered from all the positive samples (MN928834-MN928851) were also closely related, with less than 0.2% divergence from each other, and less than 1% divergence from known ITS sequences.
Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed based on representative 18S rRNA and ITS sequences (only 1 of the sequences with 100% identity was included from each city, except XABg43 and XABg35) using the ML method. Both 18S rRNA (> 1200 bp) and ITS (> 900 bp) sequences deposited on GenBank and those determined in the present study were used to perform phylogenetic analysis. The 18S rRNA tree was low-resolution since it was highly conserved among different variants of B. gibsoni. Generally, all 18S rRNA sequences were divided into two clades, albeit not well supported (Fig. 2). Three isolates recovered in this study were located in the first clade, including two (XABg43 and XABg35) clustering with those from Nanjing, Taiwan, Japan and the USA, and one (XABg8) clustered with those from Taiwan and Japan. All others were located in another clade and had a close phylogenetic relationship with canine isolates detected in Wuhan and Japan. In addition, the representative ITS sequences (only one of the sequences with 100% identity was included) in this study clustered together and had a closer phylogenetic relationship with sequences isolated from dogs in Wuhan and Taiwan, rather than India and the USA (Fig. 3).
Genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of the TRAP gene
The TRAP gene (1100 bp) fragment was recovered from all B. gibsoni isolates; all sequences (MN928852-MN928879) presented 98.4–100% nucleotide identity and 95.6–100% amino acid identity with each other. When compared with known TRAP sequences of B. gibsoni, they showed 86.8–99.8% nucleotide identity and 73.3–100% amino acid identity. Sequence comparison of TRAP sequences between those obtained here and other known relevant complete sequences showed that amino acid residues between 265 and 431 of the TRAP protein, including both partial von Willebrand Factor-like A (vWF-like A) and thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domains, were well-conserved (Additional file 2: Figure S2). Amino acid mutations primarily occurred after the TSR domain, and a large fragment deletion was observed at position 449–495, similar to isolates Kansai 59 (GenBank: KR013043), BgTRAP-Shikoku 2 (GenBank: AB478349), BgTRAP-Houshu 1 (GenBank: AB478341), BgTRAP-Houshu 2 (GenBank: AB478342), BgTRAP-Jeju 1 (GenBank: AB478343) and TWN6 (GenBank: JN247443). Amino acid mutations occurred in the transmembrane region of 7 sequences, mainly from Val (V) to Glu (E) and Tyr (Y) to Asp (D).
Comparative analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed the presence of 9 different haplotypes of TRAP based on tandem repeat analysis. More specifically, haplotypes 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7, 8, and 9 had the same insertion/deletion pattern after the TSR region, respectively (Fig. 4). In both cities, all of these haplotypes were identified, with haplotypes 3 and 5 being the predominant ones. In addition to 59 isolates identified in this study, haplotype 5 also included BgTRAP-Jeju 1 (GenBank: AB478343) from South Korea and TWN6 (GenBank: JN247443) from Taiwan (Fig. 4). Although no tandem repeats were found in the consensus patterns, haplotype 1 identified in this study presented different insertion/deletion patterns compared to several other East Asian isolates from Japan, Korea and Taiwan (Fig. 4). TR analysis of the partial TRAP gene revealed 0 to 5 repeats in Xi’an and Hanzhong isolates (Table 4). Four consensus patterns (GGA GGA, GAG GAA GAG GAA, GGA GGA GGA GGA AGA GGA AGA and GCG GAG GAA GAG GAA GAG GAA GAG GAG) were common to most isolates found in Shaanxi Province, China.
The representatives (only one of the sequences with 100% identity was included in each city) of partial TRAP gene fragments were used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree using the ML method. The results revealed that all B. gibsoni isolates were classified into two well-supported clusters (Fig. 5). The isolates identified in this study, as well as those from Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan formed the first cluster, and those identified in India and Bangladesh formed the second cluster. In the first cluster, the Shaanxi isolates had the closest relationship with BgTRAP-Jeju 1, BgTRAP-Houshu 1, BgTRAP-Houshu 2, BgTRAP-Shikoku 2, Kansai 59 and TWN6, followed by other Asian B. gibsoni isolates, including Taiwan, South Korea and Japan; they were more distantly related to isolates from India and Bangladesh.
Genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of the cytb gene
One hundred and seventy-five full length cytb gene sequences were obtained from B. gibsoni-positive samples (MN928880 to MN928897), which presented 99.5–100% nucleotide identity and 99.2–100% amino acid identity with each other. In addition, these sequences also shared 99.0–100% nucleotide and 99.2–100% amino acid identity with known cytb gene sequences of B. gibsoni, especially WH58 (GenBank: KP666169) from the city of Wuhan in China. Comparative analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that amino acid residue Ile at position 121 was present in 19 isolates (19/175, 10.9%), which is responsible for the atovaquone (ATV)-resistant phenotype confirmed in previous studies [36, 37]. However, Ile and Val were not identified at positions 220 and 303, respectively, which have also been associated with ATV-resistance.
Consistent with the nucleotide identity analysis, the representative cytb gene sequences (only one of the sequences with 100% identity was included in each city) of B. gibsoni, including these determined in the present study, demonstrated a close phylogenetic relationship with each other due to shorter genetic distances shared among them (Fig. 6). Generally, the cytb gene sequences recovered in this study had the closest relationship with isolate WH58 (GenBank: KP666169) from Wuhan, China, rather than other isolates from Japan.
Tick-borne Babesia spp. infections in dogs continue to increase worldwide, primarily in many developing countries but also in several developed countries. Previous epidemiological studies regarding Babesia infection in dogs and ticks demonstrated that four species of Babesia were circulating in China, and B. gibsoni was the predominant pathogen causing babesiosis in the central, southern and eastern regions of China [18,19,20, 22, 23, 38]. However, little information concerning the epidemiology of Babesia spp. in dogs in Shaanxi has been available. The results of an investigation of the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ten provinces of China showed that no B. gibsoni DNA was detected in 56 canine blood samples collected from Yangling in Shaanxi Province . Nevertheless, another study reported the presence of B. gibsoni by detecting antibodies specific against the TRAP protein, with a positive rate of 8.33% in Xi’an in Shaanxi Province . In the present study, molecular epidemiological analysis of Babesia infection in dogs was performed in Xi’an and Hanzhong, two cities in Shaanxi Province. The results suggest that B. gibsoni is the only Babesia species infecting all positive samples, as well as ticks collected from dogs positive for B. gibsoni infection. Taken together, these data indicate that the B. gibsoni parasite is widely distributed in China, although further investigations are warranted.
In the present study, the prevalence rate of B. gibsoni infection in babesiosis-suspected dogs was 64.2% in Xi’an and Hanzhong. Interestingly, 7.2% of healthy dogs were also positive for B. gibsoni, consistent with a prior report of B. vogeli infection in healthy pet dogs in Shenzhen, China . These results suggest that both Xi’an and Hanzhong are severely affected by B. gibsoni. In terms of season and age of dogs, our results were consistent with those reported from India  and Australia , although they are in contrast to those from Jiangxi Province in China . In this study, babesiosis-suspected cases were confirmed by detecting the DNA of various Babesia spp., strengthening the reliability of the prevalence rate identified for B. gibsoni in different season, age, sex and breed of dogs, as cases initially presenting with babesiosis-like symptoms may be infected by other known pathogens, such as Rickettsiales, Hepatozoon spp., Theileria spp., Dirofilaria spp., and Leishmania spp. [43,44,45,46,47], as well as unknown pathogens, and even non-infectious factors.
Similarity and phylogenetic analyses revealed that 18S rRNA and ITS genes of B. gibsoni isolates identified in this study were highly conserved, and shared a closer relationship with those identified in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and other parts of China, and were more distantly related to those in India, Bangladesh and the USA [30, 48], suggesting that geographic clustering pattern exists to a certain extent. Phylogenetic and similarity analyses based on the TRAP gene revealed a high genetic diversity of B. gibsoni isolates identified in this study, which may suggest that having a diverse TRAP protein may be favorable for pathogens to escape the host immune system . All the isolates identified in this study were generally more closely related to each other and those detected in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and other parts of China, while they were more distant to those in India, Bangladesh and the USA. Similarity and phylogenetic analyses based on the cytb gene suggest that B. gibsoni isolates determined in this study were closely related to those previously identified from Japan, although they formed two lineages based on regionality.
The TRAP gene is one of the more highly immunogenic proteins in B. gibsoni and possesses function in the parasite’s motility and invasion of red blood cells [50, 51]. This protein contains three domains: a vWF-like A domain; a TSR domain; and a short acidic cytoplasmic tail domain (CTD) [50, 51]. Consistent with previous studies, the vWF-like A and TSR domains were conserved in all isolates identified in this study, which have been used to develop a serological diagnostic assay and a vaccine candidate [52, 53]. However, regions between the TSR and the CTD present high genetic polymorphisms, including a large fragment deletion, which are suitable for genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of different B. gibsoni isolates [17, 54]. Moreover, amino acid mutations in the transmembrane region of 11 sequences were identified that have not been reported in previous studies, and the mechanism(s) by which these amino acid mutations may affect the function of TRAP protein require further investigation. TR analysis identified nine different haplotypes circulating in Xi’an and Hanzhong; all haplotypes were detected in both cities, suggesting no specific distribution pattern although Xi’an and Hanzhong are located on the north and south sides of the Qinling Mountains, respectively.
To our knowledge, few studies have focused on analyzing the cytb gene of Babesia. However, the cytb gene of B. gibsoni has gained increasing attention because amino acid residue Ile at position 121 has been associated with an ATV-resistant phenotype [36, 37]. To date, only one cytb sequence of B. gibsoni identified from China has been available in the GenBank database. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first report concerning an AA substitution in the cytb gene of B. gibsoni related to ATV-resistance. Our results showed that M121I was observed in the deduced amino acid sequences recovered from canine blood samples in both Xi’an and Hanzhong, revealing that B. gibsoni with ATV-resistance has been naturally circulating in China. In the present study, its prevalence reached 10.9%, which is higher than it in Japan . Interestingly, AA mutations V220I or I303V, which may also be linked to the ATV-resistance , were not identified in this study.
Our findings indicate that B. gibsoni is the causative agent responsible of canine babesiosis in Xi’an and Hanzhong cities in the Shaanxi Province of China. Its high prevalence rate reveals a possibly serious epidemic in local dog populations. In addition, substantial great genetic diversity was observed based on analysis of the partial TRAP gene, and an AA mutation associated with ATV-resistance was confirmed.
Availability of data and materials
Data supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article and its additional files. The 18S rRNA, ITS, TRAP and cytb gene sequences generated in this study for phylogenetic analysis were submitted to the GenBank database under the accession numbers MN928814-MN928897.
polymerase chain reaction
- TRAP :
thrombospondin-related adhesive protein
- vWF-like A:
von Willebrand Factor-like A
a thrombospondin type I repeat
cytoplasmic tail domain
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This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31700159 and 81702008), Scientific Research Foundation for High-level Talents of Chengde Medical University (202001) and Key discipline construction of colleges and universities in Hebei Province (Ji Jiao Gao No. 4).
Ethics approval and consent to participate
All blood samples were collected under the permission from the owners of the pet dogs, and performed according to Guidance for Experimental Animal Welfare and Ethical Treatment by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (http://www.most.gov.cn/fggw/zfwj/zfwj2006/200609/t20060930_54389.htm). This study was approved by the Scientific Ethic Committee of Chengde Medical University (number 2017020).
Consent for publication
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Phylogenetic tree based on cox1 gene sequences of ticks. Numbers at each node indicate bootstrap values (only numbers > 70 are shown). The tree was mid-point rooted for clarity and the scale-bar represents the number of nucleotide substitutions per site. Representative strains herein were used to reconstruct the tree and marked by circles.
Alignment of the representative TRAP amino acid sequences between partial vWF-like A and TSR regions in each haplotype identified in this study and others in the GenBank database. Partial vWF-like A and TSR regions were indicated by red and blue color, respectively.
About this article
Cite this article
Guo, WP., Xie, GC., Li, D. et al. Molecular detection and genetic characteristics of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in Shaanxi Province, China. Parasites Vectors 13, 366 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04232-w
- B. gibsoni
- 18S rRNA
- Genetic characteristic
- Phylogenetic analysis

domain: medical


text:
Popular Nigerian singer and dancer, Korra Obidi has taken to social media to share her daughter’s reaction after she asked her if she wanted a stepdad.
This is coming one year after her messy split with estranged husband, Justin Dean.
The single mother of two, who has a law restricting her from displaying her kids’ faces on social media, shared her daughter, June’s response after she asked her whether she would like her to return to the dating pool and get her a stepdad.
The little girl, however, expressed that she doesn’t want another daddy except her biological dad.
June said that she loves her and her father and would like them back together again.
Korra vehemently rejected this, saying that it will never work.
See Video Below;

domain: sociology


text:
Crew Health Advice: Musculoskeletal Disorders
The UK Club's Crew Health team have partnered with Red Square Medical to supply this critical advice on musculoskeletal disorders to Seafarers.
Musculoskeletal disorders is a term used when a person suffers from an injury or a repetitive activity that affects the body’s structural support system that allows for movement. The full advice is available to download below.
For more information about our crew health advice articles please contact our Crew Health Programme Director Sophia Bullard (firstname.lastname@example.org) who will be pleased to assist you.
UKPI Crew Health Musculoskeletal Disorders Digital 561 KB
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På den första konserten som Roger Daltrey och Pete Townshend genomförde efter att John Entwistle dött rullade några i publiken upp en banderoll med texten Who’s Next?
Jag kommer att tänka på denna anekdot när jag hör att Yes förste gitarrist Peter Banks gått bort. Dödsbuden duggar tätt nu för tiden.
Pete Banks spelade på Yes första album ”Yes” och ”Time and a word”, och han gjorde det bra. Han blev 65 år gammal.
Yes guitarist Peter Banks dies at 65. Banks has been described s one of "architects of progressive music".
Peter Banks, the original guitarist of British progressive rock band Yes, has died aged 65. He played on two albums with the group before pursuing his own band Flash and a solo career which included a guest spot on Lionel Richie's hit "Hello". Prog magazine editor Jerry Ewing said: "He's very much part of the history and the legacy of progressive rock."
Banks died on 8 March from heart failure. He was found at his home after not turning up to a recording studio. He was working on a live Flash album called Flash - In Public. A post on his official website read: "It's with great sadness to have to report the death of Peter Banks. He died in his London home on March 8, 2013. Thanks for all the music Peter!"
The band, Yes, are a passion of radio broadcaster and former NME journalist Danny Baker. Mr. Ewing told the BBC: "It's very, very sad. When someone like Danny Baker calls you 'the architect of progressive music', it means something. Something like that rams home quite how important Peter Banks was to progressive music."
Although Banks was in Yes for just a couple of years, Mr. Ewing said he was very much part of a wider movement.
"Peter was in Yes when they were formulating what would become their classic sound, and they were as much a figurehead of progressive rock in its classic era as the likes of Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Jethro Tull," he said. "He was part of a group of musicians who didn't break rules but they acted like there weren't any rules for themselves, so it was a fascinating time for these guys to be making music."
In 1969, Yes recorded their eponymous debut album, to be followed by "Time And A Word", on which his band mates Jon Anderson and Chris Squire wanted the backing of an orchestra. It caused some eruptions within the group and after the record came out, he was asked to leave, along with keyboardist Tony Kaye, while there was less for them to do.
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Former Yes member Billy Sherwood has paid tribute: "I loved working with Peter on the many records I have produced over the years," he said. "He always delivered amazing stuff, creative, inspired, and always with that classic original Yes flavour that came with his playing. He will be missed by me and many, many other fans of his music and playing."
As for his legacy, Mr. Ewing concluded: "He's always going to be remembered for Yes and being the original guitar player as they found their feet and they developed that progressive rock sound.
A message from Rick Wakeman:
It has been the most awful year so far as regards losing so many wonderful musicians and friends. It seems hardly a day goes by without hearing news of another loss.
I heard of Peter's passing through my good friend Nic Caciappo in America and I am grateful to him for letting me know. Sadly, his passing was not reported in the UK by the national media which saddens me greatly as Peter contributed much to many genres of music and indeed played an enormous part whilst treading the early YES path. His work on Time and a Word was innovative and distinctive.
After leaving YES he deserved more recognition than he got, but still went on to produce some great music. I had the pleasure of joining him on my son Oliver's album Jabberwocky although my role was the speaking part!
If you've yet to discover his solo work, then do so at your earliest convenience. I'll be digging out my Flash album this weekend for sure.
Peter's passing has left a gap, but his music will continue to fill it.
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"He will be missed...
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Keith Price has never been much for excuses.
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Colorado may have 18 ballot measures on the ballot this year, which would be a record for the state. As the Denver Post notes, normally the ...
Colorado may have 18 ballot measures on the ballot this year, which would be a record for the state. As the Denver Post notes, normally the more ballot measures you have, the less likely they are to pass:
Competing campaigns flush with cash mean one thing for voters: A glut of advertising, said Denver political analyst Floyd Ciruli.
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So many proposals on one ballot could also work against all of them, said Ciruli and other analysts, who point out that an overwhelmed voter is more likely to vote "no" straight down the line.
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For comparison, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is equipped with the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ silicon, which, according to Mobvoi, can last up to 72 hours on a single charge with Smart Mode turned on. So, if the Snapdragon W5+ is as efficient as Qualcomm claims, in addition to its better performance, the next TicWatch, should also have a longer battery life.
Thanks to a Reddit user, we also know that the upcoming TicWatch will most likely have an IP68 resistance rating, new IHB/AFib detection — the feature that looks for any irregularities in your pulse — and new mental fatigue assessments. From the Redditor, it doesn’t become clear which version of Wear OS the upcoming TicWatch will run. However, since it’s a new device, we presume that the next TicWatch will come with Wear OS 3.
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Crucial negative pressure test, on BP blowout well, taking place before our eyes.
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De'jà vu for the 20th of May 2010
On the 14th of July 2010, I wrote for OPED News the following paragraph:
"Mark Hafle, BP's senior drilling engineer testified to the MMS on May 28, 2010 that the well had lost integrity and that thousands of barrels of mud had been lost down this well during drilling. This meant that the formation integrity had blown out. Reports at the hearings in May also indicated that the LOW positive pressure tests on the day of the blowout on April 20, 2010 had passed but the negative pressure tests had failed, so the well was not properly sealed. This happened within a few hours of the blowout.
The cement-casing structure is compromised. The well had ballooned out and the formation had blown out, long before the blowout occurred."
What is a positive pressure test?
That is where the drilling contractor and roughnecks pump drilling mud into the well. This drilling mud fills the hole and by the mud's density, keeps the oil and gas from the blown out formation from being able to enter into the well. The density of the mud (mudweight) exceeded the pressure of the oil and gas and there appeared to be no loss of mud into the formation, or they said there was no loss or they were not monitoring the loss correctly. That test was successful on the day of the blowout. So if you finely balance the pressure of oil and gas coming in against the pressure of drilling mud you are pumping in you get a Static Kill (no movement). On the 4th of August 2010 their static kill was achieved at 13.2 pounds per gallon mudweight. No movement either in or out of oil or mud. If you were to increase the mud density in order to increase the pressure, above the 13.2 pounds per gallon (0.694 pounds per square inch per linear foot increase with depth) or 12742 psi at the bottom of the well (18360 feet), the drilling mud would flow out the well into the formation.
So just before the static kill began, we know that their pressure gauges were reading about 7000 psi. Where is the missing pressure of 5742 psi going? It is not entering the well. It was not measured by their pressure gauges.
A negative pressure test is when you remove the drilling mud and replace it with air or water.
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Goole green light for Beal Homes
East Riding Council has approved 600 further homes at the £210m Greenways, the firm’s largest project to date.
The Greenways in Goole will ultimately comprise 806 properties. Completion of a third building phase in summer took the homes completed to 200, 180 of which have now been sold.
Set to be the largest housing scheme in the East Yorkshire town for decades, the remaining 600 homes will be built out across a 73-acre site off Rawcliffe Road.
As must all local authorities, East Riding is looking to marry up business investment with housing, and the approval comes amid a set of encouraging developments.
Siemens Mobility is delivering a £200m-plus rail industry hub, while Croda is to develop a worldwide distribution centre. Humber Freeport’s application for a tax site in Goole was lodged with central government earlier this month.
Beal chief executive Richard Beal said: “We identified the rich potential of Goole many years ago now, as well as a pent-up demand for high-quality new homes in the town.
“The strong sales we have achieved and the continuing high demand we are seeing at The Greenways has justified our confidence.
“We’re now pleased to have secured full planning permission to continue our long-term investment and the critical contribution we’re making to Goole’s remarkable rejuvenation.”
The homes will be two-, three-, and four-bedroom.
Beal land director Chris Murphy said: “The Greenways has transformed the quality and variety of housing in Goole, providing luxury, contemporary homes for local residents as well as attracting new people to the town.
“As the largest single development in our company’s history, securing full planning permission for the remainder of The Greenways marks another significant milestone in our delivery of this long-term scheme.
“It builds on our proud history of delivering high-quality developments that enhance local communities, provide desirable places to live, and support economic growth.”
Richard Beal serves as a member of the Goole Town Deal Board which is directing £25m of investment into the town’s infrastructure and facilities from the government’s Towns Fund. The firm is also supporting a tennis coaching project in the area.


'Maybe We Were Victims': Heather Morris Addresses Former 'Glee' Costar Lea Michele's Alleged Bullying Behavior On Set
Heather Morris is reflecting on Lea Michele's past behavior on the Glee set following allegations that the Broadway star mistreated her costars.
Morris previously spoke out against Michele after costar Samantha Ware — who played Jane Hayward on Glee in 2015 — claimed last summer that the actress made her life a "living hell" on set of the musical series. At the time, Michele apologized in a statement, admitting she "clearly acted in ways which hurt people." She insisted she will "be better in the future from this experience."
After Michele's June 2020 statement, Morris chimed in, recalling that Michele was "very much so" unpleasant to work with. "for Lea to treat others with the disrespect that she did for as long as she did, I believe she SHOULD be called out," the Spring Breakers actress wrote on Twitter.
The 34-year-old candidly added that she and her costars are also to blame for not standing up for themselves. "it's also on us because to allow it to go on for so long without speaking out is something else we're learning along with the rest of society," she concluded.
During Morris' appearance on Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino this week, she was asked to expand on her previous comments. The blonde beauty told the host that she received backlash for her statement about Michele at the time because "people were like, 'This is so f**king cryptic. Why don't you just go out and say it?'"
However, Morris decided to bite her tongue and not directly address the situation because Michele, also 34, was pregnant while dealing with all of this drama, she said. As OK! reported, Michele and husband Zandy Reich welcomed her first baby, son Ever Leo, in August.
- Lea Michele Reveals She Could Have Used 'A Little Softening' After The Singer Was Called Out For Allegedly 'Bullying' Cast Members On 'Glee'
- Mischa Barton Accused Of Being A 'Nightmare' On Set Of 'The O.C.' Following The Star's Claim She Was Bullied Behind The Scenes Of The Teen Drama
- Shocker: Lea Michele Refuses To Take Blame For 'Glee' Bullying Scandal, Blames 'Privileged Position' For Being 'Perceived As Insensitive'
While reflecting on why she stayed silent during her time on the show, Morris admitted: "I don't know if maybe we were victims of bullying and that's a typical victim thing to do, is to blame yourself, which people were saying."
"The only person who was honest about it was Naya," Morris added of the late Naya Rivera, who tragically drowned last July and had a long-running feud with Michele while filming. Rivera previously alleged in her 2016 Sorry Not Sorry book that her costar "didn’t like sharing the spotlight." She also claimed Michele "started to ignore me, and eventually it got to the point where she didn’t say a word to me for all of season 6."
Morris said she felt it wasn't her place to speak out about Michele's alleged toxic behavior back then. "It was something that was very hush-hush on set, and now you see all these things coming out with these bigger names who were very disrespectful and mistreated a lot of people," Morris said.
Looking back, Morris said she and her costars could have spoken out and put an end to Michele's alleged bullying. "We absolutely could have stepped up and gone to the Fox execs and said how we felt about the situation, but no one did. … I think many people were very scared," she confessed. "I don't know why — because I was a cast member just like everybody else. We all deserve to feel comfortable on a set."
And while Morris hasn't spoken to her controversial former costar since she issued her apology, Morris said she will "always wish her the best of luck."
Michele hasn't addressed the allegations since last summer, but a source dished that the mother-of-one felt her cast mates had a "lack of respect" for their beloved show.
"She has a type-A perfectionist personality and felt constantly tested by the constant partying on set, especially after Cory Monteith's death," said the source, referring to the late actor's death from a 2013 accidental overdose. "It became intolerable for Lea and contributed to her behavior."


Joakim Noah controlled a throw-in amidst some spirited defense from the world team and scored to give the U.S. an 8-7 lead. The celebration was pure Noah. What would LeBron look like playing soccer? Similar to that. [Video via The Score]
John Elway planted a “FOR SALE” sign in the Denver Broncos’ No. 5 overall selection.
Rod Rosenstein told Donald Trump he wasn’t a target of the Cohen probe … New York Rangers were willing to part with (…)
Is Dez Bryant going to the New York Giants?
Two wrongs and eventually a right.
PM Roundup: Miranda Kerr; Brock Lesnar's New Contract Details; Lance Armstrong Settles Fraud Lawsuit
Miranda Kerr, Brock Lesnar’s new contract details, Lance Armstrong settles fraud l lawsuit and more.
Totally reinventing themselves.


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The famed cherry blossoms are at their peak and gilding the Tidal Basin, Easter was cold, and the yearning for spring continues with plenty of new eateries opening and other kinds of potent potables on offer across the District. You can sample food truck fare, Champagne, tequila and mezcal, and Napa Valley wines, so you should be in a jocular mood, even if the weather will not cooperate.
Cava Grill to Open in Dupont Circle
If you live in Dupont Circle, and have been waiting for Cava Grill to open a new location, your wishes have come true. On Friday, April 1, Cava Grill will open its 15th location at 1222 Connecticut Avenue NW, on the south side of the circle. To celebrate, the restaurant is hosting a Community Day and offering free grain bowls, salads, and pitas, on Friday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In return, customers are encouraged to donate to Cava’s local non-profit partner, City Blossoms, which champions healthy eating through garden-based learning in the DC community. The Dupont restaurant is proud to partner with other local food producers Whisked!, Gordy's Pickle Jar, and Running Byrd Tea, and will also feature online ordering with a dedicated space for pickups so customers can dash in and out quickly.
Crosby Roamann Wine Dinner at Café Dupont
Lovers of Napa Valley wines don’t often get to meet the winemakers, even at gourmet dinners, but next Tuesday, April 5, Washingtonians can meet Juliana McBride, one of the founders of famed Napa Valley winery Crosby Roamann. She will be at Café Dupont that night for a four-course dinner featuring her wines. The dinner starts at 7 p.m., is $70 per person (plus tax & gratuity), and you can make reservations online through OpenTable.
DMV Food Truck Association Hosts OK@Okie: An Indoor Food Truck Event
On Saturday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the DMV Food Truck Association is hosting the nation’s first indoor food truck market at the Hecht Warehouse District, in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington. The event is free and open to the public. Ok@Okie is designed to showcase the local food truck scene. You can sample their fare and enjoy a craft beer garden, outdoor sporting activities, live music, and a craft market.
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana Hosts Ninth Annual Tequila & Mezcal Festival
Fans of award-winning chef José Andrés’ Mexican restaurant, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, now have another reason to visit: the annual Tequila & Mezcal Festival that runs from March 21 to April 3. During the festival, you can attend free tastings in the butterfly bar and reserve a spot at exclusive pairing dinners that will help you learn about these elusive but elegant spirits. The free tastings are hosted Monday, March 28 when you can sample Vago Mezcal and Siembra Spirits from 4 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, March 29 is 123 Organic Tequila from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Wednesday, March 30, Tequila Ocho is the star from 4 to 6 p.m. During the festival, you can also attend special spirit and pairing dinners and meet celebrated distillers and brand ambassadors while drinking and dining like royalty. Each dinner includes five courses along with complementary spirit pairings for $75 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Just be sure to reserve a spot by email because these reservations are popular.
Ruth's Chris Hosts Veuve Clicquot Champagne Dinners
Ruth Fertel, the Louisiana businessperson who founded Ruth’s Chris Steakhouses, was a woman who enjoyed a good celebration and a good glass of bubbly. In her honor, several restaurants in D.C. and Virginia are hosting the very popular five-course Veuve Clicquot dinner over two nights, Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. For $120 per person, you can sip Veuve Clicquot’s Vintage 2004, Yellow Label, and Rosé paired with lobster and corn chowder, petite filet mignon with Roquefort butter, and for dessert a lemon curd tart. Come learn about this incredible Champagne and celebrate the way Ruth would have preferred.

domain: food


The screw-on muzzle brake reduces recoil and muzzle flash as well as preventing muzzle lift. The recoil felt is reduced by 35% to 50%.
The muzzle thread for the Dual Brake can be retrofitted.
The clever design includes forward main ports with rearward thrust direction to vastly reduce recoil. Behind these are smaller radial ports that create a gas screen to reduce the shock wave effect on the shooter.
*Please note: Muzzle brakes increase the report produced by the shot considerably. The use of hearing protection and safety glasses is vital! Dual Brake are only possible with single-barrel rifles.
Maximum caliber .375


Dr. iRack steps out of the desert and into the beltway for a moment. For those of you tracking the retired-Generals-as-"message force multipliers" story, the NYT reports that, largely as a consequence of the controversial NYT story last week on this topic, the Pentagon has suspended this briefing-talking-points-stay-on-message-or-else program to conduct an "internal review."
Is the Pentagon genuinely concerned? Not about the program. But they are concerned about Congress, and they are trying to pre-empt a serious Congressional investigation from the Dems. From the Times piece:
Representative Ike Skelton, Democrat of Missouri and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a speech on Thursday that he and many other members of Congress were “very angry” about the issues raised by the article. “The story does not reflect well on the Pentagon, on the military analysts in question, or on the media organizations that employ them,” he said.
“There is nothing inherently wrong with providing information to the public and the press,” Mr. Skelton added. “But there is a problem if the Pentagon is providing special access to retired officers and then basically using them as pawns to spout the administration’s talking points of the day.”
My bet: DoD's effort to nip this story in the bud won't work; Congress will still look into this. It may or may not be a tempest in a teapot, but I suspect a closer Congressional look at the relationship between the DoD and all sorts of "objective" pundits will turn up a lot of really juicey stories.


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By Craig W. Anderson
Besides COVID and water issues, San Joaquin County’s wineries have been dealing with a labor shortage throughout 2020 and 2021.
“The labor shortage of qualified workers is industry-wide and the wine sector was affected across the industry,” said San Joaquin Farm Bureau President David Strecker. “The shortage of people for general ag work, especially at harvest, had growers worried.”
Labor shortages weren’t confined to the vineyards, orchards or fields; equipment and truck drivers were hard to find and this slowed harvests and the movement of product from vineyards to wineries and from orchards and fields to processors.
Was there enough labor for winegrapes? “No. Absolutely not,” said Aaron Lange, vice president vineyard operations for LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards. This was despite the LangeTwins operation starting recruiting early, raising wages to attract tractor drivers and general harvest labor positions.
“We had converted 80% of our harvesting equipment with MOG to take care of Material Other than Grapes like leaves, sticks and other debris. thereby reducing our harvest labor needs by two people per machine. But we were still short by a few people every week.”
Recruiting haulers was frustrating, Lange said. “We’ve been recruiting since July and we’ve only filled one of the three grape hauling positions even with significant wage increases and incentives.”
“Labor is a total mess on multiple fronts,” said Kevin Phillips, vice president of operations for Jahant Vineyards and Michael David Winery, Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 American Winery of the Year. “Trucking, machine operators, temporary labor, etc. Nobody wants to go back to work when they can do very well staying home receiving generous unemployment checks due to COVID layoffs.”
“This difficult labor situation again makes it clear that we need a guest worker program,” said SJFB Executive Director Bruce Blodgett. “But the federal governments is not moving toward an obvious solution. So the worker shortages continue beginning with cherries and extending into grapes and other comments.”
Adding to the problem of labor shortages was the government’s program of increased unemployment payments that paid out-of- work people more than they would have made by returning to their jobs.
“Farm labor was a challenge that’s still there with hand-picking crews,” said Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “Trucking still needs drivers and tractor and machine drivers are also in demand.”
Nature doesn’t consider the aspects of the labor needs of agriculture, according to Spencer. “The pinch occurred with the simultaneous ripening in vineyards as sugars really jumped on early and late varieties at the same time, putting pressure on growers. Also, there were some disruptions due to the Delta varient wave that arrived.”
The “why” of a dearth of workers arises from a number of factors including unemployment benefits keeping people home, schools closing requiring that parents stay home, according the Spencer, and, he said, “I’ve heard of some wineries having trouble with hiring cellar workers.”
The hospitality realm among wineries offering tasting and restaurant food requires people with excellent personalities, Spencer said, “and if necessary they need to be taught about wines.” The time required to create knowledgeable sommeliers, waiters, waitresses and kitchen help depends on what skills the prospective workers bring to the workplace.
“Employers face the prospect of the minimum wage increasing and work hours being defined,” he said. “Add to all this, the challenge of wineries maintaining their supply chain and the resulting increasing expenses that will be passed along to the consumer. How they will react to all of this is crucial.”
Marketing the various changes brought by labor that boost prices by means that are unseen by wine purchasers will probably be required to ease the pain of higher prices.
“I think the labor situation’s getting worse across the board with a trend that began with cherries when finding experienced pickers became harder,” said SJFB Second Vice President Joe Ferrari. “There just aren’t that many people available who are good at it.”
“Going back to cherries, labor has been a challenge,” said SJFB First Vice President Andrew Watkins. “And that challenge will continue for winegrapes and other labor intensive crops.”
Watkins agreed with the idea that the Delta variant of COVID could be keeping potential workers home with the unemployment benefits contributing to the job market malaise. “But those extravagant payments have ended so we’ll find out how the labor situation will change.”
In this time of drought affecting nearly all crops grown in the state and San Joaquin County, when combined with the lack of workers, things can get rough for some, if not all, crops, according to Bryan Little, Farm Employers Labor Service [FELS] CEO and CFBF director of labor affairs.
“I know of farmers foregoing leaf thinning and other activities growers would normally do because they don’t have sufficient workers,” explained Little. “Employers are struggling with how to cope with the new minimum wage and working and overtime hours. They have to be careful about paying overtime.”
These and other issues are being addressed by FELS webinars.
Little added, “What’s really tough about COVID 19 is coping with all the areas it’s affected in conjunction with a farmer’s employees.”
No one, he said, is immune from having problems across the agricultural spectrum, wineries included. In the pre-pandemic and extravagant unemployment benefits era, an average of 1½ people applied for every job. That’s not the case today. “I’ve been told by growers they’re 30% to 40% short of crews. Some crops weren’t harvested due to not enough labor being available and then it’s too late and the crop is un-harvestable, so it is more economically feasible to just disc it under or not harvest it at all.”
Mechanization may be on the rise but until the machines can take over completely and do the work as well as humans, workers will still be needed to get the job done…the right way.


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domain: economics


text:
- Status: Released
- Movie Tagline: The Runaways
- Genres: Music, Drama, History
- Release Date: 2010-03-19
- Runtime: 106.0
- Budget: $10.0 million
- Revenue: $3.0 million
- Production Companies: The Linson Company, River Road Entertainment, Road Rebel
Cast & Crew
Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Scout Taylor, Compton, Riley Keough, Stella Maeve, Alia Shawkat, Keir O’Donnell, Michael Shannon, Johnny Lewis, Hannah Marks, Tatum O’Neal, Brett Cullen, Brendan Sexton III, Peggy Stewart, Time Winters, Lisa Long, Robert Romanus, Allie Grant, Adam Silver, Nick Eversman, Conrad Bluth
The Runaways is a 2010 biographical drama film about the 1970s all-girl rock band of the same name. Directed by Floria Sigismondi, it stars Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning as the band’s two lead singers, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie.
The film follows the formation of the band in 1975, when 15-year-old Jett (Stewart) meets 16-year-old Currie (Fanning) at a club and the two decide to form a band. With the help of record producer Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), they recruit other teenage girls to form the group. The Runaways quickly become a sensation in the Los Angeles music scene, but their success is marred by the band’s internal problems, including Fowley’s exploitative behavior, Jett and Currie’s volatile relationship, and Currie’s increasing drug use.
The Runaways is a gritty and authentic look at the struggles of teenage girls trying to make it in the music industry. Stewart and Fanning both give dynamic performances as Jett and Currie, and Shannon is chilling as the manipulative Fowley. The film also features an amazing soundtrack featuring classic songs by
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Recommended Movies similar to The Runaways

domain: entertainment


text:
Remembering Moshe Gil, Historian of Medieval JewryHistorians in the News
tags: obituaries, medieval history, Moshe Gil, Judaica
Moshe Gil, who died in January at 92, was born in Bialystok, Poland in 1921 and raised in Romania. He moved to Palestine in 1945 and was a kibbutznik, later becoming a professor at Tel Aviv University and a prolific historian of medieval Jewry in the Islamic world. What follows is a personal recollection by Gil’s former classmate, friend, and colleague, Noam Stillman.
Although there were a number of older (today politely called “non-traditional”) students in our graduate program in Oriental Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, Moshe Gil certainly was—or seemed to be—the oldest. He was old enough to be my father. But with his easygoing manner and wry sense of humor, he quickly became a friend. He had come to Penn to work with the doyen of Geniza studies, Shelomo Dov Goitein, and already had his research topic mapped out.
His devoted wife Shoshana, whom everyone called by her nickname Mausie, took care of the apartment and their three daughters with military efficiency, making sure that he was not disturbed when working. He finished his coursework and dissertation in just two years, and we marched side by side at commencement in 1970. The 600-page book that grew out of his dissertation was published six years later and titled, Documents of the Jewish Pious Foundations from the Cairo Geniza. Many such weighty works were to follow in the decades to come....
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- Artist Corrects Inaccuracies At The George W. Bush Library With Augmented Reality
- “Unprecedented” discovery of mysterious structures created by Neanderthals
- This Man Spent 25 Years Documenting Every Day of Hitler's Life
- Anti-Gay, Pro-Creationism Birther Won’t Be Deciding What Textbooks Your Kids Read
- What About Us, Nagasaki Asks, as Obama’s Hiroshima Trip Nears
- David Lowenthal, author of "The Past Is a Foreign Country,” says it’s folly to scratch the names of slaveholders off buildings
- Jean Edward Smith, biographer of FDR and Ike, has a new biography coming out … of George W. Bush
- Flora Fraser, biographer of George and Martha Washington, wins $50,000 George Washington Prize
- Michael Cohen explains why he calls his book on 1968 “American Malestrom"
- Fredrik Logevall on Obama's Legacy

domain: history


text:
This puzzle is a fun and easy way to learn the Periodic Table of Elements!
Contains the name, symbol, atomic number, atomic weight and electronic configuration of each element.
This superior quality puzzle will delight and educate all at the same time!
Strong high - quality pieces that won't break. Easy fit puzzle pieces. Made from recycled board.
Puzzle Size: 26.5" x 19.25"
Number of Pieces: 1000

domain: chemistry


Teaming up to support veterans at concert tour stops
Zac Brown Band and Wells Fargo are recognizing military service members — and giving veterans a VIP experience — during stops on the band’s summer concert tour.
“We’re blessed to be in a position to help bring awareness to the needs of our veterans.”
That’s how Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band describes the way Wells Fargo and the band show appreciation to U.S. military service members and veterans during a leg of the band’s summer concert tour. “It’s great to team up with Wells Fargo and inspire others to get involved,” he adds.
Veterans selected by local nonprofits are given VIP experiences and mingle with band members at shows through Sept. 18.
Jerry Quinn, Wells Fargo Military Affairs program manager, says, “By working together with Zac Brown Band, we hope to get the word out about challenges facing veterans, including housing, career transition, and financial education.”
A video saluting the dedication of service members and highlighting Wells Fargo’s support of veterans also is featured during the performance.