text:
\section{Introduction}

\begin{figure}
  \includegraphics[width=0.9\columnwidth]{./img/unit-cell.png}
  \caption{\label{fig:unitcell}
  Schematics of crystal structure of \ce{TMTe2} and \ce{TaTMTe4 compounds}. \ce{M^1}=\ce{M^2}=\ce{W} in case
of \ce{WTe2}{} and \ce{M^1}=\ce{TM}, \ce{M^2}=\ce{Ta} for \ce{TaTMTe4}{}. Note the reduced distance between \ce{M^1} and \ce{M^2} forming a zigzag chains along $a$.}
\end{figure}
Layered van~der~Waals two dimensional materials with sizable spin-orbit coupling effects such as \ce{WTe2}{} and
\ce{MoTe2}{}, have been showing a wide array of fascinating
properties, which might be deliberately modified by a variety of parameters
, such as composition, thickness,
etc~\cite{manzeli2DTransitionMetal2017} makes them even more
attractive to gain insight into those physical effects. Recent reports
demonstrate type II Weyl semimetallic behavior, both theoretically and
experimentally, in both T$_d$-\ce{MoTe2}{} and \ce{WTe2}{}
compound~\cite{liangElectronicEvidenceType2016,
  belopolskiFermiArcElectronic2016,
  huangSpectroscopicEvidenceType2016,
  wuObservationFermiArcs2016}. \ce{MoTe2} is also found to host an
edge supercurrent~\cite{wangEvidenceEdgeSupercurrent2020}, to be
superconductive~\cite{qiSuperconductivityWeylSemimetal2016} with
strong enhancement of $T_c$ in point-contact
measurements~\cite{naidyukSurfaceSuperconductivityWeyl2018} and with
sulfur
substitution~\cite{chenSuperconductivityEnhancementSdoped2016}
and in monolayers~\cite{Rhodes2021}.
Moreover,
\ce{MoTe2}{} and \ce{WTe2}{} exhibit reversible metal-insulator transition,
making them attractive candidates for two-dimensional
nanoelectronics~\cite{zhangChargeMediatedReversible2016,
  naidyukSwitchableTopologicalDomains2020}.  \ce{WTe2}{} shows similar array
of properties: the compound is known to host quantum spin Hall
state~\cite{tangQuantumSpinHall2017}, and has large non-saturating
magnetoresistance (MR)~\cite{aliLargeNonsaturatingMagnetoresistance2014,
  thoutamTemperatureDependentThreeDimensionalAnisotropy2015}.  Another
feature of this structure is the possibility of formation of polar
domains. As reported
in~\cite{sharmaRoomtemperatureFerroelectricSemimetal2019,
  huangPolarPhaseDomain2019}, \ce{WTe2}{} and \ce{MoTe2}{} demonstrate switchable
spontaneous polarization and a natural ferroelectric domain structure,
\ce{WTe2}{} even at room temperature. Combined with metallic
conductivity, this makes those materials first reported real-world
examples of a ferroelectric metal materials.

Due to all the fascinating
properties the search for materials with similar crystal structure is
an active area of research.
\ce{TaIrTe4}{} structure can be derived from \ce{WTe2}{} by substituting all \ce{W} atoms with
\ce{Ta} and \ce{Ir} ordered into zigzag chains along $a$ direction,
where \ce{Ir} and \ce{Ta} atoms alternating along the
chain (Fig.~\ref{fig:unitcell})~\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992,
  marSynthesisPhysicalProperties1992}. \ce{TaIrTe4}{} has been predicted to host Weyl
fermions~\cite{koepernikMathrmTaIrTeTernaryTypeII2016}, hosting only four
Weyl points (WPs), the minimal number of WPs a WSM with time-reversal
invariance can host. Later on signatures of
the WPs were found in
ARPES~\cite{hauboldExperimentalRealizationTypeII2017}.  Thickness-related
properties were also reported, e.g.\ in mono- and bilayer \ce{TaIrTe4}{}
quantum hall effect was reported~\cite{guoQuantumSpinHall2020}, while
bulk crystals show room-temperature nonlinear Hall effect with
temperature-induced sign
change~\cite{kumarRoomTemperatureNonlinear2020}. Moreover \ce{TaIrTe4}{} is
reported to host surface superconductivity with critical temperatures
of up to 1.54\,K~\cite{xingSurfaceSuperconductivityType2020a}. Among
other members of this ternary telluride family \ce{NbIrTe4} was
proposed to host type-II Weyl fermions with experimental indications
in charge transport
measurements~\cite{schonemannBulkFermiSurface2019}.  This material
also demonstrates non-saturating
MR~\cite{zhouNonsaturatingMagnetoresistanceNontrivial2019}. Recently
both binary (\ce{WTe2}{}, \ce{MoTe2}{}) and ternary (\ce{TaTMTe4}{}, TM=Ir, Rh, Ru)
tellurides showed bi-stable resistive metal-insulator switching in
point contact measurements at room temperature, bringing those
materials closer to
applications.~\cite{naidyukSwitchableTopologicalDomains2020}

Original reports of the \ce{TaIrTe4}{} structure also asserts the existence of several
other \ce{MM^{*}Te4} compounds and authors furthermore show that among other
compounds \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{TaRuTe4}{} exist and suggest that \ce{TaRhTe4}{} might
be isostructural to \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, while \ce{TaRuTe4}{} might be disordered analogue of
the \ce{TaIrTe4}{}.~\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992,
  marSynthesisPhysicalProperties1992} This wide array of iso- or
similarly structured compounds makes this family a large playground
to study the dependence of physical properties on parameters such
as lattice size, interatomic distances, outer shell electron number,
etc.
Beyond initial structural studies of powder samples no further characterization
of structural and physical properties on single crystals have been reported.
Further chemical and structural investigation of those compounds
provides better description of the material at hand, as well as more
precise input parameters for theory models.

Here we report crystal growth of 3 members of \ce{TaTMTe4}{} family, i.e. \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}.
Also, we have successfully grown single crystals of doped series such as \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{}.
Further, we discuss composition of acquired samples which
is followed by an assessment of the structure of the materials with
x-ray and electron diffraction methods. Finally we report results of
magnetotransport measurements for selected crystals.

\begin{figure*}
  \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{./img/chem-panel-horizontal.png}
  \caption{\label{fig:photos}\label{fig:SEM}\label{fig:rietveld:Rh}
    Images of as-grown \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} (a) and \ce{TaRhTe4}{} (b) on a millimeter scale.
    SEM images of \ce{TaRhTe4}{} (c) and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} (d, e).
    X-ray powder diffraction plot with the fit by Rietveld method for \ce{TaRhTe4}{} ground crystals (f).
  }
\end{figure*}

\section{Experimental}
\subsection{crystal growth}

Single crystals of \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, \ce{TaRhTe4}{}, and \ce{Ta_{1+x}Ru_{1-x}Te4}{} were grown via self-flux
method.  Powders of \ce{Ta} (Alfa Aesar, powder 325 mesh, 99.97\%),
transition metal, \ce{TM=Ir} (Alfa Aesar, powder 325 mesh, 99.9\%),
\ce{Rh} (Evochem, powder, 99.95\%), \ce{Ru} (MaTecK, powder,
$<60\mu$m, 99.9\%) correspondingly, and \ce{Te} (Alfa Aesar, powder 18
mesh, 99.999\%) were mixed in \ce{Ta}:\ce{TM}:\ce{Te}=1:1:20 molar
ratio and thoroughly ground by hand in agate mortar.  Afterwards
reaction mixture was loaded into Canfield crucible
set~\cite{canfieldUseFritdiscCrucibles2016}, which in turn was placed
in evacuated fused quartz ampule.  The mixture was heated up
to 970\textdegree{}C{} at 100\textdegree{}C/h{}, dwelled at this temperature for 24\,h,
and subsequently slowly cooled at the rate of 1.5\textdegree{}C/h{} to final
temperature of 600\textdegree{}C{}.  Further, the crucible was taken out of hot
furnace, turned over and instantly put to a centrifuge which
facilitated flux removal.  Afterwards, crystal surfaces contaminated
by small amount of the flux were mechanically cleaved off before
further studies.  Furthermore, a substitution series of \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{} was
synthesiszed. For growth of this substitution series mixture of elemental
powders with molar ratio \ce{Ta}:\ce{Ir_{1-x}Rh_x}:\ce{Te}=1:1:20
for $x=0.1$, 0.3, 0.7 and 0.9 was prepared as described for ternary
compounds, after which the mixture was heated to 1000\textdegree{}C{}, held at
this temperature for 24\,h, and then cooled over course of 133\,h to
700\textdegree{}C{}, after which the reaction mixture was centrifuged in
aforementioned manner.

\subsection{characterization}

\subsubsection{composition and structure}

The composition of the as grown single crystals was determined by
energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), employing an electron beam probe in a scanning electron microscope
(accelerating voltage 30kV, current 552pA).  Structural characterization and
phase purity was confirmed by means of powder X-ray diffraction using a STOE
powder diffractometer (Bragg-Brentano transmission geometry, $2\theta$:$\omega$
scan, \ce{Co}~$K_{\alpha{}1}$ or \ce{Mo}~$K_{\alpha{}1}$ radiation, curved Ge
(111) monochromator).  Rietveld refinement of the x-ray data was carried out
with FullProf~\cite{fullprof} and Jana2006~\cite{jana} software packages.

Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) on thin exfoliated \ce{TaTMTe4}{}
(TM=Ir, Ru, Rh) was utilized by employing FEI Tecnai F20 transmission
electron microscope (TEM) with \ce{LaB6} emitter
operated at 200~kV acceleration voltage. The \ce{TaTMTe4}{} crystals used in
this work were mechanically exfoliated using commercially available
adhesive tape (eco, tesa). The exfoliated \ce{TaTMTe4}{} crystals were
separated from the tape by immersion in 10~mL of acetone and
isopropanol (1:1) solution in 12~mL glass sample vial.
Ultrasonification (frequency $\approx{}35$~kHz) was employed to assist the
separation of \ce{TaTMTe4}{}-flakes from the tape surface for two hours
($8 \times{} 15$~minutes sonication process with 5~minutes breaks
between the 15~minutes session).
The micrometer-sized \ce{TaTMTe4}{} flakes were then transferred to the TEM lacey-carbon
Cu grids using a standard pipette. To ensure the cleanliness of the
\ce{TaTMTe4}{}-flakes the elemental composition of every \ce{TaTMTe4}{}-flake was
confirmed by in-situ TEM-EDX before collection of the SAED pattern.
Theoretical kinematic electron diffraction
patterns were computed and visualized using the SingleCrystal software
package version 3.1.5, (CrystalMaker Software LtD., UK).

\subsubsection{physical properties}

Magnetic susceptibility was measured using a MPMS superconducting
quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer from Quantum Design.
Transport and magnetotransport measurements with \ce{TaTMTe4}
compounds were performed in fields up to 9\,T using a PPMS-9 system from
Quantum Design, and up to 16\,T using CFMS-16 system from
Cryogenic respectively.
Temperature dependencies of the longitudinal resistivity
$\rho_{xx}$ were measured in the temperature range 2--300\,K, and
angular dependencies of $\rho_{xx}(H)$ (the magnetoresistance, MR)
at temperatures near 2\,K. The data on the type and density of
carriers were obtained from Hall effect measurements. Resistivity
values were calculated from the measured resistance and the
sample dimensions.  For the magnetotransport experiment we used the
``Hall bar'' geometry, where the current was always applied perpendicular to
the magnetic field direction.

\section{Results and Discussion}

\subsection{composition and structure}

The grown crystals depicted on fig.~\ref{fig:photos}~(a, b) are easily cleavable silvery flat needles of up to
0.5\,cm in length and up to 0.1\,cm in diameter with mass on the order
of tens of milligrams.  Crystals of \ce{TaIrTe4}{} show a needle-like
appearance, while \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} are more flattened, in a shape of
thin stripes.  As-grown crystals are extremely ductile and cleavable,
even under regular handling operations.
The results of the EDX confirm the nominal stoichiometry for \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and
\ce{TaIrTe4}{} samples.  Backscattered-electron SEM images (fig.~\ref{fig:SEM}~(c--e)) show uniform
intensity, which is indicative of the absence of macroscopic
inhomogeneities.
Interestingly, the nominal ratio Ru:Ta=1:1 as-grown crystals in fact show \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}
composition.  This Ru:Ta ratio is consistent across different
measurement points and different crystals, on natural and freshly cleaved surfaces, with a low EDX
statistical error.  Assuming the same connectivity in the structure as
in \ce{TaIrTe4}{} compound, this composition shift must manifest as structural modification
hinted in~\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992}.
This composition shift might be explained by the fact that Ru and Ta radii are quite close,
resulting in e.g. mixing of the atoms in the same crystallographic position.

Results of EDX measurements on the \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{} are presented in
table~\ref{tab:EDX:IrRh}. We see \ce{Rh}/\ce{Ir}
substitution, with composition consistently shifted
towards metal with the higher concentration.

For characterization of the structure powder x-ray
diffraction (PXRD) was carried out including further analysis by Rietveld method.
Results of the x-ray powder diffraction on \ce{TaRhTe4}{} powdered crystals
are presented in fig.~\ref{fig:rietveld:Rh}~(f);
PXRD patterns for \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} and \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{} are presented on fig.~\ref{pxrd-comp} in appendix,
due to strong texture in both cases and high ductility in case of \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} Rietveld analysis of those
didn't prove to be feasible.
One observes fig.~\ref{fig:rietveld:Rh} diffraction shows broad reflections, which
can be attributed to high ductility and ease of cleavage of the
material.  \ce{TaIrTe4}{} was refined in the structural model presented in ICSD~\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992},
(ICSD \textnumero{}73322, space group $Pmn2_1$).  As reported by Mar
et al.~\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992}, we see that in
case of \ce{TaRhTe4}{} compound diffraction pattern is quite similar to \ce{TaIrTe4}{}.
The \ce{TaRhTe4}{} diffraction pattern was clearly indexed in $Pmn2_1$ space group, so for
further Rietveld analysis we selected \ce{TaIrTe4}{} as initial structure model, with
\ce{Ir} positions substituted by \ce{Rh} with approximate lattice
parameters extracted in the indexing step.
Refinement in this model
yielded lattice parameters of $a=3.75670(11)$, $b=12.5476(5)$,
$c=13.166(3)$ and cell volume of $V=620.20(15)$ for \ce{TaRhTe4}{}.
We observe small change of $a$ and $c$ parameters
$\Delta a \approx -0.03$\AA; $\Delta c\approx -0.03$\AA, and a considerable increase of $b$ ($\Delta b\approx 0.12$\AA) compared to
the \ce{TaIrTe4}{} structure.
This can be explained by the smaller radius of the
\ce{Rh} atom, and as a result, might be indicative of tighter, and
more extended zigzag chains in the structure.  Refined atomic
positions are presented in table~\ref{wyckoff}.  With that we can
conclude that the \ce{TaRhTe4}{} compound is isostructural to \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, which provides
the opportunity to study change of physical properties with the
change of lattice parameters and isovalent substitution.

\begin{figure}
  \includegraphics[width=\columnwidth{}]{./img/TEM.PNG}
  \caption{\label{fig:TEM}
    Selected area electron diffraction (SAED)
    on \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}.
    (a,b) SAED patterns of
    representative \ce{TaIrTe4}{} and \ce{TaRhTe4}{} nanoflake oriented along [101] zone
    axis overlaid with theoretical SAED patterns (green dots) using
    $Pmn2_1$ (\textnumero{}31) space group obtained from PXRD data
    refinement results in this work. (c,d) SAED pattern of a
    representative \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} nanoflake oriented along [101] zone axis
    overlaid with theoretical SAED patterns (green dots) using $Pmn2_1$
    (\textnumero{}31) structure derived from \ce{TaIrTe4}{} (c) and a $Pmn2_1$ structure derived from \ce{WTe2}{}
    (unit cell is halved along $b$ compared to \ce{TaIrTe4}{}, d).
    The
    simulated reflections are intentionally slightly shifted for
    better overview. The arrows on the (c) and (d) images are given to
    mark the different fit between the two crystal models for \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}.  }
\end{figure}

SAED on individual \ce{TaTMTe4}{}
nanoflakes exfoliated from single crystals was performed to elaborate
the crystallographic information obtained from the PXRD data reported
in this work (Fig.~\ref{fig:TEM}). The SAED patterns for \ce{TaTMTe4}{}
acquired in [101] orientation are compared with simulated electron
diffraction (ED) pattern using $Pmn2_1$ (\textnumero{}31) space group.
Here the
[101] zone axis allows to distinguish lattice modulations in ternary \ce{TaTMTe4}{}
systems along $b$-direction in
reciprocal space.
The good agreement of all symmetrical equivalent reflections
in the ED patterns for \ce{TaIrTe4}{} and \ce{TaRhTe4}{}
strongly suggest that these two crystals are isostructural and
crystallize in $Pmn2_1$ space group as described in
\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992}.
Interestingly, the \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} electron diffraction patterns show
that the unit cell of this compound is halved along $b$ compared to \ce{TaIrTe4}{}.
To obtain a better fit with the SAED pattern we therefore used a crustal structure for \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{},
which was derived from \ce{WTe2}{} phase by filling the two \ce{W} 2a Wyckoff sites with \ce{Ta}
and \ce{Ru} respectively.
The proposed new structure matches nicely to the
experimental SAED data of \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} compound (purple dots,
Fig.~\ref{fig:TEM}~d) and hence also provides a hint concerning the
anomaly related to weak $k = 2n + 1$ reflections reported in
\cite{marMetalmetalVsTelluriumtellurium1992}.
Note, however, that this new structure does not reflect the large off-stoichiometry and the atomic positions and exact symmetry remain unclear as of now.
Further studies are therefore required to fully resolve the \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} structure.

\subsection{physical properties}

\begin{figure}
    \includegraphics[width=\columnwidth]{./img/MT.pdf}
    \caption{\label{fig:squid:chi}
      Temperature dependence of molar magnetization for \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}; Inset: Curie-Weiss fit of paramagnetic
      contribution to \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} magnetization.
    }
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}
  \includegraphics[width=\columnwidth]{./img/Rh-Ru-resistivity.pdf}
    \caption{\label{fig:res} Temperature dependence of the
    resistivity for \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} and \ce{TaRhTe4}{}. }
\end{figure}

\begin{figure*}
  \includegraphics[height=6cm]{./img/fig6-1.pdf}
  \includegraphics[height=6cm]{./img/fig6-2.pdf}
  \caption { Left panel: magnetic field dependence of the diagonal
    resistivity $\rho_{xx}$ for TaIrTe$_4$ at two field
    orientations. Inset: Hall resistivity $\rho_{xy}$ versus magnetic
    field. Temperature $T=2$\,K.  Right panel: magnetic field
    dependence of $\rho_{xx}$ for TaRhTe$_4$ at two field
    orientations. Inset: $\rho_{xy}$ versus magnetic
    field. $T=2K$. $n=1.7\times 10^{20}$cm$^{-2}$, as determined from
    Hall resistivity.}
  \label{fig:Rh}\label{fig:Ir}
\end{figure*}

\subsubsection{Magnetization}

For ternary compounds the temperature dependence of magnetization was
measured.
The derived temperature dependence of molar magnetization for \ce{TaRhTe4}{} and \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} is presented in fig.~\ref{fig:squid:chi}.
All compounds exhibit diamagnetic behavior,
with Curie-Weiss tails at low temperatures.
Inset in Fig.~\ref{fig:squid:chi} shows the Curie-Weiss analysis for \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} at temperatures below 20\,K.
Data confirms absence of any long range magnetic order down to 1.8\,K.

\subsubsection{Transport and magnetotransport}

For stoichiometric TaRhTe$_4$ (Fig.~\ref{fig:res}) as well as for
Ir-doped \ce{TaRh_{1-x}Ir_{x}Te4}{} compound with $x=0.08$ (Fig.~\ref{fig:RhIr008-SC}) the temperature
dependency of the diagonal resistivity in zero field flatten below
$\approx 20$\,K.  In magnetic field, both for $B\parallel b$ and
$B\parallel c$ (see Fig.~\ref{fig:Rh}), the resistivity also follows a
classical almost isotropic quadratic dependence.  The bulk carrier
density determined from Hall resistance measurements (inset to fig.~\ref{fig:Rh} $n\approx 1.7\times 10^{20}$cm$^{-3}$ for the
stoichiometric TaRhTe$_4$ is by a factor of two lower compared to well investigated member of the family TaIrTe$_4$.
As shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:Rh}, the resistivity of \ce{TaIrTe4}{} varies quadratically
with field which is quite similar in our case of \ce{TaRhTe4}{}.
\ce{TaIrTe4}{} resistivity exhibits a minor (8\% at $B=9$\,T) anisotropy.
The Hall resistivity $\rho_{xy}$ is negative and
linearly grows with field, thus indicating dominant $n$-type electronic
states with a similar bulk carrier density of $1.8\times 10^{20}$cm$^{-2}$.
The initial minor
anisotropy of the magnetoresistance becomes even lower upon doping with
Rh or Ru.

\ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} demonstrate metallic-type transport behavior (Fig.~\ref{fig:res}) at
least down to 10\,K.
Although the resistivity shows a markedly different behavior at low
temperatures, where it exhibits a minimum at $T \approx 9$\,K, which appears to
be a kink followed by a steep upturn while further lowering the temperature
below 9\,K.
The origin of such non-monotonic resistivity remains unclear and requires further investigation.

The 22\% substitution of Rh by Ir does not change significantly the
resistivity $T$- dependence: RRR remains almost unchanged, whereas the
carrier density increases by 34\% to $2.3 \times 10^{20}$cm$^{-3}$,
and the magnetoresistance becomes fully isotropic.
Interestingly, for the intermediate Ir-doping of 8\%, the sample shows
signatures of the emerging superconducting (SC) transition (see
Fig.~\ref{fig:RhIr008-SC} in Appendix).

\subsubsection{Electronic structure calculations}
We have performed calculations on the electronic structure within the DFT theory.
The full relativistic generalized gradient approximation (GGA) in the
Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof variant is used for the exchange correlation potential
implemented in the full potential local orbital band-structure package (FPLO)~\cite{FPLO,FPLO2}.
For  the  Brillouin zone (BZ) integration we used the tetrahedron method with $12\times12\times12 k$-mesh.
The obtained electronic density of states (DOS) is presented in Fig.~\ref{fig.DOS}  decreases slightly at the Fermi level and then increases continuously  similar TaIrTe$_4$.
Band structures of TaRhTe$_4$ with TaIrTe$_4$ are presented in Fig.~\ref{fig.bandstructure1}.
The main difference is appearance of the Rh-band close to the Fermi level.
A detailed look at electronic structure properties of \ce{TaRhTe4}{} together with investigation
via ARPES will be reported elsewhere~\cite{rh-inprep}.
The orbital contribution to the electronic band structure is given in the Fig.~\ref{fig:fatbands2}.
The rest of the bands are similar for both structures.
It explains the similarity in the physical properties of both materials.

\begin{figure}
	\centering
	\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{img/DOS.eps}
    \caption{Total DOS of TaRhTe$_4$ and the partial contribution of Ta, Rh and Te orbitals. \label{fig.DOS}}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure*}
	\centering
	\includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{./img/bands.png}
    \caption{Band structure TaRhTe$_4$ vs TaIrTe$_4$ (a). Orbital contribution to the electronic band structure of TaRhTe$_4$ (b).
	\label{fig:fatbands2}
	\label{fig.bandstructure1}
    }
\end{figure*}

\section{Conclusion}

In conclusion, we reported single crystal growth of layered van~der~Waals materials of the family \ce{TaTMTe4}{}
(TM=Ir,Rh,Ru), as well as several \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{} compounds.
We confirmed the
nominal compositions via SEM-EDX. In the \ce{Ta_{1+x}Ru_{1-x}Te4}{} case we demonstrate that the compound
is not stoichiometric with an actual composition of \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{}.
X-ray
powder diffraction and further Rietveld refinement confirms that \ce{TaRhTe4}{}
is isostructural to \ce{TaIrTe4}{} and crystallizes in non-centrosymmetric
orthorhombic $Pmn2_1$ space group with a similar connectivity as \ce{WTe2}.
  SAED
results indicate that \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} is a disordered analog of \ce{TaIrTe4}{}
structure type and further investigation of the structure is needed.
Substitution series of \ce{TaIr_{1-x}Rh_{x}Te4}{} were
obtained for x = 0.06; 0.14, 0.78, 0.92 and we investigated magnetic
and magnetotransport properties of the grown single crystals.

All samples have electronic ($n$-type) conduction.  Any substitution of \ce{Rh} or \ce{Ir}
was found to reduce mobility.
All samples show weak MR field dependence.
For the \ce{Rh} series the MR is almost isotropic.
Some compounds show a linear MR in low fields, atop of the parabolic one.
\ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} shows parabolic magnetoresistance which flattens out in high fields at the temperatures above 9\,K.
Magnetoresistance measurements below 9\,K show a clear anomaly in fields below 5\,T.
We have performed electronic structure calculations using DFT for isostructural \ce{TaIrTe4}{} and \ce{TaRhTe4}{}
together with the projected total density of states.
The main difference is appearance of the Rh-band close to the Fermi level.

Due to the topological properties of the electronic band structure,
the recent observation of the resistive switching at the room
temperature, together with the observed signatures of the
superconducting transition,
these systems are very interesting for further investigation.

\paragraph*{\textbf{Acknowledgments}}

SA acknowledges financial support of Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
(DFG) through Grant \textnumero{}AS 523/4-1.
SA, DE, BB acknowledge DFG financial support through DFG-RSF project \textnumero{}449494427.
BB acknowledges
financial support from the projects of the Collaborative Research
Center SFB 1143 at the TU Dresden (project-id 247310070) and
W\"urzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence on Complexity and Topology in
Quantum Matter ct.qmat (EXC 2147, project-id 390858490).  AVS, ASU and
VMP acknowledge support from RFBR (project \# 21--52--12043).
SS, DW and AL acknowledge funding from DFG SFB~1415, Project ID \textnumero{}417590517.
Transport and magnetotransport measurements were done using equipment of the LPI Shared Facility Center.
We acknowledge U.~Nitzsche for technical assistance.

\paragraph*{\textbf{Author contribution}}
Single crystal growth and characterization experiments, magnetization
measurements were performed by GS, BRP, BB and SA\@.
The resistivity and magnetoresistance measurements on \ce{Ta_{1.26(2)}Ru_{0.75(2)}Te_{4.000(8)}}{} were preformed
and analyzed by CW\@.
Resistivity and magnetoresistance measurements were performed and analyzed by
TAR, AVS, OAS, EYuG, ASU and VMP\@.
Selected area electron diffraction experiments were preformed and interpreted
by SS, DW and AL\@.
Electronic band structure calculations were preformed by DE.
GS and SA wrote the manuscript with input from all co-authors.

\paragraph*{\textbf{Data availability}}
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study
are available from the corresponding authors on reasonable request.

\paragraph*{\textbf{Competing interests}}
The authors declare no competing financial or non-financial interest.

\section{Appendix}

We observed an indication of emerging superconductivity (SC) with
critical temperature $T_c = 4$\,K in \ce{TaRh_{1-x}Ir_{x}Te4}{} compound for $x=0.08$ and
in TaIr$_{1-x}$Ru$_x$Te$_4$ for $x=0.22$. As an example, we show in
Fig.~\ref{fig:RhIr008-SC} the data for the former compound.

The inset in Fig.~\ref{fig:RhIr008-SC} zooms in a sharp drop of
$\rho_{xx}(T)$ by 4$\,\mu$ Ohm$\cdot$cm both in zero field as
temperature decreases below $T\approx 4$\,K, and at $T=2$K as magnetic
field decreases below 0.1\,T. These features suggest that the drop of
$\rho_{xx}$ is related with the SC transition at $T_c\approx 4$\,K in
zero field.  Indeed, the transition temperature shifts to lower values
as magnetic field increases, and the critical magnetic field decreases
as temperature raises.

The zero-resistance state is not achieved, apparently because of a
very small fraction of the superconducting state.  In strong magnetic
field, MR shows weak classical quadratic dependence, almost isotropic
in $\theta$.  These slightly doped \ce{TaRh_{1-x}Ir_{x}Te4}{} and TaIr(Ru)Te$_4$ samples,
most likely, contain minor inclusions of several SC phases which
emerge in a narrow interval of doping on the compound phase diagram.
The interesting issue of potential superconductivity in these
compounds requires additional more detailed studies.

\FloatBarrier{}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
David Fontana/
Sonia Sotomayor: How She Became the Public Face of the Supreme Court's Liberal Wing
Monday was the last day of this year's Supreme Court term—one widely seen as notable not for what was decided but, rather, for coming before what could be a momentous 2011-2012 term, when decisions on gay marriage and health care, to mention just two issues, could be handed down. Years from now, however, we might be talking about this term as significant for another reason: It was when Sonia Sotomayor became the most well-known and effective member of the Court's liberal wing.
When Sotomayor was nominated to the Supreme Court in 2009, many liberals were unhappy. This unease was only magnified by her confirmation hearings. The Washington Post said that there was "little for liberals" in the hearings, and former University of Chicago Law School Dean Geoffrey Stone argued that they "did serious damage to the cause of progressive thought in constitutional law."
Now, almost two years later, while the returns are preliminary, there are reasons for liberals to be optimistic. In her first 18 months on the Court, Sotomayor has proven to be what the Los Angeles Times has called a "reliable liberal vote." Meanwhile, The New York Times has noted that Sotomayor has been "alert to the humanity of the people whose cases make their way to the Supreme Court. Slate said one her opinions about Miranda warnings reflected that "empathy for the vulnerable isn't merely a choice but a necessity."
But what is most consequential about Sotomayor's time on the Court is how what she has done on the bench combines with what she has done away from it. Sotomayor has become the public face of the Court's liberal wing because she seems to be what so few justices are: a real person, with the jurisprudence to match.
Justices decide cases and resolve important legal questions, but they also serve as voices for their legal perspectives—using not just their questions on the bench and their written opinions but also their public appearances to communicate their views on the law. Justice Antonin Scalia has done this well over the years, effectively mixing amusement and substance to inspire and mobilize political and social movements, as well as appeal to members of the general public. An effective voice like that of Scalia's can also convince and motivate current and future lawyers. (The mere mention of Scalia's name in my constitutional law classes always generates enormous and outsized excitement in my students.)
The liberal wing of the Court has needed an appealing voice for some time. Justice Stephen Breyer has been the leading spokesperson for liberal constitutionalism of late; he has written two important books articulating his jurisprudence and has appeared in the popular media and in debates with Scalia defending his theories. But Breyer has tended to engage in more academic and technical discussions. His most noted public appearances are often at law schools, universities, or think tanks.
As for the other recent liberal justices: With a few exceptions, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Paul Stevens (who is now retired) have tended to communicate with the public in technical styles similar to Breyer's, while Justice David Souter (also retired) rarely made public appearances during his tenure on the Court. The result has been that, while constitutional liberalism might be presented as intellectually compelling, its broad appeal is somewhat limited.
It is into this void that Sotomayor has stepped. (It's too soon to know if Justice Elena Kagan might play a similar role). A recent poll indicated that Sotomayor has already become the most well-known member of the Court's liberal wing. But it is what she is doing with this public awareness of her life and her role on the Court that matters most.
Sotomayor's public appeal might be substantial, like that of Scalia, but for different reasons. We know from much academic research in areas like social psychology that the messages—in this case, legal ones—that people hear are evaluated based in part on the messengers delivering them. To a certain extent, we are more likely to agree with those messengers we like—and this seems to be helping Sotomayor.
She is likable in part because of her personality; journalists have noted that she "charms" audience members. But she also seems like a person everyone might know: a regular person with regular interests and regular problems—or perhaps even an extraordinary person who has overcome extraordinary problems. During the last few weeks of the Supreme Court's term, newspapers reported about Sotomayor in the context of her opinions, but they gave just as much coverage to several stories reflecting on her as a person. Many newspapers reported about her June appearance sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation where Sotomayor "open[ed] up about her diabetes" with "heartfelt remarks." Two days before that, they covered Sotomayor throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field (appropriately wearing a Cubs jersey rather than a jersey of her beloved Yankees). Sotomayor is also at work on a book—but not one on legal theory. Instead, her publisher has revealed that it is a "coming-of-age memoir by an American daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants."
What's more, while some of her colleagues are known for communicating their messages primarily to elite audiences, Sotomayor has been speaking to a range of groups. She shared her perspective about persistent barriers to equality with audiences at several elite law schools and with a community college in the Bronx that helped her mother become a nurse several decades ago. During a visit in which she judged a moot court proceeding involving law students at Berkeley, Sotomayor also made a visit to a local elementary school with a commitment to diversity and a prominent foreign language program. She has also regularly visited with various groups who have come to see the Supreme Court, from special needs children to senior citizens to veterans.
Legal theories may or may not matter in convincing the public to agree with certain jurisprudential views. Regardless, it is worth noting that Sotomayor has not yet articulated a new theory of her own. Instead, her contribution in this realm—and it could be a substantial one—might end up being persuading the public to adopt a familiar view of the law that prioritizes how the legal system affects regular people. (It's a view President Obama himself has articulated, namely when saying, before Sotomayor's nomination, that Supreme Court justices should possess "empathy.") And this effort, too, has been aided by Sotomayor's relatable persona.
Sotomayor has started to talk about the law in settings around the country. During her confirmation hearings, she said that the role of judges is to "apply law to facts," not "feelings to facts." But, since being confirmed, she has communicated a view of judging which seems more focused on how the law influences everyday people's lives. She noted to an audience at Kansas State University that being a judge is like being an umpire, a reference to Chief Justice John Roberts's famous analogy but with a different take on its meaning: She suggested that umpiring and judging both involve ambiguity and using individual discretion to resolve close calls.
Sotomayor has also identified the ways in which our legal system still reflects biases against various historically disadvantaged groups. During the same visit to Kansas State, Sotomayor remarked on persistent "structural problems" that prevent the achievement of full equality for many people. In a public interview during a visit to Northwestern Law School, Sotomayor said some of the questions she faced during her confirmation hearings were symptomatic of lingering gender bias. And, at the University of Chicago Law School, she said, "People have views of me and expectations of me that are based on stereotypes." She also said some of Chief Justice Roberts's views on race and the law are "too simplistic."
Meanwhile, in her work on the bench, Sotomayor has interjected a human element into otherwise technical discussions. For instance, she analyzed the constitutional problems with an overcrowded California prison in part by asking, "When are you going to avoid or get around people sitting in their feces for days in a dazed state?" Sotomayor implored the lawyer representing the prison to "slow down from the rhetoric" and discuss more thoroughly "the needless deaths" the prison caused. This approach has sometimes brought her into conflict with the conservatives on the Court—indeed, Scalia responded to Sotomayor's statements in the prison case by sarcastically imploring her in return, "don't be rhetorical."
Sotomayor has exhibited a similar style in her written opinions. Last term, for the first time ever in a Supreme Court opinion, she used the phrase "undocumented immigrant," rather than the term "illegal immigrant," which the Court had used many times previously. Lest that be perceived as an accident, Sotomayor used "undocumented immigrant" several times again during oral arguments in a later case, even while her colleagues used "illegal immigrant."
It is still early in her tenure, but these are all good reasons for liberal constitutionalists to feel encouraged by Sotomayor. The substance of what she says and stands for might be familiar, but her style in communicating that substance seem to be making it newly appealing. This bodes well for the liberal wing of the Court, which has been waiting years for an effective voice to promote its views to the general public. Here's hoping it has finally found a voice with staying power.
David Fontana is associate professor at George Washington University School of Law.
Follow @tnr
The New York Times, Politics, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Antonin Scalia, Sonia Sotomayor, Dean Geoffrey Stone, Stephen Breyer, Supreme Court, University Of Chicago

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


For three consecutive years I completed an editing project for IFAI's International Achievement Awards. Each year at their annual Expo, they give out awards to member companies for the best projects completed in the previous year. I edited all of the winning project descriptions for clarity, consistency and length. Once the editing portion was complete, I uploaded the copy and the corresponding photos onto the website using their CMS.
As a result of my learned expertise in IFAI's member base and specialization, in the Fall of 2013 I was asked to stay on for another project, editing project features for the Fabric Structures Association division of the organization.


text:
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid | Everything We Know About Toyota's Flagship Midsize Pickup
January 21, 2022 January 20, 2022 by Teddy
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid – At some point in the future, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid 2023 will be available at Toyota dealers. The popular pickup truck in the mid-size category is the most-sold model in America. This contest will be fascinating now that the Ford Ranger is back in America. The Toyota Tacoma is the most important product within the company's range. The manufacturer keeps improving its model year after year. The next innovation is the hybrid powertrain.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Specs
Tacoma is now going through significant changes. The new platform and design are both parts of Tacoma. A new engine option may also be available. As it was always, the TRD Pro trim level will be available. The hybrid model, despite major upgrades and changes, will still be the most important.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid New Design
There are some amazing cosmetic changes to the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid 2023. The Japanese automaker won't completely redesign its top-selling pickup truck. The pickup will instead be built with a new architecture. Tacoma will remain competitive. Some aesthetic changes will be made to the front fascia. The Tacoma will get a new front fascia and new taillamps at the back.
TRD Pro is more aggressive and has a distinctive design. It also offers greater off-road capabilities. TRD Pro models have larger wheels, more aggressive front fascias, Fox shocks, and skid plates. The Blackout Package is another popular option. It is easy to explain. This package includes chrome exhaust tips and blacked-out parts. We don't know whether Toyota will allow you to combine a hybrid powertrain and the TRD Pro package.
The inside of the cabin will be visible more than those outsides. A mid-cycle refresh will be performed on the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. The interior will feature more high-tech components and a wider range of standard equipment. The carmaker also plans to create materials that offer greater comfort. This mid-sized pickup comes with an 8-inch touchscreen. Upper classes will have larger displays, leather seats, and many other features. We are still waiting on the first spy photos, which will reveal some of the latest cabin delights.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Interior
Hybrid Specs
We don't know much about the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid 2023. The manufacturer will be introducing a new body-on-frame TNGA F architecture. The platform will be featured on the J300 Land Cruiser, as well as the all-new Toyota Tundra. This same chassis will be used to power models like the 4Runner, Sequoia, and, of course, the Tacoma pickup. A hybrid powertrain is likely to be available next year, thanks to this. Once the Tacoma Hybrid model is available, the new transmission will be available. The hybrid setup that was used in the Tundra and Lexus LC models is not yet available for Tacoma. This variant will produce approximately 350 horsepower and will be extremely fuel-efficient.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
2023 Toyota Tacoma Price and Release Date
The possibility of a price increase for the next Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is possible. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will be around $35,000. For comparison, the TRD Pro trim level will be close to $50,000. The Tacoma may go on sale in the summer of next year.
Categories Toyota Tags 2023 toyota tacoma access cab, 2023 toyota tacoma colors, 2023 toyota tacoma concept, 2023 toyota tacoma electric, 2023 toyota tacoma hybrid, 2023 toyota tacoma interior, 2023 toyota tacoma price, 2023 toyota tacoma redesign, 2023 toyota tacoma release date, 2023 toyota tacoma spy photos


Do analysts get tech trends well enough to predict the fate of the world's richest company, or are Apple's mysterious moves enough to befuddle the finest of fiscal brains?
Apple is, according to several financial analysts, on the verge of becoming the first trillion-dollar company in history. Oddly, those who predict the rise of Apple are the same analysts who were "disappointed" by Apple's most recent quarterly earnings report.
The quarter in question included a net income rise of 54% year-over-year, a 39% revenue increase, and a 21% boost in iPhone sales–Apple's flagship product. Because, among other things, Apple shifted "just" over 17 million iPhones in the quarter, versus the 20 million that analysts by consensus expected, they gave the stock lower marks–and the company experienced an immediate 7% drop in its share price.
When analysts build a prediction for a firm like Apple, they look at its past performance to see if they can identify trends or habits. And yes, we know this flies in the face of the usual "past performance cannot guarantee future performance"–that irksome warning that is quoted as share-buying advice.
They also look at context in the industry, and global trends. They make inquiries with key figures who may be able to reveal snippets of manufacturing plans that could infer growth or decline, and they do some careful number-crunching to try to predict how the target company will behave. It's an art form, with intuition and math at the core.
On top of their mathematical models, analysts may try to guess how the market (which is influenced by emotion and perception as well as fact) will react to news from the company itself, such as Steve Jobs' resignation and sadly, his death, or influential factors from outside of the company–like the price of rare earths, which would impact tech manufacturers, Apple included.
Many industry watchers–from the casually interested, to nearly Apple-obsessed tech writers–could and actually did predict that the growth rate of sales of Apple's iPhone last quarter would fall slightly.
We knew that Apple was going to delay its iPhone update this year, and we suspected so months before Apple's habitual early-Summer update window. That's a human factor: The likely delays wouldn't have gone unnoticed by the smartphone-coveting, Apple-following public. Numerous press reports (spurred by, just possibly, official Apple "leaks") helped spread this expectation of a delay.
We also knew that any potential iPhone buyer, considering the status of the iPhone as an expensive luxury item, would likely hold off buying one, over the last couple of months so that the same money would secure them a better, brighter, snazzier upgraded phone when Apple did get around to its launch.
But laypeople and tech press are armed with common sense from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds, more than financial models.
Here are some of the most-quoted Apple analysts: Gene Munster, from Piper Jaffray has a bachelor's degree in "financial managment and new venture strategies;" Sean Wu has a BSc in economics; Atlantic Equities' James Corwell, given five stars by Yahoo's finance page for his accuracy in predicting Apple's stock performance holds a first class degree in mathematics from Cambridge; Toni Sacconaghi from Sanford C. Bernstein has a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Brown University; and RBC's Mike Abramsky, has an MSc in engineering from MIT.
Though these weren't the only analysts whose opinion drove Apple's "rare miss" headlines this quarter, a lack of high-tech, communications and scientific degrees (or training) underscores something, here. Centering on economics and finance, many analysts seem to ignore common sense and technological aspects of Apple's business that have led the company down the path of enduring success.
As Fortune remarked after Apple reported its quarterly figures in April–across a long list of industry analysts, data seemed to confuse them, and no consensus was reached. Their expectations, on average, fell some 13% adrift of the actual data Apple published.
Perhaps it's a question of Apple's secretive and unconventional business model–a system, crafted by Jobs and Cook, that's so unusual it's propelled the company even as its peers have faltered. One could assume that all the usual tricks and tropes analysts use to predict the future of a firm like, say, Toshiba, would fall over when faced with trying to work out what Apple's up to, thanks to this unconventionality.
Other Apple anomalies include the secrecy with which its supply partners, prototypes and employees are guarded; and the all-out fanaticism of Apple hardware buyers (fanbois); along with the way Apple manipulates the media, simultaneously courting and holding bloggers at bay.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook took time out of the earnings call to specifically criticise media hype surrounding the expected iPhone 5 upgrade, saying that it hurt sales of the existing hardware.
Some downgrades of Apple may have been influenced by doubts about the future of the company in a post-Steve Jobs era. That's a compliment for the company's founder.
Because the company released an upgraded iPhone 4 (the iPhone 4S) instead of a full, hotly anticipated redesigned iPhone 5, analysts are talking about Apple's recent hardware moves as more station-keeping than world-expanding. Tech press and fanbois see that as part of a bigger, long-term plan, right now.
Could that tempt an analyst to be cautious, and to advise short- or medium-term investors, looking for returns sooner rather than later, to invest less in Apple? Sure.
But in the longer term the Apple world beyond the Street expects great things in 2012, with the rumored iPhone re-format, an iPad 3, refreshed signature Macs and, just possibly a full-blown Apple television.
Perhaps there's just no way to get a read on Apple because the company is so very innovative and unpredictable in terms of its products, use of media and hype, and its Tim Cook-polished production models.
So many variables go into the mix, and so many of them are hidden from outside view behind carefully-devised screens, so that everyone from the public to media to analysts and crucially, competitors, are in the dark, and one step behind its performance.
We'll know next quarter exactly how adrfit analysis is getting, though, because Apple itself has taken a slightly new step and is predicting record growth in iPhone sales, with figures dwarfing this quarter's.
We're pretty sure of one thing: Apple will surprise everyone, including the analysts, probably very soon.


Halloween is a great opportunity for TLC participants to express their creativity and personal interests. Full of frights and delights, the spooktacular holiday celebrates diversity, making it a favorite for many adults with developmental disabilities. This holiday is one day of the year when normal rules around safe behavior and social interaction are actually expected to be broken. When else can you witness a ketchup bottle walking in your front door?
TLC staff create a Halloween environment that fits our folks' comfort level, whether we are partying at day program or at our residences. We often create new traditions unique to our various groups. The holiday can be a great opportunity to gently nudge persons receiving services out of their comfort zone while embracing differences together.
Our vision screening program for children ages 6 months to six years continues, thanks to a generous grant from Women Helping Youth. We focus on this age range because 75% of early learning is visual, roughly 90% of brain development occurs by the age of five, and only 14% of children entering first grade have had a vision screening.
Our screening program finds that one in four children requires some type of follow-up with an eye doctor. The Centers for Disease Control has identified vision disorders as the single most prevalent disabling condition among children, and identifying visual risks early can help to eliminate long-term vision problems for little learners.
The grant from Women Helping Youth provides TLC with a camera-like device called a "Spot Vision Screener" that is very similar to the old-style Polaroid camera. This handheld device is pointed at a child's eyes - "click" - and in less than five minutes, a report is produced. The Spot Screener can identify six risk factors for vision: Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Strabismus, Anisometriopia (unequal refractive power), and Aniscoria (unequal pupil size). We are grateful to the women of this organization for this important funding and for creating a foundation that truly helps the children they support.
Our community vision screening clinics were established by the Mid San Fernando Valley Lions Club nearly 20 years ago. The club partnered with TLC and shared its equipment and vehicles at hundreds of community events, helping to improve the visual health of our Valley neighbors.
Our talent pool was tapped on the shoulder and told, "It's Curtain Time, and its the 60's again! Acts of song, dance, and improvisation paid homage to Peace Rallies, sock hops and the mini dress. What an enthusiastic audience, too! If you missed the free show, here are some photographic highlights...but you had best plan to be in the house next time to enjoy the dazzling personalities and entertainment! Thank you, Day Program leaders and staff, for your stage management and bringing the Talent Show back where it belongs!
Our annual Dance-a-thon fundraiser will support outings, supplies and operational needs for our participants, and we hope you'll help!
This year, we celebrate our clients' love of music and dance with a Disco Fever theme. We'll dance to artists like KC and the Sunshine Band and Sister Sledge, who originated a fusion of music that became a nationwide phenomenon!
Thanks to John Quigley and volunteers from DPR construction (above) for coming last fall to build new planter boxes at our Day Program.
Sunlight, water, and TLC from a Dodgers fan make every day a growing season! Thanks again to DPR Construction.


The Frankfort Christian Academy has put together a Wish List of items that can be used for our classrooms. If you have any of these things at your home in good working condition (Gently Used condition is fine!) or if you would like to purchase new any of these items, we would love to accept your donation and give you a contribution letter for your tax forms!
You can also see some of these items on our Amazon Wish List if you would like to purchase an item instead of donating a used item.
Questions about our Wish List? Call (502) 695 - 0744 and ask for Krista Dulaney or email dulaney@mytfca.org!


Great for new home. Convenient to Byron and Warner Robins. Plenty of elbow room with 3 acres of level land for shop, barn, etc.
Additional Tracts available up to 6 Acres.
More Lots from Jack Causey, Jr.
When calling owner, please say, "I found your listing 3 Level Wooded Acres, County Water on LOTFLIP."


Today is the start of a run through most of Del Shannon's single releases in Britain from 1964 to 1969, starting with this one.... Still very much in teener ballad mode. 'Mary Jane' was the plug side but I think the flip 'Stains On My Letter' is more interesting...Del has got the 'girl blues' real bad and as he writes to her his tears are dripping on the paper...Keep your cool Del, she'll be all yours tomorrow without having to turn on the waterworks.
Both songs recorded at the October 1964 sessions that produced the previous big hit 'Keep Searchin'....this cut was intense and moody with a dramatic production by Harry Balk....The flip 'Over You' is also a cool number.
This was the last time Del made the Top 40 in Britain probably because by mid '65 the kids wanted beat groups. Solo guys from the late 50s and early 60s were no longer in vogue.
Hard driving '65 rocker with the teenbeat sound, this cut made an entry in 'Teenbeat Mayhem' and can be found on one of those 'Teenage Shutdown' compilations.
Definately Del Shannon's edgiest song which sadly flopped. According to his friend Dan Bourgoise, Del was so depressed that his records were no longer getting in the charts that he actually thought about quitting the music business during this period.
Several years ago a Dutch record collector sent me a scan of his 'Move It On Over' pic sleeve.....Jim W is now missing in action from the internet...but credit where credit is due....this one's Jim's..


The men's basketball team has reached the halfway point of conference play and looks set to make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in 35 years.
The Cougars are currently 21-1 and are tied with Cincinnati for first in the American Athletic Conference. With several marquee wins on the resume, head coach Kelvin Sampson's squad seems to have another bid to March Madness wrapped up.
According to Team Rankings, UH has a 99.9 percent chance to hear its name called come Selection Sunday on March 17.
Team Rankings gives Houston a slight edge in earning the automatic bid via the AAC Tournament over Cincinnati with a 33.7 percent chance compared to 31.25 percent for the Bearcats. In the Feb. 3 bracketology from Team Rankings, Houston is predicted to be a No. 3 seed.
Bracket Matrix, a website that compiles and categorizes various bracketology pages on their accuracy over the past five seasons, has Houston poised to receive a No. 3 seed as well, based off averages.
Bracketville, the most accurate of the 127 pages with three or more years of bracketology experience currently posting, positions the Cougars at a No. 3 seed taking on No. 14 seed Georgia State in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If UH came out with a win, it would match up with the winner of Kansas State or Davidson in this particular bracket.
The sixth-most accurate bracket on the list, OneManCommittee's, again slots the Cougars in the No. 3 spot in Tulsa, this time taking on Yale. A victory would result in Houston taking on either Maryland or Wofford.
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has the Cougars as a No. 3 seed in Tulsa with a matchup against Radford. An opening round victory would see the Cougars take on either Florida State or the winner of Seton Hall and Alabama.
As for Joe Lunardi of ESPN, Houston is a No. 4 seed in Salt Lake City, where it would take on Murray State with a potential meeting against the winner of Iowa State and New Mexico State.


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Home » News » FAA denies Bell Canada appeal for 429 weight increase
FAA denies Bell Canada appeal for 429 weight increase
Posted on October 24, 2014 by Vertical Mag
FAA has denied an appeal from Bell Canada to reconsider a petition to increase the maximum gross weight to 7,500 pounds. Bell Helicopter Photo
Bell Canada's bid to have the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reconsider a 2012 decision that rejected a 500-pound weight increase for the Bell 429 has been denied. In a decision from deputy administrator Michael Whitaker dated Oct. 17, the FAA determined that "the case presented [for] reconsideration does not warrant a change to the original conclusions." The decision goes on to state "there was no new information to consider beyond that provided in the original petition."
In January 2012, Bell Canada sought an exemption from section 27.1 (a) of the Code of Federal Regulations that would have raised the maximum gross weight for the 429 from 7,000 to 7,500 pounds. The U.S. petition was submitted after Canada — and a number of other countries around the world — had already approved the 500-pound increase. According to Bell, in addition to Canada, the weight increase has been approved in 18 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Israel and Mexico.
The FAA issued a denial in August 2012, and Bell Canada submitted an appeal in October 2012. In December 2012, the FAA received 57 comments from various parties including manufacturers, emergency medical service (EMS) operators, law enforcement agencies, helicopter maintenance facilities, government officials and others looking to purchase or operate a Bell 429.
In its decision to reject the petition a second time, the FAA fired back at a number of questions raised during the appeals process, including that the decision was political in nature based on U.S. manufacturers taking priority over manufacturers based outside the country. The FAA said it disagrees with this assertion.
Other comments in support of the petition were very general "without providing any additional information or quantifiable data not already addressed in the original denial decision," the response notes.
The original 2012 denial "noted that the exemption sought by Bell Canada would place the Bell 429 at a competitive advantage," the agency responds. "The point illustrated the unfair consequence that would result, which essentially amounted to a request to deviate from the applicability sections in parts 27 and 29."
Some commenters said that certification of the Bell 429 under part 29 would either be economically unfeasible or would result in an increased cost to Bell Canada's customers. "The FAA's exemption process addressed whether a petitioner has met the agency's standards, not the costs involved," the denial states in response. "If Bell were to pursue certifying the 429 to part 29, which it has not to this point, the costs and benefits of stepping up to part 29 standards would be a business decision for Bell and its current 429 customers."
The agency also asserted that the 2012 denial was consistent with past exemption requests, adding that Bell did not demonstrate how the weight increase would improve safety or benefit the public at large.
The manufacturer's claim that the 429 meets "almost all" of the current part 29 requirements, the FAA notes, "gives even more weight to the position that [Bell Canada] could have, and should have, (as Eurocopter [Airbus Helicopters] did), sought certification of the Bell 429 under part 29 and requested exemptions for those part 29 requirements the aircraft could not meet." While the FAA said it understands that certification under part 29 is a more involved process, the agency said it appears Bell Canada "wishes to be granted the same regulatory relief as Eurocopter and other manufacturers who pursued the more burdensome path, without taking that path itself."
Bell Helicopter released the following statement in reaction to the ruling:
"The Federal Aviation Administration's decision to deny our request to certify the Bell 429 at 7,500 pounds in the United States is disappointing. While we appreciate the time the FAA took to review our petition and the new information we brought forward, we believe the decision does not reflect the capabilities of the aircraft nor the positive contribution to public safety of the Bell 429 with an additional 500 lbs. 18 countries have validated the 429 at 7,500 pounds based on Transport Canada's extensive technical evaluation and we will continue pursuing additional exemptions globally.
"Nonetheless, customer demand for the Bell 429 is growing worldwide in its current 7,000-pound configuration and we expect this trend to continue. The Bell 429 installed base has doubled since 2012 and has grown to include more than 30 countries. For example, our installed Bell 429 fleet in Europe has grown from two aircraft to nearly 50 in the last two years. Our business plan is based upon the remarkable customer response to the Bell 429 as certified, not the incremental benefit of the increased gross weight.
"Bell Helicopter remains committed to discussions with the FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and the rotorcraft community about the modernization of rotorcraft regulations. We believe a fresh approach is necessary to more efficiently introduce newer technologies that can improve safety throughout the rotorcraft industry."
Hillsboro Heli Academy partners with Bristow on new career pathway
Brokering the sale
Helicopter Museum is England's first 'Recommended Venue of Education'
The 110th anniversary of the first helicopter flight
Jetnet releases first 9 months of 2017 pre-owned business jet and helicopter information
Tropical lift: A visit to Ecolift's MRO and completion center in Puerto Rico


myE-Verify: A free employee focused website called myE-Verify is now available allowing workers and job seekers to create a unique, secure myE-Verify account. With this new secure account, individuals can access a resource center to learn about employment eligibility authorization, utilize Self Check to confirm their own employment eligibility, and now can Self Lock their Social Security Number (SSN) for up to one year to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use within E-Verify. What does this mean for Employers?
Unless the new hire unlocks their SSN the next time they apply for a job, a Tentative Non-confirmation (TNC) / Further Action Notice (FAN) will be received if the employer uses E-Verify.
Employers should consider implementing a new process to remind new hires that if they have locked their SSN in myE-Verify, it is advised for them to unlock their SSN prior to a new case being created in the E-Verify system.
Record Disposal: E-Verify is taking action to comply with the National Archives and Records Administration's retention and disposal schedule by deleting records from the E-Verify system that are more than 10 years old. Effective January 1, 2015, E-Verify transaction records more than 10 years old will be deleted from the E-Verify system. For more information see the Fact Sheet and instructions provided by the Department of Homeland Security.


The winemaker for Bertrand de Monceny is Marinette Garnier, a native of Burgundy. She attended the University of Burgundy, where she earned degrees in biochemistry and winemaking. She has worked at a number of prestigious wineries in the region, including Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Domaine Méo-Camuzet, Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Moillard.
Bertrand de Monceny Blanc de Blancs Brut is a bright gold in the glass with lively bubbles and soft, creamy aromas. Fruity in the mouth with hints of almonds and apples, a full body and fresh finish. Bertrand de Monceny's Blanc de Blancs is aged for 12 months in the bottle.


This topic contains 6 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by ADRIAN 1 year, 3 months ago.
Also, all the icons related to the touchscreen have disappeared (in the 'Human Device Interfaces' drop down menu). I did what a few people suggest online (who have had the same issue, but on different devices). Uninstalled the i2c hid, then rebooted. Sometimes it would repair itself, other times not. So, I'd just muck around, disabling/uninstalling the i2c hid, scanning for updates, and eventually it reappears, along with the "touchscreen enabled device" icon in the drop down menu.
Does anyone have a permanent fix for this? It happens twice a week with medium use. I have the BIOS loaded from that XDA dev guy. Also, I had problems with the win key ghosting, which was fixed using the iCube program/fix (hoping that is not the cause).
I have the same issue since last windows 10 update. Very annoying.
Same here! Today I read that it may have something to do with the customized bios(2.6) I use and that flashing the original bios will fix this. Do you use the customized bios as well?
Flashing the original bios fixed the issue for me.
I am new in this forum and since last windows update I have the same issue. Can just reactivate touch as described earlier in this thread.
Can you please share a description on how to update bios and where to find the specific files (stock Bios) .
Anyway you can find instructions about how to install modified and stock BIOS all over the forum, just google it.


Brent Charles is performing the Opening Night!
Accompanied by the incredibly, talented musicians and poets, including Doug Emery – Piano, Donald C. Thomas -Drums, Senegal Apostolo – Bass!
Poets: Quick, Analogy, Red Writing Hood, & Elaina Whorley!
Come and join us for a full weekend of Real Jazz, Poetry, Dancing, and Art!
Continuing the Legacy of Jazz!
Fri. Feb. 22nd with the incredibly talented musicians and poets, including Doug Emery – Piano, Donald C. Thomas -Drums, Senegal Apostolo – Bass!


In recent years, there has been a concerted effort by humanitarian actors to include people with disabilities in service provision and programming. However, those identified as having disabilities are more often than not people with 'visible' physical difficulties. People with less visible challenges, such as communication disabilities, often go unidentified and are unable to access the humanitarian and protection services they need.
A person with communication disabilities may have difficulties in understanding and/or in expressing themselves, using spoken or signed language. Studies suggest that up to 49% of people with disabilities who seek services in East Africa have some form of communication difficulty but the challenges they face are often not identified due to the 'hidden' nature of the disability: communication disability is both invisible and often complicated by other disabilities. Services to assist people with communication disabilities in many low- and middle-income countries are either non-existent or in short supply. In addition, widespread misunderstanding of the causes and nature of communication disabilities often results in people's exclusion from, or poor access to, support within the community and through formal and informal services.
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a significant risk for refugees in Rwanda, particularly for women and children. The risk is considered to be significantly higher for refugees with disabilities, because of factors such as being separated from family members, isolation, poor living conditions that may impact them disproportionately, and shortfalls in community protection mechanism. Other contributing factors include people with disabilities being stigmatised, their accounts of abuse being discredited and, in some cases, their lack of mobility hindering escape.
People with communication disabilities may be specifically targeted as they are far less able to report abuse, to describe the perpetrator effectively or to follow through with legal proceedings. In addition to the lack of support services available following abuse, evidence suggests that preventative measures, such as sexual and reproductive health education for refugees, is often not accessible to people with communication disabilities.
There is some emerging evidence that humanitarian organisations are beginning to recognise communication disabilities as a barrier to accessing services for SGBV (including prevention, support and legal redress), and as a major protection risk, but there is little evidence of good practice in supporting people with communication disabilities to report SGBV and to access ongoing support. Front-line humanitarian staff in Rwanda are aware of the difficulties that people with communication disabilities face across the SGBV response systems but feel ill-equipped to respond to their needs.
In response to concerns identified by UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) Rwanda, and following an in-depth literature review, a project involving Manchester Metropolitan University, Communicability Global and UNHCR was set up to find out more about the scale and nature of the challenges facing refugees with communication disabilities and their carers in relation to access to SGBV medical, legal and psychosocial support services. We first carried out focus group discussions in Rwanda with frontline humanitarian staff and community members (including community mobilisers, who are responsible for assisting refugees to access appropriate support services) from a refugee settlement and from an urban refugee setting. We also carried out a small number of individual and small-group interviews with carers of people with communication disabilities, to find out what challenges they and the person with the communication disability face. (At this stage, we did not talk to carers of people with communication disability about SGBV specifically, due to the sensitive and distressing nature of the topic.) Information about the experience of SGBV survivors who have a communication disability was obtained indirectly, from humanitarian staff and community mobilisers.
We then held a workshop for key stakeholders (UN agencies, national organisations, local Disabled People's Organisations and a clinical psychologist with expertise in SGBV) to explore the difficulties faced by refugees with communication disabilities in accessing appropriate services, gaining support for improvement of services, and to establish a consortium of expert organisations to take this work forward.
Findings from this preliminary investigation indicate that understanding about communication disability is very limited across the board, at community level and among service providers and strategic actors. For people with a communication disability, barriers to accessing services occur at every stage of SGBV response: prevention, disclosure, support and redress. There were anecdotal reports of perpetrators targeting people with communication disabilities and bribing them with food, or threatening them with exposure, and evidence of people with communication disabilities being targeted in their own homes when they were alone. Endemic stigmatisation and discrediting of people with communication disabilities by community members and service providers make reporting abuse almost impossible.
Critically, service providers do not have sufficient knowledge and understanding about the range and impact of communication disabilities, or skills to support people with communication disabilities. There is also a widespread misunderstanding that using sign language is the best solution, even though most people with communication disabilities in humanitarian contexts do not use a formal sign language. It was apparent that when a SGBV survivor has a communication disability, medical practitioners did not have the skills to take a medical report and police are unable to take statements effectively. Furthermore, judicial systems may not be able to prosecute if a victim cannot bear witness to the crime. In addition, counselling and psychosocial support services are often based on talking therapies, and providers lack the skills and resources necessary to provide services using alternative methods.
During the workshop, participants identified what they thought they and their organisations could do over the next five years or more to improve services for refugee survivors of SGBV who have a communication disability. Their commitments included training and capacity building for all service providers about understanding and identifying communication disabilities, awareness raising and sensitisation among communities, developing materials to help people with communication disabilities to disclose SGBV (for example, by using picture symbols or objects for people to show what they experienced, rather than having to use only spoken words) and to access medical and legal services, and better inclusion in education – both formal education and in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. SRH has been identified as crucial in the prevention of SGBV and both the literature review and reports from stakeholders highlighted the lack of inclusive SRH education services in refugee communities.
Priorities identified for the project include a) working with key stakeholders to engage with refugee survivors of SGBV with communication disabilities and their families, in order to better understand their needs and the challenges they face – and to involve them in future developments in this area; and b) working with partners to design, implement and evaluate changes in processes and services to increase the inclusion of people with communication disabilities in SRH education, and to improve their ability to access appropriate responses to SGBV.
In order for this work to be done, humanitarian actors clearly need to be able to identify people with communication disabilities. This will require training of agency staff, community leaders, disability committees and community mobilisers (and volunteers), and the establishment of systems to record and document people and needs. It will also be essential to consider the ethical implications and support systems needed to engage with such a vulnerable group of people on such a sensitive and distressing topic.
The authors would like to thank the families of people with communication disabilities who talked about their experiences, and all others involved in the project.
 Hartley S (1995) 'The proportion of people with communication disabilities seeking help from community development assistants (CDAs) in Eastern Uganda', Proceedings of the 23rd World Congress of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, Cairo.
 Literature review online at www2.mmu.ac.uk/media/mmuacuk/content/documents/hpsc/research/understanding-SGBV-in-refugees-with-a-communication-disability-literature-review.pdf or from Julie Marshall.


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Beautiful memories of warm summertime afternoons, relaxing on the porch with a refreshing glass of peach flavored lemonade poured over ice. Just omagine sipping on a fresh glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. There's something about that elixir that's absolutely magical, being capable of cooling us down and calming our nerves when we're feeling the heat. Lemon Twist Peach Blossom pays tribute to this luxurious beverage by infusing that classic treat with fresh peach blossoms and loads of juicy peach segments. This fruity concoction is a dream-come-true once the weather gets hot.
Your thirst will be quenched as soon as you inhale thanks to the zesty, bright taste of the lemons. The tartness peaks and subsides just in time for the floral notes to come through. You'll feel invigorated as the flavors refresh you all over. Then, as you exhale, sweet peaches bloom on the palate, making you feel like you're bathing beneath the Georgia sun in the middle of July.
Lemon Twist Peach Blossom has a tranquil fog and flavor chasing blend of 70/30 VG/PG.
Vapes like a refreshing glass of summer every time.


THROWBACK THURSDAY: A historical past of residence openers - Skyhigh Buildhome Pvt. Ltd.
EDMONTON, AB – It really is been a lengthy time coming for your Oilers to host their 2018-19 NHL home opener at Rogers Location.Oct eighteen is definitely the longest Oilers enthusiasts have needed to hold out to see their staff at home beyond lockout many years in 1994-95, 2004-05 and 2013-14 as a result of club opening this period around the street in Germany and Sweden as part in the NHL World wide Series earlier this thirty day period. Visits with the The big apple Rangers and Winnipeg Jets back on Oct 1 Cam Talbot Jersey throughout the 1999-00 and 2013-14 seasons respectively are definitely the earliest dates the Oilers have ever opened up their home marketing campaign.Tonight is going to be the first time the Oilers have taken around the Boston Bruins in their to start with household recreation of the time immediately after obtaining presently frequented the Bruins around the highway this period adhering to their arrival back in North The united states. The most frequent franchises to serve as opposition with the Oilers on opening night time traditionally are definitely the Calgary Flames (seven), Detroit Pink Wings (five), the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche (four) and the Winnipeg Jets/Arizona Coyotes (4).The Oilers are 21-12-5 in their residence debuts considering that becoming a member of the NHL in 1979.Ahead of tonight's visit from your Bruins, let's look again at a number of the ideal Oilers dwelling openers in latest memory: Oct four, 2017: Oilers 3, Flames 0 | BOX SCOREA second-straight dwelling opener from the Calgary Flames and 3rd in four years proved bountiful to the Blue and Orange, with who else but captain Connor McDavid on the forefront.New off his first-career Art Ro s and Hart Memorial trophies a 12 months prior, McDavid's hat-trick delivered all the scoring in the 3-0 acquire over for that Oilers above their division rivals. Leon Draisaitl additional two helpers, and Cam Talbot recorded a 27-save shutout and also the nineteenth of his profe sion.The Oilers finished the yr in your own home with a 25-12-4 history.October twelve, 2016: Oilers 7, Flames four | BOX SCOREA seven-spot towards the Flames was a victory of substance for your variety of good reasons for the Oilers.McDavid's three https://www.styleoilers.com/edmonton-oilers-jersey/adam-larsson-jersey -point night (2G, 1A), including a goal by using the penalty shot, kickstarted his first MVP season and scoring title that involved one hundred factors although also capping off a unforgettable opening night for Rogers Spot.Online video: CGY@EDM: McDavid dekes for purpose on penalty shotThe victory finished a four-game shedding streak in residence openers with the Oilers dated again to some 6-3 reduction to the San Jose Sharks in 2013.October 7, 2010: Oilers four, Flames 0 | BOX SCOREWe all try to remember the decision:"Here's Eberle. Eberle backhander What Al Montoya Jersey a beautiful intention! The toe drag! From forehand to backhand! And also the Oilers extend to the 2-0 lead! Jordan Eberle, WOW!" Oilers play-by-play voice on 630 CHED Jack Michaels mentioned eight a long time in the past.Eberle's very first NHL objective in his skilled debut took the roof off Rexall Put, with Nikolai Khabibulin earning the shutout with a whopping 37 will save towards the Flames. Ales Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff and Gilbert Brule recorded objectives within the victory.October 5, 2005: Oilers 4, Avalanche 3 | BOX SCOREPotentially no one even so the 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers could've recognised what started off on that night time in October.Returning into the ice just after dropping the 2004-05 NHL season to a lockout, a get in exce s of the Avalanche was the start of a memorable run for the Stanley Cup Last to the Oilers, dropping in 7 online games for the Carolina Hurricanes with star seasons in the likes of Hemsky, Horcoff, Jarrett Stoll, Ryan Smyth, Chris Pronger and Dwayne Roloson.The very best line of Smyth, Horcoff, and Radek Dvorak mixed for 3 aims and 8 factors within the night time while in the club's to start with property opener versus the Colorado Avalanche franchise.


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The AppAdvice Week In Review: A Tale Of Two iPhones And More On The iPad 5 Debut
We're still waiting for new iPads. While we wait, much of the discussion remains on the two new iPhones, for better or worse. Here are just a few of the stories we covered during the week that was.
Where do you stand on the iPhone 5c?
This week, I called the iPhone 5c a disaster. This opinion had little to do with the actual handset. Rather, I stressed that Apple did a poor job setting the handset's price, given its ho-hum list of features. I also complained about the color choices for the handset. Naturally, this caused much debate among our readers. Some agreed with my analysis, including Petterson, who said the following:
Come on let's face it Apple screwed up royally on the 5c. I don't know many teen that would be caught with these colors. They look soooo cheap Apples quality has been slipping for 2 years now. Apple has lost the cool factor they once owned, sad really.
Others weren't so kind. John called the article something I can't repeat here, while SarcasticJoe wondered whether I had been smoking something funny (I had not). Reader Shmoops offered this respectful opinion:
You guys aren't looking at this the right way. The 5c line is meant to replace the tradition of dropping the price on the previous years iPhone and keeping it on shelves. It's just a rebranding of old hardware that prob costs less to make. Given the fact that US carriers were reporting the 5c as their second highest selling phone, and the fact that previous iPhone models have never been second best sellers before, I'd say that Apple is achieving everything they want with the 5c.
I'll add this to the debate: For months, the rumors suggested that Apple was working on a low-cost iPhone for emerging markets. That speculation spun into overdrive once the name "iPhone 5c" was leaked in late August. But the iPhone 5c isn't sitting in the bargain bin. Instead, Apple priced the handset just below that of the new iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5c is still cheap. However, Apple is the one saving money, not the consumer. The iPhone 5c uses internals from the iPhone 5. These parts are a year old in terms of technology. They are also less expensive for Apple to produce. Additionally, the one area where the iPhone 5c is different than the iPhone 5 was also made in such a way that it benefits Apple's bottom line. The handset comes in five color choices. Each of these is made of "beautifully, unapologetically plastic," according to Apple's Jony Ive. Again, I'm not saying that the iPhone 5c is a bad handset. Rather, it serves a purpose most consumers might not know about, and is worth pointing out. See also: Reliable Analyst Cuts Sales Forecast For The iPhone 5c, Some Very Bad News For Apple's iPhone 5c .
The iPhone 5s still rules and is sold out
Both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s will launch in additional countries in the coming weeks. Beginning Friday, Oct. 25, both handsets will arrive in: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Thailand. On Friday, Nov. 1, both will launch in Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. This news comes despite continued shortages for the iPhone 5s. As Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster noted, iPhone 5s inventories have worsened since the handset first launched on Sept. 20. Munster says that iPhone 5s supplies went from 27 percent availability two weeks ago, to 6 percent over the past week. This finding is based on checks at 60 Apple retail stores. More worrisome, the number of stores that had at least one iPhone 5s SKU available has also dropped. Two weeks ago, 90 percent of stores reported having at least one model in stock. That number is just 40 percent now.
Oct. 22 is probably the day for new iPads
According to AllThingsD, Apple's second media event in less than two months will happen on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The report says the iPad will be the major focus:
People familiar with Apple's plans tell AllThingsD that the company will hold its next invitation-only event on Tuesday October 22. The focal point of the gathering will be the latest updates to the company's iPad line, but the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks will likely get some stage time as well, I'm told.
As Brent Dirks reported, Apple is expected to unveil both the fifth-generation iPad and iPad mini 2 at the event. The full-sized tablet will apparently take a number of design cues from the iPad mini and feature thinner bezels. The new device should also have a significantly smaller surface area while maintaining the same 9.7-inch screen size. It's currently unknown whether the next-generation iPad mini will sport a Retina display. A report last week said the iPad 5 and smaller tablet will feature improved cameras though. What does the iPad 5 look like? Perhaps like this.
Google's Eric Schmidt Claims Android Is 'More Secure Than The iPhone' by Joe White shows who could be the one smoking the crack.
Apple's iOS 7 Does Well In A New User Experience Survey by yours truly offers some insight on Apple's new operating system.
Apple To Expand iTunes Radio To Canada, UK, Australia And New Zealand In Early 2014 by Aldrin Calimlim has some good news for these countries.
Apps Are More Likely To Crash On Apple's iPhone 5s Than The iPhone 5c by yours truly explains why another iOS 7 update is needed.
Here's a hilarious take on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1sIWez9HAbA
Sixth-Gen iPad Offering 30-40 Percent Higher Pixel Density Coming In 2014?
Apple's iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c To Support Dutch Carrier KPN's 4G LTE Network


Jake Long & কেশা - Crazy Kids. Do y'all think Jake and কেশা make a cute couple?. HD Wallpaper and background images in the American Dragon: Jake Long club tagged: photo american dragon jake long jake ke$ha crazy kids fire guitar song warrior.


NNN Lease located right off Hwy 90 in Broussard. Building has 7 offices, kitchenette, waiting area and 2 bathrooms. The shop/warehouse has 2 overhead doors, 3 phase elec, overhead storage and a bathroom. There's also plenty of parking and a large fenced in yard. Owner is having the building painted and floors resealed.


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Bank Muscat holds first Al Mazyona salary draws for 2021
Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the sultanate, in step with its vision 'To serve you better, everyday' and commitment to partnership in encouraging a savings culture in Oman, recently held its salary transfer draws for the month of January.
The event was held at the bank's head office along with the monthly draws in other categories in line with the bank's commitment to encouraging a savings culture in Oman and 20 winners were chosen in the salary transfer segment.
Bank Muscat is playing a keen role in increasing the savings habit of people in the country in line with national goals. By continuously innovating over the past three decades based on customer feedback, the bank offers the largest number of prizes in Oman across different customer segments including the salary transfer segment. The bank is proud of the success so far achieved by Al Mazyona in promoting the concept of savings in the Omani society.
All customers who transfer their salaries to Al Mazyona accounts are eligible to be entered into the salary transfer draws. Al Mazyona rewards 10 winners every month from among those with salaries between RO500 and RO999 every month, and winners were chosen during the draw for the month of January.
These winners will be paid a monthly salary prize of RO500 for a whole year as a reward for choosing Al Mazyona salary accounts. Similarly, 10 winners with salaries above RO1,000 were chosen from amongst Al Jawhar customers. These winners too will receive RO500 every month for a whole year. It must be noted that as many as 240 winners will receive a total of over RO1.4mn in prizes in monthly salary transfer draws for 2021.
In 2021, Bank Muscat has further increased the number of prizes in the country's largest savings scheme with 7,470 winners all set to be rewarded for their savings habit, up by 12 percent from 6,677 in the previous year. Special prizes have also been reserved for Asalah and Al Jawhar customers among others.
Madayn and Iranian business delegation discuss cooperation prospects
Top regional tech leaders highlight innovative solutions in post-pandemic era
Fitch revises NBO's outlook to 'stable'; affirms 'BB-' rating


BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 11, 2018 – In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $1.5 million of cash and in-kind support for relief and recovery. In addition, $1 million from the Walmart 2018 Hurricane Relief Fund held at Foundation For The Carolinas will support Red Cross efforts for those most impacted in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Our friends and family in the Florida Panhandle are experiencing tremendous loss as a result of this catastrophic storm. We are actively supporting local relief efforts and will continue to help communities as they recover.
Providing prescriptions and immunizations to customers during and after this emergency through Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies, which will be open as long as conditions are safe for customers and associates.
Working with suppliers to help stores and clubs stay in stock. Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs will be prepared to open up as soon as possible so they can support communities in the affected area, and company pharmacies will also work with patients who might be displaced or have previously received prescriptions from another pharmacy.
Centralizing relief efforts through the Walmart Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which operates 24 hours a day tracking storm impacts and supporting associates' needs and well-being. The EOC also facilitates store recovery, and is supporting community relief efforts in the impacted regions.
Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disasters, helping communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies, such as food and water, home and personal products. In addition to last year's hurricane response of more than $38 million, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than $60 million since 2005 in cash and in-kind donations in response to disaster events.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 265 million customers and members visit our more than 11,200 stores under 55 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2018 revenue of $500.3 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. Walmart has stores in 27 countries, employing more than 2.2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Our philanthropy helps people live better by supporting upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where Walmart operates and inspiring our associates to give back. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit http://giving.walmart.com/foundation.


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Q: How to serve one instance of an Angular app for each random route (like in meet.jit.si) This question is somehow hard to ask and may be subject to change. How is it possible to have an Angular app that loads an instance of itself on every route/url? For example: If you go to http://happy-app.com/happy it has its own state. And if you then go to http://happy-app.com/happier you have the same app, but in another state. As reference look at meet.jit.si. Later there would be a real time collaboration between users on the same url.
So, what technologies would you suggest I use? Is this possible with angular alone (disregard the real time collaboration)? Or is that a server side e.g. tomcat configuration? I'm also open for other frameworks (if they have a good ecosystem).

A: Your URL would look like this:
http://happy-app.com/:meetingId

meetingId is a variable in your URL. It is called route parameters.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Sophomore Collin Dekorsi wins All-Conference in basketball
Erik Hernandez, Copy Editor
Close to all members of an extracurricular activity or sports team dream of accomplishing great things, whether as a team or as an individual. Recently, sophomore Collin Dekorsi was won the Mid-East Suburban League All-Conference basketball player, making him one of the youngest players in BG to be awarded this prestigious award. On Feb. 24, Dekorsi earned 30 points for BG against Prospect, and, as a sophomore, is one of the biggest contributors to the team.
"He's been our best scorer," coach Keith Peterson said. "We usually put him to guard the best guy on the other team. He has been a great floor commander and point guard."
Every year, all MSL coaches submit a list of players who, in their eyes, represent both their school and team in a positive manner. Dekorsi was one of the students submitted, which surprised many, seeing that he is only a sophomore. According to Peterson, the main reason Dekorsi's name was in the running is his outstanding work ethic. Since it was his first year on Varsity, Dekorsi had big shoes to fill but has been handling it well.
"He's even improved since the start of the season," Peterson said. "The games
are a lot faster and he's done a good job catching up to the speed of the game."
Dekorsi's teammates agree with Peterson's evaluation of the athlete's talent and contributions to the team.
"He's been a really hard worker who's not complacent with just being a 'good' basketball player," senior Ryan Williams said. "He's improved in all aspects he's been able to."
Peterson firmly believes Dekorsi is like a sponge, absorbing all valuable information that relates to basketball without question. Peterson also hopes that, due to Dekori, next year will be prosperous for the team. Dekorsi, likewise, shares a dream of accomplishing various achievements next year with a new team.
"I don't think our record reflected our team correctly," Dekorsi said. "Next year we want to encourage the younger kids to get into the game. We're going to have a different playing style and we're going to have a younger team."
Dekorsi cites that his biggest challenge this year is the fact that all of his opponents are taller than him. Dekorsi aims at doing great things regardless of this challenge and applying himself as a point guard. More so as a sophomore, Dekorsi is endeavored with the large task of being responsible and committed when it comes to his position on the court.
"I always try to be the first in sprints and encourage the team," Dekorsi said. "Hopefully, I win All-Conference again and have a winning record next season.
Girls' cross country team takes victory at first invitational
Girls Swim starts strong despite loss of spectators
Boys Track 2020
The revolution of technology leads to the Astros' cheating scandal
Girls water polo prepares as a team for season
Change in perception surrounding exercise fuels BG sports
Girls Gymnastics 2020
Girls Basketball 'one-game mentality' aids success
New age of basketball garners criticism for evolved styles of play
Obstacles to high school sports are outweighed by benefits


≈ Comments Off on And behind the curtain….
The dust is settling after the selection process for our first resident. Behind the scenes, the folks at Storyknife are starting to build the foundation of documents, timelines, and budgets that will allow us to launch a fully-formed fundraising campaign to secure the money to build the entire residency.
In order to do this, we've asked some dynamic women to be part of the Storyknife Advisory Council. These advisers will help us by answering questions that arise as we move forward. They are a diverse and incredible group, and we are so proud that they've agreed to help us. Over the next few months, we'll be featuring "Get to Know the Advisory Council" spots on the blog.
The second one will launch tomorrow. The first one featured Kathleen Alcalá, and tomorrow's will feature Ernestine Hayes.
Meanwhile, it has become summer here on Kachemak Bay. Wild roses and lupine are blooming, gardens are starting to look promising, and we've all got sun in our eyes and dirt under our fingernails.