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Israeli moon lander hitches ride on SpaceX launch with Indonesian comsat
February 22, 2019 Stephen Clark
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket streaks into a starry sky Thursday night. Credit: SpaceX
An Israeli-built moon lander aiming to become the first privately-funded mission reach another planetary body rocketed away from Cape Canaveral on Thursday night aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, riding piggyback with an Indonesian communications spacecraft and an experimental U.S. Air Force space surveillance microsatellite.
The Falcon 9 rocket fired away from Florida's Space Coast atop 1.7 million pounds of thrust, heading east on a trajectory arcing over the Atlantic Ocean on a thundering departure which marked the first launch of the year from Cape Canaveral.
Nine Merlin 1D main engines ignited in the final three seconds of Thursday night's countdown, and hold-down restraints released the 229-foot-tall (70-meter) launcher at 8:45 p.m. EST (0145 GMT Friday). After turning to the east from the Florida coast, the Falcon 9 exceeded the speed of sound in less than a minute and shut down its first stage engines a little more than two-and-a-half minutes into the mission.
The booster stage jettisoned seconds later to begin a guided supersonic plunge back into the atmosphere, reigniting a subset of its engines to steer toward a landing platform in the Atlantic Ocean. The booster extended a landing gear and used one of its engines to brake for touchdown on the drone ship, named "Of Course I Still Love You."
The on-target landing ended the third trip to space and back for the Falcon 9 booster, following a pair of missions launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California last year. It was the 34th successful landing of a Falcon booster overall.
The Falcon 9's upper stage engine propelled the mission's three payloads into an oval-shaped orbit using two separate firings within a half-hour of liftoff. The rocket intended to reach an orbit ranging more than 37,000 miles (60,000 kilometers) above the planet at its highest point, and SpaceX's launch team reported the Falcon 9 achieved an on-target orbital insertion.
The Israeli moon lander, named Beresheet, was the first of the three spacecraft on the mission to separate in orbit around 33 minutes after liftoff. The Indonesian Nusantara Satu communications satellite, the mission's heaviest payload, deployed 44 minutes into the flight, and a forward-looking camera on the Falcon 9 rocket showed the telecom craft receding into space as the vehicles soared over the Indian Ocean.
The successful launch Thursday night cleared the way for SpaceX's first Crew Dragon capsule to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center as soon as March 2. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, developed under contract to NASA, is set for an unpiloted test flight to the International Space Station before a mission with astronauts on-board later this year.
A Flight Readiness Review for the Crew Dragon demonstration flight is scheduled Friday, when NASA and SpaceX managers will examine the mission's flight plan and discuss any unresolved technical concerns before deciding whether to proceed with launch preparations for a March 2 liftoff.
Israel's Beresheet mission begins seven-week trip to the moon
Within minutes of separation from the Falcon 9 rocket, the Beresheet moon probe opened its four landing legs and radioed ground controllers in Israel with a status report.
The moon-bound lander will fire its main engine several times in the coming weeks, beginning as soon as Friday, to raise its altitude with a series of ever-growing loops around the Earth, setting up for a maneuver to wring into lunar orbit April 4. Touchdown in the moon's Mare Serenitatis region is scheduled for April 11.
Funded by philanthropists and donors, the mission could make history and become the first privately-funded spacecraft to reach the moon.
A non-profit group named SpaceIL spearheaded the project, which officials said cost less than $100 million from conception through the launch.
Credit: SpaceIL
"This is going to be the first private interplanetary mission that's going to go to the moon," said Yonatan Winetraub, a co-founder of SpaceIL, which had its origin in a brainstorming meeting in a Tel Aviv bar. "This is a big milestone. This is going to be the first time that it's not going to be a superpower that's going to go to the moon. This is a huge step for Israel.
"Until today, three superpowers have soft landed on the moon — the United States, the Soviet Union and recently, China," Winetraub said in a news conference Wednesday night in Orlando. "And (we) thought it's about time for a change. We want to get little Israel all the way to the moon. This is the purpose of SpaceIL."
Beresheet, which means "genesis" or "in the beginning" in Hebrew, is covered in gold insulation. Nearly three-quarters of the spacecraft's 1,290-pound (585-kilogram) launch mass is hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellant contained within tanks inside the lander's body.
The propellants will feed a 100-pound-thrust main engine adapted from communications satellite buses, along with eight control jets to keep the Beresheet lander properly pointed.
"Israel is a very small country, as small as New Jersey, and we're shooting for the moon," said Yigal Harel, head of SpaceIL's spacecraft development team. "It's the first time a small country has aimed to reach the moon and land safely. We are the first non-governmental mission to the moon, and we're the first ever moon mission to use a commercial launch, which is very unique."
Originally conceived as a competitor for the Google Lunar X Prize, the SpaceIL lunar lander was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, an Israeli defense contractor, and delivered to Cape Canaveral in January for the rideshare launch on the Falcon 9 rocket.
The Google Lunar X Prize, which promised a multimillion-dollar cash payout to the first team that put a privately-funded spacecraft on the moon, ended last year without a winner.
Morris Kahn, an Israeli billionaire, put $40 million of his fortune toward the mission, and serves as SpaceIL's president. Other donors include Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, a casino and resort magnate who lives in Las Vegas, and Sylvan Adams, a Canadian-Israeli businessman.
The financial backers decided to keep SpaceIL going after the Google Lunar X Prize ended.
SpaceIL co-founders Kfir Damari, Yonatan Winetraub and Yariv Bash insert a time capsule on the Beresheet spacecraft. The time capsule includes three discs with digital files that will remain on the moon with the spacecraft. The discs include details on the spacecraft and the crew that built it, and national and cultural symbols, such as the Israeli flag, the Israeli national anthem, and the Bible. Credit: SpaceIL
"We have a vision to show off Israel's best qualities to the entire world," Adams said Wednesday. "Tiny Israel, tiny, tiny Israel, is about to become the fourth nation to land on the moon. And this is a remarkable thing, because we continue to demonstrate our ability to punch far, far, far above our weight, and to show off our skills, our innovation, our creativity in tackling any difficult problem that could possibly exist."
"We've been at it for six, seven, or eight years low-key, and for about four years at full rate," said Opher Doron, general manager of IAI's space division. "That's what it took to develop the spacecraft. So it's a new business model, and it's a totally new way of getting to the moon."
Because of the project's limited budget — a fraction of the cost of government-funded lunar landers — the Israeli team had to adapt technology designed for other purposes to the moon mission. For example, the main thruster on the lander is an off-the-shelf engine typically used to adjust the orbits of large communications satellites.
The engine can't be throttled, so it will fire in short bursts — as needed — to control the lander's descent rate, before shutting off around 16 feet (5 meters) above the moon, allowing the probe to fall to the surface.
"It's extremely exciting, and quite risky," Doron said in an interview with Spaceflight Now. "There's no guarantee of success. There never is in space, but there's even less so in this case. But we've done a lot of testing, a lot of engineering, and now we'll be doing a lot of praying.
"We have to live in space for a month-and-a-half without redundancies," Doron said. "That's never trivial, when we have so many new systems on-board. But the riskiest part is the lunar capture, and by far the riskiest is the landing itself. We'll be doing more than a week in lunar orbit. We will raise our apogee until we get to the distance of the moon, and we have to time that so that when the moon is crossing our plane, that's when we get there. We have to time our orbit-raising maneuvers so that when the moon is at that spot, we get there as well."
The Beresheet mission will be deployed into an elliptical orbit around the Earth by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, then use its own engine to raise its altitude over the course of several weeks before reaching the moon April 4. Landing is scheduled for April 11. Credit: SpaceIL
"What we are trying to do here is take $100 million and put a few kilograms on the moon, but we are doing it at a certain level of reliability, which we currently don't know," Harel said. "For sure, it's not 100 percent. This mission is very, very ambitious."
"I think it's an extraordinary success right where we stand right now," Doron said. "We have designed and built and shipped a spacecraft ready to launch on the way to the moon. As someone from NASA told me, even if we don't make it, we'll be the first ones to figure out what went wrong and try to fix it."
If the touchdown is successful, Beresheet will collect data on the magnetic field at the landing site. NASA also provided a laser reflector on the spacecraft, which scientists will use to determine the exact distance to the moon. The U.S. space agency is also providing communications and tracking support to the mission.
The German space agency — DLR — also helped the SpaceIL team with drop testing to simulate the conditions the spacecraft will encounter at the moment of landing.
But Doron said the Beresheet spacecraft is largely home-grown, with Israeli designers, builders and operators.
"When you zoom out a little bit and you remember what the Google Lunar X Prize — rest in peace — wanted to achieve, we've actually achieved it," Doron said. "We're actually managing to do what they wanted to show was possible, a non-government mission to get to the moon."
The Israeli-built lander is designed to function at least two days on the moon, enough time to beam back basic scientific data and a series of panoramic images, plus a selfie. The laser reflector is a passive payload, and will be useful long after the spacecraft stops operating.
Beresheet also aims to deliver a time capsule to the moon with the Israeli flag, and digital copies of the Israeli national anthem, the Bible, and other national and cultural artifacts.
"People say during the '60s, Russia and the United States landed on the moon, so what's the big deal now?" Harel said. "The tooling of development changed a lot, but the physics of nature is still very harsh and very, very complex, and to take something so tiny and so fragile and to put it on the moon is a very complex and ambitious mission. So we have redundancy only on things we decided must have it, but most of the systems have no redundancy.
"We need to be creative, when we encounter problems — and for sure, we will encounter problems because this is the space arena — we will have to send commands to the software of the spacecraft to do things differently."
Artist's concept of the Beresheet lunar lander on the moon's surface. Credit: SpaceIL
IAI and OHB, a German aerospace company, signed an agreement in January that could build on the Beresheet mission by constructing future commercial landers to ferry scientific instruments and other payloads to the moon's surface for the European Space Agency.
According to Doron, IAI is also in discussions with U.S. companies to use Israeli technology developed for the Beresheet project on commercial lunar landers for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. NASA selected nine companies last year to be eligible to compete for contracts to transport science and tech demo payloads to the lunar surface.
SpaceIL and IAI were not among the winners, but Israeli engineers could partner with U.S. firms to meet NASA's requirements.
"There may be opportunities in the United States," Doron said. "There's the CLPS program in the United States, and we are talking to different U.S. companies about how we can join in that."
Indonesian telecom satellite, U.S. Air Force experiment on the way to geosynchronous orbit
The Indonesian Nusantara Satu communications satellite, built by SSL in Palo Alto, California, was the the primary passenger on the Falcon 9 launcher. A U.S. Air Force satellite, known as S5, will also ride piggyback on an adapter attached to the top of Nusantara Satu.
The entire spacecraft stack weighed about 10,700 pounds (4,850 kilograms), according to SSL, which sold some of capacity it purchased on the Falcon 9 rocket to Spaceflight, a company that offers rideshare launch opportunities to small satellites that do not require the full capability of a large rocket.
Spaceflight booked contracts with SpaceIL and the U.S. Air Force to give the Beresheet lander and the S5 space surveillance satellite rides into space. The launch marks the first rideshare to a geostationary-type orbit for Spaceflight, which until now has launch smallsats into low Earth orbits a few hundred miles above the planet.
While Beresheet separated from the multi-satellite stack Falcon 9 soon after launch, the Air Force's S5 smallsat will remain attached to the Nusantara Satu spacecraft until it reaches an orbit near geostationary altitude more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) above the equator, where S5 will deploy to begin its mission.
Nusantara Satu will then continue to its final orbital position in geostationary orbit to begin a 15-year telecommunications mission over Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
The Nusantara Satu spacecraft, topped with the Beresheet lunar lander and the U.S. Air Force's S5 space situational awareness satellite, is pictured before encapsulation inside the Falcon 9 rocket's payload fairing at Cape Canaveral. Credit: SSL
The satellite, with a fueled weight of more than 9,000 pounds (4,100 kilograms), is owned by PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, or PSN, an Indonesian telecom company. Formerly known as PSN 6, the satellite carries C-band and Ku-band transponders, along with a high-throughput payload for broadband services.
"(The) Nusantara Satu satellite is a very important infrastructure for Indonesia," said Adi Rahman Adiwoso, CEO of PSN. "As the first Indonesian High Throughput Satellite, it is another monumental step for PSN to realize its dream and carry on its commitment to provide broadband services across the vast archipelago of Indonesia."
A mix of conventional liquid-fueled thrusters and an electric propulsion system will push the Nusantara Satu spacecraft toward its final perch in geostationary orbit at 146 degrees east longitude.
S5 was described as a space situational awareness mission in a 2017 press release from Blue Canyon Technologies, a smallsat manufacturer in Colorado.
According to Blue Canyon Technologies, the spacecraft weighs about 132 pounds (60 kilograms), and carries a payload provided by Applied Defense Systems.
The U.S. military has launched several missions in recent years with optical sensors to scan geostationary orbit, where ground-based radars used to track satellites and space junk in low Earth orbit have difficulty detecting objects.
One such mission was SensorSat, which launched from Cape Canaveral in August 2017 to look up toward geostationary orbit from a low-altitude orbit hugging the equator. The Air Force has also launched four space surveillance satellites to rove geostationary orbit, with the ability to approach and inspect objects there.
S5 will demonstrate the capability of a small satellite to find objects in geostationary orbit, allowing the military to update its database, which is relied upon by commercial companies and international space agencies.
"The objective of the S5 mission is to measure the feasibility and affordability of developing low cost constellations for routine and frequent updates to the GEO (geostationary) space catalog," Blue Canyon Technologies said in the 2017 statement.
Beresheet
Blue Canyon Technologies
Complex 40
Drone Ship
GTO-1
Nusantara Satu
OHB
PSN 6
Spaceflight Industries
SpaceIL
SSL 1300
Rocket for next space station crew arrives on launch pad in Kazakhstan
Virgin Galactic's rocket plane climbs closer to space
Two BlackSky satellites lost on Rocket Lab launch failure


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Germany sees almost 1,000 anti-Muslim crimes in 2017
Germany's Interior Ministry says that at least 950 hate crimes were committed against Muslims or mosques in the country in 2017, a newspaper has reported. Thirty-three people were injured in attacks.
Anti-Muslim crimes, including physical assault, threatening letters, hate speech and spraying Nazi-themed graffiti on mosques, were rife in Germany in 2017, a newspaper reported on Saturday, citing statistics from the Interior Ministry.
The Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper said the ministry had recorded at least 950 such offenses, most of them carried out by right-wing extremists, with 33 people hurt in attacks.
Some 60 attacks and acts of desecration were committed against mosques and other Islamic institutions, the paper said. In some cases, pig's blood was smeared on buildings or Nazi symbols were sprayed on walls.
Read more: Muslims 'integrate' well into Germany — but aren't accepted
Anti-Islam demonstrations
Around 90 demonstrations against the alleged "Islamization" of Germany were also included in the figures, which were provided to the Bundestag in response to a request by the Left Party. That number does not include marches by the anti-immigration group PEGIDA.
The number of offenses tailed off toward the end of the year, with 167 crimes reported in the last quarter compared with 288 in the third.
No comparison could be made with the previous year, as German authorities did not start specifically recording anti-Islam crimes until the start of 2017.
Read more: Islam in Germany: Muslims prefer to be talked to rather than talked about
This mosque in Dresden was attacked with explosives
'Poisoning the social climate'
The chair of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Aiman Mazyek, told the newspaper that he was sure that the number of crimes was higher, saying there was not yet enough awareness on the part of police and prosecutors regarding anti-Muslim offenses.
The Left Party's expert for internal affairs, Ulla Jelpke, welcomed the recent reduction in the anti-Muslim crime rate, but said there was no reason to be complacent. She also warned that "Islam haters" had made it into the German parliament, in a reference to the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which currently holds 92 seats in the 709-seat assembly.
"The haters of Islam have now made the jump from the streets into the Bundestag and contribute to poisoning the social climate with regard to Muslim life in Germany from the parliamentary tribune," she said.
Read more: Is Islam changing Germany?
Open house at Germany's mosques
German mosques - German unity
The "Day of Open Mosques" has taken place since 1997 on the Day of German Unity – Germany's national holiday. The date was deliberately chosen to express Muslims' connection to the German people and how they consider themselves part of German Unity, the Central Council of Muslims explains. About 100,000 visitors are expected – here, some are seen standing in front of Berlin's Sehitlik Mosque.
Mosques for all
On this day, Muslim communities want to give visitors an understanding of Islam, so where better than an actual mosque? Far more than just places for prayer, mosques also serve as gathering points for creating community and social interaction. The word "mosque" derives from the Arabic word "majid," which means "place for prostration in prayer."
Rituals and rules
Part of getting to know Islam is becoming familiar with its rituals and rules. One initial ritual before entering the mosque involves removing one's shoes before entering the prayer room. There is a focus on cleanliness and purification: before each prayer, Muslims carry out a ritual ablution. Because worshipers touch the prayer rug with their foreheads, the carpets must always be clean too.
Architecture and history
Most mosques offer guided tours, as seen above with this mosque in Hürth near Cologne. Here, visitors can get a picture of Islamic architecture, history and day-to-day life in a mosque, and hence understand more about how Islamic communities in Germany gather and build community.
Sharing spirit
The Merkez mosque in Duisburg, opened in 2008, is the largest mosque in Germany. Integration work is one of the focal points for Duisburg's Muslim community. Besides guided tours through the mosque, visitors get the chance to attend noon and afternoon prayers. Afterwards, visitors are invited for a cup of tea.
Sharing salah
Experiencing an Islamic prayer is one point of the agenda for the October 3 event. But the actual area for prayers is off-limits for visitors. As can be seen in the Sehitlik mosque here, visitors listen to prayers from a grandstand. The word for prayer in Arabic is "salah" or "salat," which literally means "connection to God."
Misbaha and rosary
This boy was given a chain with prayer beads during the Day of Open Mosques at the Frankfurt. The faithful move the beads through their fingers to repeat prayers and chants, just as is done in Christendom and Buddhism. This chain, consisting of at least 33 beads, is called "tasbih" or "misbaha" in Islam. The beads prove to be useful when reciting Allah's 99 names.
Mosques in Germany open their doors for cultural understanding on other occasions, too. For instance, during the German Catholic Convention, Catholic nuns take part in guided tours, as seen here in the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque in Mannheim. Such occasions offer an opportunity for Catholicism and Islam to cultivate a close relationship.
Breaking down prejudices
Mosques in Dresden invite visitors to cultural exchange as well. The Al-Mostafa mosque has already published a schedule of events: there will be lectures held by the imam about Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and the Koran, as well as conversation hours to share refreshments, learn and discuss. In a city where the Islamophobic PEGIDA group made headlines, this offering is especially important.
Author: Helena Weise
DW editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. You can sign up to receive it directly here.
Dresden: Thousands demonstrate against racism on PEGIDA anniversary
Rain and technical issues dampened a demonstration in Dresden to mark the third anniversary of the anti-Islam movement PEGIDA. Thousands of others held a counter-demonstration "for a Dresden without racism." (29.10.2017)
Muslims 'integrate' well into Germany - but aren't accepted
Almost all of Germany's 4.7 million Muslims feel connected to German society, according to a new study. But the feeling is apparently not mutual: One in five Germans doesn't want Muslims as neighbors. (24.08.2017)
Is Islam changing Germany?
More than 4 million Muslims live in Germany. Are they changing the country? And, if so, how? Nina Haase and Sumi Somaskanda visited the region surrounding Cologne, which has a large Muslim population, to find out. (07.07.2017)
Islam in Germany: Muslims prefer to be talked to rather than talked about
Mosques have been opening their doors to the German public for 20 years. But is the dialogue working given the rise of far-right parties like the AfD? DW's Kathleen Schuster reports from Cologne on how mosques see it. (03.10.2017)
Violence against refugees in Germany drops dramatically
Refugees and refugee homes are still attacked nearly every day in Germany — but the figures dropped significantly last year. Left-wing politicians blame both the AfD and Angela Merkel's party for stirring up hatred. (28.02.2018)
Germany's Turks plan to sue over AfD politician's 'camel drivers' rant
Turks living in Germany have criticized insults made by a right-wing AfD politician in which he called them "camel drivers" and "fatherland-less riffraff." The Turkish community has threatened legal action. (16.02.2018)
Germany's far-right AfD overtakes Social Democrats in poll
The populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) has overtaken the Social Democrats (SPD) in a national opinion poll for the first time. The news comes as the SPD begins a crucial vote on a coalition with Angela Merkel. (19.02.2018)
Attacks on German Muslims 'becoming more violent'
The number of people being injured in Islamophobic attacks in Germany has increased this year, new government figures have shown. But very few anti-Muslim hate crimes are successfully prosecuted. (18.08.2017)
Up to 1,000 mosques are opening their doors to visitors on October 3 under the slogan "Good community, better society." DW takes a look into this community event at the Islamic houses of prayer. (03.10.2017)
Author Timothy Jones (with dpa)
Related Subjects PEGIDA
Keywords Islamophobia, Pegida, Muslim
Feedback: Send us your feedback.
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/2tcx3
France: Thousands demonstrate against Islamophobia 10.11.2019
An anti-Islamophobia march in Paris has drawn thousands onto the streets. But the rally was not without its critics, even among centrist politicians.
Elderly Frenchman charged over Bayonne mosque attack 30.10.2019
The 84-year-old is accused of trying to set fire to a mosque and shooting two men who came to investigate. Authorities say he was seeking revenge based on a conspiracy theory about the burning of Notre Dame cathedral.
Muslims are partners in combating anti-Semitism in Germany 20.11.2019
As anti-Semitism remains one of Germany's most serious problems, one Berlin NGO is bringing Muslims and Jews together to fight discrimination through education. That means challenging mainstream German attitudes.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: DataCacheFactoryConfiguration using local memory only? Is there anyway to configure DataCache provider to rely on local memory only for cache?
For performance reasons, bunch of my developers do not use Azure emulator when testing their Azure stuff, but debug the Web apps directly.
We're not using web.configs at all to drive configuration for cache and it would certainly be nice to be able to inject a setting into our custom configuration utility that in such-n-such mode, DataCache does not try to consume Shared or Dedicated Azure cache but simply local memory on the PC. (InProc - HttpRunTime.Cache)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Peach Tree Short Life (PTSL) is a complicated disease syndrome involving nematodes, temperature, soil conditions, pruning and secondary pathogens. The disease occurs commonly in the southeastern U.S., and possibly in other areas of the U.S., Europe, South America and South Africa as the related Bacterial Canker Complex. PTSL causes premature tree death during the 3rd or 4th year after planting, resulting in large economic losses for growers. Recently, Guardian® ' BY520-9' rootstock was selected for its tolerance to PTSL; however, the genetic basis for this tolerance remains unknown.
Nemaguard, a PTSL susceptible rootstock, and Guardian® selection 3-17-7 were crossed. Each 1 plant was selfed to create segregating 2 populations. One hundred and seventy Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, each uniquely mapped to chromosomal locations on the Prunus reference genome, were used to screen the parents and F1-11. Forty-seven SSR markers showed polymorphism among the parents, and were heterozygous in F1-11. Segregation data obtained from the F2-11 population for SSR marker inheritance and PTSL-response were compiled to identify nuclear genomic regions associated with the response to PTSL disease syndrome.
Of the 47 polymorphic SSRs, nine (distributed on 4 linkage groups) were genetically linked with the response to PTSL. Identified SSR markers would be useful in crop improvement and facilitating tolerance rootstock selection. A QTL was associated with the response to PTSL as well. The upper terminus of linkage group 2 appears to be important because both the individual SSR analysis and the QTL analysis linked this region with the response to PTSL. The genes controlling the tolerance or susceptibility of PTSL may reside in this region. In the future, developing more SSR or other high-resolution markers to saturate this region will further define the specific region, and ultimately lead to identification of the candidate genes.
The second project described in this dissertation is the genotyping peach rootstock seedlings using DNA-fingerprinting with microsatellite/SSR markers. Peach seedling rootstocks are usually drived from open pollination. Seedlings are difficult to distinguish morphologically, and once grafted, typically no above-ground material is available for visual identification. To avoid misidentification and to protect plant varieties and patents, DNA fingerprinting was investigated as a robust rootstock identification tool. The objective of this study was to distinguish among progeny from eight peach seedling rootstocks: Bailey, Halford, Lovell, Nemaguard, Nemared, Guardian® (selection 3-17-7), S-37 and Kakamas.
Each rootstock could be discriminated by at least one SSR marker. No single perfect marker was found to identify all rootstocks. Rootstock seedling identification was conducted by screening open-pollinated seedlings. It is more difficult than parent genotype identification, because heterozygous patterns obtained in a rootstock clone segregate in its seedlings. However, unique segregation patterns were found in the rootstock seedlings. Single SSR markers could identify seedlings of rootstocks Nemared, Bailey, Kakamas and Nemaguard. Seedlings of 3-17-7 and S-37 could be identified by marker combinations. Seedlings of Lovell and Halford can be identified from the other rootstocks. However, there were no SSRs or marker combinations to uniquely differentiate Lovell from Halford seedlings. The SSR markers presented in this study could be used as a practical fingerprinting system for rootstock seedling identification. This technology is useful to test rootstocks for trueness to type for nursery operators and growers, and also will be helpful in protecting seed propagated proprietary rights (i.e., PVP) for breeders.
Liu, Xiaoyu, "APPLICATION OF MICROSATELLITE/SSR MARKERS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF PEACH ROOTSTOCKS AND CHROMOSOMAL REGIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESPONSE TO PEACH TREE SHORT LIFE SYNDROME" (2009). All Dissertations. 346.


Collection in Backyard Vegetable Garden Ideas Aiman39s Mom Backyard Garden Grow Your Own Organic Vegetables - Suggestions and layouts are practically unlimited. Much less is more as some would certainly state, so when it comes to a smaller yard a little lawn, a couple of shrubs, a patio area and a preserving rock wall surface might be simply great. A bigger yard would certainly ask for even more, but also after that it doesn't constantly take a whole lot. Our yard is rather huge by many country criteria and it looks terrific. What all exists? A huge grassy location, a concrete patio area, and an location circumventing the lawn that is covered in an variety of trees and shrubs, not a whole lot mind you, but simply enough to equally room points out and make it look full, and lastly there is a gazebo which was there when we relocated. In this article we additionally consist of some photos of backyard vegetable garden ideas and might be your decoration inspiration.
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As you already know, The Best backyard design has been a popular landscaping decors ideas for a few months ago and it has so many benefits. Hopefully, the can help you create a neat garden for your own home.Collection in Backyard Vegetable Garden Ideas Aiman39s Mom Backyard Garden Grow Your Own Organic Vegetables .


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Strategic Information Group Takes Benvenue Medical Live on Fully Validated QAD Enterprise Applications
Spine Treatment Device Maker Leverages QAD ERP Solutions Built for Manufacturing to Grow its U.S. Market and Meet FDA Compliance Standards
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA, September 18, 2012 — Strategic Information Group (Strategic), a full service provider of enterprise technology, quality and regulatory management solutions, today announced that medical technology developer Benvenue Medical, based in Santa Clara, CA, has successfully gone live, on time and on budget, with QAD Enterprise Applications in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) validated cGMP environment, specifically addressing the demands of CFR 21 Part 11 validation requirement.
Benvenue Medical chose Strategic as its QAD implementation partner to take advantage of Strategic's proven track record of helping fast-growing life sciences enterprises leverage QAD manufacturing ERP software to meet business goals, as well as its Strategic's ability to ensure the full validation and compliance of the company's new ERP system. The company expects the new QAD solution to support its global growth trajectory as it continues to develop and commercialize new products.
Benvenue Medical designs and manufactures medical devices for use in minimally invasive spinal therapies, primarily for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).The company's Blazer™ Vertebral Augmentation System is commercially available in the U.S.; its Kiva VCF Treatment System is currently undergoing clinical trials in support of 510(k) market clearance from the FDA. Already commercially available in Europe, The the Kiva VCF Treatment System has been used to treat more than 800 VCFs globally.
QAD and Strategic Help Benvenue Medical Become a More Effective Enterprise
"Strategic brings us a track record of success within the medical device industry — spine treatment companies in particular," said Oliver Brouse, vice president of Finance for Benvenue Medical. "Strategic's expertise with QAD Enterprise Applications ensures Benvenue Medical can fully leverage QAD ERP solutions."
"QAD enterprise applications and related services and solutions from Strategic give companies like Benvenue Medical a cost-effective, industry-specific ERP solution," said Doug Novak, president and CEO of Strategic. "QAD technology and expertise in life-science manufacturing helps Benvenue Medical manage risk while meeting stringent compliance requirements."
QAD ERP "Go Live" in Less than Three Months
"This is my fifth major QAD ERP implementation at a medical device manufacturer," added Mr. Brouse. "QAD delivers the best enterprise applications available to meet our needs. With Strategic as our implementation partner, Benvenue Medical's North America operations can run at top performance, meet FDA compliance mandates, and keep the company on track to our growth objectives."
The initial implementation phase included QAD Distribution, Manufacturing and Finance core modules, Service and Support Management, Customer Consignment, Cytak Sales and Use Tax interface, and bi-directional integration between QAD and FedEx. QAD .NET User Interface, allowing access to users using a browser or mobile device, gives Benvenue Medical a user-friendly, interactive solution that delivers efficient workflow integration and flexible access to data on demand.
The Strategic team brought the project from planning to go-live in less than three months. They deployed Strategic Software Validation Master Plan to ensure fast, accurate validation.
"The entire Benvenue Medical team is very pleased with the ease and speed of the implementation. The Strategic team collaborated well with both our executive team and our users, making sure we have the best processes in place and that our end-users have adequate training to make the most of our QAD solution," said Mr. Brouse.
Strategic provides specialized software validation products and consulting services in support of QAD applications to companies looking to better leverage their ERP investment. Strategic Validation Master Plan helps with FDA CFR 21 Part 11 validation requirements, streamlining validation for regulatory compliance, and allowing companies to implement and upgrade QAD applications with speed and ease.
About Benvenue Medical, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Benvenue Medical, Inc. is advancing spine repair through the development of proprietary, minimally invasive surgical and interventional solutions. The company is privately held and funded by Versant Ventures, De Novo Ventures, Domain Associates and Technology Partners. Its first products are designed for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and degenerative disc disease, which have combined revenues of $1.6 billion globally. For more information, visit www.benvenuemedical.com
About Strategic Information Group (Strategic)
About Strategic With more than 17 years of experience successfully delivering QAD consulting and implementation services, and a special dedication to the life sciences industry, Strategic will help customers comply with global and FDA regulations by validating their QAD solutions. Strategic works with start-ups, multinationals and market leaders to implement their systems on time and on budget, helping them maximize the value of their enterprise technology. For more information visit www.strategic.com
Laura Frease2015-09-02T17:00:16-07:00Categories: News, News - Strategic|
QAD Awards Strategic Information Group Channel Partner of the Year at Explore 2017
Strategic Information Group promotes two key contributors to banner year of growth in 2016
Strategic Information Group is Gold Sponsor at QAD's Explore 2017


Traveller Rights are Human Rights!
Traveller Pride 2014 launches with the Traveller Pride Awards on June 11th in Dublin City. Following the awards are two weeks of events, both national and local, celebrating Traveller activism, achievement and community development. Use the menu on the left to find out more.


If Friday night was a litmus test for the St. Paul Saints to see how they would match up against a division opponent then they proved bigger and better things could be on the horizon, but just barely. In a game the Saints led early on they hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park improving to 20-9, the best record in the American Association.
Angelo Songco got it started in the second with a solo homer to right, his seventh of the season, to make it 1-0.
After the Goldeyes tied it in the third the Saints answered with their lone crooked number in the fourth. Songco led off with a double and advanced to third on an infield single by Tony Thomas to put runners at the corners. After Thomas stole second, and with one out, Tony Caldwell knocked home both runs with a single to right to make it 3-1. With two outs the Saints got back-to-back singles by Aaron Gretz and Breland Almadova, the latter scoring Caldwell to make it 4-1. Gretz finished the night 3-4 with a double and a run scored.
The Goldeyes wouldn't go away, however, and in the bottom of the fifth the league's best hitter, David Rohm hitting .371, hit his first homer of the season, a two-run homer to left, to make it 4-3.
In the sixth the teams traded runs and the Saints got theirs when Gretz doubled with two outs, moved to third on a single by Almadova and scored on Brady Burzynski's single to make it 5-3. Burzynski had entered the game in the third for the injured Tanner Vavra.
In the bottom of the sixth Saints starter John Straka gave up a leadoff triple to Reggie Abercrombie. That chased Straka and Cody Wheeler came on in relief. Wes Darvill greeted him with an RBI single to make it 5-4. A sacrifice bunt by Casio Grider put the tying run in scoring position with one out. Burzynski then committed what could have been a costly error when he dropped a fly ball off the bat of Carlton Tanabe in right that put runners at the corners. With the speedy .355 hitting Adam Heisler at the plate Wheeler got him to hit a hard grounder to the right of shortstop Tony Thomas who fielded it fired to second and Nate Hanson's relay throw to first was in time for the inning ending double play. Wheeler went the 1.0 inning allowing just one hit in a shutout inning of relief.
Caleb Thielbar was magnificent in holding the one run lead going 2.0 perfect innings and retired three hitters in a row in the seventh after Zac Westcott gave up a leadoff single and was removed from the game. Thielbar struck out two in his 2.0 innings of work.
In the ninth the Saints got a huge insurance run off of Goldeyes closer Jailen Peguero . Burzynski doubled with one out and with two outs Songco hit away from the shift, with a ground ball base hit where the shortstop would normally stand, scoring Burzkynski to make it 6-4. Songco went 3-5, falling a triple shy of the cycle with two RBI and two runs scored.
In the bottom of the ninth Ryan Rodebaugh came on to close it out, but he gave up a one out solo homer to Heisler, his third of the season, to cut the lead to one. Rodebaugh would get Maikol Gonzalez to strike out and Josh Romanski to ground out to earn his seventh save of the season.
The same two teams meet in game two of the three game series Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. The Saints send RHP Mark Hamburger (4-0, 3.18) to the mound against Goldeyes RHP Edwin Carl (2-1, 3.45). The game can be heard on Club 1220 KLBB.


text: Q: Shutdown on opening laptop lid due to acpi detecting high temperature I have ASUS ROG GL503E running ubuntu dual booted with windows. On Ubuntu almost always on opening my laptop lid acpi detects temperature to be 100 C and shuts down the machine, even though physically the machine is not warm at all. This only happens on Ubuntu and not on Windows. That is why I suspect this to be a software issue than a hardware one. Could this be due to an acpi bug? I also upgraded my BIOS firmware but that didn't help.


Baking cakes with whole wheat flour has it's own advantages. You get nutty flavors even without using any nuts so it can be great for someone with nut allergies. Also, I have always been endorsing recipes that are affordable for all, that is when they don't use too expensive ingredients and are easy to cook or bake. Cost of the ingredients is a relative factor as we all find our spending limits variable, like I would spend on nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables more than my own limits sometimes but wont ever buy a jar of blueberry jam that costs me 250 bucks. The reason is, I look for value for money when it comes to nutrient availability, taste and texture if I am shopping for food ingredients. I also care to reduce my carbon footprint so rarely use any imported stuff.
But honestly, when I bake something in my kitchen, only two factors are on my mind. The final taste of the bake and how uncomplicated it would be to whip up. Time management is a major issue with me and I know it is for many of you as well, so the affordability of a recipe has more concern towards time taken and expertise required. I am sharing an easy recipe yet again.
This cake would use apples from Himachal or Kashmir or any apples you find locally. We all stock spices and honey so there will be no exotic ingredients to be sourced. I keep getting complements on how I post recipes with readily available ingredients but I would tell you honestly, this happens because I believe in using local ingredients more and more.
First powder the sugar with the spices so it makes spiced sugar. Keep aside.
Mix the whole wheat flour with salt, baking soda and baking powder and keep aside.
In a deep mixing bowl, whip the eggs with the oil and honey first. Add the grated carrots and then the sugar and whip.
Add the flour mix and fold gently. Add the chopped apple bits and fold them all in the thick batter.
The batter is quite thick like muffin batter, so you can bake muffins with this as well. Scoop the batter into greased and dusted loaf tins and bake in preheated oven at 160-180 C for 45-50 minutes.
I baked one regular loaf and two small loaves (in the foil trays) and noticed that the foil ones baked earlier than the aluminium loaf tin, so took out the foil trays first and baked the loaf tin for further 10 minutes.Watch the baking after 40 minutes and decide accordingly.
This cake tastes great while still warm, but since it is a spiced cake, it certainly ages well. Tastes much better after 2-3 days and even after a eek of baking. If it lasts that long.
As I discussed in the beginning of this post, whole wheat imparts a rich nutty flavor to a cake, especially if you allow the crust to brown a little. But take care not to brown the crust too much as it gets light brown to dark brown very quickly. I have burnt many of my crackers when a call came when I was baking or when I got stuck to my monitor for a minute. A burnt aroma you wont enjoy in a whole wheat cake as you do in a smoky barbecued meat. So take care not to let the crust get too brown.
This cake is nutty without the nuts as I said, rich and dense being whole wheat but very soft and redolent with flavors of ginger and honey. Apple flavors are not that apparent on the palate, just a fruity hint but it imparts the much needed softness to the cake. Grated carrots are used to make the cake moist, you can use another grated apple if you don't want carrots in it.
The small loaves that I gave away. Got huge complements about the taste and how the cake tastes so rich. I gifted these ones after a day of baking it so it tastes better, I knew it wont last till the next day once cut. This cake is better after a bit of ageing.
Spices and ginger make this cake really Christmas flavor. Winters are anyways spice and ginger flavored for me, so this cake is rich with all one needs in this season. In small doses though.
How healthy is your Christmas cake?
You can use thick yogurt instead of eggs Mona, along with 2 pinches of soda bi carb added. I haven't yet tried this cake without eggs so the result may be a little different.
Sangeeta, when you say 'cup,' what is the measurement of that cup?
Susan, I use the standard measuring cups, each cup is 236 ml. You can use any bowl that measures this much.
Can I use butter in the place of olive oil?
Yes you can always bake this cake with butter too Lakshmy.


At the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), one block from Pike Place Market, light-filled galleries invite you to wander through global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world. Our collections include modern and contemporary, African, Meso-American, Ancient Mediterranean, Islamic, European, Oceanic and Australian Aboriginal, Asian, American, and decorative arts. Visitors from out of town especially enjoy our remarkable Native American galleries featuring Northwest Coast art.
SAM's three locations include the Seattle Art Museum downtown, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on Seattle's waterfront.


Copper and Brass Extrusions: How Are They Manufactured?
There are a number of methods to work a metal into different forms. One of the most widely used methods is extrusion. This involves pressing a workpiece into a die to obtain a material with a certain desired cross-section. Builders and suppliers prefer extrusion to other techniques because it is quicker and the output is much denser and smoother.
The process starts with the preparation of the workpiece, which is a metal block of standard size. Depending on the desired result, the workpiece is either heated or kept at room temperature before being fed into the die. As soon as the billet is fitted inside the container, the plunger is placed on the opposite end and made ready to push the billet towards the die. The compressive force used to press the billet is enough to extrude the billet by way too low to affect the whole container.
Unlike casting, which involves smelting the metal, pouring it into a mold, and cooling to cure, the product of extrusion is virtually ready for use, unless further heat treatment is required to improve its mechanical properties. Sometimes, the output is stretched to adjust its dimension with the actual desired size and shape.
Extrusion is classified according to the manner by which the billet is forced into the die or on the direction of flow. It is called direct extrusion when the billet is forced to flow in the direction of feed of punch or ram. This means that the ram moves toward the die. When it's the die that is force into the billet, the extrusion is considered indirect.
One of the biggest issues with extrusion, especially when the billet has to be cold-worked, is that the friction building between the ram and the billet may severely affect the quality of the extrusion. To reduce friction, a special fluid is placed within the container to separate the plunger from the billet. A considerable distance will prevent the development of friction, consequently improving the quality of extrusion. This type of extrusion is called hydrostatic.
Extrusion can also be classified based on the working temperature. Extrusions that take place above recrystallization temperature (50-60% of the billet's melting temperature) are known as hot extrusion. On the other hand, extrusions that take place below crystallization temperature (room temperature) is known as cold extrusion.
Some metallurgists prefer hot extrusion because it requires low force, as the billet is more fluid and free from stain hardening. However, the chemical change in the metal due to the increase in temperature within the container also increases die wear. Cold extrusion, on the other hand, is preferred by a huge array of industries because its product is known to have high mechanical properties, great surface finish, and oxidation-resistant surface.
Extrusion is primarily used in producing tubes and hollow pipes with simple and complex cross-sections. Square and round brass extrusions, for instance, make a great addition to interior accessories in homes and commercial buildings. Most windows, doors, and frames of automobiles are also made of extruded metals. Simply put, a huge fraction of metals you see in any structure are made through this metalworking process.
You can definitely save a great deal of money on extrusion. No matter the type of project you are working on, if you need freshly manufactured tubes and pipes, you better choose extruded products over cast ones. Luckily, there are suppliers like Rotax Metals that provide high-quality extrusions that are perfect for your projects.


Meet Brie and Cheddar, two beautiful young boys who were saved from a hoarding situation!
Both healthy, eat like champs, and bonded to each other. Brie is the dominant one- but Cheddar is okay with that dynamic!
They will run when you try to catch them but once you have them, they just hang out in your arms and are happy as Larry. As they get better with handling, they are more curious of people walking past their cage! They are starting to make heaps of noise when their carer prepared their veggies! These two are definitely food motivated and greens are the way to their heart!
Cheddar and Brie are young and willing to learn, but are a little too scared for young children. They would do best with older children to show them how great the world can be! As they are still so young, we are confident they will live healthy, happy lives and love their humans as time goes on!


SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show is a convention that celebrates Japanese pop culture and is devoted to artists, creators and fans alike. Fans meet and interact with other like-minded people, to show off their own creative talents, buy anime and manga related goods and celebrate their fandom in a social environment. Activities at the event include cosplay, panels, games, and other special popular culture events.


text:
\section{Introduction}
Weyl semimetals (WSM) are a new class of conducting materials, characterized by the nontrivial topological structure of their band structures. These three-dimensional topological semimetals have been the subject of intense recent theoretical and experimental efforts \cite{TurnerRev,Turner2,Burkov,Hosur,Material1,Material2,Bernevig,Exp1,WeylExp1,WeylExp2,Exp2,TaAs2}.

WSM host an even number of points in the Brillouin zone, known as the Weyl nodes, at
which the bulk energy gap closes. The electrons around these nodes disperse relativistically, and may be described at low energies by the Weyl Hamiltonian \cite{TurnerRev,Turner2,Burkov}.
Each Weyl node acts as either a source or a sink of Berry flux. Hence, a single node is stable and cannot be removed. Additionally, any closed two-dimensional manifold in the three-dimensional Brillouin zone (BZ) which separates regions with different Berry charge must have a non-zero Chern number as it is threaded by a non-zero Berry flux. Thus, as long as Weyl nodes of opposite Berry charge, are separated in momentum space, these systems host 2D surface states which form Fermi-arcs in the two-dimensional BZ of the surface \cite{Turner2}.

Certain iridium pyrochlores and noncentrosymmetric transition metals, e.g. TaAs, have been predicted to host such a topological semimetal phase \cite{Material1,Material2,Bernevig,Exp1}. Following these suggestions, several topological semimetals have been observed experimentally \cite{WeylExp1,WeylExp2,WeylExp3,WeylExp4,WeylExp5,Exp1,Exp2,TaAs2,TaAs3,TaAs4,Batabyale,Inoue}.

It has been proposed that, when subject to a magnetic field, such materials exhibit unusual physical phenomena, such as
the Adler-Bell-Jackiw chiral anomaly \cite{chiralAnSpivak,ciralAnExp,chiralexp2,chiralexp2}, unique type of quantum oscillations associated with Fermi-arc surface states \cite{Potter1, Moll} and various non-local transport effects \cite{nonlocalSid,Baum16}.
In particular, \citeRef{Baum16} proposed two experiments that directly probe the exotic topology of these materials: appearance of a magnetic-field-dependent non-local dc voltage and sharp resonances in the transmission of electromagnetic waves. Both these effects do not rely on quantum mechanical phase coherence, which renders them less restrictive in terms of temperature and samples mobility.
Nevertheless, they do require challenging experimental setups such as placing contacts in a close proximity in the dc proposal and working with a THz frequency radiation in the ac proposal.

In this paper, we propose an alternative dc experiment that does not require any deposition of contacts over the Weyl semimetal: a magnetic-field-dependent non-local Coulomb drag measurement.
The underlying mechanism in this work is similar to one presented in \citeRef{Baum16,Potter1,nonlocalSid}. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to surfaces that carry Fermi arcs, electrons traverse cyclotron orbits that connect opposite surfaces of the sample. These unusual inter-surface orbits are a source of non-local conductivity in these materials, i.e., the application of an electric field along a surface of these materials generates a current along the opposite surface and vice versa.
In the following, we provide a prescription which is aimed to detect the emergence of non-locality via a Coulomb drag experiment.

Standard Coulomb drag setups involve two closely spaced, yet electrically isolated conductors.
Due to the long-range Coulomb interaction between charge carriers in the two conductors, a current in one of the conductors (the active layer) induces a voltage (or a current) in the other conductor (the passive layer). The ratio between the induced voltage in the passive layer and incoming current in the active layer is the drag resistivity \cite{DragRev1,DragRev}.

Drag measurements may be used to study fundamental properties related to the e-e interaction of diverse condensed matter systems.
Until recently, semiconductor heterostructures, e.g. GaAlAs, with two quantum wells separated by a thin tunnel barrier were the main experimental systems allowing
reliable measurements of Coulomb drag \cite{DragGaAs1,DragGaAs2,DragGaAs3}. The dependence of the drag effect on the layer densities, temperature, and separation
distance between the quantum wells has been heavily investigated. In these experiments, the typical separation between the layers was in the range $15-50\mbox{ nm}$.
In recent years, the appearance of graphene-boron-nitride heterostructures, made it possible to investigate drag effects in double-layer graphene down to a separation of $\sim 1\mbox{ nm}$ \cite{GrapDragGeim,DragGrphTh1,DragGrphTh2,DragGrphTh3,DragGrphTh4}.

In this work, we consider a scenario where two layers of graphene are separated by a 3D slab of WSM. The graphene layers are coupled to the WSM only via the Coulomb interaction, i.e., the top and bottom graphene layers generate drag force on the top and bottom surfaces of the WSM respectively. In the absence of an external magnetic field the system may be thought of as two decoupled standard Coulomb drag systems, each one contains a layer of graphene which is Coulomb coupled to a surface of a WSM. Since the WSM is metallic, the coupling between these two systems is non-zero, nonetheless, for macroscopic slabs this coupling is extremely small as we show below.
On the contrary, in the presence of an external magnetic field, the non-locality in the WSM yields a strong coupling between the two drag systems and a current in the top graphene layer leads to a non-negligible voltage buildup on the distant lower graphene layer.

The source of the non-local drag is rather simple. As long as current flows in the top graphene layer, a portion of its momentum is transferred to the top surface of the WSM, due to the existence of a frictional Coulomb force. For a standard 2DEG in an open circuit configuration, this momentum transfer is translated into a voltage buildup. However, as shown in \citeRef{Baum16,Potter1}, for relatively clean samples and in the presence of an external magnetic field the current on the top surface follows the inter-surface cyclotron orbits leading to a circulating current throughout the 3D sample. In particular, a current on the bottom surface is inevitable for clean samples. When the non-local conductivity is much larger than the local one, the current on the bottom surface flows with a similar magnitude and an opposite direction to the current on the top surface.
As before, due to the existence of a frictional Coulomb force between the bottom surface of the WSM and the bottom graphene layer, a momentum transfer to the second graphene layer occurs. This momentum transfer is translated into a voltage buildup on the passive graphene layer. The ratio between this voltage and the current on the top layer is the non-local drag coefficient.

\section{Setup and transport equations}
In this section, we describe the experimental setup and the procedure of finding the non-local drag coefficient. The setup we consider is depicted in \refFig{weyl_sys}a. Two layers of graphene (red) are placed above and below a 3D Weyl metal. The graphene layers are coupled to the WSM only via the Coulomb interaction, i.e., the tunneling between the graphene layers and the WSM is assumed to be zero. A current $j_{g_1}$ is pushed in the first graphene layer while the voltage (electric field) buildup on the second graphene layer, $V_{g_2}\,(\epsilon_{g_2})$, is measured. The ratio between these two quantities, $R_D=\epsilon_{g_2}/j_{g_1}$, is the non-local drag coefficient.

\begin{figure}[t!]
\begin{center}
{\includegraphics[width = \linewidth, angle =0] {Fig_1.pdf}}
\end{center}
\caption{(a) Drag setup: two layers of graphene (red) are placed above and below a 3D Weyl semimetal. The graphene layers and the Weyl semimetal are separated by insulating layers (brown). The graphene layers are coupled to the Weyl metal only via the local Coulomb interaction. Current is pushed on the top layer while the voltage on the bottom layer is measured.
(b) A sketch of the relevant length scales in the problem. $L$ is the thickness of the WSM, $d_s$ is the extent of the surface states and $d$ is the thickness of the layer at which the drag coupling is non-zero. We denote the layers at which the surface states exist by $\mathcal{L}_1$ and $\mathcal{L}_2$.}\label{weyl_sys}
\end{figure}

We analyze the semi-classical transport equations, assuming that the relevant transport parameters are known. For simplicity, we assume that the two graphene layers are identical. We denote their 2D density by $n_g$ and their 2D intra-layer resistivity by $\rho_g$. Moreover, at this stage, we assume that the Coulomb coupling between the WSM and the two graphene layers is symmetric and can be characterized by a single 2D drag resistivity $\rho_d$. The form of $\rho_d$ is given in appendix \ref{drag_app}. Finally, we denote the 3D density and the 3D resistivity of the WSM by $n_{3D}$ and $\rho_{3D}$ respectively.

A standard double-layer Coulomb drag system is well described by two coupled Drude-like equations of motion,
\begin{align} \label{stand_drag}
&m_1\frac{d\textbf{v}_1}{dt}=e\left(\textbf{E}_1+\textbf{v}_1\times\textbf{B}\right)-\frac{m_1\textbf{v}_1}{\tau_1}-\hbar\gamma n_2(\textbf{v}_1-\textbf{v}_2)\\
&m_2\frac{d\textbf{v}_2}{dt}=e\left(\textbf{E}_2+\textbf{v}_2\times\textbf{B}\right)-\frac{m_2\textbf{v}_2}{\tau_2}-\hbar\gamma n_1(\textbf{v}_2-\textbf{v}_1) \nonumber
\end{align}
where $\textbf{B}$ is the magnetic field, $e$ is the electric charge, $\textbf{v}_i$, $m_i$, $n_i$ and $\textbf{E}_i$ are the drift velocity, effective mass, density and electric field in the $i$'s layer, respectively. $\tau_i$ is the $i$'s layer intra-layer momentum-relaxation-time due to impurity-scattering while the dimensionless parameter $\gamma$ is related to the mutual inter-layer momentum-relaxation-rate due to the Coulomb friction. The drag resistivity arising from \refEq{stand_drag} is $\hbar\gamma/e^2$. In the following, we assume steady state, i.e., the left hand size above is zero.

In the setup we propose, each graphene layer is Coulomb coupled locally to the adjacent surface of the 3D WSM, and the WSM, similar to \citeRef{Baum16}, has both a local and a non-local conductivity.
We denote the three-dimensional electric field and the current density in the WSM by $\textbf{E}(x,y,z)$ and $\textbf{J}(x,y,z)$.
The current density and electric field in the WSM must satisfy Kirchoff's rules and Ohm's law,
\begin{align}
 \label{kirch}
\nabla\cdot\textbf{J}&=\nabla\times\textbf{E}=0 \\
\textbf{E}&=\hat{\rho}\textbf{J} \nonumber
\end{align}
where the resistivity matrix includes both the local and the non-local parts.
In the limit where the thickness of the WSM (extent in the $z$-direction) is much smaller than its extent in the other directions, we may assume that the bulk values of $\textbf{E}$ and $\textbf{J}$ do not depend on $x$ and $y$. Hence, the requirement $\nabla\cdot \textbf{J}=0$ implies that $\partial_z J_z=0$ and therefore $J_z=0$, since it must be zero on the boundaries. Moreover, since the WSM is in an open circuit configuration, the net current in the
3D bulk must be zero, i.e.,
\begin{align} \label{current}
\int{dzJ_x(z)}=\int{dzJ_y(z)}=0
\end{align}
where the integration is over the thickness of the WSM slab. Additionally, the requirement $\nabla\times \textbf{E}=0$ implies that $\textbf{E}=\mbox{const}$.

Next, we denote the two-dimensional electric fields and the current densities in the $i$'s graphene layer by $\textbf{j}_{g_i}(x,y)$ and $\boldsymbol {\epsilon}_{g_i}(x,y)$. The currents in the graphene layers are taken to be controlled quantities in the experiment while the spatially independent electric fields are the unknowns which should be determined.

The above analysis points out that we are left with five unknown quantities, three uniform fields $\boldsymbol {\epsilon}_{g_1},\,\boldsymbol {\epsilon}_{g_2},\,\textbf{E}$ and two $z$-dependent currents $\textbf{J}_x(z)$ and $\textbf{J}_y(z)$.
In order to determine these unknown quantities, we invoke Ohm's law for the combined graphene-WSM system.
In appendix \ref{Hall_app} we show that the effect of the intra-layer Hall effect on the non-local drag is negligible. Hence, we ignore the Lorentz force in \refEq{stand_drag}.

The electric field in the graphene layers is determined only by the intra-layer scattering and the local Coulomb drag:
\begin{align} \label{ohm_differential1}
&\boldsymbol {\epsilon}_{g_1}=\left(\rho_g+\frac{n_{3D}}{n_{g}}\int dz'\rho_{d1}(z')\right)\textbf{j}_{g_1}-\int dz'\rho_{d1}(z')\textbf{J}(z')\\ \nonumber
&\boldsymbol {\epsilon}_{g_2}=\left(\rho_g+\frac{n_{3D}}{n_{g}}\int dz'\rho_{d2}(z')\right)\textbf{j}_{g_2}-\int dz'\rho_{d2}(z')\textbf{J}(z')
\end{align}
where $\rho_{di}(z)$ is the local drag resistivity that couples the $i$'s graphene layer to a fixed $z$ layer of the WSM, where the integrals run over the thickness of the sample. Both $\rho_{d1}$ and $\rho_{d2}$ are local quantities, and hence, vanish away from the top and bottom surfaces respectively.
Since $\textbf{j}_{g_1}/(en_g)$ is the velocity in the graphene layer and $\textbf{J}(z)/(en_{3D})$ is the velocity in the WSM, it is evident, as expected, that when the velocities are equal the drag is zero.

In the WSM, there are three contributions to the resistivity: the impurity scattering, Coulomb drag with both graphene layers and an additional contribution coming from the inter-surface cyclotron orbits as derived in \citeRef{Baum16}. Overall, Ohm's law in the WSM is given by,
\begin{align} \label{ohm_differential2}
&\textbf{E}=\left(\rho_{3D}+\frac{n_{g}}{n_{3D}}\left[\rho_{d1}(z)+\rho_{d2}(z)\right]\right)\textbf{J}(z)\\ \nonumber
&\,\,\,\,\,-\rho_{d1}(z)\textbf{j}_{g1}
-\rho_{d2}(z)\textbf{j}_{g2}+\int dz'\rho_{w}(z,z')\textbf{J}(z') \\ \nonumber
\end{align}
where $\rho_{w}(z,z')$ is the contribution of the inter-surface cyclotron orbits to the resistivity of the WSM. In general, $\rho_{w}(z,z')$ contains both local and non-local contributions.

For concreteness, we denote the thickness of the WSM by $L$. The Coulomb interaction between the graphene layers and the WSM bulk vanishes exponentially away from the surface, where the decaying scale is determined by the Thomas-Fermi screening length. Therefore, the coupling between the graphene layers and the WSM is highly local. For simplicity, we assume that the coupling is uniform inside thin layers near the surfaces of the WSM and zero outside of these layers, i.e.,
\begin{align} \label{drag_struc}
\rho_{d1}=
\begin{cases}
\rho_d,\,\, 0<z<d\\
0, \,\,\mbox{otherwise}
\end{cases},\,\rho_{d2}=
\begin{cases}
\rho_d,\,\, L-d<z<L\\
0, \,\,\mbox{otherwise}
\end{cases}
\end{align}
where we denoted the thickness of the layers in which the drag is effective by $d$. We assume $d\ll L$. In the presence of an external magnetic field, non-local effects connect the top and bottom surface of the WSM. We denote the extent of the surface states by $d_s \ll L$. All these scales are depicted in \refFig{weyl_sys}b. With these assumptions, we may write $\rho_{w}(z,z')$ as:

\begin{align} \label{non_loc_struc}
\frac{\rho_w(z,z')}{d_s\rho_{3D}}=
\begin{cases}
\,\,\,\,\,\Gamma,\,\, z,z'\in \mathcal{L}_1\\
\,\,\,\,\,\Gamma,\,\, z,z'\in \mathcal{L}_2\\
-\Gamma, \,\,z\in \mathcal{L}_1,\,z'\in \mathcal{L}_2\\
-\Gamma, \,\,z\in \mathcal{L}_2,\,z'\in \mathcal{L}_1\\
\end{cases}
\end{align}
where $\mathcal{L}_1$ is the layer defined by $z\in [0,d_s]$, $\mathcal{L}_2$ is the layer defined by $z\in [L-d_s,L]$ and the dimensionless parameter $\Gamma$ is specified below.

In order to solve \refEq{ohm_differential1} and \refEq{ohm_differential2} with the appropriate boundary conditions and the constraint of \refEq{current}, we discretize the 3D WSM to $N$ quasi-2D layers. The full description of the solution appears in appendix \ref{dis_sol}.

Before diving into the details of the exact solution, it is instructive to qualitatively examine the case without non-locality which is applicable when no magnetic field is present. In this case, a current in the top graphene layer leads to a current, in the same direction,
in the top layer of thickness $d$ of the WSM. For weak drag this current is given by $j_{top}=(\rho_d j_{g_1})/\rho_{3D}$.
 Away from the top surface \refEq{ohm_differential2} implies that the current in the bulk is uniform. However, \refEq{current} requires that the total current is zero. Hence an opposite current must flow in the bulk of the WSM in order to cancel the current in the top drag layer. The magnitude of this current must scale as $d/L$. In turn, this opposite current leads to voltage buildup on the second graphene layer due to its Coulomb coupling. The electric field in the bottom graphene layer is determined by the current in the bottom drag layer of the WSM, $\epsilon_{g_2}=\rho_d j_{bot}$. Finally by using the following currents ratio $j_{bot}/j_{top}= d/L$ we expect
$R_D\approx\left(\frac{d}{L}\right)\frac{\rho_d^2}{\rho_{3D}/d}$. In the next section we show that the effect of non-locality is to increase the current flow near the bottom surface and hence increasing the non-local drag resistivity.

\section{The Non-local Drag coefficient}
We express the non local drag coefficient by the three length scales above and the following quantities: the local sheet resistivity $r_0=\rho_{3D}/L$, the dimensionless non-local parameter $\Gamma$ and the effective density ratio $\xi=\frac{n_{3D}L}{n_g}$ which generically is much larger than unity.
Solving for the non-local drag coefficient $R_D=\epsilon_{g_2}/j_{g_1}$ and employing the above notations yields the following lengthy expression whose limits we aim to examine:
\begin{equation}
R_D=\frac{d_s\xi^2r_0\rho_d^2\left(\frac{d}{d_s}(\rho_d+\xi r_0)+\Gamma\left[A\rho_d+B\xi r_0\right]\right)}{L(\rho_d+\xi r_0)\left[A\rho_d+\frac{L}{d}\xi r_0\right]\left[\rho_d+\xi r_0(1-2\Gamma)\right]} \label{NLD}
\end{equation}
where $A=\frac{L}{d}-2$ and $B=\frac{L}{d}-\frac{2d}{d_s}$.

In the following parts, we investigate the non-local drag coefficient in the relevant limits.
For macroscopic samples we may assume $\frac{L}{d}\gg1$ and $\rho_d\ll\xi r_0$. In this limit \refEq{NLD} becomes:
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx\frac{dd_s\xi\rho_d^2}{L^2}\frac{\frac{d}{d_s}+\Gamma\frac{L}{d}}{\rho_d+\xi r_0(1-2\Gamma)} \label{NLD1}
\end{equation}

In the absence of an external magnetic field and in the limit of weak drag, \refEq{NLD} reduces to the expected result, as discussed in the previous section.

We now turn to the more interesting case in which $\Gamma\neq 0$, i.e., in the presence of an external magnetic field. It is constructive to introduce the notation,
\begin{equation}
r_0(1-2\Gamma)=\frac{r_0r_w}{2r_0+r_w},
\end{equation}
with $Lr_w=1/\sigma_w$, where $\sigma_w$ is the non-local conductivity as derived in \citeRef{Baum16}. In the local case $r_w$ diverge to infinity and therefore $\Gamma=0$, while when the non-local conductivity is much larger than the local one then $r_w\ll r_0$ and therefore $\Gamma\to 1/2$.
Employing the above notation, the non-local drag coefficient is given by,
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \frac{\xi^2r_0\rho_d^2\left[\left(\frac{d}{L}\right)^2+\Gamma\left(\frac{d}{L}\right)\right]}{(\rho_d+\xi r_0)\left[\rho_d+\xi \frac{r_0r_w}{2r_0+r_w}\right]}
\approx\frac{\Gamma n_{3D}d_s}{n_g}\frac{\rho_d^2}{\rho_d+\xi \frac{r_0r_w}{2r_0+r_w}} \label{NLRD}
\end{equation}

For low magnetic fields, the non-local conductivity is small compared to the local one, i.e., $r_w\gg r_0$. In this limit and assuming as before $\rho_d\ll\xi r_0$, \refEq{NLRD} yields:
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \Gamma \frac{d_s}{L}\frac{\rho_d^2}{r_0}= \Gamma \frac{\rho_d^2}{\rho_{3D}/d_s}+\mathcal{O}\left(\frac{d}{L}\right) \label{NL_w}
\end{equation}

Remarkably, we find that in the presence of an external magnetic field the leading term in $R_D$ becomes independent of the WSM thickness $L$, consensuses of the inter-surface cyclotron orbits. This result is valid as long as the circulating inter-surface current exists. As shown in \citeRef{Baum16,Potter1}, this is the case whenever the thickness of the WSM is smaller than the inter-node-transport-scattering-length. In these materials it is expected  that the inter-node scattering length should be much smaller than the single-particle scattering length \cite{WeylNonLocalTransport}.

If the magnetic field is further increased, the non-local conductivity becomes larger than the local one, i.e., $r_w\ll r_0$ and $\Gamma \to \frac{1}{2}$. In this limit \refEq{NLRD} becomes:
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \frac{n_{3D}d_s}{n_g}\frac{\rho_d^2}{2\rho_d+\xi r_w}+\mathcal{O}\left(\frac{d}{L}\right)
\end{equation}
which may be split into two cases:
for $ \rho_d\ll\xi r_w$,
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \frac{d_s}{L}\frac{\rho_d^2}{r_w}+\mathcal{O}\left(\frac{d}{L}\right)
\end{equation}
which is similar to \refEq{NL_w} only with $\Gamma/r_0$ being replaced by $1/r_w$. Remember that in this limit $r_w\ll r_0/\Gamma$.

On the other hand, if $r_w$ is further reduced such that $\xi r_w\ll \rho_d$ then,
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \frac{n_{3D}d_s}{n_g}\frac{\rho_d}{2}+\mathcal{O}\left(\frac{d}{L}\right) \label{G2}
\end{equation}

Surprisingly, in this case $R_D\propto \rho_d$. It is instructive to reproduce \refEq{G2} in the non-symmetric case where the drag resistivity on the top and the drag resistivity on the bottom are different. We denote the different local drag resistivities by $\rho_{d1}$ and $\rho_{d2}$ respectively. In the non-symmetric case \refEq{G2} becomes:
\begin{equation}
R_D\approx \frac{n_{3D}d_s}{n_g}\frac{\rho_{d_1}\rho_{d_2}}{\rho_{d_1}+\rho_{d_2}}=\frac{n_{3D}d_s}{n_g}\left[\frac{1}{\rho_{d_1}}+\frac{1}{\rho_{d_2}}\right]^{-1} \label{G3}
\end{equation}
which implies that $R_D$ is dominated by the minimal local drag resistivity. It worth noting that the non-local drag coefficient in \refEq{G2} may be larger than the local drag resistivity.

\section{Estimate of scales}
We may consider both Dirac metals (e.g. CdAs) and Weyl metals (e.g. TaAs, TaP, NbAs, NbP). In these materials, the typical bulk density is in the range $n_{3D}=3\cdot 10^{18}-3\cdot 10^{19}\,\mbox{cm}^{-3}$, while a typical density of graphene sheets is in the range $n_g=10^{11}- 10^{12}\,\mbox{cm}^{-2}$. The mobilities of WSM may vary dramatically between the different materials \cite{WeylExp1,mobility1,mobility2,mobility3}, see table~\ref{mobilities}.
\begin{table}[b]
\centering
\resizebox{0.75\linewidth}{!}{
\begin{tabular}{c|c|c|c}
           & CdAs & NbP & TaAs \\
\hline
$T<1.5K$   & $9\cdot 10^6$ &  $5\cdot 10^6$ &  $5\cdot 10^5$  \\
$T\sim 130K$  & $4.2\cdot 10^4$ & $7\cdot 10^3$ & $1.5\cdot 10^3$   \\
$T\sim 300K$ & $1.5\cdot 10^4$ & $3\cdot 10^2$ & -  \\
\end{tabular}}
\caption{Typical mobilities (of thin films) in units of $\mbox{V}^{-1}\mbox{sec}^{-1}\mbox{cm}^{2}$. }\label{mobilities}
\end{table}

As a result, at moderate temperatures ($20K<T<150K$) the typical 3D resistivity of these materials is in the range $\rho_{3D}=5-100\,\mu\Omega\mbox{cm}$.

\begin{figure}[t]
\begin{center}
\centering
{\includegraphics[width = 1\linewidth, angle =0] {Fig_2.pdf}}
\end{center}
\caption{The ratio of $R_D$ in the presence of non-locality ($\Gamma\neq 0$) and $R_D$ in the absence of non-locality ($\Gamma= 0$). Here, $L=100\,\mbox{nm}$, $d_s=3\,\mbox{nm}$, $d=2\,\mbox{nm}$, $r_0=5\,\Omega$, $\rho_d= 0.5\,\Omega$ and $\xi=100$. For $\Gamma=0$ the drag coefficient is $R_D=2\cdot10^{-5}\,\Omega$ and for $\Gamma=1/2$ it is $R_D=0.75\,\Omega$.\label{RD_G}}
\end{figure}

With these parameters in hand we may estimate the relevant transport parameters of our system.
We consider a thin sample of a WSM with $L\sim100\,\mbox{nm}$, where both $d$ and $d_s$ are in the nanometer scale ($\sim 1-5\,\mbox{nm}$). Moreover, $r_0=\frac{\rho_{3D}}{L}=0.5-10\,\Omega$ and $r_0\xi=(en_g\mu)^{-1}=30-10^3\,\Omega$, where $\mu$ is the mobility of the WSM. At moderate temperatures, typical values for the local drag resistivity in graphene systems (away from the dual neutrality point) are in the range $\rho_d\sim 0.1-10\,\Omega$. \cite{GrapDragGeim} See appendix \ref{drag_app} for an estimation of $\rho_d$.

Employing these parameters, the ratio of $R_D$ in the presence of non-locality ($\Gamma\neq 0$) and $R_D$ in the absence of non-locality ($\Gamma= 0$) appears in \refFig{RD_G}.
As evident, the non-local drag coefficient increases by orders of magnitude as a function of $\Gamma$. In particular, while the value of $R_D$ for $\Gamma=0$ is practically unmeasurable (of the order of $\mu\Omega$), it becomes of the order of $1\Omega$ for $\Gamma\sim 1/2$.

\section{Conclusions}
We have shown that the non-local conductivity in WSM which arises from inter-surface cyclotron orbits may be detected in a Coulomb drag measurement.
We demonstrated that, when the non-local conductivity is non zero, a measurable drag resistance is expected between two layers of graphene which are separated by hundreds of nanometers.
Such an unprecedented strong signal of drag in these scales provides a clear-cut evidence to the existence of non-local effects, and therefore, to the special topological structure of these materials.

While in WSM with $C_4$ symmetry, the non-local drag is expected to be isotropic, in WSM which break the $C_4$ symmetry, the non-local drag is expected to be highly non-isotropic which is a direct measure to the unique arc structure of the surface states.
Furthermore, similar to \citeRef{Baum16}, the semi-classical origin of this effect renders it more robust and experimentally accessible than quantum effects.

It is also worth mentioning that it may be possible to use the drag setup only along the top surface of the Weyl semimetal, while the detection of the non-local current may be done by a direct measurement of the voltage buildup on the bottom surface of the Weyl semimetal.

\begin{acknowledgments}
We thank Jim Eisenstein and Yuval Oreg for useful discussions. We also acknowledge support from the European Research Council under the European Unions Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) / ERC Project MUNATOP, the DFG
(CRC/Transregio 183, EI 519/7-1), Minerva foundation, and the U.S.-Israel BSF. YB is grateful for support from the Institute of Quantum Information and Matter.
\end{acknowledgments}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


Norman had a great time as usual at Doggy Play Time (aka Dog Socialization class) held at the SPCA of Tompkins County.
My bookends enjoying the dog park!
Did you know the Ithaca Dog Park doesn't receive any funding from the local, county, or state government for operations or capital improvements? Instead, all funds come from private donations. Currently, the dog park is raising funds for a permanent fence. Can you believe that this is the fence that currently protects our precious furkids?
The dog park is trying to raise $10,000 today, tomorrow, and Sunday. If we can hit that target, we have a pledge for a matching donation. Then, we'll get a permanent fence like the gates at the park.
Please donate a little or a lot, whatever is in your budget! If you donate $150 or more, you are eligible for a plaque.


text:
Harvey moves into Louisiana, with at least 25 dead, 17 missing
31/08/2017 12/02/2018 Reuters 990 Views 0 Comments
By Emily Flitter and Marianna Parraga
LAKE CHARLES, La./HOUSTON (Reuters) – Tropical Storm Harvey spun across southeastern Texas into Louisiana on Wednesday, sending more people fleeing for shelter after swamping Houston with record rains and flooding that killed at least 25 and drove tens of thousands from their homes.
The slow-moving storm has forced 32,000 people to seek shelter since coming ashore on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas, as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than half a century. On Wednesday, it pummeled a stretch of coast from Port Arthur, Texas, to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Among the latest deaths reported were two people who drowned while driving through high water near Simonton, Texas, 40 miles (64 km) west of Houston, Major Chad Norvell of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said on Twitter.
Houston's KHOU-TV reported that an infant girl was swept away by floodwaters as her parents were driving from Houston toward Louisiana on Highway 150. Police in Harris County, home to Houston, said 17 people remained missing.
Busloads of people fleeing floodwaters around Port Arthur arrived in Lake Charles, joining local residents who had already packed into shelters to escape waterlogged homes.
Harvey was forecast to drop a further 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm) of rain on Wednesday, with a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) along the western part of Louisiana's Gulf Coast. The floods shut the nation's largest oil refinery in Port Arthur in the latest hit to U.S. energy infrastructure that has sent gasoline prices climbing and disrupted global fuel supplies.
'WORST NOT YET OVER'
Moody's Analytics is estimating the economic cost from Harvey for southeast Texas at $51 billion to $75 billion, ranking it among the costliest storms in U.S. history.
"The worst is not yet over for southeast Texas as far as the rain is concerned," Governor Greg Abbott said.
He warned residents of storm-hit areas to expect floodwaters to linger for up to a week and said the area affected was larger than that hit by 2005's Hurricane Katrina, which killed more than 1,800 people in New Orleans, and 2012's Superstorm Sandy, which killed 132 around New York and New Jersey.
The population of Houston's metropolitan area is about 6.5 million, far greater than New Orleans' at the time of Katrina. Abbott asked that the federal government spend more on rebuilding Texas' Gulf Coast than it did after the earlier storms.
U.S. President Donald Trump opened a speech on tax reform in Springfield, Missouri, on Wednesday with a pledge to stand by the people of Texas and Louisiana. He visited Texas on Tuesday to survey damage from the first major natural disaster of his presidency.
"We are here with you today … and we will be with you every single day after to restore, recover and rebuild," he said on Wednesday.
The storm made it less likely Trump would act on his threat to shut the federal government over funding for a border wall with Mexico, Goldman Sachs economists said on Wednesday. They now estimate the probability of a shutdown at 35 percent, down from 50 percent previously.
Clear skies in Houston on Wednesday brought relief to the energy hub and fourth-largest U.S. city after five days of catastrophic downpours. Houston airports were to begin limited operations on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Sylvester Turner said.
Disruptions lingered as even some of the people helping evacuees in Houston said they had lost their homes.
'TRYING TO FIND MY FAMILY'
Even those who safely evacuated their homes found further suffering as floodwaters inundated part of Port Arthur's Bob Bowers Civic Center, forcing the residents who had sought shelter there into the bleachers, according to photos posted to social media.
A shelter in Lake Charles was bracing for about 1,500 people rescued from floods by the U.S. Coast Guard, said Angela Jouett, who is running the shelter. A line of buses began arriving in the early afternoon.
Among them was Jacelyn Alexander, 41, who woke up at 4 a.m. when her neighbor in an Orange, Texas, apartment complex warned her the building was flooding. She flagged a rescue boat and escaped.
"I can't move. I'm wet and tired. I'm trying to find my family," said Alexander, who last spoke with her parents early in the morning when her father told her by phone he had declined a rescue.
Harvey made landfall for a third time early on Wednesday, and was about 50 miles (80 km) north of Lake Charles, near the Texas border at 4 p.m. CDT (2100 GMT), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The winds were expected to drop below tropical storm force by Wednesday night, according to the NHC.
Texas officials said close to 49,000 homes had suffered flood damage, with more than 1,000 destroyed. Some 195,000 people have begun the process of seeking federal help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.
The state is investigating hundreds of complaints of price gouging involving loaves of bread offered for $15, fuel for $100 a gallon and hotels raising room rates.
The nation's largest refinery, Valero Energy Corp's facility in Port Arthur was shut, said sources familiar with plant operations.
The storm has shut about one-quarter of U.S. fuel production, sending gasoline futures surging to a two-year high on Wednesday.
Royal Dutch Shell sent staff back to the Perdido oil and gas platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to begin to restart production.
For a graphic on storms in the North Atlantic, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/STORM-HARVEY/010050K2197/index.html
(Additional reporting by Richard Valdmanis, Mica Rosenberg, Marianna Parraga, Gary McWilliams, Ernest Scheyder, Erwin Seba, Ruthy Munoz, Peter Henderson and Andy Sullivan in Houston, David Gaffen in New York, James Oliphant in Springfield, Mo., Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas, and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Scott Malone and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Tom Brown and Peter Cooney)
Copyright 2017 Thomson Reuters. Click for Restrictions.
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text:
Bomani Tented Lodge
Camelthorn Lodge
Nehimba Lodge
Bomani Tented Lodge, Hwange National Park
If your holiday is as much about the journey as the destination, you'll love this delightful lodge located on a private reserve, moments from the beautiful Hwange National Park. Enjoy a trip on the renowned Elephant Express en-route – offering glorious game-viewing before you've even stepped foot inside the Lodge. Once settled into your comfortable suite, you can enjoy relaxed game-drives accompanied by experienced rangers, horse-riding and fascinating village visits where you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the locals.
There are several suite categories at Bomani, with all suites spread out along sandy paths either side of the main building. The five tented Sadlebill Suites are positioned on raised teak platforms, 5ft above ground overlooking the plains and come as either a deluxe or twin. There are a further four Spurwing Suites at ground level veranda, overlooking the lodge and waterhole – 1 honeymoon suite with king-size bed; 2 twin suites with twin double beds and space for an extra bed for children; 1 double suite with king-size bed.
Décor is simple and comfortable but elegant with neutral tones and wooden for tiled flooring and wood furnishings. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, ceiling or standing fan, swathes of mosquito nets and a safe as well as practical considerations such as a tea & coffee facilities, a mobile lamp, fan and mosquito repellent.
Bomani Tented Lodge's main thatched area encompasses the bar, dining area and a lounge with comfy sofas overlooking its own waterhole which offers plentiful game-viewing opportunities. Guests will appreciate the plunge-pool located between the central building and the waterhole – perfect for a post-game-drive freshen-up.
As with all Imvelo lodges, the focus is very much on connecting with nature and ensuring local communities and conservation benefit. Activities at Bomani Tented Lodge include game-walks accompanied by highly-experienced rangers, game-drives around the private reserve or into the national park and night-drives around the private reserve. The Lodge have also introduced horse-riding safaris (payable locally). The 'Pump Run' provides a great insight into Hwange, and involves a full day in the park checking the waterholes that Imvelo looks after. Community visits to the local village and school offer a fascinating insight into local culture.
Please note that Wi-Fi is only available in the main areas.
Depending on your game-drive schedule you could be enjoying an early campfire breakfast with cold meats, cheese, fruit and pancakes, or perhaps a later full-works brunch. A typical bush lunch might be a pie with vegetables or salad and dinner is a three-course affair, washed down with local beer or wine, by the campfire or in the large open dining room.
Minimum age is 7 years – but younger families can be accepted by prior arrangement.
Bomani Tented Lodge lies on a 5000 hectare private concession in the remote and unspoilt Ngamo Plains region of the south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. This particular area of Hwange has beautiful open plains and herds of animals roaming freely across the open savannah. Several pans dotted around the open plains attract vast herds of elephant along with all the other species including lion, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, sable and many more. The south eastern part of the park is so remote that only vehicles from the Wilderness Lodges will ever be seen down there.
There are no fences, simply a railway line that separates the private reserve from the Hwange National Park, therefore game roams freely between the two. The National park is just a 15 minute drive through the private game reserve which is a game-drive in itself. Such close access to the park gives guests the best of both worlds.
Bomani is a four-hour drive or an hour's flight from Victoria Falls. Alternatively, you can opt to take the Stimela Star – four private vintage carriages on the sleeper train from Victoria Falls to Ngamo. A popular alternative is to travel two hours by road to Dete Railway Station, then ride for two hours on the Elephant Express – an open-sided railcar cleverly adapted for game-viewing that travels along the side of the National Park to Bomani Siding from where it is a short hop to camp.
We started planning this holiday quite a while back and sometimes when you look forward to something so much you can be disappointed, but our holiday was perfect in so many ways. Our week on safari was outstanding. Peter, our guide was the best. He was really experienced, softly spoken and great with the kids. The accommodation was excellent...(and) the camping experiences were great... - on the first night we had a herd of elephants around the tent!
The Cooper Family


"Homeless for The Holidaze" celebrates the Christmas season with a bit of satire and a big fat tongue planted firmly in cheek. Kicking off with some word up from the streets of Seattle, the opening number fades into a nostalgic rendition of "Home for the Holidays" that sets the stage for the wild sleigh ride to come. The rest of the collection includes more original arrangements of Christmas classics mixed in with a number of surprises. The Ensemble of Lonesome Fellas, affectionately known as ELF was assembled with the intent of creating a contemporary sound infused with a strong flavor of old school R&B, funk and even a hint of big band swing or rock when needed.
Click the button below to add the An Ensemble of Lonesome Fellas - Homeless For The Holidaze to your wish list.


Need Your Help with Worship Preparation!
As we continue our series, we get a beautiful picture of the Ripple Effect of intimacy.
On Sunday, September 15th, we will be having a regular time of music worship, preaching worship, & abbreviated small group worship... plus in addition... get to share the marriage ceremony of Sevren and Sara as a part of the worship experience... all within our usual time frame with some cake to boot!
One of the joys of my life is seeing people like Sevren and Sara choose to accept the principles that Jesus gives us and make moves to base their lives and homes on the understanding of how Christ loves. We need your help with worship preparation!
Here is where you can help! Sandra Staley (email: northshorefamilychurch@gmail.com if you need her contact information) is coordinating all of the decorations and hostess table for the wedding experience part of the service. We need lots of hands and lots of supplies... all of which we are donating to them as a wedding gift. Contact Sandra for all of the details.
If you would like to bring them a wedding gift, it is suggested that you simply bring a card and include a gift card or cash.
It's going to be a great worship experience and we are expecting lots of guests.


text:
Bargaining update June 8th: 18 articles exchanged in extended session
Jun 9, 2018 | Bargaining, News | 0 comments
Bargaining teams from ULFA and the Board of Governors met for a scheduled 4 hour meeting on June 8th. During the meeting, which was extended by almost an extra hour, the two sides exchanged language on 18 articles and schedules (you can see the status of all articles here):
Article 3: Amendments (presented by ULFA)
Article 4: Applications and exclusions (presented by ULFA)
Article 5: Recognition (presented by ULFA)
Article 6: Communication and Information (presented by ULFA)
Article 9: Personal files (presented by ULFA)
Article 10: Courses taught in addition to assigned teaching duties (presented by ULFA)
Article 11: Rights and responsibilities (presented by the Board)
Article 16: Termination of appointment (presented by the Board)
Article 22: Grievance (presented by the Board)
Article 23: Mediation (presented by the Board)
Article 24: Appeals of recommendations by STP Committees (presented by the Board)
Article 26: Termination (presented by the Board)
Article 29: Intellectual property (presented by the Board)
Article 30: Travel fund (presented by the Board)
Article 31: Research fund (presented by the Board)
Schedule A: Salary schedules and stipends (presented by ULFA)
Schedule B: Economic benefits (presented by ULFA)
Schedule E: Copyright (presented by the Board)
Finally, the Board side gave a preliminary presentation on their proposal for a new structure to the Collective Agreement comprising a "Common Agreement" (i.e. articles that apply to all categories of Academic Staff), and four "Parts" that apply to different categories of members (i.e. the Professoriate, Librarians, Instructors/Academic Assistants, Sessional Lecturers).
The language presented ranged from new proposals (i.e. the first language presented on the Articles in question), to a fourth or fifth exchange. New articles included Articles 16, 26, 29, 30 and 31 and Schedules A and B. Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, and 24, as well as Schedule E, involved first responses to material previously proposed by the other side. Articles 3, 10, 22, and 23 have been exchanged several times, in some cases as recently as this past Monday.
In contrast to last session, in which ULFA was able to accept in principle two responses prepared by the Board, on this day the two sides were unable to come to any provisional agreements. Several articles, however, seem quite close to provisional settlement. It seems likely that the two sides will agree to some at our next meeting.
Under the ground rules we are following, articles can be accepted in principle by the two sides during negotiations; final acceptance, however, depends on a settlement of the entire Collective Agreement. This approach allows greater flexibility in negotiations as it allows on the one hand for the two sides to build trust and agreement by gradually settling language; but on the other it means that they can also always reopen otherwise "settled" articles should additional tradeoffs become necessary to settle more contentious issues.
In addition to these "easy" articles, there are others in which there are larger differences in goals or expectations. For these it seems likely that the two sides will need a number of additional meetings and exchanges of language before agreement is reached.
As with all negotiations this spring, the meeting was cordial and included some broad and helpful discussions about the motivations behind some language proposals and about how open the presenters might be to particular concepts that could arise in counter-proposals. The next bargaining session is scheduled for June 18.


Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts came back from a 14-point deficit to beat the Titans 30-27 on Thursday Night. Luck threw for 232 yards(23-36) and rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown. Adam Vinatieri kicked three field goals, including a 50-yarder, and Coby Fleener had a career-high eight catches for 107 yards.
The Colts are back in the number one spot in the AFC South and have beaten all three divisional opponents on the road.


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