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Commercial concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, also called "solar thermal power stations", were first developed in the 1980s. The 377 MW Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, located in California's Mojave Desert, is the world's largest solar thermal power plant project. Other large CSP plants include the Solnova Solar Power Station (150 MW), the Andasol solar power station (150 MW), and Extresol Solar Power Station (150 MW), all in Spain. The principal advantage of CSP is the ability to efficiently add thermal storage, allowing the dispatching of electricity over up to a 24-hour period. Since peak electricity demand typically occurs at about 5 pm, many CSP power plants use 3 to 5 hours of thermal storage.[65]
Index of solar energy articles List of concentrating solar thermal power companies List of photovoltaics companies List of photovoltaic power stations List of pioneering solar buildings List of rooftop photovoltaic installations List of solar car teams List of solar powered products List of solar thermal power stations People associated with solar power
By Ellen Coleman—As an American of non-specific cultural identity, I look with envy at families with strong cultural tradition. I wonder who "my people" are. What family traditions will my children (now grown) want to pass on to their own children? Their exposure has been such a mixed bag of "ritual"—making tamales for Thanksgiving, potstickers for family reunions, fried eggplant for Fourth of July. What will be their choice of comfort music? What kinds of homes will they make, what spiritual paths will they take?
"Hurricane-Broken Air Power Base Has an Alternative to Rebuild for Resilience" • Rebuilding the hurricane-wrecked Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida will come with a massive price tag, but experts say it offers a chance to make the base more resilient to the effects of extreme weather. Hurricane Michael hit Tyndall as a Category 4 storm. [Infosurhoy]
A solar power tower uses an array of tracking reflectors (heliostats) to concentrate light on a central receiver atop a tower. Power towers can achieve higher (thermal-to-electricity conversion) efficiency than linear tracking CSP schemes and better energy storage capability than dish stirling technologies.[14] The PS10 Solar Power Plant and PS20 solar power plant are examples of this technology.
Sunforce Wind Generators are primarily used to recharge all types of 12-Volt batteries, including lead-acid automotive batteries, deep-cycle (traction type) batteries, gel-cell batteries, and heavy-duty (stationary type) batteries. When using this wind generator to run appliances on a regular basis, the use of deep-cycle marine batteries is recommended. This type of battery is designed to withstand the frequent charge and discharge cycles associated with wind power use. Attempting to run the wind generator on an open circuit without a battery may cause damage to the generator or connected equipment.
So how do wind turbines make electricity? Simply stated, a wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. View the wind turbine animation to see how a wind turbine works or take a look inside.
Plant energy is produced by crops specifically grown for use as fuel that offer high biomass output per hectare with low input energy. Some examples of these plants are wheat, which typically yield 7.5–8 tonnes of grain per hectare, and straw, which typically yield 3.5–5 tonnes per hectare in the UK.[68] The grain can be used for liquid transportation fuels while the straw can be burned to produce heat or electricity. Plant biomass can also be degraded from cellulose to glucose through a series of chemical treatments, and the resulting sugar can then be used as a first generation biofuel.
Sustainable energy is energy that is consumed at insignificant rates compared to its supply and with manageable collateral effects, especially environmental effects. Another common definition of sustainable energy is an energy system that serves the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their energy needs.[1] Not all renewable energy is sustainable. While renewable energy is defined as energy sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, sustainable (often referred to as 'clean') energy must not compromise the system in which it is adopted to the point of being unable to provide for future need. The organizing principle for sustainability is sustainable development, which includes the four interconnected domains: ecology, economics, politics and culture.[2] Sustainability science is the study of sustainable development and environmental science.[3]
Materials that are typically used for the rotor blades in wind turbines are composites, as they tend to have a high stiffness, high strength, high fatigue resistance, and low weight.[46] Typical resins used for these composites include polyester and epoxy, while glass and carbon fibers have been used for the reinforcing material.[47] Construction may use manual layup techniques or composite resin injection molding. As the price of glass fibers is only about one tenth the price of carbon fiber, glass fiber is still dominant.
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A turbine that produces around 5 kW worth of energy can produce approximately 8,000 kWh per year, assuming there are decent winds to power it. Given ideal conditions, you will be able to recoup your investment in three to five years, depending on your monthly energy consumption and other related factors. If, however, your property doesn't get enough wind then it may take a little more time to recover your initial investment.
Which is to say that Ross and his co-workers had options. And the city was free to take advantage of them because of a rather unusual arrangement: Georgetown itself owns the utility company that serves the city. So officials there, unlike those in most cities, were free to negotiate with suppliers. When they learned that rates for wind power could be guaranteed for 20 years and solar for 25 years, but natural gas for only seven years, the choice, Ross says, was a "no-brainer."
Small wind turbines may be used for a variety of applications including on- or off-grid residences, telecom towers, offshore platforms, rural schools and clinics, remote monitoring and other purposes that require energy where there is no electric grid, or where the grid is unstable. Small wind turbines may be as small as a fifty-watt generator for boat or caravan use. Hybrid solar and wind powered units are increasingly being used for traffic signage, particularly in rural locations, as they avoid the need to lay long cables from the nearest mains connection point.[60] The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) defines small wind turbines as those smaller than or equal to 100 kilowatts.[61] Small units often have direct drive generators, direct current output, aeroelastic blades, lifetime bearings and use a vane to point into the wind.
Previously, the largest U.S. city fully powered by renewables was Burlington, Vermont (pop. 42,000), home to Senator Bernie Sanders, the jam band Phish and the original Ben & Jerry's. Georgetown's feat is all the more dramatic because it demolishes the notion that sustainability is synonymous with socialism and GMO-free ice cream. "You think of climate change and renewable energy, from a political standpoint, on the left-hand side of the spectrum, and what I've done is toss all those partisan political thoughts aside," Ross says. "We're doing this because it's good for our citizens. Cheaper electricity is better. Clean energy is better than fossil fuels."
Although many older thermoelectric power plants with once-through cooling or cooling ponds use more water than CSP, meaning that more water passes through their systems, most of the cooling water returns to the water body available for other uses, and they consume less water by evaporation. For instance, the median coal power plant in the US with once-through cooling uses 36,350 gal/MWhr, but only 250 gal/MWhr (less than one percent) is lost through evaporation.[139] Since the 1970s, the majority of US power plants have used recirculating systems such as cooling towers rather than once-through systems.[140]
This sets sustainable energy apart from other renewable energy terminology such as alternative energy by focusing on the ability of an energy source to continue providing energy. Sustainable energy can produce some pollution of the environment, as long as it is not sufficient to prohibit heavy use of the source for an indefinite amount of time. Sustainable energy is also distinct from low-carbon energy, which is sustainable only in the sense that it does not add to the CO2 in the atmosphere.
What? You are still reading? If we did not talk you out of a wind turbine by now there may still be hope! There certainly are situations where a small wind turbine makes perfect sense: If you are off-grid you should definitely consider adding a wind turbine. Wind and solar tend to complement each other beautifully; the sunny days tend to be not very windy, while the windy days tend to have little sun. Wind turbines generally produce most energy in the winter, when solar panels fall short.
In the next tutorial about Wind Turbine Generators we will look at DC machines and how we can use a DC Generator to produce electricity from the power of the wind. To learn more about "Wind Turbine Generators", or obtain more wind energy information about the various wind turbine generating systems available, or to explore the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy, Click Here to get your copy of one of the top "Wind Turbine Guides" today direct from Amazon.
Maybe you reside on a boat, vacation in a remote cabin, or live off-grid like me. Or perhaps you're just interested in lowering your energy bill. Either way, with a handful of inexpensive and easy-to-source materials, you can build a homemade wind generator, making electricity yours for the taking for as long as the wind is blowing. You'll be able to light up that storeroom, power your barn, or use a generator to keep all your vehicle batteries charged.
Geothermal power plants can operate 24 hours per day, providing base-load capacity, and the world potential capacity for geothermal power generation is estimated at 85 GW over the next 30 years. However, geothermal power is accessible only in limited areas of the world, including the United States, Central America, East Africa, Iceland, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The costs of geothermal energy have dropped substantially from the systems built in the 1970s.[10] Geothermal heat generation can be competitive in many countries producing geothermal power, or in other regions where the resource is of a lower temperature. Enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technology does not require natural convective hydrothermal resources, so it can be used in areas that were previously unsuitable for geothermal power, if the resource is very large. EGS is currently under research at the U.S. Department of Energy.
A 2014-published life-cycle analysis of land use for various sources of electricity concluded that the large-scale implementation of solar and wind potentially reduces pollution-related environmental impacts. The study found that the land-use footprint, given in square meter-years per megawatt-hour (m2a/MWh), was lowest for wind, natural gas and rooftop PV, with 0.26, 0.49 and 0.59, respectively, and followed by utility-scale solar PV with 7.9. For CSP, the footprint was 9 and 14, using parabolic troughs and solar towers, respectively. The largest footprint had coal-fired power plants with 18 m2a/MWh.[146]
On most horizontal wind turbine farms, a spacing of about 6–10 times the rotor diameter is often upheld. However, for large wind farms distances of about 15 rotor diameters should be more economical, taking into account typical wind turbine and land costs. This conclusion has been reached by research[62] conducted by Charles Meneveau of the Johns Hopkins University,[63] and Johan Meyers of Leuven University in Belgium, based on computer simulations[64] that take into account the detailed interactions among wind turbines (wakes) as well as with the entire turbulent atmospheric boundary layer.
Adam Schultz, a senior policy analyst for the Oregon Department of Energy, says he's more encouraged than ever about the prospects for renewables. Because the Pacific Northwest features large-scale hydropower plants built as part of the New Deal, energy already tends to be less expensive there than the U.S. average. But solar and wind power have "gotten cheaper over the last couple years to the point that I can't even tell you what the costs are because costs have been dropping so rapidly," Schultz says. "We have enough sunshine," he says (presumably referring to the eastern part of the state), "so it's just a matter of time."
Champion Energy is able to provide green power through the purchase of an environmental trading commodity known as a renewable energy credit (REC). RECs are created when a qualified renewable energy generation facility (like a wind farm or solar array) produces electricity. They represent the added value in terms of renewable energy's environmental benefits and costs when compared to conventional means of producing power. We buy RECs from wind farms contributing electricity to your local grid, then 'retire' those RECs in direct proportion to the amount of energy you consume. In this way, you can be confident that every kWh you use is helping to promote and support the continued development of green energy infrastructure in your area.
The 1500W wind turbine is our most high powered wind turbine, made specifically for off-grid residential use in mind. Its DIY set-up instructions and with all the materials needed provided for, you will be able to set the wind turbine up in no time at all. The 1500W wind turbine is durable, low maintenance and the most powerful wind turbine in our line up of wind turbine having weighing at only 33 lbs. Coated with special high weather tolerant protection spray to protect the wind turbine from the elements such as rain. It is a completely self-sustaining stand-alone device that will continuously generates 100% clean GREEN renewable energy, without you being present or around it.
Features:Human-friendly design, easy to install and maintain.Patented generator, low torque at start-up, high conversion rate.Low start-up speed, high wind power utilization, low vibration and low noise.Automatically adjust wind direction, high cost-performance. The use of high temperature Teflon wire, die-casting aluminum for the shell material of the generator.Blade built-in copper inserts, bolts will not damage when the nylon fiber damage, it is not e.
The conversion of the rotational mechanical power generated by the rotor blades (known as the prime mover) into useful electrical power for use in domestic power and lighting applications or to charge batteries can be accomplished by any one of the following major types of rotational electrical machines commonly used in a wind power generating systems:
"New Wind May Be Cheaper than Old, Reliable Coal" • Wind farms have cost less to build and operate than coal-fired power plants for some time. The trend of lower costs for renewables has crossed a threshold: it is sometimes cheaper to build a brand new wind facility than keep an old coal plant burning, according to Lazard Ltd. [Casper Star-Tribune Online]
Solar contractors face many decisions when it comes to finding the best solar design. One important consideration is determining whether to use module-level power electronics (microinverters or DC optimizers). Once costly specialty products, module-level power electronics have made great strides in the last decade and are rapidly growing in popularity. And there's good reason for…
The comments stand in contrast to those made by Trump administration representatives also speaking at the energy summit, which is known as CERAWeek. Rick Perry, the energy secretary, on Wednesday criticized what he described as the "mind-set of the Paris agreement" that he contends supports renewable energy to the exclusion of other energy sources. And he took aim at countries pledging to phase out coal use.
The electrical machine most commonly used for wind turbines applications are those acting as generators, with synchronous generators and induction generators (as shown) being commonly used in larger wind turbine generators, while smaller and home made wind turbines tend to use a low speed DC generator or Dynamo as they are small, cheap and a lot easier to connect up.
Wind turbines are manufactured in a wide range of vertical and horizontal axis. The smallest turbines are used for applications such as battery charging for auxiliary power for boats or caravans or to power traffic warning signs. Slightly larger turbines can be used for making contributions to a domestic power supply while selling unused power back to the utility supplier via the electrical grid. Arrays of large turbines, known as wind farms, are becoming an increasingly important source of intermittent renewable energy and are used by many countries as part of a strategy to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. One assessment claimed that, as of 2009, wind had the "lowest relative greenhouse gas emissions, the least water consumption demands and... the most favourable social impacts" compared to photovoltaic, hydro, geothermal, coal and gas.[1]
Several initiatives are being proposed to mitigate distribution problems. First and foremost, the most effective way to reduce USA's CO2 emissions and slow global warming is through conservation efforts. Opponents of the current US electrical grid have also advocated for decentralizing the grid. This system would increase efficiency by reducing the amount of energy lost in transmission. It would also be economically viable as it would reduce the amount of power lines that will need to be constructed in the future to keep up with demand. Merging heat and power in this system would create added benefits and help to increase its efficiency by up to 80-90%. This is a significant increase from the current fossil fuel plants which only have an efficiency of 34%.[92]
Based on REN21's 2017 report, renewables contributed 19.3% to humans' global energy consumption and 24.5% to their generation of electricity in 2015 and 2016, respectively. This energy consumption is divided as 8.9% coming from traditional biomass, 4.2% as heat energy (modern biomass, geothermal and solar heat), 3.9% hydro electricity and 2.2% is electricity from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. Worldwide investments in renewable technologies amounted to more than US$286 billion in 2015, with countries such as China and the United States heavily investing in wind, hydro, solar and biofuels.[5] Globally, there are an estimated 7.7 million jobs associated with the renewable energy industries, with solar photovoltaics being the largest renewable employer.[6] As of 2015 worldwide, more than half of all new electricity capacity installed was renewable.[7]
Solar power panels that use nanotechnology, which can create circuits out of individual silicon molecules, may cost half as much as traditional photovoltaic cells, according to executives and investors involved in developing the products. Nanosolar has secured more than $100 million from investors to build a factory for nanotechnology thin-film solar panels. The company's plant has a planned production capacity of 430 megawatts peak power of solar cells per year. Commercial production started and first panels have been shipped[50] to customers in late 2007.[51]
In 2011 Mark Z. Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University, and Mark Delucchi published a study on 100% renewable global energy supply in the journal Energy Policy. They found producing all new energy with wind power, solar power, and hydropower by 2030 is feasible and existing energy supply arrangements could be replaced by 2050. Barriers to implementing the renewable energy plan are seen to be "primarily social and political, not technological or economic". They also found that energy costs with a wind, solar, water system should be similar to today's energy costs.[153]
You will find links to pictures that I have published of home wind Generator rooftop system installations done recently. Some are featured in newspaper articles and so forth. WindEnergy7 LLC has invented and filed for patents on a few of the technologies that make home rooftop wind Generators feasible. We have been busy training and supporting owners and dealers from California to New Jersey over the past couple of years to expand our network of local home wind Generator dealers.
Solar and wind are Intermittent energy sources that supply electricity 10-40% of the time. To compensate for this characteristic, it is common to pair their production with already existing hydroelectricity or natural gas generation. In regions where this isn't available, wind and solar can be paired with significantly more expensive pumped-storage hydroelectricity.
Those not satisfied with the third-party grid approach to green energy via the power grid can install their own locally based renewable energy system. Renewable energy electrical systems from solar to wind to even local hydro-power in some cases, are some of the many types of renewable energy systems available locally. Additionally, for those interested in heating and cooling their dwelling via renewable energy, geothermal heat pump systems that tap the constant temperature of the earth, which is around 7 to 15 degrees Celsius a few feet underground and increases dramatically at greater depths, are an option over conventional natural gas and petroleum-fueled heat approaches. Also, in geographic locations where the Earth's Crust is especially thin, or near volcanoes (as is the case in Iceland) there exists the potential to generate even more electricity than would be possible at other sites, thanks to a more significant temperature gradient at these locales.
The expansion is thanks largely to innovation on the policy front, which has opened up opportunities in regulated electricity markets. The number of corporate renewable energy deals signed under utility green tariff programs continues to grow, representing around 25 percent of corporate renewables procurement so far this year. At the same time, utilities are incorporating corporate renewables into their long-term planning — and thinking about solutions beyond green tariffs to better meet the needs of existing corporate customers and smaller loads.
List of onshore wind farms List of onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom List of offshore wind farms in the United Kingdom List of offshore wind farms in the United States Lists of offshore wind farms by country Lists of offshore wind farms by water area Lists of wind farms by country List of wind farms in Australia List of wind farms in Canada List of wind farms in Iran List of wind farms in New Zealand List of wind farms in Romania List of wind farms in Sweden List of wind farms in the United States List of wind turbine manufacturers
According to a 2011 projection by the International Energy Agency, solar power generators may produce most of the world's electricity within 50 years, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that harm the environment. Cedric Philibert, senior analyst in the renewable energy division at the IEA said: "Photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet most of the world's demand for electricity by 2060 – and half of all energy needs – with wind, hydropower and biomass plants supplying much of the remaining generation". "Photovoltaic and concentrated solar power together can become the major source of electricity", Philibert said.[25]
There is more trouble with rated power: It only happens at a "rated wind speed". And the trouble with that is there is no standard for rated wind speed. Since the energy in the wind increases with the cube of the wind speed, it makes a very large difference if rated power is measured at 10 m/s (22 mph), or 12 m/s (27 mph). For example, that 6 meter wind turbine from the previous section could reasonably be expected to produce 5.2 kW at 10 m/s, while it will do 9 kW at 12 m/s!
The first electricity-generating wind turbine was a battery charging machine installed in July 1887 by Scottish academic James Blyth to light his holiday home in Marykirk, Scotland.[7] Some months later American inventor Charles F. Brush was able to build the first automatically operated wind turbine after consulting local University professors and colleagues Jacob S. Gibbs and Brinsley Coleberd and successfully getting the blueprints peer-reviewed for electricity production in Cleveland, Ohio.[7] Although Blyth's turbine was considered uneconomical in the United Kingdom,[7] electricity generation by wind turbines was more cost effective in countries with widely scattered populations.[6]
Between mounting concerns about the environment and the rising cost of energy, there has never been a better time for Corpus Christi residents to invest in solar energy for their homes. Because these sources of energy are completely renewable, they make only a tiny impact on the environment, and they require almost no upkeep once they are installed. At Bodine-Scott, we offer a wide range of solar energy products to help our customers save money and protect the local environment from pollution.
Compact Linear Fresnel Reflectors are CSP-plants which use many thin mirror strips instead of parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto two tubes with working fluid. This has the advantage that flat mirrors can be used which are much cheaper than parabolic mirrors, and that more reflectors can be placed in the same amount of space, allowing more of the available sunlight to be used. Concentrating linear fresnel reflectors can be used in either large or more compact plants.[16][17]


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Queen Victoria Made White Wedding Dresses Popular. Here's What Else You Should Know About Her Royal Wedding
By Madeleine Luckel
Today, Victoria, a new Masterpiece miniseries, premieres on PBS. The show features Jenna Coleman as the young queen, and Tom Hughes as Prince Albert. And while we've been excited about this show for a while—especially since we binge-watched The Crown—we'll admit that there are a few aspects that we are looking forward to more than others. One such example has got to be Victoria's 1840 royal wedding to Prince Albert, which will be covered in the show's first season. Victoria may have started the enduring trend of white wedding dresses, but from her bridal party to her accessories, there's a lot more to know about the wedding of the (19th) century. Just beware—for those truly vested in learning about Victoria and Albert's romance as it unfolds on their laptop's screen, spoilers are ahead.
Victoria wanted a simple wedding.
Victoria didn't want an elaborate—or huge—ceremony. However, Lord Melbourne, who was at the time England's prime minister, convinced her to have a larger affair. Lord Melbourne was Victoria's first PM, and they were very close.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert marry at at St James's Palace in London on February 10th, 1840.
Photo: Alamy
She made white wedding dresses popular.
At the time, wedding dresses were not necessarily white. Victoria chose to have her dress made in white not to reflect purity, but to best show off its lace. (The lace makers in England were then struggling, and her commission was intended to give the industry a boon.) The young queen decreed that no one else should wear white at her wedding—trend-setting, again—and had the pattern for her dress destroyed so that no one could copy it afterwards.
The Queen also wore some great accessories.
On her wedding day, Victoria wore Turkish diamond earrings, a sapphire brooch from Albert, and white satin shoes. She also wore kid gloves, and a wreath of myrtle and orange blossoms. (Orange blossoms were also embroidered on her train.)
Queen Victoria in her wedding dress, February 10th, 1840.
Photo: Rex
There was some drama with her bridesmaids.
Victoria chose her 12 bridesmaids according to rank. Albert wanted her to pick them based off of their reputations, but Victoria ignored him. On her wedding day, Victoria's trainbearers wore white dresses that she had designed and turquoise brooches in the shape of an eagle. The brooches were a gift from the queen to each lady.
It rained (a lot) on her wedding day.
Crowds however still came out to try to see the bride as she made her way to St. James's Palace in a gold carriage.
Victoria and Albert got married in a church, and then there was a feast afterwards.
The wedding ceremony took place in St. James's red-and-gold Chapel Royal. Victoria thought St. James was ugly, and didn't want to have her wedding there. After the ceremony, Victoria changed into another dress and a huge bonnet for a subsequent feast. The bride and groom stayed there until around 4:00 p.m., and then traveled three hours to Windsor Castle where they stayed the night.
Queen Victoria's wedding dress on display.
Victoria wouldn't agree to take a long honeymoon.
Albert wanted to take a two-week honeymoon, but Victoria told him she didn't have that much time to take off from work. Clearly, even at age 20, she was devoted to the monarchy.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


ive jusy got 151 ver and no matter wot i do it wont start.
im running 64bit vista 2x9800 gt,s in sli mode 8gb ram and a quad core processor any ideas ?
Hy i have an windows 7 X64, and i think it's an vista platform .....i just buy TMS+X and after i instal it the defence line keep rebooting my sistem , how can i by-pas the defence line , help!!!
Please explain the steps needed to get Trackmania Sunrise run on Windows 7.
i can solve (or at least give an answer) about the 64 bit Vista problem. u can't run most games on ANY 64 bit computer! including TMS!
i have windows7,but the pack work in demo too?
my update wont install? it says 'trackmania sunrise (CD) Is not on this computer' help anyone?


From building churches and schools to mixing concrete, FSI teams have poured their hearts into assisting the Honduran people with the tools to make God's purpose possible. We believe that we must teach, train, and get our hands dirty, not only preach the Gospel.
Athletic competition moves beyond language and cultural differences and allows God to change the hearts of both the participants and the audience. Many sports teams have competed in Honduras over the years, but their focus has always been to spread the love of Jesus Christ.


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Justia Dockets & Filings Seventh Circuit Illinois Northern District Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund et al v. Wingra Redi-Mix, Inc. et al Filing 61
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund et al v. Wingra Redi-Mix, Inc. et al
MEMORANDUM Opinion and Order signed by the Honorable Virginia M. Kendall on 1/17/2023. The Court grants Defendants/Counter-plaintiffs' Motion to Compel Discovery and extends Fact Discovery to June 30, 2023. (Dkt. 44 ). Central States' Motion to strike is denied as moot. (Dkt. 55 ). Please refer to Opinion for further details. Mailed notice(lk, )
Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 1 of 12 PageID #:990 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN DIVISION CENTRAL STATES, SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST AREAS PENSION FUND; and CHARLES A. WHOBREY, Plaintiffs/Counter-defendants, v. WINGRA REDI-MIX, INC., a Wisconsin corporation; WINGRA STONE COMPANY, a Wisconsin corporation, and SUNDBY SAND AND GRAVEL CO., INC., a Wisconsin corporation, Defendants/Counter-plaintiffs. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) No. 21 C 3684 Judge Virginia M. Kendall MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER Wingra Redi-Mix, Inc., Wingra Stone Co., and Sundby Sand & Gravel Co., Inc. (collectively, "Wingra") provide construction aggregates and redi-mix concrete. For over thirty years, Wingra has participated in the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund ("Central States" or "the pension fund"), a multiemployer pension fund plan. After the Great Recession in 2008, Wingra's business began to suffer, and a dispute arose between the company and the pension plan. As a result, the two parties entered into the 2017 Settlement Agreement resolving the issues. One provision of the agreement imposed hefty financial liability on Wingra if the company withdrew from the plan before January 1, 2021. From 2017 to 2020, Central States became concerned with Wingra's participation in the plan and decided to expel the company, effective November 1, 2020, two months before the critical date. Central States then sued Wingra, seeking $58 million in withdrawal liability because the company was no longer part of the fund. (Dkt. 29). Wingra answered, raised affirmative defenses, and counterclaimed for a breach of the 1 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 2 of 12 PageID #:991 Settlement Agreement. (Dkt. 30). Wingra now moves to compel discovery from Central States. For the following reasons, the Court grants Wingra's motion. (Dkt. 44). BACKGROUND Wingra, a business that provides construction aggregates and redi-mix concrete, maintained collective bargaining agreements with certain employees and participated in the Central States pension fund, a multiemployer pension fund, for over thirty years. (Dkt. 45 at 2). Throughout that period, a Trust Agreement governed the relationship between Wingra and the pension fund. (Dkt. 30 at ¶ 1). In 2016, a dispute arose over Wingra's required contributions to the fund and its employment of nonunion workers in violation of an adverse-selection rule. Wingra claimed that since 2008, the construction business slowed, leading to reduced revenue and, in turn, fewer dues-paying union members. (Id. ¶ 3). Wingra believed it should make lower contributions to account for the downturn in business; Central States asked that the amounts remain the same. (Id.) The two parties resolved the dispute in a 2017 settlement agreement. (Id. ¶ 5). The "key provision" of the deal locked Wingra into a "liability number." (Id. ¶ 6). If Wingra left the pension fund on or before December 31, 2020, it would potentially owe over $58 million. (Id. ¶ 7). A withdrawal after the date would lead to substantially less liability. (Id.) In 2018 and 2019, Central States audited Wingra's pension-fund participation, (Dkt. 30 ¶ 25), claiming Wingra impermissibly transferred work to nonunion workers. (Dkt. 45 at 3). Wingra allegedly complied with the Settlement Agreement and any audit requests. (Id.) Central States, nonetheless, threatened to terminate Wingra from the pension plan and eventually did so on September 18, 2020, effective November 1, 2020, just two months before the critical date in the Settlement Agreement. (Id.; Dkt. 30 ¶ 10). 2 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 3 of 12 PageID #:992 Central States sued Wingra to recover over $58 million. It alleges that Wingra caused the "2020 Withdrawal" and, as a result, must pay the liability along with other associated fees. (Dkt. 29 ¶ 29). Wingra answered the complaint, raised four defenses, and asserted a counterclaim; it seeks a declaration that Wingra never violated the Settlement Agreement; that Central States' decision to terminate Wingra's participation was arbitrary and capricious; that Wingra was an active fund member as of January 1, 2021; and that Central States is not entitled to damages under the Settlement Agreement. (Dkt. 30 ¶ 50). The parties began discovery, and the end of fact discovery was set for September 30, 2022. (Dkt. 39). During the process, a dispute arose over whether certain records are discoverable. Wingra seeks to compel Central States to produce records related to witness interviews or conversations related to Wingra from 2017 to 2020; internal emails and text messages related to Wingra from 2017 to 2020; communications from 2017 to 2020 with several parties; audit files of Wingra from 2017 to 2020; and a privilege log. (Dkt. 44). DISCUSSION "[D]istrict courts enjoy extremely broad discretion in controlling discovery." Jones v. City of Elkhart, 737 F.3d 1107, 1115 (7th Cir. 2013). Nonprivileged information is discoverable if it is "relevant to any party's claim or defense and proportional to the needs of the case, considering . . . the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and whether the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit." Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1). And "relevant" is "construed broadly to encompass any matter that bears on, or that reasonably could lead to other matter that could bear on, any issue that is or may be in the case." Oppenheimer Fund, Inc. v. Sanders, 437 U.S. 340, 351 (1978); see also Akridge v. ALFA Mutual Ins. Co., 1 F.4th 1271, 1276 (11th Cir. 2021). Central States believes the discovery sought is not relevant for two reasons: first, 3 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 4 of 12 PageID #:993 Wingra waived its defenses and counterclaims by not initiating arbitration; and second, the request extends beyond the "administrative record," the only record that can be considered by a reviewing court. The Court considers each in turn. I. Mandatory Arbitration Broadly speaking, two forms of private pensions exist: a traditional pension plan that covers workers from one employer, referred to as single-employer plans, where the employer contributes a certain amount of money for each worker; and a multiemployer pension plan that involves more than one employer, allowing an employee to gain credits toward pension benefits from multiple companies, often in the same industry. 1 In 1974, Congress passed the seminal Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") setting forth standards for private pension plans. Aetna Health Inc. v. Davila, 542 U.S. 200, 208 (2004). Six years later, the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act ("MPPAA") followed to "ensure that withdrawing employers would not leave a plan with vested pension obligations that were only partially funded." Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund v. Bomar Nat'l, Inc., 253 F.3d 1011, 1014 (7th Cir. 2001). Under the MPPAA, the pension plan makes an initial determination of "whether a withdrawal has occurred" and what liability, if any, an employer owes. Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund v. Cullum Cos., 973 F.2d 1333, 1335 (7th Cir. 1992). The pension plan then notices and demands payment from the employer. 29 U.S.C. §§ 1382, 1399(b)(1). "Any dispute between an employer and the plan sponsor of a multiemployer plan concerning a determination [of withdrawal liability] made under sections 1381 through 1399 of this title [is] resolved through arbitration." Id. § 1401. If an employer fails to timely initiate arbitration, "the employer waives the right to contest the assessment and the amounts demanded Harriet Weinstein & William J. Wiatrowski, Multiemployer Pension Plans, Compensation and Working Conditions 19, 19 (1999), https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/cwc/multiemployer-pension-plans.pdf 1 4 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 5 of 12 PageID #:994 by the plan become 'due and owing' and the plan can sue to collect it." 2 Chi. Truck Drivers, Helpers & Warehouse Union (Independent) Pension Fund v. Century Motor Freight, Inc., 125 F.3d 526, 529 (7th Cir. 1997). "Failure to initiate arbitration," therefore, "has a simple and adverse consequence—withdrawal is conclusively established." Tsareff v. MannWebb Servs., Inc., 794 F.3d 841, 848 (7th Cir. 2015). Central States believes that Wingra made a "complete withdrawal," as outlined in § 1383, from the pension plan. 3 See Tsareff, 794 F.3d at 848. Both sides acknowledge Wingra did not leave willingly—rather, Central States expelled the company. The question, then, is whether an expulsion constitutes a "complete withdrawal." The text of the statute is the starting point. Van Buren v. United States, 141 S. Ct. 1648, 1654 (2021). Section 1383 states "[f]or purposes of this part, a complete withdrawal from a multiemployer plan occurs when an employer permanently ceases to have an obligation to contribute under the plan." 29 U.S.C. § 1383(a)(1); see also 29 U.S.C. § 1381(b)(2) ("The term 'complete withdrawal' means a complete withdrawal described in section 1383 of this title."). A court interpreting a statute must do so "in accord with the ordinary public meaning of its terms." Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. 1731, 1738 (2020). "After all, only the words on the page constitute the law adopted by Congress and approved by the President." Id. Additionally, dictionary definitions can aid courts in ascertaining the meaning of undefined words. Taniguchi v. Kan Pac. Saipan, Ltd., 566 U.S. 560, 566 (2012). 2 This case arises as a discovery dispute in part because when Central States filed its answer to the counterclaim, the clock had not yet run out on the mandatory-arbitration period. (Dkt. 58). 3 This Court's opinion in Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund v. Rail Terminal Services, LLC, No. 18 C 2372, 2019 WL 2326002 (N.D. Ill. May 31, 2019), involved a traditional fact pattern of an employer opting out of the fund. See id. at *2 ("Rail Terminal stopped making contributions to the Pension Fund after March 31, 2017."). 5 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 6 of 12 PageID #:995 The operative word in § 1383 is "withdrawal." The ordinary meaning of the term conveys a person's voluntary act to discontinue an activity. Its definition is a "retreat or retirement" or a "removal from a place or position." The American Heritage Dictionary 1387 (1982); see also The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1471 (1979) ("A retreat or retirement"). A "retreat" or "retirement," like a "withdrawal," imply conscious acts made by the actor. For instance, a retreating general gives the order, not the other way around. The opposing commander does not yell "retreat" to the other army and hope the troops go home. Similarly, a worker choosing to retire decides whether to leave employment. When an employer wishes an employee to exit without the person's consent, the company "fires" or "terminates" the employee. Rarely would an employer go to a poorly performing employee and say, "you're in retirement." The same logic applies to "withdrawal." The person engaging in the act of "withdrawing" is making the decision— not the opposing party. If someone wishes a person to "withdraw" from a situation, the person "expels" or "forces" the individual to leave. Other dictionaries define the noun "withdrawal" in relation to the verb "withdraw," a definition that provides further support. "To withdraw" is "to draw back, away or aside." The Random House Dictionary of the English Language 1640 (1983); see also Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language 1633 (1979) ("to take back or draw back; remove"). A person that "draw[s] back" consciously pulls away. As an example, "[s]he withdrew her hand from his," and "[h]e withdrew his savings from the bank." Id. Both individuals chose to "withdr[a]w." The impetus was solely theirs. They were the actors, the decision-makers, the ones in control. No one compelled them—indeed, no definition or ordinary use of the term "withdraw" involves a different person forcing a nonconsensual action. 6 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 7 of 12 PageID #:996 Central States directs attention toward the latter part of the clause—that a withdrawal occurs when an employer "ceases to have an obligation to contribute." 29 U.S.C. § 1383(a)(1); see also Cullum Cos., 973 F.2d at 1335 ("The pension plan has initial responsibility for determining whether a withdrawal has occurred and assessing withdrawal liability."). It reasons an expelled employer "ceases to have an obligation" because of the expulsion from the pension plan. But "[i]t is a fundamental canon of statutory construction that the words of a statute must be read in their context …." Davis v. Mich. Dep't of Treasury, 489 U.S. 803, 809 (1989). The subject of the provision is a "complete withdrawal." The latter part of the clause simply establishes when a withdrawal is "complete." It does not, however, alter the traditional definition of "withdrawal." For further confirmation, a different provision of the MPPAA, § 1385, has an identical structure and defines "partial withdrawal" to mean a "70-percent contribution decline," with the clauses of each section modifying the adjective preceding "withdrawal," not the noun itself. 29 U.S.C. § 1385(a)(1). Interpreting "withdrawal" to mean a voluntary act initiated by the employer accords with the MPPAA's purpose. Again, the law ensures employers do not "leave a plan with vested pension obligations that were only partially funded." Bomar Nat'l, Inc., 253 F.3d at 1014 (emphasis added). The target, then, is misbehaving employers hoping to escape payments by removing themselves. Wingra and other similarly situated employers, however, do not wish to leave the plan. In fact, they want to remain and continue to fund their pension obligations. A contrary interpretation would enable pension funds to impose massive financial liability, then wait for the harsh rule of arbitration to end the lawsuit. While employers may try to stay in the plan to avoid withdrawal liability, the pension plan can collect any additional money owed. See 29 U.S.C. § 1451(a)(1) ("A plan fiduciary, employer, plan participant, or beneficiary, who is adversely affected by the act or 7 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 8 of 12 PageID #:997 omission of any party under this subtitle with respect to a multiemployer plan … may bring an action for appropriate legal or equitable relief, or both."). The main appellate case identified by the parties has little to say about the issue. 4 In Borntrager v. Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund, the pension fund expelled the participant from the plan, which prompted the company to sue in district court. 425 F.3d 1087, 1088 (8th Cir. 2005). The fund moved to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction; the district court denied the motion and remanded the matter back to the fund for further development of the record. 5 Id. The fund appealed the ruling to the Eighth Circuit, arguing the court had jurisdiction for several reasons. Id. at 1090–91. The Eighth Circuit disagreed and dismissed for lack of jurisdiction without significantly remarking on mandatory arbitration. See generally id. Lacking any controlling appellate authority, Central States turns to nonbinding district court opinions. But these cases are also unhelpful. The lawyer in one submitted a brief "largely devoid of any legal argument." Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund v. Blue Sky Heavy Hauling, Inc., No. 10 C 2191, 2011 WL 1113396 at *3 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 23, 2011). "The attorneys [had] not identified any reasonable basis for continuing the litigation," and therefore, sanctions were appropriate. Id. at *5. The deficient performance leaves this Court with little confidence the issues were fully litigated—even assuming the opinion reached the opposite conclusion. Fort Transfer Co., Inc. v. Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund "disagree[d] with the Brontrager court" because "[a]lthough the expulsion may not be a voluntary withdrawal from Carl Colteryahn Dairy, Inc. v. Western Pa. Teamsters and Employers Pension, 847 F.2d 113 (3d Cir. 1988), concerned fraud and misrepresentation claims, quite distinguishable from the issue before this Court. See id. at 118 ("[I]t is plain that the statute neither grants the MPPAA arbitrator such power nor, more importantly, deprives the federal courts of the power to decide such claims in the first instance.") 5 Curiously, Central States advanced the opposite argument in those proceedings. As the district court summarized, "Central States points out that no section of ERISA regulates the expulsion of an employer from a pension plan." Borntrager v. Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund, No. C02-0139, 2003 WL 22251407 at *2 (N.D. Iowa July 2, 2003). 4 8 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 9 of 12 PageID #:998 a pension fund, it is a withdrawal nonetheless." No. 06 C 3529, 2007 WL 707545 at *5 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 2, 2007). This cursory statement, though, lacks textual analysis and cannot carry the day for Central States. * * * So defined, § 1383 applies only when an employer decides to leave a pension plan, and therefore, an employer's expulsion falls outside the statute. Therefore, Wingra did not need to initiate arbitration within the prescribed statutory period. II. Administrative Record Given that Wingra lawfully pursued its claims in federal court, the Court turns to the discovery dispute itself. Here, the parties disagree about the framing. Wingra considers this dispute to be a straightforward contract case about the Settlement Agreement. Central States views the conflict as one over the administration of the pension fund and so must be limited to the administrative record already given to Wingra. The Court assumes the dispute concerns the pension fund's administration because even under this assumption, Wingra is entitled to the discovery sought. 6 The operative Trust Agreement language, both parties acknowledge, affords the trustees "discretionary and final authority in making all [relevant] decisions." (Dkt. 53 at 8–9). The "discretionary and final authority" language "trigger[s] the arbitrary and capricious standard of review." Militello v. Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund, 360 F.3d 681, 685–86 (7th Cir. 2004); see also Dragus v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., 882 F.3d 667, 671–72 (7th Cir. 2018). "Arbitrary and capricious" review is highly deferential. Cerentano v. UMWA Health & Ret. Funds, 735 F.3d 976, 981 (7th Cir. 2013). "[A]n administrator's decision will be upheld 'as long as (1) it Relatedly, the Court will not address Central States' assertion that Wingra waived the right to frame the dispute as a contractual one based on the 2017 settlement agreement. (Dkt. 53 at 9–10). 6 9 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 10 of 12 PageID #:999 is possible to offer a reasoned explanation, based on the evidence, for a particular outcome, (2) the decision is based on a reasonable explanation of relevant plan documents, or (3) the administrator has based its decision on a consideration of the relevant factors that encompass the important aspects of the problem.'" Tompkins v. Central Laborers' Pension Fund, 712 F.3d 995, 999–1000 (7th Cir. 2013) (quoting Hess v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., 274 F.3d 456, 461 (7th Cir. 2001)). Courts assessing whether an administrator acted arbitrarily are limited to considering "the evidence that was before the administrator when it made its decision," the so-called administrative record. Canter v. AT&T Umbrella Benefit Plan No. 3, 33 F.4th 949, 957–58 (7th Cir. 2022). Importantly, this motion is one to compel discovery, so the question is not whether the information sought is part of the administrative record but whether it could conceivably be. See Oppenheimer Fund, 437 U.S. at 351; Akridge, 1 F.4th at 1276. With that in mind, Wingra seeks relevant information. Records related to witness interviews, internal emails between employees, and communications between key actors may have informed the trustees' decision-making or might reveal additional considerations that were part of the administrative record. Likewise, the pension plan's audit files naturally relate to the administrative record because the trustees expelled Wingra in part based on the results of these audits. And a privilege log is a common part of discovery that, in fact, protects Central States by aiding them in classifying information as privileged. Wingra is also entitled to its discovery requests for an alternative reason. Courts can consider evidence beyond the administrative record in "special circumstances such as fraud or bad faith." Semien v. Life Ins. Co. of North Am., 436 F.3d 805, 812 (7th Cir. 2006). "Where a claimant makes specific factual allegations of misconduct or bias in a plan administrator's review procedures, limited discovery is appropriate." Id. at 815. Two factors can give rise to the necessary 10 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 11 of 12 PageID #:1000 factual allegations: a conflict of interest or instance of misconduct, or a "prima facie showing that there is good cause to believe limited discovery will reveal a procedural defect in the plan administrator's determination." Id. Wingra has not identified a conflict of interest but has successfully alleged potential bad faith by Central States. The counterclaim begins its factual background by claiming the action "arises out of Central States' scheme to terminate Wingra from the Pension Fund and gain millions of dollars in withdrawal liability." (Dkt. 19 ¶ 20). Wingra faithfully abided by the Settlement Agreement between the two parties. (Id. ¶ 26). Nonetheless, Central States terminated Wingra's fund participation based on meritless justifications. (Id. ¶¶ 29–30). The actual reason for the termination, Wingra alleges, was that Central States stood to gain significantly more money by expelling Wingra before January 1, 2021, an estimated liability of over $58 million. (Id. ¶ 41). Years after the Settlement Agreement, Central States removed Wingra on September 18, 2020, only months before the critical date, and the fund then promptly asked for over $58 million two weeks later. (Id. ¶ 42). Wingra may fall short of proving a "scheme" at this stage, but these allegations together provide enough factual support to warrant limited discovery into the fund's decision-making. The four main discovery requests appear carefully tailored to the relevant years, 2017 to 2020; the relevant actors, Central States and other union employees; the relevant documents, communications and audit files; and the relevant subject matter, Wingra's expulsion. As such, Wingra has justified its discovery requests. 11 Case: 1:21-cv-03684 Document #: 61 Filed: 01/17/23 Page 12 of 12 PageID #:1001 CONCLUSION For these reasons, the Court grants Defendants/Counter-plaintiffs' Motion to Compel Discovery and extends fact discovery to June 30, 2023. (Dkt. 44). Central States' motion to strike is denied as moot. (Dkt. 55). ____________________________________ Virginia M. Kendall United States District Judge Date: January 17, 2023 12


"...perform the plays of William Shakespeare. Your instructor is Beth Burns, who has directed Hidden Room productions in Shakespeare's..."
"...at the Ransom Center by curator Eric Colleary, director Beth Burns and her team faithfully re-create the performance that..."
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"...On the one hand, Beth Burns is all about the Past. Most of the..."
"...time to figure everything out because "master of play" Beth Burns appears to have her actors perform the entire..."
"...side of relationships sustained by technology, local theatre maven Beth Burns is taking her decade of improv experience with..."
"...started when I submitted a Facebook friend request to Elizabeth Watson. Minutes after accepting, she sent me a note..."
"...Hidden Room Theatre. An original creation by Artistic Director Beth Burns and professional illusionist Patrick Terry, Houdini Speaks to..."
"...Room Theatre's latest deep-dive into theatrical arcana: Artistic Director Beth Burns and her company are allowing those of us..."
"...new chosen ones: Jai Malano, Elijah Ford, Tate Mayeux, Beth Chrisman, Andy Bianculli, and Grace Park...."
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text:
Satirist Supreme Honoré Daumier and 19th-Century Paris
Lilian Noack2021-09-08T17:11:56+02:00
September 6 2021 – May 15 2022
Curator: Efrat Aharon
Designer: Ronit Cernica
Lotte and Walter Floersheimer Gallery for Impressionist Art
Honoré Daumier (1808−1879) was a French painter and graphic artist who was deeply engaged in the political and social events of his time. Equipped with a sharp eye and a biting sense of humor, he captured the most subtle nuances of human expression and gesture and recorded them on stone from memory for newspaper publications. During fifty years of artistic activity he created some 4,000 lithographs, thousands of watercolor paintings, oil paintings, and woodcuts, as well as several dozen sculptures. The sole focus of his incredibly prolific oeuvre was humankind: Daumier never tired of portraying human beings in all their wondrous variety, their inclinations, preoccupations, and activities.
An artist's artist, he was greatly admired by his colleagues. Although his contemporaries regarded him only as a caricaturist, Daumier was also a courageous revolutionary who fought for his beliefs and took an active part in the struggle to shape the regime under which he lived. His lithographs reflect the great political, social, and economic upheavals that beset France in the mid-19th-century. He was blessed with the ability to expose human virtues and flaws alike and to express the immutable attributes of humankind that transcend changes of regime, fashion, and custom. Like his Realist colleagues, he believed in portraying life as it is and devoted numerous works to the subjects of social deprivation and class inequality. These abilities are the secret of the power of his work and the reason why it still entertains and beguiles even those with no connection to France or its history over 150 years ago.
Culled from the Museum's collection of prints, this exhibition displays the wide range of topics that preoccupied the artist. For reasons of preservation, the prints can only be exhibited for a short period; they will be replaced in a few months' time, and those who pay a repeat visit to the exhibition will be rewarded with a fresh selection of works next time.


text:
package com.virtualfactory.entity;

/**
 *
 * @author David
 */
public class E_PlayerLog {
    private int idPlayerLog;
    private int idPlayer;
    private int loginTime = -1;
    private int logoutTime = -1;
    private int minutesTime;
    private String gameLevel;
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    public int getIdPlayerLogRemote() {
        return idPlayerLogRemote;
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    public void setIdPlayerLogRemote(int idPlayerLogRemote) {
        this.idPlayerLogRemote = idPlayerLogRemote;
    }

    public int getIdPlayerLog() {
        return idPlayerLog;
    }

    public void setIdPlayerLog(int idPlayerLog) {
        this.idPlayerLog = idPlayerLog;
    }

    public int getIdPlayer() {
        return idPlayer;
    }

    public void setIdPlayer(int idPlayer) {
        this.idPlayer = idPlayer;
    }

    public int getLoginTime() {
        return loginTime;
    }

    public void setLoginTime(int loginTime) {
        this.loginTime = loginTime;
    }

    public int getLogoutTime() {
        return logoutTime;
    }

    public void setLogoutTime(int logoutTime) {
        this.logoutTime = logoutTime;
    }

    public int getMinutesTime() {
        return minutesTime;
    }

    public void setMinutesTime(int minutesTime) {
        this.minutesTime = minutesTime;
    }

    public String getGameLevel() {
        return gameLevel;
    }

    public void setGameLevel(String gameLevel) {
        this.gameLevel = gameLevel;
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/rockets-at-bucks-prediction-point-spread-odds-over-under-betting-picks/
Rockets at Bucks: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks
Photo by Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
December 22, 2021 9:37 am CT
The Houston Rockets are on Game 3 of a five-game road trip with Wednesday's matchup in Milwaukee, and if you're looking to do some last-minute betting research, you're in luck! We've got the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you need to make the smartest bet at Tipico Sportsbook.
The Rockets-Bucks game tips off at 7 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
When the Rockets last faced the Bucks on Friday, Dec. 10, they entered on a seven-game winning streak and were, improbably, the NBA's hottest team. But since losing at home that night to the defending champions, Houston has slipped back toward its expected rebuilding path, with two wins over the seven-game stretch.
In that earlier meeting, Giannis Antetokounmpo took over with 41 points and 17 rebounds while making 15-of-19 shots (78.9%) overall. This time, though, the two-time league MVP isn't available due to a stint in the NBA's health and safety protocol. On paper, that could be an opening for Christian Wood and the Rockets to make amends.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the defending champs snapped Houston's winning streak on Dec. 10, but he isn't available for the rematch due to a stint in the NBA's health and safety protocols. https://t.co/5Q9X6L848B
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) December 21, 2021
Rockets at Bucks notable injuries
The Rockets remain without injured guards Jalen Green (left hamstring strain) and Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion), though Green looks set to return on Thursday in Indiana. They are hopeful Porter will return shortly thereafter, perhaps on Monday, Dec. 27 in Charlotte. Wood is listed as questionable with left knee tendinitis, but he played through the same designation last weekend in Detroit.
The Bucks have been ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak within the roster. Players listed as out due to health and safety protocols include Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo and Bobby Portis. Meanwhile, Brook Lopez remains out due to back surgery. Khris Middleton, a two-time All-Star, is expected to return from a knee injury.
Projected Lineups
Rockets-Bucks game lines (Dec. 22)
Point spread: Bucks -10.5
Money line: Rockets +470 / Bucks -700
Alperen Sengun had DeMarcus Cousins guarding him for a 4 minute stretch last night.
And he saw blood. pic.twitter.com/wQD5HT8m4M
— DGC (@Itamar_17_10) December 11, 2021
This game is tough to project, given Wood is questionable and Milwaukee is unproven with Middleton flanked by a COVID-ravaged roster. Even if Wood sits out, Rockets rookie Alperen Sengun fared extremely well versus DeMarcus Cousins two weeks ago, and there's no reason to expect the dynamics of that battle to change.
If it's close, Middleton might be enough to close the game late. But the presence of Wood (if healthy) and Sengun versus Cousins should make it relatively high scoring, regardless. We'll take the over.
Prediction: Bucks 117, Rockets 108
Eric Gordon to begin playing both ends of back-to-backs for Rockets
Reports: Jalen Green returning to Rockets on Thursday in Indiana
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
Rockets at Bucks: Wednesday's lineups, injury reports, broadcast info and stream


text:
Providing help and hope to build strong marriages and families.
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FamilyLifeEstefania Hernandez2019-05-13T11:36:58-07:00
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text:
Man of the Waterfront: The Story of Kaye Williams and Captain's Cove
August 2012 • Book Review
By Ralph Harvey
It seems that Kaye Williams, the founder and owner/operator of Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, CT, never stops working. When WindCheck arrived for an interview (On Watch, July 2012), the 83-year-old Williams was busy sweeping the front steps of the marina office – during a break from building new decorative signs for the popular Park City attraction. With fresh ideas always in his head, he's never without a pencil for a quick sketch – the well-used pencil he showed us was scarcely over an inch long.
Many have compared Williams to Bridgeport's most famous citizen, P. T. Barnum, and with their strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and formidable promotional prowess, they have much in common. Williams' entrepreneurial ventures began at a young age. Having left school in the fifth grade he put his love of boats to work, ferrying passengers across Cedar Creek in his skiff and earning five cents per person.
Ralph Harvey, who spent a decade researching and writing this fascinating book, refers to him as "Bridgeport's youngest entrepreneur." Later enterprises included Fayerweather Marine, a boat dealership that he built with his own hands, a lobster boat that he and his wife Vivian owned and operated for 10 years, the acquisition and renovation of a derelict marina in Black Rock Harbor that became Captain's Cove, and the purchase of the 179- foot frigate Rose, a replica of a British warship.
Williams wanted Captain's Cove to highlight Bridgeport's maritime heritage and attract tourists to the struggling city. Since opening day in 1982, "The Cove" has always been what he calls "a people's place," with free admission and reasonably priced food. "The family that works together stays together," said Williams during our interview, and The Cove's success owes to the tireless devotion of the entire Williams family, including Kaye and Vivian's children Bruce, Jan and Jill, Jan's husband Rob Burlinson and Jill's husband David Toth.
Williams also funded the construction of a replica of aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead's Airplane No. 21, which, as many Bridgeporters will tell you, flew two years before the Wright brothers. A photo of the replica in flight is one of many images in this book.
"Being Kaye's biographer has been a great honor," said Ralph Harvey. "Kaye has shown the world what a huge difference one person can make. That difference is his legacy." Harvey, who also wrote Developing The Gull-Winged F4U Corsair – And Taking It To Sea, resides in Stratford, CT. Man of the Waterfront is available at amazon.com.
« On Watch – Mistral Dodson & Mike Smith
Is Your Boat "Documented" …and Should She Be? »
1967 Luders33
This is a fine full keel sloop designed by Bill Luders and built by Allied. She is robustly built of fiberglass and has a reputation for superior sailing characteristics and durability. Inboard fwc diesel, custom interior woodwork, Main and roller furling Genoa. She is a great dry entry into this class. See the Luders33 association website for more details. Priced to sell.
Southerly 38, 2009, blue water cruiser with swing keel
This yacht has been equipped with many additional extras for blue water sailing. She sailed the Atlantic in 2016 and is ready for her next ocean voyage. She is currently cruising the New England coast of the USA. Any interested party is welcome to come on board to feel how she sails and look her over during this season. Her swing keel makes her ideally suited for coastal cruising in shallow waters and beaching. More information available at https://oceancruisingclub.org/ForSale and on request.
San Juan Racer's Special!
GREAT PHRF Boat. Deep-keel, Tall-rig. Winner 2018 EBYRA Wednesday night series. New bottom, top-sides, 2017. Recent sail inventory. Have lots of fun, go fast and win with family and friends! Sweet little boat.
On Watch – Justin M. Smith
The Search for Megalops
Sound Environment Benjamin Cesare
Gear Up for Spring Interscholastic Sailing
Juniors Benjamin Cesare
2012 August – Sail with Others
Publisher's Log Chris Gill


Antibiotic consumption in England is on the rise and increased antibiotic prescribing is fuelling increased resistance in bacteria. Public Health England (PHE) wants to see a reduction in the number of infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. This resource focuses on what we know works to help improve appropriate prescribing. It is aimed at those responsible for prescribing, local authorities and public health policymakers.


This concise volume is an easy-access resource of useful neurologic signs, heavily illustrated and supplemented with dozens of videos online. More than 1,500 entries guide you in the important art of mastering the neurological examination so you can arrive at a quick, accurate diagnosis.
- Details the physical signs of neurologic pathology in an easy-to-use alphabetical format.
- Heavily illustrated with clinical photographs and descriptive figures to help you sharpen your diagnostic skills.


Versatile, functional and creative: sectional sofas have been designed in order to easily solve the most various problems of space and relax. They are called "modular sofas" too, in fact they are composed of single freestanding elements, which can be freely combined in order to create peculiar personalized compositions.
Divanidea sectional sofas are available with a wide range of accessories: terminal elements, poufs, central modules, armrests, angular sections and much more. All these elements can be combined as in the Tetris game, following the needs and tastes of the single client, in order to create a unique sofa, customized with regard to shapes and dimensions. Even the smallest living room will be perfectly furnished with a Divanidea two-seater sectional sofa or with a creative composition of more modular sofas, which can belong both to same or different collections.
Divanidea sectional sofas are the ideal solutions for every kind of issue, both with regard to functionality and design. While reading the catalogue, you will find modern and minimal sofas, designed following the latest trends which are always evolving, but also classic and elegant models, perfect to match with the timeless aesthetic aspects of traditional furniture. Which is the most vivacious sectional sofa by Divanidea?
The most vibrant and colourful sofa is the model Toys, the design sofa without armrests meant to leave all the required space for different creative interpretations. In fact, you will have the possibility to assemble your sofa Toys completely on your own, choosing your ideal freestanding padded elements, coverings and patterns, without any limits: finally, you will create the perfect sectional sofa, exclusive and tailor-made with regard to colours, shapes, dimensions and modularity.
The almost endless range of furnishing possibilities, provided by the Divanidea collection of sectional sofas, meet other categorical pros: solid and durable internal structures, ergonomic and resistant paddings, soft and comfortable fillings and precious coverings. The choice of upholstery materials goes from the high-quality leathers, all tanned in Italy, to the refined fabrics, produced and selected with great attention to dye colours, warp and weft.
And, speaking of production and treatments of materials, "Made in Italy" is the main keyword within the whole Divanidea industrial activity: the company produces all the upholstered furniture, from the designing of the product to its final realization, counting on Italian partnerships exclusively, which ensure the quality of sofas, the safety of all products and the reliability of the after-sales assistance. Another important keyword is "customization", namely the exclusive possibility every customer has to personalize every aspect of the single product or the total-living composition, following its own needs and the advice of the designers/architects.


Listed below are homes for sale in PRP/Valley Station, KY, updated daily from the Louisville MLS (GLAR).
If you would like more information on any of these PRP/Valley Station, Kentucky homes for sale, just click the "Request More Information" or "Schedule a Showing" button located on any listing details page. Remember that as your greater Louisville real estate experts, we are ready and waiting to provide you with disclosures, past sales history, dates and prices of properties recently sold nearby, and more.
And don't forget -- when you register for a free Property Tracker account, you're able to receive email alerts whenever new PRP/Valley Station KY homes for sale hit the market. Finding the perfect home has never been easier!
Woodridge Lake Patio home, Excellent Location, no through traffic, cul-de-sac. Master Suite with garden tub, very nice!


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HomeBlogEngineered liver tissue expands after transplant
Engineered liver tissue expands after transplant
Many diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatitis, can lead to liver failure. More than 17,000 Americans suffering from these diseases are now waiting for liver transplants, but significantly fewer livers are available.
To help address that shortage, researchers at MIT, Rockefeller University, and Boston University have developed a new way to engineer liver tissue, by organizing tiny subunits that contain three types of cells embedded into a biodegradable tissue scaffold. In a study of mice with damaged livers, the researchers found that after being implanted in the abdomen, the tiny structures expanded 50-fold and were able to perform normal liver tissue functions.
"There are just not enough organs to go around. Our goal is that one day we could use this technology to increase the number of transplants that are done for patients, which right now is very limited," says Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science.
These engineered livers could also help the millions of people who suffer from chronic liver disease but don't qualify for a liver transplant, says Bhatia, the senior author of the study, which appears in the July 19 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
"These patients never really are transplant candidates, but they suffer from liver disease, and they live with it their whole lives. In that population you could imagine augmenting their liver function with a small engineered liver, which is an idea we're pretty excited about," she says.
The paper's lead author is Kelly Stevens, a former Koch Institute postdoc.
Read more at http://news.mit.edu/2017/engineered-liver-tissue-expands-after-transplant-0719
Sub-zero supercooling technique can help transplant organs survive for longer


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EP1 & EP2
PTKF2171-1
+ WAV / FLAC
Body Type's EP1 & EP1 on vinyl. Black LP, includes download card.
The four-piece patched themselves together in Sydney in 2016, and found they each contained pieces that perfectly complemented one another's. They soon set about articulating their ideas through jangling guitars and scuzzy, lo-fi production, and found that audiences at home in and around the country were eager to get sucked in.
Following the debut release of EP1 in late 2018, and the forthcoming sophomore release of EP2 (out digitally on 3rd May 2019), both Body Type EPs are now available to pre-order on vinyl. Their music so far has received critical acclaim from the likes of the FADER, DIY Mag, NME, KEXP, Beats 1's Matt Wilkinson, BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, triple j's Declan Byrne and more, and it has seen them tour with the likes of Alex Cameron, Courtney Barnett, Frankie Cosmos, Big Thief, and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever to name a few.
1 Ludlow (Do You Believe in Karma) Body Type 2:42
2 Palms Body Type 3:37
3 Teeth Body Type 3:50
4 Dry Grass Body Type 3:17
5 Silver Body Type 3:29
6 Arrow Body Type 3:05
7 Stingray Body Type 4:16
8 Free To Air Body Type 4:01
9 UMA Body Type 3:14
10 Insomnia Body Type 4:24
11 Sad Wax Body Type 4:25


The purpose of software engineering is to teach you how to create software of quality and avoid catastrophic defects. Here you learn about programming methodology, software architecture and software testing. You can use these skills to work as developer into a programming team.
You do not need any previous experience as software developer before taking this class. We assume you understand basic mathematics notations and concepts taught in school to students between age of 12 to 18. If you are younger you will probably not understand this class.
Wikipedia: is a great resource to learn more about software engineering and history of computer science. However this subject is vast and intimidating for beginners. Therefore we have selected the most useful topics about computer programming. After this we advice you to follow programming class and learn several computer languages. A professional computer programmer knows at least 5 computer languages.
We have posted several videos on YouTube about Software Engineering topics. You can watch the entire play-list in about 2 hours. After watching these videos you can learn more by reading the course articles.
Next we have prepared a short quiz with questions you may be asked on a technical interview. If you pass you can record your score in our top leader-board. This exam is required for most titles.


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Remembering Annette Tenenbaum Goldberg, 98, a homemaker who helped those less fortunate than herself
Annette lived most of her life in Georgia and moved to Berkeley after her husband passed away.
by Suzy Goldberg Dec. 09, 2020, 10:37 a.m. August 4, 2022
Annette Goldberg. Photo: Tricia Goldberg
It is with an appreciation of a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Annette Tenenbaum Goldberg on Dec. 2 at her home in Berkeley.
She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 16, 1922, to Abe and Stella Tenenbaum. She was predeceased by her husband Lester Goldberg, her brother Paul Tenenbaum, her daughter Valerie and her son Steven. She will be missed by many including her surviving children, Tricia and her husband Dan, Suzy, Lee and his wife Martha; her grandchildren, Sarah Goldberg, Renee Dosick and her husband Kyle, Marie Dosick, and Mariya Grady; and her great-grandson Jesse. Annette was 98.
Annette moved to Dalton in 1931, the first day of 4th grade, after living in the other small Georgia towns of Calhoun, Villa Rica, and Rockmart. She graduated from Dalton High School in 1939 and then attended the University of Georgia in Athens. She met her husband Lester there in the summer of 1942 while he was there for Navy and Marine pre-flight training. She graduated later that year, accelerating her studies in order to graduate early and aid the war effort. Instead, she joined her fiancé Lester in California where they were married and spent their first year together before he was deployed in the Pacific as a Marine pilot.
After the war, the couple settled in Dalton where they raised their four surviving children. Annette was active with Temple Beth-El and with Cherokee Boys' Estate, now Georgia Sheriffs' Cherokee Estate. After her children were in school, Annette began attending classes at the University of Chattanooga (now UTC), receiving her MA at the same time as her eldest son Steven received his BA from the same school. Not long after, she helped to found Dalton's Voluntary Action Center (VAC) where she served as executive director until her retirement.
After Lester's death, Annette moved to San Francisco, her favorite city in the world, in the early 1990s. There she enjoyed playing bridge and attending the many cultural activities available as well as being with her grandchildren. Later she moved to Berkeley with her family. She lived there for 21 years. She continued playing bridge and cruising all over the world until the end.
Those wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to the Hadassah Medical Center, Southern Poverty Law Center, Berkeley Food Network, or a charity of one's choice.


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U.S. Stealth Fighters Escorted Jordanian Revenge Strikes
F-22 pilots shepherded allies through dangerous air space
Uncategorized February 9, 2015 David Axe 0
When Jordan's air force launched a campaign of revenge air raids on Islamic State in Syria in early February, U.S. Air Force fighter jets...
When Jordan's air force launched a campaign of revenge air raids on Islamic State in Syria in early February, U.S. Air Force fighter jets helped protect the Jordanian F-16s as they flew over enemy territory.
The American escorts included F-16CJs specially equipped to find and destroy surface-to-air radars—and also F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, which flew their first ever combat missions in the opening hours of the U.S.-led air campaign targeting Islamic State militants Syria beginning in September.
A small number of F-22s—likely six or a dozen—has been active over Syria ever since, steadily honing a new specialty as escorts for older, less stealthy planes.
The twin-engine Raptors, apparently flying from Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates, are now part of the "standard strike package" for coalition air raids hitting Syria, Pentagon spokesman Steve Warren, a U.S. Army colonel, told Air Force Times.
Jordan sent F-16s to join American, Saudi, Emirati, British, French, Belgian, Danish, Dutch, Canadian and Australian warplanes striking Islamic State forces in Iraq starting in August—and later in Syria.
As of Feb. 5, the coalition had flown 1,259 raids in Iraq and 1,035 in Syria. The Pentagon waited to commit the F-22s until the aerial campaign expanded into Syria on Sept. 23.
The Pentagon fretted over air defenses—radars, guns and missiles—that the militants had captured from the Syrian army. And the American planners also worried that the regime in Damascus, while an enemy of Islamic State, might respond to U.S.-led air incursions by activating its own radars and missiles, and possibly even its air force.
So for the raids into Syria, the Americans provided a heavy escort force—U.S. Navy EA-6B jamming jets and Air Force F-16CJs packing anti-radar missiles as well as the F-22s which, besides being stealthy, boast sophisticated sensors for locating enemy radars … and are also the world's best air-to-air dogfighters.
"The greatest capability the F-22 brings is its integrated avionics, its fused avionics that facilitate situational awareness," Air Force major general Jeffrey Harrigian said. "It is not just for the pilot in the airplane, but really for the entire package that is going to execute the mission."
To hit the militant targets closest to Syrian defenses, the speedy, elusive F-22s left the older warplanes behind and attacked independently, dropping satellite-guided bombs while an unspecified recon plane—possibly an RQ-170 stealth drone—shot video of the bombs' impacts.
It made sense to deploy the Raptors "in the areas where they're concerned about being highly defended, and originally, the first couple nights that was a concern until we understood how the Syrian integrated air defenses would work," Harrigian explained to Air Force magazine.
Above—Jordanian F-16s. Photo via Wikipedia. At top—an F-22 refuels during strikes on Syria on Sept. 23. U.S. Air Force photo
Tragedy struck the coalition on Dec. 24 when a Jordanian F-16 suffered a malfunction and crashed near the Syrian city of Ar Raqqa, Islamic State's "capital." Moaz Al Kasasbeh, the 26-year-old pilot, ejected and militants captured him.
Sometime shortly thereafter, the militants shoved Al Kasasbeh into a cage and burned him alive. The terror group released a video of the murder in early February.
In retaliation, Jordan promptly executed two prisoners with ties to Islamic State—and escalated its air raids. The kingdom's F-16s flew 56 sorties into Syria in three days starting Feb. 6. "We achieved what we were looking for—revenge for Moaz," Jordanian major general Mansour Al Jabour said.
Buy 'F-22 Raptor,' by Bill Sweetman.
But that revenge needed American help—the escorting F-16CJs and F-22s. And the Pentagon had apparently anticipated the need. This year, the Air Force chief of staff personally approved Raptors to join, for the first time, the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course in the UAE.
The semi-annual leadership course brings together planes and crews from the U.S. and its closest European and Middle East allies—usually including Jordan—to intensively prepare for possible air campaigns. The F-22s' participation in the January edition of the war game helped expose Jordanian pilots to the stealth fighters' unique abilities.
It's worth noting that that the F-22s joined the Emirati training program after Al Kasasbeh's capture and before Jordan launched its retaliatory raids under the Raptors' protection.


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Allianz and Atrium lead coverage on $97.3m Malaysian jet
AGCS forced to mull onshore branches
Allianz GCS appoints senior underwriter
AGCS names three global heads
Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty has confirmed it is the lead aviation hull and liability reinsurer for Malaysia Airlines MH17.
The flight crashed yesterday (Thursday July 17) over Eastern Ukraine with the loss of 295 lives. Some groups have claimed it was shot down.
The flight's insurer is believed to be Etiqa – the same Malaysian insurer that covered MH370, the Malaysian flight that disappeared in March this year.
According to an internal loss estimate by Aon, the aircraft's value is about $97.3 million.
Atrium Underwriting Group is believed to be the policy's leader for war coverage. Atrium has declined to comment or confirm this at the time of publishing.
"It is much too early to comment on reports of this tragic incident while details are still being confirmed, except to extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by this crash," Hugo Kidston, head of communications at Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, told Intelligent Insurer.
"As leading reinsurer of Malaysia Airlines for aviation hull and liability coverage, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty stands by to support our client as fully and quickly as possible."
Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Atrium, Aon


In July 2001, Black Uhuru and Sly & Robbie took Europe by storm. This 1 hour, 20 minute DVD contains the unedited, uncut, entire concert they gave in Nyon, Switzerland, where they closed the Paleo Festival. Through the late 80's and 90's, Sly & Robbie revolutionized Jamaican music by turning Reggae into Dancehall. They chose to reunite with Black Uhuru, whom they had helped become a leading force in the Reggae industry in the late 70's, early 80's. Black Uhuru's harder, more urgent sound proved to be an ideal vehicle for Sly & Robbie's creativity and greatly benefited from the Riddim Twins' desire to push the boundaries of Jamaican music in new and unheard of directions.


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