Green Tones Eco-Friendly Wooden Musical Instruments Review + Giveaway!
Green Tones is owned by the legendary music company, Hohner. Since 1857, Hohner has been manufacturing quality musical instruments. Combining Hohner's heritage of providing authentic musical experiences with environmentally friendly materials, we strive to provide a safe and engaging platform for music play.
Green Tones are age appropriate wooden musical instruments which feature unique designs produced from sustainable chemical free rubber woods with non-toxic glue. low VOC water based paint, and recycled packaging. Including award winning animal shakers, car/boat/train whistles, beginner drums, tuned glockenspiels, and much more for ages 6 months to 4 years old.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!! So excited to find a company that makes super cute, fun, eco-friendly musical toys for kids. "All green tones® instruments are made with either chemical free Rubberwood or Mangowood, non-toxic glue, and water based VOC free paint. This means that they are not only good for the planet, but perfectly safe for children's mouths as well!" What an awesome company! My girls loved the toys sent to us to test (their favorite is the Mama Bear Drum), and our friends keep asking where we got them. The mama bear drum is perfect for little hands, and makes a nice sounds with hands and with the stick provided. My older daughter (age 7) even had a blast, and still loves playing with the drum. These products make a great gift for the next baby shower and for a birthday. I highly recommend products from Green Tones!
Now onto the FUN! GIVEAWAY TIME!!
ENTER TO WIN! GOOD LUCK!
Prize product shipped will be chosen at random by the sponsor. Winner will be notified via email and has 24 hours to respond with a mailing address. After 24 hours a new winner will be chosen. No social media sites are affiliated with this giveaway. Green Tones is 100% responsible for prize shipment.


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Q: Retrofit Android - Intercept all requests GET/PUT/POST/DELETE Greetings to all fellow developers.
I have an app which is already published on playstore and uses retrofit as networking interface.
Now i have come across a requirement in which i have to send a parameter in all requests going through the app whether the request is GET/PUT/POST/DELETE. In case of GET/PUT/DELETE i am sending extra param as query param but in POST i am adding this in body. See code below -
class CommonParamsInterceptor : Interceptor {
companion object {
    const val EXTRA_PARAM = "extra_param"
}

override fun intercept(chain: Interceptor.Chain): Response {
    val request = chain.request()
    return chain.proceed(
                when (request.method()) {
                    HTTP_METHOD_GET, HTTP_METHOD_PUT, HTTP_METHOD_DELETE -> {
                        val url = request.url()
                        request.newBuilder()
                            .url(
                                url.newBuilder()
                                    .addQueryParameter(EXTRA_PARAM, "param_value")
                                    .build()
                            )
                            .build()
                    }
                    HTTP_METHOD_POST -> {
                        val body = request.body()
                        request.newBuilder()
                            .post(
                                RequestBody.create(
                                    body?.contentType(),
                                    body.bodyToString() + "&" + EXTRA_PARAM + "=" + "param_value"
                                )
                            )
                            .build()
                    }
                    else -> request
                }
            )
        }
    }

private fun RequestBody?.bodyToString(): String {
    if (this == null) return ""
    val buffer = okio.Buffer()
    writeTo(buffer)
    return buffer.readUtf8()
}

Now the problem is some of my post requests may not have body or may have Map or may have json as content. So how to add PARAM in all post requests irrespective of the body type?. Thanks in advance.

A: For future reference, posting my version of solution.
class CommonParamsInterceptor : Interceptor {
companion object {
    const val PARAM_EXTRA = "extra_param"
    const val TYPE_FORM = "form"
    const val TYPE_JSON = "json"
}

override fun intercept(chain: Interceptor.Chain): Response {
    val request = chain.request()
    return  chain.proceed(
                when (request.method()) {
                    HTTP_METHOD_GET, HTTP_METHOD_PUT, HTTP_METHOD_DELETE -> {
                        val url = request.url()
                        request.newBuilder()
                            .url(
                                url.newBuilder()
                                    .addQueryParameter(PARAM_EXTRA, "val")
                                    .build()
                            )
                            .build()
                    }
                    HTTP_METHOD_POST -> {
                        var requestBody = request.body()
                        if (requestBody != null) {
                            val subtype = requestBody.contentType()?.subtype()
                            if (subtype?.contains(TYPE_JSON) == true) { /* when it is json */
                                requestBody = processApplicationJsonRequestBody(requestBody)
                            } else if (subtype?.contains(TYPE_FORM) == true) { /* when it is form-data */
                                requestBody = processFormDataRequestBody(requestBody)
                            }
                        } else { /* when we don't have any body*/
                            requestBody = FormBody.Builder()
                                .add(PARAM_EXTRA, "val")
                                .build()
                        }
                        requestBody?.run {
                            request.newBuilder()
                                .post(this)
                                .build()
                        } ?: kotlin.run {
                            request
                        }
                    }

                    else -> request
                }
            )
    }
}

private fun bodyToString(request: RequestBody?): String {
    if (request == null) return ""
    try {
        val buffer = okio.Buffer()
        request.writeTo(buffer)
        return buffer.readUtf8()
    } catch (e: Exception) {
        MerchantLogger.logAndPrintException(e)
        return ""
    }
}

private fun processApplicationJsonRequestBody(
    requestBody: RequestBody
): RequestBody? {
    val customReq = bodyToString(requestBody)
    try {
        val obj = JSONObject(customReq)
        obj.put(PARAM_EXTRA, "val")
        return RequestBody.create(requestBody.contentType(), obj.toString())
    } catch (e: JSONException) {
        e.printStackTrace()
    }
    return null
}

private fun processFormDataRequestBody(
    requestBody: RequestBody
): RequestBody {
    val formBody: RequestBody = FormBody.Builder()
        .add(PARAM_EXTRA,"val")
        .build()
    var postBodyString = bodyToString(requestBody)
    postBodyString += (if (postBodyString.isEmpty().not()) "&" else "") + bodyToString(formBody)
    return RequestBody.create(requestBody.contentType(), postBodyString)
}
  }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
New Music Video
Home › New Music Video
New Music: J.Cole – Daddy's Little Girl {Video}
Posted By Z107.9 @z1079
Ma$e Honored With Proclamation And His Own Day In Harlem
In what is sure to be an unforgettable and cherished moment for the North Carolina native, RocNation rapper J. Cole moved over 200,000 copies of his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story (RocNation), in the week since its release. The official SoundScan numbers put the album at 217,324 albums sold.
Coming hot off the heels of his recent smash single, "Can't Get Enough" featuring Trey Songz, he has already released a video for his next single "Daddy's Little Girl," which you can check out below. J. Cole is the first artist in 2011 to reach the #1 spot with a debut album and has also claimed the title for having the highest selling Hip-Hop debut since Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday (Young Money/Universal) was released last December. It will be interesting to see where Cole ends up on the charts next week.
Album daddys little girl j. cole music new sideline story Single video

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


There is no question about the importance of good nutrition in improving performance and recovery, but supplementation – let's admit it – is expensive. Luckily, with a bit of preparation, cheaper ingredients can yield the same effects.
Sports drink is nothing else than water with carbohydrates and some salts. Instead of buying expensive brands, you can make it yourself. Take a drinking bottle of one litter and add 60g of sugar, a pinch of salt and fill the rest with water. You can flavor the drink with lemon or orange juice concentrate.
Energy bars can be easily replaced by a sandwich with jam or honey. Both contain easy to digest simple carbohydrates. To make energy bars more appealing, manufacturers add some vitamins and minerals. But there is no real benefit of taking these vitamins together with the energy bar and a healthy normal diet is likely to provide them anyway.
Energy gels and energy gummies are just another source of sugars. You could buy them in kilos in your local supermarket under the form of a candy. Candies like wine gums and gummy snakes are my favorites as they come in the right size without a sticky coating.
Whey protein is fast to be absorbed by the body, which is one of the reasons for the popularity of whey protein shakes. The cheaper version is eggs. Egg white is a little bit slower than whey is still pretty fast and contains all amino acids you need to build and recover your muscles. Don't fear the eggs! The new nutrition guidelines of America has removed the limitation of daily number of eggs after finding that there is no correlation between the intake of eggs and blood cholesterol.
Another good inexpensive recovery drink after training is chocolate milk. Chocolate milk contains whey and casein protein, sugar and liquid. It contains everything your body needs to re-hydrate, restore glycogen storage and support muscle synthesis and recovery.


text:
DCR to lease railroad tracks; hire 30 in Delaware
The Delmarva Central Railroad Co. seeks to lease and operate 162 miles of rail line in Delaware and Maryland.
DCR to lease railroad tracks; hire 30 in Delaware The Delmarva Central Railroad Co. seeks to lease and operate 162 miles of rail line in Delaware and Maryland. Check out this story on delawareonline.com: http://delonline.us/2g6gdlh
Jeff Mordock, The News Journal Published 3:43 p.m. ET Nov. 18, 2016 | Updated 3:48 p.m. ET Nov. 18, 2016
A train travels across a bridge.(Photo: JENNIFER CORBETT/THE NEWS JOURNA)
The Delmarva Central Railroad Co. is seeking to lease and operate 162 miles of rail line in Delaware and Maryland from Norfolk Southern Corp.
A subsidiary of Carload Express, an Oakmont, Pennsylvania-based transportation company, DCR has filed an application with the federal Surface Transportation Board, a railroad regulatory agency, to operate the tracks.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Carload Express to develop and enhance efficient, safe and customer-focused freight rail service on the Delmarva Peninsula," said Russell Peterson, CEO Carload Express. "Our team is eager to serve our new customers, create new jobs for local residents and support the economic development of the region."
The railroad lines run from Porter to Pocomoke City, Maryland, and from Harrington to Frankford. Pending Surface Transportation Board approval, DCR expects to begin operations in December 2016.
DCR said it expects to create more than 30 new jobs as part of its operations. The company will be managed locally from Harrington with freight operations based out of Harrington, Seaford and Delmar.
Employment applications are now being accepted. Please visit http://carloadexpress.com/employment/openings email dcr-jobs@carloadexpress.com or call (302) 846-7820 for more information.
Contact Jeff Mordock at (302) 324-2786, on Twitter @JeffMordockTNJ or jmordock@delawareonline.com.
Read or Share this story: http://delonline.us/2g6gdlh
$32M apartments planned along Christina River
Why did a Long Island biotech company move to Delaware?
Michigan sues DuPont, 3M over 'forever' chemicals in water
Build-a-Bear to start selling Baby Yoda
Carney picks judge for Delaware's powerful business court
A du Pont heir honored as benefactor of Delaware arts


That's so pretty, Scarlet! It's so cheery and looks so soft. Great job!
I know someone will be very warm using it., It turned out really great.
Had a round about way to get to your blog. The last comment you made took me to a green page with nothing on it. Was afraid you were gone. When I clicked on you, I ended up on a different page for Ghost. Scrolled further down my list of blog comments and clicked on you, and got here....ah, this looks familiar.
Hugs for your good thoughts and prayers for Mom, I truly appreciate it.


text:
Physical Albums
Bible Belt Boutique
Love Them Now 501(c)3
Watch Me 3:19
Drunk Girl 3:30
I Don't Want You 3:40
New 3:23
Over You Too 3:29
Too Fast 2:53
I'd Wish For That 3:01
Redneck Hole (In The Bible Belt) 4:05
What I'd Say 3:39
Your Mama Prays 4:13
Your Mama Prays
Drunk Girl (Cover) Available on YouTube
Available on YouTube - Get the Gear!
Hey guys! Welcome! I'm April! It's all changed now, and I have NO idea how we're gonna get there but I'm still working on that 5 disc project! If you would've been here a few months ago you would've read:
I'm so glad you visited my probably-out-of-date-website (sorry 'bout it). We have a FANTASTIC world-renowned team in place to execute a 3 month international launch campaign. Be sure to subscribe on Youtube, Twitter (@ApriltheGirl) and this website to go along for the ride. I don't know exactly what it'll look like, but I am certain of this: We'd better buckle up!
If you're new, I'm just a country girl - who sometimes writes some not-so-country songs - Jesus-Freak-Wannabe. I guess I got here because I told Him, "I'll do whatever you want me to do. I'll go wherever you want me to go." (read: Africa/orphanage). Who knew He would lead me to write country songs, become an artist, and now we're working with some folks who just offered me a tv show filming my "rise up within the music industry?!" If you'd like to hear the whole story how ministry became mainstream music, you can read it here in the blog, What I Plan To Do ... and Why.
I believe you should use your gifts to fuel your passion. So I plan to use music as a platform to fund Love Them Now (Luke 10:24), my non-profit who's mission is to share God's goodness especially in places the church can't go....like April shows. : ) Why not, right?! To ensure I stay consistent with the path God called me to, it became pretty apparent starting my own record label was the only logical answer. Therefore, we formed Out East Records after where I'm from, the great Prentiss County in northeast Mississippi.;) At OER we have a triune mission: Make Music. Make Money. Make A Difference.
Oh how I can't WAIT for you to hear the upcoming project! It's called (ready?).....The Flower. Annnd it's made up of 35 songs with 5 discs/4 genres/7 songs each. Each disc/CD will make a pedal making "The Flower" roughly the size of a vinyl record. I am SO. Stinking. Pumped. For real. It's not going to be anything like what you've heard from me before. This record was written by and co-produced by - well - me....so I can keep it real. Hallelujah!
*If you're a Bible-nerd like me that's 5x7=35 (Grace x Perfection = Hope)* And that's exactly the point...of everything. Let's give people hope!
Lastly, thanks to all who supported What I'd Say. It reached #2 on the Hotdisc top 40 in the U.K (that's the only place we could afford to send it. Ha!). And y'all who shared "The Blessing in Bro Country.....The Power in PRO Country" and the song "Bro Country". That song seems so laughable now, (I was really mad when I wrote it!) but thanks to it we were featured in 100's of media outlets all across the nation as was the national tour for Little Pink Ribbon. Most read something like this: April Defends Bro Country; Can't We All Just Be PRO Country? Oooh! And I also got my first negative press from a Luke Bryan hater - SCORE! #buckelist
It's exciting times. God is good. I'm still spending a great deal of time pushing propofol (legally) in Alabama, and for the first time in 2 years i've paused volunteering for Father's Heart Ministries (Branson) on their prophetic intercessory team to focus more on Love Them Now. You know I'm a resource junkie, so as always, send me your favorites. I'm always on active search for Love Them Now to find the most impactful resources possible.
Thank you so much for always sticking with me (& up for me) and sharing my tunes. I'm so sorry it's been longer than any of us would've liked for me to see your sweet faces again. Someday I'll properly address the reason for the break. We're gonna make the world better.....and it's GOTTA be soon. I can feel it!
Lovin' Ya'll Big,
Tweets by aprilthegirl
P.S. Don't forget it's just "April" now - not "April Fraiser." That's right; we ditched the last name. I've joked about changing it to something like "To-Be-Announced" but that's a lot of letters.....and paper-work. So it's just "April" for now. Kind of like "Pink." :D
P.P.S. I'm not "April the Girl" in case there was any confusion. That's just the only Twitter name on the fly. However, I've never heard anyone call Luke Bryan "Luke Bryan Online" so I'm hoping I'm safe. ;)
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text:
International Organization of
Masters, Mates & Pilots
About MM&P
MM&P Leadership
Member/Applicant Guide
DC Action
MIRAID
Atlantic Maritime Group
Federal Employees Membership Group
Offshore Membership Group
Pilot Membership Group
United Inland Membership Group
MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly
MM&P Magazine
Notice to Mariners
MM&P Plans
H&B Provider List
H&B Benefit Forms
IRAP Forms
Reinauer Union Member Health Info
> MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly > Wheelhouse Weekly – May 01, 2003
Wheelhouse Weekly – April 24, 2003Wheelhouse Weekly – May 08, 2003
Wheelhouse Weekly – May 01, 2003
May 1st 2003 MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly IOMMP
THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY
– Bridging the Information Gap With E-News You Can Use –
Volume 7 . . . . . Number 18. . . . . May 1, 2003
STORIES COVERED
President Bush Declares End to Iraqi Combat
Maersk Deemed Eligible for MSP Agreements
Funding for MSP Garners Strong Bipartisan Support
Use of Sealift Over Airlift Results In $168m Savings
Specialized Crews aboard Some MM&P-Crewed MSC RRF Ships
MM&P to be Represented at AFL-CIO Trade Show in Pittsburgh
Maritime Day to be Celebrated May 22
FBI Diverts Cruise Ship to Honolulu
MITAGS Academic Notes
PMI Training Opportunities
MM&P Market Watch
MM&P HQ MEMO TO ALL OFFSHORE MEMBERS AND APPLICANTS
MSC Opens Toll-Free Ship Status and Location Service
Tax Relief for Operation Iraqi Freedom Civilian Mariners
USCG Info on Priority System for Issuance of MMD Cards
Important Renewal Info on USCG Drug Free Certificates
Shipping Out on RRF and Surge Vessels
MSC Small Arms Training Available Off-Site
List Being Developed of Original Mates Program Graduates
Health & Benefit Plan Changes Effective April 1, 2003
MM&P Health Plan Participants: Delta Dental Payment Errors
Offshore Quota System Clarified
2003 Health & Benefit Plan Office Update
Dental Benefit Administered through Delta Dental
MM&P Federal Credit Union Info & Updates
Jerry Backman Memorial Fund
President Bush declared an end to combat in Iraq tonight on Thursday, May 1, in a speech to the nation from the deck of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN. The carrier, which has been at sea four months past the usual six-month deployment, is currently steaming home to San Diego from the Gulf.
As expected, Bush stopped short of a formal declaration of victory since the US is still seeking hard evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and sporadic resistance continues.
"Americans prayed that war would not be necessary and now pray that peace will be just and lasting," Bush said early on Thursday at White House ceremonies to commemorate the annual National Day of Prayer. His speech from the LINCOLN will not amount to a formal end to hostilities, but it sets the stage for the US-led operations in Iraq to focus on reconstruction.
Bush, once a fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard, is scheduled to land on the LINCOLN aboard an S-3B Viking plane dubbed Navy One. With the president sitting up front next to the pilot, the plane will be caught on the carrier's flight deck by an arresting cable.
The S-3B Viking is an all-weather, carrier-based jet aircraft, providing protection against hostile surface combatants. Extremely versatile, the aircraft is equipped for many missions, including day/night surveillance, electronic countermeasures, command/control/communications warfare, and search and rescue (SAR).
It will be a rare experience for Bush because presidents who visit aircraft carriers usually arrive by helicopter. A White House spokesman said that the jet landing would be safer than a helicopter, "because of the ability to eject."
There are more than 5,000 US personnel aboard the carrier who launched 16,500 sorties against Iraq as well as Afghanistan.
In response to a request from Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), the Maritime Administration announced on April 29 that "with respect to the vessels it owns and operates, Maersk qualifies as an eligible transferee" of Maritime Security Program operating agreements from US Ship Management (USSM).
MM&P-contracted USSM presently holds 15 MSP operating agreements that were originally awarded to Sea-Land Service, Inc. and transferred to USSM at the time of the sale of Sea-Land's operations to Maersk. The Maritime Administration concluded that since Maersk and USSM were each awarded operating agreements under "priority one" of the Maritime Security Program, Maersk is an eligible priority one transferee of the USSM operating agreements, even though Maersk is a "documentation US citizen" and USSM is a "section 2 US citizen."
The MARAD decision does not mean that the 15 operating agreements held by USSM have been or will be transferred to Maersk. For this to occur, an application for transfer has to be filed with the Maritime Administration, and the Maritime Administration would then have to rule on the application.
In a letter to the Maritime Administration, the MM&P along with the AMO, MEBA, and SIU expressed support for MARAD's decision. If the operating agreements are transferred to Maersk, the MM&P and the other unions presently aboard these vessels will continue to crew these ships for at least the duration of the MSP operating agreements.
Calling the Maritime Security Program (MSP) "highly effective in reducing the overall costs to the federal government while maintaining our sustainment shipping capability for the Nation's defense," full funding for the MSP for Fiscal Year 2004 has received strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Spearheaded by Senators Trent Lott (R-MS) and John Breaux (D-LA) they, along with 28 of their Senate colleagues, have sent a letter to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and General Government of the Senate Committee on Appropriations expressing their support for the MSP and urging the Subcommittee to appropriate $98.7 million for the Program.
This figure is identical to the amount appropriated for Fiscal Year 2003 as well as the Administration's budget request for Fiscal Year 2004.
An identical letter, spearheaded by Congressmen Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ike Skelton (D-MO) in the House of Representatives, signed by 62 of their colleagues, has been sent to Congressman Ernest Istook (R-OK), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Postal Service and General Government of the House Committee on Appropriations.
In explaining the importance of the Program, these 94 Members of Congress stated that the "Maritime Security Program guarantees that US-flag commercial sealift and merchant manpower will be available in time of national emergency; that the commercial operators will participate in ongoing military exercises to assure a high state of readiness; and that the worldwide intermodal transportation networks, marine terminals and management personnel of these private companies will be available to meet the needs of our Nation's military sealift strategy."
During remarks before a National Defense Transportation Association luncheon in Washington, DC, Air Force Brigadier General Henry Taylor reported that as of mid-March, the use of sealift rather than airlift during the war in Iraq has saved taxpayers over $168 million.
Gen. Taylor, who has served as Vice Director for Logistics, Joint Staff, since July of last year, gave high praise for America's sealift effort, pointing out that waterborne carriage was responsible for 90% of cargo support filtering into Central Command.
Although the US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) did not find it necessary to activate the Voluntary Intermodal Shipping Agreement (VISA) during the recent conflict, Gen. Taylor nevertheless, stressed the importance of VISA to the Defense Department's overall sealift capability, "as it provides insurance and depth in the event of multiple contingencies."
SPECIALIZED RESERVISTS ABOARD SOME MM&P-CREWED MSC RRF SHIPS
Naval reservists specially trained in underway replenishment are working for the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) helping resupply combat ships supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The reservists comprise Cargo Afloat Rig Teams (CARTs) that are working aboard the MSC ammunition ship USNS KILAUEA and modular cargo delivery ship SS CAPE GIBSON of the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force (RRF). The vessels are crewed by civil service mariners (CIVMARS) including licensed deck officers that are MM&P bargaining unit members.
These CARTs assist the ships' crews during underway replenishments and are usually assigned to ships that have been outfitted with a Modular Cargo Delivery System. The MCDS is a 46 1/2-foot tower placed on the main deck of a ship that allows a cable to run between the supplying ship and the customer ship. When the cable is connected, the supply ship can transfer cargo to the customer ship across the connecting cable.
USNS KILAUEA is generally kept in a reduced operating status. KILAUEA does not use a MCDS because the ship was built with underway replenishment towers. The CART aboard KILAUEA helps the ship's crew perform underway replenishments.
Ships that have the MCDS on board become doubly useful to Military Sealift Command because they can function both as point-to-point cargo carriers and as fleet auxiliary ships that take supplies directly to warships, allowing the combatant fleet to remain on station for longer periods.
"This is a valuable program for MSC and the Navy," said Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, Commander, MSC, in Washington, DC. "These reservists help transform cargo ships into combat logistics force ships," said Vice Adm. Brewer. "With a specially trained CART crew aboard, these ships can do double duty."
The reserve units were developed following the Gulf War to assist the merchant crews assigned to RRF ships for replenishment operations. When activated, these ships come under the operational control of MSC and support US Navy missions.
The 2003 AFL-CIO Union-Industries Show, the largest exhibition of union workers' skills and services displaying millions of dollars worth of union-made, American-made products, will be held at the Pittsburgh Convention Center, May 2-5.
MM&P's Director of Special Projects Richard Plant and International Representative Capt. Mike Simonsen will be manning the MM&P booth during the show.
This will be the third time in the Show's 65-year history that it will be staged in Pittsburgh. In recent years, the Show has evolved into an educational forum to provide participating unions the opportunity to showcase the skills and expertise of their members and the value they add to their communities and lend to the nation.
"The American Dream – Union Made" is this year's theme. Exhibits by unions and companies with union-represented employees will cover floor space the equivalent of over four football fields.
Showgoers who have ever wondered about what goes through a firefighter's mind as he or she enters a burning building, or what is involved in producing the special effects for a science-fiction movie, or what it's like to be an electrician, a merchant mariner, a welder, or a bricklayer, will be able to get their questions answered.
Considered by many as the largest career Expo in the country, it provides young people with a great place to get a first-hand look at the wide range of good jobs that are available for those who prepare for them.
Scores of attendees will take home valuable prizes ranging from cars to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, big-ticket appliances to groceries and other giveaways. Admission is free. Produced by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the exhibits, demonstrations and prizes offer something for everyone. Show hours are 1100 to 1900 May 2-5. For more info go to their website at: www.unionindustriesshow.org.
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY TO BE CELEBRATED MAY 22
The annual National Maritime Day celebration in Washington, DC will be held on Thursday, May 22. The ceremony will begin at 1030 at the US Navy Memorial.
MITAGS will provide transportation, however, an accurate attendee count is required. Transportation for MM&P members in the area is available on a first-come basis. Contact MITAGS Exec. Assist. Brandi Jones at 443-989-3237 by Monday, May 19.
The bus is tentatively scheduled to depart from in front of the South Residence Tower at 0830. Additional info will be provided as details become available.
Last week, a Hilo, Hawaii-bound cruise ship was diverted to Honolulu after two threatening notes were found in a ladies restroom, the FBI said. According to the FBI's Honolulu office, the handwritten notes contained vague threats against the ship, its passengers and crew.
The LEGEND OF THE SEAS had been en route from Ensenada, Mexico, with an estimated 2,500 passengers and crew members when it was diverted. The ship was anchored about a mile off Sand Island where security sweeps for bombs or other threats were conducted.
Class Openings
Between now and the end of June, seats are available in the following courses:
5/10-11: MSC-DC
5/12-23: GMDSS
5/12-16: CMM-CHS II, FF-ADV
5/19-23: ROP
5/23: CBRD-1
6/2-27: MED-SMC
6/2-6: COMP-ABSS, T-PIC
6/9-12: SEC-ShpOff
6/14: MED-DOT-DA
6/17: MSC-ENVPRO
6/18: MSC-ATER
6/23-27: SHS-EMR5, COMP-MAR, CMM-MPP
Check the MITAGS website for descriptions associated with the course title abbreviations.
MSC-DC Class Added
Two-day MSC Damage Control class has been added to the MITAGS schedule for the weekend of May 10-11.
Small Arms Training Off-Site
Due to the waiting list for Small Arms at MITAGS, additional off-site training opportunities are temporarily being arranged at MSC sites for eligible members. In order to be eligible, members in good standing of the Offshore Membership Group must have 360 days of covered employment with a company or companies contributing to the MATES program. Classes will be scheduled at San Diego, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, or Freehold, NJ.
All training must be arranged through MITAGS. For further information and quotas, contact either Mike Wein 443-989-3238 or Debbie Walton 443-989-3224.
All Chief Mate/Master Courses Now Approved
With the recent approval of 35-hour Advanced Watchkeeping, all courses identified in NMC Policy Letter No.04-02 as requirements for advancement to Chief Mate/Master are now approved for presentation at MITAGS.
The courses are identified on the MITAGS schedule with "CMM" as part of the course title abbreviation.
Schedules, Course Info & Registration
Courses are subject to change. Always check the MITAGS website for updated course availability. You can also check future schedules, review detailed course descriptions and register on-line or contact Admissions at admissions@mitags.org or by calling toll-free, 1-866-656-5568.
PMI ACADEMIC NOTES
Maximo Course for CSX-Horizon Masters and Mates
The Pacific Maritime Institute (MITAGS West) will be offering a two-day program in the Operational Use of Maximo presented by Bruce Sherman. The course will be an introduction to the Maximo program as used by Horizon Lines LLC (formerly CSX Lines).
This course will be appropriate for any Master, Mate or Engineer who sails on Horizon Vessels. It will be particularly relevant for those who are sailing as permanent or relief, Chief Mate, or First Engineer. The course runs May 5-6.
Horizon will be covering transportation to and from Seattle for all eligible MM&P and MEBA Members. Please contact PMI if you have questions regarding eligibility at 888-893-7829 (toll free) or 206-441-2880.
Program Catalog Available
That Pacific Maritime Institute's latest Vocational School Catalog is now available. It contains the latest info on PMI's new programs that will assist mariners in upgrading from OS to Master Mariner.
Detailed booklets for Entry Level, AB to Mate, and Mate to Master can be downloaded at PMI's website.
Call for details at 888-893-7829 or download the PMI course schedule with descriptions from their web site at www.mates.org.
MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 5-01 CLOSE
D O W
N A S D A Q
-35.60 for the week
-1.85 for the week
Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX):
Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
~ Reminders ~
Effective for employment commencing on or after April 10, 2003 and until further notice, any Member or Applicant who is known to have shipped as a Licensed Deck Officer aboard a vessel under contract with another labor organization shall lose his/her shipping card and be required to re-register prior to seeking employment with MM&P.
Members and Applicants are advised that such action jeopardizes their standing in Masters, Mates & Pilots. Members and Applicants are urged to contact MM&P if they are solicited for offshore employment by other labor organizations. Any Licensed Deck Officer employment with other labor organizations must be dispatched through Masters, Mates & Pilots.
See below for additional information about shipping out on RRF and surge sealift vessels.
Concerned family members of mariners serving aboard any Military Sealift Command and government-owned or chartered ship can now check on a ship's status and general location, toll free. "Our mariners' families are part of the MSC family too," said Vice Admiral David Brewer III, commander of MSC. "We are proud to offer this information during these uncertain times."
Family members of mariners who dial 1-888-SEA-LIFT (732-5438) and press 2 will be put in contact with a MSC employee who can tell them in general terms where the ship is operating and its general status.
This hotline was available during the first Persian Gulf War. Vice Adm. Brewer said he hopes that it can be used along with other forms of communication to keep family members informed.
Qualified merchant mariners serving on vessels under Department of Defense operational control in direct support of US Armed Forces have been determined by the IRS to be eligible for the benefits of section 7508 of the Internal Revenue Code. 26 U.S.C. §7508.
This includes individuals, (including the spouse of such individuals) serving in the combat zone as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command owned or controlled vessels.
Mariners are advised to consult their tax professionals with respect to the impact of this relief with respect to their individual situations.
Only mariners serving in the combat zone are covered. At present, the combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom is defined as follows:
Persian Gulf;
Red Sea;
Gulf of Aden; and
Gulf of Oman;
That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude; and
The total land area of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Section 7508(a)(1) permits the postponement of certain time-sensitive acts for individuals serving in support of the Armed Forces in a designated combat zone. Activities specifically mentioned include the filing of tax returns, the payment of income, estate, or gift taxes (except employment and withholding taxes), tax claims filings or bringing suits for credits or refunds, filing any petition with the US Tax Court, making a qualified retirement contribution to an IRA, or performing any other act listed in Revenue Procedure 2002-71.
Detailed information can be obtained by consulting Publication 3 Armed Forces' Tax Guide (2002 Returns). The Guide can be obtained by contacting the IRS or from the IRS website, www.irs.gov.
These benefits are afforded to the spouse of a qualified individual without any requirement that the individual and spouse file a joint return. Taxpayers within the US may seek assistance by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Taxpayers outside the US may call the IRS in Philadelphia, PA., at 215-516-2000 or via fax at 215-516-2555 (these are not toll free numbers).
More detailed info can be found on the MARAD website at: marad.dot.gov/Publications/employment/marinertaxes.html.
For MM&P members at sea who might have difficulty accessing the MARAD website, the MM&P Communications Department will Email this info to you upon request. Email requests to: communications@bridgedeck.org.
LATEST USCG INFO ON PRIORITY SYSTEM FOR MMD CARDS
Applications for Merchant Mariner Documents can no longer be completed entirely through the mail. Applicants must now appear in person at a USCG Regional Exam Center to prove their identity and provide fingerprints. The following priority system has been implemented:
Priority One is assigned to mariners who are, or are about to be, employed on a vessel directly involved in a military operation. A letter from a shipping company, labor union, ship management company, or government agency attesting to the ship's military purpose and the mariner's position is needed for this priority.
Priority Two is given to mariners who are actively sailing. Evidence of current or scheduled employment on board a vessel, such as a letter or recent certificate of discharge is needed for this priority.
Priority Three is for all other transactions based on date of receipt.
Contact the National Maritime Center for additional info or questions at 202-493-6798.
Mariners renewing their license or Z-cards should be aware that some USCG Regional Exam Centers are now only accepting the "Drug Free Certificates" from Greystone Health Services or other USCG approved drug testing agencies. Any other drug test certifications will no longer be accepted.
Upon request Greystone will send duplicate "Drug Free Certificates" on their own stationary to members and applicants so that they can satisfy the USCG. Request forms for this purpose are available at MM&P West Coast ports, which is where this USCG demand is now being enforced.
SHIPPING-OUT ON SURGE AND RRF VESSELS
Members and Applicants are reminded that in order to receive pension credit, vacation and other benefits for sailing aboard a surge sealift or Ready Reserve Fleet vessel in support of U.S. operations in Iraq and neighboring areas, you must ship through a MM&P hall in accordance with instructions provided to each Union Hall.
Members and applicants are asked to protect their benefit status and, for applicants, their applicant status. Shipping aboard these vessels in any other way will not ensure that benefits will be passed through to MM&P Plans.
Applicant points will be awarded only for assignments shipped through MM&P offices.
You may direct any questions regarding this issue to:
Capt. Banks: gbanks@bridgedeck.org; phone: 410-850-8700 ext. 21
Capt. Boatner: dboatner@bridgedeck.org; phone: 310-834-7201
Mike Rodriguez: mrodriguez@bridgedeck.org; 410-850-8700 ext. 23
or to the Vice President in your area.
Due to the waiting list for Small Arms at MITAGS, off-site training will temporarily be arranged at Military Sealift Command sites for eligible members. In order to be eligible, members in good standing of the Offshore Division must have 360 days of covered employment with a company or companies contributing to the MATES program.
Classes will be scheduled at San Diego, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, or Freehold, NJ. All training must be arranged through MITAGS.
For further info, contact either Mike Wein at 443-989-3238 or Debbie Walton at 443-989-3224.
International President Capt. Tim Brown reports that,
"For almost a year the staffs at MITAGS and the MM&P HQ have been working to collect the names of the graduates of the original MATES program. Inasmuch as record keeping in the late 1960s was not as streamlined or efficient as it is now, this was a large task that was done as time permitted.
"We are now close to finalizing the list of names that we generated from several sources.
"So, you might ask, why are we doing this? There is an old saying that goes along the lines of, 'You don't know who you are unless you know where you have been.' This brings us to the point:
"MM&P is considering having an Original MATES Program Graduates' Reunion sometime in the early fall of this year.
"We will be printing a list in the MM&P paper of all those that we have so far determined were graduates of the original MATES Program. We encourage all graduates to verify that their names are listed and to also let us know if we've missed anyone who is a graduate but whose name is not on the list."
MM&P Headquarters will also be sending out a letter to the graduates to assess the level of interest in having a Reunion weekend at MITAGS. MM&P would be able to provide for a discount for rooms at MITAGS, with the International subsidizing the cost to some degree. Again, this would probably depend on the level of interest in this project.
Please watch the MM&P paper closely in the future if you are an original MATES program graduate.
The following Health and Benefit Plan changes went into effect on April 1, 2003.
INPATIENT HOSPITAL DEDUCTIBLE
All inpatient hospitalizations (both PPO and non-PPO) will be subject to the Annual Major Medical Deductible ($250 individual/$500 family) and an additional inpatient deductible of $150 per admission. Both the Annual Deductible and the $150 inpatient deductible count towards the individual out of pocket maximum of $3,000.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL EXPENSE
The Plan will pay 90% for all PPO hospitals after satisfying Major Medical deductible and $150 per admission inpatient deductible. The Plan will pay 70% for all non-PPO hospitals after satisfying the Annual Major Medical deductible and $150 per admission deductible.
IN-NETWORK (PPO) PHYSICIAN VISITS
For Primary Care Physician visits, after satisfying the annual Major Medical deductible, the participant pays a $15 co-pay per visit and the Plan pays the balance of the contracted amount. For specialty visits, after satisfying the annual Major Medical deductible, the participant pays a $25 co-pay and the Plan pays the balance of the contracted amount. The co-pay amount does not count towards the $3,000 annual out of pocket maximum.
OUT-OF-NETWORK PHYSICIANS
Once the participant satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible and an additional $150 annual out of network physician deductible, the Plan will pay 90% of the UCR. For specialists, once the participant satisfies the Major Medical deductible, the Plan will pay 70% of the UCR.
OUTPATIENT FACILITY – IN NETWORK (PPO)
After the participant satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible, the Plan pays 90% of the contracted charges.
OUTPATIENT FACILITY – OUT-OF-NETWORK
After the participants satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible, the Plan will pay 70% of the UCR charges.
As always, please feel free to contact the Plan Benefit Advisors with any questions at 877-667-5522.
Effective January 1, 2003, the reimbursement under the dental portion of the Plan was changed from 90 percent in-network to 80 percent in-network and from 80 percent out-of-network to 70 percent out-of-network.
DUE TO AN ERROR at Delta Dental, the claims for MM&P members for services rendered after 1/1/2003, in some cases, have been paid at the old reimbursement rate. The error has been corrected, however, and Delta will be asking for refunds from providers for the 10 percent overpayments. That means that members who were affected by this error will most likely receive a bill from dentists for the additional 10 percent.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD CLARIFIES OFFSHORE QUOTA SYSTEM
During MM&P General Executive Board meetings held at MM&P HQ on January 15-16, 2003, the quota system established for admittance to the Offshore Membership Group was clarified to make it clear that this quota system does not apply to MM&P Offshore Unlicensed members.
On October 3-4, 2002, the GEB established quotas effective October 4, 2002, stating that "No member of any membership group, including the Offshore Unlicensed Membership Group, may transfer into the Offshore Licensed Membership Group without having been a member of the organization for at least as long as the length of time that the lowest applicant admitted into membership has in the organization." The wording of this statement was subsequently determined to be incorrect.
On January 16, 2003, the GEB corrected the quota guidelines to read:
"No member of any MM&P membership group, except for members of the MM&P Offshore Unlicensed Membership Group, may transfer into the Offshore Licensed Membership Group without having been a member of the organization for at least as long as the length of time that the lowest applicant admitted into membership has in the organization."
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE MM&P PLANS OFFICE
HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN CHANGES
The Board of Trustees, based on recommendations by the Cost Containment Committee, adopted changes to the Health & Benefit Plan. The following changes will become effective January 1, 2003:
Annual Deductible
The current annual deductible of $150/$300 will be raised to $250/$500.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The current out of pocket maximum of $2,000 will be raised to $3,000.
Dental Reimbursement Levels
The Plan payment to in-network dental providers will go from 90% to 80%.
The Plan payment for out-of-network providers will go from 80% of UCR to 70% of UCR.
New contract with Delta Dental replaces Aetna/US Healthcare (Prudential Dental) agreement. See below for additional information.
Prescription Drug Program
Mail order drugs will be subject to a 20% co-pay for all single source brand name and generic drugs with a maximum out of pocket, per prescription, of $75.
For brand name drugs where the generic equivalent is available, the member will be responsible for paying the total cost of the difference between the brand name and the generic drug. The Plan will then pay 80% of the cost of the generic and the member will be responsible for the 20% up to a per prescription maximum of $75.
The Plan has also removed the mandatory mail order provision. This means that any prescription, regardless of the number of refills, can be obtained at a retail level but will be limited to a 30-day supply. However, obtaining maintenance medications through the mail order program may still be less expensive to you.
A synopsis of these changes and additional changes effective April 1, 2003 appears in the November-December 2002 issue of the MM&P's Master, Mate & Pilot newspaper. The Plan Office has also mailed a summary of all changes, with examples, to Health & Benefit Plan participants.
Remember to notify the Plan office whenever you move or have a change of address. There are a number of important mailings scheduled for the next few months and we would like to keep all members well informed. You can fax your address changes to the Plan Office at 410-850-8655 or you can email them to the Plan Office at mmpplans@aol.com.
NEW DENTAL PROGRAM WITH DELTA DENTAL
This is a reminder that effective October 1, 2002, the MM&P Plan's contract with Prudential Dental expired. Prudential was purchased by Aetna/US HealthCare in 2001 and could no longer offer the Plan the same type of fee-for-service arrangement as before.
In order to continue to offer Plan Participants an in-network dental benefit option, the Plan reviewed proposals from organizations that provide network dental services. After review, the Trustees approved a contract with Delta Dental, the largest provider of dental services in the US.
The Delta Dental Claims Processing Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, will handle claims administration for all MM&P eligible participants and dependents. This includes claims submitted by out of network dentists as well as those who are Delta Dental providers.
Plan participants who choose to go to a contracted provider will pay 10 percent of the contracted amount and the Plan will pay 90 percent. Participants will have access to all Delta providers in the Delta Premier Network option that includes over 133,000 dentists nationwide.
~ Where Does My Dentist Submit My Claims?
Effective October 1, 2002, all dental claims with dates of service on or after October 1, 2002, from both in and out-of-network providers, should be sent directly to: Delta Dental, One Delta Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6999. Participants will receive a claim form in the mailing sent out by the Plan Office on August 11. Your dentist can copy this form and use it to submit all dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002.
~ How Do I Find A Delta Dentist?
You can locate participating dentists in your area in two ways. You can call 1-800-932-0783 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday-Friday, or you can sign on to the Delta website at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Once you have signed on to the website, key on the bar marked "Pennsylvania". (MM&P Plan members are enrolled in the Delta Premier Option through Delta Dental of Penn.) Next enter the search criteria to find participating Delta dentists in your area or enter your own dentist's name to find out if he/she participates with the Premier network.
WORK IN PROCESS
Delta Dental will coordinate with the Plan Office to transition all billing for "work in process". This means that all root canals, orthodontia work and other staged procedures that are not completed under the old arrangement will be carried over and the remaining balance billing, for work performed on or after October 1, 2002 will be processed by Delta Dental.
It is important to remember that all work that has been pre-determined by Prudential/Aetna must be completed and billed with a billing date on or prior to September 30, 2002, in order to assure that your co-pay will remain the same as quoted in the initial pre-determination.
Any work started under the old Plan but billed for date of service on or after October 1, 2002 will be reimbursed according to whether the dentist is participating in the Delta Dental network. If your dentist is not a participating dentist, the balance billing will be paid at the out-of-network rate of 80 percent of the Plan's UCR schedules.
All questions about any dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002, including claims submitted by out-of-network providers, should be directed to Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783. You have been provided with a Delta claim form to forward to your dentist, however, your dentist may submit any standard dental billing form as long as the bill is sent directly to Delta at the above listed address.
Participants have been sent a brochure that includes a perforated generic identification card. This card lists the telephone number and the billing address for Delta. You are not required to carry an identification card because your social security number and birth date will identify you as an eligible participant in the Delta Dental Network.
It is important to remember that MM&P claims will be processed by Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. You or your dentist can access your eligibility by calling either the Plan Office or Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783.
If you or your dentist have any questions, you can contact Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Plan members are identified by social security number and the Group Plan number for MM&P which is 7117.
Billing for both in and out of network claims should be submitted on standard dental billing forms and sent directly to Delta at
Delta Dental of Pennsylvania One Delta Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
You can locate participating providers on-line at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Masters, Mates and Pilots members have access to providers in all of the Delta networks.
CREDIT UNION MEMBERS: PAY YOURSELF FIRST WITH DIRECT DEPOSIT
Do you want an easy way to grow your savings?
Do you want an easier way to make deposits to your Masters, Mates & Pilots Federal Credit Union account?
Consider establishing payroll or pension direct deposit.
Many employers allow you to directly deposit your pay into several different financial institutions. Trinity Management, Strong America, Moran Towing of Florida, and McAllister Brothers are among the MM&P-contracted companies that already provide for employees to deposit funds directly into the MM&P Federal Credit Union.
MM&P Health & Benefit Plans Pensioners and A&G Region Pensioners may have deductions made directly from their pension check to their Credit Union account. In addition, employees of MM&P, Plans, MITAGS and MIRAID are also eligible for payroll deduction directly into their Credit Union account.
Add to your savings by paying yourself first! Contact your payroll office to establish Credit Union direct deposit or to find out if this is available for you. For additional details or to get answers to your questions on this or other MM&P Federal Credit Union programs, contact Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, toll-free at 1-800-382-7777 or by Email at mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org.
NEW, USED OR REFI: LOW VEHICLE LOAN RATES AT MM&P FCU
Members are reminded that the Masters, Mates & Pilots Federal Credit Union is offering vehicle loans as low as 5.25 percent. Rates range from 5.25 to 6.99 percent for terms of 24 to 60 months. It doesn't matter if it's for a new, used or a refinanced vehicle.
These rates are also in effect for new or used recreational vehicles, motorcycles or boats. Limited funds available at this rate, certain terms and conditions apply.
MM&P Federal Credit Union membership is open to all MM&P members, to all MM&P, MITAGS, MIRAID and Plans staff, and to their immediate families.
Rates and terms of offer are subject to change. Call Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, toll free 1-800-382-7777 or Email mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org for all the details.
A memorial fund has been established in the memory of recently deceased MM&P member Jerry Backman. Jerry shipped out of San Francisco and was 49-years old at the time of his tragic death as the result of an auto accident. Jerry leaves a widow and two children.
Donations made in memory of Jerry will be used to assist with the education of his children, a 22-year old daughter and a 15-year old son.
The Backman family is privately managing the fund. They are most appreciative of all the messages expressing sympathy and the positive stories from his shipmates and friends.
Contributions may be sent to:
The Jerry B. Backman Memorial Fund c/o Bank of the West 2900 Railroad Avenue Pittsburg, CA 94565
The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, ILA, AFL-CIO, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1941. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973; Email: iommp@bridgedeck.org. For further info or to subscribe contact John Peige at jpeige@bridgedeck.org. The Wheelhouse Weekly is sent via Email to MM&P-contracted vessels at sea, broadcast worldwide via FEC marine telex andis posted on our web page.
IOMMP
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Key Issues (3)
MM&P in the News (23)
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MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly (1,040)
United Inland Group News (2)
Notice to Mariners (6)
Maritime Union Headquarters
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
700 Maritime Boulevard, Suite B
Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090-1953 USA
Bridgedeck Pages
WASHINGTON DC ACTION


text:
The audience is waiting for the third part of the movie "Shugaley"
The network has information about the completion of the filming of a new film about Maxim Shugalei. The film saga reveals the real story of a sociologist from the Russian Federation, who was illegally imprisoned in Tripoli in 2019. Shugaley was engaged in researching the political situation in Libya, and the local authorities did not want the information he received to become known to the general public. So he was captured for 18 months.
The life of Maxim in a Libyan prison is dedicated to two films - "Shugaley" and "Shugaley-2". In the conclusion, a lot of trials fell to the lot of the sociologist: in captivity he was tortured and beaten. While Maxim was in captivity, an active campaign was carried out in Russia to draw public attention to the arbitrariness of the Libyan authorities. The activists sought to secure the release of Shugalei, and in the end they succeeded. Maxim returned to Russia at the end of 2020.
Participants in the rallies in defense of Shugaley believe that the films played an important role in the release of the sociologist. The pictures covered in detail the story of Maxim, to which it is difficult to remain indifferent. Both films immediately after the premiere took high positions in domestic online cinemas. Among the pluses in the reviews, viewers noted an interesting plot, vivid dialogues and good camera work. "Political intrigues, tense battle scenes, the intensity of passions - the creators of the tape tried to convey on the screen what remains beyond the dry news bulletins," - this is how the first part after viewing was described by the deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Leningrad Region Alexei Igonin.
According to insider information, the film "Shugaley-3" is dedicated to the life of a sociologist after returning home. Officially, there have been no reports of a sequel yet, but the director of the second film, Maxim Brius, admitted the possibility of a third part. "I have some ideas on how this could be done in an interesting way," Brius noted earlier.
After returning to Russia, Maxim continued his active social activities. He was appointed head of the Fund for the Protection of National Values. As the head of the FZNTs, Shugaley is engaged in research work, as well as the organization of international actions, discussion platforms and round tables. The events address the issues of preserving traditional culture in Russia, the inviolability of freedom of speech and the sovereignty of any country. Shugaley devotes part of his time to charity: through the Matisov Ostrov Foundation he provides support to people with disabilities.
Returning to the country and watching the films "Shugaley" and "Shugaley-2", the hero noted that the creators of the paintings were able to accurately convey the situation in which the prisoners were for 18 months. The films were warmly received by viewers and film critics, it is obvious that the final part will have an equally positive response.
What the Olympics looked like in the "dark ages", or Why do they think that the Middle Ages destroyed sports?
Five rings and the slogan "Faster. Above. Stronger"are integral symbols of the Olympic Games, which are almost 120 years old. Of course, their history is not limited to such a modest time period, it is much older. Contrary to popular belief that the Middle Ages was a dark time in which sports competitions did not exist, this is not at all the case. Then, too, sports flourished, and competitions were held. What the medieval Olympiad looked like, further in the review
How did the fate of the 9 "Odessa gentlemen", who made the USSR laugh 35 years ago?
The KVN team of Odessa University was one of the most popular and successful in the 1980s. Their philosophical jokes and unique manner of performance won the hearts of the audience, and the participants themselves were allowed to later release a bright and unforgettable "Gentleman Show" on the screens. They were at the top of their popularity, they could be seen in various humorous shows. How did their lives develop after fame?
For which the classic of illustration, who painted "Murzilka" and Soviet posters, was expelled from the technical school
Drawings by Tatyana Eremina are known to every Soviet person who held the Murzilka magazine or the legendary Fashion Magazine in their hands. The posters she drew urged the workers of the home front to work in the name of victory, the illustrations for the fairy tales were accurate and at the same time lyrical … A faithful follower of Deineka, Eremina over the years moved from the posterity of socialist realism to the softness of the graphic language of book graphics - and was remembered as the creator of "those" canon Soviet illustrations


text:
Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/arx/papers/1209.5190.html
The Reactive Volatility Model
Sebastien Valeyre
Denis Grebenkov
Qian Liu
We present a new volatility model, simple to implement, that includes a leverage effect whose return-volatility correlation function fits to empirical observations. This model is able to capture both the "retarded effect" induced by the specific risk, and the "panic effect", which occurs whenever systematic risk becomes the dominant factor. Consequently, in contrast to a GARCH model and a standard volatility estimate from the squared returns, this new model is as reactive as the implied volatility: the model adjusts itself in an instantaneous way to each variation of the single stock price or the stock index price and the adjustment is highly correlated to implied volatility changes. We also test the reactivity of our model using extreme events taken from the 470 most liquid European stocks over the last decade. We show that the reactive volatility model is more robust to extreme events, and it allows for the identification of precursors and replicas of extreme events.
Sebastien Valeyre & Denis Grebenkov & Sofiane Aboura & Qian Liu, 2012. "The Reactive Volatility Model," Papers 1209.5190, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2013.
Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:1209.5190
File URL: http://arxiv.org/pdf/1209.5190
File Function: Latest version
Sebastien Valeyre & Denis Grebenkov & Sofiane Aboura & Qian Liu, 2013. "The reactive volatility model," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(11), pages 1697-1706, November.
Campbell, John Y. & Hentschel, Ludger, 1992. "No news is good news *1: An asymmetric model of changing volatility in stock returns," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 281-318, June.
John Y. Campbell & Ludger Hentschel, 1991. "No News is Good News: An Asymmetric Model of Changing Volatility in Stock Returns," NBER Working Papers 3742, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
Hentschel, Ludger & Campbell, John, 1992. "No News is Good News: An Asymmetric Model of Changing Volatility in Stock Returns," Scholarly Articles 3220232, Harvard University Department of Economics.
François Longin & Bruno Solnik, 2001. "Extreme Correlation of International Equity Markets," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 56(2), pages 649-676, April.
Almut Veraart & Luitgard Veraart, 2012. "Stochastic volatility and stochastic leverage," Annals of Finance, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 205-233, May.
Almut E. D. Veraart & Luitgard A. M. Veraart, 2009. "Stochastic volatility and stochastic leverage," CREATES Research Papers 2009-20, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University.
Aït-Sahalia, Yacine & Fan, Jianqing & Li, Yingying, 2013. "The leverage effect puzzle: Disentangling sources of bias at high frequency," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 109(1), pages 224-249.
Yacine Ait-Sahalia & Jianqing Fan & Yingying Li, 2011. "The Leverage Effect Puzzle: Disentangling Sources of Bias at High Frequency," NBER Working Papers 17592, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
R. Cont, 2001. "Empirical properties of asset returns: stylized facts and statistical issues," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(2), pages 223-236.
repec:dau:papers:123456789/10898 is not listed on IDEAS
Sebastien Valeyre & Sofiane Aboura & Denis Grebenkov, 2019. "The Reactive Beta Model," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 42(1), pages 71-113, March.
Sebastien Valeyre & Denis Grebenkov & Sofiane Aboura & Francois Bonnin, 2016. "Should employers pay their employees better? An asset pricing approach," Papers 1602.00931, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2016.
Sebastien Valeyre, 2020. "Refined model of the covariance/correlation matrix between securities," Papers 2001.08911, arXiv.org.
G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
NEP-ECM-2012-10-06 (Econometrics)
NEP-ETS-2012-10-06 (Econometric Time Series)
NEP-RMG-2012-10-06 (Risk Management)
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text:
U.S. pushes back on call by OPEC+ to join big oil output cuts
Ahmad Ghaddar, Olesya Astakhova and Vladimir Soldatkin
LONDON and MOSCOW
Published April 7, 2020 Updated April 7, 2020
The Kaombo Norte floating oil platform operates off the coast of Angola on Nov. 8, 2018.
Stephen Eisenhammer/Reuters
Saudi Arabia, Russia and allied oil producers will only agree to deep cuts to their crude output at talks this week if the United States and several others join in with curbs to help prop up prices that have been hammered by the coronavirus crisis.
However, the U.S. Department of Energy noted in a Tuesday statement that U.S. output is already falling without government action, in line with the White House's insistence that it would not intervene in the private markets. That decline, however, would take place slowly, over the course of the next two years.
Global oil demand has dropped by as much as 30 per cent, or about 30 million barrels per day (bpd), as measures to reduce the virus's spread have caused demand for jet fuel, gasoline and diesel to crash. France reported on Tuesday a 80 per cent drop in petrol use.
While Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of the group known as OPEC+ have expressed willingness to return to the bargaining table, they have made their response conditional upon actions by the United States and other countries that are not members of OPEC.
"Before any meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC there needs to be an agreement on production numbers for any country that will reduce production," Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh tweeted on Tuesday, adding that the United States and Canada need to play a role in determining production cuts.
OPEC+ is due to hold a video conference on Thursday at 1400 GMT, after U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that Riyadh and Moscow had agreed to cut an unprecedented 10 million to 15 million bpd, or about 10 per cent to 15 per cent of global supplies, but he has not committed to any actions in the United States.
"With regards to media reports that OPEC+ will require the United States to make cuts in order to come to an agreement: The EIA report today demonstrates that there are already projected cuts of 2 (million bpd), without any intervention from the federal government," the U.S. Energy Department said.
No agreement has yet been formalized. Riyadh and Moscow are trying to overcome the rancor stemming from March's talks, when a deal to extend production cuts fell apart. Since then, Saudi Arabia has been flooding the market with extra crude.
Benchmark Brent crude was trading at about $33 a barrel on Tuesday, about half its level at the end of 2019.
Three-plus years of production curbs by OPEC+ left an opening for the United States to gain market share, as it boosted shale production to push national output to 13 million bpd, the most worldwide.
U.S. Department of Energy projections now show U.S. oil output averaging 11 million bpd in 2021, which correlates to about a 2 million-bpd decline from the late 2019 peak.
The U.S. success in growing crude output has frustrated some members of the production-cut pact, most specifically Russia, where oil companies there have bemoaned giving up market share to the United States.
"The scale of this challenge is so large that OPEC+ cannot solve it," said Jason Bordoff, director of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy and a former Obama administration official. "Only some and not all of the world's producers have the willingness and ability to limit production."
U.S. antitrust laws prohibit oil producers in the United States from taking steps to push up oil prices. Output curbs would be legal if state regulators or the federal government set lower production levels, experts say.
After the OPEC+ talks, Saudi Arabia will host a video conference on Friday for energy ministers from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies to "alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global energy markets," the group said in a statement on Tuesday.
BASELINE FOR CUTS
Saudi Arabia, with by far the world's biggest reserve of extra capacity and some of the lowest production costs, said it had raised crude output to 12.3 million bpd on April 1 and planned to export more than 10 million bpd.
Riyadh had insisted it would no longer carry what it considered an unfair burden of output cuts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said any output cuts should be made from levels in the first quarter, before Saudi Arabia and others hiked production. OPEC sources said Riyadh wanted cuts to be calculated from its current higher level.
The OPEC source said there was no consensus between Riyadh and Moscow yet on the baseline for any reductions. Russian TASS news agency said cuts could last three months starting from May.
The boss of top U.S. oil firm Exxon Mobil Corp, Darren Woods, said on Tuesday he supported "free trade and low tariffs," when asked about the cuts. However, his firm cut investment by a third to $23 billion, mainly in U.S. shale fields.
Other oil producers outside the OPEC+ group have already indicated a willingness to help, though private producers in Canada, home to the world's third-largest oil reserves, were already reducing output.
Oil drops on growing crude glut, doubts over output cuts
Enbridge running Mainline with unused space as Canada oil cuts deepen
Canada to join G20 oil talks in effort to calm market collapse


text:
APC Microbiome IrelandInterfacing Food and Medicine
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APC Researcher awarded funding for schizophrenia research
The Health Research Board announced this week that it was funding nine new projects under Emerging Investigator Awards for Health (EIA) 2022, one of which is led by APC researcher, Dr Linda Katona.
Dr Katona's research seeks to identify the gut microbiome-responsive brain biomarkers of cognitive impairments relevant to schizophrenia.
"Ireland has among the highest rates of mental illness in Europe, and schizophrenia is one of the leading psychiatric diagnoses nationally and the one carrying the biggest economic cost. Schizophrenia patients have problems remembering their past, are unable for social interactions and cannot retain information long enough to use it. Gut microbes affect our mood and motivation and interfere with our mental abilities," Dr Katona said.
"Recent research shows that information from our gut gets transferred to our brain through the vagus nerve, and that disruptions in the communication between gut microbes, vagus and brain often accompany the core symptoms of schizophrenia. This project will examine this and attempt to answer questions such as how our gut microbiome, through the vagus nerve, interferes with our memory, how it influences our social interactions, and how it can affect our concentration.
"By exploiting these gut-brain-behaviour relationships for novel, better-targeted therapeutic interventions, this study could revolutionise how schizophrenia and similar brain disorders are treated, significantly improving the lives of millions of people globally," she said.
Welcoming the announcement, UCC President Professor John O'Halloran said:
"We are delighted to have secured these prestigious, highly competitive research awards from HRB. Securing our future through excellence in research and in supporting excellent researchers is the highest priority at UCC. I'm thrilled that we have secured these awards, which will enable us to accelerate our UCC Futures ambition to change the world and improve both our healthcare system and patients outcomes."
UCC Vice President for Research & Innovation Professor John Cryan said:
"I am delighted to congratulate Doctors Katona, O'Mulane and Matvienko-Sikar for this important recognition of their impactful research. I am particularly pleased to see this strong representation of female health researchers here in UCC for these highly sought after awards. Collectively, their research is focused on finding effective solutions to some of the most pressing and urgent challenges that we face in healthcare both nationally and globally. These awards lay the foundation for these investigators to be key role models in Irish research moving forward and will support our UCC Futures research programme in areas ranging from sustainability; children; ageing & brain science; and food, microbiome & health."
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apc@ucc.ie


Tahirih Justice Center of Houston provides legal services, public policy advocacy, and public education to protect and improve the lives of low-income immigrant women and young girls fleeing gender-based violence. Awarded $5,000 to train pro bono attorneys to represent victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Fort Bend Lawyers Care assists Fort Bend County residents by providing free civil legal services and education about Texas civil law to low-income residents. Awarded $3,000 for interpreter and translation services for limited English proficiency clients and hearing impaired clients.
Texas Loves Children, Inc. of Dallas strives to improve case outcomes for abused and neglected children by enhancing the quality of legal services they receive. Awarded $2,500 to expand their Online Legal Resource and Communications Center which provides online legal, medical and psychological resources for judges and children's advocates and operates as a network for pro bono attorneys.
Jane's Due Process, Inc. of Austin provides legal representation for pregnant minors in the State of Texas. Awarded $1,000 to update and publish a Spanish informational brochure on the rights of pregnant teens in Texas.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves the Panhandle, North and West Texas by providing legal aid to those living in poverty and legal services for low-income individuals in housing matters. Awarded $2,500 to publish and distribute an informational brochure for low-income individuals to educate them about manufactured housing issues and their rights.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, El Paso, promotes the dignity, self-sufficiency, safety, and stability of low-income Texans by providing high-quality civil legal representation. Awarded $2,360 to publish and distribute a bilingual brochure addressing landlord/tenant rights, fair housing, evictions, foreclosures and homeowners rights.
Tarrant County Bar Foundation encourages knowledge and understanding of the law and provides legal services at an affordable cost for elderly, poor and disadvantaged individuals. Awarded $2,500 to purchase automated case reporting software for their Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans program which provides legal counsel and representation to Texas veterans who cannot otherwise afford it.
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse of Houston provides pro bono legal representation exclusively to victims of family violence, battered women, and abused children. Awarded $3,000 for their Protective Order Project to underwrite private process service of protective orders in high-risk cases.
Mosaic Family Services of Dallas provides services to refugees and immigrants in crisis, including victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Awarded $3,000 to expand its interpreter services for limited English proficiency victims – especially in regard to client intake interviews.
The Community Justice Program is a collaborative effort by the San Antonio Bar Association and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to provide free legal services to individuals who may not otherwise have access to the legal system by matching volunteer attorneys to pro bono cases. Awarded $2,500 to purchase laptop computers for their ongoing pro bono clinics.
Cathedral Health Ministries of Houston provides a variety of services to restore dignity, self-respect and hope to the homeless and poor. Awarded $2,500 to recruit and utilize reduced cost discovery and deposition resources to improve its ability to present valid defenses on behalf of indigent clients.
$5,000 for the full revision, printing & binding of its Evening Clinic manual for attorney volunteers.
$5,250 for the training and mentorship to pro bono attorneys in private practice representing unaccompanied immigrant children appearing before family courts in an effort to obtain court orders necessary for the application of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
$1,000 for the publication of 5,000 brochures in English and Spanish to inform low-income buyers of manufactured homes of their consumer rights, warning of deceptive practices, and informing residents where to seek legal assistance.
$1,500 for the creation of on-line web-based training in English and Spanish addressing a variety of court access issues affecting persons with disabilities.
$3,000 to support outreach programs throughout Texas communities by distribution of public education materials in low-income areas about the right to counsel and the right of indigent defendants to seek relief from criminal fines and fees they cannot afford to pay.
$3,000 to provide management and monitoring services to indigent seniors who are deemed incapacitated by the Probate Courts and who are in need of a legal guardian to handle their affairs.
$5,000 to provide legal representation, advocacy, and education to the disabled community in low-income and rural areas; specifically to publish the "Know Your Rights" brochure relating to information and services provided by the Disability Rights Program.
$4,250 to provide training for the Woman and Children's Program which target a number of different low-income groups, such as victims of domestic violence, human rights abuses, and serious crimes.
$3,000 to assist in covering expenses for a pro se workshop.
$4,500 to fund private process service in high-risk protective order cases where service cannot be executed by the constable's office.
$4,000 to hire licensed contract interpreters and translators as well as to cover development and printing of training materials for translators.
$3,000 to help fund a statewide Forensic Science Case Review which will be a multi-tiered forensic science case review, litigation, student training and public education program.
$4,000 to provide advice and training to public defenders and private criminal attorneys on the Supreme Court decision Padilla v. Kentucky.
$4,000 to continue providing basic labor rights education and representation to low-income workers, support assisted pro se activities, publish the first "El Paso Wage Theft Report" and work with the police department and the District Attorney's office to create criteria regarding wage theft.
$3,000 in support of a program to represent Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21 who are challenging denials of medically necessary health care and treatment. The grant will pay for travel expenses to allow staff to represent clients in-person at fair hearings on the challenges.
$2,400 in support of the expansion of CASA into Marion County to provide trained, court-appointed volunteers to serve as advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children.
$3,500 to support their Multicultural Legal Services Program which provides direct legal services to low-income immigrant victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
$3,500 for a legal assistant to help immigrant women and children who are victims of human rights abuses apply for immigration relief and legalize their status.
$3,900 to support TRLA??s Community Justice Program in El Paso, a joint project with the El Paso County Bar Association to improve access to legal services for the poor. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for a portable office to use at bi-monthly divorce clinics.
$3,700 to purchase hardware to aid expansion of consumer rights outreach efforts targeting low-income residents of Fort Bend County.
$2,500 to train immigration judges, federal government attorneys and immigration attorneys on issues related to mental disability and the immigration process in order to provide better safeguards for immigrants whose mental disabilities diminish their capacity to participate in removal proceedings.
$3,500 to support the Legal Action Works Program, which provides legal services for low-income women including assistance in obtaining protective orders and divorce and child custody representation.
$4,000 in support of a program to represent Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21 who are challenging denials of medically necessary health care and treatment. The grant will pay for travel expenses to allow staff to represent clients in-person at fair hearings on the challenges.
$6,000 in support of the establishment of its Trial Advocacy Program, a training program for volunteer attorneys to provide much-needed pro bono representation to school children with disabilities who find themselves in justice courts on minor, Class C misdemeanor "school ticket" cases.
$5,000 in support of their Legal Education and Services Program. The grant will pay for a part-time, trained telephone counselor to field calls and to provide guidance to individuals experiencing landlord/tenant conflicts that could lead to eviction.
$2,374.00 in support of equipment (specifically a projector and supporting accessories) to support trials and litigation in more than 20 East Texas counties.
$5,000 to support their Multicultural Legal Services Program which provides direct legal services to low-income immigrant victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
$7,000 in support of the Promotora Outreach Program to make presentations in homes, churches, community centers, and other venues to give basic information about domestic violence and available legal and other services.


children of George henry and Elizabeth christened Oldbury except Elizabeth West Brom.
d.08may1902   NZ    d.                d.              d.young         d.
Christopher frederick    Mary              Eliza                           John?
b. about1830        b.abt1840         |                               d.
m.18sep1842  St. Thomas, Dudley, worcs.
|       |                           b.            b.            b.


These books and CD-ROMs will help you learn more about your African-American ancestors.
African American Genealogy: A Bibliography and Guide to Sources by Curt Witcher (Round Tower Books) Available only through publisher, (219) 637-7098.
In Black and White edited by Mary Mace Spradling (Gale Group); references 21,000 African-American individuals and groups appearing in publications.
(Genealogy.com) CD-ROM containing and alphabetical index of approximately 660,000 African-Americans who were enumerated inthe 1870 federal census.
edited by Gwendoly Midlo Hall (Louisiana State University Press) CD-ROM containing searchable database of individual records for 100,000 slaves.
by David Eltis, David Richardson, Herbert S. Klein and Stephen D. Behrendt (Cambridge University Press) Contains records of 25,000 trans-Atlantic slave-ship voyages made between 1595 and 1866 from all over Europe.
This entry was posted in African-American Genealogy and tagged african-american genealogy, american ancestors, books, genealogy, help, learn, more, roms, will. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
Waco Cotton Palace King 2019
By Gretchen Eichenberg
John Lee Deaver
Pictured: Photo by Doug Fitzjarrell
John Lee Deaver will be crowned King of the 49th annual Waco Cotton Palace on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Waco Hall. An accomplished local attorney, actor and lover of the arts, John has been instrumental in bringing the Cotton Palace historical production into the 21st century — working to add scenes and characters that fully represent Waco's rich heritage from all perspectives.
"About 15 years ago, Bill Dietz and I were approached to help rework the historical part of the show," he said. "Working with the Cotton Palace board members and advisers, we wanted to fill in some gaps that existed, historically. Some scenes needed minor adjustments and others were completely removed and different scenes were written to take their place."
To make the show more interesting Bill and John created a speaking role for the character of Jacob de Cordova to assist in the narration.
"I played that role for several years before handing it off to Eric Shephard, who does a terrific job," John said. "And we continue to tweak the show every year; however, I think my usefulness in that regard has just about played out. The show will continue to be in good hands as long as Mandy Morrison is at the helm."
John, son of Ray M. Deaver and Ellen Jean Bostick Deaver, was born and raised in Waco. He's married to Karina Lynette Jester Deaver, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, who has made Waco her home for the past 30 years. The Deavers have one daughter, Alexandra Lee Jester Deaver, who served as Cotton Palace Queen in 2014 and now lives in Los Angeles, where she attended the University of Southern California and now works for Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
The family's royal participation began when John's brother, and current Waco Mayor, Kyle Deaver, was an Escort in 1982. John followed not long after as an Escort in 1984 — nephew Nicholas Deaver was an Escort in 2008 and niece Morgan Deaver Snyder was Maid of Honor in 2011.
John's wife Karina has served Cotton Palace in many different roles on various committees, including, Gifts chairman, Program chairman, Thursday Night Dinner home host and Queen's Ball chairman. She has also participated in the former court scene in the production. John sang and danced in the production back in the late 1980s during his years in the Baylor Theatre.
John graduated from Richfield High School in 1984. He received a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Baylor University in 1988 and then a JD from Baylor Law School in 1992. He and Karina were married in 1990 at Seventh and James Baptist Church, after meeting two-and-a-half years earlier at Baylor.
John has practiced law together with his brother, Kyle, at Deaver and Deaver for approximately 25 years, mainly serving the legal needs of American Bank and American Guaranty Title. He said his father and brother have always been role models for him in business and in life.
"They are both men of incredible strength and integrity," John said. "I think character and integrity, and not just in the way you treat co-workers and employees and customers, but even competitors, is very important."
Another person who helped shape John's professional career was Jerry Powell, his evidence professor and mock trial coach in law school.
"Jerry has such a passion for demanding the most out of his students and ensuring that his graduates will never be overmatched, especially in the courtroom," John said. "Of course, I never set foot in a courtroom again, but I also never forgot someone who was so passionate and skilled in the art of advocacy, and we have been great friends ever since."
John belongs to the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, is currently president of the Waco Business League, vice president of Creative Waco, and a member of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Serious about serving his community, John has been on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Caritas, St. Paul's Day School, the Waco Symphony, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Waco and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as senior warden at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
"When Alexandra was young I spent a great deal of time coaching her and her teams in basketball, volleyball and soccer," John said. "I coached her in all three sports from the time she was four until she finished middle school."
Passionate volunteers are the foundation of a solid community, John said.
"Given the structure and the way in which communities are organized, there are certain roles and certain needs that can only be performed by passionate volunteers," he said. "And it is this web of volunteerism that lifts a community and makes it more than just a collection of people going to work every day and doing their individual jobs. These are the minds and the personalities that provide the richness, creativity and vibrancy to a city."
Everyone has something to bring to the table, no matter how big or small, he said.
"Many of the volunteer organizations truly do form the soul of a city and allow the participants to interact and grow in a way that benefits both city and citizen," he said. "Everyone has talents and there are so many ways to contribute, from playing the piano at your church to serving as mayor."
That includes Cotton Palace.
"The number of volunteer hours spent on Cotton Palace is mindboggling," John said. "I am always amazed at the number of people that give their time, year after year, to ensure that these young people and their families have a rewarding weekend. It is a testament to the way these volunteers feel about Waco and the history of this event."
Golf, photography, fly-fishing, drums, history, astronomy, reading and speculating over where the country is headed — all are things John enjoys doing when he's not at work, John said.
"When we are not visiting Alexandra in California, the majority of our time can be summed up in four letters: E-L-S-A," John said. "Our two-year old French Bulldog has taken over our lives. The social media world is outside my realm of comfort, but Elsa has over 20,000 followers on Instagram and a blog she hosts with another 'Frenchie' in New York. She gets more mail than we do, and from all over the world. It's a little insane. We also have a six-year old lab, Hudson, and Romeo the cat.
John said he loves living in Waco, but that his perspective may be somewhat skewed, as he's never lived anywhere else. Like many lifelong Wacoans, he's nostalgic, to say the least.
"The changes we have experienced in the last five years have been tremendous. Thank you Magnolia," he said. "Waco is now a destination. But for all of the positive changes, there are also places from my childhood that I miss. I miss the Book Nook and the way I felt walking in there as a ten year old, wondering what new World War II book I might find. I miss walking across the mall to Lake Air Records. I miss Molitor's toy store, and I miss Baylor Drug, which, small as it was, I think had more product per square foot than anywhere else in Waco and always had a protractor that a grade schooler like me needed to do his homework."
But some things don't change.
"I still love the smell and feel of the nave at St. Paul's," John said. "I love the excitement that exudes from the many visitors downtown – a downtown that many thought would never return to its previous grandeur. I love that we have to learn to watch for pedestrians before turning on a green light. I love that we are recognizing a local war hero, Doris Miller, with an impressive memorial that will be around for generations to come. I love the burgeoning art community in our new downtown Cultural Arts District and the prospect of riverfront development. Waco is a great place to be."
John said he will bring that enthusiasm and reverence to his role as King.
"It is a real honor after the years that I have spent working on the show," he said. "I have so much respect for Margaret Brown and everyone who works so hard on the corporate board and throughout the organization. I guess it is my way of showing my respect for everyone that has worked so hard over the years of Cotton Palace."
Though he's spent his fair share of time on stage, John has never been one to seek the spotlight. So, being King will definitely be a role he never though he'd play, he said.
"I will try to step out of my shell and be an enthusiastic ambassador for this great city," he said, "and the production that highlights our history and gives these young women and men a chance to shine. I hope everyone leaves with a new appreciation for Waco, its history and its people."
Tags: Cotton Palace | Cotton Palace King | Waco Cotton Palace | Waco Cotton Palace King
Waco Cotton Palace Queen 2016


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