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Centennial Home
Anne Holkeboer
Anne Holkeboer served on Gerald R. Ford's staff from 1963 until 1977. Holkeboer was interviewed for the Gerald R. Ford Oral History Project on August 8, 2008 by Richard Norton Smith.
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Smith: First of all, thank you very much for doing this.
Holkeboer: This was a surprise to me to be interviewed after thirty years. I can't remember that much.
Smith: You might be surprised what you remember.
Holkeboer: Yes, things come back to you, I guess. It used to be that once I started I couldn't quit. But now – that's many years ago.
Smith: We'll test that theory. First of all, when did you go to work for Congressman Ford?
Holkeboer: I started in 1963 until 1977, I worked thirteen years.
Smith: And you were located where?
Holkeboer: First we were located in the Cannon Building, and we were ready to move to the Rayburn Building. He was made Minority Leader, and he was Minority Leader for many years. I'd have to review that, I can't remember how many. Then he became Vice President, then he became President. So I worked with him through all those years.
Smith: What were you doing before 1963?
Holkeboer: I was a school teacher.
Smith: A school teacher where?
Holkeboer: Kalamazoo and then Grand Rapids. In school teaching they always ask you in March, are you going to come back? Now that's the only job that does that. Are you going to come back? And every time you say, "Do I want to?" And so another girl and I decided to go Washington, D.C. No job, no place to stay – nothing. Just our cars full of clothes and we went to Washington, D.C. We found a furnished apartment and she found a job, and I finally found a job. I had a hard time finding one because everybody wanted me to teach school. In September, there are many Jewish holidays, so they thought I should substitute. They didn't want to hire a teacher.
But finally I found a job, and during that time Frank Meyer, who was Mr. Ford's assistant, administrative assistant, went to the same church I did and one time I said to him, "If Mr. Ford ever needs another person, let me know 'cause I can sharpen pencils." He called me and asked if I were interested, and then I started. This was right after Kennedy was shot and the Warren Commission. Mr. Ford was put on the Warren Commission and he needed more help in the office.
Smith: Did you have a job interview?
Holkeboer: With Mr. Ford? Yes. It was very fast.
Smith: Had you met him before?
Holkeboer: Well, only by pictures in the paper. Because I was from Grand Rapids and I saw his picture. But I had never met him personally. It was very early because he had a lot of appointments that day, and I think it was like seven or eight o'clock in the morning. I found a parking place, which was illegal, but I didn't know that. He just said – well, I can't really remember all the words he said, he said something like, "When can you start?" and "Even if you have a headache, you have to be nice." I remember that. So I was a receptionist for many years, but I never had a headache.
Smith: His office was in the Cannon Building.?
Holkeboer: Cannon Building, yes.
Smith: Can you describe the office?
Holkeboer: You walked in, it was only two rooms. This was way back in '63. It was only two rooms and there were five of us in one room, with a really tiny kitchenette. Really, it wasn't even that. His room was a nice size and he had a nice closet, but we were all in this one room and we were ready to move to the Rayburn Building, which was really going to be a treat for us because we'd have more room. When he became Minority Leader we moved to the Capitol and we had lots of room, but we had to hire more people.
Smith: But see, that's interesting, because in 1963 he'd been in Washington at that point for fourteen or fifteen years.
Holkeboer: Yes, that could be.
Smith: And he had risen in the Republican hierarchy and yet, you said he still only had two rooms.
Holkeboer: He only had two rooms. Well, everybody had two rooms, because the Rayburn Building was just built, and when you got the office, you stayed there. After a while, once they let him in the Rayburn Building, he had his pick because he had been there so long. So he could pick a nice office. Also that's all done by numbers. I can't recall how it's all done, but if you come that year, then you draw a number and then you have a choice.
Smith: With seniority factored in there somewhere.
Holkeboer: Something like that, yes.
Smith: Tell me again, you said there were five. Who were the five? What were their functions?
Holkeboer: There was Mildred Leonard, who has passed away. Frank Meyer has passed away.
Smith: What was Mildred Leonard's role?
Holkeboer: She was the executive secretary, or his personal secretary. Then there was Jim Bersie.
Smith: What was his function?
Holkeboer: Well, I really can't describe everybody's function because we all worked together. So if one had a job to do, we'd all work at it. I really can't describe everybody's job. I do know that Ruth Kilmer – Frank Meyer dictated to her every afternoon and she typed the letters the next day.
Smith: Was there a lot of constituent mail?
Holkeboer: Yes.
Smith: I assume it was very important to answer constituent mail?
Holkeboer: Oh, yes. He answered every one of them. Then he, himself, signed them. No machine at all. He signed his mail. Who beside Jim Bersie and myself? Like I say, giving us each a job – except Ruth, she was the secretary because she took the dictation. What Jim and I did, I don't know. Every day just flew – I don't know what we did.
Smith: In addition to constituent mail, there must have been constituent services. People from the district must have wanted things.
Holkeboer: We had somebody in Grand Rapids. You know, I don't know who they were. I can't remember. Elaine somebody, Gordon Vander Till. Elaine handled that office alone for quite some time. Then when it was election time, one of us or two of us, would come to Grand Rapids to help her. I did that a couple of times and I loved it.
Smith: What did you like about that?
Holkeboer: I don't know, I guess just being back home for a little while. He would have these town meetings and I would go along with him, try to get there before he did and lay out all the paperwork or whatever he wanted. Then the people would come in to see him. They really didn't have appointments, they just knew he was going to be there. As soon as our time was up he would get in his car and I'd have to first gather all that material and take it to the next spot. I don't know, it was kind of challenging, kind of adventuresome. It was different than being in the office in Washington.
Smith: Did people come looking for things? People who wanted favors, wanted help from the government?
Holkeboer: Oh yes, people wanted everything. People thought that they could get everything from their Congressman. I often said to people, "Don't go to a lawyer, go to your Congressman. He'll help you," because they asked for everything. I can't remember the things they asked for, but I was sometimes just amazed what they asked for. And so, since then, I'll have to admit, I've been a little bolder about things, too.
Smith: You never really had a tough reelection campaign. He was from a reasonably safe district.
Holkeboer: No. He never did, but he worked hard to let the people know he was there for them. No, I don't think he ever had a hard election.
Smith: The story is that he tried to get home as often as he could.
Holkeboer: Yes he did, almost every weekend. Of course, Betty didn't like that too well. So one time he decided to stay home that weekend. The kids all had plans, so there he was, the kids were gone. So he says, "I stayed home and the kids all had their own activities." It was kind of funny. No, he got back here as much as he could, and as often as he could.
Smith: Did you get to know Mrs. Ford?
Holkeboer: Yes, quite well.
Smith: Tell me about that.
Holkeboer: She was taking care of the four kids. When I was there the kids were young, six, eight, ten, twelve. They were young and sometimes she'd have her hands full. One of them liked animals and she found a snake in somebody's bedroom. She about hit the ceiling, and so she called the office, "What am I going to do? There's a snake in the bedroom!" I don't know if that was Susie's – Susan loved animals –
Smith: And Steve, too –
Holkeboer: Maybe it was Steve's. One of the little kids liked animals and she found a snake in the bedroom. She was very upset.
Smith: Politics is a lot of snakes in the grass, but not usually snakes in the bedroom.
Holkeboer: This is a REAL snake. I don't know what she did after that but we tried to calm her down. She'd come to the office often, all dressed up to go to an event in the evening because they always went out at night to something.
Smith: She liked clothes, didn't she?
Holkeboer: Oh, she loved clothes. Oh, yes. And she went to somebody named – she went to a special shop, but I can't think of the name of it. Frankie's? I can't think of the name of it. She loved clothes and she always looked nice, very nice.
Smith: Maury Dejonge was in here earlier today and he had a photo, it was so funny, because it was emblematic of the era. It is 1975 and he is talking to the President. He was wearing this plaid jacket and striped trousers and it was pretty clear that Mrs. Ford from time to time would put her foot down and say, "You're not wearing that suit."
Holkeboer: He wasn't that clothes conscious, I don't think. But she was. But of course he left home before she got out of bed, because he was at work at seven or eight in the morning. He was there early and stayed late. We had somebody in the staff come in about ten or eleven and leave at seven or eight so that there would be somebody there when he was still there.
Smith: I take it most weekends he would travel?
Holkeboer: Most weekends. I would say most weekends. Yes. There was a time, and this time was before me, I think, that the Congress got out in June and didn't go back in again until January, but I'm not quite sure of the facts. The whole family would move back here, kids and all. They had a house. The first part of the school year the kids were here, the second part they were in Alexandria. But after awhile they found out that wasn't too good for the kids. So then they just didn't come here again. And Congress didn't get out until August and started right away in September, so it doesn't have that long recess it used to. But that was before my time.
Smith: After the Kennedy assassination, the Warren Commission must have consumed a fair amount of his time.
Holkeboer: Yes, it did.
Smith: How much of a factor was that in your daily existence? Did he have any extra help because of that?
Holkeboer: No, but the whole committee had help. The help was within the committee. They had their own help, but thinking back – see, I was hired right around that time, so it was a whole new thing to me. And if we didn't see him, I wasn't too aware of it because there was so much to do and so much to learn.
Smith: Did he talk about it at all?
Holkeboer: No, not very much. No, not to me. He might have talked to his AA, administrative assistant, but not to me, no.
Smith: There is this legend out there that LBJ said awful things. It is interesting, if you do the math, he asked Ford to be on the Warren Commission long before Ford was Minority Leader, when he was just another Republican Congressman from Michigan. There had to be something that Johnson saw in him.
Holkeboer: He knew he was an intelligent man and I think he wished that he was a Democrat instead of a Republican.
Smith: Did you ever see them together?
Holkeboer: No. One time the President called, so I said to Mr. Ford, "The President is on the phone," and all of us were kind of shocked. What's a president calling Mr. Ford for? I never did find out, because that's all their business and not mine. Secret business. We were all kind of shocked that Johnson called Mr. Ford.
Smith: Now I assume that began to change. In '64 we had the Goldwater disaster and that's really what set up the whole race for Minority Leader against Charlie Halleck.
Holkeboer: Yes, that's right. But he only won by a few points, a few votes.
Smith: What was the view of Halleck?
Holkeboer: I don't know because I just came at that time. All I can remember is he was an older man; I don't how old he really was; he was not doing his work like he should. But I don't know.
Smith: Almost a generational thing, as much as anything.
Holkeboer: I think so. I think he was getting tired and worn out. But I don't know because that's when I came.
Smith: Do you remember when Ford, he obviously had to let you all know, that he was going to run for this?
Holkeboer: Yes, we were all excited and when he won we were all excited. But, what do you do? Jump for joy! But we also knew that it was going to be more work and more of a burden. It was a busy life.
Smith: He also took a risk, because if he lost, let's face it, the guy he ran against probably wouldn't forget it.
Holkeboer: No, he wouldn't. Yes, you don't think of those things, do you? I think I'm going to win!
Smith: Do you think he was an ambitious man?
Holkeboer: Oh yes. Yes, he wanted to be Speaker of the House. That was his one job – that's a job he wanted, but he never got it. But he got to be President. But he always wanted to be Speaker.
Smith: How did things change once you moved into the Minority Leader's office – where was it?
Holkeboer: It was bigger. It was in the Capitol, in the corner and we had one room for the reception and Mildred and Frank and I were in that room next to his. In the back there was Dorothy and Charlene and Ruth and Jim and Jo Wilson, and then in another room was Paul Miltich, because he was the Press Secretary, he wanted a room of his own. And then in another room was George, George something. He opened the mail, and just took care of a lot of things for us.
Smith: Did he still sign every letter.
Holkeboer: He always signed the letters. Because he had a limousine he signed them to and from work, from home. Yes, he signed them. In the limousine he was busy signing letters. Yes, he always signed his own letters. Until he became President, then I don't think he did anymore.
Smith: And of course there was the famous Ev and Jerry Show. Everett Dirksen.
Holkeboer: Yes, Everett Dirksen. But that was always on the Senate side. We just had to help Mr. Ford gather material so he would have it for it – but I never saw it because that was during working hours that he was doing it. And it was on the Senate side.
Smith: I guess I didn't realize that it was exclusively on the Senate side.
Holkeboer: Yes, I think it's because Ev was there, Ev Dirksen was there longer and he was older…
Smith: He was a bit of a character, wasn't he?
Holkeboer: Yes, he was.
Smith: Let me ask you something, and I'm not looking for names, I'm just trying to get a sense of the House culture of those days and maybe a little bit of the contrast that Jerry Ford represented. You hear stories about a lot of drinking that went on, and there was a certain amount of skirt chasing that went on. A lot of things that didn't get reported, and he clearly stood apart from that culture, and yet he was able to get along with them all.
Holkeboer: He got along with everybody. Betty told us when she married she knew she never had to worry about another woman. The only thing she had to worry about was that he was a workaholic – and that he would work too much. That was true. He worked all the time. But, no, I worked for Mr. Ford and then after I lost that job, I worked for Jim Leach, and I was really blessed by working with two great men. Both of them were good men, and honest men, and fair. And thoughtful, both of them. I don't know how I was so blessed to work with two good men. I don't think I could stand it if I worked with a Congressman who ran around.
Smith: Were there Congressmen who ran around?
Holkeboer: Sure there were. We knew it, and the secretaries – you know, they played the field, some of them. They dressed up, they were gorgeous, you know. What can you do?
Smith: And a lot of drinking?
Holkeboer: I think there was, but not Mr. Ford. If he had one drink, maybe two, I think that would take him all evening. Only because he knew he shouldn't have more. No, no, I never thought Mr. Ford, shall we say, drank too much, never.
Smith: Now his counterpart, was it Hale Boggs? I think the Democratic –
Holkeboer: Yes, he was killed in an airplane accident. We never heard…they never found them, did they? They never found them.
Smith: And then there was Tip O'Neill.
Holkeboer: Oh, yes.
Smith: Now that clearly was a very special relationship.
Holkeboer: Yes it was. He got along real well with Tip O'Neill, but you know, I never saw the two together, but maybe they were together in the House. I never really saw them together, but I knew they got along real well.
Smith: Can you explain, because I think people, in today's political culture, would find it hard to believe that there was a time when people could be very partisan, and very loyal to their party, and go hammer and tongs all day long, and after dinner adjourn and become friends.
Holkeboer: Yes, I don't know, I can't explain that either. I think it is the character of the person, their self. Mr. Ford was one that always wanted to stay friends, didn't want arguments and after something was done where they had big disagreements, he would come and shake the person's hand and discuss it with him. But he never was one to hold a grudge, never was one to say, "I'm never talking to you again." But lot of these things happened on the floor of the House and you don't see that in the office.
Smith: And of course there was no television in those days.
Holkeboer: No there wasn't. Sometimes those were the good old days.
Smith: I want your opinion – I wonder what television has done to the Congress.
Holkeboer: Well, I really don't know. I think it is good to have. They may have it so that you can see what is happening on the floor. You really don't have to go to the floor until it is time to vote. Which, I don't know if that's good or bad. I don't know.
Smith: One also senses that in those days, before all the Watergate reforms, people were more loyal to their party. There was more party identification. The seniority system was stronger, there was handful of old bulls who called the shots.
Holkeboer: Yes, I think so. Mr. Ford had three or four real strong friends.
Smith: Who were some of his friends?
Holkeboer: All I can think of was Arends, Les Arends. That's the only one I can think of. Do you know some of them?
Smith: Les Arends was from Illinois.
Holkeboer: I can't think of another. I can see them, but I can't –
Smith: Mel Laird.
Holkeboer: Oh, Mel Laird, of course. Yes. Anyone else? You know them better than I do. As soon as you say the name, I say yes. Mel Laird became Secretary of Defense, I think, when Mr. Ford was president.
Smith: There was Don Rumsfeld.
Holkeboer: Yes, he was another good friend. And so was Cheney.
Smith: And Bob Dole.
Holkeboer: Bob Dole, yes, but he's on the Senate side again. We got to know Mel and Rumsfeld and Cheney quite well and, all I can say is, they are changed people. They've changed.
Smith: Did he have any enemies?
Holkeboer: If so, we didn't know about it. There might be people who disliked him, but as far as an enemy is concerned, I don't think so. I don't think he gave people a chance to be an enemy.
Smith: When the Warren Commission came out with its report, almost from the beginning, there were people who doubted it. What was his reaction to all that? Was there a lot of mail, for example?
Holkeboer: As I said, I just started when he was chosen for the Warren Commission. I just started, so everything was so new to me, everything he did or said was, "huh?" like that. If I had been there for a few years maybe I could answer that question a little better. Because right after he became Minority Leader we had to move and then he was on the Warren Commission, and he was gone all the time. You know, I don't know where they met. I really don't. He had the full text, I know, in his bookcase there, right in our room. And we each got a book, signed by him about the Warren Commission. I still have it. I still have things he gave me. They are very valuable to me.
Smith: What was he like as a boss?
Holkeboer: Oh, I think he was wonderful. But, you know, look at it this way, the AA is really the boss, is really the one who tells everyone what to do, and if they've done a good job. Then Mr. Ford would tell us, you're good, or glad to have you here, or you did a good job. On the whole, it was Frank Meyer who was our boss. The AA is the boss. But Mr. Ford knows what goes on because the AA tells him all about it.
Smith: Tell us about Frank Meyer – what was he like, how did he do his job?
Holkeboer: He was another workaholic. They met in Grand Haven. He was a school teacher there, and Mr. Ford brought him in. He was my boss as soon as I came, Mr. Meyer was. Like I say, he was a workaholic, he expected you to get your work done. But he was very nice about it, and very helpful. What more do you say? You know yourself you had to get your work done. If you didn't get it done today, there would be more tomorrow.
Smith: With all of these increasing demands on his time, it must have been harder for people to just walk in off the street to see him.
Holkeboer: Yes, they very seldom did. Once he became Minority Leader he wasn't in the office that much. We saw them, we made them as comfortable as we could, showed them the office. In fact, I took pictures of people in Mr. Ford's chair. They thought that was the berries. We showed them the Prayer Room and little things like that and that helped a lot. Showed them our offices, but he very seldom saw constituents that walked in, because he was always at committee meetings or on the floor or somewhere.
Smith: Now, Mrs. Ford, I know at some point, maybe it was earlier, but she would take constituents on trips to Mt. Vernon and that sort of thing.
Holkeboer: No, she didn't do that when I – I don't think she was too well when I was working there. And I'm not sure if it was her back – she wasn't too well. In those days you could help out and I sometimes took the kids to get haircuts or to get this or to do that, because she couldn't drive. I think it was her back. I'm not too sure it was her back.
Smith: We also heard the kids talk about on weekends, their dad would take them in, when he'd go into the office. And they would play with stuff,
Holkeboer: Oh, yes, yes, yes.
Smith: Remember that?
Holkeboer: Yes, we do, because they would take all the things off the top of our desk and hide them, or exchange names, we had name plates, so my name might be in somebody else's desk and all the little items that you just kind of keep on your desk – they were gone. So we got quite used to putting the things in our drawers, so the kids couldn't exchange them. Mr. Ford would come in on Monday and say, "I had Susan and Steve with me here on Saturday," and go right into his office. He knew that they had been up to something. But it didn't take us long, but the kids would come and they kind of liked fussing at everybody's desk.
Smith: Was he good with the kids?
Holkeboer: Yes, he was good, very helpful and very patient. And the kids loved him.
Smith: Now tell us the story that we've heard about the bribe.
Holkeboer: Winter, Winter, what was his name?
Smith: Winter Berger.
Holkeboer: Winter Berger, oh yes.
Smith: His name would surface later on.
Holkeboer: Yes, it surfaced. Oh, yes. He would come in and,
Smith: Who was he?
Holkeboer: I don't know, I think he came from New York. He was recommended by somebody who was a good friend of Mr. Ford, so we had no idea that this man was going to do what he did. He had an appointment with Mr. Ford. I can see him sitting on the couch.
Smith: What did he look like?
Holkeboer: Short, kind of dark hair, and long face. He was short. Then he came again and he gave all of us girls something. I have a little compact, but I'm not the one that had to go to the hearings of Mr. Ford to become Vice President. Esther Dukov was that, and he had said that he gave Esther Dukov a billfold with a hundred dollars or something in it. I don't remember the amount. So she had to go to the hearing and swear that there was no money in her billfold. I know he gave me a compact, I wonder what I was supposed to do with that. I don't know whether I still have it or not. Then he disappeared.
Smith: The bribe story, what happened? He went in to see the Congressman?
Holkeboer: I don't know. I don't quite know the story about it.
Smith: The way Maury Dejonge reconstructed it, this guy came in and basically tried to bribe him. It took 15 seconds for him to tell him to get out of his office and never show his face again.
Holkeboer: That must have been the second visit, because this opportunity to give us a gift was another time. It wasn't the first. So he must have come again. Then it came up again when he was sworn in as Vice President. Then Winter Berger came to the hearings, or he had to testify. That's when poor Esther was caught.
Smith: The lead up to his nomination as Vice President, there must have been sort of speculation in the office.
Holkeboer: Yes, yes.
Smith: Agnew was in trouble.
Holkeboer: Yes, but we didn't think he [Mr. Nixon] would choose Mr. Ford because he needed Mr. Ford in the House. He needed him there for the Republicans. So we thought it would be Rumsfeld, and we thought – Rumsfeld, I think at that time was in England or something or abroad – and we were quite shocked that night. At least I was, when it was announced about nine o'clock at night.
Smith: You found out from TV?
Holkeboer: Yes, we found out from TV. I think it was about as as it could be. So the next morning I come to work and it's full of security people and I thought, oh what's happening? This was all so new to us.
Smith: The next day he went to the Red Flannel Parade in Cedar Springs.
Holkeboer: That's right. He said I promised and I do that every year and I'm going to do that again. So he did. I don't know what happened there, but he insisted that even though he was Vice President, he was going to the Red Flannel Parade. I don't know what happened at the parade.
Smith: How did things change?
Holkeboer: Well, we had to move.
Smith: I assume he didn't change.
Holkeboer: No. We had to move and I was in his office in the Senate side because he was also President of the Senate. He had an office. So two or three of us were put in that office. Charlene and Jo and me, and we were with Walter Mote. He was the boss and we stayed there for a while. Then he became President and then I went to the White House and we were put into a small room with no windows and I think two of us were put into this small room. I about went crazy. It was too small, I needed windows! So every couple of hours I would go for a walk because I couldn't stand it. Because, you see, in Nixon's day all their people wanted their own rooms, with their names on it. So that's why there were all these old cubby holes. –
So then I was transferred to the Executive Office Building. A beautiful building. Just George and I were there, and we had one big room with lots of windows. We had a fireplace and we had another room where we could put our equipment. It was wonderful. We enjoyed that room. But we had to keep our door closed. We could not keep it open. I like open doors, I don't like closed doors. We could not look out the window because then the security people would think I was going to shoot somebody, I guess. I went to a lot of these, what do you call them, official welcomings on the grounds. I could not watch them from my window – they wouldn't allow it. So then I just went over there. But that was security already, before we had this shooting – he was shot at twice.
Smith: Let me back up to the transition in August – we're observing the anniversary today.
Holkeboer: Is it really?
Smith: Today is the anniversary of the Nixon resignation.
Holkeboer: Is it really? How many years?
Smith: 34.
Holkeboer: You expect me to remember that?
Smith: Your life, obviously, was transformed along with a lot of other folks. When did you begin to think that you might be working for the President?
Holkeboer: Well, I was one of these innocent people who believed Nixon. I thought the newspapers were just after him. I really did. I thought this would soon be over because they know they'll be wrong, and I think Mr. Ford believed Nixon, too. I think we were led to believe that he was right. Then all of a sudden he said, "I'm resigning." I couldn't believe-
Smith: But in between, remember, the tapes came out, and my sense is that Ford was really shocked by the language. Was that your sense?
Holkeboer: Yes, oh yes. That's true. Yes. I heard that Nixon did have a vocabulary. I think that's not something Mr. Ford did – his words were never like that. Yes, I think, all of a sudden, we began to realize that this was not true. Right after that I started reading every book I could about it, because I had ignored the newspapers. I thought, they're not right, they're just after him. I'm not reading that stuff. Boy, after that I think I read every book I could about Nixon and what he was doing.
Smith: And at the end, when it crumbled, and when the so-called "smoking gun" tapes, were released, it became pretty clear that Nixon was going to resign – did he ever come in and say, "We may be moving"?
Holkeboer: No, he never said a word. I think he kept that for his wife, or maybe the AA, but he never came to the staff and said, "We may be moving." I think all of us on the staff were quite tense about it. What's going to happen now? Are we really going to be working for the President? No, no, no, we're not going to be. We just really didn't believe it. I think it was kind of unbelievable. Then when he resigned, I think all of us were quite shocked. But that's thirty years ago.
Smith: The day after Nixon resigned, Ford was sworn into office. Were you at that?
Holkeboer: Yes, yes I was.
Smith: What do you remember then?
Holkeboer: I think that all of this was kind of overwhelming. His kids sat in the front row and a lot of people sat around, and I thought it was kind of unbelievable. It was like watching a movie or reading a book. Is this really happening? I've got pictures – I've got pictures of the back of my head that I was there. But I don't think we realized what we were getting into. At least I didn't. Is this really true?
Smith: Tell us about Bob Hartmann.
Holkeboer: You shouldn't ask me that.
Smith: Well, he is a somewhat controversial figure.
Holkeboer: 'Cause I never liked him. So I don't want to talk about him.
Smith: You are not alone. He was a somewhat polarizing figure in the office, and what contributed to that? What made him-
Holkeboer: I think the original Ford staff weren't too happy with him. Then he had his own little group of people. So, you see, there was a kind of conflict. There was us and Bob's.
Smith: When did he come into the picture?
Holkeboer: Good question.
Smith: He was there before the Vice Presidency?
Holkeboer: Yes, he came right after Mr. Ford was Minority Leader. He came in with Minority Leader because we all said, who is that? And we found out who is that. He seemed to take over.
Smith: He was a speech writer who wanted to be more than a speech writer?
Holkeboer: I guess. A speech writer who thought he was going to be President. I don't know. You shouldn't ask me about him because I never really liked him. I had nothing to do with him because I was on the Ford staff and he was on –
Smith: We know from history that he had a lot of talents, but he was a divisive influence.
Holkeboer: Yes, yes he was. You have an interview with him, or is he dead?
Smith: I interviewed him for another project. Apparently he liked to drink.
Holkeboer: Yes, see I don't know that part. I don't know his personal life at all. I do not know – that might have come afterward, too. I don't know.
Smith: A much, much tougher day must have been grafting the Ford staff, a lot of whom were from Grand Rapids, onto a White House staff that were all Nixon people.
Smith: What was it like?
Holkeboer: That was a conflict because Mr. Ford said we had to try to get along. They weren't excited about getting along because they wanted to say, that's not the way we do it, this is the way we do it. And they wanted to do it the Nixon way. We knew Ford's way and they were entirely different. But they wouldn't let us.
Smith: How were they different?
Holkeboer: I think they still believed in Mr. Nixon and I think they wanted it to continue and they were going to continue it. His ideas, his ways. But one by one they started getting other jobs elsewhere. One by one. In some rooms like the mail room, it doesn't matter who you're for or against, because you open mail all day. But one by one I think they started to leave, but we did have a conflict. It was his ways or our ways, or Mr. Ford's ways or Mr. Nixon's ways.
Smith: How about Al Haig?
Holkeboer: I never met him. The only thing I know about him is what I read in the paper. But I never met him.
Smith: Were you surprised by the pardon – the Nixon pardon?
Holkeboer: Yes and no. I knew that he wanted to get rid of the whole thing. Let's not discuss it anymore, it's over with, get it out of the way. But people didn't want that. People wanted it to continue and I think the pardon was on a Sunday, September 8th. I think he knew he had to do something. Otherwise it is going to continue and he couldn't get anything done if that continued. So, I think it was more or less one or two that agreed with him and he did it. He said, I may lose the election, but I've got to do this. And so, yes, I was shocked. I didn't know about it. I was shocked.
Smith: Were you surprised by the ferocity of the public's response? The intensity?
Holkeboer: Yes, because it lasted through election – he didn't get re-elected. Yes, I think that's one reason he didn't get re-elected. Because who ever heard of Carter – what did he do? I think the people were mad at Mr. Ford. They really wanted to, what shall I say, get even with Nixon. And once that was over with, it went away – as far as work and business was concerned. People's thoughts were still there, but as far as business, Mr. Ford could get back to work. Otherwise he just had a hard time getting things done, because it was all Nixon. So, the two years that he was there, he did a good job. I'm sorry that he didn't do four more, but then again I'm not – who wants to be President? Who wants to be President?
Smith: Then, of course, just three weeks after the pardon came the news about Mrs. Ford's breast cancer.
Smith: It must have come as a shock.
Holkeboer: Yes that was a shock, too. She had a friend, no, not a friend, but somebody who came every day, talked to her, helped her, etc. – I don't know the lady's name – I can't think of it, anyway. She was going to have a test; every year she does this. She says, "Come on, Betty, go with me." This is how we heard it. And Betty went and found out that she did have spots. But, again, I saw Mr. Ford. He was so kind and thoughtful and he just sat at her side. Well, during that time it was her first. That was sad – it hit us all kind of sad. But, look at her, she's living now and she's how old?
Smith: Ninety.
Holkeboer: Oh, ninety. So, if you get it in time…
Smith: One senses then people didn't talk about breast cancer.
Holkeboer: No, oh no. But she came right out and said so. She told people about it and they were all kind of shocked, but it was the best thing. She did a lot of little things like that. She was quite open.
Smith: Sometimes her candor got her in trouble.
Holkeboer: I think so. Sometimes I think Mr. Ford wished that she wouldn't talk so much. But she was honest. She said what she thought.
Smith: Remember, there was the famous Sixty Minutes interview, when she talked about Susan having an affair, and her kids smoking marijuana, and her pro-choice views.
Holkeboer: Oh my, folks were so upset about that.
Smith: Tell us about that.
Holkeboer: Well, I think that was the first time we all heard about it. At least I, I didn't know. But I think everybody got the wrong idea. She said if they do this, I will – if my daughter moves in with somebody. But immediately people thought, she has, okay, that's wrong. In those days it was wrong – she could get away with it now days. And I think that she would talk to her boys and do whatever she could if they were taking marijuana. And that's what she said, but people just took it as "that's what they're doing."
Smith: What was the response? You must have been dealing with mail.
Holkeboer: I think we all said, "Don't those people understand? Didn't they listen? Didn't they hear?" We blamed the people. But that blew over, too.
Smith: Eventually, her candor became a very appealing part.
Holkeboer: Yes, people liked it. She was quite outspoken. Poor dear, now I feel sorry for her.
Smith: Do you know anything about any of her problems while she was First Lady?
Holkeboer: No, we knew she was taking something – I can't remember what her ailment was – was it her back? Back problems?
Smith: She had back problems. She had some arthritis.
Holkeboer: She had to take pills for that. Now I don't know what kind of pills they were. But, maybe they led to it. I do think she got kind of lonely when she was in her house with the four children and he was gone all the time. And maybe she thought, "I'll have a drink." I don't know, but she kiddingly said, "Yes, he was never home before, when the kids were growing up and now he's home all the time." That's when he was President, because they would have dinner together and maybe – not breakfast because she slept in – but dinner. "Now he's home all the time," she said. So she had to get used to that.
Smith: Did he sign his own mail?
Holkeboer: Oh, yes, but when he became President, yes, then we had a machine. But before that he didn't have a machine. When he was to and from his office in his limousine, he would sign it and read them. Sometimes we'd get one back.
Smith: Sometimes you must have got nasty letters, or at least some unfriendly ones.
Holkeboer: Oh yes.
Smith: Did he read those, too?
Holkeboer: He would want them, too. He would write a nice letter back. Sorry you are disappointed, but this is what I thought, and I hope that you change your mind and agree with me – and that sort of thing. Then we never heard from them again.
Smith: Did you sense that Mrs. Ford was enjoying her life in the White House?
Holkeboer: Well, I really don't know because I was in the Executive Office Building and she lived on the second floor of the White House. I think she loved it that somebody else took care of clothes for her – and made her meals. I think she loved that part.
Smith: Did they enjoy entertaining?
Holkeboer: I think so. They did a lot of it in the White House. I don't know how much they did at home. It was all their old friends.
Smith: But particularly with the bicentennial – there were a lot of State dinners and formal functions like that. Remember when Queen Elizabeth came?
Holkeboer: Yes, I have a picture of Mr. Ford and Queen Elizabeth. That was exciting, too. The only part I saw of it is, they had a big tent in the back yard and the dinner was outside, so I, nosey I, had to see what it was all about, and I went down there and the tables looked just beautiful – oh, they were decorated just beautiful. Loads of tables with tablecloths and decorations – oh they were beautiful. I have some pictures of it [taken by the photographer].
Smith: Do you remember any other state visitors, or visitors that made a real impression? Jack, of course, had a couple of Beatles.
Holkeboer: Yes, see that wouldn't interest me. I'm not a Beatle fan.
Smith: What about the kids?
Holkeboer: I think the boys were very annoyed with the security that they had. And I think that Susan was just at the age that she loved it. She had her Senior Prom in the White House. She loved it. I think she loved all this, I think she loved it because ever since she was a little girl she was included in a lot of the dinners. So she got to know a lot of these men, women, and I think she loved it. I think the boys were annoyed because – and I think that's why Jack went away. Mike was already in North Carolina, and I don't know what kind of security he had, but I don't think it really fazed him. But Steve and Jack didn't like it, so they both went to California at that time. I think they got used to it, but didn't like it.
But now my question is, do they still have security after – up to a certain age is it? Up to eighteen, isn't it?
Smith: Now they have it up to a certain age, but they did not.
Holkeboer: Now Carter had a daughter, she isn't eighteen yet is she?
Smith: Oh, yes, she is considerably older, they are all older. She was little then.
Holkeboer: Oh, I just wondered who was President and still having security.
Smith: When he was President you were in the Executive Office Building. How frequently would you see him?
Holkeboer: Not very often. The security was too tight. If I wanted to see him at that time, I would have to talk to my boss, who was Mildred Leonard, and then Mildred Leonard would go to him with all her things that she had, and then mention what I also needed.
Smith: Now, what was Mildred Leonard's background? She had worked for him?
Holkeboer: She worked for Halleck, was it Halleck? No, when he became a Congressman, then Mildred had worked for Jonkman. Yes, Bartel Jonkman, his predecessor. And I think Mr. Ford said, you stay, you help me because I need you. She was a good secretary – excellent.
Smith: What was she like?
Holkeboer: I thought she was very nice, but very businesslike. But very nice, we did a few things together. She was older than I was, but we had this in common – that we worked for Mr. Ford, so we went to things together. She knew everything about Mr. Ford – where he was and what he was doing. A good secretary.
Smith: What kinds of things would you need to see her about, or see him about?
Holkeboer: You know, I can't remember. I don't know.
Smith: What kind of things were you doing over at EOB?
Holkeboer: Well, they told us we were on his personal staff, so we got a lot of letters that said, "Dear Jerry." It got to the point that everybody in the United States was addressing him as "Dear Jerry." We had to really pick out his friends, or the people that we could help, and then the others went to other places to be answered. But, it got to the point where everybody said "Dear Jerry." They knew him as Jerry Ford.
Smith: Then the re-election campaign – obviously there was a Reagan challenge which was very tough.
Holkeboer: That was the first one. That was before – then Reagan became President. I don't that Mr. Ford ever had his mind set on being a president. I don't think so.
Smith: What makes you say that?
Holkeboer: Because he wanted to be Speaker, He wanted to be Speaker of the House – he had that in his mind. The Presidency was way over there as far as he was concerned. And he loved legislation. He loved that. He loved the bills, he loved to be on the floor. He loved his work. No, he didn't want to be president. But he wanted to be Speaker. But he didn't get to be Speaker.
Smith: He didn't hesitate to veto bills.
Holkeboer: When he was President – no. That, again, was a different field than I was into, so I don't know. But I think he always thought he had to do the right thing for the people. His two years in the presidency were not easy. But I think he did a wonderful job.
Smith: Do you remember the days around the fall of Saigon, the end of the Vietnam war?
Holkeboer: That was very disappointing. No, I think that was a big disappointment to him. That's about all I can say. To a lot of people, too, but he had really planned on that, and really thought that this was the right thing. And then he got the little children here on the plane. I think they have steps or something right here in the museum. I think that whole thing was very – well, first disturbing, and disappointing to him – but it worked out okay.
Smith: Were you ever afraid he was going to lose to Reagan? It was close. In the spring of '76 he won in New Hampshire, President Ford, but then in North Carolina Reagan-
Holkeboer: But before that time, see, he wasn't really running for the presidency. This is something that all of a sudden came up. Reagan was a wonderful speaker. Mr. Ford could be if he practiced a long time, but he wasn't always the best speaker, and when you have to speak at every little town – Reagan really had the gift. I think he was disappointed, like everybody else was disappointed when you lose something. But he still had a job.
Smith: Did you see any of Henry Kissinger around?
Holkeboer: No, I never saw him. I know where his office was in the White House, but I never saw him.
Smith: What about other members of the Cabinet? Were there any who stood out?
Holkeboer: I very seldom saw them. I saw the Cabinet Room, could tell where everybody sat, but I never saw the full Cabinet.
Smith: How about the Vice President, Nelson Rockefeller?
Holkeboer: Yes, I saw him. He was in our building. He also had an office in our building. I think on the second floor and I was on the fourth. Of course, when the elevator door opens, here he is, waiting for the elevator. All of us are waiting for the elevator, but we back up, because he goes first. And only him, goes into the elevator alone. So he went into the elevator and he says, "Come on girls, come on girls." He got us all into that elevator, and I thought that was so nice, because we weren't supposed to. And I always liked him for that.
Smith: He was very approachable?
Holkeboer: Yes, he was. If he saw you, he'd say, "Hello." I kind of liked him. But it didn't work out.
Smith: In the fall election, did you remember election night? Remember Ford had closed the gap, most of the gap with Carter, coming out of the conventions, and right at the end, no one really knew what was going to happen.
Holkeboer: No, no, all of us just kind of trembled. This is close, what is going to happen. Something is going to happen. That Carter won was a surprise and a shock, but yet we knew that the race was always so close.
Smith: What was the mood in the White House the next day?
Holkeboer: We were all very quiet. We had to move out! And we were very quiet, I don't think anybody said anything to anybody.
Smith: Do you remember where you were election on night?
Holkeboer: I was home. I stayed home.
Smith: Were your fingers crossed?
Holkeboer: I thought if there was a disappointment, I want to cry alone. One time I went to the Capitol Hill Club for an election, or something, and it was so close I said, "I can't stand it. I've got to go home and see this by myself. I can't see it with all these crazy people talking and trying to decide who is going to win. I don't like that – I'm going to go home." So every election night, I'd just stay home. I just didn't like all that fuss of the other people.
Smith: Do you remember the first time you saw him after the election? Did he take a little time to bounce back?
Holkeboer: Mr. Ford, no. But I saw him. He couldn't talk anymore, so Mrs. Ford conceded for him. And I thought that was the saddest picture I ever saw. And all the kids around him and he couldn't talk because he had laryngitis. Oh that was sad, I thought. That was a sad part, too. But, in the long run I think maybe it was for the best. But I don't know what kind of a president Carter really was.
Smith: It is interesting, he made it very clear, that despite his own feelings, that there was going to be a better transition than he had experienced.
Holkeboer: Yes, oh yes. That would be Mr. Ford. And he would be very friendly and very cordial. Some of them aren't – the outgoing and the ingoing aren't very friendly. But that's the kind of person he was. See, he really didn't hold a grudge. He just thought, I've lost.
Smith: What were your plans at that point? Were they just up in the air?
Holkeboer: Yes, I had to find a job. I went from door to door because we had the names of all the new congressmen coming in, and I wanted to go back to the House of Representatives, I liked it there. So, I went to all the new congressmen and I left my resume, and they said, thank you, you'll maybe hear from us. I think the thing that kind of took them was that I worked for the President. So it was kind of hard to find a job after working for the President. But I got a real good job with Jim Leach, and I want to tell you the way I got it.
When we were with Mr. Ford, there was somebody in Iowa who wrote him almost every day, because this person knew how to handle everything and he could take care of the whole world, if only Mr. Ford would read his letters. He knew everything. And then he would call us sometimes. He would talk for a long time because he knew how to handle everything.
Smith: How do you handle people like that?
Holkeboer: Very nicely. Okay, fine, sure, we'll tell Mr. Ford all about this. And we're glad you called, and if you want to call again, we're right here for you. Sometimes you write down all they say, but with him we knew – so he had said to somebody, it was Dotty, any of you girls need jobs, I'll find you jobs. Now how is a person in Iowa going to find a job for people in [Washington]? Dotty said she was going to work for the transition people and Mildred was going to retire, so that left me. Okay, I'll send you the resume of one of the girls who works here. So, he got my resume. Then he went to Jim Leach of Iowa, who had just won the election and he said to him, here's a resume of a girl and you have to hire her. So, I got the job.
Smith: I bet they were glad you were nice to him.
Holkeboer: Yes, but then he wrote Mr. Leach letters forever and ever. We had a whole file full from this man who wrote all the time. So then one time this man had his birthday, and Mr. Leach was going to his birthday party. This was in Iowa. And I saw that on the schedule, and I said, "Oh Mr. Leach, would you thank that man for getting me my job?" and he said, "How is that?" He had forgotten all about it. So Mr. Leach had to make his speech and the first thing he said is, "The only good thing so and so did was get me my secretary." So it got to be kind of a joke, but isn't that an unusual way to get a job?
Smith: It's a very unusual way to get a job. I was an intern in the Ford White House. The summer of '75 and I worked in the personnel office, which meant, of course, going through all of the deservedly dead letters and deciding what goes to the central file. But at the same time, dealing with people who would say, meet me as such and such a place Thursday at five o'clock and we'll discuss my interest in being Secretary of the Interior, or words to that effect. And I wasn't as nice to them as you were.
Holkeboer: I always remembered when I was interviewing, "Even if you've got a headache, you've got to be nice." So, yes, yes, so and so, yes, sure, we'll tell him and we wrote it all down. But after a while we didn't write anymore because we got letters from him and that told everything.
Smith: Did you have any contact with him after the White House years?
Holkeboer: No, but I got a Christmas card every year. But, no, no contact at all. No he passed away just before – I did not get a Christmas card last year. And I won't anymore, I don't think, because I don't know if she even sends out her cards anymore. I don't know. But I always wrote a little note in there, so that whoever opened the mail would think, hey, this is personal, we've got to show him. If he saw it or not, I don't know. But I was on their mailing list, so I got a Christmas card. That's the only time.
Smith: Were you surprised by the reaction at the time of the funeral?
Holkeboer: Yes, yes I thought it was overwhelming. I stayed home because I can't stand very well, so I stayed home and I watched everything. I think I watched all day long. First Washington – and then here – I just thought they did a wonderful job, a wonderful job. Whoever did it, did a wonderful job.
Smith: If you were to tell people something about him, that they may not know – something about Jerry Ford that might surprise people?
Holkeboer: I don't know what I'd say.
Smith: Or a generation that didn't know him? What's important that they know about him?
Holkeboer: Well, I don't know. Just like here, once you get me talking, I can't quit. I haven't talked about Mr. Ford for years. I don't know if people aren't interested or – what do I say? People say, "Was he a nice man?" Sure, he was a nice man. We all know that. They say, "Was he as nice as everybody says?" Yes, he was. This sort of thing. But what I would just say, "This is what I want you to know about Mr. Ford…" I don't know what I would say. I would really have to think about that.
Smith: Were they fun years?
Holkeboer: Yes, looking back it was fun years. But you have to remember, it's work. We worked, too. So I don't want people to think that we were just partying all the time or whatever. It was work. And we worked eight-ten hours a day. Then you go home exhausted and go back the next day. It was work, but looking back now, it was wonderful. I can't believe that I really worked for Mr. Ford. I can't believe that – the President of the United States, I can't believe that. But while you're there, it's work.
Smith: It's less glamorous than people on the outside think.
Holkeboer: Yes, people think it's glamorous. I don't know what they think, but we worked. But anyway, it was wonderful years. I had a good life, and I don't know how I deserved it, but I did get it.
Smith: Can you think of anything else?
Smith: I'm curious, he said even if you have a headache, you have to be nice. But did he ever get upset?
Holkeboer: One time. And it was one of his boys, I don't know what his boy did, and he heard about it. I don't know what he did. I don't know if he took the car or if he did something at school, but he was mad. And I think it was the second boy, Jack. Mike was such a good kid, and Jack was a little fire ball. And Steve, well you didn't notice it, but Jack – he did something and Mr. Ford heard about it and boy did he slam the door. That's all I know about it. I don't know how he calmed down, but he slammed that office door and all of us – I remember that. Those kids were teenagers by then, because when I started they were six, eight, ten years old, twelve years old, something like that. All of a sudden they are teenagers.
Smith: Was Susan sort of the favorite, I don't mean favorite, but the youngest and the only daughter.
Holkeboer: Only girl, yes.
Smith: Kind of a special status.
Holkeboer: I think so, but they loved their boys, too. I mean it wasn't that – but here, they finally got a girl. I think she was home longer than they were, because as soon as they got out of high school, they went on to college in other places and she stayed home and went to all their dinners, their parties with them. So she learned, what shall we say, etiquette quite soon and she loved it. She loved the attention.
Smith: There is an extraordinary photo when Mrs. Ford was, of course, in the hospital. Susan, who was sixteen at the time, stood in for her mother at a State dinner.
Holkeboer: Yes, right.
Smith: With long gloves and flowing gown.
Holkeboer: And she knew how because she had been to so many. Not State dinners, but dinners of – and I think because she stayed home longer than the boys, she was such a part of the family that they took her all over. I think she loved it.
Smith: She's actually in a photo with Chairman Mao. She went with them when they went to China and I think Chairman Mao was paying her more attention than he was the President.
Holkeboer: She was a pretty young girl. And she knew how to handle all that, too, because they took her along all over.
Smith: Do you think she was mature for her age?
Holkeboer: Yes, I really do. I think she was very mature for her age.
Smith: You mentioned the time that President Johnson called when Mr. Ford was in Congress. Did other Congressmen call regularly, were you picking up the phone and having Senator Dirksen, or someone like that on the line?
Holkeboer: To talk to Mr. Ford? Yes. And a lot of the times Mr. Ford wouldn't be there and we'd have to take their name and number, and then he would call them back. But yes, a lot of Congressmen would call.
Smith: Did you have certain favorites that you heard from and others who just weren't as polite on the phone?
Holkeboer: When you came down to it, they were just names. Important names of people that he knew, so we would – Senator Dirksen was about the only one who called from the Senate side. About the only one.
Smith: Did you ever see Congressman Ford and Nixon together?
Holkeboer: No. Except TV or pictures. Once he became Vice President – President, he had lot of security and we just didn't see him as much. The best years were really Minority Leader, or when he was Congressman, because then we were a big family. But once he became President, all these important men were around him all the time. Then the security people – no you couldn't get at him.
Smith: How do you think Mildred handled that transition?
Holkeboer: Not too well. Because she was getting older, and I think she felt she was being forgotten. Bob Hartmann took over, so it was difficult.
Smith: When did Dorothy come into the picture?
Holkeboer: Dorothy?
Smith: Downton.
Holkeboer: Downton. She came in as a young girl right out of business school, I think. And she signed up to go to FBI. She was going to work for the FBI – that was a big thing – she wanted to go to the FBI. She signed up to work for them and they called her that they had a job for her. She came in our office with her dad, I think – something like that. Then I guess Frank Meyer was impressed with her because a couple months later he called her and said we have a job for you. And she said, "No I can't take it, because I promised FBI I would be here for a year." So he said, okay, we'll wait, and we'll see what happens and then we'll call you again. And so she came to us after a year at the FBI. She was his secretary and Frank Meyer dictated to her, because we were getting so much mail. He dictated to her and to Ruth Kilmer.
Smith: This is still on Capitol Hill?
Holkeboer: This is on Capitol Hill. And then Frank Meyer died and Mildred became the administrative assistant and Dorothy became the secretary. That's how she got into seeing Mr. Ford, and then when he got to the White House, she was still his secretary. Then Mildred was kind of pushed aside, maybe by Bob Hartmann, I don't know. I don't think she was too happy. But she retired.
Smith: But she in fact took the job that Mildred had –
Holkeboer: Well, if Frank hadn't died – but see, Mildred was the administrative assistant and then when Mr. Ford became President, Bob Hartmann kind of made himself whatever, Chief of Staff or something, I don't know. So I don't think she was too happy. I think that she wanted Dorothy's job and Dorothy got it. A continuation of what she was doing, so it was to be expected.
Smith: Were you aware at all of a – conflict may be too strong a word, of a rivalry between Rumsfeld, and then later Cheney? And Hartmann?
Holkeboer: That I don't know, that could easily be. I didn't see much of Rumsfeld and Cheney after Mr. Ford was President. But before Mr. Ford was President, he was Minority Leader, they would walk in the office quite often. So we got to know them that way. They were very friendly, very kind. So we liked them. Personally, I think times have changed, people have changed. Maybe it went to their head. I don't know. I'm very disappointed in them. Of course you don't hear about Rumsfeld anymore, but Cheney is a disappointment. But, but, but-
Smith: Yeah. This has been great. Thank you.
Holkeboer: My husband's going to say, "You talk too much!"
Ford Family & Early Years
White House Staff, Cabinet & Administration
Nixon Pardon
Post-Presidency
State Funeral
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RamALERT - Emergency Notification System
RamALERT is Winston-Salem State University's Emergency Notification System. In the event of a campus emergency or threat, RamALERT is activated to warn faculty, staff, and students of the situation and any appropriate precautions they should take. RamALERT utilizes multiple mechanisms to issue warnings on campus that include: SMS text messaging, voice (phone), e-mail, siren, and display monitors.
No one can predict when an emergency or threat may impact the campus or his/her location when warnings are issued. Therefore, it is vital that students, faculty, and staff take advantage of every warning mechanism. In addition, parents/relatives are invited to utilize these warning mechanisms as well.
We use the following precedence for emergency notifications:
TIER ONE: The first tier of emergency notification is for our students, faculty and staff. This notification occurs immediately after we've determined that an incident has occurred on or near campus that requires prompt actions to be taken by those on campus to safeguard them self from any imminent threat.
TIER TWO: The second tier of emergency notification is for the parents or guardians of our students and close relatives/loved ones of our faculty and staff. This notification is not immediate, but occurs as soon as is feasible to advise these interested parties of what has occurred or is occurring.
TIER THREE: The third and final tier of emergency notification is for the media and general public. They are informed by our Public Information Officer after our first two tiers have been notified, and the situation allows for such notification without compromising response efforts.
You must register your mobile number to receive RamALERT text and voice notifications
Costs: Winston-Salem State University does not charge for participation in RamALERT. However, when you register to receive emergency notifications via text and/or voice messaging, you agree to incur any applicable costs from your carrier for receiving these messages.
Privacy: All cell phone numbers that are registered with RamALERT are confidential, and will be used for emergency notification purposes only.
To register for RamALERT, click on the appropriate link below:
Students, Faculty and Staff Sign up instructions
Parents/Relatives Sign up instructions - under development
* By registering to receive emergency notifications via text and/or voice messaging, you agree to
incur any applicable costs from your carrier for receiving these messages.
* RamALERT contacts are updated on Friday of each week.
Message Types
Alert: Alert messages indicate that an emergency incident or condition that requires immediate attention has occurred. Example: "WSSU is under a TORNADO WARNING; take cover immediately"
Notification: Notification messages include general safety information or a resolution to an Alert message. Example: "The tornado warning has been lifted; the campus has returned to normal conditions"
Test: Tests of RamALERT are conducted on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:55 a.m. Monthly tests DO NOT include text and voice messaging except in September and February when a full system test is conducted.
Message ID: E-mail messages will come from "campussafety@wssu.edu"
Voice messages will come from the campus emergency number, "336-750-2323"
Contact: Questions regarding the RamALERT Emergency Notification System should be directed to the Emergency Management Director: stognerjr@wssu.edu Phone: 336-750-2863.
Adverse Weather and Emergency Notices

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Made in the food processor, this is a quick and easy dip to create when guests arrive on the doorstep.
Place the mayonnaise in a bowl. Put the other ingredients into the food processor and pulse until they are combined but still a little chunky. Gently stir this mixture into the mayonnaise until well combined. Taste and add salt if necessary.
Serve with blanched asparagus spears or other seasonal vegetables and potato chips.


Where's Art is a digital platform conceived to provide users access to information about international art spaces, artists' research and artworks.
The Journal is the editorial space devoted to the presentation of artists' research through a series of articles in the form of conversations with artists.
What's On, The Cabinet and The Pool are 'the eye on the world' as well as the curatorial core of the website. What's On scans and features a selection of the most relevant exhibitions taking place around the globe. The Cabinet is our way to scout and introduce new international artists and languages. It is the showcase for art-lovers who seek for some 'fresh air'. Invited artists will be presenting their latest projects through virtual exhibitions of sorts. The Pool invites international curators and professionals in the arts to present what most dazzling their own contemporary art scene has to offer. Where's Art is an idea of Carmen Stolfi, writer curator and exhibition coordinator based in Milan.
– art advisory for artists, collectors, galleries.
Ask for more information! We would love to hear from you at hello@wheresart.eu.
Where's Art is thrilled to feature your current exhibitions in the What's On section. Feel free to share information about your upcoming projects at hello@wheresart.eu.
Where's Art accepts unsolicited submissions!
All photos on this website are copyrighted material and all rights are reserved. They cannot be used without prior permission from Where's Art.


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Sports: College
Linebacker Lorenzo Carter hoping to increase Georgia's title count
November 22nd, 2017 | by David Paschall
Georgia senior outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter has no regrets about coming back for a final season that includes a 10-1 record entering this week's trip to Georgia Tech.
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter came back for his senior season to help deliver a championship.
Now it's a matter of how many championships he can help the Bulldogs attain.
Georgia won its first Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title since 2012 by going 7-1 in league play, claiming the East by two games over South Carolina. Next up for the No. 7 Bulldogs is Saturday's "state championship" at Georgia Tech, and then it's on to next week's SEC title game against the winner of Saturday's Alabama-Auburn showdown.
"We don't want to stop, because it seems like every game this season has been important," Carter said. "We've been trying to make sure we don't take things too far ahead, and I think that's what has gotten us to this point."
Holding steady
Alabama, Auburn and Georgia remained in their respective positions Tuesday night when the fourth installment of the College Football Playoff rankings were released:
1. Alabama (11-0)
2. Miami (10-0)
3. Clemson (10-1)
4. Oklahoma (10-1)
5. Wisconsin (11-0)
6. Auburn (9-2)
7. Georgia (10-1)
8. Notre Dame (9-2)
9. Ohio State (9-2)
10. Penn State (9-2)
11. Southern California (10-2)
12. TCU (9-2)
13. Washington State (9-2)
14. Mississippi State (8-3)
15. Central Florida (10-0)
16. Michigan State (8-3)
17. Washington (9-2)
18. LSU (8-3)
19. Oklahoma State (8-3)
20. Memphis (9-1)
21. Stanford (8-3(
22. Northwestern (8-3)
23. Boise State (9-2)
24. South Carolina (8-3)
25. Virginia Tech (8-3)
The 6-foot-6, 243-pounder from the Atlanta suburb of Norcross has tallied 38 tackles, ranking third on the team behind junior inside linebacker Roquan Smith and sophomore safety J.R. Reed. Carter also has 6.5 tackles for loss, including four sacks, and he had a caused fumble and a fumble recovery Sept. 9 during the 20-19 win at Notre Dame.
Carter joined fellow outside linebacker Davin Bellamy and running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel last December in deciding to return for their senior seasons rather than leave for the NFL. Georgia second-year coach Kirby Smart has seen improvements in all four of those players, including what has become a more versatile Carter.
"The biggest thing is that he's become an every-down player," Smart said. "He's gotten a little bigger and more physical, and he's been able to play some in nickel packages. We have moved him around so that he could play field boundary. He can do different things. He can stand up and match patterns. He's improved that part of his game, and that's the part that he probably needed to improve the most. I'm glad he came back to do it."
Said Carter: "I just wanted to be a complete, all-around player who can do a lot of things on the field and a lot of things well. I think I've done that, and I also wanted to become a better leader for the team."
This season's Bulldogs became the first to sweep their SEC East competition since the league went to divisional play in 1992, but that accomplishment would be sullied by a third loss to Georgia Tech in four seasons. The Yellow Jackets won 30-24 in overtime at Georgia in 2014 and prevailed 28-27 in Athens last November.
"I have unfinished business," Carter said. "I didn't want to leave having a losing record to Tech. Right now I have a losing record to Tech."
Carter said the Bulldogs have been working on Tech's triple-option offense "once a week for a long time." Georgia has won 10 games in three of Carter's four years in Athens, and a win Saturday would clinch the program's first 11-win regular season since 2012.
"There are no regrets," Carter said. "Every day I come into the locker room and get dressed for practice, I just sit back because I'm thankful to have the chance to be around these teammates and all the people in this program."
Tucker recognized
Bulldogs second-year defensive coordinator Mel Tucker was named Tuesday among the 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to college football's top assistant coach. Other conference assistants making the semifinal cut were Auburn second-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Mississippi State first-year defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and Alabama first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Georgia continued preparations for Georgia Tech on Tuesday with a two-hour workout. ... Smart said Tuesday night that both Ben Cleveland and Solomon Kindley would continue to get time at right guard. ... When asked about next week's SEC title game against the Iron Bowl winner, Smart said graduate assistants have broken down video of both teams.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.
Mocs' Lucas Webb is four-time first-team All-SoCon
Jacksonville State edges Mocs in overtime, 77-75 [photos, video]
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We've all heard the wonderful benefits of marketing your business on social media. Not only does it increase brand awareness but it can also drive quality traffic to your website and help you build stronger relationships with your audience.
Although social media marketing seems to have all the bells and whistles to grow your business, most small business don't really know what they are getting into once they enter the world of social media.
Does this sound familiar? If so, we are here to help you out!
Today, there are an abundance of social media platforms popping up almost daily. However, that does not always mean your business should jump right away into every platform possible.
Once you select the two or three platforms that you would like to try, its time to do some research. See if your target audience us currently using those platforms, pay attention to the types of content they are sharing and engaging with, etc.
Once you feel confident that you have chosen the best social media networks for your company, it's time to set up your profiles.
Setting up your social media profiles can be considered the prep work for optimizing your business.
Now it's time to start cooking and sharing content! Whether it's a blog post, a press release, a new update to your business or a behind-the-scenes peek at a new project, it can be shared on your social media networks.
Provide value – this is where your audience research comes into play. You want to provide your audience with valuable content that they want to read, so make sure every piece of content you share can provide value or a solution to your audience.
Stay consistent – this will make or break your social media marketing. Social media is not something you can just set up and walk away from. Social media is still your online presence; so don't let it go stale!
Your social media success will not happen overnight. It takes a long time to build up quality followers and real engagements. It may become discouraging when your favorite piece of content isn't getting any reactions but don't give up! If you stay consistent, the results will follow!


All our fence panels are made in house, using up to date plant and machinery helping to keep the cost down and passing the saving on to our customers.
Due to the fact we have the ability to manufacture on a large scale you will find our prices very competitive and our quality is second to NONE.
We are open 6 days a week so there is always time to pop down and have a look at our extensive range of products on show and chat to our friendly sales staff who are always happy to share there knowledge and expertises on garden fencing - gates and landscaping products as well as provide advice and help.
Elite stock a wide range of products to enhance your garden.
We sell wood products such as fencing of various types (including wavey-edged and close-boarded, picket and chain link), trellis, gates and associated hardware. We also stock concrete and wood fence posts and gravel boards.
We supply decking and associated mouldings and accessories.
In addition to our standard wood-based products above, we can supply Metposts, garden wood preserver, decking treatments, stain and oil, and shed and fence protector.
We also stock a small range of gardening tools and accessories, and water hose and fittings.
Garden Spaces provide stunning, contemporary garden rooms offering premium quality, buildings without the hefty price tag.
Traditional Sumerhouses, designed with style and built to give you a lifetime of pleasure.
Garden Rooms, the ultimate in luxury, outdoor living space that can be used all year round.


text:
Faux ist eine französische Gemeinde mit  Einwohnern (Stand ) im Département Ardennes in der Region Grand Est. Sie gehört zum Kanton Signy-l'Abbaye und zum Arrondissement Charleville-Mézières.

Nachbargemeinden sind Auboncourt-Vauzelles im Nordwesten, Saulces-Monclin im Norden, Sorcy-Bauthémont im Osten, Amagne im Süden und Lucquy im Westen.

Bevölkerungsentwicklung

Sehenswürdigkeiten
 Kirche Saint-Remi
 Flurkreuz
 Kriegerdenkmal

Weblinks

Ort in Grand Est

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Marseille-Verduron is een voormalig kanton van het Franse departement Bouches-du-Rhône.  Het kanton maakte deel uit van het arrondissement Marseille. Het werd opgeheven bij decreet van 27 februari 2014, met uitwerking op 22 maart 2015.

Het kanton omvatte de volgende wijken van Marseille:
 L'Estaque
 Les Riaux
 Verduron
 Saint-Antoine
 La Viste
 Saint-André
 Saint-Henri
 Saint-Louis
 La Calade
 Consolat
 Campagne Lévêque
 Nord littoral

Marseille-Verduron


text:
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with AIRPARK
When beloved Nashville folk rock collective, The Apache Relay, made the difficult decision to disband at the end of 2015, bandmates and brothers Michael Ford, Jr. and Ben Ford decided it was time to explore uncharted territory. "Ben and I are so passionate about crafting music and doing the band thing, it's part of who we are," explains Michael. "We knew we wanted to continue playing music," adds Ben. "We didn't know exactly what that would be, so we took a good chunk of time to write and demo songs without preconceived thoughts or filters in mind to see what came out. We scrapped some songs, kept some songs, and arrived at Airpark."
While Apache Relay was known for its lush, and at times, elaborate wall of instrumentation, Airpark, the Fords' new project, forges an exploratory path in an intriguing and minimalistic direction. "One thing we wanted to do, and something we've done throughout our careers, is to evolve and challenge ourselves and explore different musical landscapes," says Michael. "We felt like going a more minimalist route was something we hadn't tried before. It really informs the music we're making and gives it a uniqueness we really like."
"A lot of the songs were written with Michael on drums, and we experimented a lot with our ideas," continues Ben. "We liked how it felt, it was a healthy challenge." The duo's setup and stripped-back production compels the brothers to place focus and emphasis on carefully crafting lyrics. "Having a lot of space in the songs really forces the melodies and lyrics to really be there, those things are more out front in that kind of production," explains Michael. "The songs have to be stronger to stand on their own," adds Ben. "We've reduced things down to the most basic elements."
ON March 3rd, Airpark will release their debut EP, Early Works, Volume 1. "We co-produced the EP with Gavin Paddock, who engineered the last Apache Relay album we did. It was a dream come true," says Ben. "Michael and I have been really fascinated with groove and rhythm lately, so there's a lot of emphasis on percussion." Even a cursory listen to the new album is proof positive of the brothers' renewed spark of creativity. Currently on tour supporting the EP's release, the Fords plan to record Volume 2 intermittently, and then hit the road again. For all you brokenhearted Apache Relay fans out there, pay attention: "We're sprinkling in some Apache Relay tunes here and there, it's been fun to change them up and present them in a way that feels fresh and familiar at the same time," says Michael. "It's been a blast. Be on the lookout for more new material."
AIRPARK ON TOUR:
3/2 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Saint
3/3 – New York, NY – Pianos
3/4 – Charlottesville, VA – The Ante Room
3/5 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall
3/11 – Florence, AL – 116 East Mobile
3/19 – Baltimore, MD – The Metro Gallery
3/21 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
3/23 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
3/31 – Ocean Springs, MS – Government Street Grocery
4/1 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa
4/2 – Houston, TX – Private Event
4/7 – New Orleans, LA – French Quarter Fest
4/19 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry's
4/28 – Jackson, TN – Barefoots Joe
5/6 – New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
5/9 – Boston, MA – Middle East Upstairs
5/10 Brooklyn, NY – Gold Sounds
5/11 New York, New York – Rockwood Music Hall
EP release, Interviews
Airpark, alt-pop, alt-rock, Ben Ford, Early Works Volume 1, exclusive interview, indie rock, Michael Ford Jr., Nashville, The Apache Relay
ALBUM REVIEW: "FREEDOM IS FREE" by CHICANO BATMAN
PREMIERE: "IN THE UNKNOWN" by VOLUNTEER


text:
/ David C. Hicks
David C. Hicks '75
Vice President for Principal Gifts
401 George Bush Drive, 1234 TAMU
David C. Hicks
David is vice president for principal gifts. He is responsible for establishing priorities, strategies and tactics for the identification, qualification and solicitation of our principal prospects. He also provides vision and direction for all aspects of major gift fundraising programs and supervises college and other unit-based development personnel. David joined the Foundation in September 1998.
Please Choose... N/A Class of 2024 Class of 2023 Class of 2022 Class of 2021 Class of 2020 Class of 2019 Class of 2018 Class of 2017 Class of 2016 Class of 2015 Class of 2014 Class of 2013 Class of 2012 Class of 2011 Class of 2010 Class of 2009 Class of 2008 Class of 2007 Class of 2006 Class of 2005 Class of 2004 Class of 2003 Class of 2002 Class of 2001 Class of 2000 Class of 1999 Class of 1998 Class of 1997 Class of 1996 Class of 1995 Class of 1994 Class of 1993 Class of 1992 Class of 1991 Class of 1990 Class of 1989 Class of 1988 Class of 1987 Class of 1986 Class of 1985 Class of 1984 Class of 1983 Class of 1982 Class of 1981 Class of 1980 Class of 1979 Class of 1978 Class of 1977 Class of 1976 Class of 1975 Class of 1974 Class of 1973 Class of 1972 Class of 1971 Class of 1970 Class of 1969 Class of 1968 Class of 1967 Class of 1966 Class of 1965 Class of 1964 Class of 1963 Class of 1962 Class of 1961 Class of 1960 Class of 1959 Class of 1958 Class of 1957 Class of 1956 Class of 1955 Class of 1954 Class of 1953 Class of 1952 Class of 1951 Class of 1950 Class of 1949 Class of 1948 Class of 1947 Class of 1946 Class of 1945 Class of 1944 Class of 1943 Class of 1942 Class of 1941 Class of 1940


New World Waking from Bev Sykes on Vimeo.
I'm trying to decide how best to "review" the premiere of Steve's Song Cycle, "New World Waking" by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, this evening, but all that seems to fit is....wow.
We left here in the mid afternoon and got to Davies Hall a little before 5:30. Steve had said there was a reception before the concert and that we were invited...and that there would be food.
I ran into Gabi Clayton (and her husband Alec) and Carolyn Wagner almost immediately.
Both women had been the inspiration for separate songs in the cycle. Gabi's son Bill committed suicide after a gay bashing incident, and Carolyn sued her Arkansas high school after they refused to protect her son William from being bullied by other kids. Bill's death inspired "Gabi's Song," which Steve played for the very first time in the year 2000, in Washington, D.C., just after we had all met Tipper Gore. Gabi and I sat, holding hands, and both of us crying. I met Carolyn on that trip too and sat at a dinner table with her son.
Steve, of course, was perfectly calm.
My little pocket camera doesn't do well at all in low light situations, so I concentrated on taking video snippets, which I've tried to weave together into something somewhat coherent (see Video of the Day--it's long--10 minutes--but it will give you the flavor of the concert). They usually tell you ahead of time that you can't record, but they didn't and so as the concert went on, I got braver and my video snippets got longer!
I cannot tell you how amazing the whole experience was. All of Steve's familiar tunes with Dr. Kathleen McGuire's magnificent arranging--it was a marriage made in heaven. Or at least in the LGBT community. I cried all the way through "Gabi's Song," which was the first in the cycle. The songs that followed were either moving or funny or both. In the "war/peace" section, Steve's friend Piper Laurie did a brief reading.
And then Jennifer Holliday (from the original cast of Dreamgirls) came on to do "My Rising Up," which closed the cycle. She was explosive and at the end of her number, and the entire piece, people leaped to their feet for a standing ovation. Usually standing-o's bother me because they are rarely deserved. This one was deserved.
I've been watching (and hearing) these songs come together for eight years now, watching Steve struggle to get them written and then wondering what exactly he had. I cannot tell you how many times he said he just wanted to hear people sing his songs.
Well, he certainly got his wish. Over 250 men sang his songs today to a house that probably held over 2,000 people. At the end he was given a standing ovation. I would call that a very good day!


Our one hour horseback trail ride takes you out through the Coconino National Forest lands to the south east of Flagstaff.
Often our horseback riders have spotted elk, so keep your eyes open on this trail.
Horseback riding is relaxing and good exercise for the mind, body and soul.
This horseback ride is suggested for beginners and small children.
Being a small business, we need 48 hours notice for a cancellation or reschedule. If less than 48 hours is given, we charge for the ride you have reserved.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never fails"


Move in ready 4 bed / 2 bath home with full basement and large Double fenced back yard with remote control Gate opener wireless and shed keypad . Updated kitchens with granite first floor , living room with fireplace ,TV on living room and master bedrooms ,Updates Furnace ,Windows & Door ,Appliances Included. Home also has Central Air & Much More! Don't Miss This One! ,Buyer & buyer's agent to verify any & all information,All buyers MUST be accompanied by licensed Real Estate Agent.


text:
AMs: Boris's policing pledge risks blocking Met modernisation
January 20, 2015 - Martin Hoscik@MayorWatch
Boris Johnson's pledge to keep police officer numbers "at or around 32,000" could be impeding the Met's modernisation according to the London Assembly.
Earlier this month the Mayor told Assembly Members he was concerned that allowing officer numbers to be cut would "take the pressure off the reductions that you should be making elsewhere."
He added: "By putting a political accent or emphasis on the need for high police frontline officers, you will help to keep people focused on the need to make savings."
The force has made a number of changes since 2012, including axing underused front counters and selling off buildings which are no longer deemed fit for operational use, to help meet a £500m budget cut.
Senior officers have recently warned that further Government spending cuts could leave them needing to find a further £600m of savings by 2020.
More than half of the Met's annual budget is spent on officer pay and AMs warn that by blocking cuts to officer numbers the Mayor is imposing "a fixed cost" on the force and limiting its scope to review how to best serve Londoners.
The warning is contained in an all-party response to the Mayor's final draft budget for the coming year.
John Biggs, chair of the Assembly's Budget and Performance Committee, said AMs are also concerned that by focussing on officer numbers, Mr Johnson "will create a service that is lop-sided, without enough back office support."
AMs' concerns appear to be supported by official figures showing that the Met has paid out millions to hire in temporary agency staff to help support head office and operational officers after axing thousands of back office and civilian workers to help meet budget cuts.


I'm here to be your creative coach, give you fun project ideas, share special offers, and, of course, teach you about fantastic stamping products. Send me an e-mail or give me a call; I look forward to helping you unleash your creativity! Text "stampin" to 31996 for workshop info in the Brookville area.


Glow on with us at another magical tiki night. We'll be transforming our beach into a spectacular neon paradise, with Fat Fish Familia Orio Leshem's uplifting tropical beats bringing the night to life.
Start off with a dinner of the freshest coastal cuisine as the sun sets over the best strip of sand lined with palm trees and lush foliage. When the lights go out, we glo wild- so join us for a dance under the moonlight, as we illuminate the night skies.
The Council is teaming up with Singapore's most prominent electronic music imprints, Darker Than Wax on a series of shows in the coming months.
As a leading force on our city-state's underground music circuit, the six-year-old label has become an authority on all things groovy, and we're paying homage to that ethos with the Singapore debut of Christopher Rau to kickstart the series.
Your favourite aural pleasuring series, Guilty Pleasures, returns on the eve of Hari Raya Haji with more '90s cheeseball classics! Let loose and join DJ KiDG as he takes the decks for a night of feel-good revelry, set to the tunes of your favourite No Doubt, Destiny's Child, Hanson and Oasis hits. Let's get those tongues wagging and hands jiving!
Misshapes takeover The Projector's cinema foyer for a night of pure classics, dancefloor anthems and nostalgia of sorts with musical hosts Suzy Q, DJ11, Sham and Baba Crucified. Expect a choice collection of Punk, Goth, New Wave, Indie, Alternative, 80s synthpop, 90s Britpop, Shoegaze and everything-in-between at Intermission bar at The Projector!
Be prepared to strap yourselves in as we launch past the vast landscape of deep space and delve into a galactic dance temple of cosmic tunes and tantalizing visuals like no other. Join us in our realm of bliss spanning Deep House, Techno & Psytrance…where comfortable footwear is strongly advised.
Singapura Dub Club and AOS Collective present an afterparty for The Bashment People's Party Dancehall Daycamp and a dance showcase for all our SG Dub Clubbers!
Enjoy Live performances from featured guests Crazyhype MOB, MAS1A and #RaggaWaka as well as showcases from Singapore Dance crews. DJs DJ JUSTO, Funny Kreaturz and more will be keeping the music "Crazy Hype" with Dancehall, Hiphop, Afrobeats and Soca. Entry is free, join us for this epic bashment at the top of Singapore!
Making their collaborative debut by way of Black Sun, Ibiza/Bali-based Stellar Events and SG's own Eyes To The Front are pleased to be bringing the tribal cues and vibes from the islands to our dance floor. Personifying the spirit of house music, Black Sun will be dishing out a relentless medley of percussive beats and moving melodies with chunky chops of funk and groove in between.
The Refinery is teaming up with the Good Times crew over the National Day weekend to throw a hip-hop cookout with some of SG's finest selectors.
There'll be hotdogs, beer and cheng tng, with Darren Dubwise and Intriguant from the Syndicate SG crew and MZA from Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee on the decks from 3pm till late.
BABY BOY is a queer night dedicated to the Queens of R&B and Hip Hop from the 90's to present. A hip hop EXTRAvaganza of sweatdripping floor fillers, playing nothing but back-to back killer booty-twerking anthems and the finest female-fronted R&B gems from the last few decades. And if there's #1THING us gays all love, it's all those divas you know and love so much to sing a long too ! You'll get err'ting from AALIYAH to ASHANTI, BRANDY to BEYONCE, MISSY to MARIAH to MARY J BLIGE to M.I.A, JADE to JANET JACKON to JLO to JAMELIA, KELIS to KHIA to KERI HILSON to LIL KIM, TINASHE to TLC, RIHANNA to RYE RYE, with every ghetto diva in between PLUS all them other ladeez !
Taking over BAOWBAOW's BASS SUPPLY - curated bass music nights that happen every second Friday of the month - comes a joint collab with Singapore's Drum & Bass stalwarts Revision Music with a very special lineup of international guests making their debut in the Lion City.
Headlining the event is German music producer DANNY SCRILLA, most well known for his heavy and ambient electronic dub releases on UK label Cosmic Bridge, and upcoming producer SCATTA, who is making waves within the Chicago footwork scene with his recent releases on Juke Bounce Werk.
Ladies First complimentary cocktail from 11PM-1AM.
Men 1-for-1 on Sapporo, wine by the glass, house pour drinks, and cocktails under $20 from 10PM-1AM.
Because we haven't all got the patience to wait till Friday, Ladies Night brings you only the freshest and finest cuts of everything from hip-hop to reggae, dancehall to trap and all the bumping bits you'll find in between. Expect a mish-mash of the funky and the soulful -- with DJ Justo & Ollie'Des armed with a musical mix bag to keep you boppin' all night long.
Collective Minds and Kilo Lounge are thrilled to announce that Sydney's favourite twins, Cosmo's Midnight, are to perform live at Kilo Lounge on Friday, August 8. The duo have curated a unique and distinctive sound that has earned them critical acclaim from all corners of the globe.
Men 1-for-1 on Sapporo, wine by the glass, house pour drinks, and cocktails under $20 from 10PM-12AM.
Because we haven't all got the patience to wait till Friday, Kilo Lounge Thursdays brings you only the freshest and finest cuts of everything from hip-hop to reggae, dancehall to trap and all the bumping bits you'll find in between. Expect a cross section of the funky and the soulful -- with DJ Nez & DJ Tang armed with a musical mix bag to keep you boppin' all night long.


By enabling the creation of new services and unlocking data from older software, modern applications can release your organization's full value.
One of the fastest, most efficient ways to develop and deliver next-gen applications is to select a project that's both small and likely to have a noticeable effect for end users.
Why? Because smaller projects are relatively easy to fund, more likely to succeed, well suited for quick feedback and evaluation, and easy to adjust when business requirements, budgets and deadlines shift. And when these projects help end users, you're likely to gain new and valuable allies.
Begin by evaluating and prioritizing projects.
To do this, first rank proposals by criteria that include value, complexity, risk — even timing. Give the highest rankings to projects that promise high value, low complexity and little risk. "Value" in this context typically means either cost savings or revenue enhancement. And because cost savings are generally easier to achieve, you can give projects that yield that result a slightly higher rank.
Next, use this evaluation to select the projects you'll launch first. All things being equal, your best choice will be a project with the greatest potential for business benefit. Tech for tech's sake is no longer sufficient.
Also, it's generally wise to avoid unwieldy "big bang" projects. Those have a nasty habit of running over budget, suffering from "scope creep," failing to deliver high-quality software and missing deadlines.
Now DevOps practices come into play.
These include agile-based methodologies, centralized code-development repositories and continuous delivery. These practices can help you reach your destination in small, manageable steps, while gathering feedback and taking measurements along the way.
Also, be sure to report early successes back to senior managers, hopefully leading to additional funding. Subsequent mini-projects can be similarly adjusted according to feedback and measurements. This can dramatically improve the project's overall efficiency and chances for success. It's a virtuous cycle.
If your IT organization is like many, you'll find it challenging to locate the funds, skills and energy needed to make the transformational shift in digital applications. But it's a challenge you should not abandon. By creatively reallocating resources and partnering with industry pioneers, you can push forward with your goal.
You may face a management challenge, too. CIOs and other IT executives need to be instrumental in leading the digital transformation. To do so, they must become familiar with the capabilities and power of the modern application platform.
This gap analysis can also help you create a plan for modernization and migration to a native-cloud platform. This may include a shift from locally managed security to a federated security model that incorporates both internal — namely, your organization's own data center — and external resources.
You should now be able to articulate to the rest of your organization how the modern application platform supports high levels of business agility, growth and profit. That's a message everyone in the business should appreciate, especially as they start to see real-life successes with your lighthouse projects.