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The 22 Functional Areas and 7 Zones of SeaPort-e
3.1 Research and Development Support
This functional area consists of supporting the development and application of scientific and analytical disciplines to conduct fundamental research; scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding; concept formulation; assessment of system and subsystem requirements; development, analysis and evaluation of concepts, technologies, systems and subsystems; and development of operational concepts and tactics with the end goal being the application of results to developing new or improving existing war fighting capabilities. This effort may include manning, operations, and maintaining test support craft and experimental vessels in the open ocean or restricted waters to support tests.
3.2 Engineering, System Engineering and Process Engineering Support
This functional area consists of supporting the application of engineering disciplines to technically support development of new war fighting capabilities and systems, technically support development of significant alterations to existing systems, support integration of existing equipment or software into different applications or platforms to support the warfighter, and support evaluation of foreign or non-developmental weapons systems, equipments, and technologies to satisfy existing war fighting requirements. Support is required for system and process engineering disciplines that systematically consider the requirements, synthesize and evaluate alternative concepts, identify a recommended selection, and generate a design and system specification.
3.3 Modeling, Simulation, Stimulation, and Analysis Support
This functional area consists of the application of a standardized, rigorous, structured methodology to create and validate a physical, mathematical, or otherwise logical representation of a system, entity, phenomenon, or process. The functional area involves the use of models, including emulators, prototypes, simulators, and stimulators, either statically or over time, to develop data as a basis for making managerial, technical, strategic, or tactical decisions.
3.4 Prototyping, Pre-Production, Model-Making, and Fabrication Support
This functional area consists of the building, fabrication, testing, evaluating and operating reduced and full scale models, mock-ups, prototypes, pre-production units and research and development (R&D) test tools of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and system elements. Fabrication and machining of replacement parts or equipments for fielded systems or platforms is included. Includes the use of traditional materials as well as new composite materials.
3.5 System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support
This functional area involves the engineering effort required to prepare and assure that the detailed technical data documentation that is necessary to support system development reflects the latest design, configuration, integration, and installation concepts. Technical documentation may be in the form of paper, electronic (digital) or interactive computer systems.
3.6 Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
This functional area consists of applying the engineering and scientific disciplines to perform technical analysis of, technically support development of or selection of hardware and computer software, or modification to existing hardware and software for systems, test facilities, or training facilities. This also consists of software engineering efforts and programming support required to technically support software implementation in systems, sub-systems, and components utilizing computers, electronics, and software. Planning, designing, coding, testing, integrating, supporting, and delivering algorithms, software (source code and executables), computer programs are the inherent activities of this functional area. Generally, the software development processes used for software development under this contract shall be, as a minimum, assessed at Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) Level 3 or equivalent, however the Government may specify other (either lower or higher) standards in individual task orders issued under the contract.
3.7 Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RM&A) Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering, scientific, and analytical disciplines to ensure that systems and platforms RM&A requirements are integrated with the system design, development and life cycle sustainment resulting in war fighting capabilities that function effectively when required and that detection and correction of design deficiencies, weak parts, and workmanship defects that affect functionality are implemented.
3.8 Human Factors, Performance, and Usability Engineering Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering, scientific, and analytical disciplines to ensure that design of interactive systems are safer, more secure and easier to use thereby reducing accidents due to human error, increasing system integrity and enabling more efficient process operations. This functional area also includes applying engineering, scientific, and analytical disciplines to ensure that the number, type, mix, knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), aptitudes and physical characteristics of operators, maintainers and support personnel have been defined and documented early in the system design phase.
3.9 System Safety Engineering Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering and analytical disciplines to ensure that safety is considered in all aspects of design, development, operation, maintenance, and modification of systems and platforms.
3.10 Configuration Management (CM) Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering and analytical disciplines to identify, document, and verify the functional, performance, and physical characteristics of systems, to control changes and non-conformance, and to track actual configurations of systems and platforms.
3.11 Quality Assurance (QA) Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering and analytical disciplines to ensure that the processes and products used in the design, development, fabrication, and manufacture result in quality products.
3.12 Information System (IS) Development, Information Assurance (IA), and Information Technology (IT) Support
This functional area consists of providing information system software analysis, requirements definition, design, development, test, modification, installation, implementation, quality assurance, training, and documentation to meet the evolving data storage and reporting needs of programs and management. Analyze existing IT and IS databases, web sites, and IT applications and recommend new or improved interfaces and improved management tools that meet new management requirements, or improve management effectiveness and efficiency. Perform maintenance and technical support for Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) that are outside the cognizance of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI). Modify, implement and maintain web based information systems and links. Develop web-site structure, prepare documentation for population, implement and maintain web sites. Provide systems engineering and technical support for establishment, test, upgrade, and operational support of systems, networks, workstations and support equipment hardware and software that are outside the cognizance of NMCI. Conduct IA analyses, develop, recommend, and implement, monitor, update, and maintain, IA practices, procedures, equipments, algorithms, and hardware that are outside the cognizance of NMCI.
3.13 Inactivation and Disposal Support
This functional area consists of technically supporting the submarine and ship inactivation and disposal efforts to ensure that critical equipment removed is safeguarded and destroyed in accordance with the appropriate Navy instructions and directives. Provide direct liaison with the Shipyard or Depot and the Navy to insure that critical technology is not inadvertently transferred to foreign nationals or governments. Ensure proper documentation exists for the sale of excess materials from inactivated platforms prior to sale by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS). Technically support the demilitarization process for shipboard equipment using the Expanded Work Breakdown Structure (EWBS), Trade Security Controls (TSC), and Munitions List Items (MLI) all of which are used to determine the disposition of excess, not-ready-for-issue (non-RFI) equipment. Technically support the security classification requirements and guidelines for submarine and surface ship data and equipment necessary to assist in making decisions on sales issues.
3.14 Interoperability, Test and Evaluation, Trials Support
This functional area consists of the application of engineering, scientific, and analytical disciplines necessary to ensure that developed platforms, systems, and war fighting capabilities have been properly tested and that joint interoperability requirements have been fully met at all levels of their life cycle.
3.15 Measurement Facilities, Range, and Instrumentation Support
This functional area consists of applying engineering, analytical, and technician disciplines in the operation and support of measurement facilities, ranges and instrumentation used for testing, evaluating, experimenting, and exercising platforms and systems.
3.16 Logistics Support
This functional area consists of applying the engineering and analytical disciplines required to implement acquisition logistics as a multi-functional technical management discipline associated with the design, development, test, production, fielding, sustainment, and improvement modifications of cost effective systems that achieve the warfighters' peacetime and wartime readiness requirements. The principal objectives of acquisition logistics are to ensure that support considerations are an integral part of the system's design requirements, that the system can be cost effectively supported through its life-cycle, and that the infrastructure elements necessary to the initial fielding and operational support of the system are identified and developed, acquired, and supported.
3.17 Supply and Provisioning Support
This functional area consists of applying the analytical and technical disciplines required to ensure that fielded war fighting capabilities are materially sustained. The principal objectives of this functional area is to ensure that material for fleet operation and maintenance of systems is available when required, that materials are properly stored and transported, and inventories are managed in a cost effective manner to sustain supported systems.
3.18 Training Support
3.18.1 Technical Training Support – This functional area consists of applying the engineering and analytical disciplines required to ensure that the warfighter and technical support community is provided with adequate instruction including applied exercises resulting in the attainment and retention of knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the platforms, systems, and war fighting capabilities they operate and maintain.
3.18.2 Professional Development and Training Support – This functional area includes organizational development and process improvement training activities. This functional area consists of information dissemination, as well as the development and facilitation of training for the Navy and Marine Corps workforce related to organizational development and process improvement initiatives. This includes efforts such as implementation of LEAN practices, implementation of National Security Personnel System (NSPS), Competency Alignment initiatives, and other workforce training efforts related to organizational development initiatives, process improvement initiatives and Human Capital Strategies.
3.19 In-Service Engineering, Fleet Introduction, Installation and Checkout Support
This functional area consists of the application of engineering, analytical, and technical disciplines and skills to establish and maintain long term engineering, operation, and maintenance support for in-service war fighting capabilities as well as the capability to modernize or introduce transformational technologies into those capabilities.
3.20 Program Support
This functional area consists of applying the business, financial management, and technical disciplines required to support planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading team efforts in managing acquisition programs such that the result places a capable and supportable system in the hands of the warfighter when and where it is needed, and does so at an affordable price. This functional area represents an integration of a complex system of differing but related functional disciplines that must work together to achieve program goals through development, production, deployment, operations, support, and disposal.
3.21 Functional and Administrative Support
3.21.1 Clerical and Administrative Support – This functional area consists of clerical and administrative support required for seamless operation of offices and support functions. This area also includes support of personal property management functions.
3.21.2 Analytical and Organizational Assessment Support – This functional area consists of analytical and organizational assessment support functions, Human Capital Strategy processes and programs, organizational development efforts and organizational process improvement efforts.
3.21.3 Most Efficient Organization (MEO) Teaming Support Services (executed in compliance with Circular No. A-76 dated 29 May 2003) – This functional area consists of organizational assessment, infrastructure assessment, financial management, process engineering, business as well as technical and non-technical disciplines to support development and implementation of the MEO. This functional area includes offering recommendations for technology infusion, capital investments, organizational structures, staffing and lean performance execution processes and metrics. In the event of an MEO selection/decision, this functional area includes providing accepted technology solutions, capital investments and staffing in accordance with the MEO through a follow-on contract action or option. This functional area will include conflict of interest clauses.
3.22 Public Affairs and Multimedia Support
This functional area consists of supporting public affairs organizations as it relates to strategic counsel, planning and execution of communication as a function of command goals and requirements for informing, and promoting the successes of the organization both to external and internal media. public affairs organizations oversee the development, implementation and execution of the command communication strategy, planning and tactics for enterprise and national-level initiatives across all target audiences. To accomplish this public affairs organizations require specific contractor public affairs support including; speechwriting, multimedia documentation, development of strategic communication plans, support of the command exhibit program, exhibit planning/services/leasing of exhibit, photography support, design/layout of command publication to provide critical assistance in development of communication messages for the Navy. This area also includes support in the development of multimedia documentation to support Command communication goals; support for development of strategic communication plans to include metrics, technical writing services, message/brand development, visual media to include still, video and multimedia, and other public affairs services.
The 7 Zones of SeaPort-e
The following map identifies the seven zones: Northeast, National Capital, Mid-Atlantic, Gulf Coast, Midwest, Southwest, and Northwest. For work performed outside the fifty states, the zone in which the ordering activity is located shall be used. Bluemont supports zones 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. NOTE: The dividing line between Zones 2 and 3 is 75 miles south of Washington, DC.


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Comments Off on Darren FirthGraphic Design
Well there is no real arguing the talent of designer Darren Firth and you can start with his roster of experience to get a measure of his talent. Firth is the original founder of Occupy (then WIWP and is also a co founder and art director of the UK based studio, Six. He has updated with a long elegant scroll of brilliantly considered graphic design on his website. It's all very understated, European and beautifully executed with a degree of confident maturity.

subset: commoncrawl


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For the warfare state, it doesn't get any better than 99 to 0.
Every living senator voted Wednesday to approve Gen. David Petraeus as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.
Call it the unanimity of lemmings — except the senators and their families aren't the ones who'll keep plunging into the sea.
No, the killing and suffering and dying will be left to others: American soldiers who, for the most part, had scant economic opportunities in civilian life. And Afghans trapped between terrible poverty and escalating violence.
The senatorial conformity, of course, won't lack for rationales. It rarely does.
An easy default position is that the president has the right to select his top military officers. (Then why is Senate confirmation required?) Or: This is a pivotal time for the war in Afghanistan. (All the more reason for senators to take responsibility instead of serving as a rubber stamp for the White House.)
In today's Senate, the conformity is so thick that it's almost enough to make you nostalgic for the Senate of four and a half decades ago. At least there were a couple of clear dissenters from the outset — first and foremost, Wayne Morse of Oregon and Ernest Gruening of Alaska, who in August 1964 voted against the Gulf of Tonkin resolution that "authorized" the horrors of the U.S. war on Vietnam.
Within a couple of years, appreciable dissent was coming from William Fulbright, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as Frank Church and George McGovern. Then Eugene McCarthy, Robert Kennedy and other senators.
The process of getting off the war train was pitifully slow, in view of the wholesale deadly ferocity of the Vietnam War — and in view of the fact that Congress, like the U.S. news media, lagged so far behind the clarity of opposition emerging from many millions of Americans. Whatever good happened on Capitol Hill was a direct result of the antiwar movement and more generalized public sentiment against continuing the war.
In the Senate of 2010, the baseline of conscience and courage is at an abysmally low level.
When the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Carl Levin, said he's "deeply concerned" about the course of the Afghan war, his tactical objections dodged the fundamentals of the escalating conflagration. And so, Levin dutifully declared that Petraeus will "bring highly experienced leadership and a profound understanding of the president's strategy in Afghanistan."
Chiming in was Sen. John McCain, who lauded the general as "one of the finest military leaders our country has ever produced." McCain has long been appreciative of Petraeus' record, including his services as a military spinmeister for President George W. Bush's Iraq war policies midway through the decade.
In 2007, a notable ad from MoveOn.org described Petraeus as "a military man constantly at war with the facts." There's no reason to believe that Petraeus is more candid these days. At any rate, the policy from the White House is what really matters, not the proclivities of any particular general.
Like mice who won't try to bell the chief-executive cat, senators complain but keep on purring. That explains their unanimous vote for a general pledging to stay the course in Afghanistan.
Every few months, I take another look at footage of Sen. Morse, directly challenging the war president, a man of his own party. It's inspiring — yet painful to watch, because of the sharp contrast with today's mealy-mouthed senators.
A growing number of House members are lining up against the Afghanistan war, although they're far short of a majority. Meanwhile, the Senate is a bastion of bluster. The overarching congressional problem is a pattern of doing what the war machinery requires — most importantly, voting to pay for the war. Until that stops, the war won't.


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By Eric Walberg
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev's nomination of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as Russia's pretender to the throne and Putin's promise to keep his friend as premier was hardly a surprise. All along, except to a few starry-eyed liberals, it was clear, that the buck stopped not with Medvedev but Putin. The liberals were given their chance by Russia's ex-KGB autocrat and failed spectacularly.
Medvedev's claims to fame have been cosmetic or at best fiddling, starting with the faulty restart button with US President Barack Obama, proceeding through a series of giveaways, – allowing US troop and materiel to transit Russia to Afghanistan, leaving in place various US bases in Russia's "near abroad", acceding to the US-sponsored missile defence shield on its borders, and ending with Medvedev's abstention on UN Resolution 1973 allowing the recolonisation of Libya.
All his talk about domestic reforms and a new European face for Russia proved to be hot air apart from privatisation, which merely handed yet more productive forces into the hands of the elite. His boyish face concealed a schoolboy naiveté. The defining moment during Medvedev's presidency was the Georgian invasion of Ossetia, and it was Putin's steel fist that showed through as he took control of the situation.
Russians have continued to pack their bags for better pastures during the Medvedev years. Along came the Arab Spring and United Russia suddenly was exposed as a hollow shell, a party of "thieves and swindlers". Putin risked losing his legacy, as the surge of pride and resolve to build a new Russia was frittered away by the Westernisers, and eclipsed by the dynamism of BRIC colleagues and now the Arabs.
But is a revival of the glory days of Putin's presidency possible? The prospects for a new Putin presidency are being met with unease in Russian society. Protests on dozens of burning issues, from ecology to traffic, education to health, not to mention corruption, continue, as do terrorist bombings and assassinations.
It's no wonder that many pine for the good ol' days of state socialism. The Communists are regaining their respect, as the solutions to Russia's pressing domestic problems and to its foreign challenges require a genuine spirit of unity. Putin hinted as much with his "United People's Front" and his talk at the recent United Russia conference about progressive taxation and increased social spending, stealing a page from the Communists' manual.
That Medvedev is a poor prospect even for PM was confirmed when Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said he would not work in a Cabinet led by Medvedev and was promptly fired by the president in a fit of peak. It is unlikely that Medvedev will last long in the grinding and thankless job of PM come March 2012.
– Eric Walberg writes for Al-Ahram Weekly – http://weekly.ahram.org.eg. His Postmodern Imperialism: Geopolitics and the Great Games is available at www.claritypress.com/Walberg.html. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com. Contact him at: http://ericwalberg.com.


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By gguarino | February 27, 2013 Send Feedback
Boeing's Phantom Eye unmanned aircraft system (UAS) made its second flight Monday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
(Boeing Phantom Eye. Photo, courtesy of Boeing.)
The liquid-hydrogen powered UAS climbed to an altitude above 8,000 feet for just over an hour, exceeding its altitude of 4,080 feet and flight time of 28 minutes last summer during its first flight that resulted in a crash landing damaging the aircraft's landing gear, Boeing said. The aircraft's landing gear, software and hardware have been updated since then, and the Phantom Eye made a safe landing during its second flight.
"This flight, in a more demanding high-altitude flightenvelope, successfully demonstrated Phantom Eye's maneuverability, endurance and landing capabilities," said Drew Mallow, Phantom Eye program manager.
According to the Phantom Eye team, the UAS is capable of a operating for up to four days at altitudes of up to 65,000 feet with a maximum 450-pound payload. More
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The Best Design Advice We've Received From Our Moms
There are many kinds of narratives and organizing principles. Science is driven by evidence gathered in experiments, and by the falsification of extant theories and their replacement with newer, asymptotically truer, ones. Other systems – religion, nationalism, paranoid ideation, or art – are based on personal experiences (faith, inspiration, paranoia, etc.).
Experiential narratives can and do interact with evidential narratives and vice versa. For instance: belief in God inspires some scientists who regard science as a method to "peek at God's cards" and to get closer to Him. Another example: the pursuit of scientific endeavors enhances one's national pride and is motivated by it. Science is often corrupted in order to support nationalistic and racist claims.
The basic units of all narratives are known by their effects on the environment. God, in this sense, is no different from electrons, quarks, and black holes. All four constructs cannot be directly observed, but the fact of their existence is derived from their effects.
Granted, God's effects are discernible only in the social and psychological (or psychopathological) realms. But this observed constraint doesn't render Him less "real". The hypothesized existence of God parsimoniously explains a myriad ostensibly unrelated phenomena and, therefore, conforms to the rules governing the formulation of scientific theories.
The locus of God's hypothesized existence is, clearly and exclusively, in the minds of believers. But this again does not make Him less real. The contents of our minds are as real as anything "out there". Actually, the very distinction between epistemology and ontology is blurred.
But is God's existence "true" – or is He just a figment of our neediness and imagination?
Truth is the measure of the ability of our models to describe phenomena and predict them. God's existence (in people's minds) succeeds to do both. For instance, assuming that God exists allows us to predict many of the behaviors of people who profess to believe in Him. The existence of God is, therefore, undoubtedly true (in this formal and strict sense).
But does God exist outside people's minds? Is He an objective entity, independent of what people may or may not think about Him? After all, if all sentient beings were to perish in a horrible calamity, the Sun would still be there, revolving as it has done from time immemorial.
If all sentient beings were to perish in a horrible calamity, would God still exist? If all sentient beings, including all humans, stop believing that there is God – would He survive this renunciation? Does God "out there" inspire the belief in God in religious folks' minds?
Known things are independent of the existence of observers (although the Copenhagen interpretation of Quantum Mechanics disputes this). Believed things are dependent on the existence of believers.
We know that the Sun exists. We don't know that God exists. We believe that God exists – but we don't and cannot know it, in the scientific sense of the word. We can design experiments to falsify (prove wrong) the existence of electrons, quarks, and black holes (and, thus, if all these experiments fail, prove that electrons, quarks, and black holes exist). We can also design experiments to prove that electrons, quarks, and black holes exist. But we cannot design even one experiment to falsify the existence of a God who is outside the minds of believers (and, thus, if the experiment fails, prove that God exists "out there"). Additionally, we cannot design even one experiment to prove that God exists outside the minds of believers. What about the "argument from design"? The universe is so complex and diverse that surely it entails the existence of a supreme intelligence, the world's designer and creator, known by some as "God". On the other hand, the world's richness and variety can be fully accounted for using modern scientific theories such as evolution and the big bang. There is no need to introduce God into the equations.
Still, it is possible that God is responsible for it all. The problem is that we cannot design even one experiment to falsify this theory, that God created the Universe (and, thus, if the experiment fails, prove that God is, indeed, the world's originator). Additionally, we cannot design even one experiment to prove that God created the world. We can, however, design numerous experiments to falsify the scientific theories that explain the creation of the Universe (and, thus, if these experiments fail, lend these theories substantial support). We can also design experiments to prove the scientific theories that explain the creation of the Universe. It does not mean that these theories are absolutely true and immutable. They are not. Our current scientific theories are partly true and are bound to change with new knowledge gained by experimentation. Our current scientific theories will be replaced by newer, truer theories. But any and all future scientific theories will be falsifiable and testable.
Knowledge and belief are like oil and water. They don't mix. Knowledge doesn't lead to belief and belief does not yield knowledge. Belief can yield conviction or strongly-felt opinions. But belief cannot result in knowledge.
Still, both known things and believed things exist. The former exist "out there" and the latter "in our minds" and only there. But they are no less real for that.


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Data Shortcuts Assistant
Never have the difficulty of remembering and searching your Data Shortcuts WorkingFolder/ShortcutsFolder again! Data Shortcuts Assistant keeps a calendar of history of your Data Shortcuts so you can easily set as current. This takes away the dreaded 'BrowseForFolder' native windows interface for navigating folders where it does not allow copy-pasting of path/folder as the feature simply does not exist, thereby frustrating users. This tool offers an easy managing of Working Folders and their respective Shortcut Folders. It is also easier to switch between projects, whether they are legacy or recent ones, as history is accessed via a calendar.
1) Project network-folders are deep, and most of the time in the companies, the folders are named according to project numbers. These are hard to remember for the day-to-day user. But as a user, you named your Autodesk® AutoCAD® Civil 3D® objects logically, even filling in the Description fields. You wish there could be a way for fast searching of projects that you have used in the past. The Data Shortcuts Assistant Search tool provides this feature. Easily search and set the Working folders that you have used and dive straight to your modelling of structures without wasting time searching.
2) You are set in one project and engrossed totally in your design/modelling in Civil 3D. Suddenly the engineer comes and ask you to pull-in a legacy project that you know you have done, months or even years ago. You would spend some amount of time just searching for that project folder with a certain Civil 3D surface version that you cannot remember. But if you have installed this tool and use it, you will just have to click your calendar and you are quickly provided with the information that you exactly need without wasting unnecessary file-hunting time.
3) Say you are in a Windows folder browsing some Civil 3D models, but your Civil 3D ToolSpace is not set to that yet. Normally, you would right-click the ToolSpace and painfully navigate to using windows' 'BrowseForFolder' dialog box that does not allow you to copy-paste the path. You would have to do this every time you switch to projects. Why the pain? If you have this tool you can copy-paste the path easily. No more pain.


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Eagles Hold Off Panthers, 28-23
Carson Wentz threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns, and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Carolina Panthers, 28-23, in Charlotte on Thursday night. Philadelphia (5-1) scored 18 second-half points on their way to the best record in the NFC after six games.
Tight end Zach Ertz caught two touchdown passes for the Eagles. They led 28-16 in the fourth quarter before Carolina (4-2) mounted a late rally aided by several questionable calls by the officials, including an unnecessary roughness penalty that allowed the Panthers to extend a drive and climb within a touchdown. Fortunately for Philly, Cam Newton short-circuited the rally with his third interception of the game.
Newton finished with 239 passing yards, a scoring toss and three interceptions. He also led Carolina with 71 yards rushing and a touchdown. The Panthers running backs were held to 1 yard rushing on 13 carries.


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Being An Address Delivered By GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI (RTD.), presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Chatham House, London on Thursday, February 26, 2015.
Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House for the invitation to talk about this important topic at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I normally prefer to be my country's public relations and marketing officer, extolling her virtues and hoping to attract investments and tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now battling with many challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so only to impress on our friends in the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our shortcomings and are doing our best to address them.
The 2015 general election in Nigeria is generating a lot of interests within and outside the country. This is understandable. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and largest economy, is at a defining moment, a moment that has great implications beyond the democratic project and beyond the borders of my dear country.
So let me say upfront that the global interest in Nigeria's landmark election is not misplaced at all and indeed should be commended; for this is an election that has serious import for the world. I urge the international community to continue to focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment. Given increasing global linkages, it is in our collective interests that the postponed elections should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they should be free and fair; that their outcomes should be respected by all parties; and that any form of extension, under whichever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War, democracy became the dominant and most preferred system of government across the globe. That global transition has been aptly captured as the triumph of democracy and the 'most pre-eminent political idea of our time.' On a personal note, the phased end of the USSR was a turning point for me. It convinced me that change can be brought about without firing a single shot.
As you all know, I had been a military head of state in Nigeria for twenty months. We intervened because we were unhappy with the state of affairs in our country. We wanted to arrest the drift. Driven by patriotism, influenced by the prevalence and popularity of such drastic measures all over Africa and elsewhere, we fought our way to power. But the global triumph of democracy has shown that another and a preferable path to change is possible. It is an important lesson I have carried with me since, and a lesson that is not lost on the African continent.
In the last two decades, democracy has grown strong roots in Africa. Elections, once so rare, are now so commonplace. As at the time I was a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, only four African countries held regular multi-party elections. But the number of electoral democracies in Africa, according to Freedom House, jumped to 10 in 1992/1993 then to 18 in 1994/1995 and to 24 in 2005/2006. According to the New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-party elections between 1990 and 2002.
The newspaper also reported that between 2000 and 2002, ruling parties in four African countries (Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully handed over power to victorious opposition parties. In addition, the proportion of African countries categorized as not free by Freedom House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35% in 2003. Without doubt, Africa has been part of the current global wave of democratisation.
But the growth of democracy on the continent has been uneven. According to Freedom House, the number of electoral democracies in Africa slipped from 24 in 2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while the percentage of countries categorised as 'not free' assuming for the sake of argument that we accept their definition of "free" increased from 35% in 2003 to 41% in 2013. Also, there have been some reversals at different times in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cote D'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania and Togo. We can choose to look at the glass of democracy in Africa as either half full or half empty.
While you can't have representative democracy without elections, it is equally important to look at the quality of the elections and to remember that mere elections do not democracy make. It is globally agreed that democracy is not an event, but a journey. And that the destination of that journey is democratic consolidation – that state where democracy has become so rooted and so routine and widely accepted by all actors.
With this important destination in mind, it is clear that though many African countries now hold regular elections, very few of them have consolidated the practice of democracy. It is important to also state at this point that just as with elections, a consolidated democracy cannot be an end by itself. I will argue that it is not enough to hold a series of elections or even to peacefully alternate power among parties.
It is much more important that the promise of democracy goes beyond just allowing people to freely choose their leaders. It is much more important that democracy should deliver on the promise of choice, of freedoms, of security of lives and property, of transparency and accountability, of rule of law, of good governance and of shared prosperity. It is very important that the promise embedded in the concept of democracy, the promise of a better life for the generality of the people, is not delivered in the breach.
Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As you all know, Nigeria's fourth republic is in its 16th year and this general election will be the fifth in a row. This is a major sign of progress for us, given that our first republic lasted five years and three months, the second republic ended after four years and two months and the third republic was a still-birth. However, longevity is not the only reason why everyone is so interested in this election.
The major difference this time around is that for the very first time since transition to civil rule in 1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its stiffest opposition so far from our party the All Progressives Congress (APC). We once had about 50 political parties, but with no real competition. Now Nigeria is transitioning from a dominant party system to a competitive electoral polity, which is a major marker on the road to democratic consolidation. As you know, peaceful alternation of power through competitive elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and Mauritius in recent times. The prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa will be further brightened when that eventually happens in Nigeria.
But there are other reasons why Nigerians and the whole world are intensely focussed on this year's elections, chief of which is that the elections are holding in the shadow of huge security, economic and social uncertainties in Africa's most populous country and largest economy. On insecurity, there is a genuine cause for worry, both within and outside Nigeria. Apart from the civil war era, at no other time in our history has Nigeria been this insecure.
Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the terrorism map, killing more than 13,000 of our nationals, displacing millions internally and externally, and at a time holding on to portions of our territory the size of Belgium. What has been consistently lacking is the required leadership in our battle against insurgency. I, as a retired general and a former head of state, have always known about our soldiers: they are capable, well trained, patriotic, brave and always ready to do their duty in the service of our country.
You all can bear witness to the gallant role of our military in Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Darfur and in many other peacekeeping operations in several parts of the world. But in the matter of this insurgency, our soldiers have neither received the necessary support nor the required incentives to tackle this problem. The government has also failed in any effort towards a multi-dimensional response to this problem leading to a situation in which we have now become dependent on our neighbours to come to our rescue.
Let me assure you that if I am elected president, the world will have no cause to worry about Nigeria as it has had to recently; that Nigeria will return to its stabilising role in West Africa; and that no inch of Nigerian territory will ever be lost to the enemy because we will pay special attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out of service, we will give them adequate and modern arms and ammunitions to work with, we will improve intelligence gathering and border controls to choke Boko Haram's financial and equipment channels, we will be tough on terrorism and tough on its root causes by initiating a comprehensive economic development plan promoting infrastructural development, job creation, agriculture and industry in the affected areas. We will always act on time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester, and I, Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.
On the economy, the fall in prices of oil has brought our economic and social stress into full relief. After the rebasing exercise in April 2014, Nigeria overtook South Africa as Africa's largest economy. Our GDP is now valued at $510 billion and our economy rated 26th in the world. Also on the bright side, inflation has been kept at single digit for a while and our economy has grown at an average of 7% for about a decade.
But it is more of paper growth, a growth that, on account of mismanagement, profligacy and corruption, has not translated to human development or shared prosperity. A development economist once said three questions should be asked about a country's development: one, what is happening to poverty? Two, what is happening to unemployment? And three, what is happening to inequality?
The answers to these questions in Nigeria show that the current administration has created two economies in one country, a sorry tale of two nations: one economy for a few who have so much in their tiny island of prosperity; and the other economy for the many who have so little in their vast ocean of misery.
Even by official figures, 33.1% of Nigerians live in extreme poverty. That's at almost 60 million, almost the population of the United Kingdom. There is also the unemployment crisis simmering beneath the surface, ready to explode at the slightest stress, with officially 23.9% of our adult population and almost 60% of our youth unemployed. We also have one of the highest rates of inequalities in the world.
With all these, it is not surprising that our performance on most governance and development indicators (like Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance and UNDP's Human Development Index.) are unflattering. With fall in the prices of oil, which accounts for more than 70% of government revenues, and lack of savings from more than a decade of oil boom, the poor will be disproportionately impacted.
In the face of dwindling revenues, a good place to start the repositioning of Nigeria's economy is to swiftly tackle two ills that have ballooned under the present administration: waste and corruption. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example.
On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration. First and foremost, we will plug the holes in the budgetary process. Revenue producing entities such as NNPC and Customs and Excise will have one set of books only. Their revenues will be publicly disclosed and regularly audited. The institutions of state dedicated to fighting corruption will be given independence and prosecutorial authority without political interference.
But I must emphasise that any war waged on corruption should not be misconstrued as settling old scores or a witch-hunt. I'm running for President to lead Nigeria to prosperity and not adversity.
In reforming the economy, we will use savings that arise from blocking these leakages and the proceeds recovered from corruption to fund our party's social investments programmes in education, health, and safety nets such as free school meals for children, emergency public works for unemployed youth and pensions for the elderly.
As a progressive party, we must reform our political economy to unleash the pent-up ingenuity and productivity of the Nigerian people thus freeing them from the curse of poverty. We will run a private sector-led economy but maintain an active role for government through strong regulatory oversight and deliberate interventions and incentives to diversify the base of our economy, strengthen productive sectors, improve the productive capacities of our people and create jobs for our teeming youths.
In short, we will run a functional economy driven by a worldview that sees growth not as an end by itself, but as a tool to create a society that works for all, rich and poor alike. On March 28, Nigeria has a decision to make. To vote for the continuity of failure or to elect progressive change. I believe the people will choose wisely.
In sum, I think that given its strategic importance, Nigeria can trigger a wave of democratic consolidation in Africa. But as a starting point we need to get this critical election right by ensuring that they go ahead, and depriving those who want to scuttle it the benefit of derailing our fledgling democracy. That way, we will all see democracy and democratic consolidation as tools for solving pressing problems in a sustainable way, not as ends in themselves.
Permit me to close this discussion on a personal note. I have heard and read references to me as a former dictator in many respected British newspapers including the well regarded Economist. Let me say without sounding defensive that dictatorship goes with military rule, though some might be less dictatorial than others. I take responsibility for whatever happened under my watch.
I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. So before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic norms and is subjecting himself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time.
You may ask: why is he doing this? This is a question I ask myself all the time too. And here is my humble answer: because the work of making Nigeria great is not yet done, because I still believe that change is possible, this time through the ballot, and most importantly, because I still have the capacity and the passion to dream and work for a Nigeria that will be respected again in the comity of nations and that all Nigerians will be proud of.
I thank you for listening.


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New Zealand's government has filed charges over the volcano eruption that killed 22 people on White Island last year, saying operators that brought tourists to see the country's most active volcano failed to follow health and safety rules.
Officials say 47 people were on the island when the volcano erupted in the early afternoon of Dec. 9, sending a plume of ash, toxic gas and rocks some 12,000 feet into the sky. Rescue crews rushed to find survivors, and recovery teams spent roughly two weeks trying to find victims.
The eruption was unexpected, but it wasn't unforeseeable, according to WorkSafe New Zealand, the country's workplace safety agency.
"Those who went to the island, did so with the reasonable expectation that there were appropriate systems in place to ensure they made it home healthy and safe," WorkSafe Chief Executive Phil Parkes said in a statement issued Monday.
The eruption was a "hydrothermal explosion," the U.S. Geological Survey determined.
"The volcano had been showing signs of unrest for several weeks before the December 9, 2019, explosion," the USGS said. "In October, seismic tremors and sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission rates were at their highest levels since 2016, indicating an increased likelihood of an eruption."
Everyone who was on White Island that day suffered "serious injuries and trauma," WorkSafe said. Survivors endured major burns to their skin and lungs.
WorkSafe charged 13 parties in Auckland District Court — 10 organizations and three people. Nine of the groups are charged with failing to ensure the health and safety of workers and others, while the other is charged with failing to control a workplace. Each of those charges carries a maximum fine of more than $1 million.
The three individuals face smaller fines, charged under a provision that requires people "with significant influence over a company to exercise due diligence" in meeting health and safety obligations.
WorkSafe has not named any of the parties, noting that they have a right to ask for their names to be suppressed at their first court appearance.
White Island, which is also known by its Maori name, Whakaari, is the peak of a huge submarine volcano rising more than 1,000 feet out of waters of the Bay of Plenty. The island is roughly 30 miles off New Zealand's north-northeast coast.
Those who were on the island at the time of the eruption included nine Americans and 24 Australians. Other visitors' home countries included China, Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
The work safety charges are not related to the response that ensued after the eruption, such as rescue and recovery operations. WorkSafe says it didn't investigate that part of the incident.
"Those actions may be the subject of other proceedings, such as a coronial inquest," the agency says.


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It's National Margarita Day!
As if we needed an excuse to enjoy a taste of summer today, February 22nd is National Margarita Day! Enjoy some fun facts about that frozen concoction that helps us hang on, courtesy of the Food Channel.
American consume an average of 185,000 margaritas per hour.
The frozen "slushie" margarita machine was invented back in 1971.
We drink more tequila than any other country in the world, e


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Today is Release Day for the 5th and Final Book in The Pipe Woman Chronicles by Lynne Cantwell!
Naomi Witherspoon lives in interesting times. At the winter solstice, she was Seized by a Native American goddess to mediate a power-sharing agreement between all the pagan gods and goddesses and the Christian God. Then, as her relationship with her new boyfriend Fissured, she Tapped a wellspring of strength – her Native American heritage.
Now, Gravid and due any day, she must conduct the mediation of her life. Will she succeed? Or will it all go up in smoke?
The answers to those questions, and more, can be found in Annealed, the final installment in the Pipe Woman Chronicles, an urban fantasy series by Lynne Cantwell.
It began at the winter solstice
And it ends
It's zero hour…Naomi has just two weeks to find a new home for Joseph's grandfather. The old Ute shaman is fighting for his life against a mysterious injection of toxin he received at the hands of the Norse Trickster god Loki. If Naomi is to defeat Loki once and for all, she must learn what it is he seeks under the old man's wickiup.
She has just one week before she must mediate between the Earth's pagan gods and goddesses and the Christian God. If her efforts fail, all of humankind will suffer the consequences.And her baby is due any day.In this, the fifth and final book of the Pipe Woman Chronicles, Naomi is in a race against the clock to balance the demands of her body, her family, and her friends – and she must do it while the whole world is watching.
A taste of chapter 10: Jehovah sighed. "White Buffalo Calf Pipe Woman, I concede that much of what You have said here is true. Humanity wrestles still with its baser impulses, even as it reaches for the pinnacle of its potential. Math, the sciences, engineering. I never thought they would figure out fractal theory." He chuckled. "I love My children dearly. Soon they will reach the stars. They are ever a surprise and a delight to Me." Lynne Cantwell's take on the excerpt: "Naomi has finally reached the Big Mediation -- the one between the Christian God and all the pagan gods and goddesses that the whole series has been driving toward. In this scene, White Buffalo Calf Pipe Woman has just outlined all the ways humanity has trashed God's Creation: ruining the environment, using Scripture as an excuse to treat other human races like animals, and so on. God acknowledges all of that. But it's also clear that He takes great delight in what He has created -- and He has a sense of humor, too."
About the Author: Lynne Cantwell
Lynne Cantwell has been writing fiction since the second grade, when the kid who sat in front of her showed her a book he had written, and she thought, "I could do that." The result was Susie and the Talking Doll, a picture book, illustrated by the author, about a girl who owned a doll that not only could talk, but could carry on conversations. The book had dialogue but no paragraph breaks. Today, after a twenty-year career in broadcast journalism and a master's degree in fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University (or perhaps despite the master's degree), Lynne is still writing fantasy. In addition, she is a contributing author at Indies Unlimited and writes a monthly post for The Indie Exchange.


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by Melanie Crew
Managing Editor
Jane Wodening, first wife to acclaimed experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage, is a central character in the avant-garde film world. Jane is set to speak about her life in and out of cinema, her collaboration and marriage to Brakhage, as well as her own writing, at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center on Sat. Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Included in this event is the screening of three short films focusing on Wodening, all shot in 16mm: WINDOW WATER BABY MOVING (1959 – 12 min/Stan Brakhage); HYMN TO HER (1974 – 2 min./Stan Brakhage); and JANE BRAKHAGE (1975 – 10 min./Barbara Hammer). "Jane Wodening in Person" is hosted by Andy Ditzler [March 2011; see ATLRetro's Kool Kat feature on Andy here] and Film Love Atlanta. Don't miss out on this exciting and rare opportunity to delve into the life of Jane Wodening, in her own words.
Wodening's marriage to Brakhage spanned three decades (1957-1987). Their marriage and family life, including rarely exposed intimate details, is the subject of many of Brakhage's filmic endeavors. Although Brakhage is considered one of the of "the most important figures of 20th century experimental film," Wodening's collaboration with him is noteworthy in itself. She was not merely the subject, or "muse," but was an active participant in the production of those films. Additionally, Wodening spent the last few decades churning out her own art; her written words (prose poetry, fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, etc.) can be found on her website here [FROM THE BOOK OF LEGENDS (1988); LUMP GULCH TALES (1993); BOOK OF GARGOYLES (1999); LIVING UP THERE (2013); BRAKHAGE'S CHILDHOOD (2015)] and most recently WOLF DICTIONARY (2016), which she will include at Film Love Atlanta's event.
ATLRetro caught up with Jane Wodening for a quick interview about her life and collaboration with Stan Brakhage, her artistic influences, the importance of the written word and her desire to write the biography of the Universe.
ATLRetro: You were a necessary component in the films of Stan Brakhage, as his wife and "muse." Did you ever see yourself as something greater than the films themselves, or did you consider yourself a necessary part of the whole that was Stan Brakhage?
Jane Wodening: Naturally, I thought of myself as myself, but I felt that he was saying that I inspired him.
Stan's films delved deeply into your marriage and family life. Did you ever feel overly exposed to the public? And how did you deal with that exposure?
When we were filming, we were alone. When the films were made and shown and people would ask me that, I'd say, well, that was then, and this is now. What I am is here before you, and I'm not those images.
Can you tell our readers about the roles you played in Brakhage's films? Meaning, we see you onscreen, but did you assist in the techniques used? Did you work with Stan behind the scenes, preparing the films?
Yes. They were his films, always, but I did a lot. The world he photographed was my world; the children were under my guidance. Sometimes I'd run the camera, help him with editing, change things. We always discussed it if I did. Once or twice, I was the Sound Man. He said many times that "by Brakhage" meant by me also, AND the kids, and there was some truth in that. I was surely devoted to him and his work.
What are your thoughts on WINDOW WATER BABY MOVING? Were you supportive of Stan filming the birth of your first child? Looking back, what do you feel now that maybe you didn't feel then?
I was agreeable to it. We were in this together. This was our life and he was a film artist. Naturally, he would want to film the birth. He filmed every birth. I liked having him there with me.
There must be an interesting story about how you and Stan met. Can you fill our readers in on your meeting?
I saw him twice before we met. The first time, I was coming out of the opera house with my date. We had gone to the matinee, and there on the street were two guys dueling. My date said, "Yes, they have a very off-beat little theatre in a tent." But we didn't have time to go to it. The duelists were Stan and Larry Jordan. The second time I was working across the street from Rockefeller Center in New York and I'd go to the Rockefeller Plaza to eat my sack lunch. When it rained I went into the mall where I found a Brentano's Bookstore and bought books from him, but he would not look at me.
The third time was when I was introduced to him. He was renting a little house in Denver and my boyfriend at the time introduced me to him, said he was a genius. He started teaching a class unofficially with the film club, and my cousin Betsy and I sat in the back row giggling about "The Great Brakhage" because he seemed to be presenting himself that way. But one moment we stood together under a tree and fell in love. I was amazed when he didn't contact me. He was with another girl who knew me, and finally said to him, "I think Jane Likes you." By this time I was horribly depressed and sent him a letter, so he called me up and said he loved me and to come and visit him. It was about six weeks later that we married.
The '50s and '60s were a time filled with art and stories and experimentation in all forms. Can you tell our readers a little about your and Stan's life in art before your children were born?
I entered the scene in 1957, and while the children were being born, we traveled a lot and met and befriended as many of the artists in all fields as we could. It was a very lively scene. We were all gods. We were very poor and we were going to change the world. We all knew each other, were drawn to each other like magnets, and we all agreed. It was exhilarating. And we did change the world.
We see that your most recent book, BRAKHAGE'S CHILDHOOD, is a retelling of Stan's Depression-era childhood, as told to you in the '80s in conversations with Stan. In what ways do you think Stan's formative years affected his art, his career, his family?
He was born a precocious child. He loved to get attention and he loved theatre. As a child, he put on shows, sang in the church, whatever. He had a rough childhood, pillar to post. He never outgrew being the center of the world.
Can you tell us a little about your most recent book, WOLF DICTIONARY?
I have it here. As a child, I ran with dogs, learned what they were communicating. I've always thought I learned dog language first and English as a second language. In my early 20s, I wanted to write a dog dictionary. Years later, three people told me about the time when they lived "way up the road beyond where the snowplow went across a winter and they watched a wolf and his mates." I was very charmed by this story, but couldn't figure how to present it. I finally realized that I could write it from the viewpoint of the wolf. But even then, people would read it and still they wouldn't learn the language. So I added notes, talked about why the animal made that gesture, what it meant. To me it seemed obvious as pie. So that's WOLF DICTIONARY. It's a key to start understanding animals and what they are communicating.
How has your writing evolved over the years? Has there been a change in subject-matter? Tone? In your youth did you feel the need to express ideas that you don't quite feel the need to express now?
In fact, I didn't start writing until I was nearly 40, but even then, across the last 40 years, I have changed a lot in my writing. I never was interested in writing fiction. I always wanted to write to understand something that came to my attention. At first, I felt obliged to write a story with a beginning, a middle and an end, but then I got really excited about the realism of form that anecdote gave. Now I feel that biography can get to understanding the life if the motives and drives are shown and develop into acts and responses and perspectives. I'm now considering writing the biography of the earth, to clarify the legend that the scientists are excited about. It will be a sort of translation. I'm hoping I can show it as adventures.
Which writers (poets, novelists, etc.) influenced you the most?
I think my first big influence was Rembrandt who looks at me through his eyes and we look at each other. He tells me to work, to pour out vitality. Gertrude Stein is reassuring. She tells me it's perfectly okay to be an odd-ball. Henry James tells me it's all right to talk at great length about little details; just dance it, and I'll have it right. Poe shows me how to put rhythm into my writing, to write the percussion and the beat. Vivaldi says to make living landscapes with whatever media. My father taught me to be blown away by a squirrel or an anthill or a bush.
With regards to filmmaking and art, who were your and Stan's biggest influences?
I think I was his and he was mine.
Are there any filmmakers today (experimental and/or narrative) that you find intriguing?
Ken Jacobs, Ernie Gehr, Nathaniel Dorsky, all close to my age. I wonder if there are any young people doing art? I know there's much that has been done in comic format. Rap seems full of energy, but it seems hard to avoid selling a message. I don't know. It may be an in-between time, or possibly I'm unaware of what's going on with the young. There is always talent, and talent is a beautiful thing, no matter what one does with it, but great periods like Baroque music or the Impressionists seem to be the blooming times.
What is your take on compartmentalizing art and films into genres? Do you think these types of creative outlets can be properly tucked away into a single box? Or do you think most art (including film) overlaps several different genres?
When I tried to get agents or publishers to publish me, they'd say, but what is your genre? Evidently, if you're writing in a genre, you know what you have to do and you get published. This doesn't interest me. I write what I write.
Can you offer any advice to our readers about film, personal expression and creativity?
Whatever you do you'll do what you're told. The question is, who do you want to listen to? – The shop boss? There's a steady job. – The pulse of the culture? – If you do that, you might starve and/or become famous. How about that inner voice? – How about writing what you want to know? – That's where I'm at – I write to think.
What's next for Jane Wodening?
I want to write the biography of the earth. There is some possibility that it will be the biography of the Universe. I'd like to put it all into common English, so anyone could know at least the theory of the moment – the amazing adventures of this planet and the life on it. I have a mess of little pieces of writing I'd like to put into shape – animal biographies, other thoughts. I really enjoy thinking. There's nothing more fun than thinking.
Can you tell our readers what they can expect at Film Love Atlanta's event, "Jane Wodening in Person," on February 13?
They can expect to be surprised about a number of things.
We know you've done plenty of interviews, but is there something you'd like to tell our readers that they don't know already?
I'm not sure what to say to this. I'm hoping they have open minds.
Photos courtesy of Jane Wodening and used with permission.


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38 Giant Tiger Locations
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Popular cities with a Giant Tiger branch
Giant Tiger addresses and opening hours
View all Giant Tiger addresses and the corresponding opening hours of Giant Tiger in our current overview. This means that you always know that the Giant Tiger in your area is open during a shopping Sunday or shopping evening and you will not be faced with a closed door. In addition to this information, you will also find the latest Giant Tiger catalogue and current offers here, so that you never miss a discount. If you are looking for more information about the Giant Tiger in your city or region, we can also refer to the Giant Tiger website.Frequently asked questions about Giant Tiger
In our database, we have gathered all Giant Tiger stores with their current opening hours. Enter your city, or let us automatically detect your location, and you will get an overview of all the Giant Tiger stores in your area. Please note that opening hours may change during public holidays and Sunday(s).
If you want to know where the nearest Giant Tiger store is, take a look at our location page. You'll easily find the nearest Giant Tiger branch via our branch locator. Let us know your location and you will get an overview of all the Giant Tiger stores in your area with their matching opening hours. You can also manually check for a specific location. Giant Tiger has stores in, for example, Brampton, Edmonton and Hamilton.
Giant Tiger has various stores throughout Canada. The store in the Department Stores category has branches in, for example, Brampton, Edmonton, and Hamilton. Let us know your location to find your nearest Giant Tiger store. Please note: Some stores on our website only have an online store.


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Working hard for you: a message from the CEO of Robert Half
First and foremost, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
These are trying and uncertain times. Most of you are likely reading this from home instead of your office. You may not have seen coworkers or customers — or even family or friends — face-to-face in some time. While it's essential that we adopt new ways of interacting to protect the health of our communities, doing so can bring moments of unease and isolation.
I want you to know that your colleagues at Robert Half are here to help.
We're working safely and remotely — at full speed
Our primary focus remains the health and safety of our employees and the temporary professionals on assignment with our clients.
All of our employees have the unconditional option to work from home for as long as this public health crisis persists. Those working in an office are maintaining the social distance recommended by health authorities.
Regardless of where our teams are located or how they are working today, Robert Half is 100% operational, and we continue to serve our customers with the same integrity and passion as we did before this crisis.
Our commitment to you
No doubt this pandemic has presented new challenges for your company. We can help. Our team is committed to saying yes to customers. We can leverage leading-edge technology and remote solutions to help you maintain essential operations. For example:
- We offer access to remote workers for critical operations from highly skilled professionals worldwide.
- We've enabled secure virtual desktops through Amazon WorkSpaces so remote staff can use their personal devices to access client applications and data.
- We're making it easy for temporary professionals currently on assignment to perform their work remotely, if necessary.
- We can assist your teams in transitioning to remote working arrangements.
- We can meet with you virtually through video conferencing and video interviews.
We're here when you need us
Robert Half has helped companies find skilled talent since 1948. We have navigated uncertain times before and helped countless clients do the same. In fact, I like to think that Robert Half is built for tough times, thanks to our decades of experience, our tenured leadership and the drive of our local staffing experts. Long story short: We'll be here today, tomorrow and any time you need us.
Reach out at any time
The latest information about our response to COVID-19 can be found on our FAQ page. We'll continue to assess our plans based on guidance from national and local governments and health authorities.
If you have questions or need assistance of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local recruitment consultant or email me directly at [email protected].
Stay safe and let us know how we can help.
Keith Waddell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Read our COVID-19 FAQs for clients
Read our COVID-19 FAQs for temporary employees


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Rev. Fred Luter
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
"life is like a vapor on this side of eternity."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (The Blaze/AP) -- Four months ago, two African-American pastors stood in a hallway of the Southern Baptist Convention's Nashville headquarters looking at a row of white faces.
The portraits of the 56 convention presidents since the denomination's 1845 founding are in large picture frames holding several portraits each. The final frame holds empty slots.
"They got a space for Fred, right there," one of the men said. "Got a space picked out for him."
"Fred" is the Rev. Fred Luter Jr., the man poised to become the first African American president of the nation's largest Protestant denomination when convention delegates vote next week in New Orleans.
It's a big step for a denomination that was formed out of a pre-Civil War split with northern Baptists over slavery and for much of the last century had a reputation for supporting segregation.
In recent years, faced with growing diversity in America and declining membership in its churches, the denomination has made a sincere effort to distance itself from that past. Many Southern Baptists believe the charming and charismatic Luter is the man who can lead them forward.
Luter's rise through the Southern Baptist ranks has been a slow and steady process, the result of the hard work, leadership and creativity that allowed him to turn a struggling inner-city church of 50 members into the largest Southern Baptist church in Louisiana by weekly attendance.
The 55-year-old grew up in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, the middle of five children raised by a divorced mother who worked as a seamstress "not to make ends meet, but just to make them kind of wave at each other," he said.
The family walked to a local Baptist church every Sunday and Luter's mother made sure all the children attended.
Luter drifted away from religion after leaving home for college, but at age 21 he found himself making a promise to God that he has kept to this day.
After a near-fatal motorcycle accident landed him in the hospital, "I said, `God, if you save my life, I'll serve you for the rest of my life,'" Luter said.
He survived and soon began preaching on street corners every Saturday with a group of friends from church.
"We had no training," he said. "We were just really excited about what God was doing in our lives and we wanted to share it with others. We got ridiculed a lot."
Luter kept it up for nine years before someone suggested he apply to become the pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Formerly a white church, the membership had changed to African-American with changing demographics of the neighborhood.
"When I came to Franklin Avenue it was a bunch of women and kids," Luter said. "You could count the number of men on one hand."
So Luter bought a pay-per-view TV boxing match between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns and told the women in his church to invite every man they knew.
About 25 men showed up, some of whom didn't realize they were coming to the pastor's house, Luter said. Nonetheless, they happily dumped their beer to go in and see the match. Afterward, Luter invited them to come to church.
"The boxing match was on a Friday night and the following Sunday five of those guys were at church," Luter said. He recognized them during the service and all the women started applauding. After church, they lavished attention on the men.
"The next Sunday there were more men," Luter said. "Once we started the men's program we found that men draw not only other men, but men draw women. Word started spreading."
Luter also began an outreach program called "frangelism," for "friends, relatives, associates and neighbors." One week, members asked to bring a friend to church, the next week a relative, and so on.
"We told them, `If God has done something in your life, you are obligated to share it.' We've never been on TV or the radio, never put up any billboards. The church grew through word of mouth."
As the church grew and began leading the state in baptisms, Luter started to draw notice. In 1995, he was invited to preach at the pastor's conference held in the two days before the Southern Baptist Convention's annual business meeting.
James Merritt, who would later become SBC president, had never met Luter or heard him preach when he brought him to the conference on a recommendation from a colleague. Merritt was simply trying to add diversity to the event. He got much more than he had hoped for.
Watch Luter discuss race in America on PBS earlier this year, below:
Merritt was on the speaker's platform facing the audience of 15,000 to 20,000 when Luter began to preach.
"They were electrified," he said. "You could tell by their body language he had them in the palm of his hand."
As Luter tells it, that conference put him on the map and he soon started getting invitations to preach all over the country. Some members of his congregation worried he would leave them for a better offer, but Luter has remained devoted to Franklin Avenue.
Many Southern Baptist leaders, when speaking of Luter, mention how respected he is for his determination to stay in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, destroying Franklin Avenue and scattering its members.
Luter said the disaster shook his faith and he didn't know at first if the church could recover. A photograph from that time shows Luter on a helicopter tour of the city, wiping tears from his eyes as he gazed at the flooded buildings and vans of his church.
He told the Baptist Press the tragedy showed him that "life is like a vapor on this side of eternity. What you have today could be gone tomorrow. You can't put your trust in earthly things."
Despite the loss of his home and church, Luter never missed a Sunday preaching and soon began driving a circuit to reach his scattered flock.
"Everywhere I went I would see people from my church and it was like a family reunion, with me crying and wiping snot from my nose," he said.
Those members still in New Orleans started meeting at a white church, First Baptist New Orleans, where the two congregations soon formed close ties that remained even after Franklin Avenue reopened in 2008. First Baptist pastor David Crosby will nominate Luter for president at the SBC meeting.
The tragedy even resulted in two new Franklin Avenue churches being formed, one in Houston and one in Baton Rouge, La., both cities where many former members remain.
Despite huge membership losses at Franklin Avenue in New Orleans after Katrina, about 5,000 people attend services each week and a recent Sunday found people standing along the walls with the sanctuary filled to capacity. To cheers and applause, Luter invited them all to come to the city's convention center and witness a historic moment where their pastor would be elected as the first African-American president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
His election is not guaranteed, but with the SBC's annual meeting a week away, Luter so far has no challengers for the position.
Although his likely election will be historic for Southern Baptists, Luter's many admirers say he is in no way a token.
As Crosby, of First Baptist New Orleans, puts it: "It's such a note of grace and favor from God that a man of this caliber would step forward to become first African-American president of the SBC."
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78 Years of Mr. Jerry Nelson by AverageJoeArtwork
It was extremely tough to work that day. Like everyone else here, I loved Jerry too. I only met him through Facebook, but at least I was able to tell him how much Fraggle Rock meant to me and to thank him for all the wonderful songs, characters and all around positive influence he had on my life. Jerry had this to say in response: "I'm glad you are still finding value in Fraggle Rock. Nice to have been a part of something that focuses on a tale of love, laughter, music, and symbiotic relationships and is still relevant to our selves."
I was lucky enough to receive Jerry's autograph in the mail once back in January 2000. What a great way to start the millennium! My only regret is that I didn't tell him about my wedding cake. My wife and I just got married on August 4th. The photographer hasn't gotten our photos done yet, otherwise I would've shown Jerry the picture of the cake. It was an exact replica of Ma and Pa Gorg's 513th anniversary cake from "Ring Around the Rock." It even had the PVC figures of Ma and Pa on the top. We chose it because of our love for Fraggle Rock... a masterpiece, and one of the most positive influences of our lives.
Also displayed at the wedding were photographs of those we loved and admired: those who were not present physically, but still beloved by myself and my bride. Among the photos of family members and loved ones who had passed away was a group shot of some of the main Muppeteers: Jim, Frank, Richard, Dave, Steve... and Jerry. Just minutes before I was wed, I glanced at their picture and silently thanked them all. Along with my family, the Muppets were a huge source of silly joy. Jerry was an important part of that.
Often things in the real world remind me of things in the Muppet universe. When I see construction workers, I always think of Biff and Sully. Any restaurant I am in, I smile if I see swinging kitchen doors with circular windows. I hear Fat Blue's frustrated cry of "WAITER!" in my head every time. The fourth stair outside my apartment complex isn't in the nursery. It isn't in the town. Finally, let's face it. Every single one of us Muppet fans who has heard thunder and lightning immediately thinks of the Count. I did just last night. A storm went through here and as the thunder rumbled outside, I said "Ah ah ah!" in my best Count voice. It was a reflex. I looked up at the churning sky and thought with a sad smile "Jerry's still counting."
There's more I could tell, but as the song says..."So much to say, foolish to try." Keep on counting up there, Jerry. We miss you, we thank you and we love you.
Goodbye Jerry Nelson by chricko
Benny Sheckner - Something that differentiates the Muppets from a lot of other puppetry is that the characters are beyond lifelike--they're soulful. In spite of their technically being inanimate objects, each and every one of them oozes humanity. Jerry Nelson brought the epitome of that soulfulness and humanity to each and every one of his characters. He came across as a man who wore his heart on his puppet sleeve. He knew both how to make the puppets emote independently, in character, and how to express his own emotions through them, while still remaining one of the most diverse performers in the history of the form. A truly uniquely talented man.
But on a more personal note, Jerry Nelson's characters have, for as long as I can remember, been my favorites. As a child, I related to the sweet, but also slightly sad nature of Robin. Snuffy was, and always will be, my best friend. Gobo's sense of adventure has made me a less inhibited person. And Floyd—my favorite Muppet of all time—will always have a special place in my heart. I can still remember seeing his iconic rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" for the first time. I remember, as a child, thinking that there was something greater going on on my television screen. It was the first thing to have an effect on me that could be described as profound. To this day, hearing Floyd's version of that song will bring a teardrop to my eye.
Jerry Nelson, there will never be another one like you. And while it's reassuring knowing that your legacy will live on because of that, it's disconcerting knowing that we'll never live in a world with Jerry Nelson ever again. I miss and love you, and will never stop thanking you for all of your contributions to my life.
Leave Me Some Magic Jerry by TeriyakiOxO
Phoenix Alvarado - Ever since I was little I always thought the voice of Jerry's characters as comforting, like his characters were specifically talking to me. From The Count helping me count to Floyd Pepper singing about fishing with John Denver. Lately my little brother has took a liking to his awesome characters that we will all miss without his voice. One day I found a Sesame Home Video titled "Monster Hits" and he fell head over heals in love with Herry Monster and Frazzle. Just the other day my brother came up and told me that Herry Monster is his best friend and I couldn't help, but smile and be a little sad at the same time for I knew what had happened. Jerry, a man I never met in person or through email, has touched the heart of my sibling and probably many other kids and adults as well as me with his wonderful Muppets that will be missed. RIP Mr. Nelson and thanks for everything.
Thanks Jerry by Sash Waite
Emilio Delgado (Luis) and his wife Carole - We have been out west for most of August and were aware through emails of Jerry's failing health. Of course we have observed his health highs and lows and had hoped he would hang in there so we could visit with him upon our return east.
It really is sad--but such a gift to have known and worked with a person as special as Jerry. His talent and humor was also equal to his humanity. We have enjoyed the bitter sweet pleasure of receiving mails from his close circle of friends and colleagues that have lifted spirits and produced some smiles in regard to his recent passing.
We appreciate that Jerry Nelson touched a wide circle of people through his many talents--which we are all a part of.
Jerry Nelson & Floyd by Barbara Barac
Jim Lewis (Muppet writer) - I'm still reeling a bit and not sure I have anything profound to add to what's already been said. He was a gift--and one heckuva fun guy to hang out with. Like a Boomerang Fish, through his work, Jerry will always come back to us.
Count by Jon Esparza
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, email@example.com


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