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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic but not revolutionary
After a three year hiatus Bloc Party have returned with their fourth album, imaginatively named...Four. Their first three efforts had all demonstrated different sides to the band. Silent Alarm was a fantastic and fresh take on indie-pop-rock; A Weekend In The City was far more progressive and moody; while Intimacy displayed Kele's bourgeoning love for electronic music...
Published on 20 Aug. 2012 by Tom Belcher
Published 10 days ago by pawny86
Most Helpful First | Newest First
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic but not revolutionary,
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
After a three year hiatus Bloc Party have returned with their fourth album, imaginatively named...Four. Their first three efforts had all demonstrated different sides to the band. Silent Alarm was a fantastic and fresh take on indie-pop-rock; A Weekend In The City was far more progressive and moody; while Intimacy displayed Kele's bourgeoning love for electronic music. This tradition of evolution begged the question of where Bloc Party would take their sound on their `come-back' LP. The answer is that it returns the band to its roots without a synth in sight, but what the album lacks in innovation, it more than makes up for in inspiration, proving that relying solely on two guitars, a bass, drums and vocals needn't be a restriction on creative output. The songs on Four are packed with enticing guitar lines, first single, `Octopus', being a great example. It is certainly the bands heaviest album to date, with songs like `Kettling' and `We Are Not Good People' utilising grunge-inspired riffs. Fans who have been craving a Silent Alarm part 2 will find more to enjoy here than on AWITC or Intimacy. `V.A.L.I.S.' is just a super catchy slab of indie pop and `Truth' comes complete with infectious sing-along `Ooo Ooo Ooooos'. Slower songs like `Real Talk', and especially `Day Four', flaunt Bloc Party's gentler side and are beautifully written, adding an extra element to the album without sacrificing its intensity. Lyrically it is not Kele's strongest offering and there are a couple of easily forgettable tracks (`Team A' and `The Healing') but as a whole, `Four' can sit proudly in Bloc Party's catalogue. It may not be ground-breaking, but musically it is undoubtedly very rewarding.
So He Begins To Lie (7.5/10)
A relatively interesting start to the album, one of the only songs that could have conceivably come off any of their three other albums. The riff is pretty catchy and sets a nice groove. It works well as first song, but isn't an album highlight.
3x3 (8.5/10)
Starts quietly but quickly, exploding in the chorus with Kele screaming over a high guitar line. If he's able to replicate the vocal performance live, swapping the whisper of the verses for the wails of the chorus, then it will be a stand-out song at gigs.
Octopus (8.0)
Lead single. The guitar riff at the beginning of this is one of the more experimental and exciting parts of the album, something quite different and interesting. Upon first listen it didn't seem catchy enough to be first single, but repeated listens display the chorus's deceptive ability to get stuck in your head.
Real Talk (9.0)
One of the slower tracks. It is very simple and stripped back. The simplicity is central to its charm though and lyrically it is one of the strongest efforts on Four.
Kettling (10.0)
Best song on the album. It is the heaviest song Bloc Party has ever written and begins with a really grungey riff which leads into a high guitar line in the verses as Kele discusses the 2011 riots. The chorus exclaims "We can feel it in our bones", and the song is a call-to-arms built to be sung to arenas.
Day Four (9.5)
The most poignant point of the album. It is dreamy, tender and mesmerising. The pace of the song allows time to breathe after `Kettling'. The outro is another album highlight as guitars and Kele's falsetto `Ahh Ahhs' drift across a simple drum beat which exquisitely builds into a quiet, but beautiful climax.
Coliseum (9.5)
The song starts with an unusually slow groove, reminiscent of `Grounds For Divorce' by Elbow. However, it then changes tempo completely and offers a stomping riff much more like an Arctic Monkeys number. The song then temporarily slows as Kele extols the virtues of pain, gradually quicken as he does so before returning to the heavy riff from the middle of the song. It is incredibly well worked and the unorthodox nature of the song structure gives it a unique energy.
A more straight forward number, it could be a lost song off Silent Alarm and has been tipped as a future single. The chorus repeats the line "Show, Show, Show, Show Me" generously and possibly a little too often, but it is so fun and catchy that this is easily forgiven.
Team A (6.5)
Not a great track, the opening guitar line is a less interesting take on the `Octopus' riff. The songs meanders through two verses without much incident and when the heavier part finals arrives and tries to spice things up, it's a bit late to really ignite the song which is unfortunate since the guitar solo in the bridge is actually pretty cool.
Truth (8.5)
Another more sensitive, quieter song. A stripped back verse sets the way for the bass and drums as the song slowly builds in what is another of the albums lyrical highs. The "Oooo Oooo Oooo" of the chorus also gives the track a real feel-good factor. It's like `Sunday' off AWITC, but with more of a smile.
The Healing (6.0)
The least impressive part of the album, it is a softer track but lacks the melody or catchy tune of the other mellow moments. This exposes the slower pace of the song as seemingly a bit lost and aimless.
We Are Not Good People (9.0)
Bloc Party's other three albums finished with something slow and thoughtful. Not Four. WANGP is a fantastic and frenetic blast of an album finale. With the aggression and chaos of a Biffy Clyro tune, the album closes with a heavy, rock bang.
Overall: 8/10
(If you liked my review please follow my music-based twitter page @2ndHandNoise . Thanks!)
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars "Dust off the Axe, Russell.",
Steven C. "Steven C." (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
On May 31st of this year, Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke took to the internet. He began by apologizing for two not-very-funny jokes that had come in the months since Christmas 2010. One had suggested that he was booted from the band, and another suggested that an aging ex-Pearl Jam drummer had replaced mainstay Matt Tong. Neither of these hoax attempts were true - nor were they necessary. After the tour supporting their last album, 2008's Intimacy, Bloc Party found themselves at a creative standstill. Okereke thought the timing was right to "make a record that excites people in the clubs like M.I.A.'s XR2," as he put it. With a solo album and a dubstep EP behind him, Okereke explained that Bloc Party were indeed back together and had, in fact, just wrapped up recording their best record to date at Stratosphere Sound Studios in Manhattan.
Bloc Party has a strong following comprised of two types of fans: there are fans that embrace their constant evolution and fans that want them to record Silent Alarm over and over and over again. After listening to Four - an album Okereke says got its title not because it was the band`s fourth album, but rather because it was a raw sound of four guys playing in room together - this record will both satisfy fans from both camps, and alienate some fans from both camps. Interested in always evolving, Bloc Party ditched both of their former producers, Jackknife Lee and Paul Epworth, and recruited producer Alex Newport of Mars Volta fame. Newport suggested that Bloc Party make a record the old-fashioned way: no ProTools, no layering, no over-synthesized effects. The outcome is a record that, at times, rocks harder than anything that the band has ever done.
The lead single, "Octopus," finds the band renewed and revitalized. It's energetic, aggressive, and incredibly inventive. The guitar recalls one of guitarist Russell Lissack's heroes, Graham Coxon of Blur (see "On Your Own" from Blur's 1997 eponymous album). With that said, "Octopus" is really no indication of what was to come. Apart from this single and a similarly styled track called "Team A," you can hardly hear the influences that had littered their first three albums (Suede, The Cure, Blur, and The Smiths). Also, you get the sense that Kele has the danceclub electronics completely out of his system and that he's given Russell the key to the closet where he had his guitar locked up for more than four years. In fact, their last single before the hiatus, "One More Chance," now sounds like a different band.
The album showcases Russell's guitar - and an influence that may remind one of Deftones' White Pony (see "Kettling" and "3x3") . Matt Tong's explosive drumming returns to the fore. Interestingly, Kele has dumbed down his lyrics quite a bit for this record in a purposeful way, similar to what one of his idols Brett Anderson did when writing Suede's 1996 album Coming Up. Along with less meaningful, less heartbreaking and personal lyrical content, many songs show a more subdued vocal. That works here because the purpose of this record is to showcase all four members (all masters of their craft) not just Kele. This record is about a rock guitar that, in parts, may shock Bloc Party's fan base.
But make no mistake: this does not sound anything like Silent Alarm. If you were hoping to bounce along to a "Helicopter" sound-alike, you're not going to get that. Instead, you get songs like "Kettling," their hardest rocking track to date. It rocks so hard, it almost cannot even be classified as alternative rock - though it does seem to have a bass structure very similar to "Bulls on Parade" from Rage Against the Machine. This is one the record's standout tracks that finds Okereke aggressively belting out, "We smash the window! Popo don't ---- around!", telling the story of the recent riots in London - through the eyes of the rioter. Other glimpses of rock guitar can be found on the tracks "Coliseum" and "We Are Not Good People." While you do get glimpses of A Weekend In the City-era Bloc Party on tracks like "Day Four", the splendid and melodic "The Healing, and "Truth," and unfortunately get some less immediate songs like on the record's most personal track "Real Talk," this album, while often showcasing varying styles, is cohesive and reiterates Bloc Party's legacy of constant evolution. But instead of defining evolution as pretentious, oft-unlistenable electronic noise (ahem, King of Limbs), they define it as showing the world they can often rock as hard as anyone - and at times even harder than Silent Alarm. It's a very strong return effort. Is it Bloc Party's best record? I'm not quite ready to give it such a crown just yet, especially with Silent Alarm in their back catalogue, but I will confirm this: I've scanned Four`s deluxe edition from front-to-back seventeen times now, and curiously, Kele never says the word "cruel" once.
4 out of 5
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A diverse, energetic and poignant return from Bloc Party,
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
After a long hiatus there was a lot riding on this album for Bloc Party's rep as one of Britain's best Indie bands.
While perhaps the vision and ambition was there in their previous album (Intimacy), the song writing was poor and the songs often seemed cluttered. Four has no such problems. The songs vary between two extremes: heavy as hell balls to the wall fast paced short, snappy tunes (about as heavy as you can get without bringing in double kickers, start talking about the devil and ending lines with "NGHYEAAAAUUUUHHH" Hetfield style), and mellow, emotional and ethereal ballads This Modern Love style. The songs that fall in between the two extremes are the weaker tracks, but are by no means bad. Kele's voice has improved; something he showcases on tracks like 3x3, Day Four and The Healing. Four's lyrics are lightly political as they have occasionally been on other albums, but are mainly focused on difficult relationships and emotions.
I'd give this album a 9/10. Not sure if it is better than their first two albums, but it is definitely close.
For me, the standout tracks are- Day Four, Team A, The Healing and We Are Not Good People.
On a side note, the track on the bonus album 'Leaf Skeleton' is absolutely excellent. In the same way that the Silent Alarm (Bonus tracks) edition was worth buying just for Two More Years, the bonus track edition of Four is worth buying just for Leaf Skeleton.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Is Four the magic number after all?,
Scaroth, Last of the Jagaroth (Sheffield, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
Sticking my neck out here I have to confess to really liking Bloc Party's 'electronic phase' showcased on third album Intimacy, but I also find their constant drive to produce different sounding albums extremely refreshing, and therefore it's great to hear some proper rocking (Kettling/Coliseum) and more conventional guitar-based pop (Day Four), alongside more recognisable BP tunes such as Real Talk and 3x3. As other reviewers have commented, this album is quite hard to pin down, even after several listens, but it certainly shows a band at ease with themselves; both lyrically and musically, and willing to forge a sound that may alienate some fans but will assuredly move them along creatively and win many more.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Mind-blowingly brilliant!!!,
This review is from: Four (MP3 Download)
This is an absolute beauty. All of the things that have made Bloc Party such an original and impressive band for several years are all raised a notch on this outstanding latest offering. The drumming and basslines are laden with hooks and take you on all sorts of magical journeys. The guitar parts weave and crunch with beautiful brilliance. The harmonies add space and texture. Kele's social stories are compelling and the emotional songs are full of absolute beauty. This is a must-have and it is crazily stunning value at �2.99 - buy it NOW and let this album remind you how exciting, distracting and enjoyable music can be!!!
4.0 out of 5 stars Four is a solid album with forgivable weaknesses for fans old and new,
indieisnotagenre (Berlin, Deutschland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
Initial fan responses were mixed when the album leaked two weeks before its set release. People wrote that Four wasn't the Bloc Party they knew anymore. People said the same when A Weekend In The City (2007) came out, which was much more radio friendly and less anxious then their debut Silent Alarm (2005). Intimacy took yet another route and had the band experiment with electronic music and turned out to be their worst commercially received album (that said it gained a rating of 69 on metacritic while Weekend only had 65).
I always appreciated all three albums in their own right. It probably helped that I first heard of them when Weekend came out and then went back to Silent Alarm. These changes in style really are one of the things making the band so special and stand out from all those other indie bands who release the same album every year trying to live up to their first.
In a nutshell: Four is an album that should please fans of Silent Alarm the most. It is a lot heavier and more guitar driven than their second and third albums (So He Begins To Lie, Coliseum, We Are Not Good People). Lyrically the album expresses some of that anxiety that I loved so much about their early material as Kele whispers "no one loves you" and then nearly shouts "as much as us" (3�3, which I find hard to listen to) or repeats the words "I'm gonna ruin your life" on Team A (someone's been watching Pretty Little Liars, I suppose).
Octopus recalls the staccato type lyrics we remember all too well from Helicopter. Octopus, besides its setting in a major key, is actually a song about a school shooting and Kettling reflects on last year's London riots. The latter is actually one of my favourites, a guitar driven rock song that reminds me of The Smashing Pumpkins in their heyday.
Real Talk is slow and repetitive and probably the weakest song on the album. Day Four shows once more that Bloc Party write rather good ballads (I Still Remember, This Modern Love) – the same applies to Truth. Coliseum opens with a blues rock riff and culminates in heavy guitars and shouts – quite an unusual and yet exciting Bloc Party song – while V.A.L.I.S. takes you back to Weekend days. The Healing is another ballad which unfortunately falls behind the other two.
All in all Bloc Party are definitely back and all members get to play their instruments agin. Four is a solid album with forgivable weaknesses for fans old and new. I'll give it four out of five (pun intended).
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply awesome,
Guy A (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
I really struggled with Intimacy to start with - couldn't understand what the fuss was about - a slow burner that eventually I loved. So, was cautious about this one, hearing some of the reviews, as it was a change again. But I love it. 3X3, Octopus and Real Talk just superb. Kele's voice is simply awesome.
4.0 out of 5 stars Delicate Beauty,
Mr. P. Baker - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
I pretty much loved Bloc Party from the very start and Helicopter in particular was played over and over. I think they're one of the few properly decent British bands of the last ten years. Nowadays I think of Silent Alarm as a collection of amazing singles and A Weekend In The City as an intensely personal confessional album. Intimacy is hands down my favourite because it's NUTS!
There's nothing on Four that will induce the Bloc Party rush of old but it could ultimately be the most rewarding album with repeated listens. Best to let it just wash over you as nothing stands out at first. It is very stripped down and the studio chatter brings to mind Let It Be of all things!
For me the back to basics style is absolutely in sync with these credit crunchy times and it is really good to have them back.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I Think I'm In Love...Again.,
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
It has been a painful 4 year wait for me, but they have finally returned, and with an album that is truly superb, by album four (quite literally) and a wailing change from album to album they have previously made, you would be forgiven in thinking they may have lost there way, on this album more so than ever. Instead they have made something quite unique once again, yet with so much to love.
Silent Alarm was fantastically, yet exclusively fitting of the Indie Rock stereotype. With guitar led songs being counteracted with soft atmospheric ones. AWITC was far more foreboding, with melancholic riffs throughout, underpinned with haunting chants and audio samples. Intimacy (my personal favorite) was an insanely large change, opting this time for incredibly intense electronics and brass sections, with soaring vocals from Kele singeing your ears from the off.
Four's more reflective songs are reminiscent of Silent Alarm, maybe even AWITC, whereas its rock n' roll highs can be separated from there other albums completely, showing thunderous grungy guitar riffs and tempered drumming not seen before on a BP record. Therefore each in turn, their four albums show a different side. Whether its thrashing Indie Rock, melancholic Blues, perplexing Indie Dance or in this case, hectic Rock n' Roll, they continue to do it very well.
I think Bloc Party fans should be pleased with this album, although those not familiar with the band would appreciate it just as much, It is a monument to all there hard work to produce it and I highly recommend purchasing it. Kele's vocals fit well within the boundaries of the songs this time around whilst each member of the band has a stake in every songs output. Much of the experimental energy comes in the form of instrumental this time around, whereas Intimacy used the vocalist as a projectile into the face of the consumer, one in which I loved, but could also see why many others didn't. This therefore makes the album far more agreeable to their previous record. If you like alternative rock in any form, this record will undoubtedly be for you, if you give it a chance at least.
Song-by-Song Rating (previous reviewer reviewed each song amazingly, I feel no need to expand on those descriptions in detail since I mostly agree).
So He Begins To Lie: 8/10 - Catchy opening, this song eliminated any fears I may have had about this album.
3x3: 9/10 - The whisper/wailing combination makes such a great contrast. I adore this one.
Octopus: 7/10 - Guitar riff is catchy, sure its a simple song, but it works. A safe but good first single.
Real Talk: 7/10 - I really love how this song opens, up until midpoint. Although it loses its a way a little.
Kettling: 9/10 - Heavy and hectic, this song refuses to be ignored. Rivals the experimental mayhem of Biffy Clyro's 'That Golden Rule'.
Day Four: 8/10 - A beautiful song, perhaps not an innovative as some of the album since its similar to older works, but this makes it no less worthy.
Coliseum: 9/10 - Heavy boisterous guitar riff that is catchy and unique for BP. I wish this song was longer!
V.A.L.I.S: 8/10 - The instruments back off a bit, Kele's vocals really shine on this song, it is very catchy.
Team A: 6/10 - Slightly forgettable since it fails to peak, although it begins with a lot of promise, that said, it is by no means a bad song.
Truth: 8/10 - Another more reflective song, but unlike Day Four, has more vocal presence, yet another enjoyable number.
The Healing: 7/10 - Quite soothing and reflective. I enjoy that unlike many albums, this doesn't feel like a back end filler, but rather more of a necessity.
We Are Not Good People: 9/10 - An unexpected yet fantastic ending, which is packed with power for a frenzied climax, instead of a weeping descent. Strays away from the typical and does it well.
Although the overall mean song rating would probably be about 8 from the above ratings, the sheer consistency of the album as a whole makes way for a 9/10, from my perspective at least! So, as a final statement: BUY THIS ALBUM!
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting name...interesting album...,
Mr. Matthew Munroe "Worldasleep" (Brighton, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Four (Audio CD)
After only a couple of listens I was not exactly blown away by their 4th effort. But then I wasn't disgusted by it either.
I think the problem is that I, much like many other people, have got used to a certain sound from Kelly and the others. And Four doesn't fit this sound at all. I have a feeling it will be one that grows on me after a break and a listen or two more.
Overall, not that disappointing and well worth buying.
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Four by Bloc Party (Audio CD - 2012)
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The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced today its 2014 National Board and officer election results, which were shared during the Guild's annual General Membership Meeting tonight on the Warner Bros. Studios lot. The Producers Guild elected Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary as Presidents. Other newly PGA national officers include: Vice Presidents of Motion Pictures David Friendly and Lydia Dean Pilcher; Vice Presidents of Television Tim Gibbons and Jason Katims; Treasurer Christina Lee Storm, and Vice President PGA East Region Peter Saraf. Outgoing PGA Presidents Mark Gordon and Hawk Koch, who served since 2010, received special recognition at the meeting for their unwavering service to the Producers Guild over the years, including their seminal advocacy on behalf of the Guild's credit certification, the Producers Mark.
"We are extremely honored and excited to begin this new chapter with the Producers Guild," said McCreary and Lucchesi. "We have seen numerous positive changes over the past four years as a result of the hard work of our Presidents, the PGA National Board and its committee members. We hope to continue to build upon the great work of our predecessors and to protect the rights of our industry's hardworking producers."
Gary Lucchesi has served as the PGA's Vice President of Motion Pictures for the past four years as well as co-chaired the Produced By Conference for the past four years.
Lori McCreary has served as the PGA's National Treasurer for the past two years as well as co-chaired the 2014 PGA Awards with Michael De Luca.
McCreary and Lucchesi's election marks the second time the Guild's nominating committee has selected a pair of members to stand for election together as Presidents, following Mark Gordon and Hawk Koch. The only other time the Guild has been governed by a pair of presidents was from 2001 – 2002, following the PGA's merger with the American Association of Producers, when the Guild was overseen by Kathleen Kennedy and Tim Gibbons. The 2014 election represents the first time the PGA has nominated pairs of candidates for its Vice Presidential offices.
About Gary Lucchesi
GARY LUCCHESI serves as President of Lakeshore Entertainment, an independent film company based in Los Angeles. He has also served as the Vice President, Motion Pictures for the Producers Guild of America since 2010. Lucchesi executive-produced MILLION DOLLAR BABY, which won the Oscar for Best picture of 2004. The first movie he produced was PRIMAL […]
Tag Archives: Producers Guild of America
Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary Elected Presidents of the Producers Guild of America
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced today its 2014 National Board and officer election results, which were shared during the Guild's annual General Membership Meeting tonight on the Warner Bros. Studios lot. The Producers Guild elected Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary as Presidents. Other newly PGA national officers include: Vice Presidents of Motion Pictures David Friendly and Lydia Dean Pilcher; Vice Presidents of Television Tim Gibbons and Jason Katims; Treasurer Christina Lee Storm, and Vice President PGA East Region Peter Saraf. Outgoing PGA Presidents Mark Gordon and Hawk Koch, who served since 2010, received special recognition at the meeting for their unwavering service to the Producers Guild over the years, including their seminal advocacy on behalf of the Guild's credit certification, the Producers Mark.
Coming Soon: More Producer Credit Glut!
By ROBERT W. WELKOS
When you ask indie producer Luillo Ruiz how his recent low-budget action-comedy film Welcome to the Jungle featuring veteran martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme could come with 31 producer credits, his answer is simple and straightforward.
The film's financiers were given executive producer credits, he said, while others who provided their production skills for less than what they would normally charge accepted other producer credits.
"They are not charging what they are supposed to charge but they are very passionate about bringing their skill to this film and the skills they bring to this film have a cost. That cost you should repay," Ruiz explained by telephone from Puerto Rico, where his production company, Piemienta, is located and where the film was shot.
In the film, which came out in limited release Feb. 7 and has also been released on DVD, Van Damme plays an unhinged Marine who leads a group of unsuspecting office workers on a survival trek across a jungle-infested island when they find themselves stranded at a corporate retreat.
Ruiz said the shoot took 19 days in Puerto Rico.
According to IMDB, Welcome to the Jungle comes with two producers—Ruiz and L.A.-based Justin Kanew ("The Amazing Race")—along with 14 executive producers, eight associate producers, four co-executive producers and three co-producers.
Welcome to the jungle, indeed.
But the Van Damme film is not an isolated case of producer credit glut.
Last year, Lee Daniels' The Butler drew media attention apart from the drama's strong reviews when it listed 41 producer credits.
The Producers Guild of America co-president Mark Gordon told the entertainment website The Wrap that the 41 producer credits was "a little embarrassing for everyone within our community."
The PGA has been fighting producer credit bloat for years and now has a certification process in place to protect the integrity of the producer credit.
According to the PGA, once a producer's work on a film is certified by the guild, the "Produced by" credit and producers name will be followed by the distinctive mark: "p.g.a." All the major studios have signed on to the process as well as many independent producers.
In the days and weeks to come, Hollywood studios and independent distributors will be releasing all sorts of films that are crammed with producer credits. For example:
*Fifteen producer credits on IFC Films' The Face of Love starring Robin Williams, Ed Harris and Annette Bening.
*Fourteen producer credits on A Birder's Guide to […]
Oscars: Get to know a Best Picture nominee: "Gravity"
Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
Written by: Alfonso Cuarón and Jonás Cuarón (reportedly with some uncredited collaboration by George Clooney as well)
Main cast members: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, and Ed Harris (voice)
Number of Oscar nominations in total: 10
Other nominations besides Best Picture: Best Director (Cuarón), Best Actress (Bullock), Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects
Notable precursor wins: Tied for Best Picture at the Producers Guild of America Awards, Won Best Director at the Directors Guild of America Awards, Won Best Director at the Golden Globe Awards, Won Best Director and Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards,
Chances at winning Best Picture: One of the top three contenders for the award and a definite co-frontrunner, if not THE frontrunner
Chances at other Academy Award wins: A sure fire win in Best Director, along with Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, though it could legitimately win every technical award that it's nominated for
ANALYSIS OF OTHER OSCAR NOMINEES: 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity and HER.
Gravity is the fifth film in my "get to know a Best Picture nominee" series, and it's the other main contender in the category. In fact, it's probably got the best chance of the bunch to win. Sure, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if 12 Years a Slave took home Best Picture, and I'd be one of the few not surprised by an American Hustle win, but still…Gravity is the most likely of that trio. It tied with Hustle for the most nominations overall, has picked up some strong precursor attention, and will likely dominate the tech categories at the Oscar ceremony. That gives it a leg up on the competition for sure. It'll likely come down to if voters are opposed to citing a science fiction film as their Best Picture winner. If they don't mind, then this movie is probably winning the Oscar.
Working in Gravity's favor is just how significant its wins have been and how rare a split between Best Picture and Best Director is. Alfonso Cuarón has dominated the Best Director race, so his win is a slam dunk. With the flick tied for the most nominations overall and a prime competitor for the top prize, it'll be all too easy for Academy members to not split their ballot. It may not have won the […]
Oscars®: Get to know a Best Picture nominee: "12 Years a Slave"
12 Years a Slave
Directed by: Steve McQueen
Written by: John Ridley
Main cast members: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, and Alfre Woodard
Number of Oscar nominations in total: Nine
Other nominations besides Best Picture: Best Director (McQueen), Best Actor (Ejiofor), Best Supporting Actor (Fassbender), Best Supporting Actress (Nyong'o), Best Adapted Screenplay (Ridley), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing
Notable precursor wins: Tied for Best Picture at the Producers Guild of America Awards, won Best Drama at the Golden Globe Awards, won Best Supporting Actress at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay at the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and and USC Scripter Award.
Chances at winning Best Picture: One of the top three contenders and main frontrunners for the award
Chances at other Academy Award wins: Frontrunner in the Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay races
12 Years a Slave is the first film in my "get to know a Best Picture nominee" series, and it's one of the main contenders in the category. The film is about the true life tale of Solomon Northrup, a free black man who was tricked into slavery and kept for the dozen years that gives the movie its name. Ever since it was announced that the film was being made, pundits like myself speculated that it was going to be an awards juggernaut. Well, it didn't disappoint and after being the most cited flick among the precursor season, it's now one of the most nominated films by the Academy and deep in the fight for Best Picture.
Working in 12 Years a Slave's favor is that it is basically a universally beloved film. There might be more passionate support for other contenders, but it's almost impossible to find someone who doesn't think that the movie is at least very good, if not great. That creates a situation where voters are basically assured of placing it high up on their ballot. Consensus is the key to victory in this category, and this is a flick that will not want for number one votes. The question is simply if the other two main competitors (American Hustle and Gravity) can amass a wider range of Academy members to vote for them as opposed to this one.
If you're looking for something that's not in this film's favor, it's […]
PGA Producing Workshop: "The Power of Diversity."
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the ninth annual PGA Producing Workshop: "The Power of Diversity." This multi-session workshop will run from May 28 through July 13 in Los Angeles, and is designed to foster the development of aspiring and seasoned producers who bring diverse perspectives to television, film and digital media.
This annual program provides ten participants with one-on-one mentoring sessions with members of the Guild's Diversity Committee as well as master classes with some of today's top producers. Topics are tailored to the participating producers and their projects, and will include all aspects of producing such as story development, pitching, packaging, financing, marketing and digital media.
"We're excited to offer this unique and career-enhancing workshop to entertainment professionals," said workshop chair Deborah Calla, who also chairs the PGA Diversity Committee. "Reflecting diverse communities through accurate and informative storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool that brings us all closer together. As PGA producers, we have a responsibility not just to appreciate different perspectives, but to empower such producers with the tools, resources and capacity to assist them in bringing their projects to fruition."
Past mentors have included such top producing talent as Bruce Cohen (SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, AMERICAN BEAUTY), Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, 2012), Marshall Herskovitz (DEFIANCE, BLOOD DIAMOND, THE LAST SAMURAI), Damon Lindelof (LOST, STAR TREK), Caryn Mandabach ("Nurse Jackie," "That 70s Show"), Lori McCreary (INVICTUS, THE MAIDEN HEIST), Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice"), Darren Star ("Sex in the City," "90210"), Mike Tollin ("Smallville," "One Tree Hill") and Ralph Winter (X-MEN, FANTASTIC 4), among many others.
Past mentees have included Ben Lobato ("The Unit," "Justified"), Aaron Rahsaan Thomas ("Southland"), Sarah DeLio (BLESS ME, ULTIMA) and Holly Overton ("The Client List").
"The mentors' enthusiasm, support and feedback were crucial to my development as a working writer and aspiring producer," said Overton. "They brought in the best producers, directors and executives in the business and have continued to foster relationships with all the workshop participants. I completed the workshop with a newfound confidence and an understanding of the various facets of producing. This amazing opportunity provided me with skills I continue to use on a daily basis."
Submissions for the "Power of Diversity" workshop will open on March 11 and close on April 19 at midnight Pacific Time. Ten participants will be selected to take part in the workshop at no charge.
For […]
Producers Guild of America Awards announce winners
Tonight the Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced this year's winning motion picture and television productions at the 24th Annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
In addition to the competitive awards, the PGA recognized several producers with honorary awards including Bob and Harvey Weinstein (Milestone Award), Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner (David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures), J.J. Abrams (Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television), Russell Simmons (Visionary Award), and BULLY (Stanley Kramer Award). The 2013 Producers Guild Awards were chaired by Michael De Luca.
The 2013 Producers Guild nominated films and television programs are listed below in alphabetical order by category, along with producers. The producers' names for each nominated production are listed in alphabetical order and may not reflect the order of screen credits. The winners are indicated in bold and with an asterisk (*).
The theatrical motion picture nominees and winners are:
The Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures:
* ARGO (Warner Bros.)
Producers: Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Grant Heslov
BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey, Josh Penn
DJANGO UNCHAINED (The Weinstein Company)
Producers: Reginald Hudlin, Pilar Savone, Stacey Sher
LES MISÉRABLES (Universal Pictures)
Producers: Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward, Cameron Mackintosh
LIFE OF PI (Fox 2000 Pictures)
Producers: Ang Lee, Gil Netter, David Womark
LINCOLN (Touchstone Pictures)
Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
MOONRISE KINGDOM (Focus Features)
Producers: Wes Anderson & Scott Rudin, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (The Weinstein Company)
Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
SKYFALL (Columbia Pictures)
Producers: Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson
ZERO DARK THIRTY (Columbia Pictures)
Producers: Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Megan Ellison
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:
BRAVE (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Producer: Katherine Sarafian
FRANKENWEENIE (Walt Disney Pictures)
Producers: Allison Abbate, Tim Burton
PARANORMAN (Focus Features)
Producers: Travis Knight, Arianne Sutner
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (Paramount Pictures)
Producers: Nancy Bernstein, Christina Steinberg
* WRECK-IT RALPH (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Producer: Clark Spencer
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:
A PEOPLE UNCOUNTED (Urbinder Films)
Producers: Marc Swenker, Aaron Yeger
THE GATEKEEPERS (Sony Pictures Classics)
Producers: Estelle Fialon, Philippa Kowarsky, Dror Moreh
THE ISLAND PRESIDENT (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
Producers: Richard Berge, Bonni Cohen
THE OTHER DREAM TEAM (The Film Arcade)
Producers: Marius Markevicius, Jon Weinbach
* SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN (Sony Pictures Classics)
Producers: Malik Bendjelloul, Simon Chinn
The television nominees and winners are:
The David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television:
"American Horror Story" (FX)
Producers: […]
Can the British Academy Award Members influence the Oscar nomination results? Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, 'Best Exotic,' and 'Skyfall'
Exactly two hours before I began writing up this article, the Producers Guild of America had just announced its complete list of nominees.
In the "Theatrical Motion Picture" category, one film appeared that virtually no pundit had thought to anticipate: Sam Mendes' British-produced Skyfall. But after recently crossing the $1 billion mark worldwide, not to mention its widespread critical acclaim and seven BFCA nominations, does this really comes as that much of a surprise? Oh yes, I forgot…Skyfall is a "genre" film, which means its "Best Picture" chances would usually be at the bottom of the barrel when stacked against baitier competitors that seem destined for Oscar® upon announcement. However, it has two things going for it that critically-beloved moneymakers like The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises do not: a late release closer to the pivotal Oscar® date and, most importantly, a huge chunk of support behind it in the form of the Academy's hefty British voting bloc, who are no doubt beyond astounded by its record-breaking success, and not just for the James Bond franchise either.
Skyfall is currently the 14th highest grossing movie of all-time and the United Kingdom's top movie earner in history, barely surpassing James Cameron's Avatar. Not including the Harry Potter movie franchise, Skyfall is also the most successful British film (Eon Productions) ever released. With these figures and the aforementioned accolades and overall success, it may be time to not just realistically consider Skyfall for "Best Picture," but also come to the realization that we've been underestimating the influential power of the Academy's British voting bloc throughout this entire race. In addition to Skyfall, I'll now turn your attention towards award hopefuls who have been under-the-radar all season long like Judi Dench as "M" in Skyfall, Maggie Smith in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and even John Madden's British ensemble dramedy itself. I strongly believe these four British category contenders will receive their major boost from the crucial British voting bloc in the form of Academy Award™ nominations come the morning of January 10th. After the jump, you will see the 'Skyfall' category contenders in this first of a two-part article series…
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"Bully" to receive the 2013 Stanley Kramer Award
The Producers Guild of America (PGA), announced today that critically acclaimed documentary feature BULLY will be honored with the 2013 Stanley Kramer Award at the 24th Annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony. Director Lee Hirsch and producer Cynthia Lowen will accept the award on Saturday, January 26 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The Stanley Kramer Award was established in 2002 to honor a production, producer or other individual whose achievement or contribution illuminates and raises public awareness of important social issues. Stanley Kramer created some of the most powerful and acclaimed works in the history of American motion pictures, including such classics as INHERIT THE WIND, ON THE BEACH, THE DEFIANT ONES, and GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER.
Previous recipients of the Stanley Kramer Award include such films as THE GREAT DEBATERS, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, HOTEL RWANDA, IN AMERICA, ANTWONE FISHER, PRECIOUS and the 2012 honoree IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY.
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Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News, Entertainment News, Movie News, Music News
The Producers Guild of America announced today the honorees for the inaugural Digital V.I.P. initiative and awards gala. Nine Visionaries, Innovators, and Producers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of digital entertainment and storytelling during the past year will be honored on April 11 in Los Angeles.
Honorees for the first-ever Digital V.I.P. are:
VISIONARIES – those who have brought forth new ideas about the creative application of technology to advance storytelling across all media.
Ø John Raatz (Founder, Board Chairman, CEO), Eckhart Tolle (Honorary Founder) and Jim Carrey (Honorary Founder) of The Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment (GATE)
Ø Bruce Sterling, multi award-winning science fiction author for his influence upon technology as it relates to storytelling and in co-founding the cyberpunk movement
INNOVATORS – those who have developed new methods or technology that enables the production of storytelling.
Ø Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Co-Founders of Instagram
Ø Bill Westenhofer, Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor for Rhythm & Hues Studios for LIFE OF PI
Ø Philip Atwell and Dylan Brown of Digital Domain for Virtual 2Pac
PRODUCERS – those who have created content whose reach, execution, and influence has advanced the audience experience.
Ø Disney Imagineering team and developers for Disney's Cars Land
Ø Louis C.K., Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, director, actor, and producer for his show "Louie" and re-engineering the role of artist in entertainment distribution
Ø Ben Donovan (President & Co-Founder), Danny Zappin (CEO & Co-Founder) and Lisa Donovan (GM & Co-Founder) of Maker Studios for pioneering the online multichannel network
Ø Conan O'Brien, Emmy Award-winning television host and comedian for the "Team Coco" digital experience
Mark Gordon, President of the PGA said, "Congratulations to this outstanding group of honorees. These visionaries, innovators, and producers are leading change and creativity at the intersection of entertainment and technology. We at the Producers Guild are pleased to acknowledge their contributions to our rapidly evolving digital industry, and we look forward to celebrating with them in the spring."
Membership in the Producers Guild was not a requirement for eligibility.
The Producers Guild Digital V.I.P. Committee determined the honorees, in conjunction with Producers Guild of America President Mark Gordon and a distinguished list of Industry Advisory Board members.
Digital V.I.P. Committee members include: Co-Chairs Shawn Gold, Marc Scarpa and Chris Thomes (Producers Guild National Board, Vice President of the Producers Guild New Media Council), Laura Allen (New Media Council), Dina Benadon (Producers Guild National Board, New […]
Michael De Luca to Produce 24th Annual Producers Guild Awards
HollywoodNews.com:The Producers Guild of America announced today that it has shifted the 24th Annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony to take place on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Additionally, Producers Guild Presidents Hawk Koch and Mark Gordon announced that the 2013 awards program, which honors excellence in motion picture and television production, will be produced by Academy-Award® nominated producer Michael De Luca.
"Michael is an original, creative producer with some of the most impressive credits in the business and we're thrilled he has accepted our invitation to produce the 2013 Producers Guild Awards show," said Koch and Gordon. "We're certain that with his fresh approach the Producers Guild Awards will continue to be one of the best industry awards events of the year."
"I'm energized to help recognize this year's most deserving creative storytellers, and I'm honored the Producers Guild has chosen me to take on this existing task. I can't wait to get started," said De Luca.
This past year, the PGA awarded THE ARTIST with its Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures and also paid tribute to several special individual honorees including Leslie Moonves (Milestone Award), Steven Spielberg (David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures), Don Mischer (Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television), Stan Lee (Vanguard Award), and the producers of IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (The Stanley Kramer Award).
De Luca began his career at New Line Cinema working on the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET series but quickly rose to head of production there, green-lighting in short order THE MASK and DUMB AND DUMBER for an ascendant Jim Carrey. He followed those hits with successes as diverse as SEVEN, BOOGIE NIGHTS, PLEASANTVILLE, BLADE I and II, and AUSTIN POWERS I and II. He has also launched or helped advance the directing careers of some of today's most celebrated filmmakers including David Fincher, Paul Thomas Anderson, Jay Roach, Gary Ross, and Guillermo Del Toro. In 2003 he become head of production for DreamWorks Pictures, where he green-lit both classic Will Ferrell hits OLD SCHOOL and ANCHORMAN. Most recently De Luca produced Academy-Award® nominated films MONEYBALL and THE SOCIAL NETWORK. Additional producing credits include MAGNOLIA, AMERICAN HISTORY X, WAG THE DOG, I AM SAM, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, 21 and GHOST RIDER I and II, among others.
About the Producers Guild of America
The Producers Guild of America is the non-profit trade […]


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Sunrise Health Region has an opening for a Permanent OTFT-RPT Registered Nurse in Nursing at the Kamsack Hospital in Kamsack, Saskatchewan.
Job Summary:
Duties include caring for patients with a wide variety of conditions. Planning and administering nursing care which meets standards of nursing care utilizing the nursing process. Prioritizing care and organizing and adapting realistically to patient workload and conditions. Being familiar with and following facility policies and procedures and encouraging fellow staff to also follow policies and procedures. The ability to calmly and competently solve problems in stressful and emergent situations.
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Bush to appear at Cornyn fundraisers
Appearance highlights close ties senator shares with president
R.G. RATCLIFFE, Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau | October 20, 2007
Photo By SMILEY N. POOL/HOUSTON CHRONICLEIn recent years, Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has consistently supported Bush over such issues as the war in Iraq and nominees to federal posts. But in recent months the senator has split with the president on a few issues.
Democrats criticize Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for what they see as unquestioned loyalty to President Bush, but that fealty is going to pay off financially next month as Bush is the honored guest at Cornyn's re-election fundraisers in Houston and San Antonio.
Invitations for the Nov. 8 events show a luncheon will be held at the home of Nancy and Richard Kinder in Houston. Kinder is the chairman of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners.
A late-afternoon reception will be held at the home of San Antonio lawyer John Steen and his wife, Weisie. Steen has been a major fundraiser in the past for Bush and Gov. Rick Perry.
Neither invitation listed host committees.
Deep connectionsCornyn's ties to Bush predate Cornyn's service in the Senate.
Former presidential adviser Karl Rove was Cornyn's adviser in some of his earlier state races, and Rove and Bush persuaded then-Texas Supreme Court Justice Cornyn to run for state attorney general in 1998. That positioned Cornyn to win the 2002 election for U.S. Senate.
In the early years of his tenure, Cornyn acted like the Bush administration's representative to the U.S. Senate, staunchly supporting the war in Iraq and Bush's nominees to federal government posts.
As the president's poll numbers started to drop dramatically late last year and early this year, The Washington Post reported: "In a sea of Republican doubt, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is all about certainty."
But as this year has gone along, Cornyn has diverged from Bush's moderate stand on illegal immigration, bucked him over the No Child Left Behind Act and was critical of former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales over the firings of prosecutors.
However, Cornyn supported Bush on the veto of State Children's Health Insurance Program funding.
Democrats respondThe Democratic challengers for Cornyn's job — San Antonio lawyer Mikal Watts and state Rep. Rick Noriega of Houston — were swift Friday to criticize the Bush fundraisers.
"I suspect it's payback time," Noriega said. "Cornyn has voted for Bush carte blanche."
Watts spokeswoman Kim Devlin said Cornyn and Bush should be more worried about fixing the nation's problems than winning re-election for Cornyn.
"Apparently there's good money in voting with Bush to send our sons and daughters to Iraq and not to give health insurance to the kids left behind," Devlin said.
Cornyn spokesman David Beckwith declined to discuss the events or the Democratic complaints.
Meanwhile, Noriega and Watts are scheduled for their first face-to-face appearance Oct. 26 in Austin. Both will be taking questions from members of the United States Hispanic Contractors Association.
The event then will be televised at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 3 on Univision's Voz y Voto.


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Originally written on Celtics Life | Last updated 11/27/12
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 22: Rajon Rondo #4 of Kentucky shoots the ball around the reach of Glen Davis #34 of LSU during the game on January 22, 2005 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 89-58. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Comcast Sportsnet New England produced the above segment, where they asked some of the Boston Celtics players who they are often mistaken for (starts at about 1 minute into the video). Rajon Rondo says that people have mistaken him for Chris Tucker, while Jason Terry has been mistaken for Steve Urkel. But some of the players have been mistaken for other Celtics players, including fans thinking that Paul Pierce was Kevin Garnett, or Jeff Green was Brandon Bass. What type of fan can't recognize his or her favorite team's players from one another?
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Mork of Mork and Mindy visited Random on Out of the Blue. The two were old friends, Mork's home planet of Ork was right next to Heaven (where Random was from)
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Archive for the 'Marine Corps' Category
"A Sense of Ownership"
By CDR Guy Snodgrass
A heartfelt thanks to all of you who've followed the journey of the "Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon" paper and for the thoughtful conversations that have followed in its wake. The upcoming survey and study on retention presents an opportunity to get at the heart of what YOU think, and help provide that relevant information to senior decision makers, our Navy family, and the American public.
I've been humbled to have had many positive interactions with our Navy's leaders over the past few weeks — officer and enlisted alike, and from all communities. Please know that this effort is being watched by many, and the outcome — and your support — has the potential to foster a climate where our best, brightest, and most talented men and women choose to remain in uniform.
In many ways the continuing conversation is about two things: What it means to serve, and the importance of nurturing a sense of ownership throughout the fleet. "Service" isn't just wearing the cloth of our nation or collecting a paycheck from the government … it's about putting the good of the Navy before yourself. The paper has also helped reveal that many throughout the Navy, and at all levels, share a strong sense of ownership. Many have stepped forward with innovative ideas to improve processes and policies at their level of the organization, whether as a Yeoman, a Lieutenant in the F/A-18 community, or as a pre-major command surface warfare officer.
Luckily, there are many in senior leadership who openly support the potential for positive change, including Vice Admiral Bill Moran, the Chief of Naval Personnel. He has made the time for several "all hands calls" with the fleet since the release of the paper, and is truly interested in hearing from those of us at the deckplate — what inspires sailors to remain in uniform and, just as importantly, what is pushing sailors away. We're incredibly lucky to be having this conversation with a Chief of Naval Personnel, among other senior leaders, who are willing to listen intently, think deeply, and act boldly in support of our Navy.
In the end, no matter your rank or position, it's about asking ourselves what type of Navy do we want to dedicate some portion of our lives to … and what type of Navy do we want to leave for those that join 5, 10, 15 years into the future and beyond?
Again, my most humble and sincere thanks. The support for the paper and for the 2014 Navy Retention Study has been tremendous. If you haven't visited the website, please consider following our progress at http://navy.dodretention.org. Keep the constructive feedback and ideas coming!
All my best,
Tags: 2014 Navy Retention Study, Navy Retention Study, retention
Another Look in "The Shadow…"
By Bill Doughty
Women and men of the Class of 2002 may think they are in the shadow of their grandparents — "The Greatest Generation" who beat fascism, crushed nazism and crossed the Pacific to avenge Pearl Harbor and win the war in the Pacific in less than four years.
"In the Shadow of Greatness: Voices of Leadership, Sacrifice, and Service from America's Longest War" is a compilation by or about members of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2002. (USNI offers comprehensive reviews of the book, published in 2012; this is another look into the shadows.)
Put together with love and appreciation by Joshua Welle, John Ennis, Katherine Kranz and Graham Plaster — and including a foreword by David Gergen — the book is filled with essays and memories by and about members of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2002. The authors set the stage with a look back to the past:
"The magnitude of World War II provided the opportunity and experiences that shaped twentieth-century American leaders. As men served abroad, women provided support at home. All overcame great odds and faced adversity that gave them confidence and shaped their outlook in the decades to come. This 'greatest generation' returned from war, took advantage of the educational benefits offered through the GI Bill, and advanced the country's economy and transformed its society. World War II veterans, while fueling economic advancement, remained resolute in their value system: service, sacrifice, and community."
Among "Shadow's" contributors are aviators, surface warfare officers, submariners, U.S. Marines and mothers of junior officers killed during training or in action.
The book is filled with first-person, heartfelt accounts of triumph and hardships: what it's like in humanitarian assistance missions, duty at sea, Search and Rescue operations, and combat; what it means to face family separation, "setting aside the comforts a normal life in service to our country and the Constitution. The dark sides of these sacrifices are broken marriages, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and estrangement."
But there is plenty of triumph here, too, focusing on why and how Navy and Marine Corps leaders choose to serve — "not for self, but for country."
A highlight is the account by Meghan Elger Courtney, who served aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) of her commitment to promote warfighting readiness for Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Courtney recognized a need to improve shipboard physical fitness opportunities to help Sailors who would deploy forward — either aboard ship or as individual augmentees in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With the blessing of her commanding officer and strong support from the command master chief and Chief's Mess, j.o. Courtney planned for, procured and arranged for installation of a new fitness center that replaced outdated insufficient gear and space. Courtney writes, "Almost immediately, I saw a positive renewal in people's attitude toward fitness, healthy eating, and incorporating workouts into their daily routine as a way to relieve stress and stay in shape."
"What some may have viewed as my silly pet project, the command master chief took seriously, and he became my closest ally in seeing it through. I never really knew how much the experience had impacted him until I saw him become visibly choked up recollecting it during his closing remarks when he transferred off the ship. I don't think he thought that a young officer like me could have cared about his crew so much, but I did, and I still do…"
Courtney's story is just one of many inspiring reflections. She said she was inspired by a quote by explorer Robert E. Peary on a motivational placard in Halsey Field House at the academy: "I will find a way, or make one."
Other essayists share their sources of inspiration as President Teddy Roosevelt, President Dwight Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Daniel Inouye and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, among others.
One essayist quotes the last two lines of a poem by Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day" in pursuing a life of purpose, wanting to make a difference:
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
The authors and essayists show how core values of honor, courage and commitment make up an ethos that "forms the fabric of people's personality and drives them to a life of service, in and out of uniform."
"'In the Shadow of Greatness' was envisioned to recognize and chronicle the service of brave men and women and through their stories establish connections with the broader, nonmilitary community. These first graduates of the Naval Academy after 9/11 entered a global war at sea, in the air, and on land. This war would last more than a decade and define the United States in the early part of the millennium. The actions of the select few profiled here represent those of a much broader spectrum of patriots."
Attacks on 9/11/2001 changed the lives of the Class of 2002.
In a short introductory piece, "Inside the Gates of Annapolis," Adm. Sam Locklear (now Commander, U.S. Pacific Command) writes about the investment the country makes in the women and men who attend service academies, including the Naval Academy, reflecting on the morning of September 11, 2001 when he sat at his desk as commandant of midshipmen.
"I recall vividly watching the al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. When the images reached the Brigade, and the uncertainty of the events rapidly became reality, I asked myself, Are these men and women, these young patriots, ready for the challenges that most certainly lay ahead. A decade of war has proven that they were more than ready. Fortunately for us all, they remain ready today. We are extremely proud of all they have accomplished and thankful that we chose the right men and women to lead the next great generation."
The book, published by the Naval Institute Press, is a key title on the CNO's Professional Reading Program essential list under "Be Ready."
A version of this post appeared on Bill Doughty's Navy Reads blog.
Tags: Academy, Book, Book Review, Chuck Hagel, core values, ethos, Halsey, Inouye, John F. Kennedy, John Paul Jones, reads, Roosevelt
As with most concepts and good ideas, you really don't know what you need and how you need to do it until you put Sailors to task and head to sea.
The idea of an Afloat Forward Staging Base has, in a variety of forms, been a regular part of naval operations arguably for centuries under different names and with different equipment.
What about the 21st Century? More than just a story about the use and utility of the AFSB concept, the story of the USS PONCE is larger than that – it also has a lot to say about how one can quickly turn an old LPD around for a new mission, and how you can blend together the different but complementary cultures of the US Navy Sailors and the Military Sealift Command civilian mariners.
Our guest for the full hour to discuss this and more will be Captain Jon N. Rodgers, USN, former Commanding Officer of the USS PONCE AFSB(I)-15.
Either join us live or pick the show up later by clicking here.
Tags: Midrats
Please join us on 30 March 2014 at 5pm (1700) EDT for Midrats Episode 221: "Officer Retention with VADM Bill Moran and CDR Guy Snodgrass
This Sunday, join our guests Vice Admiral Bill Moran, USN, Navy Chief of Naval Personnel, and Commander Guy Snodgrass, USN, Prospective Executive Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE FIVE, in a discussion of the challenge of officer retention that is facing our Navy.
As over a decade of major combat operations ashore winds down, economic and budgetary stresses grow on defense spending, a strategic re-alignment combined with a generational change are coming together in a perfect storm of challenges to keep the intellectual and leadership capital our Navy needs to meet its nations challenges in the coming decade.
What are those challenges? What lessons can be drawn from past retention problems, and what is different this time? What steps can be made in the short term to address this, and what longer term policies may be put in place to mitigate the systemic problems that are being looked at.
Our guests will be with us for the full hour, and the foundation of our discussion will be CDR Snodgrass's Navy officer retention study, Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon: A Navy Officer Retention Study (as posted on the USNI Blog – original study here)
Also see VADM Moran's USNI Blog post A Navy needs critical thinkers … those willing to share their ideas.
The show goes live at 5pm EDT you can listen then or pick it up later by clicking here.
Update: Fixed date of show issue – show is Sunday, 30 March 2014!
Tags: Midrats
With the new defense budget out, new QDR out, the withdraw of maneuver forces from Afghanistan, rising interest in INDO-PAC operations, and a resurgent Russia: after over a decade of COIN and land wars in Southwest and Central Asia – what is the status of the United States Marine Corps?
Materially, intellectually, and culturally – is the USMC set up to move best towards the expected challenges and missions?
Our guest for the full hour will be Dakota L. Wood, Lt Col, USMC (Ret.), Senior Research Fellow, Defense Programs at the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign and National Security Policy at The Heritage Foundation.
Following retirement, Mr. Wood served as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.
Most recently, Mr. Wood served as the Strategist for the U.S. Marine Corps' Special Operations Command.
Mr. Wood holds a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography from the U.S. Naval Academy; a Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.
Join us live at 5 or pick the show up for later listening by clicking here.
Tags: Midrats
The Media Circus
By Jeannette Haynie
The Marine Corps Times and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have been in the news together recently, and not in a good way. After hearing sketchy details at work about integrity issues, whistleblowers, and biased reporting, and seeing the associated headlines, I finally spent time doing some catch-up reading to figure out what was actually happening. As a result I am now completely confused, and given the questionable coverage, bizarre headlines, and the "he said-she said" nature of it all, I'm probably not alone.
The news cycle started with the reporting surrounding the video that surfaced in 2012 of Marines urinating on Taliban corpses. The incident and subsequent official investigation garnered attention, and the news cycle continued with stories about unlawful command influence and who did or did not make specific statements to others about the investigation. This winter, media coverage veered off into the bizarre with allegations that the removal of the Marine Corps Times from the front shelves of PXs around the world was a purposeful act directed at the paper by a vengeful Commandant's Office. The reporting of the incidents in question is, of course, mainly performed by the Marine Corps Times and published by the same; as far as professional publications go, Foreign Affairs it isn't. I don't know that stating that "the Commandant's Office punted all questions" is a shining example of unbiased, objective reporting. To be honest, I haven't heard too much grumbling from fellow Marines over the stories; those I spoke to seemed as unaware as I was about the details of the stories in question. It seemed like the kind of background noise and drama that Marines avoid.
But the articles, however biased they may be, are disturbing for their existence if nothing else. Why are we reading about the diverging statements of top Marine generals? Why does it seem like the Commandant's office has a message problem? Is the Marine Corps Times stirring the pot in order to report on legitimate problems? Or is the paper, in the words of the Commandant's office, hoping to undermine good order and discipline by broadcasting stories that question the integrity of a sitting Commandant and cast doubt upon his abilities?
(One article in particular left me thinking that I had forgotten how to read the English language. A Marine Corps Times reporter interviewed four Public Affairs Officers, but I really can't tell if any of the questions were answered in the process. Give it a try here and let me know what you figure out.)
In wading through the mess, one point jumped out: the Marine Corps is creating an OPT to help decide what should be placed near the front of Marine Corps exchanges. We are going to have "focus groups," "discussions," and "an ongoing process" in order to conduct a "holistic," "comprehensive review." (All this from the same article).
What is going on here? Have we completely lost our way? We are at war and the Marine Corps is in a spitting contest with a JV paper over where that paper is placed in the PX? We're cutting funding by the pantload, trying to refocus a force after over a decade of conflict, and are spending money and energy creating an OPT to figure out what should go near the front of the PX? This entire exercise seems way beneath the dignity of the Commandant's office. Figuring out the PX layout and products should be number 800 on his priority list. What am I missing?
The message we are sending to our Marines with this mess is not pretty. It resembles the ugliness and distractions of politics. It reminds me of what my kids do when they are trying to keep me from discovering the indelible marker drawings on the wall or the candy they hid under their pillows. I am honestly not sure where the blame lies for this situation, but I hope for our own sake we recover quickly and move on to the 799 items that are more worthy of our attention as a service.
On Midrats 16 Feb 14: Talking About USNI's "West 2014 Conference" and more
By Mark Tempest
Just click here to get to the live show (you may have to click again on a show page, but what are two clicks among friends?). Call in during the show with comments or thoughts or join us in the chat room if you think your voice is not yet ready for radio.
I think Cyber, Russia, Christine Fox's comments, Coalition Warfare, budget constraints, the JSF, retention of our best talent, and the future of warfare will come up at some point. Plus more.
Join us live or listen later.
Tags: Midrats
Still Struggling to Define "Information Dominance"
By UltimaRatioReg
I made my way to the USNI/AFCEA West 2014 Conference because the theme is an important one. Shaping the Maritime Strategy. And because I was fairly certain it wouldn't be snowing in San Diego. Sure enough, the speakers and panel sessions have not disappointed. And, there is not a snowbank in sight.
This morning's keynote event was a roundtable on Information Dominance. Moderated by Mr. David Wennergren, VP for Enterprise Technologies and Services at CACI, the panel consisted of RADM Paul Becker USN, Director of Intelligence J2 from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, RADM Robert Day USCG, Assistant Commandant for C4I for Coast Guard Cyber Command, Mr. Terry Halvorsen, DoN CIO, and BGen Kevin Nally USMC, Marine Corps CIO.
Each spoke eloquently of the need for protecting trusted information networks in an increasingly interconnected military, as well as the complexities of the dependence on trusted networks for myriad systems, capabilities, and decision support of command and control functions. Not surprisingly, the emphasis of most of the discussion was on countering the threats to our use of the electronic spectrum, which is to say "cyber" security. Each of the roundtable speakers were insightful in describing the problem of data overload, and how that overload actually stymied efforts to retrieve information. And each commented in turn that "information dominance" was not synonymous with "cyber", which merely represented one aspect of the concept.
The discussion amongst the roundtable members did fall disappointingly short in two critical areas. The first was the focus on technical solutions for managing data and information. Connectivity and data transfer capability dominated what should have been a cultural discussion about information management. It is not the lack of sensors, or data feeds, nor connectivity shortfalls which have hampered our attempts to wring the maximum value from our information systems. We have become so enamored of the colossal capability to access raw data that we have become less than disciplined about what we NEED to know, when we need to know it, from whom we should expect it, what form that data needs to be in, and how it is to be analyzed into information useful for decision support for C2. Little of that was directly addressed, which was unfortunate, as such lack of acumen about our information and intelligence requirements will render any system to deliver those products far less effective than they should be.
By far, however, the biggest shortcoming of the roundtable discussion was the inability of any of the panel members to actually define the term "Information Dominance" in any meaningful way. I had submitted precisely that question for the roundtable via the electronic submission system in use at West this year, but someone asked it ahead of me. The attempts to define "Information Dominance" would have made a junior high English teacher cringe. We heard what information dominance is similar to, and what the supposed goals of information dominance were, but neither was in any way a real definition. (This is not a surprise. Two years ago, the Navy had an "Information Dominance" booth on the "gizmo floor", staffed alternately by a Captain and two Commanders. I asked each, separately, over a couple days, to give me their definition of "information dominance". None of theirs were remotely similar, nor any more adequate than what we heard today.)
The problem, of course, is the term itself. Information cannot be "dominated", despite assertions to the contrary. An enemy with a very specific information requirement that he can fulfill reliably and in a timely manner can be said to have information "dominance" over our massive sensor and communications networks that commanders and staffs pore over in attempts to see through the fog of war. The dust cloud from the dirt bike as the teenager rides from Baghdadi to Hit to tell the insurgents of the Coalition convoy headed their way trumps our networked, data-driven ISR platform links that cannot help prevent the ambush that awaits us.
We have much work ahead of us to make most effective use of our incredibly robust data collection systems and information networks. The solution to the problems of analytical capacity resident in C2 nodes with which to turn raw data into useful information and intelligence will be far more human than digital. Commanders have to insist on a philosophy of "Don't tell me everything, tell me what I need to know". And then go about ensuring that those who collect, compile, and analyze data have a very good idea of what they need to know.
And we can start by retiring the troublesome and ill-suited term "Information Dominance". As General van Riper is fond of saying, "Words MEAN things!". They're supposed to, anyway.
Cross-posted at Bring the Heat, Bring the Stupid.
In our first post Scott and I wrote about education opportunities available for those supporting the U.S. Navy, from reserve Marine Corps to active Navy to civil servants. We've updated that post with additional options thanks to RADM James Foggo, CDR Steve Melvin, Chrissy Juergens, LT Vic Allen, and Tetyana Muirhead. In that article we focused on free courses that can be used towards degrees or certificate programs. But that's not the only type of free training available.
Alternatively, you might find yourself in the situation "Degreed Out" (BSEE, MBA, CDFM, CISSP, OA Cert from NPS…), in which getting another master's degree or certification may start merely seeming like alphabet soup. Also, if you're like me and you find yourself on shore duty, it should be a time for professional and personal development, right? I tried something different and took a few classes through Coursera. Six classes actually, and I'm happy to say this was a very positive and rewarding experience. Coursera offers what are known as massive open online courses (MOOCs). In contrast with the courses in our first post, these typically have no limit on the number of seats in the class and some can be started at any time, although there are many variations on the set-up. While they too don't charge for enrollment, a few have a small fee to test or "certify" you upon the course's completion if that is something you'd like to pursue.
With Coursera each class ranged from 6-12 weeks in length and all required a different but not insignificant amount of work. What did I get for my efforts you ask? All but one of the courses offered me PDF certificates of completion that don't mean much to anyone but me. More importantly, I learned more than I thought possible in subject matters I chose (Cryptography, Reverse Engineering of Malware, Financial Engineering, Computational Finance, High Performance Computing and Guitar) by the experts in the field (Stanford, University of London International Programmes, University of Washington, Columbia University, Georgia Tech, and Berklee School of Music).
In my humble opinion, this is the future of education. I think this is the greatest invention since the public library system. It is the public library system and the internet combined, with guided direction of the world's greatest instructors thrown into the mix. I am convinced that this is how the world will judge future academic institutions and decide where they will send their children to study full-time. It is also quite possibly, how future college students will prepare and choose their degree paths. I expect great things for the future due largely to efforts such as these. For Scott's part, he believes the business model will allow MOOCs to count towards degree and certificate programs at "brick-and-mortar" institutions if they are individually partnered with that institution and upon the successful completion of testing on a fee basis (The Economist has covered the possible future of MOOCs in more depth, as well as even shorter, less-formal learning tools).
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
For an aggregation of MOOC courses across these and other sites check out MOOC-List.
Coursera has 554 institutions offering course-work in various subject areas. Take the world's best courses for free and earn a certificate of completion. Alternatively, pay a few dollars extra and earn a verified certificate. This certificate verifies your identity by using methods such as your typing patterns and using an online camera to verify your picture. One of the downsides for military members attempting to take Coursera classes related to your job is that the site is not compatible with NMCI's old browsers.
iTunesU has a large collection of free podcasts in several knowledge areas. Not surprisingly, if you want to learn how to write an iTunes App this is the place to go. It seems that may universities have their own portal on the iTunesU website. In my opinion, Apple's decision to host individual portals has left this site a bit of a mess and course material is slightly unorganized. However, once you find the content you are looking for, it could make your commute to work much more productive.
While I have yet to try this one, Udacity is the same basic concept as Coursera but with a twist. You can take the classes completely on your schedule. Although limited in number by comparison, the course offerings looked fairly attractive. I think I may just try the "Intro to Hadoop and Map-reduce" course if I can squeeze it in. With no deadlines it is much more likely that I will sign up, poke around at the most interesting content, and if I am not completely enamored put it off until another day.
edX is another top-tier MOOC which at the time of this writing has 38 courses to choose from, provided in partnership with such institutions as Harvard, MIT, and Georgetown, spanning many subject areas. Most edX course videos are provided by means of YouTube and do their best to incorporate students into discussion groups on online forums. edX also offers certificates of completion, some requiring a fee for identify verification.
Navy Knowledge Online, MarineNet, and Joint Knowledge Online
We would be remiss if we didn't mention these three sites, which are in fact long-running DoD-restricted versions of MOOCs. While they may not have the best reputation and are saddled with clunky, non-mobile interfaces, they do offer training on topics directly related to professional duties. Additionally, for those seeking to expand their knowledge beyond their designator or rate, there's a range of interesting coursework available – from drone operations to intel "A" school to short cultural backgrounds on dozens of countries.
Defense Acquisition University (DAU), FEMA, DHS, Defense Security Service
Back in our first post we talked about (at least in the updated version) accredited courses and certificate options available through DAU, FEMA, DHS at NPS, DHS at Texas A&M, and the Defense Security Service's Center for Development of Security Excellence. As a reminder, they have many online training options there for self-edification as well. Offerings typically focus on subject such as incident response management, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
While Rosetta Stone used to be available free to servicemembers, that contract has since expired. However, there are still several options for beginning or furthering a language for free. Both NKO and JKO have several languages available, but they're not the most interactive, and focus primarily on a few of the high-demand target languages and militarily useful skills. That said, if you're already an intermediate speaker or going on a specific assignment and want to brush up on your ability to talk to your uniformed counterparts, these could be quite useful. iTunesU has a plethora of options, running from minute-long immersion to more structured serial listening podcasts. For those with smartphones there are a variety of free language apps that I have yet to try, but the Duolingo app comes highly recommended and takes an immersion and gamification approach to try and cram learning for fun into the nooks and crannies of your free time. Scott may have to put away The Simpsons Tapped Out and finally get back to his Spanish studies.
If you have any additional recommendations on language learning options, please let us know and we'll perhaps come up with a part 3. In the meantime let us know what else we missed, and keep on learnin'.
This article was cross-posted by permission from JO Rules. The opinions and views expressed in this post are his alone and are presented in his personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy.
Tags: DAU, DHS, DSS, Education, FEMA, JKO, MOOCs, NKO, training
In Helene Cooper's New York Times piece published this Wednesday, "Nuclear Corps, Sidelined in Terror Fight, Produces a Culture of Cheating," several former "missileers" offered justification for a recent spate of somewhat unsavory behavior among their ranks, to include a General's drunken antics while on official visit in Moscow, violation of key security procedures, and a newly unearthed culture of cheating. The excuse? Excessively high standards maintained in a post 9/11 era which did not prominently feature a likely role for the American nuclear arsenal. Most tellingly, Mr. Brian Weeden, a former Air Force launch officer from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, was quoted as saying, "The mantra had always been that the nuclear deterrent would keep America safe. But it didn't. So I felt, not only did we fail to deter those attacks, but we couldn't do anything about it after."
As a Marine officer, my branch of the service never has nor will have any part in the "nuclear triad" comprising our nation's nuclear defense from the air, land, and sea. The closest link I can claim to our nation's nuclear defense is an undergraduate course in nuclear thermodynamics and a few classmates who serve as junior officers in our submarine fleet; I definitely do not know the first thing about serving in a missile silo. I do know, however, that regardless of mission pertinence – something Mr. Weeden hugely (and incorrectly) undervalues about his own community – elite standards are an asset for leaders to ensure mission readiness, not an obstacle to be circumvented for appearance's sake. As such, unethical compromise of standards is not a failure of mission applicability, but a failure of leadership.
As it stands, though, the claim that the nuclear deterrent failed to keep America safe from September 11th (and using it to justify slacking standards in the wake of declining morale) is akin to saying that mouse traps failed to rid a house of pests because a fly came in through the window. While the "classic" Soviet challenge has been removed, threat of nuclear war still hangs as a mushroom shaped cloud over the international arena. There exists an entire legitimate body of scholarship debating the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence (with Thomas Schelling as its father), but to dismiss even minimally deterrent nuclear arms as failing to deter a terrorist attack misses their point completely. Our nuclear stockpiles are primarily designed to deter other states – not individual actors – from attacking the United States (in a nuclear capacity or otherwise). Regardless of individual terrorist attacks, other nuclear states – not all friendly – still exist in the world. As such, the mission of our nuclear triad remains necessary.
Independent of the relevance of the nuclear corps' mission, however, to blame excessively high standards, backed by "few carrots for rewards and far more sticks for retribution," for a culture of cheating is sorely misguided. The stakes in a hypothetical nuclear exchange are undoubtedly higher than perhaps any other military mission, but soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines all train to missions of substantial gravitas, where expectations should be – and usually are – high. In these cases, no matter how many "sticks" are doled out for failure, it is incumbent upon the leadership in a given unit to enforce those high expectations. Not meeting such standards is one issue; deceitfully circumventing them is entirely another. To dishonestly sidestep those standards, at best, keeps a leader wilfully ignorant of his unit's shortcomings, and, at worst, leaves our nation woefully underprepared.
Sunlight has obviously proven the best disinfectant for our missileers; individuals are being held accountable, and appropriate action being taken. More troubling is the emerging justification of mission inapplicability (no matter how misguided) for such behavior. Immediate threats to national security will constantly be in flux; leaders' obligation to remain prepared while serving as moral and ethical reference points for their subordinates can never be.
Tags: nuclear weapons