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May 28 2012
The Ten Best Summer Movies of All Time
By Mark Spearman, my brother in movies.
The screen is dappled with the last yellow splashes of setting sun filtered through a stand of Monterey Pines. Seated in my uber-comfortable Target camp chair, cold beverage and king-sized popcorn at the ready, I hear the familiar prelude of car trunks slamming, crushed ice tumbling into coolers, children being summoned from the adjacent playground. Darkness is imminent. Showtime nears.
We decide to see the first big blockbuster of the summer in style, alfresco, at an authentic drive-in theater. My young son sits at my side, asking a flood of questions – impertinent as they may be since the movie hasn't yet started – about Captain America and the enigmatic Nick Fury. But mostly, on this night, his first visit to a drive-in theater, he is puzzled by the odd spectacle of movie-goers in lawn chairs, truck beds and open SUV cargo bays.
As we await darkness, an impromptu Frisbee game and a pair of wandering wiener dogs offer distraction. He asks his mother for Milk Duds.
The evening breeze transitions from soft warmth to slight chill, and I ponder the special awesomeness of the Summer Movie.
It's not so much that Summer Movies are different, but when see see them, we are. When a Summer Movie beckons, we bring our best selves, our unfettered selves, our willing suspension of disbelief ratcheted up a notch. We're open, saying 'yes' to life, reverting back to a time when all movies were special.
We're like so many first-graders pouring out of a Chevy Bel-Air station wagon, all jazzed to see Lady and the Tramp.
On this particular May evening, that singular anticipation is magnified by the brisk northern California air and the faint twinkle of the first stars of the night. In that spirit, I offer you my highly subjective, definitive, but in no particular order, personal list of the Ten Best Summer Movies of All Time.
Independence Day
I know, the whole thing ends much too handily when Jeff Goldblum cooks up a virus on his Mac PowerBook and uploads it to the alien mothership. And there's that over-the-top scene in which Jeff Goldblum is meant to be suddenly drunk and raging against President Bill Pullman's Nuclear Option, staggering, hollering, pouring from a bottle of Jack Daniels but never actually drinking. After what seems like mere moments, he's sober as a priest and saving the day. The Urban Dictionary defines "Goldbluming" as "going from being extremely intoxicated to sober in a very short period of time, like Jeff Goldblum did in Independence Day."
I like Jeff Goldblum. I just wish he would check with me before doing stuff like that.
That said, there's lots to like about Independence Day. Where else can you get the venerable Robert Loggia gravely explaining that "we're looking at the world-wide destruction… of every major city… within the next 36 hours."
And this movie makes us feel safe by confirming the most cherished of our human beliefs, that there's always a simple but overlooked way to handle alien invaders.
"Is that glass bullet-proof?
Die Hard
Welcome to the party, pal.
To watch Die Hard is to behold the Humphrey Bogart of my generation at the height of his powers, in a film that wrings every drop of his wise-guy-with-a-heart wit and bravery. By the second act, Bruce Willis has pegged the tachometer in the red and we're just along for the ride.
Despite its July 1988 release, it is perhaps my favorite Christmas Movie. "Now I have a machine gun. Ho – Ho – Ho."
This film gives us Hans Gruber – brought to life so indelibly by Alan Rickman – as well as one of Hollywood's most powerfully unforgettable scenes of love at first sight. I am referring, of course, to our hero, NYPD Detective John McLane, and LAPD Sgt. Al Powell.
The ordeal over, they finally lock eyes and greet, in person, amid the smoking ruins of Nakatomi Plaza, and I'm here to tell you that it packs the collective emotional wallop of West Side Story, The Notebook and Casablanca. A slight exaggeration, perhaps. But watch it again, and keep the Kleenex close. You'll see. I'm just sayin.'
Of all the sequels, the most recent, Die Hard and Live Free, best embodies the spirit of the original. It includes a scene in which McLane nails the angst of the reluctant hero:
"You know what you get for being a hero? Nothin'. You get shot at. You get a little pat on the back, blah, blah, blah, attaboy… Trust me, kid, nobody wants to be that guy… Believe me, if there were somebody else to do it, I'd let them do it.
But there's not."
The Dark Knight
Some men just want to watch the world burn.
That inescapable truth is the backdrop for The Dark Knight, which gives us two men twisted by fate and cruelty, one driven to become the rescuer and savior, the other, a self-proclaimed "agent of chaos." They intuitively understand that they are two sides of one coin. "I think you and I are destined to do this forever," muses The Joker.
This is the superhero film that gets everything right – writing, cast, direction, everything. But it is very much Heath Ledger's movie. To think of the great work he might have shared with us had he stayed a bit longer.
The Dark Knight teaches us that the hero rarely basks in adoration; he simply does what is necessary.
"So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight."
I believe I am firmly on record in my admiration for Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley, sole survivor of the M-Class star freighter Nostromo. She is the heart and soul of the entire series of films, far and away the best of the bunch being 1986's Aliens.
If you haven't seen it in a while, take another look. Just stay frosty. Because mostly they come at night. Mostly.
Terminator 2
Some years ago I worked for a big corporation that held an annual mid-summer planning session. On the afternoon of the third day, Jim and Brad and Chad would hand out assignments for the semi-mandatory Golf Scramble.
At this time, myself and a few kindred spirits would assemble at a side entrance, commandeer a vehicle, and flee to a nearby town and its solitary downtown movie theater. There, while Jim and Brad and Chad and a few dozen others rehashed shoptalk on the links, we enjoyed the cool sanctuary of the cinema.
This little stunt demanded brisk and decisive execution, by the numbers. I recall one chap who took the remarkable extra step of lying down on the floor of our car as we sped away, he so feared being identified as a conspirator.
In the summer of 1991, we screened Terminator 2, the superb sequel to James Cameron's film that introduced us to Skynet and the tragic romance of the iconic lovers Reese and Sarah Connor. To this day, however, I have difficultly separating my admiration for this movie from the euphoric outlaw's bliss I felt at escaping the Golf Scramble.
What I do know for certain is that the man most directly responsible for the whole Armageddon-Rise of the Machines mess is Miles Bennet Dyson, inventor of the neural-net processor.
How do I know such a thing? "I have DETAILED files."
Back to the Future
It's really hard to recall a day when we didn't know that time travel could be achieved by reaching a speed of 88 miles per hour in a DeLorean DMC-12 equipped with a plutonium-fueled Flux Capacitor sparked by a 1.21-gigawatt pulse. And who knew the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance was such a turning point in history.
I personally have found that any argument can be ended instantly by proclaiming that "No [name here] has ever amounted to anything in the HISTORY of Hill Valley!
Star Trek (2009)
What's it really like to travel through space?
"One tiny crack in the hull and our blood boils in thirteen seconds. Solar flare might crop up, cook us in our seats. And wait'll you're sitting pretty with a case of Andorian shingles, see if you're still so relaxed when your eyeballs are bleeding. Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence."
So explains a young Leonard McCoy to Star Fleet recruit James Tiberius Kirk in J.J. Abrams' brilliantly rebooted "Star Trek." Life is, after all, one big Kobayashi Maru test.
This movie takes the mythology of Star Trek – for five decades a source of archetypal stories of who we are, where we come from and where we're going – and creates something astonishingly fresh and new.
This seems a good time to disclose that there are no Star Wars films on this list. While the first and second of the original series of films are fine, they would likely be in my second tier of "Best." At the end of the day, it's like Elvis or the Beatles; you cannot like both equally. For reasons too innumerable to list here, the Star Trek camp is my tribe.
"Give me one-quarter impulse burst for five seconds. I'll do the rest with thrusters…"
Raiders of the Lost Ark
TANIS DEVELOPMENT PROCEEDING -stop- ACQUIRE HEADPIECE STAFF OF RA -stop- ABNER RAVENSWOOD U.S. -stop-
Some time ago my eldest son told me about a History of the Middle East course he was taking. He mentioned the city of Tanis. I casually piped up that Tanis was an ancient city in the northeastern Nile delta of Egypt that had been of significant commercial and strategic importance.
He looked visibly startled, impressed even, that I had produced such a relevant fact. I am not known for my deep knowledge of ancient Egypt.
What I didn't say is the sole reason I know anything about Tanis is because I've seen Raiders of the Lost Ark WAY too many times.
Apparently Tanis was not buried in an epic sandstorm that lasted a whole year, as the movie tells us. But Raiders remains both an enduring first-to-last-frame delight and a milestone achievement in moviedom.
In the words of Indy's nemesis, the despicable René Belloq:"We are simply passing through history. This, this IS history."
July, 1975. I am fighting the heat in my friend's un-air conditioned Ford Pinto when his AM radio fades and crackles and I am spellbound as I hear these words from the original teaser for Jaws:
"There is a creature alive today that has survived millions of years in the ocean. Without change, without passion, without logic. It lives to kill. A mindless eating machine. It will attack and devour anything. It is as if God created the devil and gave him… JAWS"
As the tagline says, Amity Island has everything. Clear skies. Gentle surf…The perfect feeding ground.
The Mother of All Summer Movies. Going on 40 years later, it still delivers.
And no, it was no boating accident.
The creature, small and vulnerable, stumbles about the child's room. The little girl, Gertie, has dressed it up like a doll, in wig, makeup, even a string of pearls. Elliot enters the room, disturbed by this humiliating dress-up game. The creature is agitated, eager to tell the boy something. He hands Elliot a crumpled newspaper and points to a Buck Rogers comic strip showing a stranded Rogers operating an emergency beacon of some kind. It slowly walks to the window, extends a spindly finger toward the sky. "E.T. home phone." Gertie corrects its syntax. "E.T. phone home."
The creature repeats the phrase, each time more intently, urgently. "E.T. phone home." On Elliot's face we see absolute understanding of this plea and the desperation behind it. He lowers his voice to a faint whisper:
"And they'll come."
I get a chill down my spine when he says that. And it is just one of many extraordinary moments in Spielberg's masterful story of the sensitive and compassionate alien who befriends a young boy.
A special shout-out for the imaginative and perfectly executed sequence in which the telepathic link between E.T. and Elliott leads to recreation of the classic John Wayne-Maureen O'Hara kissing scene from The Quiet Man. Love that.
Back at the drive-in, we near the end of the feature. The temperature has dropped into the low 50s. My wife and son have long ago retreated to the warmth of the car, the child in deep slumber.
Me, I remain at my post, in my camp chair, out of popcorn, ignoring the cold, determined to honor the esprit de corps of drive-in movie-going, to whatever end. Because that's what you do. And because I'm that guy.
Trust me, kid, nobody wants to be that guy…
And believe me, if there were somebody else to do it, I'd let them do it.
But there's not.
132 Comments and 20 Replies
cluttercafe On Wednesday, May 30 at 8:32 pm
Thanks for the list. I need to find me a drive in! I watched Jaws the other night. Spielberg is a genius. 2 notes (da-da) defining fear. Genius. I watch it whenever it pops on the tv and my stomach still turns. I would like to add Dirty Dancing as a favorite summertime movie as well. Can I do that?
patimk On Wednesday, May 30 at 8:59 pm
Really loved this post! For once (no offense to Ree) I'VE SEEN ALL THESE MOVIES!!!
My husband would watch any one of these again and again and again. My kids so loved "Back to the Future"! I can't tell you how many times we watched that movie – maybe because I have a Marty, who knows.
Do miss the drive-ins, can't remember the last movie I saw at one but I'm aging myself – I remember not being old enough and my bro-n-law took us to see Psycho at the drive-in. Yikes!!!
Beth in Illinois On Wednesday, May 30 at 9:11 pm
I love all your posts!! We have a drive-in about 45 minutes away, and now I want to go!! My husband and I haven't gone since we were just dating, and those were some great dates!
Leslie On Wednesday, May 30 at 9:20 pm
Great post, Mark! The list and the drive-in scenario really take me back. Thanks.
Lulu On Wednesday, May 30 at 9:25 pm
I love all of those movies, too! Now, though, my favorite summer movies are kids' movies. It's been a while since I've gone to a theater to see a summer blockbuster. I would add Ironman to the list – love Robert Downy Jr in that.
Julie from Texas On Wednesday, May 30 at 9:46 pm
This is not a criticism, Mark, but my list would be much different than yours…your's has the definite flavor of testosterone. My list of fave summer movies would include 1) the original "Night of the Living Dead", which I saw at the drive-inn in the dark as a child! 2) The old classic comedy "Airplane" 3) Animal House 4) On Golden Pond 5) Peggy Sue Got Married 6) Grease…oh, never mind..that's enough. I sure have some wonderful memories of the drive in.
Rossana On Thursday, May 31 at 12:07 am
Usually I've only seen a handful of the movies on any given list but I've actually seen all ten of these movies. Each one was an entertaining masterpiece in its own right.
I used to love going to the drive-in as a kid. I didn't realize until I was older with kids of my own what a great deal they were. We'd put our pajamas on, get our pillows and off we'd go. The first thing I'd do after my dad found the slot to park the car was scope out the other cars to see if I could find couples making out. I believe there is only one drive-in left where I live now. It's a shame.
Nice article. I love the way you write.
Kay On Thursday, May 31 at 6:49 am
Obviously a guy list– ET, Jaws and Back to the Future the only ones on my list. Would like to see a gal list.
Leisa from Montana On Thursday, May 31 at 8:30 am
Here is a girl's list
Terms of Endearment
Steel Magnolias
Pretty Woman
You've Got Mail
Dirty Dancing
Thelma and Louise
I know there are more……………………..
jil On Friday, June 1 at 10:54 am
I am a girl and I'd only put Dirty Dancing and Moonstruck on my list. Everybody's different.
Catrina On Wednesday, June 6 at 8:57 pm
Leisa, that would be my list to a T! I'd put Dirty Dancing first, Pretty Woman second, and Steel Magnolias third, but your list is MY list!
Donna J. On Thursday, May 31 at 10:10 am
Star Wars IV
SheGal On Thursday, May 31 at 10:48 am
Mark~~ thank you for an enjoyable post and for opening up that door to my own fabulous DIMT memories! Every one of the movies on your list I have seen several times, and will continue to do so as I introduce them to my own brood as they are all favorites…
Besides all the Disney movies we saw in the early 70's, one of my most favorite recollections was watching "The Legend of Boggy Creek" at our local DIMT~~ my dad loved scary and suspensful movies, and I was his partner in arms~ we huddled together (practically giggling with fright) anxious to see what would happen next, while my mom and siblings hid under the blanket in the back of our Volkswagen bus!
I have three boys, and I simply LOVE action movies~ My hubby and I just took them to see "Battleship" and we all loved it….
Raising my popcorn cup up to you Mark! Salut!
CC in NJ On Thursday, May 31 at 10:57 am
Great post, great movies! Jaws is the best! Luckly here in NJ we live close enough to the only drive in in NJ. It is the best. We take our kids there and hang out with friends and watch a first run movie. The consession stand is awesome!
Here's to Drive-In's!!!!
cathy On Thursday, May 31 at 3:35 pm
I love reading your posts. I feel like if I had a blood transfusion, I would be just like you. If I used your blood for the transfusion.
I do love hearing how things end though. Saves me time!
SheGal On Thursday, May 31 at 6:53 pm
I love the list, Mark–contains many of my favorites! It also invoked many memories of the DIMT that I had with my family while growing up–I think we viewed every Disney movie possible, and then some!
My more favorite memory is from seeing "The Legend of Boggy Creek"– I saw it for the first time at our local DIMT; My dad and I were huddled together, giggling hilariously with fright at what would happen next–while my mother and siblings hid under the blankets in the back seats of our VW Bus! Needless to say, I've been a big fan of the
sci-fi/thriller/suspense genre as well as action/adventure.
My hubby and I took our three boys to go see "Battleship" over the weekend–great summer flick- pure entertainment (forget what the crtics say…it's just a movie, it's not here to make a statement or garner a statuette!)
Thanks for the post…..
SheGal from SoCal
SheGal On Thursday, May 31 at 7:02 pm
I forgot to add "Swashbuckler" to my list— saw that one too! Great summer flick with Robert Shaw, James Earl Jones, Beter Boyle, Beau Bridges and Genevieve Bujould.
Cat Cooks in WI On Friday, June 1 at 8:27 am
Mark Spearman, you've done it again. A perfect post. Well, almost… you left out Grease????? Awww, that's okay. Really enjoyed your thoughts.
laurah On Friday, June 1 at 4:42 pm
Not a drive-in movie but have a bunch of teenage girls at the house this weekend who will be watching 'The Three Stooges' along with the 'Dukes of Hazzard'. These are the movies they asked for!
But one of our all-time summer movies has to be 'Smile'.
E in MN On Friday, June 1 at 6:12 pm
The original movie was called Alien.
Aunt Dee On Saturday, June 2 at 8:12 am
Wow–am I old! The first drive-in screening I remember was a double-feature "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" and "The Russians are Coming!". Little brother and I used to lay in the back of the red station wagon in our pjs.
Great list, Mark.
beth On Sunday, June 3 at 7:38 am
I loved this. Absolutely loved it. I also helps that I agreed with you on like, all of these. I just introduced my kids to Independence Day a couple weeks ago. In one scene, you see an alien and a few minutes later, there's some soft background music playing, My 8 year old says to me, "Is that alien playing the flute now?".
My husband gave me the boxed set of Die Hard for valentines day one year. True love.
Paula B. On Sunday, June 3 at 8:13 am
First off, your description of the start of the evening at the drive-in took me back to a long ago, simpler time, thank you for the memory. Have to disagree on some of the movie entries here, lots of action entries, hey, you're a guy. Agree with E.T., a classic. Didn't really love the latest Star Trek, not bad but…. not great. On to Aliens, so ironic, one of my high school students asked me just the other day if I had ever watched it. I replied that the original was one of the most frightening movies I had ever seen. How I remember the summer night I saw that (alone at home), aggh! I then heard him telling some of his classmates about the movie, I hope they rent and "enjoy" it. Always look forward to your posts, here's to summer and our love of the movies!
sue F On Sunday, June 3 at 6:35 pm
Will someone (Ree?) PLEASE talk about the movie A League of Their Own? IT is SUCH a great movie!! So much to talk about! Gina Davis, Tom Hanks, so great!
JJ On Tuesday, June 5 at 11:19 am
You have GOT to go visit angryalien.com they animate movies in 30 seconds using their bunnies as characters….HILARIOUS!!!!! Some of these movies are in the menu! (I am not affiliated with angryalien.com…just a fan!)
Karen On Tuesday, June 5 at 12:42 pm
As always, I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. Many on your list are my favorites, too! Long ago, my parents would load us up in the "station wagon" to go to the drive-in. Sometimes, if the budget allowed, we'd stop by a burger joint to pick up dinner on the way. Most of the time, we ate supper at home before we left, then were allowed to choose a treat from the drive-in concession stand during intermission. Fun times! The last drive-in movie I attended (and was an adult by then) was in Valdosta, Georgia and it was "North Dallas Forty" with Nick Nolte and Mac Davis. Yikes!
jennifer in b'ville On Wednesday, June 6 at 11:48 am
All great movies but I must say, Terminator 2 is one of my all-time favorite movies! Why? Because Sarah Connor kicks booty!!! I hate female movie characters that are good or nothing but standing there screaming and crying and "looking pretty." She may be a little off her rocker from contemplating world domination by cyborgs for some 15 years but I will take a woman who can operate a pump-action shot-gun with one hand on my side any day!
Oh, and…about Heath Ledger: AMEN!
Catrina On Wednesday, June 6 at 8:54 pm
Ahhhh, memories! It was 1960. I had a new baby brother at the tender age of four. Mom and Dad would take me (and the sleeping baby) to the drive-in. I'd have my Cinderella jammies on and Dad would let me ride the kid-sized train at the front of the drive-in. Then we'd eat popcorn that Mom brought from home (Jiffy Pop was a real treat, but it was usually the stuff popped at home and put in a big brown grocery bag) and the three of us would split a 16-ounce Pepsi. That gave me only a few drinks, but I remember it was REALLY good! Then we'd watch 101 Dalmations. We did this every Saturday night for 8 weeks–the run of the movie, because I LOVED it!
KimQ On Thursday, June 7 at 10:20 pm
I'm so with you…and then I got to "Die Hard" and thought "Wait, isn't that a Christmas movie?!" But you covered that too.
This reminds me to check the listing for our quasi-local drive in. Drive-in and summer go hand in hand!
Bette On Sunday, June 10 at 12:24 pm
"We need a bigger boat"……..(1975…the year I got married)
Brenda On Sunday, June 10 at 3:38 pm
Awesome list. I have never been to a drive in, but would love to go. One movie that I really love is "The Thing" by John Carpenter (1982). I really loved Star Trek (2009). Can watch these over and over again!
Linda Day On Friday, June 15 at 9:49 am
Closing "Trust me Kid" statement … Die Hard
l.o.v.e. that line !!!
Darlynne On Friday, June 15 at 12:05 pm
I cannot tell you how tickled I am that you chose Star Trek (2009) and Terminator 2. Just when I was thinking I must be weirder than everyone else because I love to re-watch these films, there you are with your best-of-summer list. Thank you! I'm free.
Inessa Priiskova On Tuesday, June 26 at 4:58 pm
"Midnight in Paris" by Woody Allen would be my first pick. It is charming? witty (as most of Woody Allen's movies), and full of hope.


text:
Dispenser kit for infants, which comprises a vial, optionally featuring specially contoured upper end and,
(1) either of a pair of annular, resilient adapter/gaskets, or different size, snugly surrounding said upper end, or
(2) an integral disk-like segment extending outwardly, either (1) or (2), serving to permit vial insertion into and location within any one of several standard, but different sized, nursing bottles, each having an associated, but threadingly, attachable and removable ring-cap/nipple assembly, and providing fluid tight relationship.
1. A liquid ingredient dispenser, comprising a conventional nursing bottle assembly, inclusive of a bottle, a nipple and retainer ring, a graduated vial for liquid ingredient, dimensioned to fit completely within said bottle and said nipple, and means surrounding said graduated vial, constructed, arranged and dimensioned to fluidly isolate said vial from said bottle, and providing for dispensement of a precise dosage of liquid ingredient within said vial, to the interior of said nipple, when said nursing bottle is inverted.
2. A bottle assembly, inclusive of a bottle, with a threaded, rim-defined, open mouth, a rubber like nipple having a flared flange adapted to abut said rim, and an annular, threaded retainer-ring for securing said nipple flange, in releasable fluid tight and dispensing relationship with said bottle, and, in combination therewith;
a cylindrical vial open at one end, dimensioned to fit axially within said bottle through said mouth, said vial including an integral, annular flange, dimensioned to abut said rim, as said nipple and retainer-ring are threadingly assembled onto said bottle, said open-end of said vial projecting upwardly, proximate said nipple interior, whereby liquid medicine, within said vial, is introduced into said nipple as the bottle is inverted, for dispensement, via said nipple.
3. The invention, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said integral annular flange is instead a separate annular gasket, having an inner periphery constructed, arranged and dimensioned for fluid tight engagement with said outer surface of said vial, and an outer periphery, corresponding to the size of the rim.
4. The invention, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said vial includes two outer grooves dimensioned for seating either, of, two annular gaskets, having different sized inside diameters.
5. The invention, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said grooves are spaced apart near the upper, open end and the upper groove defines a circumference, larger than the lower groove.
6. The invention, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said annular gaskets have different sized outside diameters, to accomodate different sized baby bottles.
7. An accessory for converting a conventional nursing bottle, nipple and retainer-ring assembly, into a liquid ingredient dispenser, comprising;
a vial receptacle, for liquid ingredients, constructed, arranged and dimensioned for location completely within said nursing bottle and nipple, and
at least one separate, resilient annular gasket dimensioned to encircle said vial and maintain fluid tight relationship as between the vial receptacle and the bottle.
8. The invention, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said vial includes two outer grooves dimensioned for seating either, of two annular gaskets, having different sized inside diameters.
9. The invention, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said grooves are spaced apart, near the upper, open end and the upper groove defines a circumference, larger than the lower groove.
10. The invention, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said annular gaskets have different sized outside diameters, to accomodate different sized baby bottles.
11. In combination:
an open ended elongate, tubular vial, and a cooperating, resilient, annular gasket, which items are constructed, arranged and dimensioned to convert a conventional, infant nursing bottle composed of a bottle, a dispensing nipple and a retaining ring into a dispenser for liquid ingredient,
said vial being small enough to fit complete within said infant nursing bottle and nipple, and being positioned by the annular gasket in surrounding, supporting and liquid tight relationship with said vial, said gasket also contacting said bottle proximate said nipple and said retainer ring, whereby upon inversion of said so formed assembly, liquid ingredient within the vial flows into said nipple for dispensement.
12. An accessory, for converting a conventional infant nursing bottle composed of a bottle, a dispensing nipple and a retaining ring into a liquid ingredient dispenser, said assembly comprising,
a cylindrical elongate, tubular, open-ended vial dimensioned to fit conveniently, telescopically and completely within said bottle and nipple, with its open end proximate said nipple, and
a resilient, annular gasket dimensioned to moveably surround said vial in fluid tight relationship and having an outside diameter suitable for fluid tight relationship with said bottle, said accessory and bottle, when combined, cooperating to provide, upon inversion, flow of liquid ingredient from said vial into said nipple for dispersement.
13. A kit for converting standard nursing bottle assemblies; composed of a hollow bottle, an associated nipple and associated annular retainer ring, into a medicine dispenser;
said kit comprising a vial/tubular container, sized to fit within any of said bottles, and a plurality of adapter/gaskets having different sized perimeters to accomodate different sized bottles;
and a packaging means adapted to hold and display said vial and plurality of gaskets.
14. The invention is claimed in claim 13, wherein said kit includes instructions for assembling said parts of said kit and said standard nursing bottle components, as to yield a medicine dispenser for infants.
The present invention relates to the dispensing of liquid ingredients, as constitutes an improvement over presently known or used techniques, and particularly as relates to infants.
The improvement contemplates the combination of a specially designed vial and/or cooperating adapter/gasket, employed with conventional or standard nursing bottles, presently marketed, for the feeding of milk and other liquids, to infants.
The feeding/dispensement of liquid ingredients to a child, or infant, or disabled, is conventionally/usually accomplished, using either a spoon or a medicine dropper.
Flailing arms, pursed lips and a moving target (the head or body), more often than not, yields poor to inconsistent, to no results.
The flailing arms distribute the liquid medicine anywhere but the targeted mouth.
Pursed lips result in liquid medicine running down the chin, throat and over the clothing and person of the parent, nurse, etc.
A moving target (the head), also yields unsatisfactory results, and possibly dangerous, results.
While the spoon and medicine dropper are carefully graduated to accomodate the precise amount/dosage of medicine, which is particularly important, respecting a young person, an infant, or a baby; the inconsistent results, as noted above, usually means that, the amount actually introduced is questionable and of course, the medicines intended result is also called into question.
It is, and can be critically important, that the amount/dosage of a particularly medicine or ingredient, be quite precisely accurate.
A first attempt may result in some medicine being, introduced, but the precise amount is unknown, so that a repeated attempt may still result in an under dose or an over dose, either of which is unsatisfactory and could be dangerous.
For the extremely young, both the measuring spoon and the medicine dropper, are foreign to the infant, as used so infrequently, corresponding to the spaced periods of the inflamation or the disease or other infirmity, requiring medication.
Spoons and medicine droppers can also cause injury or damage to the infant. Both of these implements are solid and capable of causing a bruise, as well as, scratch damage to the face or head or an eye, and even the arms and hands.
The medicine dropper, having a pointed end, can cause puncture wounds, or in a severe case, could cause eye, nose, mouth or throat damage.
Previous efforts, relevant to those of applicant, as outlined hereinabove, have been inquired into/explored, and, as a result, three patents dealing with nursing bottles have been found, namely; Wolf U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,279; Krammer U.S. Pat. No. 2,680,441; and Roskilly U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,895. The Wolf patent, while relating to nursing appliances and disclosing a hollow tube and perforate disk, is otherwise foreign to applicants purposes and solutions; as Wolf wishes to eliminate the presence of air in the nipple of a nursing bottle and eliminate the infants taking in of air and the consequent distress caused thereby. The nursing bottle disclosed in the Krammer patent contemplates an attachment, in the form of an exteriorly located, conventional graduated, medicine or liquid dropper, secured to the bottle and connected by, tube to the nipple and, in fact, passing through the nipple sidewall and therebeyond.
The nursing bottle disclosed in Roskilly U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,895, employs an accesory, in the form of a barrel syringe, firmly affixed to an offset, threaded socket, matching the bottle, and accomodating the syringe positioned clumsily and exteriorly, of the nursing bottle.
These PRIOR ART devices have not been found in the market place and are deemed inappropriate, inferior and structurally and functionally, different from applicants unique combination of elements as described in the present specification.
It is an object of the present invention to, provide a novel dispenser for medicine, particularly for infants, which overcomes or prevents the above enumerated difficulties, problems, injuries and the inconsistent, if not failed, results.
It is a particular object of the present invention to, provide a medicine dispenser, which utilizes a conventional nursing nipple/bottle assembly and is thus familiar to the infant, and, as well, soft and pliable and therefore, not likely capable of inflicting, or imparting, injury or damage to the infant or child, as in the case of solid spoons and/or pointed medicine droppers.
It is still another object of the present invention to, provide a dispenser, which not only utilizes the familiar nipple, but the familiar bottle/package, with which the infant is used to from feedings of milk, water, juices and other liquid products, on a daily basis, in fact multiple times daily.
It is yet another object of the present invention to, provide a dispenser, which is of universal or, at least dual, character, in that the dispenser employs (at the present time), several of the standard bottles employed as nursing bottles in the United States and elsewhere.
One of these bottles is known as the "Even Flo", another is known as the "Playtex", while a third type is known as a "Gerber" bottle. The quoted names identify the company/manufacturer, or corporate, identity.
The "Even Flo" and "Gerber" bottles are nominally designed to contain liquid within it, and dispense same through the nipple in conventional fashion.
The "Playtex" unit and the "Even Flo" disposable, are shaped like a bottle, having side walls, but are adapted to contain a sterile polyethylene bag, inserted through the open bottom end of the container and secured/compressed at the mouth, via the annular ring and nipple assembly.
It is a significant object of the present invention to, provide a dispenser vial, formed usually and preferably, of a moldable plastic, such as polyethylene, although glass is a viable alternative. The vial is rather small, such that it can be received within the conventional nursing bottle and employing, either an integral adapter/gasket, having an outer peripheral segment, securable between the nursing bottle and its corresponding nipple retaining ring; or, in the alternative, employs a novel adapter/gasket, of annular configuration, which both support/engages the vial and also engages with the nursing bottle.
It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a novel combination of dispenser/vial and separate annular adapter/gasket, of utility in positioning/locating the dispenser/vial, within the conventional nursing bottle, in the desired manner.
It is also an object of the present invention, to provide a plurality of individual, annular adapter/gaskets, designed to individually accomodate one or the other of the conventional nursing bottle assemblies, to thereby permit proper disposition of the vial, in a manner as to permit accomplishment of the purposes of the present invention.
The foregoing objects, as well as other objects of the present invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art, from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings, on which there is presented, for purposes of illustration only, several preferred embodiments of the present invention.
In the Drawings:
FIG. 1 is an exploded, side elevation view, partially in section, showing a conventional nursing bottle, nipple and ring retainer marketed by the "Evenflo Co.", schematically illustrating the combination of the special, novel vial and adapter/gasket of the invention and showing the manner of incorporating the latter into the former.
FIG. 2 is a top, plan view, of the elements shown in FIG. 3, fully assembled together in operative medicine dispensing relationship.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken on the line 3--3, in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 2 & 3 also illustrate the use of a standard nursing bottle manufactured by the "Evenflo Co.", but incorporating the medicine dispensing modification of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but the bottle being the "Even Flo" disposable type of nursing bottle, which employs a disposable polyethylene bag for milk in normal use. Although not shown, the bottle is open at the bottom, to permit inspection of the polyethylene bag and/or its contents.
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the combination of a special vial and special adapter/gasket, in accordance with the present invention, with a standard nursing bottle manufactured by the "Gerber" Co.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view, of a special vial and serving to illustrate an alternative embodiment, wherein the adapter/gasket feature is integrally a part of the vial, rather than a separate annular adapter/gasket, as in the other views.
FIG. 7 is a partially side elevation, partially side, sectional view, of an assembly of parts inclusive of a "Playtex" nursing bottle, nipple and retainer ring, but incorporating a vial and adapter/gasket, in accordance with the present invention, to convert the "Playtex" nursing bottle to a medicine dispenser. This bottle is also like the "Even Flo" disposable, that is having no bottom wall to permit viewing of polyethylene bag or its contents in normal milk-dispensing use.
FIG. 8 is a plan view, of an annular adapter/gasket, suitable for conventional nursing bottles, having the larger mouth or rim, eg. the "Playtex" and the "Even Flo" disposable, of FIG. 4.
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7, to that of FIG. 8, but showing a variant adapter/gasket, suitable for the nursing bottles having the smaller mouth, eg. smaller diameter rim, eg. the standard "Even Flo" of FIG. 3 and the "Gerber" of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the vial component of the present invention used with one or the other of the adapter/gaskets, of FIGS. 8 or 9, and serving to illustrate its hollow interior, for containing precise amounts of the desired medicine and graduations assisting same volumetrically.
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view, like FIG. 6 and serving to illustrate a further alternative embodiment, wherein the adaptor/gasket feature is integrally a part of the vial, rather than a separate annular adaptor/gasket, as in the other view.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of claims 11 and 12.
The present invention resides, specifically, in the use of a relatively small cylindrical vial, which can be marked with graduations providing a high degree of accuracy, as to liquid volume, said vial being construed/designed/formed, to have a particularly contoured upper end, near the opening and as so contoured, be adapted for sealing engagement with a specially designed adapter/gasket, dimensioned to fit a particular bottle size, and, thereby provide sealing engagement between the bottle and the gasket and between the gasket and the vial. The adapter/gasket is first telescoped onto the vial and located at the upper end. Then this assembly is inserted into the bottle through its mouth, followed by the conventional nipple and annular closure ring, with threaded engagement between the ring and bottle as per usual. Before assembly of all of the component parts, as described, a precise amount, or dosage, of medicine or other liquid, is introduced into the graduated vial/receptacle (which is open ended). When the bottle is then inverted the contents of the vial exit the top open end of the vial and flow into the nipple, from which the medicine is dispensed through the nipple openings into the mouth of the infant or child. In an alternative structure, the vial includes an integrally formed disk like segment, which serves, in the same fashion, as the adapter/gasket member, which is separate from the vial.
First, we will describe a standard nursing bottle.
In FIG. 1 a standard "Even Flo" nursing bottle 11, includes a hollow interior 12, and a connected upstanding neck 13, defining a mouth 14, exterior threads 15, and an annular rim 16. The standard associated nipple 17, includes an annular base flange 18, adapted to flushly engage the bottle rim 16, a hollow interior 18a, and a perforate bulbous end 19, suitable to the infants satisfaction.
The standard corresponding ring 20, features a depending annular skirt 21, featuring inner threads 22, engagable with the threads 15, of bottle 11, and an upper, inwardly turned flange 23, having an annular underside 24, which compresses the nipple flange 18, against the rim 16, of the bottle 11, to prevent leakage. The ring flange 23, encircles a circular opening 25, which passes over the nipple, as the ring 20, threadingly engages the bottle 11, and serves to center and hold the nipple and the assembly together in liquid dispensing relationship, for dispensing milk, juice, or other fluid previously located in the interior 12, of the bottle 11, and thence dispensable upon inversion of the bottle 11, and insertion of the nipple into the mouth of the baby or infant, wherein the usual and expected dispensment of the fluid, occurs, passing from bottle interior 12, through the mouth 14, into the interior 18a, of the nipple and thence out the perforation and into the mouth of the infant. FIG. 3 shows the assembled relationship of the parts shown exploded in FIG. 1.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, we have designed a novel vial 30, and associated adapter/gasket 50. The adapter/gasket 50, is circular and has an outer periphery 51, generally congruent to the shape of the rim 16, and an inner aperture 52, capable of receiving the vial 30, as inserted down through the aperture 52, of the adapter/gasket 50, and axially projecting through the mouth down into the interior of the bottle 11, until the adapter/gasket 50, rests on rim 16, of the bottle 11, and with the aperture 52, seated in groove 31, of vial 30. In this connection, the adapter/gasket 50, is shown in dotted outline in surrounding engagement with the vial 30, seated in groove 31, of the vial. As so situate, the nipple 17, may then be placed with the flange portion overlying the adapter/gasket 50, whereupon the annular retainer ring 20, is telescoped down over the nipple 17, while it threadingly engages the neck portion of the container to yield the structure, the upper portion of which assembly is shown in FIG. 3.
Reference shall now be made to FIG. 10 for a side elevation view of the vial 30, in somewhat more detail. The vial 30, is cylindrical with a hollow interior 37, and includes an outer surface, bearing spaced graduation markings 35, calibrated to particular volumes associated with volumetric dosages of liquid medicine. The exterior upper end of the vial 30, is contoured to define three beads 32, 34 and 36, in downwardly spaced relationship, to further define an upper groove 31, and a lower groove 33, somewhat smaller in circumference than the groove 31. The uniquely defined, or contoured vial 30, and specifically the dimension of the grooves, is selected to match the size of the circular aperture, in either of the adapter/gaskets 40 and/or 50, (see FIGS. 8 and 9). As can be appreciated; upon inspection, the gasket 50, with the larger central aperture 52, is suited for seating in the upper, larger groove 31; while the adapter/gasket 40, having the smaller aperture 42, is adapted for seating in the lower groove 33, of vial 30. Also, the gaskets 40 and 50, as can be seen, have different size, outer circumferences 41 and 51, in order to accomodate the different sized mouths of the different, relatively standard and readily market-available nursing bottles.
Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a kit, or set composed of a vial 30, an adapter/gasket 40, and an adapter/gasket 50, will enable a user to use one of the several commercially and readily available nursing bottle assemblies, and, by appropriate selection of an adapter/gasket and the vial, convert the standard nursing bottle into a medicine dispenser in accordance with the tenets and teachings of the present invention as described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is disclosed, just the upper part of the conventional "Even Flo" (disposable type) bottle 61, which features a larger mouth 64, and a larger rim 66. Accordingly, the retainer cap 70, differs as shown, from the retainer cap 20, for the regular, or standard "Even flo" bottle. By reason of the larger mouth and rim, the conversion of this standard bottle requires the adapter/gasket 40, having the larger periphery 41. At the same time, the gasket 40, has the smaller aperture 42, which will dictate its encirclement sealing relationship with the vial 30, via the smaller lower groove 33, rather than the upper groove 31. The adapter/gasket 40, as reference to FIG. 4 reveals, will seat on the rim 66, of the bottle 61, followed by the annular nipple flange 78, and thence secured by threading the retainer ring 70, on the threaded upper end of bottle 61, sufficiently that the annular flange portion 73, compresses slightly, the nipple flange 78, and the adapter/gasket 40, to create a liquid tight engagement of these parts, whereby liquid cannot escape. In a similar fashion, the adapter/gasket 40, is in fluid tight engagement, via the surface of the groove 33, and thus secure against leakage at this juncture. It will be appreciated that, liquid medicine, previously located in the vial 30, will, upon inversion of the bottle, exit into the interior of the perforate nipple 79, from which it will pass to the mouth of the infant in the usual fashion.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is disclosed, a bottle 81, marketed by and known as the "Gerber" type bottle having a smaller mouth 84, defined by rim 86, which is smaller than the rim 66, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and similar to that of the "Even Flo" standard bottle 11, of FIG. 3. The nipple 87, and the retainer ring 90, are appropriately sized and accordingly, dictate selection of the adapter/gasket 50, of FIG. 9, by reason of its smaller outside perimeter 51, matching the size of the mouth and rim 86, of the container 81. Correspondingly, a liquid tight relationship, between the vial, nipple and the bottle, is acheived by employing the larger or upper groove 31, whereupon the nipple 87, can be situated as shown, while the retainer ring 90, is passed over the nipple into threaded engagement, with the bottle upper end, as shown, to yield the structure as shown in FIG. 2, with the vial in fluid tight communication with the interior of the nipple 87.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated the use of the vial 30, and adapter/gasket 40, in connection with another standard, readily available, off the shelf, baby bottle; in this case a "Playtex" bottle. This bottle 101, is wide mouthed, like the bottle 61, of FIG. 4, and features a correspondingly sized nipple 107, and retainer ring 110, and accordingly, calls for the larger adapter/gasket 40, in order that, the larger perimetric size will match the larger mouth opening, to create a fluid tight relationship, between the nipple, the adapter/gasket and the bottle. Similarly, the choice of the gasket 40, having the smaller aperture 42, will call for employment of the smaller groove 33, to create a fluid tight seal, as between the vial and the adapter/gasket 40. Otherwise, the component part of the assembly are put together in the sequence, as described in connection with the component parts of FIG. 1, to yield the structure, shown in FIG. 7, with the vial bead 32, in abuttment with the underside of the nipple, as shown, whereby liquid medicine, having been previously placed into the vial 30, will, upon inversion of the overall structure, find the liquid draining into the nipple for dispensement in the usual fashion.
Referring not to FIG. 6, there is disclosed, an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vial 130, includes a flared circular portion 135, integral with the vial 130. This one piece structure, as a variant embodiment of the present invention, thus incorporates an integral adapter/gasket, and, is thus suitable for use with the readily available nursing bottles, featuring the larger mouth opening, such as the "Playtex" and the "Even Flo" dispensing type of bottle. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the invention contemplates a one piece vial, featuring, instead of the flared circular segment 135; a somewhat smaller, circular segment 137, having an outside diameter matching the size of the smaller mouthed standard baby bottles, such as the "Even Flo" standard and the "Gerber" bottle. Reference numeral 137, identifies in FIG. 11 the smaller circular segment. The vial, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11, discloses the beads as in FIG. 10, but such may not be necessary in this embodiment where the adapter/gasket is integrally a part of the vial, as formed.
As previously indicated, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that, a vial, as disclosed and described herein, and with particularity in FIG. 10, and one of each of the gaskets 40 and 50, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, would be assembled as a three component kit 60, perhaps marketed in a transparent, plastic container 61, or via the "blister-pak technique", frequently displayed in retail outlets. These outlets and others carry the standard size, nursing bottles, as identified and illustrated herein. The kit package would include illustrative sketches and directions, outlining the adaptability and universality of the kit, including dual functionality of the specially contoured vial, and matching adapter/gaskets, for use with the standard and available bottles. It is likewise envisioned that the kit would be identified by an appropriate tradename or a trademark selected to alert and inform the viewer/shopper of the utility of the kit, as a medicine dispenser for infants, utilizing readily available or owned nursing bottles.
The selection of particular materials of construction and/or fabrication, for the vial or the adapter/gasket, does not form or constitute a part of the present invention. Baby nursing bottles are known to be fabricated of glass, or of plastic, usually polyethylene, having desired physical and chemical properties to meet conditions to be met in use in cleaning. The vial component of the present invention, may similarily be fabricated of polyethylene, or similar plastic, or glass. From the standpoint of cost of manufacture, the polyethylene would likely be preferred, since the kit featuring a vial formed of polyethylene could be produced and marketed for sale at a lower cost to the consumer. It would be desirable, of course, that the vial be formulated to be, either transparent or extremely translucent, in order that, the amount of liquid introduced can be conveniently measured, using the graduations provided.
The adapter/gaskets likewise, can be fabricated of plastic, usually polyethylene, or of a similar plastic, and of such composition as to have, at least sufficient compressability, as to be adapted to form a liquid tight seal, with the rim and the nipple flange, and also with the groove formed in the vial, so that, medicine in the vial, dispensed into the nipple, is confined to the nipple, such that it cannot leak or drain back into the bottle or outside of the bottle, either through any leaks at the rim or at the juncture of the vial groove, and the adapter/gasket member. This is important in order that, the precise dosage, in volume, is transmitted or conveyed from the vial, to the nipple and thence to the child or infant.
The dispensement of medicine, in accordance with and/or possible, by reason of the present invention and its component parts, as disclosed herein, is seen as peculiarly desirable and advantageous, since the dispenser is, in fact, a nursing bottle, with which the child is already familiar. The medicine in the vial is not readily observed by the child, because of its recessed location, on the inside of the bottle. Yet the precise dosage of medicine is readily and accurately deliverable to the nipple, as it is placed proximate, or within the child or infants mouth, who will begin the usual sucking action immediately, by reason of the familiarity of the overall appearance, and, as well its tactile familiarity, both to the hands and to the mouth of the child or infant. Spillage is completely avoided, such that the dosage amount is insured. Further, damage or injury is obviated by the absence of medicine dropper, and/or spoon administered medication.
Other and further obvious modifications, changes and variants, will become apparent to those skilled in the art, by reason of the foregoing description, and accordingly, it is intended to include all such obvious modifications and variants within the scope of this invention, unless to do so would be violative of the language of the appended claims.
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text:
A Kent State University student accused of posting a message on Twitter saying he planned to "shoot up" the northeastern Ohio campus was instructed Monday to stay away from the school and its president.
William Koberna, a 19-year-old sophomore, will be released Monday after posting part of a $50,000 bond set at Portage County Municipal Court in Ravenna, about 20 miles east of Akron. He appeared via video from the Portage County Jail.
Conditions of his bond require Koberna to wear a GPS tracking device and to stay away from university President Lester Lefton and the school.
University officials say an employee was monitoring social media mentions of the school when a profanity laced tweet posted July 25 was discovered. The public tweet mentioned Kent State University, identified the university president by name and included the threat: "I'm shooting up your school ASAP."


text:
Hartford Courant editor: 'Blog away'In a fascinating essay for the fall issue of Nieman Reports, Hartford Courant editor Brian Toolan explains why he decided to shut down staffer Denis Horgan's external Weblog earlier this year, a move that set off a storm of controversy in the blogosphere (see two CyberJournalist.net opinion pieces on the controversy: "Lasica: Let journalists blog!" and "Meyer: Employers have right to ban blogging.").
In the article, Toolan says his decision was easy. "Behaving in a manner that safeguards the integrity of a news institution and avoids real or perceived conflicts of interest is central to the compact between a journalist and his employer. Journalists should operate in ways that don't display bias or predisposition. These are ethical considerations, not legal ones, but they are central to the conduct of journalism and must be zealously maintained."
"Denis Horgan's public profile is a product of his long-standing relationship with the Courant. Horgan and the Courant are forged by tenure and highly visible roles. After his opinion column in the Courant was ended, Horgan created a new journalistic platform for himself and began opining on issues, institutions and public officials that reporters and columnists at the newspaper must cover. Even though he was no longer writing his column, Horgan could not separate himself from the Courant by simply declaring that denishorgan.com has nothing to do with the paper, particularly while he is at the paper in the role of an editor.
"Nor could he disconnect himself -- in the public's mind -- from his long-time position as a Courant columnist. These realities combined to make me believe that many readers of denishorgan.com would not differentiate the Weblog's Horgan from the one who once wrote columns for and still works for the Courant. Part of the appeal Horgan and his site held for online readers was directly attributable to his role at the Courant, yet the newspaper had no control over his comments and opinions. For example, if Horgan wrote a column about the unfitness of John Rowland to be Connecticut's governor, some people -- including the governor, surely -- could imagine that mindset prevails in the Courant's newsroom. That strikes at the credibility of the newspaper. It doesn't work.
"This is not an issue of freedom of speech. It is about professional expectations and, when they are ignored, as in this case, the newspaper's standards and public responsibilities are compromised.
Toolan says he's not nearly as anti-blog as many made him out to be during the controversy.
"Frankly, I'm an agnostic about Weblogs. I know they're out there, but I have no strong feelings about blogging generally. I don't read them, but that's because I'm reading a whole lot of other things I find interesting, lots of it ink-on-paper, but lots of it online. So blog away....
"...Horgan didn't have any discussion with editors at the newspaper before he launched denishorgan. com. But if he had proposed a Weblog in which he would write about more benign topics, like fishing or gardening or day-tripping in New England, it probably would have been approved. That isn't what happened....
"As far as Weblogs and their future with daily newspapers, I can certainly accommodate the notion of Weblogs being part of a newspaper's online portfolio. In fact, the Courant has had devices like that in the past. But is a Weblog truly a Weblog if it is supervised editorially? If the answer is no and that anything but complete freedom is a perversion of the genre, then I think editors must ask themselves if they are comfortable having their news organization represented in that manner. I wouldn't be."
You can read the full article in this PDF file or order a copy of the magazine from the Neiman Foundation for $5.
RELATED LINK: Read about the other articles in the Nieman Reports issue on Weblogging.
Oct 02, 2003 | E-MAIL | SAVE | PRINT
Discussion2 comments about 'Hartford Courant editor: 'Blog away''
This was a very remarkable piece, that makes you wonder whether slavery is still among us. I think it makes sense to discuss have a blog or not with your editors, whether they are agnostic or ignorant about blogging. But they are not the ones who can decide about an issue like it is part of their paper. There is a new reality out there and the Nieman Report shows you cannot simply blow it away.
Posted by Fons Tuinstra at October 6, 2003 11:16 AM
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text: Yates and Bo run down week 15 of the NFL Season. With two weeks to go Yates and Bo will run down the playoff picture and cover the Monday Night game with the Jets and Titans. Joining us at 1 pm from Bloomberg Sports will be Craig Glaser to talk about fantasy football.


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Archive for the 'Naval Institute' Category
Assessing the Fleet: The 2014 Navy Retention Study
By CDR Guy Snodgrass
On March 7, 2014, a self-directed study was emailed to Vice Admiral Bill Moran, the U.S. Navy's Chief of Naval Personnel. Titled "Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon: A Navy Officer Retention Study", the paper provided Vice Admiral Moran with a canary in the coal mine, describing a looming retention downturn using historical data and, perhaps most importantly, timely and relevant information based on primary source interviews with hundreds of U.S. Navy Sailors.
Within days, the paper leaked from the Navy's Personnel Command and made its way throughout the Navy. The message resonated with Sailors at the deck plates — officer and enlisted alike — and caught the attention of senior leaders throughout the U.S. Government. To their immense credit, Vice Admiral Moran and other senior Navy leaders have responded to decreasing retention indicators with personnel changes designed to improve morale and a Sailor's 'quality of service'. These changes provide commanding officers with greater flexibility to prescribe uniform wear, increase sea pay for Sailors on extended deployments, and reduce general military training requirements on commands, just to name a few.
Larger initiatives are in the works although they have not been publicly announced. Some initiatives, like expansion of the Career Intermission Pilot Program, require Congressional approval. There is also a desire to better understand the current retention downturn before acting. This is understandable. The Navy is a large, diverse, and dispersed organization and more information is required to ensure the next round of changes provide the greatest return on investment. However, the time to act is now.
So, how do you determine the right course of action to provide the greatest return on investment?
Senior decision makers are asking important questions. First, is there really a retention problem? Is it possible we are retaining the right quality of Sailor, just in fewer numbers? Are previously cited retention factors — an improving economy, significant operational tempo, perceived reductions in quality of life, among others — truly impacting our Sailor's "stay/go" decisions? If so, in what ways?
The desire to further expound on the tenets of the paper — in a thoughtful and deliberate way intended to benefit senior leaders — led to the creation of an independent 2014 Navy Retention Study Team in March 2014. The team is comprised of a volunteer group of high-performing active duty Sailors and select civilians who have dedicated their off-duty time to create a first of its kind retention survey — created by Sailors for Sailors. All of our members are upwardly mobile, highly-placed individuals who want to measurably contribute to the continued success of the U.S. Navy. The success of this initiative is due largely to their sense of ownership for the Navy and their correspondingly impressive efforts.
This report details the results of this year's survey, including a broad analysis of factors which are assessed to affect retention and additional recommendations to avoid the shoal waters of a multi-year retention shortfall for several communities. Further, it is important to provide relatively unfettered access to the survey data (as appendices in this report) with more raw data to be made available throughout Fall 2014.
While our analysis of the data is presented for your use, I suggest you don't take our word for it — read and assess the data for yourself. Then read widely, think deeply, write passionately, and act decisively to help retain our most talented Sailors in uniform.
We must continue to cultivate a strong sense of ownership within the U.S. Navy. Reassuringly, many Sailors have stepped forward with innovative ideas to improve processes and policies, whether as a Yeoman, a Lieutenant in the F/A-18 community, or as a pre-major command surface warfare officer. In the end, no matter your rank or position, it's about asking ourselves what type of Navy we want to dedicate some portion of our lives to … and what type of Navy we want to leave for those that join 5, 10, 15 years into the future and beyond. It's easy to lay problems at the feet of our senior leaders, however it's incumbent upon all of us to take part in solving this issue.
At the end of the day, the Navy cannot directly hire uniformed personnel into positions of responsibility, nor can it surge leadership, trust, and confidence. Instead, we must explore changes to legal statutes and internal policies in order to retain our very best, brightest, and most talented — the continued success of the U.S. Navy depends on nothing less.
The 2014 Navy Retention Study report may be downloaded at: www.dodretention.org/results beginning Sept 1, 2014.
Another Look: Perspective on Leadership
By Bill Doughty
Reviews by Bill Doughty
The United States Navy is making and living history right now in Hawaii in the world's largest maritime exercise: Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2014), fostering collaboration and cooperation and promoting international understanding. Among the participants in this year's RIMPAC are navies from 22 nations, including UK, Japan, and China.
Two books give perspective on the past two centuries of naval history and provide context for the history being made by the U.S. Navy this summer.
A lot has happened in the two centuries since the Revolutionary War and War of 1812: from wooden ships to littoral combat ships; the birth of naval air forces, airpower and UAV; nuclear-powered fleet ballistic submarines; computers and cyber-security. The world is changing too, as captured in the Maritime Strategy, from world war confrontation to global cooperation. Think about the evolution of the fleet and the world in which it operates today.
Thomas J. Cutler thinks and writes about changes and challenges over the past 200-plus years in "A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy." His Naval Institute Press book is a mainstay and now a top pick on the "Be Ready" list of the CNO's Professional Reading Program suggested reads.
Cutler writes about the "magic" of the lore, language and legacy of the United States Navy, and invites Sailors to reflect on the "club" to which they belong. His book recounts — and makes relevant — history through the stories of Sailors in the past and present.
"The more you know about the Sailors who served before you, the more prepared you will be to do your job, and do it well. It is your turn to follow in the wakes of those who went before you, to lead the way for others who will follow you, and to make your contributions to the Navy's ongoing legacy of honor, courage, and commitment."
In a Chapter 6, "Don't Give Up the Ship," Cutler sets the stage with a brief description of Master Commandant (Commander) Oliver Hazard Perry, his famous pennant and the sailors who fought in the face of adversity at the Battle of Lake Erie. Cutler then gives more recent history, including the story of the five Sullivans brothers lost aboard USS Juneau in Guadalcanal Campaign, 70 years ago this year.
Cutler ties in the brothers' namesake ships, including the current USS Sullivans (DDG 68), showing how the ship was targeted in a failed attack by al Qaeda in Aden, Yemen in January 2000. That same year, on the day before the Navy's 224th birthday, terrorists launched another attack on an Navy ship, this time against USS Cole (DDG 67).
He recounts the heroism of the Sailors who all focused on three tasks, "caring for the injured, providing security against further attack, and saving the ship." Don't give up the ship…
The author packs a lot of history in this easy-to-read overview that contains stories and photos about JFK's PT-109, Rear Adm. "Amazing" Grace Hopper, 1776's gondola Philadelphia, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, battleship USS Maine, Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Carl Brashear, and naval aviator and astronaut Alan Shepard Jr., among others.
In the appendix he offers synopses of key engagements through battle streamers, showing the operational history of the U.S. Navy.
The streamers demonstrate a commitment to always "Be Ready."
Speaking of "back to the basics," also recommended is a new book by Rear Adm. Robert O. Wray Jr., "Saltwater Leadership: A Primer on Leadership for the Junior Sea-Service Officer."
The book, with a forward by Sen. John McCain, is endorsed by retired Adm. Gary Roughead, former chief of naval operations, and former President George H. W. Bush, who served as a naval aviator and "junior officer at sea."
Wray offers self-described bite-sized "sea stories" and practical, pragmatic "salty advice" along with plenty of lists, including traits and tributes, rules and advice, and a list of 35 books on leadership!
Interestingly, the book opens with advice from ancient philosopher from China Lao Tzu:
A leader is best
When people barely know that he exists,
Not so good when people obey and acclaim him,
Worst when they despise him.
"Fail to honor people,
They fail to honor you";
But of a good leader, who talks little,
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will all say, "We did this ourselves."
— Lao Tzu's "Tao Teh Ching," verse 17, 6th century BC
Wray's book is published by the Naval Institute Press and is in the same "Blue and Gold Professional Library" series as "The Bluejackets Manual," "Command at Sea," and "A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy" (above), among others.
(An earlier version of this post appeared on Navy Reads — http://navyreads.blogspot.com. Recent posts include reviews of "Cybersecurity and Cyberwar," "Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations," and "Zumwalt: The Life and Times of Admiral Elmo Russell 'Bud' Zumwalt, Jr.")
Tags: Books, Centenary of Naval Aviation, China, history lessons, international affairs, Leadership, Maritime Strategy, naval history
"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
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.
USNI Happy Hour – Newport
By LCDR Benjamin "BJ" Armstrong
Mid 20th Century the "Happy Hour" was a common occurrence in the USN. It was an opportunity for sailors to blow off some steam, and maybe even get a little exercise. Also known as a "smoker," in those days a "Happy Hour" was usually series of boxing or wrestling matches when the ships weren't busy.
In our post-prohibition world it means something a bit different, but still gives us a chance to blow off some steam. On Thursday, 12 December, The Naval Institute will host a Happy Hour in Newport, Rhode Island for members, prospective members, or anyone who wants to show up to talk about daring "to read, think and write" about sea power and national security.
A member of our Editorial Board will be there to answer questions, and some writers and thinkers who have contributed to the Institute to share some of their experiences. While there will be no punches thrown, sparing over strategy and grappling with the naval issues of the day will be encouraged.
If you are in Newport, please join us to splice the main brace at the USNI Happy Hour/Social:
The Malt
150 Broadway
Newport, RI
12 December 2013, 1700 until the tab runs out or the grog runs dry.
Tags: happy hour, Newport
21st Century X
By CDRSalamander
"History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
– Mark Twain
In the introduction to his book 21st Century Mahan: Sound Military Conclusions for the Modern Era, LCDR BJ Armstrong, USN speaks to a problem with a lot of the foundational thinkers on the military art. Referring to modern policymakers, naval leaders, and analysts who do bring up Mahan, Armstrong states,
These writers and thinkers are mistaken. They focus solely on his most famous work and unthinkingly repeat the analysis taught by some academics. Few of these writers appear to have actually read the works of Alfred Thayer Mahan.
Bingo. Many people have a Cliff's Notes thick understanding of Mahan because they have never been asked to, or made the independent effort to, read the primary source. As a result, many of them are reading modern commentary run through the intellectual grinders of deconstructionism and critical theory to the point that they aren't even really reading about Mahan any more. They are reading one academic's commentary on another academic who read a summary of Mahan.
The utility of Armstrong's work is really rather simple; in each section he tees the ball up for a few pages and then steps away. He lets Mahan speak for himself in long form; not pull quotes or some temporally transposed mash-up of different works stitched together to make a post-modern point.
Some of the worst commentary on Mahan I have read has come from people who really should know better, and a lot of the fault lies in how we teach Mahan.
If you try to take a short cut about learning about a thinker by simply quoting what other people have said about them using a two-line pull quote followed by 55 pages of pontification – then are you really studying the thinker? Are we teaching from primary sources, or are we letting commentary and conjecture of lesser minds come to the fore?
Live by the gouge … be ignorant by the gouge.
Along those lines, there are other naval and military thinkers out there that most of us know about, but do we really know what they said – have we been provided the primary source in an easily digestible format like we see in 21st Century Mahan? As such, have we had a chance to see what can inform our decisions as we prepare for this century's challenges?
Who would you like to see given a treatment like Mahan was given by Armstrong? Who should be next in line to be introduced anew?
Put your ideas in comments.
Tags: Book, Maritime Strategy
Midrats 14 July 13: Episode 184: "The Big Man Theory"
By Mark Tempest
Join us for Midrats on 14 July 13 at 5pm Eastern for Episode 184: "The Big Man Theory"
What is the impact of the right man at the right time with the right ideas? What is the impact of what seems to some as just a man, but to a son is all?
For the first half of the hour we will have LCDR BJ Armstrong to discuss his book, 21st Century Mahan: Sound Military Conclusions for the Modern Era.
For the second half of the hour our guest will be Stephen Roderick to discuss his book, The Magical Stranger: A Son's Journey into His Father's Life.
LCDR BJ Armstrong is a Naval Aviator and an occasional naval historian. His articles have appeared in numerous journals including USNI's Proceedings and Naval History, Naval War College Review, and Infinity Journal to name a few. He is a research student with the Department of War Studies at King's College, University of London. He was recently named the 2013-14 Morison Scholar by Naval History & Heritage Command and was awarded the 2013 Navy League Alfred Thayer Mahan Award.
Stephen Rodrick is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and a contributing editor for Men's Journal. He has also written for New York, Rolling Stone, GQ, The New Republic, The New York Times Magazine, Men's Journal, and others. The Magical Stranger is his first book.
Before becoming a journalist, Rodrick worked as a deputy press secretary for United States Senator Alan J. Dixon. He hold a bachelors and masters in political science from Loyola University of Chicago and a masters in journalism from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
Join us live or listen later by clicking here
Tags: Midrats
As this week's addition to the USNI Blog series in the run up to the release of LCDR BJ Armstrong's book "21st Century Mahan: Sound Military Conclusions for the Modern Era" we are republishing his article from the May issue of Proceedings. The call for sailors and Marines to become active participants in the debates of the 21st century has long been a rallying cry here at USNI. From Senior Chief Murphy's "A Pseudo-Intellectual Wanna-be" in the March issue to the 2008 article "Read, Think, Write, and Publish" by ADM Jim Stavridis. While critical for the future of the Sea Services, it also applies to our brothers and sisters in arms, as illustrated by Jason Fritz at FP's Best Defense Blog.
When the latest issue of Proceedings arrived in June 1906, Naval Institute members and the American people heard from a renowned global expert, a retired naval officer whose pen had been quiet for some months. His name was Alfred Thayer Mahan. His article, "Reflections, Historic and Other, Suggested by the Battle of the Japan Sea," derived from the recent Russo-Japanese naval war lessons for U.S. fleet design and battleship construction. Just a few years away from Great Britain's launch of HMS Dreadnought , which would revolutionize ship design by bringing speed together with an all-big-gun main battery, Mahan advocated for smaller and more numerous ships with mixed batteries of different calibers. As the leading naval expert, Mahan's articles were voraciously read worldwide, and his analysis matched well with the "Big Navy" party line.
The U.S. Naval Institute, then as today, was a members' organization. It didn't exist for the sake of itself, but to share ideas and debate the future of the Sea Services. A naval arms race was developing in Europe; after the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War, the nation stepped onto the global stage as a naval power. A year away from the Great White Fleet sailing around the world, the USNI members understood that their ideas, innovations, and wisdom mattered. Even though many considered Mahan the greatest living navalist and a strategic genius, he was not impervious to challenges from Naval Institute members.
In the December issue of Proceedings, a member responded to Mahan's assertions. The article didn't come from a civilian contractor who was building the next set of battleships, or from an academic expert who made his living advising politicians. The response came from an upstart lieutenant commander on staff duty in Washington, D.C. Then-Commander Mahan had once written him up for being disorderly at the Naval Academy as a first-class midshipman. Lieutenant Commander William Sims' article "The Inherent Tactical Qualities of All-Big-Gun, One Calibre Battleships" dissected and refuted Mahan's arguments. He argued that "if we are to remain a world power," the large, fast, heavily gunned battleship was the future of naval warfare.
President Theodore Roosevelt read with great interest the exchange between the renowned, retired officer and the active-duty staff officer. The articles were republished in public-affairs magazines and entered into the record during debate on the floor of the Senate. The names of two great officers and naval thinkers make the story interesting, but it was the mission and membership of the Naval Institute that made it possible. The exchange didn't happen in the pages of The Atlantic or Harper's. It happened in Proceedings. Both men were USNI members and understood that ensuring the future of their Navy required discussion, debate, and participation of the membership.
In the case of battleship design, the lieutenant commander won the debate. After studying the response and new information about the Pacific battles, Mahan admitted that his argument didn't stand up. Nevertheless, his expertise and experience as a retired naval officer-turned-civilian expert was central to the development of the future Fleet, as was his willingness to debate an upstart like Sims. The Royal Navy launched HMS Dreadnought before the United States could put its first large, fast, heavily gunned battleship to sea. But we weren't far behind, because the ideas had already been debated in Proceedings.
In the first decade of the 1900s, the United States was fighting a counterinsurgency war in the Philippines. An Asian power, the Empire of Japan, was rising to become a major economic and military force, rapidly building up its navy. USNI members faced shifting alliances and adversaries, new technologies, tactical innovation, and globalized economics. These challenges should sound familiar today. We need the expertise and experience of our senior members to keep us from repeating past mistakes. We also require the exciting and innovative ideas of new, younger members, junior officers and enlisted personnel, to propel the discussion and debate forward.
The pages of Proceedings (and USNI Blog!) need your well-developed research, thoughtful articles, and best ideas to ensure that we continue the vital debate in the 21st century. To provide an independent forum to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and national defense, we must first have those who dare to read, think, speak, and write. The U.S. Naval Institute is a members' organization—help us continue the debate!


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Thursday, 2 September 2010
Quietly working on a few things
Have I just missed a month? Time is just whizzing past so I'm just going to show you a few things made by other people.
Such cute clothing by
clever parisians
; their
online shop
will open soon!
and I love this bench seat made from copper pipes by the very creative floery mahoney!
In the meantime, I'm three months into a nine month project... have an almost completed new design which I promise I'll show you soon... and there's a noisy possum in the kitchen wall.
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Up until now, we've always thought of Alice Eve as "the hot blonde from She's Out of My League, even though she's had roles since then. That's about to change, big time. The British babe endured hours of filming in a coffin for The Raven, in theaters April 27, so we'll have those claustrophobic images seared in our minds for a while. Then she's co-starring in Men in Black III (out May 25), as the younger version of Emma Thompson's Agent O. And next year, we're probably going to be referring to her as "Star Trek hottie Alice Eve." In the meantime, we're going to call her, the beautiful lady who climbed onto a table to show off her stunning stiletto booties while confusing our photographer by pronouncing Giambattista Valli so authentically.
Alice's top and skirt are Dolce & Gabbana, and the shoes are the aforementioned Giambattista Valli. Her nail color is "tart deco" from Esse. If we paint our nails that color, we will look like her when we grow up, right?
[Photos by Colin Gray]


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Contract discussions begin for Cabell County superintendent
HUNTINGTON -- Discussions officially began Tuesday evening, albeit in executive session, on Superintendent William Smith's contract.
Members of the Cabell County Board of Education didn't make any decisions, as the process to decide on a new contract is likely to take about two months. Among the items mentioned for discussion was salary, as data was provided on contracts of other superintendents in West Virginia.
According to 2011-2012 data provided by the state department of Education, Cabell County is the fourth largest in the state, and Smith's $124,500 annual salary is listed at eighth highest.
Smith, whose current contact expires June 30, 2013, said he is seeking another four-year contract before retiring. If Smith and board members can agree on the salary and years, it shouldn't be a problem, as they expressed an extreme satisfaction with the way he's led Cabell County since becoming superintendent in 2005.
"We recently completed his evaluations, and they were all very positive," said Suzanne Oxley, president of the school board. "We've been very pleased with his leadership and all that's been accomplished."
Oxley and fellow board member Bennie Thomas both said Smith has set the county on the right course, citing the amount of construction which has taken place during his tenure. They also said he's helped the county through curricular transitions and a reorganization of the middle and high schools.
"We can stack our (school) system with any in the state, and a lot can be attributed to the leadership we have in him," Thomas said, citing the improved staff development the county has in place for teachers.
Smith said he has several goals, including the opening of the new Huntington East Middle School, the construction of the new bus garage in Lesage, the opening of a proposed incubator school and a full implementation of the new Common Core standards.
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