Attention Lions Fans: Join Kevin Smith and Roary on Monday, November 30 at the Blackberry Wireless Giant Store in Farmington Hills from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring in a toy in support of the Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Drive while you check out all the exclusive holiday deals from your friends at Blackberry!

Store Location:

BlackBerry from Wireless Giant
31380 Orchard Lake Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI  48334
Phone No. 248-855-5777

Seriously bummed I have to wait till Jan 6th to pick up issue 4 of Batman: The Widening Gyre from @thatkevinsmith

I know what you are thinking.

Really? The Lions?

Yes, the Lions.

Lookout for the Lions in 2010, and especially in 2011.

Head Coach Jim Schwartz is a terrific mind and has the faith of the Motor City brass to get things right.

So far, it appears that the selection of Matthew Stafford has been on the money. Sure, Stafford has had his struggles. But his performance last week shows he is ready to be a starting quarterback. Down 24-3 in the first quarter, Stafford egineered a comback that ended with a 38-37 thrilling victory.

This season, Stafford makes the Lions better (sans the Turkey Day game). Next season, Stafford will make the Lions better. And then trend will continue.

Unless, Schwartz and the Lions brass completely botch the next phase of the rebuild. That phase requires the precise selection of pieces in the April draft.

Right now, the Lions have got to be thinking defense, defense, defense. Because they certaintly aren’t playing it.

At this point, the Lions are sitting with the #4 overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The choices are obvious. Ndamukong Suh if he is there, Jared Odrick (DT from Penn State), Taylor Mays (FS, USC), or Brandon Spikes (LB, Florida).

The Lions have to get a defense, because Stafford’s big arm will result in a few short drives while he is learning. Those short drives lead to tired defenders and touchdown drives for the opposition.

Running Back Kevin Smith is a solid piece, as is Brandon Pettigrew (TE), Gosder Cherilus (LT), and of course WR Calvin Johnson.

Maybe they’d be tempted to take a C.J. Spiller, Russell Okung (OT, Ok State), or Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma). Sure, that would give Detroit added firepower on offense.

But Schwartz is a defensive minded coach. He needs pieces on defense to fully put his stamp on this organization.

That stamp started in April of 2009, and should be ready to go when the 2012 season rolls around.

Over the next several weeks, we’re going to look at several different positions (I can’t yet promise all) to identify the best players wearing each jersey number at each position. If this goes as planned, we’ll then compile a list of the best player wearing each jersey number in the league.

If you have quibbles, or want to add someone I forgot, leave a comment and we’ll update this post. And please have patience – this is a big job.

We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post. Now we move to running backs, who wear numbers between 20 and 49.

20 – Thomas Jones, Jets – It was surprising to hear during this week’s Jets/Patriots game that Jones had moved into the top 30 of all-time NFL rushers. That’s an impressive accomplishment, especially for a guy who struggled as a top-10 overall pick in his first stop in Arizona. But in subsequent stops in Tampa Bay, Chicago, and now New York Jones has proven he can produce. He’s an easy choice here over young whippersnappers Steve Slaton of Houston and Darren McFadden of Oakland. Other notable 20: Justin Forsett, Seahawks

21 – LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers – LDT is no longer the dominant force he was in his prime years, but if one of the top 10 backs of all time is playing in the league, we have to give him the number nod, even over a stud like Frank Gore of San Francisco or a long-time producer like Fred Taylor of the Patriots. Other notable 21s: Mike Bell, Saints; Ryan Moats, Texans; Javon Ringer, Titans; Melwede Moore, Steelers

22 – Matt Forte, Bears – Forte had an outstanding rookie year last year, but this year he’s been stymied by a subpar offensive line. Still, he gets the nod at this point over Julius Jones of the Seahawks and Fred Jackson of the Bills. Other notable 22s: Peyton Hillis, Broncos; Jacob Hester, Chargers; Chris Brown, Texans; Clifton Smith, Buccaneers

23 – Ronnie Brown, Dolphins – Before suffering a season-ending injury, Brown was continuing to prove himself as one of the league’s top-10 backs. Throw in the fact that he can throw it out of the Wildcat, and Brown gets the nod over Marshawn Lynch of the Bills and Pierre Thomas of the Saints. Other notable 23s: Willis McGahee, Ravens; Shonn Greene, Jets

24 – Marion Barber, Cowboys - Marion the Barbarian isn’t having a dominant year, but he’s still a really good back. We have no choice but to give him the nod over comeback story extraordinare Cadillac Williams of Tampa Bay.

25 – Ryan Grant, Packers – While Reggie Bush’s 25 is a best selling jersey not just in New Orleans but league wide, Grant has been the more consistently productive back over the past three years. So we’ll give Grant the nod over Bush. Other notable 25s: Justin Fargas, Raiders; LenDale White, Titans; Garrett Wolfe, Bears; Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

26 – Clinton Portis, Redskins – Although he’s sidelined by a concussion at the home, Portis’ long and productive career makes him an easy choice here over promising rookie Beanie Wells of Arizona.

27 – Ray Rice, Ravens – Brandon Jacobs of the Giants has a bigger profile, and Larry Johnson of the Bengals has a longer career, but Rice is the best back wearing this number right now. Rice is a threat running and receiving, and he can move the chains as well as bust the big play. So he gets the nod over Jacobs, Johnson, and rookie Knowshon Moreno of the Broncos.

28 – Adrian Peterson, Vikings – This is a close call, because Peterson and Chris Johnson of the Titans – probably the two best backs in the league – both wear the same number. We’ll stick to conventional wisdom and lean toward Peterson in this close call. Otehr notable 28s: Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, Correll Buckhalter, Broncos; Felix Jones, Cowboys; Derrick Ward, Buccaneers; Maurice Morris, Lions

29 – Joseph Addai, Colts – Addai isn’t a great back, but he’s good both as a runner and a receiver when he’s healthy. With Leon Washington of the Jets hurt, Addai is an easy choice at this number. Other notable 29s: LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Michael Bush, Raiders; Glen Coffee, 49ers, Chester Taylor, Vikings

30 – John Kuhn, Packers – Green Bay’s fullback is the only notable back currently wearing 30. Thankfully, he has gotten into the end zone often enough to make this selection look respectable.

31 – Jamal Lewis, Browns – Lewis isn’t the back he once was, but the former 2,000-yard rusher has had a terrific career. He’s the clear choice at this number over rookie Donald Brown of the Colts. Other notable 31s: Rock Cartwright, Redskins; Jason Wright, Cardinals

32 – Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars – Jones-Drew has moved seamlessly from being a part-time back to a full-time guy this year while still producing big numbers in terms of yardage and touchdowns. That gives him the nod over Cedric Benson, who is having a terrific season with the Bengals. Other notable 32: Jerious Norwood, Falcons

33 – Michael Turner, Falcons – The Burner has been incredibly productive since joining the Falcons in 2008, and that makes him the best back wearing 33 over pass-catching specialist Kevin Faulk of New England and short-yardage specialist LeRon McClain of Baltimore. Other notable 33: Justin Griffith, Seahawks

34 – Ricky Williams, Dolphins – Ricky wins the battle of the Williamses over DeAngelo Williams of Carolina based on Ricky’s longer career track record of production. Both are outstandingly talented backs. Other notable 34s: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers; Kevin Smith, Lions; Tim Hightower, Cardinals; Ovie Mughelli, Falcons; Sammy Morris, Patriots

35 – Jerome Harrison, Browns – It’s slim pickings at this number, so we have to give the nod to Harrison, who has had a moment or two as Jamal Lewis’ backup. Other notable 35s: Owen Schmitt, Seahawks; Dan Kreider, Cardinals; Chad Simpson, Colts

36 – Brian Westbrook, Eagles – Westbrook, who has been a terrific multipurpose back for many years now, is the easy choice at this number. He’s a truly great player. Other notable 36: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals

37 – Jason McKie, Bears – McKie, the Bears’ fullback, gets the nod here over recent Bengals signee Fui Vakapuna, another fullback. Neither will make fans forget a great fullback wearing 37 – Larry Centers of the Cardinals.

38 – Samkon Gado, Rams – Gado has had a few moments in the league, so although he’s just a backup in St. Louis now, we opt for him over Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi and injured Dolphins back Patrick Cobbs.

39 – Steven Jackson, Rams – Jackson plays for a terrible team, but he remains a terrific bellweather back for St. Louis. He gets the nod over the declining Willie Parker of Pittsburgh and the inconsistent Laurence Maroney of the Patriots. Other notable 39: Madison Hedgecock, Giants

40 – Brian Leonard, Bengals – As we get into the 40s, we’ll have a harder time finding backs wearing these numbers. Leonard, the Bengals’ do-everything back is the only notable runner wearing 40.

41 – Lorenzo Neal, Raiders – Neal has long been one of the league’s best blocking fullbacks, but his career is winding to a conclusion, which is why he’s bounced around in recent years.

42 – BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots – The law firm, as Green-Ellis is called, has done a good job when called on by the Patriots. Other notable 42s: Tony Fiametta, Panthers; Mike Cox, Chiefs; DeShawn Wynn, Packers

43 – Darren Sproles, Chargers – Sproles, the mite-sized, dynamite-powered Chargers back, gets the nod here over underrated Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver.

44 – Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants – Bradshaw, once the speedy portion of the Giants’ RB trio, has emerged as the team’s best runner this season. He gets the nod over a batch of fullbacks here. Other notable 44s: Heath Evans, Saints; Luke Lawton, Raiders; Vonta Leach, Texans; Moran Norris, 49ers, Jason Snelling, Falcons; Mike Karney, Rams

45 – Mike Sellers, Redskins – In a batch of fullbacks, Washginton’s Sellers gets the nod because of his short-yardage acumen and special-teams impact. Other notable 45s: Ahmard Hall, Titans; Brad Hoover, Panthers; Jerome Felton, Lions

46 – Ladell Betts, Redskins – Betts is the only notable back wearing 46. Thankfully, he’s a solid player who has produced when he has gotten the chance to fill in for Clinton Portis.

47 – Lawrence Vickers, Browns – Vickers, a fullback, is the only notable NFL back wearing 47 right now.

48 – None – Poor Stephen Davis. (We went to the same high school.) No current back is making his former number 48 proud.

49 – Tony Richardson, Jets – Richardson has long been one of the league’s better fullbacks, and he now plies his trade with the Jets after stints in K.C. and Minnesota. He’s the only back currently wearing 49.

The results of my writing labors was a script titled ‘Wise Intelligence.’  I started editing up my screenplay and looking for money but – well – I got really serious with my girlfriend.  Real life got in the way of dreams…but I continued to write screenplays anyway.  Just not with thoughts of filming them but selling them.

I sent queries EVERYWHERE and sometimes agents actually read my screenplays.  No one ever bit.  Ever.  But I kept trying anyway.

I still went to the comic store around this time  but was basically ‘out of comics’.  I went for the cheap stuff – one time I picked nearly the entire Ultraverse collection for a nickel a comic book.  When I went online I found no big article on the Ultraverse so I started writing one myself.  Contacted most of those involved with the creation of the comic book line and soon enough had a 10 page article.  I did this not thinking that I would sell the article but that I’d write something that would tell people about these comics.

This article landed me jobs with Newsarama and Latino Review.  But more than that one article is was collecting comics for fifteen years.  It was watching TV ALOT when I was a kid.  It was writing and never giving up no matter how many rejections I got.  I learned how to write a great query letter.  I learned to hone my craft.  I never gave up.  And that’s how I sold my first article.

Most people would love to be where I am now – writing for a website like AICN.  I’m there cause I deserve to be, because I’ve worked for the past eight years in the field.  Not only that  but my mind is a big pile of mush EXCEPT when it comes to comics and films.  My mind is a wasteland ..but I can get almost any actor to Bill Paxton in two films…three max.

It’s a convoluted story – one that can be done without rambling.  I just want to illustrate the point that things don’t happen overnight.  I never look at people who say, “How did you get into that?  Can I write for them too?” and say, “I deserve to be here!  I worked my ass off!  Why would you jump on this bandwagon!?!?!?!”

I tell them just to keep writing.  It’s really the first part.  Stop saying you are going to write a novel – JUST WRITE ONE.  Write all the time even when you have nothing to say.  Have fun when you write.  Lord knows there’s not enough fun in life…at least writing still gives me some sort of thrill.

via Travis

I want to use this blog about movies to rant a little bit about things that are kind of unrelated to movies, but kind of totally related because movies, if you think about it, are related to everything. So lets get this shit underway:

Lately I’ve been really disappointed by my tendency towards self-censorship. I’m sitting here eating canned beets, writing a semi-crazy  anti-Mormon rant when I say to myself “this is the internet. People will read this,” and delete the whole thing. Sure, it was pretty offensive and I don’t want to make my dad cry, but it was also pretty funny and totally relevant. Because who cares that I’m eating beets? Aren’t you more interested in what I have to say about the ERA? I am!

Maybe self-censoring isn’t the problem. Maybe what you don’t say is far more interesting than what you can say, and maybe hurting peoples’ feelings just isn’t all that great. Maybe the problem is that I do it badly. Because Whitman self-censored all the time, but he still got to talk about blow jobs all he wanted (they were just hidden blow jobs!). But without all the potential literal imagery and swears, Whitman isn’t very funny.

I don’t expect Dear Jesus’s readers to be the biggest Kevin Smith fans, but you have to hand it to someone that can be so candid. Not only with his fans in Q&As and SmodCast, but in the films he’s willing to make. Can you imagine taking your mom to go see Dogma? It’s only a million times worse when you made the thing, I’m sure. There are cruder movies out there, but Smith’s films don’t pretend to be anything they aren’t. Sure, Chasing Amy’s on Criterion, but it wasn’t made with the intention of ever getting to that level of critical appeal. These movies are comedies, with poop jokes, and Smith is as honestly crude as he feels like being. I think that openness of purpose is nice. Maybe I could make something that looked as good as Clerks, but I could never be that open with it, and I respect the View Askew people for that attitude.

Marrying someone that recently left the Mormon church puts me in an interesting position. On the one hand, I have to be the mediator that calms him down when he’s screaming “burn the temple!!!” on Main Street. On the other hand, he gets me thinking about all this stuff again and it makes me angrier and angrier. And all I want to do is be candid about it with people that matter to me. Never going to happen. Not even on a blog that I’m pretty sure is safe territory as far as my immediate family is concerned. And that makes me sad…or angrier. I don’t know.

When I’m asked how do I get to the writing position I’m in today – or rather – how did I break in – it’s actually a quite convoluted answer.  The truth is I didn’t just start selling things and getting jobs straight away.  Also being honest, alot of it was just dumb luck.

Cartoons and comic books were big for me.  One of my first memories is walking to the local deli with my Dad at 3 years old and purchasing a Western Gunfighters comic (the other first memory, I’m not sure which one was first, was falling down 20 steps.  My mother ran to the stairs and screamed, which cause this 3 year old to start screaming.  I still attribute me being such a dense idiot to that fall).

I was a latchkey kid growin up so I watched ALOT of television.  Thundercats, G.I. Joe, Voltron, Star Blazers, Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, Centurions, Inhumanoids, Bionic Six, Pole Position, Plastic Man, Transformers, GoBots…the list just goes on and on.  I love animation and it probably stems from this time spending so much time on my ass in front of the television.

I started drawing somewhere around 4th grade.  I would draw cartoons featuring The Noid, who was the Dominoes Pizza creature, and a girl I had a big crush on named Tina Kozak.  Of course I liked her and didn’t know how to reciprocate her showing me affection.  She’d give me a picture of herself, I’d draw a mean comic of her at space camp.  It wasn’t until years later that I figured out the flirting thing…much past the time that Tina was interested in me.

Throughout high school and college I continued drawing comic strips.  People liked them, people hated them, and I probably got made fun of alot for drawing them.  Luckily most of this occured behind my back so I didn’t have to hear snide remarks about my silly comics to my face.  I also joined my high school paper which came out once every two months or something stupid like that.  I always felt like an outsider there and never felt like I got to write anything fun.

I did get my first paying gig in high school!!!  It was writing a term paper.  Jaime Cruiser (sorry to out you all these years later) paid me $250 in 12th grade to write her paper.  I promised her an A – which she WOULD HAVE RECEIVED had she done her drawings correctly. 

I was proud of that paper.  Prouder then I was of anything I ever wrote for myself.  Why?  Because I’m writing a paper and trying to emulate a style that isn’t mine.  Not only did I write the paper, I was trying to write it as Jaime.   Then, knowing me, I took the money and spent it on comic books & booze for my buddies and I.

In college I once again joined the newspaper where I once again always felt like an outsider.  The only fun I had was once again doing comic strips in the paper – a comic called TSC Blues (the college I attended was called, back then, Trenton State College).   I did TSC Blues on and off for three years until I was …put on academic probation.  College those first three years (minus time for my military training) was full of….beers, fraternity brothers, and breasts.  I couldn’t figure out how to do all that, work, and go to class – so I just skipped class. 

I went overseas – where a movie affected me more than I thought.  Prior to moving to Israel I worked at a local Blockbuster video where we watched Kevin Smith’s Clerks constantly.  It spoke to me…on so many levels.  Kevin was a local Jersey guy who made a movie on a shoestring budget, revolving the film around two clerks from a convenience store and the video store next door.  I was a Jersey guy who wanted to be a writer, working as a clerk at a local video store.

I tried my hand at writing and directing back in high school.  I used on weekends to my father’s house where my stepbrother Harif Guzman and I would watch the local high school programming.  The high school had its own television studio and channel on local cable and we would watch two shows in the Scotch Plains area called ‘Disco Joes’ and ‘Simulated Woodgrain Finish’ starring these high school idiots running around having a grand ol’ time.

These shows, combined with the popular movie Wayne’s World where two stonerish guy hosted their own cable access show, actually caused me to go to the local Comcast office and ask for my own TV show.  To my surprise…they said yes.  Taking my best friends and writing a slew of stupid skits we ran around the town and our high school filming a television show I called ‘The Dutch Boyz.’  We ended up filming TONS of footage which the guy at Comcast hated.  We ended up never even putting together a pilot episode.

So I knew while I was overseas that I wanted to try again and this time do an actual movie.  I used the Kevin Smith technique: write what you know and use accessable locations.

PHEW – longwinded.  And I’m not even done my story of How Did I Sell An Article!  Everything goes together well once I’ve told the tale but I’m done for today.  I’m actually going to go to the movies to check out The Blind Side and Precious – two films that look absolutely great.

EPISODE 45

Hello, welcome to the Carolyn and Joe Show Zoo. This weeks special guest are the one and only Carolyn and Joe! Yes, they’re back and ready for action. On this weeks thanksgiving episode Carolyn and Joe run amok on many subjects like, Kevin Smith!, Joe’s adult store documentary, Peter Jackson, Curls meeting Dave Navarro, how the mail man left Joe’s blu player in the rain,how twitter equals titter, and being woken up by Pamela Anderson, plus much, MUCH MORE! You can only find it here, so enjoy.

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The NFL Network will air highlights from Detroit’s come-from-behind victory over the Cleveland Browns on ‘NFL Replay’ this Wednesday (November 25) at 8 p.m. ET.

The show features highlights from the game and interviews from players and coaches post-game and the following week.

Highlights from that game include rookie QB Matthew Stafford’s 422 receiving yards and five touchdowns, WR Calvin Johnson’s 161 receiving yards and one touchdown, RB Kevin Smith’s 149 all-purpose yards and one touchdown and TE Brandon Pettigrew’s 72 receiving yards and one touchdown. Also see LB Larry Foote lead the Lions’ defense with nine tackles – two for loss – one sack and one QB hurry.

Each week, we dive into the stat sheets to see which weekly performers fantasy owners should applaud and which fantasy owners should write off as frauds. You can read past applaud or a fraud analyses in the category listing. And although we didn’t do this post last week, you can check out our fantasy football thoughts during the week via our Twitter feed here on the blog or here. Since we didn’t do this post last week, we thought we’d supersize this week’s version.

Quarterbacks

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills - Fitzpatrick, who was named the Bills’ starter by interim head coach Perry Fewell this week, responded with 297 passing yards and a touchdown. However, fantasy owners shouldn’t get too carried away, since 98 of those yards and the touchdown came on one bomb to Terrell Owens. Fitzpatrick isn’t a top-24 quarterback even if he remains the starter in Buffalo. Verdict: A fraud

Matt Leinart, Cardinals – Kurt Warner suffered a concussion, and that thrust Leinart into the lineup vs. the Rams. Leinart’s numbers (10-of-14, 74 yards) were solid but unspectacular. But given Leinart’s supporting cast, he is someone fantasy owners should definitely pick up this week, pending Warner’s status. Verdict: Applaud

Eli Manning, Giants – Manning threw for 384 yards and three touchdowns in the Giants’ win over the Falcons. Part of that was because he was facing a below-average pass defense, but it’s still a good sign for a player who has often faded over the second half of the season. We’ll use this performance as reason enough to leave Manning among the top 16 fantasy quarterbacks – for now. But it doesn’t mean you should start to start Manning for your team. Verdict: A fraud

Brady Quinn, Browns – Quinn threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns against the Browns in a shootout that Cleveland ultimately lost. But don’t read too much into this one, because Detroit’s pass defense is a very soft crew. Quinn is still outside the top 25 among fantasy quarterbacks. Verdict: A fraud

Alex Smith, 49ers - Smith’s three touchdown-pass day would have been a fantasy headline in a week that didn’t include an improbably Brady Quinn/Matthew Stafford pinball game, but it does show that Smith is fantasy relevant. He has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three of his five games this year, which is a sign that Smith is a good fantasy backup with upside in leagues with at least 12 teams. If he’s on your league’s waiver wire, you need to pick Smith up this week. Verdict: Applaud

Matthew Stafford, Lions – In the shootout against the Browns, Stafford threw for 422 yards and a stunning five touchdowns. That shows he does have what it takes to produce on the NFL level. Unfortunately, he won’t get to play the Browns defense every week. This is an isolated incident that can’t move Stafford into the top 25 at quarterback from a fantasy perspective. Verdict: A fraud

Running Backs

Joseph Addai, Colts – We included fantasy football thoughts on Addai in our Colts/Ravens game thoughts post. This verdict is as a starting running back going forward. Verdict: Applaud

Marion Barber, Cowboys – There was a lot of noise about the Cowboys giving Felix Jones more run this week, but it was Barber who carried the load for Dallas against Washington. Barber’s 99-yard day was his best since Week 2. Barber hasn’t been a top-20 back, but this game might be the start of something. For now, consider Barber a flex, but don’t be afraid to start him on Thanksgiving against the Ravens. Verdict: Applaud

Mike Bell, Saints - Bell piled up 75 yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs, but most of his work came in garbage time. Pierre Thomas is still the guy in New Orleans, and Bell is still not a guy who can start because of his limited role. Verdict: A fraud

Rock Cartwright, Redskins - With Clinton Portis out for the game and Ladell Betts hurting his knee, Cartwright became the Redskins’ top running back. He responded with 67 rushing yards on 13 carries, plus 73 yards on seven catches. We can expect Portis to miss at least one more game, and that means Cartwright is worth a claim as we find out about the severity of Betts’ injury. If Betts misses next week’s game, Cartwright could even be worth starting next week. Verdict: Applaud

Justin Forsett, Seahawks - In his first game in relief of Julius Jones, Forsett had just nine yards on nine carries. But he did have a touchdown run along with 80 receiving yards. Forsett isn’t a top-25 back, but he is a guy who can fit into your flex spot based on the matchup as long as Jones is out. That means you need to keep Forsett on your roster if you have him. Verdict: Applaud

Lex Hilliard, Dolphins – With Ronnie Brown out and Patrick Cobbs already on injured reserve, Hilliard is about the only guy Miami has behind new starter Ricky Williams. But Hilliard had just four carries and two catches against Carolina, and he totaled just 31 yards. Despite his standing, Hilliard just isn’t going to get enough touches to be fantasy relevant except in mega leagues of 16 teams or more. And even in those leagues, Hilliard is just bench depth. Verdict: A fraud

Laurence Maroney, Patriots – Maroney ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns, finding the end zone for the fifth consecutive game. He is now a starting-quality fantasy running back. Don’t hesitate to put him in your lineup. Verdict: Applaud

Ray Rice, Ravens – We included fantasy football thoughts on Rice in our Colts/Ravens game thoughts post. This verdict is as a top-10 running back going forward.Verdict: Applaud

Kevin Smith, Lions - Smith only ran for 45 yards against Cleveland, but he had 104 yards receiving plus a touchdown. It was just the fourth touchdown of the year for Smith, who has been a borderline top 25 running back all season from a fantasy perspective. We’ll use this performance to say that Smith is still an excellent flex option and possibly even a No. 2 running back in your league. Verdict: Applaud

Jason Snelling, Falcons – With Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both inactive, Snelling was the go-to guy for the Falcons this week, and he finished with 76 yards on 25 carries, along with two touchdowns. That’s good production, but it’s enough for you to squeeze Snelling into your lineup for one more week as long as Turner remains out. Verdict: Applaud

Ricky Williams, Dolphins - In the first game with Ronnie Brown out, Ricky Williams went nuts with 119 rushing yards and three total TDs. While he won’t have those kind of monster numbers every week, Williams is now an every-week starter in every league. Verdict: Applaud

Wide Receivers

Chris Chambers, Chiefs - In his first game as the Chiefs’ de facto No. 1 receiver in the absence of Dwayne Bowe, Chambers delivered four catches for 119 yards. Of course, his 61-yard catch and run in overtime turned his effort from pedestrian to impressive, but the bottom line is that he delivered. While Bowe is out, Chambers is a top-35 receiver who is worth a look as a third wideout or flex play in many leagues. Verdict: Applaud

Pierre Garcon, Colts – We included fantasy football thoughts on Garcon in our Colts/Ravens game thoughts post. This verdict is as a third receiver or flex play going forward. Verdict: Applaud

Derrick Mason, Ravens – We included fantasy football thoughts on Garcon in our Colts/Ravens game thoughts post. This verdict is as a third receiver or flex play going forward. Verdict: Applaud

Mohammed Massaquoi and Chansi Stuckey, Browns – Both Massaquoi and Stuckey had five catches and a touchdown vs. Detroit, with Massaquoi piling up 115 yards and Stuckey amassing 76. But while Stuckey’s explosion is likely a product of a shootout against a bad team, Massaquoi has emerged as the Browns’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver. That doesn’t mean a ton, but it does put the rookie from Georgia inside the top 35 wide receivers and make him a potential flex play against highly favorable matchups. We can’t recommend Stuckey as a waiver claim, on the other hand, except in monster-sized leagues of 16 teams or more. Verdict: Applaud Massaquoi; A fraud for Stuckey

Robert Meachem, Saints - We tweeted this last week, but it’s now clear that Meachem is the No. 2 option among Saints receivers (including TE Jeremy Shockey). That means that Meachem is moving into the top 25 of fantasy receivers. He has scored touchdowns three weeks in a row, including two this week, so the gravy train is moving. Even though Meachem had just two catches in this game, we believe in Meachem as a fantasy force. Get on board with him now. Verdict: Applaud

Legedu Naanee, Chargers – Naanee scored for the second straight week, but he had just one two-yard catch in this game. Malcom Floyd is still the Chargers receiver you want behind Vincent Jackson. Verdict: A fraud

Terrell Owens, Bills - Owens’ numbers got a huge boost from a 98-yard touchdown catch, which was only his third touchdown of the season. But Owens would have had a decent fantasy game even without that monster catch, as he finished with 9 catches for 197 yards. Owens has perked up a bit lately, to the point that you can once again consider starting him as a third receiver or a flex. But it would be foolish to pencil T.O. into your starting lineup without checking matchups and other options. Verdict: A fraud

Steve Smith, Panthers - Smith’s numbers have suffered this season with Jake Delhomme spraying the ball all over the place, but over the last five games Smith has had at least 56 yards in every game but one, and in that game he scored twice. All four of Smith’s touchdowns this season have come over that span. Smith isn’t a top-10 fantasy receiver, but he is back inside the top 20 now, which means he should be starting for your team. Verdict: Applaud

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss, Giants - Boss had a ridiculously slow start to the season, but he had five catches for 76 yards and two scores in this game, giving him four touchdowns in his last three games. That’s good enough to move him into the top 12 at tight end. Ride this hot streak if you can. Verdict: Applaud

Dallas Clark and Tom Santi, Colts – We included fantasy football thoughts on Clark and Santi in our Colts/Ravens game thoughts post. This verdict is as a top-10 receiver (both WR and TE for Clark) going forward and as a waiver claim for Santi. Verdict: Applaud Clark; A Fraud for Santi

- This is a week where we see virtually unknown running backs, Jason Snelling (Falcons), Bernard Scott (Bengals), Justin Forsett (Seahawks), Ladell Betts (Redskins), take the start for their respective teams, due to their teams top running backs being injured. On my roster this week for running backs were :
Joseph Addai – @Bal, Kevin Smith – Cle, LeSean McCoy – @Chi, Jason Snelling – @NYG, Jamaal Charles – Pit, Knowshon Moreno – SD.
I went with Addai, K. Smith, and Snelling (instead of McCoy). I felt like going for the long shot and I hope it pans out…I hate those decisons. Already Jamaal Charles has returned a 97 Yd. Kickoff for a TD, but there was no way I was starting him against Pitt. At least I will get to see how good he is, because if he has a good game against Pittsburgh today, then I know i’ve got someone I can rely on the rest of the season. Should be an interesting week….

- Brady Quinn and Josh Freeman both have already thrown TD’s passes in their respective games. I think Brady Quinn needs to leave Cleveland and start fresh somewhere else, because he’s got talent. Josh Freeman is going to be a pro-bowl caliber QB for years to come.

- Brady Quinn now has 3 TD passes in the 1st Quarter…that’s insane. I wonder if anyone in the fantasy football world started Brady Quinn today?

- Ravens (K)Billy Cundiff has kicked field goals of 46 yards, and 44 yards. Looks like the Ravens made the right choice when they signed him, just last week.
UPDATE : He just kicked another FG of 38 yards….Cundiff is looking like a guy you may want to consider for your fantasy teams.
UPDATE 2: He just kicked another FG of 36 yards……..4 FOR 4 in field goal attempts in the first half.
UPDATE 3: Cundiff missed a FG, but added another one, so he is 5/6 in field goal attempts today.

- The game between the lowly Browns and Lions has turned into a shootout. They are tied at 24 a piece in the first half, and Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford has thrown for 3 TD’s (Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson, Aaron Brown) and Browns (QB)Brady Quinn has thrown for 3 TD’s (Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Joshua Cribbs).

- Redskins (RB)Ladell Betts got injured and left the game…Now the Redskins are down to Rock Cartwright baby!!!!!

- As of the 3rd quarter, Vikings (QB)Brett Favre has 4 TD passes (Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiacoe, Percy Harvin).

- Rookies have played a big part in scoring touchdowns so far in the early games….Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford, Lions (RB)Aaron Brown, Browns (WR)Mohamed Massaquoi, Buccaneers (QB)Josh Freeman, Vikings (WR)Percy Harvin, and 49ers (WR)Michael Crabtree so far through 3 quarters.

- As of the end of the 3rd quarter, Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford has 4 TD passes (Kevin Smith, Aaron Brown, Will Heller, Calvin Johnson).

- Has T.O. finally arrived in Buffalo?…so far he has 182yds./8 rec./1TD entering the 4th quarter.

- Chiefs (LB)Andy Studebaker made his first career start today against the Pittsburgh Steelers and has 2 interceptions, one of which he picked off in the end zone on a Steelers scoring drive, and ran it back the other way 94 yards, before being tackled by Rashard Mendenhall.

- What a game between the Lions and Browns…..The Lions were down by the score of 37-31, and with seconds remaining, Matthew Stafford connected on his 5th touchdown pass on the day to (TE)Brandon Pettigrew for the win.

- The Cardinals will be in serious trouble if Kurt Warner’s injury turns out to be one that keeps him out of action for some time. Matt Leinart will affect the fantasy status of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but it may help out Chris Wells and Tim Hightower.

1ST QUARTER :
- Chiefs(D/ST) Chiefs (RB/KR)Jamaal Charles 97 Yd. Kickoff Return for TD
- Colts (QB)Peyton Manning passes to (TE)Dallas Clark for TD
- Buccaneers (QB)Josh Freeman passes to (WR)Michael Clayton for TD
- Browns (QB)Brady Quinn passes to (WR)Mohamed Massaquoi for TD
- Saints (QB)Drew Brees passes to (WR)Robert Meachem for TD
- Ravens (K)Billy Cundiff kicked FG’s of 46 Yds, and 44 Yds.
- Browns (QB)Brady Quinn passes to (WR)Chansi Stuckey for TD
- Falcons (RB)Jason Snelling rushes for TD
- Browns (QB)Brady Quinn passes to (WR)Joshua Cribbs for TD

2ND QUARTER :
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (WR)Percy Harvin for TD
- Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford passes to (RB)Aaron Brown for TD
- Jaguars (RB)Maurice Jones-Drew rushes for TD
- Giants (QB)Eli Manning passes to (TE)Kevin Boss for TD
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (TE)Visanthe Shiacoe for TD
- Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford passes to (RB)Kevin Smith for TD
- Steelers (QB)Ben Roethlisberger passes to (WR)Hines Ward for TD
- Packers (QB)Aaron Rodgers passes to (WR)Greg Jennings for TD
- Ravens (K)Billy Cundiff kicks 38 Yd. FG and 36 Yd. FG (4/4 in FGA in the first half)
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (WR)Bernard Berrian for TD
- Steelers (QB)Ben Roethlisberger passes to (TE)Heath Miller for TD
- Colts (RB)Joseph Addai rushes for TD
- Packers (QB)Aaron Rodgers passes to (WR)Jordy Nelson for TD
- Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford passes to (WR)Calvin Johnson for TD
- Giants (QB)Eli Manning passes to (TE)Kevin Boss for TD
- Saints (QB)Drew Brees passes to (WR)Robert Meachem for TD

3RD QUARTER :
- Chiefs (QB)Matt Cassel passes to (TE)Leonard Pope for TD
- Falcons (RB)Jason Snelling rushes for TD
- Bills (QB)Ryan Fitzpatrick passes to (WR)Terrell Owens for a 98 Yd. TD
- Giants (RB)Brandon Jacobs rushes for TD
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (WR)Sidney Rice for TD
- Saints (QB)Drew Brees passes to (TE)David Thomas for TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (WR)Michael Crabtree for TD
- Saints (RB)Mike Bell rushes for TD
- Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford passes for (TE)Will Heller for TD

4TH QUARTER :
- Vikings (QB)Tarvaris Jackson passes to (WR)Sidney Rice for TD
- Giants (QB)Eli Manning passes to (FB)Madison Hedgecock for TD
- Steelers (QB)Ben Roethlisberger passes to (RB)Rashard Mendenhall for TD
- Seahawks (RB)Justin Forsett rushes for TD
- Packers (RB)Ryan Grant rushes for TD
- Chiefs (QB)Matt Cassel passes to (RB)Jamaal Charles for TD
- Falcons (QB)Matt Ryan passes to (WR)Eric Weems for TD
- Saints (RB)Mike Bell rushes for TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (TE)Vernon Davis
- Cowboys (QB)Tony Romo passes to (WR)Patrick Crayton for TD
- Jaguars (QB)David Garrard passes to (WR)Mike Sims-Walker for TD
- Jaguars (QB)David Garrard rushes for 2 Point Conversion
- Browns (QB)Brady Quinn passes to (TE)Michael Gaines for TD
- Falcons (QB)Matt Ryan passes to (TE)Tony Gonzalez for TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (RB)Frank Gore for TD
- Lions (QB)Matthew Stafford passes to (TE)Brandon Pettigrew for TD

Everyone’s getting in on it- mocking the Twilight series. And I applaud them. There is so much to make fun of and laugh at. I’m still baffled, by the way, as to why anyone likes the last book…

But I digress…because it’s so rampant, here are my top 3 favorite Twilight/ New Moon parodies.

3. New Moon parody on Jay Leno.

2. Taylor Swift on SNL. Her Bella is pitch perfect.

The Movie Overdose attempts to contain the apocalypse with a review of Roland Emmerich’s 2012. We chat about how we would change Eddie Murphy for the better, what kind of sequel we want for Star Trek and whether we are glad to see Sean Connery coming back, if only in voice form. Tom slightly dampens the praise given to An Education and Sam revels in the madness of Running Scared and the flawed ambition of Dogma. The conclusion involves a discussion of actors that, no matter what, we always look forward to seeing on screen.

Download The Movie Overdose Episode 42

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the 2nd article i wrote for Popin.my as their PopMuda.

After teh tarik, maybe we can go grab a movie? One of these 7 saucy films?
1. Berbagi Suami by Nia Dinata
I could never relate to the slow poetic expression that is common with Malaysian alternative cinema, (Malaysian mainstream cinema is hardly ever worth watching at all except those by Bernard Chauly) because my family and life experience just isn’t like that. The women in my family are loud, witty and smart, very much like women in Nia’s films. In Berbagi Suami, Nia tells 3 tales of polygamous marriage. I love the funny irony of the first story; I love the 2 women who took charge of their fate and eloped together in the 2nd story; I love the frankness of the 3rd story that shows what a fool human can be. Nia’s story telling grabs you by the eyeballs and make sure you laugh and cry with the protagonist all the way through.

2. Gubra by Yasmin Ahmad
Gubra has to be my favourite Yasmin’s film by far. On one hand We have Orkid who is witty and loud (yay!) yet somehow still manage to get married to an abusive husband,  bump into her ex-lover’s brother, who uttered the line ‘Loving Malaysia is like having relationship with someone who don’t love you back.’ That completely resonates with me and possibly most Malaysian too, as our leadership in this country only loves themselves really. On the other hand, we have the ulamak that walks on screen and pat the dog. He and his wife proceed to take care of the sex workers neighbors with such love and compassion that sends off-screen ulamaks berserk. Drama off and on screen! Truly demonstrate the power of films and Yasmin is definitely one Malaysian that isn’t afraid to wield that magic and she does it so well. She passed away…We miss you already.

3. Ciplak – Khai M Bahar
Another Malaysian filmmaker who isn’t afraid to be saucy and witty and loud on film is Khairil M Bahar. With Ciplak, Khai (wrote, directed and acted himself) ran and skateboard all over KL, seduced by a woman, attempted seduction by a man, bashed up, escaped all in the name of a quick cash scheme of selling ciplak (pirated) dvds. How Malaysian! J I even learnt a thing or 2 about what goes behind in supplying my dosages of uncensored foreign films.

4. City of God by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund
Sweat, blood, action, sex but what was most gripping was the story- young kids struggling to carve a space just to grow up in the urban poor slums of Rio de Janeiro. Gang war strives and feeds off the poor, like the chicken running for its life in the opening scene, children growing up in the slum has better grow up fast, or else they will just be dead meat. It gets really dire watching the marginalized, the poor being portrayed as victims and powerless or very exotic like they are in some aquariums; Fernando and Katia definitely lend a different sort of voice to these very important stories, one that is also about passion in times of hunger, about living even when dying seem like a better way out. After all the adrenaline pumped, you leave the cinema thinking, should any child grow up like that?

5. Iron Jawed Angels- by Katja Von Garnier
One of the early generations of very loud and proud women must be the suffragist movement in America. The women that rock the white house white male leadership to bring about equal right to vote! Starring rock stars of the movie screen-Hilary Swank, woah, as Alice Paul, founder of National Women’s Party together with Lucy Burns. Soundtracked with rock and roll music, the film makes me stand up and put my hands up in the air and say YEAH YOU GO GIRLS! And thank you, to all the women and people who have fought and are fighting still so that I may be free.

6. Dogma by Kevin Smith
Alanis Morissette is God weh!! If that was a spoiler for you that means you haven’t watched the film that means you should be shot dead, but I don’t believe in capital punishment so you will just be strapped to the chair and be made to watch Dogma on repeats, which isn’t really a bad thing. It is such an insolent film, I love it! The idea that there is a loophole in God’s theory and if the 2 fallen angels can find a way through this loophole, they can get back to heaven but one thing, it will undo the entire creation. It’s a rollercoaster ride of wit, after 5 times of watching, I will still laugh off my knickers and come out thinking ‘oh yeah, the idea of a God is indeed ludicrous!’ (Voltaire would so enjoy this movie.) Did I mention its an all star casts- Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Salma Hayek and more!

7. Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love by Mira Nair
This would be a lovely film to end the night, a little tragic but still the shots, the people and the stories are so beautiful, it is erotica at its best! Set in 16th century India, the movie depicts the story of two girls, Maya and Tara, who were raised together even though they come from different social classes. Tara was to marry a king; Maya became his courtesan, then banished, and found her love in a stone sculptor (ah, everyone always love the artist). So saucy and sensual, guarantee to set you in the mood for love. J

That’s it, go have some (sauce) already, why are you still reading this!!
Strawberries and chocolate fondue
Mien

Zack and Miri Make a Porno è un film del 2008 commedia scritta e diretta da Kevin Smith, e distribuito da The Weinstein Company.

Leggi altre notizie su: | Kevin Smith | Seth Rogen | Elizabeth Banks | Craig Robinson

Is my face red?

1. Rachel A. Witzke gets props for letting me know about what’s the best argument yet for why the Shakers may have had the right idea all along about sex.

2. The Moon Goons are from Minnesota and they make dance music. Don’t let either of those things stop you from listening to them because they are an extra side of awesome sauce and then some.

3. Yes, of course I realize Halloween is longover. But I don’t like Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Years. How do I put it?  Those other inferior holidays just aren’t doomy enough for my tastes.

4. By far, this is the most authoritative history of Christian stand up comedy I have ever come across. Granted, it’s not written by a believer so I admit there is an inherent I-work-at-a-snarky-independent-radio-station-in-New-York bias. However, regardless of your religious persuasion, this is a fascinating and well-researched article. Coming from the perspective of someone who reads A WHOLE LOT about Christian pop culture and stand up comedy, even I learned a lot. I own some of these records, so it was cool to find out someone else on the planet did too. Plus, it’s funny as hell. Whoops! Sorry, my bad.

5.  Another well-done essay about comics penned by someone who is currently doing it for a living. I stumbled across this old piece because the title shares the same name of this blog.  Vince Martin,  in addition to being hilarious, says so many things better than I ever could that I’m kind of getting jealous even thinking about it. God damn it! There I go again…

6. Director Kevin Smith gets interviewed all the time. Which makes sense, he’s a great story teller and his wife was at least at one time a reporter for “USA Today.” (Not sure if she still is after she had the kids.) Anyhoo, I’ve skimmed a ton because I’m a fan but for some reason this one stood out above the others. What I like about this particular chat the most is that, as always, he is more than helpful about going over the nitty gritty about what it takes to get an independent film done. The unglamorous stuff you go through to make another one after that. More than almost any other person I’ve heard of who’s now in the studio system, Smith is always willing to give pointers to show novices what to do and give breaks to whoever wants and genuinely deserves one. In other words, he’s not afraid of competition. If you make a better movie than him, great! The more the merrier. Bring it on and show me what ya got! So many industries, like medicine or engineering for example, go out of their way to discourage competition and make their clubs as exclusive as humanly possible. He almost, and almost being the operative word here, makes you optimistic that meritocracy can and will trump Hollywood nepotism.

7. If you’re thinking of watching the PG-13 horror film “The Unborn,” don’t. It’s a big mistake and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Okay, first off, PG-13 horror with a few notable exceptions is a contradiction in terms. I’m not saying you can’t make a good PG-13 psychological suspense film but that’s a whole other kettle of fish than a scary movie. That’s different. That’s supposed to be for adults so it’s okay for adults to watch adult things happen. PG-13 movies are for kids or other groups of people who can’t psychologically handle being really frightened. End. Of. Story. Second of all, “The Unborn” would have sucked with an “R” or an “NC-17″ or an “X.” Now, extended preface aside, it did make me want to learn more about vanishing twins and Josef Mengele. Specifically Dr. Mengele’s twin experiments. Ok, here’s a for-example: supposedly some people now believe that when Mengele was on the lam in Brazil, he managed to perfect the ability to cause women to give birth to twins. According to legend, the town he hid out in now has to this very day one of the largest amounts of twin per capita in the world. And, because we’re talking about the Angel of Death here, he did all of this pregnancy manipulation unbeknownst to the women he was checking up on. I mean…that right there is TOTALLY MESSED UP! Whether it’s true or not is beside the point: that would make an AWESOME R-rated horror flick right there. Too bad no one has.

8. I wanted all of my friends to know that Mike Toft, a cartoonist I have known and worked with for the last couple of years, finally put up a site for a great little comic he’s been toiling away called Brain Food. Mike is a really cool guy and I’m always psyched whenever a new issue hits my mailbox. So please go spread some love his way if you get a sec as I’m sure he would totally appreciate that sort of thing.

9. I’ve been listening to the Avett Brothers this afternoon while I typed this up. My favorite song of theirs thus far is “Colorshow.” It’s totally boss, as the kids used to say.

Spine Breakers Review: My Boring Ass Life: The Uncomfortably Candid Diary of Kevin Smith by Kevin Smith

For no good reason, this book took me nearly two years to read.  From the time I bought it until I finished it this week was damn near two years.  But I loved the book.  So how can I recommend a book that couldn’t have held my attention that much if it took me so long to finish it?  The only way is to look at this as two separate books, the boring part and the exciting part.  I read the last two hundred or so pages (out of 470) within a couple days, because it got interesting.  Smith’s time in jury duty, the legendary “Me and My Shadow” blogs, and way too much interesting sex for a fat fuck (allegedly).  Kevin Smith has the dream life of all Fanboys.  He has a hot wife, beautiful child, jobs that fall into his lap with minimal effort, his own comic book store, and millions of dollars.  He can phone anyone from Ben Affleck to Stan Lee at any time of day.  And that shit is interesting!  But when his life is no different than mine, I can’t be bothered to read the book.  The first part of the book is as follows:

(Insert date and time)

Woke up, wife was asleep.  Took my laptop into the bathroom.  Took a big shit in first 5 minutes, spent next 55 minutes letting my colon retract and air out while checking e-mails and the forum.  Came out, waved goodbye to my kid, went out to eat with the wife, came home, played online poker while watching TV, then went to bed.

What the hell?  This isn’t worth spending my money on!  And speaking of money, how does he make any?  Unless there’s a pay site where people watch Silent Bob take a dump for an hour for $29.95 a month I see no income.  Also, hang out with your child!  The only mention of her is when you wave to her once a day!  While reading this, which is most of the front of the book, I hated Kevin Smith.  I’ve been a huge fan from day one but this made me feel like he was self absorbed, egotistical, gas bag who would throw his name on anything.

I put the book down, and it sat for a year and a half, at least.  I know when I started reading it was during a trip to Yankee stadium.  The old stadium.  They have now moved into a new home and won the World Series.  So I restart the book…

And its fucking good.  Jason Mewes’s journey through drug addiction, the filming of Clerks II, jury duty, Catch and Release, the stuff he writes about is amazing.  Just a little glimmer into the life of a celebrity, yet told by a “real person”.  He is passionate about everything, and none more so that the people in his life.  Finally he writes about his wife and daughter in ways that show how important they are to him, and not just part of his daily routine – no different than his daily shit.  The Kevin Smith in the later part of the book is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back, then laugh when you ask him to put it back on.  Of course then he would write a blog about it, which would lead to some sort of t-shirt deal worth millions.  Meanwhile, I am still wearing his too big used shirt.

Stick with Mr. Smith no matter what he does.  Even myself, a Kevin Smith zombie, hated this book and was then snapped back into his adoring sweaty arms.  Get in line to read and love this book if you haven’t already.  Spot number 37 is reserved for you.