A Pessimist Darkly

Plato Wyngard 3 - Pre-order

2018-01-31T13:27:00.000+10:00

Since I began writing novels I started a website - www.james-lindsay.com and the blogs dried up.

I'm going to try to reinvigorate this site and blog about whatever is inspiring me at the time.

So, let me catch you up!

My brother, Marc Lindsay and I are launching our 3rd novel in the action-adventure Plato Wyngard series.

We launched book 1 - Plato Wyngard and the Valley of the Immortals in 2016.

You can buy it on Amazon.

You can review it on goodreads.

We launched book 2 - Plato Wyngard and the Armour of the Gods in 2017.

You can buy it on Amazon.

You can review it on goodreads.

We are launching book 3 - Plato Wyngard and the Guild of Wolves in July 2018.

You can pre-order you own paperback copy here for $25AUD - includes your name at the front of the book.

Anyway this is short and sweet!!

I'll see you around!

James

Love, Period - Episode 2 - What She Say?

2013-06-04T19:53:00.001+10:00

After a very successful launch of Episode 1 on the 13th of May of our web series. We are proud to announce that we are giving Max It Magazine the early exclusive.

Check it out here!!!
http://maxitmagazine.com/modules-menu/432-exclusive-early-release-love-period-what-she-say

Web Series: Love, Period: Season 1

2013-02-12T11:58:00.000+10:00

Well I have been absent for the start of this year writing season 1 for my up coming web series, Love, Period.

All 9 episodes have been written as well as episode 1 for season 2 and several teaser trailers.

I will be co-producing as Tight Spot Productions with the legendary team at Lamb Fer Productions.

Head over to the FaceBook page for updates on casting, shooting schedules and even the competition for a 2 episode walk-on role.

Until then hail to the Walk-on!!!!!!

Web Series: Love, Period.

2013-01-07T12:34:00.000+10:00

I'm very proud to announce that I will be co-creator & Head Writer for a new web series being filmed in New Jersey early this year.

I will alo be co-producing (Tight Spot Productions) with the same fantastic team that will be shooting my short film 'Trapped Inside' on the 26th of January. Lamb Fer Productions have had a very busy 2012 and 2013 looks even bigger and better.

It will be a 7 episode 1st season and casting has already begun.

Keep your eyes on the FaceBook page for updates and 'LIKE' to keep in the loop.

Until then hail to the neutral thing!

Soap - Short Film News

2012-11-17T17:11:00.001+10:00

Soap is slowly chugging along. We raised money on Indie GoGo in April but things slowed down when our director Eddie Madphat had a baby. But he has also worked on several projects building up some skills. Has has also bought some new equipment that will make Soap all the better.

We also have a new poster. Any thoughts are welcome here or at soapshortfilm@gmail.com

And finally we have secured a beautiful church and stunning water side restaurant for shooting location and secured some talented actors.

Alex Mott will play our lead and Emma Power will get a juicy role to sink her teeth into.

We are aiming for a shooting date of mid December.

Until then hail to the wide lens!

Trapped Inside - Short Film: Banners

2012-09-18T12:41:00.001+10:00

Things move very quickly when you get mixed up with the people from Lamb Fer Productions.

With Principal Photography fast approaching (10 & 11 November) for my second short film of the year, we have signed up the 2 lead actors and almost all of the crew. The only main job left is to secure a fitting location and do some test runs re: make-up, lighting etc

We still have a few weeks left for our Indie GoGo crowd fundraising campaign.

Here are some Banners we've (Daryl) knocked up to help promote Trapped Inside on Facebook, Twitter and websites.

Your thoughts and opinions are more than welcome.

And watch this space for news on an upcoming Webisode series I will be involved in.

Until then don't get trapped!!

The Debra Hill Fellowship Presents: Producer's Guild Weekend Shorts Contest

2012-09-03T11:04:00.000+10:00

Things have definitely moved fast since I've started a working relationship with Lamb Fer Productions.

Trapped Inside is full steam ahead with a shooting date of 10 & 11 November in New Jersey and we have now locked in.

Director/Producer: Daryl Ferrara
Producer: Jillian Lamb
DoP: Michael Pinchiaroli
Editor: Paige Richardson
Make Up Artist: Emmy
Lighting: Derek Sexton Horani

Lead Actor: David Gazzo

As well as an Indie GoGo fundraising campaign.

Well the same team will honing their skills for the Producers Guild of America: Weekend Shorts Contest presented by the Debra Hill Fellowship.

We have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and upload a short film after being given a theme and specific elements to utilise (so people don't shoot the film ahead of time). It will start on Friday the 28th of September and the final cut will need to be uploaded by the afternoon of Sunday the 30th of September.

Even more exciting is the films entered in THE PRODUCERS GUILD WEEKEND SHORTS CONTEST will be evaluated by a remarkable group of judges, including Steve Buscemi, Jamie Lee Curtis, Paul Reubens, Lesley Ann Warren, Bruce Cohen and Stacey Sher. Each of the judges had the opportunity to work closely with Debra Hill, and we deeply appreciate their honoring her legacy by providing their time and expertise.

I'm very exciting by this string of little tasks and jobs and it is definitely keeping my writing bubbling along.

Until then hail to the Wool!

Trapped Inside - A new short film by Tight Spot Productions

2012-08-30T10:22:00.000+10:00

Well I have another short film in pre-production!!!

My Production company, Tight Spot Productions has teamed with the clever people at Lamb Fer Productions in New Jersey to make Trapped Inside.
They have been responsible for 2 other shorts already this year. Glimpse and Her.

Daryl Ferrara and Jillian Lamb have moved extremely fast in securing a DOP (Michael Pinchiaroli), a teaser poster (see below) and even a shooting date. Trapped Inside will be shot on the 10th & 11th of November.

We have also started a fundraising campaign at Indie GoGo - http://www.indiegogo.com/trappedinside?a=307003

Exciting time ahead and you can read all about it here!!!!

James Lindsay
Writer/Director
Tight Spot Productions

At the beach with my boys!

2012-05-06T12:22:00.001+10:00

Having fun at the beach

Using the blogger app with attach more pics soon!

Too Much Sex And Violence #2

2012-02-11T18:44:00.000+10:00

Back in November 2011 I was lucky enough to get my grubby hands on a copy of Too Much Sex And Violence Issue 1. I promptly blogged, twittered and shared what I considered not only a great read and something different from the formulaic rot you'll find in your local newsagent. TMSV was written by the wordsmith known to his friends as Rol Hirst. You can find him lurking in the murky crevices of the digital world and can be found at these usual haunts.

www.rolhirst.co.uk
www.rolhirst.blogspot.com
rolhirst@gmail.com

Issue 2 can be purchased by going to either of the websites or simply emailing Mr Hirst and asking "Yo, Rol how do I procure this much hyped Issue 2? .. Please"

So what do I have to say about TMSV? What will you find? What does it smell like?

Well between actual laugh out moments and disturbing fellatio scenes you'll find clever quotable dialogue, interesting 3 dimensional characters and a set of intriguing 'chapters' that have me wondering, 'where are they heading and what will they be doing next?'

I am eagerly waiting for issue 3 to drop and I can only honestly say that about 3-4 other comics.

They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky,
They're all from Fathomby!

Until then hail to Pump Number 3!

Super Bowl XLVI Predictions - New York Giants vs New England Patriots

2012-02-02T11:30:00.000+10:00

As a staunch New York Giants supporter I am going to try to predict what is going to happen on the Big Blue side of the ball for the Superbowl rematch against the Tom Brady led Patriots.

Offense

Eli Manning - I think due to the hot form of #10 the Giants are going to try to exploit the Pats Secondary and we'll see Manning try air it out and find one of his plethora of speedy options.

24 Completions from 39 Attempts for 288 Yards 2 td's and 1 Int

WR

Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are a formidable trio and will look to gain ascendancy from the beginning. I can't see the Pats containing all 3 and it isn't implausible that 2 of the 3 will have 100 yard games.

Victor Cruz - 9 Receptions for 124 yards
Hakeem Nicks - 5 Receptions for 97 yards 1 TD
Mario Manningham - 3 Receptions for 52 yards 1 TD
Jake Ballard (TE) - 5 Receptions 42 yards

RB

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have been a bit hit and miss thoughout the year and their success could ultimately decide the outcome.

Ahmad Bradshaw - 14 Carries 54 Yards
Brandon Jacobs - 9 Carries 49 Yards 1 TD

Defense

With the most fearsome and potent front four rotation in the league I'm expected Brady to get a good look at the underside of this Indy Dome. There are several legitimate threats to Tommy Boys health and they are in no order: Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyoira and Rocky Bernhard. All have recorded sacks during the post-season and LB Michael Boley has dropped the QB on an impressive 2 sacks also. For the Giants to score more points than the Patriots they will need to hit Tom Brady as often and as hard as possible to try to rattle him.

JPP 1 Sack
Tuck 1 Sack
Umenyoira 1.5 Sacks
Rocky Bernhard 0.5 Sacks

Score
Giants 24 Patriots 27

I will come back next week and look at where I was wrong (hopefully the score) and analyse the game.

Until then hail to the Vintage46!

OCD Films Part 1 & 2: As Good As It Gets/Rain Man

2011-12-05T12:02:00.000+10:00

Over at the Soap - Short film blog they are looking at movies that have strong characters that have OCD tendencies.

Part 1 is a look at the Jack Nicholson vehicle: As Good As It Gets.

Part 2 is a look at the Dustin Hoffman vehicle: Rain Man.

Interestingly enough both actors won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Academy Award.

Check them out and don't forget to leave your opinion, or is there another film with an interesting character you can think of?

Until then hail to the Matches!

OCD Films Part 1: As Good As It Gets (SOAP)

2011-11-30T11:13:00.000+10:00

Over at the Soap - Short Film Blog they are talking about films with characters who have OCD.

Part 1 is "As Good As It Gets"

check it out!!!!

Until then hail to the Clean Joker!

Funding - Soap the Short Film

2011-11-27T18:44:00.000+10:00

Over at the Soap - Short Film blog we are discussing what types of perks would entice you to drop some coin.

Some of the things on offer are:

Special Thanks in the Credits
Special Thanks in the Credits and on IMDB
A copy of the DVD
A copy of the Special Edition DVD with extra features
A professional photograph from the set
Executive Producer Credit.

Would any of these lure you? If so or not why? What else would you look for when donating to a short film?

Answer these or just have a chat over at Soap - Short Film or follow us @soapshortfilm on twitter.

Until then hail to the Gracias!

New 52 - My Pull List

2011-11-26T15:24:00.000+10:00

I'm a massive Batman fan and was excited by the news of FLASHPOINT and that DC were going to start a relaunch with 52 title starting at #1.

There are plenty of Batman issues so I've hooked into most of those and a few others have also caught my eye. I wish I had the time to read more but this is list I have chosen to read and what I think of them.

Batman

This is my highlight of the New 52 so far. Scott Snyder (American Vampire) is spinning an intriguing tale involving the Court of Owl's and the 2nd half of #3 is comic gold. The ending was so awesome that had me turn back 3 pages to reread and try to experience the awesomeness. I'm hooked. Although this list in not necessarily in order (it's close though) this is the tops.

Detective Comics

This title lives up to its name. It has Batman and the loyal reader looking for clues. Add to this the interesting character The Dollmaker and I'm looking forward to #4 almost as much as Batman.

Animal Man

I had no preconceptions of Animal Man and only tried it because it was highly recommended. I chewed up issues 1 through 3 in one night and was held captive. Many people rate this as their top of the drops an I can see why. This reminds me of a Clive Barker type tale and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me!

Batman and Robin

I'm enjoying B&R much more than I thought I would and a lot of it is because of the impetuous Damian Wayne and the way his character is cleverly used. Looking forward to seeing DW develop.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E

This is another title recommended and I now know why. Frankie 2.0 is a reboot of kinds but still feels and tastes like an old E.C comic. Really enjoying it so far.

Swamp Thing

The only thing I knew about Swampie was the camp Wes Craven movie from back in the day. This is much better. I was also recommended this but didn't need much pushing when I saw that Scott Snyder was writing. The 1st issue took a little time to warm up for me but it has well and truly found its feet by #3.

Dark Knight

Dark Knight has been interesting and a few twists have been satisfactory but nowhere near the levels of the other Batman titles.

Night Wing

I like the look of Night Wing (comic as well as the costume) and Dick Grayson is a character that I'm happy to follow. Not top of the drops but definitely will keep on with this one.

Batwing

Batwing is a member of Batman Incorporated and he is currently keeping the good people of the Congo safe. This is a title I like but needs to improve if it wants me to forge on.

I've also had a go at Miniseries:

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

I've had the pleasure of reading parts 1 and 2 and absolutely love it. Gregg Hurwitz as brought to life a great story and pushed the Penguin up the slippery ladder of foes by adding depth and empathy to what in my mind was a one-dimensional character. A shame there is only 3 instalments left!!

Batman: Odyssey

Issue #1 was a little disappointing for me but I've give it another go.

Until then hail to the Deck!

Notre Dame crawls up the Rankings

2011-11-23T13:51:00.000+10:00

After losing the first 2 games of the season, ND were always pushing the season uphill.

They then went to win 4 in a row followed by a tough loss to USC and they are now on a another 4 game winning streak. The Fighting Irish find themselves with an 8 -3 with 1 game to go and are now climbing the rankings.

They are 22 on both the BSC rankings and AP Top 25.

This weekend they face their toughest opponent yet in the 6th ranked Stanford Cardinals. The Cards are led by media sensation Andrew Luck. He has been embroiled in the "Suck for Luck" campaign where the bottom NFL teams are seemingly vying to get the #1 pick in the draft and land QB Luck.

The Irish boast 8 wins so far on the back of smart QB play by Tommy Rees and the tandem rushing machine of Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood. Wood has eclipsed the 100 yard mark with 9 TD's and Gray has an impressive 6.9 average for 741 yards and 12 touchdowns. Oh and WR Michael Floyd has 87 receptions for 1014 yards and 7 scores.

Until then hail to Fortuna!

Top 10 - Father & Son Movies List

2011-11-22T12:28:00.000+10:00

Last week I was having a lazy Sunday watching movies when I realised that the 2 movies that I had watched had very strong theme about the precarious father/son relationship. This wasn't a conscious choice it just so happened that they are both very good but wildly different movies. The first for the day was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade followed by The Road.

So this got me thinking what are MY favourite father/son movies. So I had a good think about it, then asked my wife because she will always think of an obvious one that I have overlooked. Then I set to picking a top 5. If this wasn't hard enough I then ranked said 5.

Have a look then leave your opinion.

#10 - Over the Top
Tagline - Some Fight for Money... Some Fight for Glory... He's Fighting for His Son's Love

This is my nostalgic only entry. I would have watched this a hundred time as a kid. This movie was also responsible for kids in the playground twisting their caps backwards they they really meant business. Haven't seen it? Give it a go. If you have, watch it again it's actually not as bad as you remember. Or as good...

#9 - Road to Perdition
Tagline - Every father is a hero to his son.
Tagline #2 - Every son holds the future for his father.
Tagline #3 - The innocence of a son is surpassed only by the father's will to save it.

This is a bit of a slow burn movie for me. It's not in your face good but the acting is great, directing great and the source material is from a fantastic graphic novel.

As for father son relationships there are quite a few. The main one is between Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son. Michael Jr. witnesses his father doing what he does which is a mob enforcer. Michael was an orphan who was raised by John Rooney (Paul Newman). Rooney loves Michael more than his own son, Connor (Daniel Craig) so they are all sorts of daddy issues between these 4 characters.

Michael Jr, witness Connor killing a man in a fit of rage and his father swears him to secrecy. Connor has other ideas and tries to kill the Sullivan family. He succeeds in killing Michael's wife and their youngest son. Michael and Jr flee to Chicago.

Lots of different father, son issues are looked at here but the most poignant being between Michael and his son. At the end of the movie Michael saves his son from a hit man and dies in his sons arms. Michael Jr.'s states in the closing voice over that he now realizes that his father's only fear was that his son would grow up to be like him, and that, when asked if his father was a good man, he simply says, "He was my father."

#8 - The Pursuit of Happyness

Chris Garner (Will Smith) tries to crawl out of the depths of homelessness for a whole year all the while raising a son and trying to appear 'normal'. Chirs' wife Linda is sick of the money issue and grand plans and leaves Chris sending him into a tailspin. Through the determination to be a good dad and hard work Chris eventually lands a great job and the first thing he does is rush to his son's daycare and hugs him fighting back tears.

#7 - The Godfather
Tagline - A Offer You Can't Refuse

The Godfather is all about the 'Family' and this is so true about the main theme. The Don 'Don Corleone is shot and his son Michael avenges him and flees to Sicily leaving behind his lady and family. Michael previously wanted nothing to do with the 'family' but after thwarting the second assassination attempt at the hospital and having his jaw broken by corrupt cop Captain McCluskey he finds himself in the middle of it.

Although most families wouldn't resemble the Corleone's the themes are all the same. Jealousy and revenge being the main ones here.

#6 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Tagline - The man with the hat is back. And this time, he's bringing his Dad.

There's a lot of father son humour in this instalment but again the relationship is the crux of this movie. Indiana wants his fathers approval and feels like he is under appreciated and not taken seriously. Indy goes on to treat his own son Mutt the same way in the next instalment, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The worship of God is equated to the searching for fathers.And this is strongly linked here.

#5 - Finding NemoTagline - There are 3.7 trillion fish in the ocean. They're looking for one., Grab shell dude!

This is one of Pixars gems and it's all about Nemo's father Marlin doing whatever it takes to find his son. This is a classic example of what a father would go through and the challenges he would face in the pursuit of his son.

It's also a case of the problem being in a direct response to the relationship. Nemo was taken by scuba divers because he was purposely disobeying an overly protective father.

#4 - Big Fish
Tagline - An adventure as big as life itself.

I'm a big Tim Burton fan and this isn't his typical film but it is cleverly laid out with strong performances by some great actors. It follows the stories theme of reconciliation between father and son. And as usual by the end of the movie the son will come to understand and empathise with his fathers actions. This is a great fantastical look at our fathers and the mysticism they have over us.

#3 - The Road
Tagline - In a moment the world changed forever.

I must admit, I had never heard of Cormac McCarthy (the author) and the Coen Brothers making the fantastic adaptation of No Country For Old Men is the only reason he blipped on my radar. Then I caught wind of Aussie director John Hillcoat making this and my ears pricked up. I read a brief synopsis and my brother and a good mate had read it with good reviews so I set out to read it before the movie came out. (I always try to do this!!) I also wanted to read because I was having a son and much like Pet Semetary wanted to get through them before he grew up. I loved the book and subsequently the movie.

It's the story of a man and a boy trolling through a future Earth where the sky is gray, the trees have fallen, most of civilisation is dead and survival is the only past time. The man is dying and he's aware he's going to die and leave his ten year old son. This would be such a painful realisation for a father.

#2 - The Empire Strikes Back
Tagline - The Adventure Continues...

Yes we're talking Star Wars here! One of the most famous trilogies in the history of man is in affect about a father who has turned bad and he's hunting his son. He'll attempt to turn him to the dark side and if that doesn't work kill him. Kill him he doesn't but he does manage to lop off his hand in one of a few physical encounters. However (spoiler alert!) at the end of the 3rd instalment Vader's love for his son prevails and he dies as a consequence.
#1 - Life is Beautiful

Tagline - An unforgettable fable that proves love, family and imagination conquer all.
This is a heart wrenching tale of a father doing he best to keep his son happy and oblivious to the war going on around them. He tries to convince his son that it is all just a fun game. The guards are being mean because they want the tank to themselves and all the other children are hiding as part of the game. This charade also helps the father focus on his son and not the horrible events going on around him.

At the end of the film the father tells his son to hide in a sweatbox until everybody has left, this being the final test before the tank is his. The son manages to survive and thinks he has won the game when an American tank arrives to liberate the camp. In the film, he is four and a half years old; however, both the beginning and ending of the film are narrated by an older man recalling his father's story of sacrifice for his family.

To me this is the ultimate act of love by a father for a son. This is a beautifully realised movie.

Honourable mentions:
Lion King
Kramer Vs Kramer
Shenandoah

Until then hail to Wayne Enterprises!

New Poster for Soap - Short Film

2011-11-20T16:59:00.000+10:00

That's right the short film script that I wrote I am now co-producing.

Eddie @ Madphat Productions has designed a new poster. Drop in have a look and drop some critique!!!

http://soapshortfilm.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-poster-for-soap-short-film.html

Yep that's right you'll have to click on the link to see said poster - so do it!!

Let's say it's better than this one!!

Until then hail to the Link Farm!

Soap - Short Film has a Website

2011-11-15T10:50:00.000+10:00

I had previously announced that a short film script SOAP I have co-written with my brother had been picked up by a production company in London - Madphat Productions.

I can now announce that Soap has a home. http://www.soapshortfilm.blogspot.com/

We will also be using the Fundraising platform, Indie GoGo to raise money for the production. http://www.indiegogo.com/

So follow us at blogspot or on Facebook or email us at soapshortfilm@gmail.com

Until then hail to the campaign!

Notre Dame puts Wake Forest to Sleep!

2011-11-10T09:44:00.000+10:00

Saturday's win for the Irish moved their record to 6-3 and they have won 6 out of the last 7.

With Bowl aspirations drowned for the year it's all about pride. And the 24-17 win over the previously 5-3 Demon Deacons give ND a fantastic chance at a winning season.

Wake took and early lead but a perfect pass from QB Tommy Rees to Tyler Eifert tied the scores at 10-10. Again Wake took a 7 point lead on a 2 yard touchdown run but again ND answered!! This time a 1 yard touchdown punch from Jonas Gray again levelling the scores. A poised Tommy Rees hit Michael Floyd in the corner of the end zone for the lead and eventual win 24-17.

Twice in the 2nd half the Demons had the ball inside the ND 10 yard line but came away with no points. Wake was able to pile up yards but the NDefense held garmy strong when it counted stopping WF from scoring at all in the 2nd half.

The passing game had its moments but it was the running back tandem of Jonas Gray (92 yards, 1td) and Cierre Wood (87 yards) that kept the chain gang moving. Although ND were the favourites and only managed to eek out a 7 point win they would also be buoyed by the determination and strength under adversity and will be looking to continue their winning ways this Saturday against the 2-7 Maryland Terrapins.

Until then hail to the Excito!

Too Much Sex & Violence #1 from Rol Hirst

2011-11-07T19:03:00.000+10:00

I just purchased this comic online and was reminded that not all good writers are doing Batman or Wolverine. Some are doing their own thing and doing it well.

This is a series of short tales set on the northern seaside town of Fathomsby; home to retired super-heroes, monster DJs, mutant prostitutes, pier-owning gangsters, disgruntled policemen and a woman who knows exactly what you're thinking about, whenever you're thinking about...S-E-X.

Follow this link and before you know it you'll be peeking behind the maginations of one clever dude!!

Too Much Sex & Violence #1

Until then hail to Fathomsby!

Notre Dame sinks the Navy!!!!

2011-11-01T14:44:00.000+10:00

Yeah the Irish loss to USC last week quashed any hopes of a BSC Bowl again but that didn't stop ND from coming out and giving those Sneaky Sailors a good old-fashioned rogering!!!

The Navy who have been averaging 300+ yards on the ground were kept in the kiddie pool amassing a piddly 196 and a touchdown. In contrast the Irish rumbled for 182 and 7 scores. 3 for Jonas Gray and 2 to Cierre Wood.

Michael Floyd was untouchable with 121 from 6 receptions including a busted secondary for a 56 yard stroll into the endzone. Very impressive considering the wet Navy air strike managed a soggy 33 yards in total.

Bring on Wake Forest!!!!

Until then hail to Royal George!

New York Giants - Rd8 Miami Dolphins - REVIEW

2011-11-01T10:18:00.000+10:00

Well a win is a win (haven't I said that already this year???????????????)

The Giants managed a 4th quarter come from behind victory at home to the win less Dolphins. While it should have been an easy tune up win in the lead up to the Patriots next week, I could have also been a shock Ala Seahawks.

Eli Manning continued his form with another 300+ yards 2 touchdowns ZERO interceptions and 100+ rating. If he's not Aaron Rodgers' backup come Pro Bowl time he never will be.

Another Corner back went down with a season injury and we struggled with the run.

But... We're 5-2 and continue to churn out the wins.

We're at the halfway mark of the season so I'm going to extrapolate at look at where some of our statistical leaders are looking at finishing the season.

Eli Manning 312 from 482 at 64.7% 4254 yards 26 touchdowns & 10 interceptions & a 102.1 Rating

This has him 3rd in the NFL and 2nd in the NFC with his career best rating. He's also 2nd in the NFL with an 8.8 per pass average.

Hakeem Nicks 76 Receptions 1150 yards and 6 touchdowns
Victor Cruz 56 receptions 994 yards and 8 touchdowns

Ahmad Bradshaw 880 yards for 10 touchdowns

Corey Webster and Aaron Ross with 6 interceptions a piece.

Jason Pierre-Paul 17 sacks
Osi Umenyoira 12 sacks (considering he missed the first 3 games I'd go with 15 sacks)

So with a 2 game buffer and a hell of a 2nd half schedule let's hope the Giants can hold on and make the play-offs. Once there anything can happen.

Until then hail to the Tuna!

New York Giants - Rd6 Buffalo Bills - REVIEW

2011-10-18T12:38:00.000+10:00

Getting a win before a bye is always important. It's like you're girlfriend is going away for 2 weeks. You want to send her on your way satisfied or you'll spend the fortnight with visions of a latino stud servicing the needs you were unable to.

The good news is we got the win. It was as sloppy as a high school prom night but we can rest easy that the week off can be used to regroup and hopefully bring the Miami Dolphins into our house on the 30th of October and slap a pair of fingercuffs on her. No latinos for her!

So how was it won?

Eli's O Face

Eli Manning is currently sitting 5th for yards, 3rd with a rating of 101.1, 9th on comp%, 3rd for avg and 6th with 11 touchdowns. Apart from the touchdowns the rest are Career highs.

In the last 3 weeks Eli has thrown for 321, 420 and 292 yards and is averaging 296 per game over the season.

Usual suspect Hakeem Nicks caught 4 for 96 yards including an impressive 60 yard catch and run. TE Jake Ballard continued on from last weeks impressive 3 receptions for 72 yards and a score to pull in 5 for 81 yards. He is averaging 18.2 yards per catch this year and looks to be a handy option for Eli Manning.

Not so Carrie Bradshaw

In the absence of RB Brandon Jacobs Ahmad Bradshaw has had a lean trot struggling to establish the run early leaving the team to rely on the Arm of Manning. Well finally Bradshaw Bradshaw CARRIEd the running game and recorded his 1st 100 yard game of the season. Is average of 4.0 yards per carry was average but he was able to punch the ball into the end zone 3 times from the 1 yard line for scores.

Fast Freddie

Again the Giants defence was run over by a running back for 100+ yards including the typical big run this time of 80 yards. Fred Jackson is a fast back but he was allowed to waltz through too many open wholes in the line for a 1st down. Hopefully Justin Tuck's return will help sure this up in 2 weeks. CB Corey Webster did come up with 2 interceptions and Jason Pierre-Paul added another sack to his tally leaving him at 2nd in the NFL.

Flamin Fitzy

On the whole the secondary did a good job of stopping the air attack considering Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing well and full of confidence. However another breakdown saw a inside slant route go for 60 yards and a score.

Special Teams

The only 2 notable ST plays were a 17 yard punt return by Aaron Ross and the Bill blocking a field goal that could have seen the game go into Over Time.

I'm selfishly not a fan of byes but I will be avidly watching the Notre Dame vs USC game. An Irish win could see them slip into the rankings with a 5-2 record.

Until then hail to the Gamma!

New York Giants - Rd5 Seattle Seahawks - REVIEW

2011-10-11T11:59:00.000+10:00

Well I let it stew for a day but losses like these have a lingering burn much like a dodgy curry.

Online there is much finger pointing including injured players who some think should be out there. (Brandon Jacobs and Justin Tuck most notably) I think it will be easier to just stick to facts and stats.

Seattle Won 36 - 25

New York turned the ball over 5 times!!!!!!

Up up and give it away!

Okay so Eli Manning threw for a career best 420 yards including 3 touchdowns but has also ended up 3 crucial interceptions and a lost fumble. So did he lose the game or do his best to win it? Well let's look at his picks, the most notorious one in the dying stages tipped by Victor Cruz and returned for a 95 yard touchdown and in essence ending the game.

For the Giants offense to work it needs a balance of run and pass and in the absence of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw having a quiet game Manning was forces to try to win the game off his own game. Ironically Eli Manning's largest passing days (420 last week, 391 in 2009 and 386 in 2010) were all home losses. Eli is best as a 200-300 yard passer complimented by a strong running game.

Despite a fumble and a tipped pass for a pick Victor Cruz continued his strong recent form with careers bests 8 catches for 161 yards and a score. Back to back 100+ yard games have seen the exposure of Cruz as a legitimate threat heightened. He'll be looking to have another strong game next week against the Bills.

TE Jack Ballard again proved we still have a threat in that position hauling in 3 passes for 72 yards and a score.

Hakeem Nicks had a quiet day by his standard but caught 4 for 65 and a lay out score. Mario Manningham improves weekly recording 5 for 56 yards and will add a triple threat for Eli to aim at.

Go the runs?

Brandon Jacobs didn't play and Ahmad Bradshaw may as well not have. He had 2 nine yarders towards the end that fluffed his numbers up to 58 yards off 17 attempts. To compound matters DJ Ware took a hand off and was tackled in his own end zone resulting in a very important 2 point safety.

Thrown to the wolves

Sure the Giants recorded 6 sacks, knocked out a quarterback and even came up with an interception to Aaron Ross but they also gave up 300+ yards, a touchdown and way too many 3rd down conversions. They also let back up QB Whitehurst waltz down the field to score a crushing TD in the last quarter. Jason Pierre-Paul recorded 2 sacks taking his total to 7 in 5 games and 2nd in the NFL and Osi Umenyoira had a sack giving him 3 in the two games since his return from injury. A return to the field by Justin Tuck will see a very formidable pass rushing attack take on the Bills next week.

Run All Over Me

Again the G-Men gave up 100+ yards including RB Lynch ripping off 98 yards and a score from only 12 attempts.

Special Teams

Seattle kicker Hauschka hit 2 field goals including a 51 yarder and 4 from 4 PAT's. Seattle punter J. Ryan landed 4 of his 7 punts inside 20. Not much to be said about the Giants special teams.

Yet another disappointing loss for the Giants in a game they were favourites. Let's hope for a smarter ball game from the Big Blue Wrecking Crew next week against the Bills.

Until then hail to the CD!