So I just flew in from New York, and boy are my arms tired!

...So I return from my two week-long leave of absence (caught up with coursework and all that) to return in a blaze of glory! No? A flame of mediocrity? A wisp of defeat? Something like that. In any case, I'm not here to talk about Joe Wilson, Kanye West, Lil Mama, or anything else along those lines that's happened pop culturally - I've assumed y'all have had enough of that. Today's topics cover the gamut from movies, some social issues, the NFL, and a little more on that new TA adventure.

Up first, though, is my quick take of the NFL's Week 2 action, in my new segment - and get ready for this - Herc's 12 Labors. Cover a few of the week's games with a few of my observations from the games I watched and highlights I viewed. Those of you less inclined to enjoy football (I can't imagine why) - can proceed to the next segment.

The Nemean Lion - of Detroit? DET vs. MIN

No. I will not give any attention to Brett Favre. Hand it to AD and Chester Taylor. I don't care if you successfully went 23 of 27 with 2 TDs. You were averaging around 5-6yds an attempt. Although I will note that the Lions seemed to have good control of Adrian Peterson until he ran for that 27-yard touchdown that broke the tie. Matt Stafford. Don't you Lions remember Joey Harrington? I would never have started the kid. Joe Flacco had help, so did Matt Ryan last year. Mark Sanchez this year has help too. What does Matt Stafford have this year? If I were him, I'd lob it to Calvin Johnson every time and hope for the best. I do think Jim Schwartz might be able to turn this around, but not this year. They were close to the Saints last week, and close to Minnesota this week. But then things spiral out of control. They might be able to beat Washington in a low-scoring game.

The Lernaean Hydra - The 11-Headed Monster of the Ravens Defense. BAL vs. SD

Ray Lewis. God's linebacker still 'has' it. When the game was on the line, he shot right through the gap between the center and guard to drop the diminutive Darren Sproles for a loss on fourth down to clinch the game. Despite this amazing play though, one must still wonder about the state of the Ravens, who seem to suddenly own an explosive offense and a vulnerable defense. The Chiefs' Brodie Croyle styled and almost won the game last week on them, and Philip Rivers dropped 436 yards passing on their defense - the secondary had no answer for Vincent Jackson, who had 3 defenders almost draped over him on his 38 yard touchdown grab. Sproles was deadly as a passcatcher with over 100 as well, but it was almost assumed that he would be ineffective as a runner. Joe Flacco continues to run this offense effectively - while Ray Rice and Willis McGahee (of videoclip fame...::cringe::) provide an effective running game. And where exactly is Shawne Merriman? Have you heard from him, have you seen him?

The Golden Hind - ...Legs of Frank Gore. SF vs. SEA

Just when you thought Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson highlights weren't enough, out bursts Frank Gore with a 207 yard rushing game - with 80 and 79 yard rushing TDs right through a porous Seattle defense that was missing Lofa Tatupu, who suffered an injury in the game. The biggest Seattle concern, however, has to be Matt Hasselbeck, who as they learned last year, is the only way they advance in the league. Even when he was in, he was proving ineffective against a suddenly tough San Francisco defense - which also stopped the Seahawks' ground game, holding it to 66 yards and only 11 for starter Julius Jones. Without their respective leaders on the field, Hasselbeck and Tatupu, any hope of reclaiming the division title from Arizona falls away. San Francisco, meanwhile, seems set to win defensive games through the Mike Singletary method. Stifle the opponent's offense, run Frank Gore, and have Shaun Hill manage the game. This is the 2000 Ravens method. Shaun Hill does remind me of Trent Dilfer...(sidebar, who rememberes Elvis Grbac?) Patrick Willis will be a superstar for years to come.

Erymanthian Boar - Distantly related to the St Louis Ram. WAS vs. STL

I pity the people who had only this game to watch on their local networks, a snoozer of a 9-7 game which wasn't so much about defensive prowess but about offensive ineptitude. Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell's time are running out in Washington - and despite having around 350 yards on offense, were only able to muster a trifecta of Suisham field goals. The Rams just seem completely ineffective on all fronts, the only highlights coming on a Laurent Robinson (who?) touchdown from a 50% completion rate Marc Bulger, and a 58 yard Steven Jackson rush. Jim Zorn was supposed to be an offensive mastermind - but he does his best Dick Jauron impressions on the sideline during games. He hasn't too long. I've never seen a victory for a team feel more like a loss.

Cleaning the Augean Stables - Is this what Josh McDaniels did? DEN vs. CLE

Coming this Summer - the new romantic comedy - "Forgetting Brandon Marshall." When your star receiver comments in the offseason that he has barely read the playbook, you have a problem. What do you say to him on the field? "Look here, 15. Run that a-way. Come back if you see Grizzly Orton in trouble." Well, despite all the turmoil taking place in the Mile High city this offseason, Murphy's Law decided to kick in and give the Broncos a miracle in the form of that 87-yard tipped catch TD by the fastest white man on the planet, Brandon Stokley, last week, and now, a win against the hapless Cleveland Browns. To think Josh McDaniels was maligned so much and now has the Broncos atop the AFC West. But the defense is looking impressive! The Bengals, who put up 31 on a respectable Packer defense were only able to muster 7 points against the Broncos last week, and the Browns, ever so inept offensively, only put up a pair of field goals (should be noted that the Browns have 1 - yes, 1 - offensive TD in the past 8 games). The Broncos ran for more than 180 yards to the Browns' 50, and if Brady Quinn continues to be like Brady, Greg; Eric Mangini is sure to be in disgust for a few more months. Especially when he sees the fun and games the Jets are in on, a polar difference in coaching philosophy to Rex Ryan. Joe Thomas, the Pro Bowl tackle for Cleveland, got flat out styled on by situational rusher Elvis Dumervil, he of the Louisville pedigree and 5'11, 248 pound frame to the tune of four sacks. Cleveland looks like an abyss for playmakers and players - somethings going to have to be done in the offseason to entice free agents. The fans remain loyal enough, but for how long?

The Stymphalian Birds - I see other angry birds in Philly. PHI vs. NO

The Saints offense continues to work easy Brees-y - and that long forgotten 2nd round pick the Chargers received from the Falcons as part of the Michael Vick/LaDainian Tomlinson trade shows no sign of stopping his offensive prowess, doing so without any name brand receivers (Marques Colston is getting there) or top tier running backs - heck, Jeremy Shockey has to earn his prestige again. The offense clearly speaks for itself, and if it is one matchup I look forward to is the Week 4 battle between the Saints offense and the Jets defense. The Saints D, on the other hand, is still just enough to hold on when the shootouts get started. But never should you have allowed Kevin Kolb (yes, THAT Kevin Kolb) to murk your secondary for almost 400 yards. They only scored 22 (Didn't the lions drop 27 on them?) - and one image I can't get out of my head is the venerable Darren Sharper chasing after the young kid DeSean Jackson. He's not bringing him down. The Saints rushing attack also leaves a lot to be desired - but the former Bronco Mike Bell is showing signs he could take over the role that Pierre Thomas' injury left behind. Did Reggie Bush score a touchdown? Incredible! The last hole he hit successfully belonged to Kim Kardashian. But the Eagles are clearly not a shootout team (although coach Andy Reid is clearly a takeout person) - and Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb or even having Ron Jaworski play QB wasn't going to help them win this game. The defense just wasn't ready for the aerial onslaught. One wonders if even Jim Johnson (may he RIP) could've devised a game plan to stop Drew Brees. Who, I believe, now is among the top 3 QBs in the league.

Capturing the Cretan Bull - Easier than tackling Chris Johnson TEN vs. HOU

Did the Texans get angry, or did they get angry? A week after suffering an offensive goose egg against the Jets, they explode all over the Titans with a passing attack that looked Saints-ish. Andre Johnson, the unassuming superstar, without Darrelle Revis draped over him like a Snuggie, was able to 10 balls for 149 yards and a pair of scores, including a highlight reel one-handed grab on the right side of the end zone. When the TEN defense continued to stifle speedy back Steve Slaton, Schaub continued to methodically dissect the Titans secondary, with completions of 72, 44, 33, 29, and 21 yards. The defense again seemed to have no answers - Dunta if you want to be paid, tackle somebody! And even the much ballyhoo'd DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams were able to prevent this game from becoming a shootout. For the Titans, they have some serious defensive issues to look into. Chris Johnson kept them in the game with electric move after electric move - a 57 yard run, a 91 yard run, a 69 yard catch, and a Thunderbolt; finishing with 25 touches for 284 yards and three scores. One would think that, plus a relatively effective performance from Kerry Collins would be enough to seal the win. Although it should be noted that they did have 3 minutes to tie or win the game, Collins did fumble the ball which Houston recovered to seal it. Houston's toughness was questioned following the Jets manhandling - has it been answered? Perhaps not yet, but they eked out a win when they needed it most - and the 0-2 Titans will face New York next week looking for their first W.

Steal Diomedes' Mares - and Tom Brady's timing. NYJ vs. NE

Who are these Jets, and what have they done with the Jets teams of the past few years? Everyone is currently talking about the 'swagger' (damn, I hate that word so much) that the University of Miami team seems to have recovered this young season, but the Jets, led by their enigmatic head coach Rex Ryan, seem to have an abundance of this bravado as well! Kerry Rhodes talked the talk and the rest of his team backed him up. What a complete change in philosophy from the rigid ways of Eric Mangini. What I found most interesting about this game is that, for the most part, the big blitz is an invitation for the offense to go deep and complete long balls and touchdowns. Yet in this game, the Jets consistenly sent 5, 6, even 7 defenders at Saint Brady, who looked visibly flustered at the rush and was unable to complete any deep balls. The one he did attempt, in the face of blitzing safety and former Raven Jim Leonhard, was instead picked off by Darrelle Revis, who is cementing his position amongst the top corners in the NFL, maybe even 2nd after Nnamdi Asomugha. Randy seemed to slow down a bit on the play, but at least he was able to bring down Revis. The fans were clamoring for Mark Sanchez in the second half following a first half performance of 3 of 5 for 15, and he answered with a quick TD drive to open the half. The kid looked poised, able to handle the big stage of New York, and the new Jets defense seems like the real deal. They have to watch out for a letdown game against the winless Titans, but I think Rex will keep the men in green focused for the next game. Meanwhile, the Patriots seem suddenly vulnerable following a squeaker against the Bills and this game - and what Jets fan can say they didn't expect Brady to drive down for the game-tying score with 2 minutes left? But this new defense is the embodiment of their coach, and they weren't going to back down from their old foes.

Getting the Amazon Girdle - ...easy, if all in your way is the Packer O-line. GB vs. CIN

After seeing the Pack's first game against the Bears and now watching highlights and reading about their second against the Bengals, a key problem for Green Bay is that offensive line, which is doing its best turnstile impression on Aaron Rodgers. When you allow Antwan Odom five sacks in one game, Aaron Rodgers clearly isn't going to have enough time to get the ball to his playmakers, and it marked the first time in Greg Jennings' young career that he was held without a catch. But under pressure all day, Rodgers barely completed over 50% of his throws, and were barely able to get Ryan Grant going before it became a passing contest. Meanwhile, Cedric Benson, he of the former-draft bust status, was able to make real cheese out of the Green Bay defense, akin to his Longhorn days, for 141 yards on 29 carries. Wasn't Dom Capers' and his new 3-4 defense the preseason joy for many sportswriters? Now it looks vulnerable. All three of the Bengal starting receivers got touchdowns, and Chad Joh...err, Ochocinco made good on his promise, leaping into 3 Bengals fans in the stands after his TD. The Packers secondary was able to hold some of its end of the bargain, with former Michigan star Charles Woodson (doesn't it seem like he's been playing forever?) picking off Carson Palmer a pair of times, including one for a touchdown, and limiting him to 185 yards throwing. But why throw when Benson is running at will? You can bet some changes will have to be made either to personnell or to protection schemes for Green Bay, because Aaron Rodgers will not be able to handle this relentless pressure for an entire season.

Obtain Geryon's Cattle - and make sure Jeff Reed stays dry. PIT vs. CHI

Talk about redeeming yourself, Jay Cutler. That four pick performance wasn't going to win too many hearts over in the Windy City. When Matt Forte was stuffed continually by the stingy Pittsburgh defense, Cutler had to take it upon himself and his young receivers to win the game, and they came through. Speedster Johnny Knox (with the most 20s gangster sounding name ever) came up big for Cutler with 6 grabs for 70 yards and a score, as did Keith Davis. The Steelers O-line continued to have some trouble protecting Ben, allowing former Gator Alex Brown (Gators, you were supposed to smash the Volts, by the way) a pair of sacks. Big Ben always comes through with the fourth quarter comebacks, but to no avail this time. What has happened to the Steeler running game? Somewhere out there, Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis are wondering what's going on. With the exception of one excellend Rashard Mendenhall run, that's two games that the Steeler look lackluster running the rock. Don't tell me they're bringing the Tommy Gun offense back! Big Ben is better than Tommy Maddox, of course - and it'll be an interesting change for coach Tomlin if he continues to see the struggles of the ground game. However, Jeff Reed had a pair of chances to win the game, or even ensure it remained a tie, but as we all know, he gets cranky when he's wet (Read this story)!

Steal Hesperides' Apples - ...just leave Jerry Jones' videoboard alone! NYG vs. DAL

Easy with the celebrations, Cowboys fans. So it seemed that Romo was just fine without Terrell Owens against the Bucs. Uh oh. Now what happened? A terribly uneven performance from him, completing under 50% of his passes and throwing three interceptions, albeit some that weren't completely his fault. However, with the game on the line, heck, with the grand opening of Jerry's World on the line, he couldn't come through in the clutch, and now the questions and doubts will rise again. It was a waste of a beautiful game by the 'Boys back duo of Felix Jones and Marion Barber, who were running in and through the Giants defense all night. But with the game on the line, it comes to the quarterback to win it. Romo did not. Meanwhile, does it seem like the Giants finally found some receivers? Mario Manningham and Steve Smith had ten catches and a score each, and Eli Manning was seemingly able to find somebody open every time. Wasn't Terrence Newman supposed to be one of the top corners in football? What happened? The stadium, however, is the pinnacle of technology and every bit as gorgeous as one can imagine - it must truly be an experience to watch a game there. I also loved how the camera followed the ball on punts to see if they would hit the video board - never seen that done in a game! Jerry Jones didn't look too pleased during the latter part of the game. Wade Phillips' job is on the line this year too. If you can't beat the Giants in your own stadium, how will you EVER beat them in New Jersey?

Capture Cerberus - The Guardian of the Offensive Underworld OAK vs. KC

JaMarcus Russell, what ARE you doing out there? Only 7 of 24 passes hit their mark, and the Raiders win despite mustering under 200 yards of offense and letting the Chiefs style on them for 400 yards combined! What's going on here? And wait, did you know the Raiders were almost 2-0? I still don't believe in Al Davis' style of managing a team (No, that's not Fred Biletnikoff or Ken Stabler out there, Emperor Palp...err, Davis) - but something is going right here for them. And I honestly have no idea what it is. They've been down the tubes since their destruction at the hands of the Bucs back in the SB of 2002. One of the sole good things I can see for the Raiders in this game was forgotten and benched safety Michael Huff's two picks of Matt Cassel - still need to do more to earn that 1st round pick, Mike. As for the Chiefs, I can think of nothing to say. How you let the Oakland boys beat you despite losing in nearly every statistical category - and being at home - is beyond me. As well as the countless mental mistakes and penalties.

...and as for tonight's game, I fully expect the Colts to handle the Dolphins, winning by anywhere from 3-10 points. And that's not a bias at all! I swear!

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Also wanted to leave some love for a pair of movies that I consider the sleeper hits of 2008, which just became available on Blu-ray (or DVD, if you still suffer through that) in the summer of 2009. I first Netflix'd both of them to get a handle on the technical aspects, i.e., the quality of the video transfer and the audio transfer with my reference grade equipment (if you didn't know about it, now you do - check the webpage of the theater @ http://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=JJxiv1215) - and of course, to be immersed in the story. These two movies are Defiance, starring Daniel Craig; and Knowing, with Nicolas Cage.

In Defiance, Daniel Craig (he of 007 fame), Liev Schriber (X-Men Origins' Sabertooth), along with Jamie Bell and George MacKay play the four Jewish Bielski brothers, survivors of a Nazi German eradication of their village, who take it upon themselves to provide shelter, food, and all other basic necessities to a large band of Jewish survivors in the Polish forest. The more militant Zus (Schrieber) wants to commandeer weapons and take the battle to the German garrisons nearby, even ally with Russian troops in the area to push the Germans out. Tuvia (Craig), is more diplomatic, who believes that his primary concern is the welfare of the dozens of people who rely on him for leadership and survival. The conflicts between the family members, unruly survivors, the Russian paramilitary forces, and the German Army itself make it an emotional experience worth watching. Although a few of the battle scenes have been Hollywood-ized (let me not get into it) - and there were a few moments of historical and technical inaccuracy (so what else is new?) - the movie in itself plays out to show the plight of this small group of survivors - which is actually based on the real-life story of the Bielski brothers (the survivors who would run a truck shop in NY following the war). The video presentation is in itself, gorgeous - a beautiful transfer that truly showcases the best detail that Blu-ray is capable of (images courtest of blu-ray.com). The audio is also top-notch, capturing the forest ambience and distint background noises well - but being able to successfully showcase the rumblings of a Panzer, and the distinct chatter of a Machinenpistole 40.

Second on my sleeper list is Knowing, a suspense/action thriller that asks the question - what would you do if you knew the end of the world was coming? A movie I rented solely on recommendation, since I had barely even heard of it, it captivated me from start to finish - brimming with some of the finest audio I have experienced. Nicolas Cage is his usual droll self, but the best acting here comes from Rose Byrne (Sunshine, Troy, 28 Weeks Later) and their respective children. A basic summary is that, a time capsule written by an elementary school 50 years ago is unearthed in the present - this capsule containing drawings of what children thought the future would be. Amongst all these drawings, however, is a sheet containing a series of numbers over and over again, a sheet received by Cage's son in the movie. Cage interprets the meanings, and sets about to try and stop them. But it poses questions from the fields of astrology and theology - and has a breathtaking climax. Give it a rent, or simply ask me when I'm free to pass by and see it. It'll be worth your while.

...and of course, upcoming this Friday is the film Pandorum, starring Dennis Quaid (Day After Tomorrow), and Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma, X-Men III). At first glance, it seems to be a mix of two of my favorite horror films, The Descent and Event Horizon - with the plot consisting of a pair of astronauts who find themselves awakening aboard a deserted space vessel, believing they are the only ones still alive. They encounter remaining crewmembers when exploring the ship, and something else...

...well, I can't say anything else because that's all I can gather from the previews. It could either be seriously cheesy and a waste of $10, or one of my new favorites. Who knows. Maybe I might wait to rent it.

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On the TA front, I had to grade my first drawings - a series of sketches of fruits/vegetables where the students first drew the whole object, then progressively zoomed in to show more detail in 4 sets. They had to employ shade/shadow, drawing technique, tonal quality, and aptitude in rendering - and for the most part, despite being first years, they all performed admirably! Most of them were Bs and upwards, with a few scattered B- and a pair of Cs for some students who seemed like they put forth a lackluster effort. Some of the students you could tell had clear drawing experience beforehand, but even those who didn't stepped their game up, including some of the ones I was in charge of. Was proud. But the slackers, time to give em a smack to the head to make them get on everyone else's LVL. I'ma demand sammiches from the slacker female students to even consider raising them up half a letter grade. But again, what most impresses me is the tenacity of those with no previous drawing experience. I'm going to stick gold stars on their shoulders and make them walk around with them on. There was a history joke hidden in there. Up next is drawing complex cube objects - in plan, section, and axonometric. Those are some of my fortes, so I look forward to helping them out Thursday. Except for that one kid who was a Dolphins fan. Make that half the class. Let them eat cake. That's the thing! At UM, everyone was from up North and either a Giants, Patriots, or Jets fan. Here, everybody is a Dolphins fan. Looking forward to the Jets/Dolphins game in 3 weeks. And oh shi-, Monday Night Football is starting. If I'm gonna shi- talk tomorrow, I need to see the Fins get styled on by the Colts - because clearly, the Dolphins are due for a letdown season...