• 
• Visit site

The article which inspired Boal to write The Hurt Locker, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination (and most people expect him to pick up the Oscar on Sunday).—JS

• 
• Visit site

A long – long – retrospective of the legendary actor and director's work.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Several authors offer their best advice. Here's the first part...—JM

• 
• Visit site

... and here's the second.—JM

• 
• Visit site

The unsung heroes behind your favorite Disney movies were sweatshop laborers – and, since we're talking about the 1940s, that means grandma!—JS

• 
• Visit site

Just a fantastic read. A detailed and moving profile of Ebert and his long, hard-luck battle with cancer, the subsequent loss of his jaw and voice, and his renewed love affair with the written word.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Covering the long, complicated history of failed attempts to revive – with and without Chevy Chase – the once-popular comedy franchise.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Talks a lot about stand-up (and doing stand-up in character as Randy in Funny People), and not quite enough about Parks and Recreation.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Fans of other teams make the sad and not even remotely convincing cases for their suffering being greater than those of us who follow the Vikings.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Part II: more of the same.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Newsweek's annual Oscar roundtable is one of the magazine's long-standing treasures, and this year's edition brings Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, Carey Mulligan, and Gabourney Sidibe together to talk shop.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Teachers unions might not be able to protect the ineffective and incompetent for very much longer. If that's the case, everybody – apart from the ineffective and the incompetent – wins.—JM

• 
• Visit site

We try to steer clear of blatantly partisan political links, but since this is a liberal pet issue being advocated by a prominent conservative, I figure it's okay.—BK

• 
• Visit site

The infamous – and terrific – profile where he talks about quitting acting (and hurls around some exquisite insults) is finally available online.—BK

• 
• Visit site

It is what it sounds like: The Dude by way of The Bard. (Obviously this runs way over the usual length, but we've linked to every other Lebowski thing out there, so there's no sense stopping now.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

A fascinating excerpt from the new book Game Change that reveals the sordid dysfunction inside the John Edwards presidential campaign, and offers yet another lesson in the folly of buying into the public image of any famous person.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Every entertainment option is now at our fingertips; shouldn't that level the playing field between blockbusters and more obscure fare? Not so much, for a few interesting reasons.—JS

• 
• Visit site

We can take it as a given that "Celebrity Rehab" is awesome, because Dr. Drew is involved. But overall, does it help or hurt? Or both? Or neither?—JM

• 
• Visit site

John Mackey, the Whole Foods CEO who sparked controversy (boycotts and "buycotts") with his healthcare stance last fall, turns out to be a fascinating if inscrutable fellow.—JS

• 
• Visit site

An interesting and thought-provoking read, even for someone like me who's spent most of his life making sure he already knows this stuff. (Happy birthday, Steve!)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Turns out that Toby Young, that bald English one-trick-pony douchebag from "Top Chef," is actually an excellent writer and an even better cultural critic. Who knew?—JM

• 
• Visit site

This was a fun one last year, so here's this year's version. My personal favorites are Pabst Smear, Carnal Befoulment, and German Beef Initiative.—BK

• 
• Visit site

There's no question James Cameron is an uncompromising visionary who's transformed the sci-fi genre. But it remains to be seen whether his pet project Avatar will be a creative watershed or an embarrassing waste of time.—JS

• 
• Visit site

A look back at how the '00s became the best decade in television history.—BK

• 
• Visit site

New fiction from the late DFW, which is a rare thing. And it comes in under a thousand pages!—JS

• 
• Visit site

50 films, including many interesting choices, lots of good rental ideas, and the wisdom not to neglect Pixar.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Please enjoy these placeholder football picks by a young up-and-comer to tide you over until I get mine up first thing Saturday. Wait, did I say Saturday? I meant Sunday. First thing Sunday. Promise.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Hypoallergenic socks, Baby Kneepads, cutting down trees over nut allergy fears... is it any wonder we're hitting the tipping point on "helicopter parenting"?—BK

• 
• Visit site

Boyhood: turns out it's not all just sports and farting. (even if it's mostly sports and farting)—JM

• 
• Visit site

Reading Peter King is as much a Monday morning tradition as dreading going back into work, or cursing yourself for not working harder in your 20s. Enjoy!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Several personal favorites, several books I've been meaning to get to, and in general, a big ol' reminder that I wish I had more time to read.—BK

• 
• Visit site

I sense the potential for some copycat lists here at PoopReading.com.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Yet another "technology will make us all stupider" article. Notable anyway for some fascinating information about brain science.—JS

• 
• Visit site

This piece is a little long and a little dry, but it's about Wikipedia. And I love Wikipedia. I mean, you want to know about the Maldives (just to pick something)? You go to Wikipedia, and BOOM! Now you know all you'll really ever need to know about the Maldives.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Downey goes long on life, love, and why he agrees with the author's choice for the greatest actor in the world.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Read your Peter King, kids. It puts hair on your chest!—JM

• 
• Visit site

I'm not crazy about linking to all kinds of garbage about the Letterman mess, but as with most things Dave, this piece proves too fascinating to refuse, and keeps things pretty above board.—BK

• 
• Visit site

It's come to this: I'm linking to my own stuff now. But this one is worth it, if I may humbly be allowed to say so.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Dear Internet: I have now linked to every funny or fascinating item I can find or think of. Please come up with some new stuff. Thanks!—JS

• 
• Visit site

Geez, I hope not; that's where I keep all of my stuff!—JM

• 
• Visit site

There's a Pythons documentary and a new Fawlty Towers DVD set on the way. Besides, I'll take any excuse to listen to Cleese talk about writing Fawlty Towers.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Yeah, yeah; two football links. Quit whining, they're both good. In an excerpt from his new book of essays, Klosterman explains why he – and we – love football so damned much.—JM

• 
• Visit site

I was waiting for a dramatic Pete Carroll victory to pull this goodie from the archives; I think Saturday's odd combo of "suspenseful" and "trouncing" will do. (Ignore the dopey premise and title – you'll enjoy an insightful profile of a fascinating guy.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Gladwell asks the provocative question: how different (for the competitors) are dogfighting and football?—BK

• 
• Visit site

Here's what I link to when left to my own devices, folks!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Spoiler: it was unions, pretty much. Unions and environmentalists. Also, Arnold didn't help matters.—JM

• 
• Visit site

In an effort to avoid the tabloid craziness of Letterman's current scandal, let's all enjoy this terrific bit of classic poop reading about how his 2000 heart attack transformed both the host and his show.—BK

• 
• Visit site

You don't necessarily have to be a football fan to enjoy this column (trust me, my knowledge of the NFL is cursory at best), especially because of a brilliant "Most screwed-up celebrity kids in 2025" fantasy draft tangent that pops up in the middle. (My apologies to Joe for possibly stealing a Simmons link.)—BK

• 
• Visit site

With Bionicle, video games, and tie-in toys, it's definitely not the LEGO you remember. As kids, we had a big bin of random blocks, not a bunch of separate model sets.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Ignoring the brain trauma problem in retired players and hoping the problem goes away would be bad enough, but what the NFL is doing is even worse.—JM

• 
• Visit site

An Emmy roundtable discussion with Toni Collette, Jon Cryer, Jim Parsons, Amy Poehler, and Sarah Silverman.—BK

• 
• Visit site

It's not Tuesday morning anymore, but everything should still apply.—JM

• 
• Visit site

America's sex laws really are shameful – and anyone who thinks they make children safer is delusional.—JS

• 
• Visit site

If anyone can capture the offbeat mix of whimsy and the macabre, it's Jonze. (No offense, Tim Burton.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

The Flem File takes a look at one man's obsession with football at the dawn of another glorious NFL season.—JM

• 
• Visit site

As Saturday Night Live makes more inscrutable cast changes this week (Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson out, two new ladies in), here's a classic feature from 1995 that showcases the dysfunction that has long existed behind the scenes.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Simmons. Vegas. Read it.—JM

• 
• Visit site

One of my favorite film blogs reiterates the arguments against a 3D revolution. (Keep beating that drum – we'll kill it yet!)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Bill Simmons writing about Vegas; that's like Julia Roberts going on Letterman. You just don't miss it.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Those stories you hear about New York City teachers being paid their full salary to sit in a room for years on end, doing nothing? Completely true.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Drug prices are about to go down (because there's no need to put actual medicine in them), or up (because the expensive ads are what make them effective), or not (because we know very little about how medicine actually works).—JS

• 
• Visit site

Obviously Tecmo Bowl Bo Jackson is in a class by himself, but there are 11 others to bear mentioning as well.—JM

• 
• Visit site

I didn't even realize this was a quiz until the end of round one, and by then I'd already peed myself.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Some insight into why Craigslist.org still looks like the rest of the internet used to look ten years ago, yet manages to be one of the most successful websites anywhere.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Turns out exercise helps a little but mostly just makes you healthy, not thin. Apparently, to lose weight you have to eat better, so... rest easy, extra 15 pounds of mine! You won't be going anywhere anytime soon.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Among many topics, he touches on fatherhood, why this is a golden age for television, and his new film The Big Fan.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Football!—JM

• 
• Visit site

An older profile of prestidigitator, carny historian, and David Mamet repertory player Ricky Jay. But you'd be hard pressed to find a more fascinating subject, no matter what the year.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Great stuff about Role Models, a wonderfully thorough telling of the origins of The State, and an explanation why there will never be another Wet Hot American Summer.—BK

• 
• Visit site

My apologies for the A.V. Club-heavy linking today, but when they decide to post interviews with David Wain and Jon Hamm on consecutive days, what's a The State/Mad Men fan to do?—BK

• 
• Visit site

The Hall of Fame Game happened over the weekend. I know! We're only a few weeks away from real, actual NFL football. I can't believe it either!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Astonishing investigative report on a team of web-based prank callers who have caused thousands in damage.—JS

• 
• Visit site

When you combine Gladwell and To Kill a Mockingbird, you've got my attention. An interesting look at the history of racial prejudice and Southern liberalism by way of the classic novel.—BK

• 
• Visit site

People increasingly view copyright and trademark laws as tools of oppression and avarice, rather than protectors of innovation and commerce as they were intended to be. Why? Shit like this.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Not that this should come as a huge surprise, but it seems as though the efforts of each era to define the character of Judas Iscariot say a great deal more about the era than about the character himself.—JM

• 
• Visit site

A look at how the current failure of the Oakland A's has some in baseball taking joy in the "downfall" of GM Billy Beane, and wondering whether the concept of Moneyball is dead. (It's not, mostly because people continually misunderstand the lessons of that book.)—BK

• 
• Visit site

An alternate take on an idea our own Joe Mulder took a crack at a few weeks ago, though this one goes even further back in history.—BK

• 
• Visit site

The Sports Guy breaks down the offseason of the NBA, a league I don't really follow, using quotes from Almost Famous, which he borderline-hilariously proclaims "the movie of the decade." Still... new Simmons is new Simmons. Plus, this is only part one!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Several books advance various theories on how and why obesity has become so much more common in the United States (and the rest of the developed world).—JM

• 
• Visit site

For instance: men sexually harass women because they are not sexist. And more.—JM

• 
• Visit site

It's Michael & Michael week here at PoopReading! (I guess the new show better be good, huh?)—BK

• 
• Visit site

He spends a little time doing that, but mostly he talks about doing stunts, writing his autobiography, playing the banjo, and, of course, comedy.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A nice profile of Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, and an example of what newspapers can still do well, particularly with sports: the author knows the subject and he knows the town, and it comes through in the writing.—BK

• 
• Visit site

This seven-parter is long (of course), but it winds through a fascinating spectrum of topics. Is a forgery less beautiful than the original? Is an artist's name more significant than his talent? Why do we sometimes want to be fooled by hucksters?—JS

• 
• Visit site

Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist is back in reruns on Comedy Central! Here's a meandering interview with its star, discussing the show and many, many other things.—JS

• 
• Visit site

A great idea with some good choices, including the requisite love for Toy Story 2. And man, were there some lean years in the mid-to-late 90s.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Snapper, the lawn mower people, decided their brand would be better off not being associated with Wal-Mart, even though it meant turning away their millions of customers.—JS

• 
• Visit site

I finally saw Into the Wild, and thought it was excellent. This is the magazine article that begat the book that begat the movie.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Just pretend that Year One never happened, and you can enjoy this lengthy, meaty interview with the comedy legend.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Gladwell looks at how the digital age has transformed the ways in which things are made and sold by way of a review of Chris Anderson's new book Free: The Future of a Radical Price.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A bit of classic PoopReading from 2000: a profile of Simpsons writer George Meyer, one of the best profiles The New Yorker has ever done (and that's saying something).—BK

• 
• Visit site

Without overstating the case, I can say that reading Bill Simmons' annual NBA Draft diary is one of the highlights of any true sports fan's year.—JM

• 
• Visit site

"Anything I give you would only be a placebo." "Where do we get these placebos!?"—JM

• 
• Visit site

As a warning to the presumptive #1 selection in the upcoming NBA draft, Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers season ticket holder Bill Simmons breaks down the post-1976 history of the team that holds this year's top pick. It's as comprehensive as it is horrifying; that is to say: very.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Or, essentially, "One Media Outlet's Extensive History of Whipping People into a Frenzy, Just to Do It."—JS

• 
• Visit site

He talks about a lot of things over the course of a long, rambling conversation, including putting an end date on 30 Rock.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A 5,000-word piece taking bores to task... put that in your irony pipe and smoke it!—JM

• 
• Visit site

An in-depth history of cooking shows, fascinating whether you watch them or not. (I don't.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Bryce Harper, the 15-year-old phenom from Las Vegas who, among other things, once hit a 570-foot home run. (And no, this isn't another Sidd Finch fake out.)—BK

• 
• Visit site

I've been re-watching Newhart courtesy of WGN, and it's been fun to be reminded what a hit Larry and the Darryls were, and how great Sanderson was in that role. And his modesty and graciousness in this interview just makes you want to root for him.—BK

• 
• Visit site

An interview in The New Yorker with Bill Simmons on the NBA Finals and his upcoming book.—JM

• 
• Visit site

I'm no Galifaniac, but his Comedians of Comedy performances were unique and daring (and funny) and I've never seen him in anything I didn't like him in. (Full disclosure: I have not seen Out Cold.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

He's a character, and today his business is going gangbusters like you'd expect. (Normally I'd link to the printable, one-page version, but I find that picture of him so perfect. Yoink!)—JS

• 
• Visit site

A site that makes lists for you! I can think of some guys who'd love that. This list balances the predictable with the insane, with details about ABC's Life on Mars that I'm amazed are not punishable by law.—JS

• 
• Visit site

How do you make sure you have tons of great emails from prominent celebrities to answer in your preview of the NBA Finals, which start tonight? Simple; you make them up!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Big surprise – some of the so-called "experts" that peddle advice on Oprah may not know what they're talking about.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Harvey Haddix of the Pittsburgh Pirates once pitched twelve perfect innings... and then lost. Being a baseball geek, I've known that for years. This is an in-depth look at the game, suitable for those who know the story and those who don't.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Celebrating bee week with a look back at a classic spelling bee post. (In a just world, Joe would be posting this link, since he first introduced me to it. And yet.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Terrific profile of Conan in the midst of his transition to The Tonight Show that also manages to work in a look at the changing landscape of late night comedy.—BK

• 
• Visit site

With the help of science and technology, the author explores the many ways – psychologically, physically, chemically – that we experience love.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Even if you aren't a fan of Grodin (to which I say, really?), it's worth reading for his refreshing candor, including a section about his work in the 2006 film The Ex that features some of the most frank answers I've ever seen an actor give.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Alec Baldwin was on Letterman last week, which reminded me of this excellent profile from the days before Poop Reading. It's worth reading again, but at the very least it belongs in our archives.—JS

• 
• Visit site

You're wondering if it's a coincidence I've linked to three Jonah Lehrer articles in less than a month, aren't you? Yes, it is. (But the real question is: how does he write them so fast?)—JS

• 
• Visit site

A few years ago, Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell had an epic email exchange that covered mostly basketball, but also covered anything and everything else. Yesterday, they did it again. This is Part One...—JM

• 
• Visit site

Here's Part Two...—JM

• 
• Visit site

...and here's Part Three.—JM

• 
• Visit site

A terrific feature on Woody Allen and Larry David and their collaboration on Allen's Whatever Works. (It's also a review of the film, so while there's nothing specifically spoiler-y, it does include the typical discussion of the plot and characters.)—BK

• 
• Visit site

If nothing else, Star Trek gives us a nice angle to discuss the science of outer space. (Yep, the old "spaceship explosions should be silent" gripe again.)—JS

• 
• Visit site

The Onion AV Club talks to one of the greats.—JM

• 
• Visit site

On the heels of Manny Ramirez's suspension, Esquire reruns their offseason interview with Jonathan Papelbon, in which the Red Sox closer refers to his ex-teammate as a "cancer."—BK

• 
• Visit site

I'll not go so far as to suggest that this sort of thing will be coming to America any time soon; nor will I go so far as to suggest that such a thing would be unimaginable.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Gladwell's back! Gladwell's back! And he's got a nice little (or actually, not so little) piece about how underdogs win by exploiting conventional thinking – for example, by making liberal use of the full-court press in basketball.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A review of two new parenting memoirs by Ayelet Waldman and PoopReading.com favorite Michael Lewis turns into a look at the changing landscape of modern parenting.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A talk with Jeff Dowd, the real-life inspiration for The Dude character in The Big Lebowski. If you're not interested in his experiences being a part of the Seattle Seven in the 70s, you can find the Lebowski stuff about halfway down the page.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Lengthy, scathing rant about the Postal Service (not the band, though that would be great, too). Kramer was right – who needs it?—JS

• 
• Visit site

When Bill Simmons writes about the NBA, it's like when Julia Roberts goes on Letterman; you just don't want to miss it.—JM

• 
• Visit site

We don't get much Tuesday Morning Quarterback between January and August, so I suggest we all get while the getting is good.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Peter King tells us all we need to know about the NFL draft. Probably. I mean, if there's more to know that he hasn't told us, I wouldn't know it.—JM

• 
• Visit site

When there's free Sedaris on offer, you take it.—JS

• 
• Visit site

The title of the piece says it all; no need for me to try to elucidate.—JM

• 
• Visit site

An in-depth look at the rise in the use of "neuroenhancing" drugs as a way of battling fatigue and the demands of a wired world.—BK

• 
• Visit site

TMQ returns from hibernation with his annual NFL draft column! Rejoice!—JM

• 
• Visit site

If you like Pac-Man, this'll keep you entertained for quite a while. If you don't, then greetings! How are things in Communist Russia?—JS

• 
• Visit site

And the crime of the century behind the theft. (A similar story popped up in William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade but I had no idea it was true!)—JS

• 
• Visit site

Yeah, sometimes we link to fiction here at Poop Reading. Fiction that makes you think.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Bill Simmons is right: Dwyane Wade is Jack Bauer.—JM

• 
• Visit site

For those of you looking for a 10,000-word piece on the collapse of the Icelandic banking system, here's a 10,000-word piece on the collapse of the Icelandic banking system.—JM

• 
• Visit site

My wife found out about this piece on Oprah; even so, you should still check it out. It's really long, but it's endlessly fascinating.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Marinovich's story remains a sad cautionary tale: an obsessed father tries to create the perfect football player, and in the process, quite possibly destroys his son's life.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Not updating currently, but among the most poopable things I've ever seen online. Print out a few of these entries whenever you need a quick fix.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Ted Williams was a piece of work, with a mix of rage and ego that made him a borderline sociopath, and that comes roaring through every inch of this super-long profile of the Hall of Fame hitter, now available online for the first time since it originally ran back in 1986.—BK

• 
• Visit site

As this piece accurately points out, "there are only four people alive so familiar to Minnesotans that they can be referred to by a single moniker: Jesse, Prince, Dylan — and Sid." (thanks to Cousin Adam for the link)—JM

• 
• Visit site

In honor of this, the foolingest of days, here's some classic poop reading that's my choice for the greatest hoax of all time.—BK

• 
• Visit site

I first came across this December 1981 Sports Illustrated profile of Andre the Giant ten years ago or so, and I've read it at least once a year since then. It's one of the more interesting things you'll ever read, and it'll keep you in poop reading for about a week. Enjoy!—JM

• 
• Visit site

An interview with philosopher Alva Noë about the nature of human consciousness. I don't know about you, but I dig this sort of thing.—JM

• 
• Visit site

This ESPN "Outside the Lines" piece, which digs a little deeper into the peculiar story of a 73-year-old college basketball player, ought to keep you busy for quite a while.—JM

• 
• Visit site

No, we're not being paid from the I Love You, Man promotional budget. Just thought I ought to make that clear.—JS

• 
• Visit site

As always with these kind of things, you might quibble with the choices, but you can't dispute the greatness of the idea. And man, is that Sports Region tough.—BK

• 
• Visit site

The Catch-22 of all celebrity is that we want to feel like we know these people, but the reality of the circumstances makes that inherently impossible. And the Catch-22 of this profile is that it makes you feel like you know Ben Affleck.—BK

• 
• Visit site

How writer/director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, Duplicity) works to find new ways to surprise jaded movie audiences.—BK

• 
• Visit site

One of our underappreciated favorites talks about Joss Whedon, comedy, his early soap opera work, and his new ABC show Castle.—BK

• 
• Visit site

It doesn't even matter who Phil is. Everybody should write this list and put it on the internet. But since I'm not going to, here's Phil's.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Brilliant profile. At times it's a maddening and skittish read, which seems to mirror the experience of spending time with Gervais.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Plenty of people liveblog the Oscars; you can bet TWoP does it best.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Another sign of 30 Rock's underappreciation: in order to get a nice, long article about the best show on American television, we have to turn to the British.—BK

• 
• Visit site

To tide you over until tomorrow, when PoopReading.com offers fresh, homegrown Oscar picks, here are some from the indispensable AwardsDaily.com—JM

• 
• Visit site

As a topic, it's a horse that has seen better days, but the style of the piece and his theory on the difference in fan/media outrage between baseball and football players make it worth checking out.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Through a profile of the Rockets' Shane Battier, Lewis digs into the emergence of statistical analysis in the NBA. Can we just have Michael Lewis write all the in-depth sports profiles? Please?—BK

• 
• Visit site

Lengthy, entertaining profile of comedian Demetri Martin, he of the new Comedy Central smash hit Important Things.—JS

• 
• Visit site

A fascinating exploration of the shifting factors influencing one of life's biggest decisions: wait for true love, or settle?—JS

• 
• Visit site

Leitch gives an in-depth recounting of his infamous April 2008 appearance on HBO's Costas Now.—BK

• 
• Visit site

I don't really follow the NBA when my Minnesota Timberwolves are bad (i.e., I don't really follow the NBA), but I feel like I get all I need to know from The Sports Guy's annual trade values column.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Without giving away any of the titles, I can tell you that it manages to give some love to Albert Brooks, Steve Martin and Pixar, which is enough to win us over.—BK

• 
• Visit site

There are so many generalizations in this piece that, if you ever went to grad school, your brain will actually liquefy and drip out of your nostrils as you read this. You just won't be able to handle it. And the generalizations are pretty much right on, too, which will only make you madder.—JM

• 
• Visit site

I understand that war is hell. I understand that killing is not to be romanticized. That said, you must – must! – check this out; it's one of the best things I've read on the internet in ages.—JM

• 
• Visit site

The NFL season isn't really over until Gregg Easterbrook writes his Super Bowl column and hands out the Longest Award in Sports. Enjoy.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Searching for the interview about Phil Connors staying in Punxsutawney for 10 years in Groundhog Day, I found this. Which is also interesting, and reveals the early incubation of The Year One.—JS

• 
• Visit site

May as well let the King sum up XLIII for us, no?—JM

• 
• Visit site

A profile of director Bob Fishman that details the incredible amount of effort that goes into making a successful TV broadcast of an NFL game.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Newsweek's annual Oscar roundtable is always terrific, and with Robert Downey, Jr. and Mickey Rourke on hand, this one stays plenty interesting.—BK

• 
• Visit site

There's not much football left this season (i.e., one game), which means there's not much Gregg Easterbook left this season. Read him while you still can!—JM

• 
• Visit site

It's been a while since I linked to Peter King, but I figured if anybody would be able to make anything of the NFL's pre-Super Bowl off-week, it would be him.—JM

• 
• Visit site

I am by no means a pet person, and I don't usually go in for the sentimental "my beloved dog" stuff. But, to paraphrase the great Bill McNeal, you'd have to be a robot not to cry at this.—JM

• 
• Visit site

An ultra-high-end scavenger hunt goes wrong in the Nevada desert. Beware all activities that require a "liability waiver."—JS

• 
• Visit site

Much like I had to do seven days ago, The Sports Guy tries to pick up the pieces after an 0-4 weekend with the NFL picks.—JM

• 
• Visit site

The evidence is piled on, so skim liberally, but some powerhouse entries (like Peter Travers's baby-on-baby action) mustn't be missed. (I won't soon forget this instant-classic gem: "Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson are this generation's most engaging on-screen couple.")—JS

• 
• Visit site

The world's best, longest, and least-about-football football column is almost done for the year; don't miss it while it's still around!—JM

• 
• Visit site

A look at movie marketing via a profile of one highly-skilled practitioner of that art. An utterly fascinating and depressing look at the state of modern studio moviemaking.—BK

• 
• Visit site

I enjoy Baseball Hall of Fame debates, as long as we acknowledge that it's all just time-filling silliness. Because as long as Bert Blyleven isn't in (he was denied induction again today), no one can actually take this seriously.—JM

• 
• Visit site

For all the grammar nerds who've flocked to us following yesterday's posting of the "wherefore" rant and the spell-checker analysis, this will delight you.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Studies indicate that when we fight our temptations we really fight with ourselves. Struggling to lose weight, quit smoking, or finish that novel? The good news is, either way you win!—JS

• 
• Visit site

The tradition continues – a Vikings win equals a Peter King link.—JM

• 
• Visit site

For those of you with new iTunes gift cards burning a hole in your pocket.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Longish, but there are worse people to spend a few extra minutes reading about.—JS

• 
• Visit site

One day after a gut-wrenching Minnesota Vikings home loss to the Falcons, it's only fitting that we link to a recap of a "HIMYM" episode wherein a plot point involves the mother of all gut-wrenching Minnesota Vikings home losses to the Falcons.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Not a great deal of suspense for 2008's Time Magazine "Person of the Year." And maybe I'm nuts, but, when it's actually a man, can't we go ahead and say "Man of the Year?" Just for old time's sake?—JM

• 
• Visit site

I once heard someone say that they didn't feel like they'd seen a movie until they read Pauline Kael's review of it. I feel the same way about Linda Holmes, TWoP's former Miss Alli, and "Survivor" episodes.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Mostly by burying it in a deep, deep hole, it appears.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A touching exploration of the way that jokes, and a specific sense of humor, tend to run through a family.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Every time the Vikings win, I link to Peter King here on the homepage. The Vikings have won four in a row... I'm afraid to stop!—JM

• 
• Visit site

I have to see this movie. (And unfortunately, you have to click on four different pages to read this article.)—BK

• 
• Visit site

Simmons went 5-11 with his NFL picks last week. I went 9-7. I'm just sayin'.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Highlighting the potential winners among next year's slated releases.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Comparing the degree of difficulty in identifying potential greatness in two vastly different fields: NFL quarterbacking and teaching. How awesome is Gladwell?—BK

• 
• Visit site

Lamenting the dearth of originality since the days of Hoosiers and Field of Dreams.—BK

• 
• Visit site

You know our (well, my) policy: when the Vikings win, it's fun to read about the weekend's NFL action. Have fun!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Overly dour at times, and the writing gets surprisingly slapdash, but if you're as a big a Fey fan as we are, it's a worthwhile read.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Bill Simmons is back, and so are his "Ramblings." Rejoice, America.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Trey Parker and Matt Stone discuss the ways in which South Park pushes people's buttons.—JS

• 
• Visit site

When the Vikings win, we here at PoopReading.com are more interested in reading NFL weekend-in-review stuff. Well, two of us are; the third cares no more for football than he otherwise does. Anyway, enjoy Peter King!—JM

• 
• Visit site

An update on the Netflix Prize, the puzzles of computerized recommendation, and the ongoing scourge of Napoleon Dynamite.—JS

• 
• Visit site

An involved and fascinating look at the history of suck.com, another in the Internet's history of excellent and now-defunct sites.—JS

• 
• Visit site

A panel of 179 musicians, journalists, record execs and others produces a massive document. You can argue over the choices, but you can't deny that this is a fine piece of listmaking.—BK

• 
• Visit site

A look at some recent books on the scourge of "overparenting," with fresh insights and many questions worth pondering.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Is there such a thing as genius? Gladwell contends success is really a matter of hours and hours of hard work. The analysis is fascinating.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Part one of a two-day mailbag extravaganza from Simmons. Part two comes tomorrow.—JM

• 
• Visit site

There's definitely a movie in here. Get Will Ferrell on the phone, somebody!—JM

• 
• Visit site

Do you realize that the Vikings are tied for first place? Yes, those Vikings. The ones who stink. I know, I can't believe it either. Read about this and other NFL developments the one and only Peter King.—JM

• 
• Visit site

In an off week for yours truly, please to enjoy a real NFL column.—JM

• 
• Visit site

The author of "Positively Fifth Street" writes about his 2008 World Series of Poker experience.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Lengthy profile of Baseball Prospectus stat-cruncher Nate Silver, who's analyzing political polls on the side at FiveThirtyEight.com to see if he can predict the election.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Ranking the Wild Card Era MLB postseasons. The scoring system is more than a little arbitrary, but it's still a fun concept.—BK

• 
• Visit site

How The Big Lebowski became the most worshipped comedy of its generation.—BK

• 
• Visit site

My close personal friend Bill Simmons previews the 2008-2009 NBA season.—JM

• 
• Visit site

A few notes about this GQ profile of Jimmy Kimmel: 1) I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it's good, 2) it's on like 12 different pages, so you'll have to do a lot of clicking, and 3) page 4 seems to be missing as I write this. Still; check it out.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Bill Simmons offers up a modestly titled fantasy basketball preview column.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Williams' deal signals labor strife while Dallas faces chemistry issues.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Malcolm Gladwell explores the differences between creative prodigies and late bloomers. Fascinating, and for some of us, reason to hope.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Bill Simmons on the [plural possessive form of "Red Sox"] latest insane, ridiculous, history-defying comeback.—JM

• 
• Visit site

A weird, fascinating and occasionally hilarious profile of Norm Macdonald, done about a year-and-a-half ago. Still makes for good reading, though.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Yet another exposé of security theater at the airport pre-boarding screening.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Those poor Patriots, they look plain awful.—JM

• 
• Visit site

With dark clouds approaching, can the Cowboys weather the storm?—JM

• 
• Visit site

The funniest writer in the history of The Simpsons talks about hobo obsessions, cynicism in comedy, and praying for Mojo. From 2004, but still terrific.—BK

• 
• Visit site

Our "length" meter only goes up to three rolls, but, this Bill Simmons mailbag should keep you busy for an awfully long time.—JM

• 
• Visit site

The New Yorker's presidential endorsement may be an obvious one, but it's excellently stated. If "associations" are really such a huge liability, can one do worse than George W. Bush? Jameson (and the New Yorker) thinks not.—JS

• 
• Visit site

Elgin Baylor's legacy should be that of a pioneer who paved the way for the modern NBA.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Could Eli Manning be better than his big bro? Yes.—JM

• 
• Visit site

Running backs calling the plays and taking snaps? Just another Sunday.—JM

• 
• Visit site

One of the internet's few absolute must-reads, Bill Simmons breaks down the "Karate Kid" trilogy in a post that resonates every bit as much today as it did when he wrote it six years ago.—JM