• A weekly podcast called the “Picture Show Pundits” from smart-popcorn.com did a segment on Kevin Smith and “An Evening With Kevin Smith” in their recent episode. It’s near the end of the program, at 46:40 into the MP3 if you want to skip right to it. The Evening with Kevin Smith segment starts at 49:50. The show can be found here both as a downloadable mp3 and through an integrated flash player. It can also be found on iTunes.

• This syndicated cartoon is quite clever! It’s one of those little one-shots you’d find in the “Parade”-type magazines of the world. Funny stuff.

• In other cartoon news, fans of the Clerks animated series will appreciate this nod to the show in the latest episode http://www.niego.org/comic/comic140.gif of web comic “Niego”.

• Kevin is number 10 out of 100 on the most popular directors in all members collections over at DVDSpot. He’s among some very good company.

• Jason Lee will hand-paint a Grolsch Beer bottle that will be put up for eBay auction as part of Grolsh’s Celebrity Art Auction to benefit the Fight Against Prostate Cancer.You can view all the bottles and learn more details HERE. Looks like Jason’s son Pilot helped with the art on his bottle! Auctions start Monday, December 5th.
• And speaking of “Earl”, seems that NBC is SO confident in the show’s ratings and success this year, they’re moving the program into a really tough spot Thursday night, 9:00 AM, verus the powerhouse CSI. Great sitcoms like Cheers and Seinfeld have enjoyed this spot over the years, now it’s Lee’s turn to take a shot at the title. “The Office” will follow at 9:30. It’s all part of NBC’s strategy to regain their once undeniable dominance of the Thursday night ratings. All the moves will begin on Thursday, January 5th, so be sure and find Earl in his new home in 2006. And best of luck to Jason, Ethan, and the rest of the cast and crew on their new night.
• Finally in Earl news, not sure it’s the wisest pick, but a column over at the ESPN website by writer Bill Simmons makes a funny little “My Name Is Earl” nod this week:

• A couple more details on that View Askew soundbite used in the rap tune — The track is called “Eye on the Prize” and is from “Epitome The One”. You’ll notice another familiar soundbite pop up right at the start of the song. Enjoy your weekend!

• One of the most oft-asked questions we see here at News Askew is “When will the next wave of inaction figures come ’round?” These things just look so cool on the shelf, and with each passing set, the world just expands and becomes more colorful and detailed. So we can’t blame you for asking. We’re now pleased to announce that we do have an official date for the next wave, Chasing Amy: June 2006. This wave will include Banky Edwards, Holden McNeil, Alyssa Jones, Hooper X and the Tracer Guy. A possible (and first in this series) playset may also be included in this set. No details or official photos of that playset, though rumor has been that it would be the Marina Diner where Jay & Bob meet Holden in the film. We’re going to see what dirt we can dig up on that one for you. In the meantime, clear some room on those shelves, and we’ll let you know when the set’s ready for your preorders.

• Join us at the west coast Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash and get your gear signed by Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes!

Need a unique Christmas gift for friends and family? Come in and have shit signed AND PERSONALIZED TO THEM by Kevin and Jay! They’ll be in the store and signing from noon ’til 8pm.

Simply purchase the brand new Secret Stash West Kevin InAction Figure, and the boys will then sign whatever you put in front of them, for whomever you want! What better way to say “Happy Holidays” than with signed View Askew swag?!

Visit the official site For more info on the signing and party. Don’t miss this opportunity to surprise the View Askew fans in your friends and family circle with a unique gift, personalized to their name by Kevin and Jay.