Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham’s second live-performance DVD, Spark of Insanity, is much funnier than his first, Arguing With Myself, perhaps because his new puppets allow him to cover more controversial territory beyond skits about family beefs and office humor. Though some puppets reappear, like the beloved Peanut, a purple monkey who loves wordplay, new characters emerge as the stars of this hour-long stand-up show. A tense laughter ripples through the audience, for example, when Dunham announces his wish to talk with a terrorist as he brings out Achmed the Dead Terrorist, a turban-sporting skeleton who’s refrain is “I will kill you!” Previous show star, Jose Jalapeño, a Mexican chili pepper on a stick, returns for a discussion about whether the puppet has a green card. If his racial jokes rode a line slightly too Caucasian to clarify his point of view before, Dunham has achieved real satire in Spark of Insanity, showing his audience how ridiculous it is to create stereotypes of any sort. Additionally, Dunham mocks his own culture with Walter, a grumpy old white man whose parental chiding rings true for many. Moreover, Dunham impresses with his ventriloquism skills, and shows off some new vocalization techniques that will stun anyone interested in this fascinating art.

Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) stars as Billy, A.K.A. Dr. Horrible, a budding super-villain whose plans for world domination continually go awry. His two goals: getting accepted into the Evil League of Evil, and working up the guts to speak to his laundromat crush Penny, played by Felicia Day (The Guild). The only thing standing in his way is Captain Hammer, Billy’s superhero arch-nemesis played by Nathan Fillion (Firefly). With one big score, Billy could get into the E.L.E. and earn the respect of Penny, but only if he can keep her away from the dashing Captain Hammer…

This is an amazing piece of work, and was one of the first “created for the web” creations to really succeed, both artistically and virally. Neil Patrick and the whole cast are perfect, and the entire production is highly original in content, format, and artistry. The songs are great (you’ll be singing them for days, if not weeks) and bottom line, it’s just really, really good, and worth watching or buying or whatever!

Get Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog DVD now!

Nearly 20 years after riding his last Crusade, Harrison Ford makes a welcome return as archaeologist/relic hunter Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, an action-packed fourth installment that’s, in a nutshell, less memorable than the first three but great nostalgia for fans of the series. Producer George Lucas and screenwriter David Koepp (War of the Worlds) set the film during the cold war, as the Soviets–replacing Nazis as Indy’s villains of choice and led by a sword-wielding Cate Blanchett with black bob and sunglasses–are in pursuit of a crystal skull, which has mystical powers related to a city of gold. After escaping from them in a spectacular opening action sequence, Indy is coerced to head to Peru at the behest of a young greaser (Shia LaBeouf) whose friend–and Indy’s colleague–Professor Oxley (John Hurt) has been captured for his knowledge of the skull’s whereabouts. Whatever secrets the skull holds are tertiary; its reveal is the weakest part of the movie, as the CGI effects that inevitably accompany it feel jarring next to the boulder-rolling world of Indy audiences knew and loved. There’s plenty of comedy, delightful stunts–ants play a deadly role here–and the return of Raiders love interest Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, once shrill but now softened, giving her ex-love bemused glances and eye-rolls as he huffs his way to save the day. Which brings us to Ford: bullwhip still in hand, he’s a little creakier, a lot grayer, but still twice the action hero of anyone in film today. With all the anticipation and hype leading up to the film’s release, perhaps no reunion is sweeter than that of Ford with the role that fits him as snugly as that fedora hat.

The delirious sight of Meryl Streep leading a river of multigenerational women singing “Dancing Queen” is one of the high points of Mamma Mia! The Movie, the musical built around the songs of the hugely popular pop group ABBA. The plot sets in motion when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried, Mean Girls), daughter of Donna (Streep), sends a letter to three men, inviting them to her wedding–because after reading her mother’s diary, she suspects that one of them is her father. When all three arrive at the Greek island where Donna runs a hotel, Donna flips out and finds that passions she thought she’d laid aside are coming back to life. But let’s face it, the plot is not the point–it’s a ridiculous contrivance that provides an excuse for the characters to sing the massive hits of ABBA. Regrettably, first-time film director Phyllida Lloyd (who directed the original stage production) has drawn over-the-top performances from everyone involved, even Streep; every production number hammers its exuberance into your eyeballs. Which is too bad, because Mamma Mia! is a rarity: A middle-aged love story. The kids start things off, but the story is really about Streep and the three guys (former James Bond Pierce Brosnan, former Mr. Darcy Colin Firth, and Swedish star Stellan Skarsgard), as well as Donna’s best friends (Christine Baranski, best known from the TV show Cybill, and Julie Walters, Calendar Girls). It’s a romantic comedy aimed at the people who were around when all these songs were new, and that’s an age group Hollywood largely ignores. For that alone, Mamma Mia! deserves to find an audience.

Dr. Seuss’s classic 1954 book Horton Hears a Who has entertained generations of children and served as the inspiration for a 26-minute, 1970 television special Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who! and the 2000 Broadway musical Seussical: The Musical. This 2008, full-length animated movie features the voice talents of Jim Carrey as Horton, Steve Carrell as the Mayor of Whoville, Carol Burnett as the Kangaroo, and Jesse McCartney as JoJo and promises to delight a whole new generation of children and their parents and grandparents. The technological wonders of computer animation have allowed 20th Century Fox Animation to bring to life the wacky, colorful Whoville with its minute inhabitants and the lush Jungle of Nool with its host of distinctive animals and the result is a rich, fantastical world of wonder worthy of Dr. Seuss’ own imagination. All the major plot elements of Dr. Seuss’ book are present, with Horton hearing the faint cry for help from a tiny dust speck atop a small clover and doing his best to protect the inhabitants of that small civilization of Whoville despite the disbelief, disdain, and persecution of his fellow animals. The feel of Dr. Seuss’ original rhyming prose is partially preserved in the sparse narration by Charles Osgood that’s interspersed throughout the film’s dialogue and the overarching themes of staying true to one’s convictions and the celebration of the power of perseverance, imagination, and kindness come through loud and clear. Horton Hears a Who is a fun rendering of a classic Dr. Seuss story that’s sure to entertain viewers of all ages.

After Oceanic Air flight 815 tore apart in mid-air and crashed on a Pacific island, it s survivors were forced to find inner strength they never knew they had in order to survive. But they discovered that the island hold many secrets, including a mysterious smoke monster, polar bears, a strange French woman and another group of island residents known as The Others. The survivors have also found signs of those who came to the island before them, including a 19th century sailing ship called The Black Rock, the remains of an ancient statue, as well as bunkers belonging to the Dharma Initiative a group of scientific researchers who inhabited the island in the recent past.

This seasons twists and turns have renewed my interest and respect for Lost. There were no fillers due to the (mostly planned) reduced episode count and even with the writer’s strike it was a solid season. There were really only 2 hours lost to the writer’s strike anyway, which ABC has stated they will “give back” by giving 1 extra hour to the next 2 seasons. The quality of the show this season more than made up for the reduced episode count.

It was interesting in the final show of the 3rd season to see Jack’s focus change (seen in a flash forward) from getting off the island to getting back on it. This season was spent giving a set up to the reason why without really answering the question but creating enough suspense to make it worth finding out…next season I hope. This season is about who gets off the island (the Oceanic 6, as they’re called) and how, and a bit about what they’re going to do back in the real world. A few other people also get off the island but they aren’t included in “the Oceanic 6″ and you’ll also get a partial reason why by the last episode, as well as finding out who was in the coffin in the final episode of the 3rd season that had Jack so upset (but not why or how.) Jack finally finds out who Claire is to him, but we still don’t know what actually happened to her. Ben’s character becomes more complex, as we start to see how he manages to go from outcast to leader and gets people to do what he wants (such as Locke, Sayid, and even Jack,) even if they are uneasy in their association with him. Clearly some other Oceanic refugees have escaped the island but we don’t know how yet, and it doesn’t seem like the “Oceanic 6″ are necessarily even aware of them.

Another interesting addition this season is the newcomers, the “freighter folk,” who may as well be the new “others.” Some are decent people and some are evil, and one will be familiar face from previous seasons. Speaking of “the others,” who they are, where they came from, and what is their nature became a new set of unanswered questions this season. I wasn’t thrilled with Rosseau’s or her daughter’s storylines, but it seems what happened was done in order to develop Ben’s character.

What is planned for extra features is below, it is subject to change since it wasn’t released yet. If you want to see more info for yourself on planned extras, run a search for TV shows on DVD, you should be able to find the site I got my info from.

Features:

Lost Bloopers
Oceanic Airlines Safety Guide
The Lost Flashbacks
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes
Lost on Location – Go on location with the cast and crew of Lost for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of Season Four’s hottest episodes.
Freighter Folk (working title) – Where did the folks on the freighter come from? Get to know them and find out what the show runners looked for in new cast members.
Transforming Hawaii (working title) – From the deserted beach to urban Los Angeles, Hawaii serves as a global backdrop for the excitement and intrigue of Lost. Join the small army of technicians that transforms Hawaii to the Island as they go about their duties.
Gun Tracking (working title) – Lost features a formidable array of firearms Get real life gun profiles and find out what it’s like working with so much firepower.
The Music of Lost (working title) – The Honolulu Symphony performs Michael Giacchino’s award-winning score live for the first time ever. Witness the power of the show’s many musical themes as well as its innovative use of instruments-and learn how music affects the production, from writing to directing.

I recommend this season for anyone who ever enjoyed this show. You won’t feel the writer’s strike when watching the DVDs.

Jeff Dunham and his cast of characters join to make Christmas very special — and hilarious — like only they know how. All new show Very Special Christmas Special also includes bonus material with numerous DVD extras. Share this must-have event with the entire family for Christmas and all year long!

DVD is loaded with additional footage and extras not seen on television including Holiday Tips, Outtakes, Ask Santa-Walter, and Behind The Scenes.

I’ve seen Jeff-fuf 3 times now (his live show, that is) and I never cease to be AMAZED at his talent!! You REALLY believe there’s MORE THAN HIM onstage!! The last show I saw included previews of this upcoming special and we are all in for a TREAT!!! Achh-med singing “Jingle Bombs” is sure to make the Christmas charts this year!

I LOVE guitar guy! (Brian Haner). Not only is he an extremely talented guitar player – he is also extremely FUNNY. He and Jeff play off one another quite well, and obviously enjoy one another alot. They’d have to with the amount of time they spend together on the road.

Peanut, is my all-time FAVORITE character. As he says – “When you go PURPLE, you NEVER go back!”

Whatever DVD you decide to pick up, you will NOT be disappointed. Jeff Dunham is one of the most talented comedians of our time. You will laugh till you cry!

Based on David McCullough’s bestselling biography, the HBO miniseries John Adams is the furthest thing from a starry-eyed look at America’s founding fathers and the brutal path to independence. Adams (Paul Giamatti), second president of the United States, is portrayed as a skilled orator and principled attorney whose preference for justice over anti-English passions earns enemies. But he also gains the esteem of the first national government of the United States, i.e., the Continental Congress, which seeks non-firebrands capable of making a reasoned if powerful case for America’s break from England’s monarchy. The first thing one notices about John Adams’ dramatizations of congress’ proceedings, and the fervent pro-independence violence in the streets of Boston and elsewhere, is that America’s roots don’t look pretty or idealized here. Some horrendous things happen in the name of protest, driving Adams to push the cause of independence in a legitimate effort to get on with a revolutionary war under the command of George Washington. But the process isn’t easy: not every one of the 13 colonies-turned-states is ready to incur the wrath of England, and behind-the-scenes negotiations prove as much a part of 18th century congressional sessions as they do today.

Besides this peek into a less-romanticized version of the past, John Adams is also a story of the man himself. Adams’ frustration at being forgotten or overlooked at critical junctures of America’s early development–sent abroad for years instead of helping to draft the U.S. constitution–is detailed. So is his dismay that the truth of what actually transpired leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence has been slowly forgotten and replaced by a rosier myth. But above all, John Adams is the story of two key ties: Adams’ 54-year marriage to Abigail Adams (Laura Linney), every bit her husband’s intellectual equal and anchor, and his difficult, almost symbiotic relationship with Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane) over decades. Giamatti, of course, has to carry much of the drama, and if he doesn’t always seem quite believable in the series’ first half, he becomes increasingly excellent at the point where an aging Adams becomes bitter over his place in history. Linney is marvelous, as is Dillane, Sarah Polley as daughter Nabby, Danny Huston as cousin Samuel Adams, and above all Tom Wilkinson as a complex but indispensable Ben Franklin.

For example, a great area is San Diego. Take in a breathless view of downtown San Diego with a Yacht Charter and Bay Cruise and gasp the surrounding harbor and gaze out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean, while soaking up the beautiful San Diego day, and the prices are very reasonable. Weddings, corporate events, parties, and business meetings are also part of the packages, plus dinner cruises. Some even offer all-night accommodations.

Another great option is a Northern California Cruise. In the Napa Valley and on the Petalum River you can find numerous Dolphin sighting trips and day cruises. Since the 1970′s, a independently owned and operated company in the valley does a great job at focusing on the raw landscape and beauty of the area. The Delphinius Riverboat cruise is also there, and its a excellent trip through the marshlands and wildlife areas of the valley.

Mare Island, dry docked Naval Vessals salt ponds and backwater homes is what awaits you if you decide to jump on a Napa Valley Cruise. This cruise departs from Vallejo and takes you all through the beautiful areas of Mapa, California. A one day cruise, with an option to visit old Victorian Old Town Napa and a lunch is also offered and its a great deal and value to see the hidden treasures of the area.

That is not all Northern California has to present. Have you heard of the “City by the Bay”; San Francisco. You can take a very popular day cruise under the Golden Gate and go ashore at the famed Fisherman’s Wharf. Get off the boat and ride the historical historic cable cars, or take a walk on the big hill’s of the streets in downtown San Francisco, a city brimming with history and tourist attractions.

In California, Carnival Cruise Lines can take you to the cheery playgrounds of Catalina. Situated just 22 miles from the mainland, this fun island makes a great get away that is fun and affordable. In today’s economy, everybody is looking for a good deal and a way to take a holiday without wasting tons of money. A cruise that travels to Catalina Island offers a longer itinerary that can include destinations to Mexico and Canada as well.

Once you arrive in Catalina, there are many great opportunities to enjoy the island. Window shopping in Avalon. Go snorkeling at Casino Point in Marine Park. Hike the mountain and canyon trails where bison still roam freely. Drive into the interior of the island for beautiful views of the Pacific ocean. Visit the Botanical Gardens or go on a kayaking trip. Catalina also offers Glass Bottom Boat Tours, as well as a Semi-Submersed Vessel Tour. Whale Watching Tours are available between the months of January through March. Witness the glorious gray whales as they migrate to Mexico off the Catalina Coast.

Carnival also offers a four day trip to Baja, Mexico. This trip begins and ends in Los Angeles. Ports of call include Catalina and Ensenada, Mexico. Spend time enjoying the many amenities mentioned in Catalina in addition to Mexico’s Bajamar Golf Course, shopping in the port of Ensenada, and the famous La Bufadora, which is a natural water spout. The ship has a family-oriented atmosphere featuring adult and youth activities.

Go swimming in the big swimming pool or slide down the twisting water slide. Play golf or just relax in the spa. A sauna, gym, and exercise area help keep those extra pounds at bay from all the delightful foods available 24 hours a day while on board the ship.

So as you can see, vacationers looking for a California Cruise have several options to choose from, with many amenities, services, styles, and land excursions to enjoy.

Looking to find the best deal on California Cruises, then visit www.californiacruises.org to find the best advice on discounts for any age.

As I alluded to in previous posts during my Insanity journey, I’m a competitive person by nature. I’ve been an athlete for most of my life, and although I’ve been away for sports for about seven years, that competitive spirit is still within me, however if you have never been into sports, everyone has their reasons, don’t throw this out the window. Try it, I have workout buddies that were not into sports who really liked their results with this and got very inspired and got the body they wanted and never dreamed they would ever have. The sports drills and general intensity in the Insanity workout were certainly reminiscent of my former training days, but since all workouts were done at home, I could focus on performing the moves and pushing myself without fear of embarrassment.

I’ve also sold the Insanity DVD’s as a box set and they do sell a lot better than the P90X for whatever reason, they are much more popular. The Insanity DVD series will probably not appeal to those who prefer more low-key, passive forms of exercise, or those who don’t like the intensity of sports or core exercises. I’ve noted as much several times. But for the right personality fit, there’s no better way to get in shape, see results and build a strong foundation of fitness.

Here are my final Results and Recommendations: As of my last day on the Insanity workout, I’d lost 7 pounds and decreased my chest, waist and hip measurements by 2 inches each. A week after finishing Insanity and starting a new round, with a day off between workouts, I’d lost another 4 pounds. Sometimes if you gain some water weight or you have put on a lot of muscle at once, it won’t show on the scales correctly since fat weighs less than muscle, so if that happens, just get up drink 1/3 gallon of water, workout, sweat, then 2 hours later weigh yourself, the water should be off. The muscle you gain is going to make it not appear as if you’re losing fat right away either. Two weeks after finishing Insanity, I am stabilizing at a 12-to-14-pound total weight loss. My obliques are cut, and my overall physique is noticeably slimmed down. I’ve been told that my weight loss looks more like 20 pounds.

I do have a few words of warning for those who might want to embark on the Insanity workout. I’ll be following these warnings also on my new round. Commit to doing the workout as scheduled, without fail. Earlier this summer, I was forced to take about a week off with just one week to go; the difficulties I encountered upon restarting the workouts showed my conditioning losses and challenged my spirit. This actually shouldn’t be a problem because once you start this you’re going to see results so fast you will be so inspired you will want to do it every day. At least if you’re like me. Another inspiring thing is the music that you can either turn on or off with the workout, I opted usually for music to be playing for inspiration unless I had my dr. dre beats pro headphones on me then I opted for now and I’d jam out to the dre beats.

Do your workouts with a workout buddy (together or apart). My Insanity cycle inspired a friend who already owned the DVDs to start up a new cycle. We bonded over the challenging DVD of the day and kept each other accountable. Catalog your journey with the public. Share your work outs with your blog readers, your Twitter followers or even Facebook friends. Having this column as an accountability tool made sure I kept on task, as I knew I had to report on how my week went. Also make sure you follow the diet that comes with the plan. I didn’t do this until the end. It’s important to do so however, and it’s tempting to eat whatever you want after working so hard: I didn’t gain weight when I did so, which seemed to reinforce the behavior, but shortly after eating a clean, healthy diet, you’ll start to crave fish, or chicken or homemade guacamole after workouts. (And you’ll see faster results!) I even took it a step further and drank nothing but water in the mornings, took apple cider vinegar and fat blockers, drank 1/3 gallon of water in the mornings and didn’t eat until noon after I had completed my workout. In the evenings I’d go for a long bike ride. There you have it a review of a beginner to a moderately transformed…. “insanely” looking body.

Before you begin this work out make sure you are up to the challenge, you may wish to check out the Insanity complete set here.