In Dress to Kill, Eddie Izzard spins free-flowing jokes about San Francisco (where the comedy concert was filmed), transvestitism, squirrels, American optimism, Hitler, the British royal family, mass murder, and Stonehenge–and that’s only the first 30 minutes. It’s as if this ingenious comedian says whatever comes off the top of his head, but giving that impression demands cunning and skill; Izzard romps through human history and transforms surprisingly complex ideas into biting satire–as well as knockout bits of sublime frivolity, like describing the movie Speed entirely in French. His mercurial patter is sprinkled with four-letter words, but his twinkling glances make this more mischievous than crude. Izzard has delivered some excellent performances in movies (like Velvet Goldmine and The Cat’s Meow), but it’s on stage that he really explodes with daffy wit and charisma. Simply brilliant and completely addictive; you will want to watch this over and over. –Bret Fetzer

Alice returns from Wonderland only to discover she’s on the wrong side of her living room mirror at the beginning of the second half of Irwin Allen’s 1985 production, with teleplay by Paul Zindel and songs by Steve Allen (the three-hour film was broken into two parts for video, the first title being Alice in Wonderland). Before you can say “curiouser and curiouser” the jabberwocky is after her. It chases Alice back to a strange land where life appears to be one giant game of chess with pieces portrayed by the likes of Carol Channing and Harvey Korman. The 7-year-old longs to be home, but that doesn’t stop her from enjoying some song and dance with Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme), watching a bout between the lion (Ernest Borgnine) and the unicorn (Beau Bridges), or being rescued by the White Knight (Lloyd Bridges). Despite the oddly low-tech visual effects from Star Wars’s John Dykstra–the jabberwocky is so clearly a guy in a dragon suit–this thrillingly kitschy movie ably entertains. Where else will you see Merv Griffin as a train conductor, Sally Struthers and Donna Mills catfighting with Vegas-worthy flower headdresses, and Jonathan Winters as a crabby Humpty Dumpty before the fall? Adults who fondly remember the ’70s and ’80s and children 4 and older should enjoy this version of the fabled tale. –Kimberly Heinrichs

Studio: Bayview/widowmaker Release Date: 12/09/2008 Run time: 73 minutes

Interval workouts incorporate a variety of activities that are powerful and short in duration. These intervals create an anaerobic workout that forces the body to adjust to variations of intensity and motion. Interval training has the real potential to burn fat and build strength. The Firm: Body Sculpting Basics utilizes these same aerobic and anaerobic components to create a 60-minute workout that promotes strength and stamina. Instructor Susan Harris presents simple dance-style aerobic combinations and weightlifting techniques that are sure to make you break a sweat. This video is somewhat dated (lots of ’80s-style leg warmers and traditional dance aerobic movements), but the content is so stellar that it would more appropriately be coined as a fitness classic. Pliés, squats, and split-leg lunges work the major muscles of the lower body, while lateral raises, curls, and push-ups concentrate on the upper body. Light weights (5 to 8 pounds) are used throughout this workout, and a set of ankle weights may be helpful if you are looking for a challenge. Cueing comes quickly and Harris does not give much information on form or body alignment. Therefore, beginners should watch the informational portion of this video (the segment immediately before the workout) in order to train as confidently and safely as possible. This is a brilliantly designed program that merges weight training and cardio in an effective and approachable (not to mention quick) package. –Olivia Voigts

The Contech Electronics Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler presents an innovative, humane way to keep pets and wildlife from disturbing your yard and garden without the use of complicated traps or potentially hazardous chemicals. The sprinkler combines a surprise spray of water with unexpected motion and noise to create a safe, effective deterrent to unwanted visitors, helping keep your garden looking its best.

The Contech Electronics Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler: Uses a startling burst of water to deter animals Teaches pets and wildlife to avoid your yard and garden Is safe, humane, and environmentally-friendly

One Scarecrow can cover up to 1000 sq.ft. View larger.

The Scarecrow protects your garden without using any hazardous chemicals. View larger.

Safe, Humane Deterrent Helps Protect Your Garden
A huge amount of time and energy goes into keeping your yard and garden looking great, so it’s only natural that you want to protect them from damage caused by hungry wildlife or local dogs and cats. But there are lots of reasons to avoid chemical deterrents, traps, and hazardous electric fences.

Whether you’re a dedicated organic vegetable gardener or a parent looking out for the health of children and pets that play in your yard, you’ll appreciate the simple, innovative, and effective water-based concept behind the Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler. It’s also a great choice for neighborhoods where fences are prohibited and for people who consider wire fences and other visual barriers unappealing.

When the ScareCrow detects an animal it instantly releases a short but startling burst of water. The sudden spray of water and the movement and noise of the sprinkler scares animals away. Animals associate this negative experience with the area and avoid your yard in the future.

Versatile and Broad-Reaching for Maximum Effectiveness
The Scarecrow is versatile enough to keep deer, rabbits, and other foragers from snacking on plants and bulbs, to prevent dogs from digging up newly seeded lawns, to keep the cat from using your garden as a litter box, and to scare predators like herons and raccoons away from your fish pond.

The ScareCrow’s motion detector is powerful enough to guard an area up to 1000 square feet of coverage with a single sprinkler. For added coverage, Scarecrow sprinklers can be linked in series to guard larger spaces.

Efficient Design and Easy to Set Up
Setting the Scarecrow up is fast and easy, and doesn’t require any special tools. Simply install a standard 9-volt battery, connect the sprinkler to your hose, push the 17-inch stake into ground to secure the unit, and set the adjustable sprinkler arc to cover the area you want protected.

What’s in the Box
Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Keep cats from using your garden as a litter box or prevent raccoons and herons from snacking in your fish pond.

The Tempo WidePath features a 15-inch cleaning path for super fast vacuuming when you need it the most. Plus, the WidePath cleans indoor air while you vacuum, thanks to an innovative allergen filtration system that traps 100 percent of dust mites, 99.98 percent of ragweed, and common grass pollens for cleaner breathing and fresher air. A powerful, 12 amp motor provides ample suction and doesn’t leave anything behind. A brilliant headlight illuminates the cleaning path to ensure thorough vacuuming. Onboard tool storage keeps attachments, such as a dusting brush, furniture nozzle, crevice tool, and two extension wands in close reach. A smaller profile (approximately 33-1/4 by 18-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches) and lighter overall weight makes the Tempo WidePath easy to push, and easier to maneuver around and under furniture, too. And, your purchase is covered by a Hoover one-year warranty. Get a Tempo WidePath, and never get behind on the housework again! –Brian Olson