In the aftermath of the worst shooting ever at a military base on U.S. soil, authorities, investigators, and journalists race to piece together details about the shooter, who lies in a coma after being wounded by police. In sports, the Yankees celebration in New Yok hasn’t managed to distract fans from reports of Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum’s run in with the law, and we get you ready for tonight’s movies with a look at the new Clooney film “The Men Who Stare At Goats”. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Who Is Nidal Hasan, The Fort Hood Shooter?

When the bullets stopped, when the suspected shooter was in custody, when the victims who remained wounded but alive were under the care of hospital staff, the search for an explanation began. Military, Federal, and state authorities have identified U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan as the one who opened fire during an assembly at Fort Hood Army Base in Fort Hood, TX; a blood bath that left 13 soldiers dead and 31 wounded. Of the wounded, 28 remain in the hospital in stable but critical condition, including Hasan, who received multiple gunshot wounds and is reported to be in a coma.

President Obama has ordered the flags at all Government facilities to be flown at half mast in honor of the soldiers who died.

Hasan is an Army psychologist who specializes in administering mental health therapy to soldiers returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was himself scheduled for deployment to the front lines of the war, a situation that may have led to yesterday’s bloody incident.

Investigators and journalists are frantically assembling a portrait of who Hasan is, and what may have led to his decision to open fire with two automatic pistols on almost 300 unarmed soldiers in line for an exam. Hasan, who was born in Virginia and is a lifelong Muslim, reportedly shouted “Allah Akhbar” (God is great) as he opened fire. The barrage of gunfire lasted for over three minutes before a military police woman ended it by shooting Hasan multiple times.

This video report interviews one of the top military officials overseeing the case for an updated report on Hasan’s background and the events at Fort Hood:

Giants’ Lincecum Makes Giant Mistake

San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Having just completed only his third year in the majors, Lincecum already has one Cy Young Award for the National League’s top pitching performance in 2008, and is a top candidate for a second one for his 2009 performance, where he went 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA. His early success have revitalized the Giants’ franchise and made Lincecum a celebrity and a role model, positions he may regret as his most recent exploits make him a headline for something that happened off the field.

Lincecum was charged with speeding and misdemeanor marijuana possession when he was pulled over by a highway patrolman in his home state of Washington.  Washington State authorities report that Lincecum, who entered a plea of “not guilty” in court today, complied fully when asked to surrender the pipe and 5.5 grams of marijuana in the center console of his vehicle.

Although the charge is a minor offense that carries only a fine as a penalty, as with Michael Phelps (who was caught smoking marijuana earlier this year), the repercussions from disappointed fans maybe far harsher than anything the Judge in his upcoming Dec. 22nd court decision will impose on him. This YouTube video, from a dedicated fan who goes by the nickname “lincecumfan55″, is an example of the type of message Lincecum will be hearing for months to come:

Opening Today: The Men Who Stare At Goats

Friday means new movies, and the highlight for this week must be the awkwardly titled “The Men Who Stare at Goats“. Starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor and featuring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges, The Men Who Stare At Goats chronicles the reportedly true story of a Government initiative to train a group of soldiers with psychic powers.

This scene shows Spacey and Clooney early in their training, with Clooney’s character, Lyn Cassady, shows an uncanny aptitude for telepathic reading.

Click below for the full trailer, but an alternate trailer takes a shot at the now infamous promo for this year’s big buzz winner, Paranormal Activity.

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

New York is erupting in celebrations as the Yankees celebrate their record 27th championship. Singer Rihanna opens up about the domestic violence incident with former boyfriend Chris Brown, and we take a look at the first trailer for the upcoming Angelina Jolie thriller, “Salt”. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Yankees Win In 6

27 outs to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6, the number 27 on the back of their new manager, Joe Girardi, and now, 27 World Championship trophies in their office. The New York Yankees are World Champions again after a nine year drought, sealing the title on a soft grounder that set off celebrations across New York.

The Yankees proved without a doubt they were the best team in baseball in 2009, and broke in their new stadium in the grandest fashion imaginable, winning at home in the Bronx. Five-time champion Derek Jeter celebrated with teammate Alex Rodriguez, who despite being arguably the best player in baseball just earned his first ever championship ring.

ESPN traces the Yankees’ route from opening day to the trophy ceremony:

Rihanna: Chris Brown Incident “Embarrassing”, “Wrong”

Singer Rihanna, who garnered unwanted headlines in February when she was the victim of a domestic violence incident involving her then boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, is finally talking about the incident with Diane Sawyer. Footage from the interview is being aired in pieces on Good Morning America and, tomorrow evening, on 20/20.

The singer says the attention and aftermath, including a photo showing her beaten and bruised that circulated across the internet, was embarrassing. She also says she was wrong to go back to Brown following the incident, and accuses herself of setting a bad example for girls who may be involved in abusive relationships.

For an excerpt from this morning’s interview, click below:

First Trailer For Jolie’s Salt Released

Evelyn Salt is a CIA agent who is forced to go on the run from her own employers when a Soviet defector accuses her of being a Russian sleeper agent who is planning to assassinate the President.

Angelina Jolie plays the title character in the upcoming spy-thriller “Salt”, set for release in 2010. The movie’s first trailer has surfaced on the web, click below to check it out:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Political spinmeisters are working hard to claim a win from the muddled results of Tuesday’s elections. The Academy Awrds announces not one, but two hosts to replace the outgoing Hugh Jackman, and a new internet video claims that Keanu Reeves’ youthful appearance is the result of the actor’s immortality. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Republican Victories Signal End To “Magic” Obama?

Republican victories in the Gubernatorial races in both Virginia and New Jersey have the GOP cheering, while the Democrats are cheering Congressional victories in California and New York that have added two crucial votes in the House of Representatives as Congress gets closer to legislation for big topics, including health care reform. Tuesday’s election was a mixed bag for both parties, and the headlines are targeting the swing of independent voters, who had previously backed Barack Obama in the presidential race, now voting in Republican Governors in key states.

Do the GOP victories in Virgina and New Jersey signal a discontent with the Obama administration? NBC’s Meredith Vieira speaks with Meet The Press moderator David Gregory to answer that question:

With Jackman Out, Academy Snags Martin, Baldwin

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences wasted no time finding a replacement for last year’s Oscar host, Hugh Jackman, after Jackman decided not to return for this year’s 82nd annual Academy Awards. The producers of this year’s Oscars have tapped former host and funnyman Steve Martin to emcee the event, but didn’t stop there: “30 Rock” star Alec Baldwin will join Martin as co-host.

This report from E! News gives the scoop, including both Martin and Baldwin’s reactions to being chosen to lead the event:

Video Spotlight: Keanu Reeves Is Immortal

A new parody video has surfaced online that claims Keanu Reeves‘ youthful appearance is a result of the actor’s secret immortality.

Check out the video below to see how the creators were able to track Reeves all the way back to 70,000 B.C.:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

ABC steals the TV buzz award this week with the highly anticipated update to the miniseries V. We introduce you to tonight’s series premiere of the TV event of 2009. Also, Chase Utley shows the Yankees that the Phillies aren’t done quite yet. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

26 Years Later, “V” Re-Invades Television

Tonight, audiences across the country get their first taste of the highly anticipated new series “V”, an update to the 1983-84 miniseries about a seemingly benevolent alien race that arrives on Earth with the promise to clean up pollution, cure diseases, and advance our science into the future. If the plot sounds like well-covered ground in science fiction, that’s partly because the original 80’s series had such an enormous impact it has continued to influence movies and TV for the last quarter century.

This month’s debut will, ultimately, be little more than a tease. ABC has scheduled the first four episodes to run in November, with the remainder being held off till March of 2010. Scott Wolf, a mainstay of “Party of Five“, “Spin City“, and “Everwood“, helps lead an ensemble cast as the reporter who approaches the alien invasion under the mantra that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Firefly” stunner Morena Baccarin stars as Anna, one of the leaders of the alien invaders, who become known as The Visitors (the title “V” initially symbolizes the Visitors, later to be usurped by the human resistance movement as a V for victory).

Other cast members include Elizabeth Mitchell (”Lost“) as FBI Agent Erica Evans, Laura Vandervoort (”Smallville’s” Supergirl), and Morris Chestnut (”Boyz in the Hood“).

The original version of “V”, which consisted of two miniseries and a short lived regular series, featured some of the most shocking twists TV audiences had ever seen at that point, including the true nature and purpose of The Visitors. The new show will no doubt try to step up that game for modern audiences spoiled by computer effects.

V premieres tonight at 8pm/7cst on ABC, but we have a ten minute sneak peak for you right now!

Phillies Fight Back, Force Game Six

The World Series is headed back to New York. Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley and Cliff Lee denied the Yankees the chance to close out the series by holding off a late Yankees rally and taking the final game in Philly 8-6.

It’s the first time in five years the Series has gone to at least six games. By closing the Yankees-Phillies Series gap to three games to two, the Phillies avoided continuing the trend of sweeps and four games to one blowouts in the best of seven Series.

Game 6 will take place in the new Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, with a rested Pedro Martinez taking the mound for the Phillies against the Yankees’ Andy Pettitte, who will be pitching on short rest for the first time all season.

ESPN’s Baseball Tonight takes a look at the decisive Game 5:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Michael Jackson’s This Is It took the top spot in theaters around the world this morning, but insiders are saying it ultimately falls flat of the hype. In Afghanistan, the presidential election is finally decided while avoiding a potentially bloody run-off. And the New York Yankees are 27 outs away from their 27th World Series title. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

No Do-Over, Karzai Named President

A collective sigh of relief was exhaled on a global scale by those following the political situation in Afghanistan as incumbent President Hamid Karzai was named the ultimate victor in a tumultuous election. The newly democratic country (this was only their second National election) has seen it’s share of growing pains, but President Obama’s White House joined several other nations in congratulation Karzai’s victory.

Ballot stuffing scandals resulted in almost a third of Karzai’s votes being disqualified and would have forced a runoff election between the top two candidates, Karzai and political rival Abdullah Abdullah. Elections officials were scrambling to organize the second round of voting in advance of Afghanistan’s harsh winter and under threat of promises of violence by Taliban terrorists. However, that runoff became unnecessary when Abdullah withdrew from the election in protest of the same election committee that this morning declared Karzai the winner, who were appointed by Karzai and who Abdullah accused of being biased. His withdrawal paved the way for the Election Committee to appoint Karzai the victor by stating that regulations require two candidates in a run off, and avoid a potentially bloody election day.

Although the circumstances are less than ideal and Karzai has fallen out of favor some in Washington, the stability gained by having an accepted leader in place is critical to the ongoing struggle to eliminate the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

This video examines the political impact of the Election Committee announcing Karzai’s victory:

King of Pop Is King of Box Office

This week’s number one movie was the musical documentary “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”, which dominated international theaters to the tune of $101 million world-wide in its five day debut.

Directed by Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, “This Is It” was assembled from rehearsal footage taken during preparations for a London concert tour that was derailed when the singer died unexpectedly in late June of this year.

“This Is It” is on track to become the highest grossing concert film of all time, but is it enough? MSNBC reports that while successful, the total may ultimately be a disappointment:

Yanks One Away From History

The most storied franchise in baseball history is one game away from adding another notch to a belt that already includes a record 40 trips to the World Series and 26 wins.

The New York Yankees took both weekend games in Philadelphia, pushing the Phillies to the brink by taking a three games to one lead in the best of seven series. Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez continued a scorching post season with key hits in both games, and C.C. Sabathia returned on three days rest to keep the Phils in check in Game 4.

The Phillies will try to regain the momentum in Game 5 behind the masterful pitching of Game 1 winner Cliff Lee and his minuscule 0.54 post-season ERA. However, even if Lee can deliver once again, the Phillies would still need to win Games 6 and 7 in New York to repeat as World Series champs.

ESPN’s Baseball Tonight looks ahead to Game 5:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Actor Dennis Hopper reveals he has cancer, and the Yankees tie up the World Series at a game apiece. Plus, Halloween! This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Hopper Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Renowned actor Dennis Hopper has colon cancer, according to an announcement made by his manager on Friday. The 73 year old actor, known for classic roles in dozens of films including Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, and Apocalypse Now, has canceled all appearances and commitments to focus on treatment in a Los Angeles hospital.

Hopper’s manager, Sam Maydew, would not comment on Hopper’s condition or his prognosis other than to say “We’re hoping for the best.”

In this classic interview, Dennis Hopper gives a candid look into his acting process and talks about what he learned about acting from his friend James Dean:

Blown Calls Continue As Yankees Tie Series

Chase Utley was safe. Video replays on millions of televisions across the country proved it by running footage again and again, from different angles and at different speeds. “Utley was safe,” reiterated Phillies manager Charlie Manuel after the game. In a sport with no video reviews of plays on the bases, it didn’t matter. The umpire called Utley out, and what should have been runners on first and third in a close game with slugger Ryan Howard at the plate was instead the end of the inning and the Phillies’ best chance to overcome a 2 - 1 deficit on the scoreboard. In the second straight pitcher’s duel in this year’s World Series, the Yankees have tied the best of seven series while Phillies fans are left to wonder “what if?”

As the series takes a day off and the players shift their base camps from New York to Philadelphia for Saturday’s Game 3, blown calls by Major League’s umpires are threatening to overshadow the on field accomplishments of the players. This post season has seen almost a dozen, including the playoff games. MLB commissioner Bud Selig even reshuffled the officiating crew for the World Series in reaction to missed calls in the early playoff rounds. The one thing Selig will not consider, however, is instituting an instant replay system in baseball.

A hard fought and memorable series will no doubt take the focus off of the officials, regardless of which team is crowned this year’s champion. Anything short of that, however, and the 2009 post season will be remembered as the year that some form of video review by the umpires could have been used, but wasn’t. On Saturday, with both teams having pocketed one win and needing three more, post season veteran Andy Pettitte will take the mound for the Yankees against last year’s World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, and the players will fight to put the spotlight back on the field, and not the video scoreboard.

ESPN recaps the Yankees game 2 win, and the blown call that could have stopped it:

Happy Halloween From VideoSurf!

Saturday is October 31st, and VideoSurf would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a great weekend and a happy Halloween!

To kick off whatever festivities you may have planned for the holiday, our last video highlight for today is the most classic Halloween video of all time, It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Happy Halloween!

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

More arrests and more victims in the burglaries of over a million dollars in fashions and jewelry from celebrity homes. Nancy Pelosi unveils the House version of the health care reform bill, and Cliff Lee and the Phillies keep the Yankees winless in World Series games at their new stadium. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Pelosi Unveils New House Health Care Bill

Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi unveiled the House version of the health care reform bill today, stating that the bill reflects the Nation’s “best values” and meets President Obama’s goals for reforming the way health insurance and medical treatment are handled in the US.

In this video, Pelosi outlines what she feels the new bill, which unlike the the Senate version includes a public option of government supplied health care, accomplishes:

More Arrested In Teen Celeb Burglary Ring

As we reported previously, 18 year old Nicholas Prugo was arrested last week in connection with the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars in clothing and jewelry from the homes of Lindsay Lohan and Audrina Patridge.

New developments came to light today as the list of arrests connected to the crimes, as well as the list of celebrities affected, has grown. Four girls, all eighteen or nineteen, plus one 27 year old male, were arrested in connection to the same burglaries Prugo has been charged with. Police have also found evidence tying the teenage crime ring to burglaries of the homes of Orlando Bloom and Paris Hilton. Rachel Bilson, Hayden Panettiere, and Kourtney Kardashian may also have been robbed by the group, but those burglaries are not at this time directly linked to the arrests.

All told, the celeb obsessed teens, who used the internet to find the stars’ homes and know when the stars would be away, allegedly accrued a haul of over a million dollars in designer clothing and jewelry.

Always on the ball with stories like this, celebrity website TMZ.com’s cameras were there as the new suspects were placed under arrest:

Lee Stifles Yanks In Series Opener

Eighteen innings. Two full games. That’s how long you have to face Phillies starter Cliff Lee just to earn one run against him, or so his minuscule 0.53 post season ERA would imply: Lee gives up only a half of a run every nine innings. The Phillies late season acquisition came through again in game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees on Wednesday, pitching nine dazzling innings while striking out ten, walking none, and giving up no earned runs (the Yankees scored only once, on a throwing error by Phillies short stop Jimmy Rollins).

Going into last night’s game, the Vegas odds-makers had the New York Yankees as 2 to 1 favorites to win the Series. While only one game of the best of seven series has been played and they may still be proven right, the Phillies are skewing those odds after a commanding 6-1 victory in the first game, spoiling the fervor of New York fans watching their team play the first World Series game in the new, $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium.

As usual, ESPN’s Baseball Tonight has the best video recap of game 1:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Former tennis number one Andre Agassi admits in his new book that he used crystal meth during his playing days. Michael Jackson’s This Is It debuts to raves, and Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and more turn out to honor comedy legend Bill Cosby. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Agassi Admits Meth Use In New Book

A staff member for Sports Illustrated spilled the beans on a stunning revelation from former tennis star Andre Agassi. Referring to excerpts from Agassi’s new autobiography “Open” that are scheduled to appear in an upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated, the magazine employee sent a message out on Twitter.com that read “Book excerpt from Andre Agassi in the forthcoming SI: He admits to taking crystal meth during his career”.

Although the tweet was quickly removed, a spokesman for Agassi’s publisher Knopt (a division of Random House) confirmed that the book contains references to Agassi’s use of crystal meth while he was a player.

Now retired, Agassi was at one time the world’s number one tennis pro. Off the court, he made headlines for dating Barbra Striesand and marrying Brooke Shields, whom he divorced in 1999. He has been married to womens tennis legend Steffi Graf since 2001.

As this video shows, it didn’t take long for the twitter-literate media to pick up the story:

Jackson’s “This Is It” A Winning Tribute

This Is It, the documentary concert film highlighting the final days of Michael Jackson’s life, debuted last night to overwhelmingly favorable reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Directed by long time Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), This Is It was created from some 100 hours of footage shot during rehearsals for a series of concerts scheduled to begin just days after after the singer’s sudden death.

This video, shot at the Sioux City, Iowa premiere of the film, is an inside look at fan’s reactions immediately after seeing the film, which opens across the world tonight and will only be in theaters for a limited run of 16 days.

Seinfeld, Rock Gush As Cosby Honored

The 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for Comedy was awarded to Bill Cosby this weekend, and Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock were just two of the Cosby fans who turned up to make sure everyone knew how important Cosby has been to entertainment.

“Cosby Show” co-stars Phyllicia Rashad and Malcolm Jamal-Warner, comedian Dick Gregory, First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were among the attendees of the ceremony in Washington, D.C. honoring the comedian, whose appearance in “I Spy” and role as a successful black family man in “The Cosby Show” helped break barriers for black actors in television.

In this video, Cosby talks about his connection to the awards namesake Twain, while guests talk about Cosby’s influence on their careers:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

October 2009 has earned the dubious distinction of being the most deadly for US forces fighting in Afghanistan ever. Washington is pushing for strict regulation of behemoth banks, and Microsoft runs scared from Family Guy. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

October Deadliest Month For Troops In Afghan War

As President Obama continues to meet with advisers to make a decision on the future of the war in Afghanistan, eight more U.S. troops were killed in roadside bombing attacks that have officially elevated this months casualties to the highest ever since the start of the Afghanistan war eight years ago.

The President is weighing a decision on whether to scale back troops in the area, as he promised during his campaign, or to accent to the request of the person in charge of operations in Afghanistan, Gen. Stan McChrystal, who released a report stating up to 40,000 more troops were needed.

This CNN report has details of the latest troop casualties, as well as analysis of the current situation in Washington and in Afghanistan:

“Death Panel” For Financial Institutions?

The U.S. financial system is more vulnerable to catastrophe now than at the height of the economic crisis, say financial experts. If large banks and institutions were “too big to fail” in 2008, they are even more so as banks consolidate and are acquired into larger behemoths with an even bigger slice of the economic pie. And with what amounts to a “get out of jail free” card in the form of Government support, the thinking continues, those giant institutions have little incentive not to continue risky, high profit behaviors that put the world’s economic stability at risk.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and other top economic officials are seeking to pass legislation that will counteract this effect by drastically increasing regulation of financial companies in order to reign in high risk practices and make banks more personally liable for bad decisions. Opponents to this plan have likened the proposed rules to the fabled “death panels” of health care reform, with Government agencies holding the power to decide which banks “live” and which banks “die”, but analysts warn that steps must be taken to prevent an even bigger collapse than the one from which we are just now beginning to recover.

While many agree that the problem exists, some wonder if regulations would be sufficient to protect the economy from impending disaster. In this CNN video, economists debate the proposed regulations and propose alternate plans to safeguard the world’s money from those responsible for protecting it:

Microsoft Pulls Sponsorship From Family Guy Special

Less than two weeks after announcing an exclusive sponsorship of Fox’s upcoming “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show,” Microsoft Corp. has decided that the racy humor is too risque for their image and has backed out.

The special, which will feature Family Guy-style routines by creator/star Seth Macfarlane (Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin, others) and co-star and writer Alex Borstein (Lois Griffin) will continue on with a new, as yet unannounced sponsor. Microsoft has said there are “no hard feelings” and it will continue to work with Macfarlane and Family Guy in other endeavors.

In this video, Macfarlane and Borstein (with the rest of the cast and writers) discuss censorship and what they can and can’t get away with on the show:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cancer diagnosis raises questions about the March release of his anticipated sequel to the most successful musical of all time. Michael Jackson’s concert film This Is It hits theaters this week, and the Yankees win the chance to capture their record 27th World Series Title. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Can Michael Be The King Of Music Film?

For Michael Jackson fans, the tickets are already bought and the wait is almost over. Ever since it was announced that Sony had purchased recordings of the rehearsals of Jackson’s This Is It concert for $60 million and would be releasing a theatrical film based on the footage, and anticipation has been feverishly building. Offering a look into the singer’s final days, This Is It promises to satisfy both those wanting one last look at Jackson’s legendary performances as well as those curious for a peek into the hours leading up to the singer’s death.

The film officially opens Wednesday and will remain in theaters for only 16 days, however many theaters nation-wide will be offering previews tomorrow, October 27th.

Frequent Jackson collaborator (and High School Musical director) Kenny Ortega was tapped to shape over 100 hours of footage into the final version of This Is It, which is reported to act both as a concert film and a documentary. For Ortega, the task was an opportunity to pay tribute to a friend as well as honor the legacy of someone he considers to be one of the greatest performers of all time.

In the following video, Ortega discusses what it was like working with Jackson on the This Is It concert, and the opportunities presented to him when he was asked to turn that experience into a film:

Cancer Diagnosis Sidelines Webber’s “Phantom” Sequel?

Just weeks after releasing the first preview of his sequel to Phantom of the Opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced that he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer is reported to be in early stages and Webber is expected to make a full recovery and be back to work by the end of the year.

What’s not currently known is how the diagnosis and treatments will affect the March, 2010 release of Phantom of the Opera: Love Never Dies, the sequel to the biggest theatrical musical of all time. Love Never Dies continues the story of the Phantom and his love, Christine, ten years later as the setting moves form a Paris opera house to New York’s Coney Island.

Sequels to musicals are always risky, and Love Never Dies may be the biggest gamble in theatrical history. First released in 1986, the original Phantom of the Opera’s numbers are astounding: thousands of performances across the world, over 80 million viewers, a 40-million-selling soundtrack, and total gross receipts topping an incredible $8 billion. The success of the sequel will undoubtedly require the presence and attention of Webber, who may not be able to provide the necessary attention as he undergoes treatment.

Besides the original Phantom, British-born Webber is also responsible for the blockbuster musicals Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard.

For a look at the new Phantom, check out this video:

No Choke: Yankees Headed To The Series

The Los Angeles Angels came up with enough to move the American League Championship back to New York and put the New York Yankees at risk of blowing a three games to one lead in the best of seven series.

In front of a sell out crowd in the Yankees’ new stadium Sunday, playoff veteran Andy Pettitte ended the drama by shutting down the Angel’s bats and clinching the Yankees’ record 40th AL title.

The Championship Series celebration’s hangover will barely have faded, however, before the Yankees are back on the field to host the Philadelphia Phillies for the 2009 World Series, which begins on Wednesday.

Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia will face off against the Phillies’ Cliff Lee in a battle of former teammates (both are transplanted from the Cleveland Indians) and Cy Young Award winners (Lee won the award last year, Sabathia the year before).

In this video. ESPN breaks down the weaknesses of both teams that may determine who will be crowned champion:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!