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1. Christopher Guest -- Spinal Tap
   One-time star and co-writer of the greatest mockumentary of all, This Is Spinal Tap (1983), actor and director Christopher Guest creates this wickedly funny and intelligent character comedy with a cast of sublimely talented improvisational performers. Following up his well-received Waiting for Guffman (1996), Guest returns to the well of the little-used faux-documentary genre with splendid results, creating a comedy that is, if anything, even tighter, more focused, and funnier than his previous effort. It's interesting to note that, while many directors attempt to make improvisational-style films, those who succeed are almost always former writers such as Guest and James Toback. An improvised film is typically one wherein plot is sacrificed at the altar of character, and so rises and falls on the success of its performances. Best in Show is no exception to this rule, and the film's quality is a testament to actors typically cast in character parts finally getting a chance to shine at center stage, such as Michael McKean, co-writer Eugene Levy, and the seemingly ubiquitous independent film star Parker Posey. Best in Show was a sizable box-office hit in limited release and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy.
2. Rob Reiner -- Spinal Tap
   In 1984, Reiner directed and produced his first movie, the "rockumentary" This is Spinal Tap, to great acclaim. He went on to direct and/or produce The Sure Thing (1985), Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Misery (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), North (1994), The American President (1995), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), The Story of Us (1999), Alex and Emma (2003) and Rumor Has It (2005). Among the films he has acted in are Postcards From the Edge (1990), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Bullets Over Broadway (1994), Bye, Bye Love (1995), The First Wives Club (1996), Primary Colors (1998), EdTV (1999), and The Story of Us (1999).
3. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- Bands
   Marty DiBergi: “This tasteless cover is a good indication of the lack of musical invention within. The musical growth of this band cannot even be charted. They are treading water in a sea of retarded sexuality and bad poetry.”
4. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- Movies
   In the May 23rd, 2003 issue of Entertainment Weekly, "This Is Spinal Tap" was voted the Top Cult Movie of all time. Michael McKean recreated the role of David St. Hubbins for a photo shoot that seated him next to Daryl Hannah, in character as Pris from "Blade Runner", another movie that made the list. Ironically, both movies had their video rights held at one point by Embassy Home Entertainment.
5. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
   This is Spinal Tap is a mostly funny send-up of the rock industry, with outstanding performances by the leads, all of whom did their own music (which actually sounds pretty good, even if the lyrics are meant to be bad). Although it does grow tedious in parts, there are some terrific gags, mostly ad-libbed, but still funny. There's plenty of cameos by many well-known and future stars, including Fran Drescher, Dana Carvey, Ed Begley Jr., Patrick Macnee, Angelica Huston, Howard Hesseman, and Billy Crystal.
6. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- Rob Reiner
   A spot-on spoof rockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap casts a shrewd and knowing glance over the rock'n'roll industry. As the director of the film, Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), says, he decided to film the group on their first US tour in 6 years because they were something special. With critically acclaimed albums such as Shark Sandwich and The Gospel according to Spinal Tap behind them, their new release (Smell the Glove) is intended to be at the centre of the publicity machine. Unfortunately it hasn't actually been released when the band members, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), arrive in New York. However, their manager Ian Faith (Tony Hendra) assures them that it'll be out by the time they hit Philadelphia.
7. A Mighty Wind -- Spinal Tap
   A Mighty Wind [C]asts its comedic net around a series of past-their-prime folk artists and reels them in towards a climactic reunion concert, in honor of their shared manager who has passed from this mortal coil. But the plot - predictably skimpy - is only the skeleton upon which the talented core group of players can lay their fleshy and muscular comedy. The greatest joy of this troupe's filmography has always been the insanely clever and varied character improv work within each film. This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and now A Mighty Wind are all joyfully overstuffed with funny bits and there's a little something for every taste. A little high and a little low as comedy goes; usually, in the most inspired bits you'll find a mix of both.
8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- New York
   The new DVD contains a theatrical trailer for "This is Spinal Tap", which is presented full-frame. (This trailer proves how difficult this film was to market.) Also included is the short version of the "cheese rolling" trailer, but not the longer cut that was on the Criterion disc. There are three TV spots for the film, which are unique to the new DVD, and four music videos: "Gimme Some Money", "Hell Hole", "Flower People" and "Big Bottom", the latter two of which aren’t found on the Criterion DVD. The "Heavy Metal Memories" TV commercial spoof is included, as is a newly presented appearance from "The Joe Franklin Show" (which feels oddly truncated). There are ... three TV commercials in which Spinal Tap promotes a food product called "Rock and Rolls", a Hot-Pocket like snack.
9. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- Nigel Tufnel
   The concept for This Is Spinal Tap - a satire of a fading British heavy metal band - was first aired in a late 70s television sketch. Christopher Guest (b. Christopher Haden-Guest, 5 February 1948, New York, USA), formerly of parody troupe National Lampoon, played the part of lead guitarist Nigel Tufnell, while Harry Shearer (b. 23 December 1943, Los Angeles, California, USA) played bass player Derek Smalls, and Michael McKean (b. 17 October 1947, New York, USA) played vocalist David St. Hubbins. Their initial sketch ... featured Loudon Wainwright III and drummer Russ Kunkel, but these true-life musicians dropped out of the project on its transformation to full-length movie.
10. Meningitis -- Spinal Cord
    The first step in the diagnosis of meningitis is by culture and analysis of the spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). Spinal fluid is obtained by inserting a needle into the meninges of the spinal cord. CSF analysis helps determine if the causative organism is a bacteria, virus, mycobaterium or otherwise. The culture helps to identify the definitive organism.

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