(via 37signals.com)

Fascinating talk from the legendary John Cleese. One point that hit home with me was that ideas and creativity do not come from a laptop. Admittedly I’ve sat with the laptop waiting and hoping for some great idea to be born. As Cleese pointed out, most good ideas are born away from the laptop. Stimulating conversation or, as Cleese says, sleeping on it or meditating, are much better ways to create and solve issues.

Momentum is another factor that Cleese didn’t mention. When you’re away from creating for a time it’s challenging to just start generating ideas. However, once you do start again it’s much like riding a bike. Another sub-text in Cleese’s speech is that of discipline, which also interfaces with momentum. He talks about working through the obstacles he faced in creativity. That requires discipline.

Check out the speech. What do you think?

This morning I shared what I thought was my favorite Internet video. Then on Digg I see this today. It’s so funny. It’s a little close to home too because our family had an English bulldog who looked a lot like this dog.

This video is my all-time favorite. 21 million views on YouTube. It’s so random and so funny.

I wanted to share a little about the experience I’ve had with the Insanity Workout. I’m about to wrap the 60 day program. Like Shaun T says in the video, the Insanity Workout is not for everyone. I can say with absolute certainty, it’s the hardest workout I’ve ever done. Insanity focuses more on cardio and endurance training. There is some resistance training using your own body weight but not much at all.

I think P90X is a better and more well-rounded workout. I actually saw better results with P90X because of all the weight training.

Insanity is harder mentally and physically. As Shaun T says repeatedly in the workouts, “Dig deeper!” You truly have to find that place where you can play through the pain. You have to turn off the pain in your mind and keep going. That is where you get the results.

As far as trainers go, I think Tony Horton from P90X is a better motivator. Shaun T is great but Horton has a way of helping me get that last impossible rep.

I have 3 more workouts to go and then I’m done with Insanity. Now after 5 months off from the gym, I’m going back. I’m looking forward to getting back with a new intensity. I’m going to incorporate bits from both P90X and Insanity into a new “JamSmooth” routine. Then I think I’m going to see some seriously great results. I’ll keep you posted.

2010 has been a good year, especially for those of us who enjoy a good laugh via the Internet. Here are my favorite videos from 2010 so far.

Merton the Chatroulette piano improv guy. I watched this video countless times when I first saw it. This guy is genius. Wonder whatever happened to him?

Double Rainbow. How can you not love this guy?

Can’t embed this one but click on the link to view: http://www.youtube.com/user/OldSpice#p/c/62A5785CD0D6474C. This Old Spice campaign is pure brilliance. No I’m not going to buy Old Spice but I do give them credit for a hilarious and original campaign. “Swan dive into the best night of your life.” Amen.

5 guidelines from 3 verses.

1. Do not lose heart
2. These are light and momentary troubles
3. We live in a temporary world
4. Focus on what is unseen
5. If you live for something greater than yourself the temporal fades away

You can find these guidelines, written by Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. I know, easier said than done. Let’s do our best.

1. Be on guard
2. Stand firm in the faith
3. Be courageous
4. Be strong
5. Do everything in love

You can find these 5 guidelines in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

As many of you know, I’ve been in Cambodia since the end of April. We’re on the way back right now. I’m in South Korea at Incheon airport awaiting our flight to Atlanta.

This trip has been nothing short of extraordinary. Go to our team blog at phnompenhin2010.com to read about our trip and see some photos.

Once I get back I will upload the photos and begin working on a short film.

Thanks to all of you who prayed or partnered with us to make this such a successful trip.

Nope not until Cambodia. 2 more workouts until I’m done with P90X. What a ride. I’ve gotten more comments on my physique than ever before. Honestly I still can’t see it. And no I don’t spend hours in front of the mirror!

Tony Horton and his pals are always there for you, Pam the Blam, Drea and of course the man, Adam. P90X is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for those who lack discipline. If you want the results you’ve got to follow the program, not miss too many days, eat right and of course, bring it.

For me it’s legs and back then Kenpo X and I’m done. I’ll be heading to Cambodia so I’m skipping the 13th week. When I get back I’m going to start the Insanity Workout. Yep I’m insane!

I owe you an apology. I truly wanted to write you every day. I did. I’m back and this time I won’t neglect you.

This Thursday, April 29th I leave for my second trip to Cambodia. My anticipation is at nuclear levels. Getting away from American society and Atlanta will be a welcome and much needed reprieve. Rest assured I will be updating you from Phnom Penh. This year our team will be constructing a classroom at the orphanage there.

Our team blog is at www.phnompenhin2010.com. Please bookmark it or put it in your RSS feedreader. I will tweet quite a bit and take lots of photos and video. This year I will edit together a video in Final Cut that I will share with you all.

In other news I’m about to complete the P90X program. I’m halfway through the 12th week. The results speak for themselves. Honestly I’m getting comments from co-workers and friends on the changes. My energy level is always high. The workouts have yet to become boring. They are very challenging. I encourage you to get the DVDs and do it.

That’s all for now. I’ll be posting with more frequency.