Pistorius case not over yet

• South African prosecutors to appeal verdict and sentence in the Oscar Pistorius case


• Appeal doesn't mean Pistorius is getting out, CNN legal analyst Kelly Phelps says


• The verdict can be changed only if a court rules the judge misapplied law, Phelps says


• Sentence must be found to be "shockingly inappropriate" if appeal is to succeed, she says

(CNN) -- South African prosecutors will appeal the verdict and the sentence in the Oscar Pistorius case, a spokesman for the country's National Prosecuting Authority told CNN on Monday.

A judge sentenced Pistorius to five years in prison last week after finding the double-amputee track star guilty of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius acknowledged shooting Steenkamp in February 2013. Prosecutors claim he wanted to kill her; Pistorius said he mistook her for an intruder and her killing was a tragic accident.

The appeal doesn't necessarily mean either the verdict or the sentence against Pistorius will be thrown out, said CNN legal analyst Kelly Phelps. And it's even less likely he will be freed at the end of what's likely to be a six-month process, she said.

"There's no real prospect of his acquittal out of this," she said.

Prosecutors are arguing that Judge Thokozile Masipa misinterpreted a complex South African standard defining a technical form of intent that proved to be a central aspect of the case, Phelps said.

As a result, prosecutors argue, he should not have been convicted on the culpable homicide charge chosen by the judge.

Prosecutors originally took Pistorius to trial on a murder charge.

In explaining her sentence, Masipa concluded that Pistorius did not intend to kill Steenkamp.

But critics of the verdict have argued the judge didn't correctly apply the intent standard, which is broader in South African law than what it typically means in casual conversation, Phelps said.

In their appeal of the sentence, prosecutors would have to prove the five years given by Masipa is "shockingly inappropriate" in light of sentencing guidelines and similar cases, according to Phelps.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel called for a minimum sentence of 10 years, saying the negligence in Pistorius' actions "borders on intent."

If an appeals court finds that five years is "shockingly inappropriate," the court could set the sentence aside and issue a new one, she said.

But appeals courts in South Africa are reluctant to get involved in sentencing decisions, Phelps said.

Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius, told CNN's Robyn Curnow, "We take note of the announcement made by the state. The legal process must take its course."

CNN's Eliott C. McLaughlin and Brent Swails contributed to this report.

Man repeatedly mistaken for fugitive

• James Tully says he's been stopped more than 20 times in manhunt for accused killer


• Tully walks 5 miles to work and back each day because he has no car


• Members of community start online campaign to raise money to buy him car

(CNN) -- James Tully says he been stopped so many times by law enforcement on his way to work that he's stopped counting.

Apparently, he resembles fugitive Eric Frein, who is accused of fatally shooting a Pennsylvania state trooper and injuring another trooper in a September shootout.

The search for Frein has jolted the Canadensis area of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, leading to school closures, roadblocks and multiple police interactions for Tully, who walks 5 miles to work and back each day because he does not own a car.

"Because I'm walking and I'm carrying a book bag, and for some reason people seem to think I'm the one they're looking for," Tully told CNN affiliate WNEP. "I've lost count after 20 in total. The most on one round-trip stretch was about seven times."

He even started wearing his work ID around his neck for easy identification.

One concerned citizen is looking to take the target off Tully's back.

Dawn DeBiase of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, started an online fundraiser to help the father of two purchase a car. The campaign has raised more than $22,000 in just five days.

DeBiase said she was touched by Tully's plight.

"He's a good guy. He's working to support his children. He's not in the street boo-hooing because he doesn't have a car; he's walking to work every day."

Due to the overwhelming response, DeBiase said, she's closing the fundraiser this week at Tully's request.

"He doesn't want to be greedy about it, because what's there now will help him," DeBiase said. "He's ready to take it from here."

In the meantime, others in the community have stepped up to give him rides to work.

"He absolutely appreciates everything. He's totally overwhelmed by everything," she said. "He's a very humble, hardworking guy."

Finnish fantasies captured on film

Finnish company Luxury Action says it'll turn your fantasy vacation into a Hollywood-style movie, as long as it's set in Finland.

Luxury Action's Janne Honkanen says the concept offers clients something "personalized and upgraded."

Lighting might be tricky during darker winter months, unless you get lucky with the aurora borealis.

Visits to Santa and the North Pole can be arranged.

You can relive the romance of "Titanic," although without the sinking ship or steamy encounters with Leo.

Car chases through snowy terrain are fun and look great on film.

If you want stars, you'll have to settle for the celestial kind.

Don't worry too much about the plot, Finland's landscape will probably steal every scene.

• Finnish company offers to turn scripted fantasies into Hollywood movie-style vacations


• Travelers can play out their own Narnia or Jason Bourne-style adventures


• Luxury Action captures the experience on camera and edits it into a high quality film

(CNN) -- Ever watched a movie and wished that was your life -- or at least your vacation?

Now it can be, just as long as your fantasies involve Finland.

Over-the-top dreams-to-reality filmmaking is the latest luxury travel offering to come out of the Nordic nation.

Called "The Hollywood Experience," the custom-designed travel concept was created by Janne Honkanen, owner of high-end travel company Luxury Action.

The concept goes like this: the client comes up with a "literary or visual narrative" that serves as a script for his or her "Hollywood movie."

This could be parents who want to travel with their children to Santa's workshop in the North Pole.

Or a "Bourne" fan who wants his own car chase caught on video.

Or a "Chronicles of Narnia" reader who'd love to step into the Hundred-Year Winter.

MORE: 10 reasons to see Finnish Lapland

Personalized epics

The company arranges the on-site production and movie shoot, as well as the final edit incorporating visual or sound effects.

"My returning clients are always looking for something upgraded and more personalized," says Honkanen about how the concept came about.

"These busy business people have dreams and want to offer something unique to their family and children."

Honkanen says was inspired by his previous career in professional racing (snowmobiles in winter, jet skis in summer) and his own experience of turning a whimsical idea into reality -- he opened a chocolate shop after watching the Johnny Depp/Juliette Binoche film "Chocolat."

Despite its name, the package is more about the travel aspect than the film component, which is optional, says Honkanen.

Fulfilling a fantasy doesn't come cheaply though.

The custom design work, planning and script costs €20,000 ($26,800) per week to put together -- with a minimum one-week requirement.

The cost of the shoot and edit are extra.

Still, at least you can guarantee yourself a happy ending.

Neil Patrick Harris said to get show

Neil Patrick Harris, who's been acting since he was a teen, can go from charming awards show host to smarmy ladies' man to portraying a killer without blinking an eye. Earlier this year, he played a transgender rocker in the title role of Broadway's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Now he'll apparently be hosting a variety show. Click through to see other examples of his talent:

Here's how you know Harris was basically destined for stardom: He landed his first role at 15 opposite Whoopi Goldberg in the drama "Clara's Heart" and performed so well as an only child who finds the family he craves in his housekeeper (Goldberg) that he earned his first Golden Globe nomination.

Harris' budding drama career shifted into high gear in 1989, when he debuted as the genius teen doctor Doogie Howser in the coming-of-age dramedy "Doogie Howser, M.D." Harris pulled off the character's adorable but dweeby personality so well, many viewers started to assume he and Doogie were one in the same.

But that wasn't the case. Harris was taking on other roles as he starred in "Doogie Howser," and that included voice work. In 1992, he lent his voice to the kids show "Captain Planet," bringing to life a basketball player who was HIV-positive. (HIV/AIDS education advocate Elizabeth Taylor also worked on this episode, portraying the mother of Harris' character.)

After "Doogie Howser" ended in 1993, Harris poked around in film for a bit to find his stride, appearing in TV movies and feature films. For example, he co-starred with Denise Richards and Casper Van Dien in 1997's "Starship Troopers." That same year he was finding greater success on the stage as Mark Cohen in "Rent."

By 1999, Harris seemed ready to return to the regularity of sitcom TV as he tried to lead a comedy called "Stark Raving Mad" alongside Tony Shalhoub. But the two actors as a new version of "The Odd Couple" didn't take off.

Part of the fun of re-watching an old movie like 2000's "The Next Best Thing" is finding Harris tucked away as a supporting cast member. While he wasn't receiving raves for these types of flicks, he was shining on stage in productions like "Proof," "Assassins" and "Cabaret."

Remember the 2002 comedy "Undercover Brother," with Eddie Griffin, Denise Richards and Dave Chappelle? Give it another look if you don't remember spotting Harris. He plays Lance, the intern and only white member of the comedy's establishment-fighting B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., thanks to affirmative action.

Like a lot of actors in Hollywood these days, Harris can claim having a heroic alter-ego. In 2003, he returned to voice work as Peter Parker in the animated "Spider-Man" series.

After taking supporting roles in comedies to little effect, Harris decided to just start playing "himself." In 2004's now-classic "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," Harris plays an ecstasy-loving, hitchhiking version of himself.

Between "Harold and Kumar" and the unrepentant womanizer he played on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother," Harris' talent could be seen in his knack for playing horrible people. In the CBS comedy, which ended in March after nine seasons, Harris played Barney Stinson, possibly the most narcissistic, misogynistic character on TV that still managed to be watchable. The cast as a whole had great chemistry, but it can't be overstated how necessary Harris was to pulling the enterprise off. Unsurprisingly, this became a later-in-life breakout role.

Perhaps for a change of pace -- or to flaunt his range -- Harris switched things up in 2008 with a starring role in Joss Whedon's adored "Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog." Created as a Web musical that later made its way to TV, "Dr. Horrible" starred Harris as its titular would-be evil guy who's trying to win the love of his life, Penny, (Felicia Day) from the attention of the story's hero (played by Nathan Fillion).

The monkey in 2009's "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is more of a sight gag than a speaking role, but in a way that makes it perfect for Harris, who embraces a little physical comedy. This animated animal doesn't speak much, but when he does that's Harris that you're hearing.

Until 2009's Tony Awards, Harris was best known for operating in two formats: comedy on the screen and drama on the stage. But then he made his debut as a host for that year's Tony Awards and charmed everyone with his wit. It went so well the Tonys brought him back in 2011 and 2012.

It's tempting to think that Harris' affinity for animated work is because he has children (he and his partner, David Burtka, have a pair of 3-year-old twins), but he has regularly taken on voice work throughout his career. From 2010 to 2013, while also starring on "How I Met Your Mother," Harris went back to animation and voiced Dr. Blowhole on Nickelodeon's "The Penguins of Madagascar."

With his love for cartoons, it's not a surprise that Harris was up for 2011's revival of "The Smurfs," playing the human who takes them in when they're transported to New York from their village. "The Smurfs" earned $563 million worldwide and spawned a 2013 sequel, meaning kids are now as familiar with Harris' face as they are his voice.

In 2013, on the heels of his grand success hosting the Tony Awards, Harris brought his hosting skills to the Primetime Emmys. He wasn't as winning as he'd been in prior years, but just landing the job shows how far Harris has come as a multitalent.

In Seth MacFarlane's 2014 release "A Million Ways to Die in the West," Harris did an old-timey riff on what we assume must be his favorite type of character: the lady-loving bachelor who's also kind of a jerk. In the fall, he was even sleazier in the movie version of "Gone Girl."

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• Neil Patrick Harris to do NBC variety show, report says


• Program will be a U.S. version of UK's "Saturday Night Takeaway"


• Harris has long been recognized for his multifaceted talents

(CNN) -- Ladies and gentlemen, it's "The Neil Patrick Harris Show"!

An announcer might not use those exact words -- plenty of details are still up for grabs -- but, according to a report on New York magazine's website, there will be a variety show hosted by the versatile star.

The show will be based on the UK variety show "Saturday Night Takeaway."

Harris has been plain about his desire to host a variety show. The onetime "Doogie Howser" and "How I Met Your Mother" actor, who's impressed audiences with his turns on Broadway (in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch") and on TV awards shows (he'll be hosting the Oscars next year), told Howard Stern of his hopes earlier this year.

Neil Patrick Harris to host Oscars

CBS had tried to sell him on taking over for David Letterman, Harris told Stern, but Harris had no desire to do a talk show. Instead, he pitched a variety show to the network. CBS head Les Moonves was interested, Harris said at the time.

New York magazine said that a number of networks were bidding for Harris' services, and NBC won. There was no timetable given for when the show might debut.

Harris told New York that he's looking forward to the challenge, since he's a big fan of "Takeaway." The UK show involves games, celebrity guests and pranks.

"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling. Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts. It's a game changer," said Harris. "Nothing like this has been done before, and its unique structure fits right into my random skill set. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun!"

Is this America's funniest city?

As entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles draws some of the best comic talent on the planet. That includes Bill Burr, pictured here performing at The Laugh Factory.

• There's more top-level comedy in the world's entertainment capital than anywhere else


• Famous comedians often drop into small clubs in L.A. to test new material


• The Hollywood Improv, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store make up L.A.'s comedy trifecta


• But small communities such as Pasadena and Hermosa Beach also host world-class comedy

(CNN) -- Los Angeles is a funny place.

And not just in an ironic sense.

Also literally.

More funny business happens every day in the world's entertainment capital than anywhere else.

Home of blooming talents, top headliners and celebs showing up unannounced on small stages for a quick set, L.A. is where the country's top comic talent gravitates to make you -- and, more importantly, that guy from Fox -- laugh.

And not just at those staple industry hubs and comedy franchises you probably know about.

L.A.'s comedy circuit radiates well beyond Melrose and the Sunset Strip.

From the South Bay to the Westside to North Hollywood to a vaunted stage in Pasadena where a young Robin Williams and some ex-weatherman named David Letterman once showed promise, these comedy venues consistently deliver hilarious goods.

West Hollywood

Hollywood Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store

Open since: 1970s

Top draws: From Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Rodney Dangerfield to the latest Comedy Central luminaries, decades of the most hallowed names in comedy have called at least one of these three hubs home.

Bobby Lee at The Comedy Store in his "Mad TV" era.

Claim to fame: L.A.'s comedy trifecta

Why combine three of the country's biggest comedy club names (which have spawned multiple locations) in one short writeup?

Because their flagships are within a four-minute drive of each other, and even if you missed all 400-plus episodes of "An Evening at the Improv," or all 80 straight hours of the longest standup comedy show in history (a benefit held at the Laugh Factory in 2010 featuring about 150 comics) or the last 25 years of the "Ding-Dong Show" (Monday nights at The Comedy Store), you probably don't need us to tell you about these places if you're a standup fan.

Comedy history continues to be made at these three landmarks, which have drink minimums and an industry-ish vibe.

Collectively, they've presided over L.A.'s seminal standup era in the '70s and all of its subsequent renaissances, while jump-starting countless comedy careers in the process.

Hollywood Improv , 8162 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; +1 323 651 2583

The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; +1 323 656 1336

The Comedy Store , 8433 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; +1 323 650 6268

Pasadena

The Ice House Comedy Club

Open since: 1960 (1978 as a comedy-only club)

Top draws: A virtual who's who of comics over the last half century and counting -- from Robin Williams, George Carlin and David Letterman to Chelsea Handler, Adam Corolla and Whitney Cummings.

Upscale Pasadena hosts gritty comics at the Ice House.

Claim to fame: Tony neighborhoods.

Jet propulsion labs.

Rose parades and big college football games.

People come to Pasadena for a variety of reasons.

Comedy wouldn't be one of them if not for The Ice House, a former 1960s folk music hotspot that's dedicated itself solely to standup since the late '70s.

"The Ice House is the oldest club to continuously showcase standup comedians in the United States -- and probably the world," says Bob Fisher, club owner for the last 36 years.

As myriad photos and memorabilia hanging on the wall outside the showroom confirm (including a 1979 contract for "Gary Shandoling" [sic] to perform an entire week here for $150), this place has hosted, headlined and helped launch the careers of countless performers over the years, and continues to do so.

Bonus: That cackling, middle-aged Altadena couple beside you sharing mozzarella sticks and a bathtub-sized cocktail have no idea what either CAA or UTA stands for.

Like you, they're just here for a good time.

The Ice House , 38 N. Mentor Ave, Pasadena; +1 626 577 1894

Hermosa Beach

The Comedy & Magic Club

Open since: 1978

Top draws: Jay Leno, Daniel Tosh, Kathleen Madigan, Bill Burr. Occasional Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Arsenio Hall and Jerry Seinfeld drop-ins.

The Comedy & Magic Club's museum pays homage to Chaplin and Seinfeld.

Claim to fame: Home of weekly Leno shows and Seinfeld's "puffy shirt."

A fixture in the South Bay, The Comedy & Magic Club may be best known as the place where Jay Leno continues to perfect his network-free standup game on Sunday evenings, with tickets going on sale a few months in advance.

But this Hermosa Beach institution is much more than that.

The low-key room has been a magnet for so many comic vets over the years that its famous green room graffiti (signatures and one liners from many big names) now extends down the back hallway.

The club has been a who's who of top and emerging comic talent for nearly four decades.

Weekend shows can host up to 10 performers, featuring a range of names you know or soon will, plus the odd illusionist working a set of A-game magic between gags.

Smart audiences here ("Are there any engineers in the crowd?") lean more toward the neighboring aerospace industry than Hollywood.

Bonus: The venue's built-in showroom museum is like the Louvre for comedy memorabilia -- from Buster Keaton's hat and Charlie Chaplin's duds to George Carlin's bell-bottoms, Roseanne's waitress uniform, Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor" garb, Jerry Seinfeld's puffy shirt and Robin Williams' "Popeye" and "Bicentennial Man" gear.

The Comedy & Magic Club , 1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach; +1 310 372 1193

Santa Monica

M.i's Westside Comedy Theater

Open since: 2009

Top draws: Mission IMPROVable, Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin, Natasha Leggero. Recent drop-ins include Dave Chappelle, Judd Apatow and David Alan Grier

Still got the stool and brick wall. Pretty funny.

Claim to fame: "We own comedy west of the 405."

Hiding next to a parking garage in a back alley (but a friendly one in beach-y Santa Monica), the neighborhood's top comedy venue has been swiftly outgrowing its underground vibe with frequent top tier guests, industry-sponsored shows and (the ultimate de-radicalizer) a recent "Top Place To Scout New Talent" nod from Variety.com.

Fortunately this growth spurt is tempered by a soulful rotation of standup, improv, sketch, confessionals and open mics (they do it all here) in a small room with no drink minimums (and more than 30 beers) where the owners still perform on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. for free in The Grind.

Home to the hit improv comedy group Mission IMPROVable, the theater hosts its signature show on Friday and Saturday nights.

Additional comedy cred: Epic Rap Battles of History was born as a live show right on this small stage.

M.i's Westside Comedy Theater , 1323 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica; +1 310 451 0850

North Hollywood

Ha Ha Cafe Comedy Club

Open since: 1988

Top draws: Kevin Hart, Chris Tucker, Gabriel Iglesias, Joe Rogan, Damon Wayans (Sr. and Jr.).

Claim to fame: "The only comedy club in L.A. that offers a daily open mic and five-10 minutes of stage time!"

When Ha Ha is in your name, you can't take yourself too too seriously -- which is almost never a bad thing in the weighty, overly spotlit world of L.A. comedy.

The best big little comedy club in NoHo, just up the road from that other Hollywood, this unpretentious spot is equally on and off the grid.

Weekends feature All Star Comedy Shows that can reel in a killer set by Fluffy Guy.

Monday evenings host "Next Comic Standing," featuring some nervous, sweaty guy you definitely don't know.

Open mics are available daily for anyone brave enough to shell out $5 or $10 for a soft drink coupon and five or 10 minutes of stage time.

On any day, ducking past the front curtain and comedy lessons postings here will inevitably lead to some laughs, groans and the very real possibility that some famous name dropping by to test out new material on a safe, comfortable stage will bump the next 10 slots of newbies who've been waiting all week for this moment.

Ha Ha Cafe Comedy Club , 5010 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; +1 818 508 4995