Asian YouTubers Get That Look

JC Penney created a back to school marketing campaign entitled "Get That Look". With a theme of "The Breakfast Club" - one of pop culture's ultimate teen movies that is currently experiencing a resurgence among today's youth - the campaign highlights the array of lifestyle brands available at JC Penney. Created with Saatchi & Saatchi New York, the campaign features both traditional and non-traditional media components. The mainstream campaign can be found here.

What's interesting with this campaign is that the grassroots online version of "Get That Look" has college age Asian American Youtubers as spokespeople. Among the four Asian American used include Kina Grannis (HAPA - Japanese), David Choi (Korean), Natalie (Filipino), and Kevjumba (Chinese). JC Penney fused the popularity of these YouTubers with the fashion and style of each person. Kina Grannis and David Choi created a duet entitle “my time with you”. They also each created their own music video. Natalie and Kevjumba utilize their comedy as part of the campaign. Also of note is that the whole Asian American version is run on xanga.com, a site where many teens blog.

Check out the Get That Look - Asian American edition here. You can also vote on the best outfit and could win a $400 JCPenney gift card.

What do you think of the campaign?

Natalie in the Get That Look campaign

Bobby Lee and Dr. Ken in Pineapple Express

Bobby Lee and Dr. Ken Jeong have roles as part of the Asian crime syndicate in the movie Pineapple Express. The members of the Kims of Comedy have small roles in the film, but funny in their cameos. Previously, Dr. Ken worked with Seth Rogen in the movie Knocked Up.

Pineapple Express synopsis

Lazy stoner Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) has only one reason to visit his equally lazy dealer Saul Silver (James Franco): to purchase weed, specifically, a rare new strain called Pineapple Express. But when Dale becomes the only witness to a murder by a crooked cop (Rosie Perez) and the city's most dangerous drug lord (Gary Cole), he panics and dumps his roach of Pineapple Express at the scene. Dale now has another reason to visit Saul: to find out if the weed is so rare that it can be traced back to him. And it is. As Dale and Saul run for their lives, they quickly discover that they're not suffering from weed-fueled paranoia; incredibly, the bad guys really are hot on their trail and trying to figure out the fastest way to kill them both. All aboard the Pineapple Express.

Pineapple Express Trailer

Hole in the Wall on FOX in September

We wrote about Human Tetris to be on FOX a few months ago. The show will start airing in September. This comes as Wipeout is picked up for a second season on ABC.

Hole in the Wall, the body-bending, mind-twisting, global game show phenomenon from AMERICAN IDOL producers FremantleMedia North America, will premiere Thursday, Sept. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.


Hole in the Wall became an instant ratings success story on-air and online after launching on Japan's Fuji TV in July 2006, where it continues to rank No. 1 in its timeslot. The format swiftly created waves around the world, with FremantleMedia currently producing versions in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Sweden and the U.K.

Hosted by Brooke Burns ("Dog Eat Dog") and Mark Thompson ("Guinness World Records: Primetime"), Hole in the Wall is one of the trickiest, fastest, funniest and wettest shows on the planet where speed, agility and a hearty sense of humor are essential tools to survive. During each episode, two teams of three compete against each other in multiple rounds of play, facing various barrier walls speeding toward them with weird and wacky cut-out shapes. Each team must contort their bodies individually or in unison to fit through the wall or be swept away into a pool below. As players struggle to strike a pose, points and dignity can be easily lost with a simple miscalculation. As the rounds progress and the pace heats up, mind over matter, quick thinking, coordination, agility and clever teamwork play a crucial role as each team strives to maneuver through walls literally closing in on them. The team with the most points at the end of the competition will win $25,000 and the chance to face the dreaded "Blind Wall" for the opportunity to win an additional $100,000.

Watch the Australian version of Hole in the Wall. Here's what we can expect in September in the US.

Wipeout gets second season

Wipeout, the Japan game show import, has been picked up by ABC for a second season. Will this trend of Japanese game show imports continue? We may eventually see at least one on every network. Fox will be launching Hole in the Wall in September.

THE BIG BALLS ARE BACK!! ABC PICKS UP "WIPEOUT" FOR A SECOND SEASON

"Wipeout," ABC's wildly popular new reality series, has been picked up for a second season. Twenty-four thrill-seekers will compete in the world's largest extreme obstacle course designed to provide the most spills, face plants and wipeouts ever seen on television.

A hit summer series for ABC, "Wipeout" dominates Tuesday's 8:00 o'clock hour in Total Viewers and across each of the key Adult demographics (AD18-34/AD18-49/AD25-54). In its six telecasts to date, "Wipeout" has consistently ranked as the No. 2 show of the week in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. On average, the ABC freshman series leads NBC's competing new series, "Celebrity Family Feud," in the hour by 2.4 million viewers and by 81% in Adults 18-49. Since its debut, "Wipeout" stands as the summer's No. 1 TV program with Men 18-49 and Men 25-54, and is the No. 2 show in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49, behind only NBC's "America's Got Talent" and Fox's "Hell's Kitchen," respectively. The No. 1 new series of Summer 2008 in viewers and young adults, "Wipeout" represents TV's highest-rated freshman summer series (for any net) in three years in Adults 18-49 -- since the initial season of "Dancing with the Stars" in Summer 2005.

Each week 24 daring new contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes will go head to head through four rounds of grueling and physically demanding but wildly hilarious obstacle courses to win the title of "Wipeout Champion" and the grand prize of $50,000. The contestants and the courses change every week, with over-the-top obstacles including the crowd favorite, the Big Balls. In the end, only one contestant will win, while everyone else will Wipeout!

"Wipeout" is hosted by John Anderson (ESPN's "SportsCenter") and John Henson (E! Entertainment's "Talk Soup"). Jill Wagner is co-host.

Wipeout

Mindy Kaling on the Late Show

Mindy Kaling was on the Late Show with David Letterman last week. For those who love The Office, she plays Kelly Kapoor.

From NBC's hit show, "The Office." Mindy's parents were born and raised in India. They moved to the United States soon after Mindy was born. 'Mindy' isn't her actual name; it's Vera Chokalingham. Her parents were living in Nigeria when her mom was pregnant with her and wanted a cute American name for their daughter. The only American TV show on in Nigeria at the time was "Mork and Mindy." Her mom thought Pam Dawber was adorable so Vera was given the nickname "Mindy." I guess it's a good thing they had a daughter. It would be tough to grow up with the nickname "Mork." Most people think that since she has parents from India, Mindy should also have an Indian accent. Mindy was cast to play a telemarketer in the film "Baby Mama" which came out in April She was supposed to have an Indian accent. The only reference she had was Apu from "The Simpson's." After the first take, the director yelled "CUT!" He came up to Mindy and said, "Could you do that less terrible?" Mindy fought back and confronted him on his insensitivity. How dare he tell an Indian woman that she speaks with an awful Indian accent! Who is he to tell her? But she knew he was right. And her scene was eventually cut from the movie.

"The Office received 8 Emmy nominations and Mindy says she just loves Award shows. She found herself standing behind J.Lo on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Mindy is a huge fan of J.Lo's; so stylish and glamorous. Photographers were snapping a thousand photos of J.Lo and J.Lo knew just how to work it. She never looked directly at the camera; always looking slightly behind. At one point, J.Lo sees Mindy over her shoulder and mumbles, "I like your dress." Startled and excited, Mindy gushes back, "I like your dress, too!" J.Lo gives a look like, "No no no, this conversation is over. You go back and tell your friends J.Lo likes your dress. I'm not about to tell Marc Anthony that you like my dress." Very funny.

"The Office" - season 5 starts September 25th.

Mindy Kaling on the Late Show

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay DVD release

Harold and Kumar's latest adventure in now on DVD.

Here's the synopsis
America's favorite pothead pals, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn), return with an uproariously un-PC sequel that skewers everything from racial prejudice to the president of the United States. HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY picks up shortly after the first film, cult favorite HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE, as the boys plan an impromptu trip to the Mecca of Marijuana: Amsterdam. There, Harold will unite with the love of his life and Kumar will achieve cannabis bliss. The two soon find themselves in hot water when Kumar sneaks a bong onto the flight and is mistaken for a bomb-wielding terrorist. Indeed, after a run-in with racist Homeland Security agent Ron Fox (Rob Corddry of THE DAILY SHOW), the two land in the hottest water of all: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After escaping from prison and fleeing back to the U.S., the two set out across country to get help from Harold's politically connected former classmate, who is also marrying the girl that Kumar let get away. Along this oddball odyssey they will encounter incestuous rednecks, the KKK, gun-toting prostitutes, and a drugged-out Neil Patrick Harris (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER). But when the ex-classmate turns the two over to the authorities, Harold and Kumar must use their wits--plus a dash of luck and a dose of humility--to earn their freedom, win back their respective loves, and save their friendship.

Buy Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay DVD

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay trailer

Julie Chen on Late Late Show

Big Brother 10 meets the Late Late Show. Julie Chen, host of Big Brother 10, made an appearance on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. On the Late Late Show, they connected to a live feed to the Big Brother 10 house guests.

Julie Chen on Late Late Show

I'm Yours by David Choi, Happyslip, and Wong Fu productions

David Choi, Happyslip, and Wong Fu productions don't all perform together, but each of these YouTubers have their own style of singing "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. This song was requested over 100 times from fans of David Choi, his most requested cover of all time. Happyslip did her version after the Houston YouTube Gathering. Wong Fu Productions did a cute wedding video with this song too. Lastly, talented mashup artist Norwegian Recycling did a great mix with I'm Yours entitled How Six Songs Collide.

David Choi singing I'm Yours

Happyslip singing I'm Yours

Wong Fu Productions Music Video with I'm Yours

For all you mashup fans, here's Norwegian Recycling's How Six Songs Collide by Peter Bull

Big Dreams Little Tokyo DVD release

Boyd (Dave Boyle), a self-proclaimed businessman convinced he's Japanese, and his roommate Jerome (Jayson Watabe), a sluggish but affable Japanese-American sumo wrestler, have big dreams for themselves. Together, the two travel door-to-door by tandem bike, giving flyers and sales pitches to anyone who listens...but Boyd's Japanese clients aren't buying his "Translation Services," and no one will give Jerome--a paltry 200 pounds--a chance in the ring. When they meet Mai (Rachel Morihiro), who is unfazed by their oddities and offers a hand, Boyd and Jerome discover that in a world where cultural identity is seldom what it seems, there's a place for everyone. The movie also stars Drew Knight, James Kyson Lee, Michael Yama and Pepe Serna.

Buy Big Dreams Little Tokyo DVD

Big Dreams Little Tokyo trailer

How to be a UFC Fighter with Nigahiga and BJ Penn

Nigahiga and UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn show you how to be a UFC Fighter in five short comedic lessons.

Lesson 1 : Hardcore entrance
Lesson 2: Good Stance (Scorpion is the best!)
Lesson 3: Stand Up Game
Lesson 4: Submissions
Lesson 5: Intense Workout

Watch How to be a UFC Fighter

Danny Cho DVD taping today

For people in Los Angeles area, here's a message from Danny Cho about his taping of his new DVD "Breaking the Rules" tonight:

Wassup Guys,

There is only one more left for the show and I am running all over the place getting all the logistics taken care of. Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know that there are still some tickets left so please buy them ASAP if you want to go. I would hate for you guys to come to the door and you cant get in. You can purchase them online til 2PM tmw (7/11). If you dont have time to purchase by then, please come by a bit early because I will have a handful of tickets left to sell at the door.

You can purchase the tickets at www.dannycho.com. Thank you guys every much for your interest in the show. This is the most important show of my career so far so I am really grateful for those of you that can make it. Thanks once again

-Danny Cho

This event will be held at the David Henry Hwang Theater located at 120 N. Judge John Aiso St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. Also added to the event is Far East Movement

Here's some older footage of Danny Cho at Kollaboration

Esther Ku eliminated on Last Comic Standing

Esther Ku got the most votes to be kicked off of Last Comic Standing by the other comics. Her load laughing was one of the reasons. When she had to pick two other comics to compete against to prevent elimination, Ku chose God's Pottery and Iliza Shlesinger. However, Ester Ku did the same comic routine again, but did not fair too well further in her set. Iliza Shlesinger ended up getting over 60% of the audience vote and elimated both Esther Ku and God's Pottery. As a minor consolation, God's Pottery was eliminated before Esther Ku was. (BTW - Esther Ku was recently on NPR.)

Watch Esther Ku's comic routine

Jammin' Asian - China Quake Fundraiser

Jammin' Asian is an exciting monthly showcase (every second Tuesday of each month) at the Laugh Lounge NYC featuring some of the best Asian-American Singers, Comedians, Spoken Word Artists, Magicians and more! This show is Hosted by Korean Joke Teller Tom Hudson and Filipino Funny man Air Tabigue, Jammin' Asian fuses a mixture of talent like no other. Today's Jammin' Asian show will be a Fundraiser for Earhquake Victims in China.

JAMMIN ASIAN -- Tuesday July 8 Show (Fundraiser for Earhquake Victims in China)

Hosted by Tom Hudson and Air Tabigue

Location:
Laugh Lounge
151 Essex Street
New York, NY
8:30pm (show starts)
Special Happy hour 7pm-8pm

Featuring:
Marisol Cheng - (New York Comedy Club)
Chewy - (Laugh Lounge)
Tijuana Yacht Club - (Comix)
Flo & Georgia Fox - (five Points Lounge)
Eugene Chang - (Rooftop Comedy)
Helen Hong - (Little Ethnic Girls and Friends)

and Headling......MASTER LEE!!!! (Conan O'brien, Showtime at the Apollo)

Here's a little of what you can expect at Jammin' Asian

Esther Ku on NPR

Esther Ku was interviewed on NPR's Talk of the Nation on the program It Ain't Easy Getting to the Top. (This interview was before Esther Ku became a finalist on Last Comic Standing.) Here's some of the highlights from the interview: She's spent about 4 years in comedy and would like to do comedy full time. She is also a regular at some comedy clubs in NYC. From listening to the interview, it doesn't seem that her exposure on network TV is translating to job offers yet. Esther still needs to work part time in a dental office to supplement her income.

Recap of Last Comic Standing when Esther Ku becomes a finalist

Stars & Stripes FOREVER! by the Muppets

A bunch of Muppets got together to celebrate the 4th of July and sing Stars and Strips Forever. The video includes a wide range of Muppets - Sam The Eagle, Beaker, Animal, Bobo Bear, Swedish Chef, a penguin, a couple of chickens and Crazy Harry. (Make sure you watch all the way to the end of the clip!!) Ok, this video clip doesn't really have an Asian American angle to it, unless you grew up watching the Muppets. (Muppet Babies viewers may like this too.) It's great to see the Muppets using the internet to promote themselves.

Watch the Muppets sing Stars & Stripes Forever

Breaking the Rules with Danny Cho

We got a note from Danny Cho about his upcoming Breaking the Rules DVD Taping:

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that there are only 6 more days til the show and tickets. This show will sell out before the day of the show so if you plan on coming, please purchase the tickets early.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July and hopefully I will see most of you at the show. Thanks!

-Danny

Here's the info about the Breaking the Rules DVD Taping.
Location:
The David Henry Hwang Theater
120 Judge John Aiso St.
Los Angeles , CA 90012

Cost: Admission is $20

For more info and tickets please go to www.dannycho.com.

Special Guest Performers: Far East Movement

Watch Danny Cho perform

Esther Ku and Papa CJ are Last Comic Standing Finalists

Esther Ku and Papa CJ make the cut to be finalists on Last Comic Standing. In his act, Papa CJ joked about outsourcing the comedy and made fun of Americans. he only thing wrong here was that he did not have new material. Esther Ku did more of her ethnic humor focusing on visiting Korea and being a dumb Asian. One very low point was comedian Heath Hyche. He did a sketch comedy act that had a 1940’s Japanese pilot with slanted eyes and an accent. It smacked if all sorts of wrong. We don't know how that even got on the air. Both judges we displeased with his act. Judge Richard Belzer said this is 2008, not the 1940s, and that ethnic stereotyping is so not cool. Kudos for Belzer!! Esther Ku clip from Last Comic Standing


Papa CJ clip from Last Comic Standing

Will Ferrell calls out Nigahiga in Straight-Faced Staredown

First it was a staring competition Kevjumba vs Baron Davis vs Jessica Alba. Now as a publicity stunt for his upcoming movie "Step Brother", comedian Will Ferrell calls out Ryan Higa in his Straight-Faced Staredown competition, but you can compete too.

Will Ferrell and John C Reilly challenge you! You and your friend. Staring into each others' eyes. First to get the other to laugh is the winner. Funniest entry wins. Mr. Ferrell himself will select his favorite entry as the MVP Challenge Winner.

If you wany to join in the fray, here's the complete rules. Will Ferrell calls out Nigahiga in Straight-Faced Staredown


Nigahiga aka Ryan Higa does his thing for the staredown competition

Roger Fan's Adventure in Mongolia

Roger Fan (Finishing the Game) has been traveling the past 5 months to places like Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Mongolia, England, Netherlands, Canada, and Olympic Gardens. It seems that he's addicted to traveling and Mongolia is one of his favorite spots. Here's an exceprt from his blog:

Which leads me to MONGOLIA. If you have never been, I highly recommend you visit asap. Why? Well, I could spend hours pontificating on why this land-locked nation is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood places on earth. And we could discuss the fact that many of us have committed incest in our lives due to the recent scientific discovery that much of Asia's population's ancestry can be traced back to just one man, Genghis Khan. Oh yes, think twice before you get naughty with your significant other...you might just be making love to your sister. Instead, I present you this video documenting the journey of 4 lads into the heart of Mongolia. Enjoy.

Roger Fan travesl with his buddies Art Jeng, Ted Lai, & Ed Mun. Watch a travel adventure by Roger Fan (This video is pretty funny!!!)


Roger Fan - Lost in Amsterdam (This video is not safe for work)

Matrix Ping Pong

With "Wipeout" and "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" both premiering on ABC today, we couldn't resist posting this classic Japanese game show video. This was pre-YouTube. (Remember those days!!) Anyways, we remember the multi-meg file we were sent, when we first watched this. Now thru the miracle of YouTube, we can see it all over again.

Matrix Ping Pong was first shown on the popular annual Japanese show Kinchan and Katori Shingo's National Costume Competition. No description we write can compare to just watching the clip. If you have never watch Matrix Ping Pong, check it out below.

Watch Matrix Ping Pong

Finishing the Game on DVD

Finishing the Game by Justin Lin comes out on DVD today. Grab your own copy of Finishing the Game today!! See al your favorite Asian American stars including Roger Fan, Sung Kang, and Dustin Nguyen.

Finishing the Game synopsis

Background: On July 20, 1973 at the zenith of his popularity amongst fans and continuing rise of his stardom both within and outside the film industry, Chinese American martial arts action star Bruce Lee -- suddenly and unexpectedly -- died while in Hong Kong. He was just 32. Within six weeks of his death, "ENTER THE DRAGON" was released and instantly became an international box office smash cementing his legend, albeit a posthumous one.

At the time of his death, he was at work on a passion project entitled "GAME OF DEATH" for which a 12-minute action sequence had already been shot and vaulted at the film studio. Unfazed by this "minor" distraction, and perhaps equally shocking due to the star’s death, the film’s stony executives callously made the decision to complete the unfinished film by rushing to find a replacement for its deceased leading man and star.

FINISHING THE GAME delves into the exhaustive, worldwide search for that replacement through a period re-imagining of events as seen through the eyes of five somewhat unlikely yet, prime candidates. A wannabe b-movie actor who shares the same initials as the legend; a starry-eyed dotor; a traumatized refugee; a southern bumpkin with a penchant for chili fries and an Asian American activist of questionable ethnic origin -- all vie to follow in the legend's sizable steps, but ultimately fight for something far removed from a career-making role.

As the lengthy audition process intensifies and good-natured camaraderie gives way to backstabbing rivalry, the five subjects’ eyes are opened as they learn that the scripted game pales in comparison to the real one.

Watch the Finishing the Game trailer


Here's the Official Finishing the Game Music Video! "Satisfaction" music video created and performed by Far East Movement

QuarterLife Crisis DVD

QuarterLife Crisis stars comedian Russell Peters (Senior Skip Day), Maulik Pancholy (27 Dresses, TV's 30 Rock, Weeds) and Lisa Ray (Water, Bollywood/Hollywood).

QuarterLife Crisis synopsis

With his relationship on the rocks and working a dead-end job, life after college wasn't quite what 27-year-old Neil Desai (Pancholy) had planned. Luckily, his testosterone-packed buddies have a genius solution: a week-long bender in New York's crazy singles scene. At the hands of their scheming limo driver (Peters), every night is guys' night—until Neil's on-again, off-again girlfriend (Ray) learns of their crazy exploits, in the worst way possible.

QuarterLife Crisis trailer


Buy the QuarterLife Crisis DVD.

The Mikado Project Goes From Stage To Film

"The Mikado Project," a feature film directed by Chil Kong is currently in production and shooting in Los Angeles. (Over the weekend, the opening night of the show was shot.) The musical comedy (based on the stage performance written by Ken Narasaki and Doris Baizley and adapted for film by Chil Kong), tells the story of a struggling Asian American theater company that in a desperate publicity stunt to save their company decides to produce a modern reconstruction of Gilbert and Sullivan's, "The Mikado."

"The Mikado," one of the most beloved comedy operas by legendary collaborators, Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert, first opened on stage in 1885 in London. The story was set in Japan (considered an exotic land to the British during that era) which allowed Gilbert & Sullivan to satirize British politics. However, by doing so, Asians around the world and Asian Americans today have found this opera hard to embrace—making the notion of Asian American actors performing "The Mikado" controversial and palatable only through a comedic reconstruction.

The story begins with the news that The Angry Buddha Theater Ensemble, has lost its leading male actor, Jace (David McInnis, "Never Forever"), to a primetime gig on TV. Without Jace's star power the company faces imminent demise. Lead by Lance (Allen Liu, "Flower Drum Song"), a scrappy artistic director secretly living out of the back office of the theater, the members of the group fight over the idea of putting on "The Mikado," which to some in the company is the equivalent of reviving "Charlie Chan" or "Kung Fu".

"We are using the story of this Asian American theater company in the same way Gilbert & Sullivan used a Japanese story to comment on their society," says producer Quan Phung. "Hopefully, we can laugh at ourselves while shedding light on the challenges facing Asian American actors or any actor of color in Hollywood today."

We see the conflict most vividly through the eyes of three women in the troupe: Viola (Tamlyn Tomita, "The Eye"), a veteran finding her way in a young actor's world; Cheryl (Erin Quill, "Avenue Q") a half-Irish, half-Chinese, feisty actress whose indignation masks her insecurities about being a lead; and Yuri (Yuri Tag, Kaba Modern on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew") who is young, naïve, and oblivious to any negative connotations from art or life. These three women guide the story through their experiences as Asian American women in Hollywood and along the way we are given a window into the lives of the other members of the theater company and provided a glimpse into what binds them to the company. Through it all, they learn that what it all means is that they are not just a group of misfits, but a family.

"This story came out of my very own personal experience in the Asian American artist," says director Chil Kong. "I am the artistic director of an Asian American theater company called Lodestone, based in LA, and we went through 10 years of introspection about the landscape of Asian Americans in arts and cinema. The one thing I know for sure is that history is evolving and my goal is to create a really good and entertaining story. For me, a musical comedy was the best way to go to address anything we had to say about being Asian Americans or 'The Mikado.'"

The most notable component of the film that audiences won't be able to see but will certainly hear, are the new hip-hopera versions of the Gilbert & Sullivan's musical compositions—outstanding beat box and rap mixes. The dance numbers are choreographed by members of the dance troupes, Kaba Modern and Jabbawockeez, from Randy Jackson's hit show on MTV, "America's Best Dance Crew," giving the movie a whole new identity to an old operetta.

Cast (in Alphabetical order as of 6/1/2008)

RAYMOND J. LEE - Teddy ("Mama Mia" on Broadway)
ALLEN LIU - Lance ("Flower Drum Song" Broadway revival)
RIZWAN MANJI - Sam ("Charlie Wilson's War")
DAVID McINNIS - Jace ("Never Forever")
GERALD McCULLOUCH - Dennis ("CSI", "Law and Order", "NCIS")
ERIN QUILL - Cheryl ("Avenue Q")
FREDA FOH SHEN - Mrs. O'Malley ("Primal Doubt", "Red Doors")
YURI TAG - Yuri ("Kaba Modern of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew")
TAMLYN TOMITA - Viola ("Tekken", "The Eye")
RYAN YU - Ben (Kissing Cousins)


Watch a clip from the stage version of the The Mikado Project

Kevjumba and Happyslip Dance Battle and Youtube Gathering

Today, Happyslip and KevJumba will be attending the Houston YouTube Gathering. Here's more information about the Youtube Gathering:

When:
Sunday, 6/15/08
12 noon to 5pm

Where:
Marq*E Entertainment Center (meet at the fountain)
7620 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024

If you think you can make it, you will need to sign up to this site and then make your comment below that YES you will try to meet up with us!

Looks like over 500 people will be attending. Maybe you will see a dance battle there.

Watch the KevJumba vs Fred G. Dance Battle for Happyslip. (Don't confuse this dance battle with The Biggest Online Dance Battle in YouTube History).

Spelling Bee - Numb Nut or Numnah

13 year old Sameer Mishra had a funny moment at the 2008 Spelling Bee. When he first heard the word he was to spell, he heard "Numb Nut". (we did too!!) The expression on his face when he realizes the word he's supposed to spell is priceless.

"Oh, NUMNAH!"

Watch Sameer Mishra at the 2008 Spelling Bee

Grace Park in Complex Magazine

The Grace Park photos from Complex Magazine look very awkward. Considering the magazine is backed by Mark Ecko, we would think that it would be ....well, more stylish. Photos aside, you can read the article about Grace Park in Complex. After Battlestar Galactica ends its run, you can catch Grace park in A&E’s extreme intervention drama The Cleaner starting in July.

Watch behind the scenes footage of Grace Park's photo shoot


Pop quiz for Grace Park about robots as she wears a I heart robots t-shirt

Dookie Doodle'n Fun

Just Kidding Films, known for their unco chin and unco same skits, teams up youtube singer Olivia Thai to produce Dookie Doodle'n Fun. The song is a catchy little collabo between them. Enjoy!!

Watch Dookie Doodle'n Fun

Lyrics to Dookie Doodle'n Fun

Joe: some say that nice guys always finish last...
but me i just want a piece of ass

verse:
i get confused
i gave you what you wanted
when you needed it
just to keep you around
but i was playing a fool

hook:
cause you were bringing me down
don't keep holding me back
just learn to let go...

chorus:
let me go
set me freeeeeeee
i want to fly away from this misery
let me go
set me freeeeeeee
i want to fly away from this misery

verse:
i get confused
these words may come as a shock
but i gave it all
just to keep you around
now it's my turn to frown

hook:
cause you were bringing me down
don't keep holding me back
just learn to let go...

chorus:
let me go
set me freeeeeeee
i want to fly away from this misery
let me go
set me freeeeeeee
i want to fly away from this misery

bridge:
du du du du du du du du duuu du du du du du du du du duuuuuu duu du du du du du du duuuuu du du du du duuuu

I GET CONFUSED!

Kickin' It In Geumchon with the EV Boyz

Kickin' It In Geumchon is the first music video from the EV Boyz about a little town called Geumchon. Christian Zonts, Mike Nance, and Brian Peterson ― call themselves the EV Boyz named after their employers, English Village. These English instructors from the US wrote a song about their experience teaching abroad in South Korea. The Beastie Boy like song is pretty catchy. The video shows footage of different things you can do in Geumchon and the food and drink you can eat in Korea.

Watch Kickin' It In Geumchon


Here's the lyrics to Kickin' It In Geumchon by the EVBoyz
Intro:
This song goes out to all the waygooks lookin’ for the place to be

Chorus:
Kickin’ it in Geumchon, Oh, Oh
Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ it in Geumchon, Oh, Oh
, Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ It, Where? In Geumchon Where?
In Geumchon. Where? In Geumchon Where?
Kickin’ it in Geumchon, Oh, Oh

Verse 1:
South Korea’s got Jeju, South Korea’s got Seoul
Busan and Ilsan if that’s how you roll
But when you work at EV, and live in Paju
Then the town to get down is 15 minutes from you, How do I get there?
Hop on the 900 bus
I use my T-money card so there’s never no fuss
Jump off at the station, or shall I say “yuk”
Are you fluent in Korean? No I got a phrasebook
Pang Pang, now we’re off to the races
To the backstreet market checkin’ out pig faces
Octupus on sale, squid 2 for 1
Let’s hit the waterpark for fun in the sun, I got my swimcap!
Baskin Robbins and Pizza Hut
Knock Domino’s down then slam Dunkin’ Donuts
Geumchon rocks, then it rocks some more
The street meat is sweet and corndogs galore

Chorus:
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh
Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh,
Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ It, Where? In Gumcheon Where?
In Gumcheon. Where? In Gumcheon Where?
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh

Verse 2:
Sometimes it’s spelled with a G, I’ve seen it spelled with a K
Sometimes it’s spelled with an E, I’ve seen the E go away
But regardless of spelling, pronunciation’s the same
The town’s so explosive, Boomchon could be it’s name
The movie theater keeps it real with no subtitles
But we never go cuz there’s no subtitles
But birthday party time it’s so simple to rally
We alls grab our balls at the bowling alley
Then to the Sky Golf hittin’ nothin’ but net
The locals wanna wager but it’s illegal to bet
If your mouth is dry, or if your throat’s got a tickle
Part for the Family Mart, to lick a popsicle
Hungry for bibim bop? The choices never stop
The spice is so nice could make a tear drop
We dedicate the bridge, but not in haste
To the cabbage that we ravage with the chili paste taste

Bridge:
Kimchi, Kimchi, it is good for you and me
Kimchi, Kimchi, it is good for you and me
Kimchi, Kimchi, it is good for you and me
Kimchi, Kimchi, it is good for you and me

Pre-Verse 3:
Kickin’ it
In Boomchon
Kickin’ it
in Boomchon

Verse 3:
When I go to Geumchon, I look at all the hotties
Those ahgashis, they got the hottest bodies
The padded bras, the high heeled shoes
Hey ladies? Can I buy you some brews?
Drinkin’ Cass-uh, drinkin’ Hite-uh
Feelin’ alright-uh, drinkin’ all night-uh
La festa’s no longer the best
Ride your scooter to Guemchon and head over to Zest
The barman’s got flair, flippin’ bottles in the air
Tom Cruise in Cocktail can’t even compare
Upstairs at Posse yogurt soju’s flowin’
Plus Froot Loop balls and the roofdeck’s blowin’
Nature videos while I’m singin’ my song
Number six one three seven at the local Noraebong
Want a night on the town? Wanna spend some won?
Come kick it with us, come kick it in Gumcheon

Chorus:
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh
Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh,
Komsomnida, Annyong Haseyo
Kickin’ It, Where? In Gumcheon Where?
In Gumcheon. Where? In Gumcheon Where?
Kickin’ it in Gumcheon, Oh, Oh

Former UPN and FOX Executive joins Imaginasian

Adam Ware, a veteran television industry executive who has held senior level management positions with NewsCorp., Interactive Corp and Viacom, has been named president of the newly formed IA Media which includes oversight of ImaginAsian TV® (iaTV). In his new role, Mr. Ware will be responsible for the management of iaTV’s programming, production, marketing, advertising sales and distribution, in addition to ImaginAsian’s extensive group of digital media properties.

Previously, Mr. Ware served as the COO for the Viacom owned UPN (United Paramount Network) from 1998 until the fall of 2002. He was responsible for all operations of the network including affiliate relations, business affairs, digital media, finance, marketing, research and sales. During his tenure at UPN, the network achieved its best results ever in all areas including the highly successful network launches of WWF Smackdown, Star Trek Enterprise, Girlfriends and the move of Buffy the Vampire Slayer from The WB resulting in the program’s highest ratings ever.

Hers's a quote from Mr. Ware

I’m very excited about joining the IA team in their endeavor to build the dominant brand in Asian Pop Culture today. I have been a fan and student of the space going back to my very first professional exposure while at FOX and the overwhelming success of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Asian Pop is on the cutting edge of American youth culture and new media. I’ve wanted to jump head first into the space for a long time and IA offers the perfect foundation for the next step of my career.

Hopefully, this is not another AZN disaster in the making. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comment is already raising some flags.
Here's an example of Comedy Zen on Imaginasian TV now

6th Annual Asianweek Comedy Night

The 6th Annual AsianweekComedy Night 2008 takes place on Friday, May 30 with two different shows at 7 – 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 12 midnight. The venue is The Purple Onion (140 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, Calif.), which has the world-renowned reputation as one America’s birthplace of stand-up comedy. This year, AsianWeek is proud to return to this storied venue and again feature already established and up-and-coming Asian American comics during the Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage month celebrations. Comics on board include Tessie Chua, Leah Eva, Nitin Kant, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, Edwin Li, Duat Mai, and Joe Nguyen. Space limited, R.S.V.P. at comedynight@asianweek.com

Attendees of Comedy Night will receive free admission to the after-party at Suite 181(181 Eddy St., San Francisco, Calif.)

Here a taste of what to expect from Nitin Kant:


Comic Joe Nguyen pokes fun at himself as a Vietamese Jew

Esther Ku on Last Comic Standing

Korean American comedian Esther Ku spotted on Last Comic Standing. She auditioned and got into the next round of the show. She is no stranger to comedy, Esther Ku was selected as one of the ten best diverse comedians for the 2006 NBC Stand-up for Diversity Showcase. She has been a featured regular in the Boston International Comedy Festival and the New York Underground Comedy Festival. If you are in the New York area Memorial Day weekend, you can see her at:

Stand~Up NY
236 West 78th Street
New York, NY 10024

Watch part of her routine on Last Comic Standing


Watch the 2-minute recap of Last Comic Standing


Esther Ku Full Audition on Last Comic Standing