Nicole Kruex

Minnesota native Nicole Kruex began performing on stage in elementary school, after she was able to break away from Nintendo long enough to discover her love for acting. Since she already had a love for horror as well, it was natural that she'd gravitate toward that genre.

Over the last few years, Nicole (who has also gone by the professional name; "Nikki Homicide") has made quite a mark for herself in the independent film industry. One of her most recent movies is Discursion, which she co-wrote, co-produced, and stars in. Yes, besides working in front of the camera, Nicole also wears many hats behind it, including writer, director, and producer. She has her own production company called Triwar Pictures, that currently works in film and television, but there are plans to expand into commercial and industrial video productions.

Nicole recently took some time out from her busy schedule to chat with me, where we covered topics such as her ethnic background, the charities she supports, her stunt work, and being chased through a junkyard while wearing three-inch heels and a gas mask.

Zhou Weitong

Even though this video is from last year and her blog hasn't been posted to in several months, Zhou Weitong should put you in the Christmas spirit. Here we see an advertisement she did for a CD of Christmas songs and it includes some behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from her where she speaks passable English.

Also know as Cica, the 175cm, 32 year old model/actress began her modeling career in the late 90s and has since been the face of products ranging from washing machines to soy sauce. Her film credits include Welcome to Shama Town,The Love Clinic, and Zombie 108, known as "Taiwan's first zombie movie."

Vanilla Mood

Instrumental quartet Vanilla Mood first came together in 2003 and quickly achieved success because they have talent to match their looks. They're known for covering songs from many different genres with their own unique arrangements. They particularly do justice to some classic American pop songs, that comprise a good part of their repertoire.

Above is the original line-up doing their version of "Tequila." They are; Emilee (violin), Yui (violin), Mariko (cello), and Keiko (piano). In early 2005, Emilee left the group and was replaced by flutist Waka, rather than another violinist. (See a later performance with Waka after the jump.) Waka left the group in late 2010 and it now appears the remaining three ladies are continuing on as a trio.