One word: Tri [Nguyen '08, ACH character].
You are a music and Asian languages and civilizations double-major. When and why did you choose those two?
I chose music last year and haven't technically declared the Asian studies major. I probably should go do that soon, but I have most of the classes for it. I chose music because it has always been important to me ever since I was little. Asian studies kind of sprouted up once I took Chinese for two years. I found that a few of the classes I had taken worked their way into the major as well.
Are you planning on writing a thesis for either major or both? If you are writing a thesis, will you integrate the two?
I plan on having a thesis in music. Most likely I'll be having a senior recital playing violin. Sonatas, chamber music, that kind of stuff.
What movies are you looking forward to watching this year?
[I'm] very excited for the "300;" [it] looks great. I'm also excited for "Hot Fuzz," another comedy made by the guys who did "Shaun of the Dead"-very funny movie. Gotta have that occasional British humor.
If you could win any award (Oscar, Tony, Nobel Prize, Kid's Choice Award), which would it be and why?
Oscar. I'd love to star in a movie and become part of history with it. Nothing says superstar more than that big ol' gold statue being flaunted around.
What are you planning to do this summer? Do you have any plans for grad school or the like?
I'm going to work the same job I did last year which is teaching/assisting with violin at Usdan, a summer camp for music in Long Island. I basically help kids ages 7-18 with orchestral playing and such. Haven't really thought about grad school a lot. I really should though.
You were in the recent College production of "City of Angels." What is your favorite anecdote from rehearsals?
Whenever someone wasn't projecting well, Scott would scream out, "Tits to the wind!" Kind of amusing. They rarely had trouble executing this maneuver, in fact, "Dere was no sign of a strugger!" Sorry, had to do it.
What is your favorite show tune?
"Soliloquy" from "Carousel." It allows the singer to truly emote and give everything he has. It's one of the few songs you'll ever sing that makes you actually feel a character's plight. It's also got this great final booming note on the word "die." So dramatic.
You list stand-up comedy as one of your interests on Facebook. Who is your favorite stand-up comedian, and why?
Tough, tough question. I'd have to say that the best stand-up performance has to be "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway." His ability to fill the space is unmatched, and his material is fresh. Every line that comes out of his mouth is golden. "Who loves kitty?"
Which stand-up comedian would you most like to see here at the College?
While I'd love to see Robin Williams here, I know it's quite unlikely. So, I'd have to say someone like Russell Peters. Not as big a name, but amazing talent. I've never seen a comedian deal with Asian/South Asian humor like he does.
You are half-Chinese and half-Jewish. What is the most non-stereotypical thing that you can do to rebel against both of your parents?
Spend too much money? No, just kidding. Probably get a tattoo. They've both come out specifically against me doing that. So, I probably won't, but I can't deny I've been tempted.
Which language do you wish you could speak?
Kazakh. Jagshemash!
What is your favorite pick-up line to use?
Me: Do you sleep on your stomach?
Her: No.
Me: Can I?
Works like a charm-I swear.
Did you hear about the breakout at the zoo? ... Because the pythons are loose! (Interviewer makes arm gesture that sort of resembles snakes.)
Nope, but I hope you've got your tickets … to the gun show! (David makes arm gesture exposing the aforementioned guns and proceeds to shoot the pythons.)