Jackie was in town this week, so anybody familiar with this blog knows what that means, EATING CONTEST! (For a refresher, check this out.) Jackie said he's been in training over the past few months, so I was eager to see how he would perform this time around.

We headed over to Ichiban after work for the rematch of the century.


Here are the boys hard at work.


The staff kept clearing the plates, so we couldn't get an official count, but just know that 7 to 8 stacks this tall were taken away from the battlefield.






Jackie was doing much better this time around, he even had the strength to take a phone call while stuffing his face.



By the end of the night, Jackie and Yui called it a tie. What a disappointment.

This morning I was informed by representatives of each camp that both contestants vomitted shortly after the contest. Amazing.

Yesterday, Shad and Vinny were looking into the deep blue yonder and contemplating the magical world that lies beyond Minneapolis.
Vinny pointed up into that sky and suggested Shad go to it and find a land where dreams come true and wishes are fulfilled.
And so he did.

Here are a few highlights from Mike Owens' amazing birthday bash on Friday.


Mike is presented with his wonderful cake.






Shad really really loved the cake.

Friday night was the release party for Lutefisk Sushi C at the Altered Esthetics Gallery here in Minneapolis. PUNY's best friend Kevin Cannon designed this year's bento box, and was a featured attraction at the art show. The show was packed to the brim with excitement. It was truly a sight to see.


Kevin Cannon (the man of the hour) and Jim Ottaviani being fancy.








Max Konrardy was there!


Girls LOVE Kevin Cannon!


Metro Magazine's fashion editor Mary O'Regan was there gathering examples for this year's "What Not to Wear" article.


Matt Kriske was there hoping to just get a glimpse of Kevin Cannon.


Steve Stwalley of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy



Patrick Koziol and the Baron Brett VonSchlosser convince O'Regan to feature them in an upcoming issue of Metro.


Zander Cannon was there hoping to just get a glimpse of Kevin Cannon.


Shad and his lovely wife Anna.

Where were you?

It's exciting times around the studio as Yo Gabba Gabba's second season production is winding up. We've heard about a ton of great bands and guest stars this year, and can't wait to hear the songs. Julia is working on-site at The Magic Store and took some photos:


Here's Julia in her PUNY Blog purple-hair debut with Brain Genius Craig and Pilot Foofa before her new design...and speaking of design...Yo Gabba Gabba was just nominated for a Emmy for its costumes/designs! Julia has already started pre-production storyboards and will be boarding the whole season before jumping into Gabbimation.

What's this? A set built! ...for the first "Super Music Friends Show" bit. Keep up to date on the production here: Yo Gabba Gabba Production Blog

We're already working on some "Storytime" segments and are very excited for a jingle Directed by Tim Sievert and Mitch Loidolt with music from a UK band that's been on our playlist for a while. It looks like there will be a King Mini guest artist segment too. There is a lot that is cool about this season...and plenty of months to talk about it.

Oh, I registered for San Diego Comic-Con tonight, which will have some very cool news about another TV Pilot we worked on. Spring has just arrived, but fall is going to be amazing.