QUICK TAKES

Efron in video

Showing he has a sense of humor, "High School Musical" heartthrob Zac Efron appears in a video for FunnyOrDie.com, the Web site co-founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. The video features Efron hosting a star-studded pool party that dissolves when his rude uncle arrives. Making appearances are Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens, Justin Long, Lance Bass, Queen Latifah and Carmen Electra. Tom Lennon stars at "Uncle Hank."

HBO renews series

The dark comedy series "Eastbound & Down" has been renewed by HBO for a second season. The series stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, who becomes a gym teacher in his North Carolina hometown after his Major League Baseball career ends. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay executive produced the six-episode run. New episodes will debut in 2010.

Song causes havoc

A song criticizing Chris Brown has brought attention to two previously unknown bands. A group of Chicago DJs who call themselves Smoke Jumpers received unexpected airplay last week when radio stations began playing "My Flow Is So Tight." The main lyric suggests Brown, who has been charged with assaulting R&B singer Rihanna, should be beaten. However, the name Smoke Jumpers had already been taken by an Austin, Texas, hip-hop group. The DJs changed their name to Jump Smokers, but the original Smoke Jumpers aren't amused. Group member Ashely Harkrider says their name has been hurt "in the minds of music listeners everywhere."

That's the reality

If the troubled economy is truly reality, it's no surprise the Fox network is making a show about it. In an upcoming series called "Someone's Gotta Go," employees of a small business will decide which one of their colleagues will be laid off. There is no air date yet for the series, which is being developed by the company behind "Big Brother" and "Deal or No Deal." The show's host hasn't been revealed, but Fox says it's a business consultant who will offer advice to participating companies.

Compiled from wire reports by Melissa Sullivan