Vietnam's state oil monopoly Petrovietnam's financial arm PVFC ordered 21 officials to make "self-criticism" reports for not singing karaoke at a contract-signing ceremony near Hanoi on Saturday. Tien Phong (Pioneer) newspaper reported on Wednesday that at least eight department heads were facing suspension.

China is planning to launch luxury trains riding the so-called roof of the world when the long anticipated and highly controversial railway to Tibet opens in July. Yahoo News says the five-star trains will have showers, on board folk dance shows and karaoke.

The Hymnal Plus, a karaoke-like machine that can play almost 3,000 hymns and songs, is becoming all the rage in English churches. The British-made machine can play traditional songs familiar to churchgoers in a conventional fashion. However, for the more fun-loving parishioners, it's also capable of a disco version of "Amazing Grace" and a jazzed-up "The Lord's My Shepard. "

Vietnam's government against "social evils" has evidently targeted Karaoke bars since they will no longer be allowed to sell or have alcohol on their premises. Under the new legislation that went into effect Thursday, karaoke bars, along with discotheques, are legally bound to close at midnight.

If you thought "Cardio Striptease" was pushing the fitness envelope, wait until you check out "Stiletto Strength," a new class that gets women in shape to wear stiletto heels. The class, being taught at a Crunch gym and taught by dancer Amber Efe, shows women how to pivot in high heels and walk like a model.