StarCeleb: What?

It’s a new show, claiming to be “Your Road to Stardom!” screening on ntv7 this coming September, every Sunday at 6 PM.

(Skeptical grin)

Another REALITY show! Right, that’s what hit my mind the first time I read about this piece of news. Are we not getting enough? Normal people – you and me alike; getting a shot at what it feels like to be on TV and hoping to be famous one day? I’ll just have to wait for its premier to check out what the show looks like. It somehow reminds me of 8TV’s program last year, I Wanna Be A Model where contestant are groomed to be professional model, not exactly quiet there with the like of America’s Next Top Model but still, it provides a platform for people who thinks they got what it takes to be strutting down the runway.

So, what is this show all about? Presented by Centurise Group, utilizing their MyStyle platform to for the voting process, StarCeleb is looking for one gal and one guy to walk away with RM25, 000 each, shall they fit into what the show is looking for – one that possess the quality to become a star, brand ambassador, TV Host and professional model.

I can’t help but to think of the show as a replication of Daniel Tan’s life – more or less, with him in the show itself as the host, alongside with May Wan. Possessing the qualities of a  StarCeleb himself, the contestants are deemed to match the talent of Daniel Tan, minus the huge celebrity status of his, for a rightful triumph over the StarCeleb title upon winning the reality show.

Daniel Tan

With an initial round of 60 contestants in the show, comprises of 30 girls and 30 guys, it looked like a daunting task for the judges and viewer alike, to vote for their favorite. This however will be made simpler once the first cut is over before the premier screening on ntv7, leaving only 24 contestants to vie for the StarCeleb title. It somehow occur to me upon seeing so many faces on the official website, there is a whole crowd out there, desperately seeking fame; which I find it amusing. That’s what TV Show is about ain’t they, to entertain us – the viewer.

I’m unable dig out much information about the kind of task that will be presented to the contestants. It was told on the official website of StarCeleb that their weekly tasks would includes the like of hosting of live show – be it indoor or outdoor, magazine shoot, roadshow and blogging. That’s as far as I could get my hands on for the time being.

If you’re up to brushing shoulder with these to be StarCeleb, ntv7 invitations is open for anyone who would like to participate in their live recording of the show. Details can be obtained via their website.

As of the time of this writing, the StarCeleb participants and crew are out and about on tour at the following locations:

• The Piazza, The Curve, PJ 21st – 22nd July (11am onwards )
• Lower Ground Floor Oval, 1 Utama, PJ 28th – 29th July 2007 (11am onwards )
• Boulevard, Berjaya Times Square, KL 04th – 05th August 2007 ( 11am onwards )

Note:
Daniel Tan image are derived from his official website

Convert YouTube Video to MP3/AVI/MOV/MP4/3GP for Free

If you’re like myself, a fan of YouTube; a vast library of videos submitted by users, you’re probably already hooked on tools such that allows you to download the video in FLV format to store off line. Been a new fan of this wonderful service, I recently realize that there are tonnes of 80s/90s music videos available here as well as oldies back to 1956, some of which I had tried in vain to search for, easily available by keying in the song title followed by a click on the Search button. What bothers me really is I’d like carry these wonderful tunes in my MP3 player and the Video Downloader tools I had did not help much. After pouring some effort looking through results in Google, look what I found? Vixy.net!

Vixy.net, simple and no fuss interface

Vixy.net and YouTube.com, this could be the perfect match in heaven. The free service is very simple and fast, with options to convert your videos from FLV (video format used by YouTube) to MP3/AVI/MOV/MP4/3GP. The best of all this amazing work by Vixy.net, its FREE!

How does it work?

1. Search for the video you want in YouTube.com

   

2. In YouTube.com video page, look for the URL under the Video Details on top right. Select the entire text in the URL text box, press CTRL+C to copy.

   

3. Paste the URL into Vixy.net, choose your conversion format, click on Start to begin your video conversion.

   

4. Vixy.net will keep you inform of the conversion progress with a huge Conversion Status bar.

   

5. Once it’s completed, you will be prompted with Save As popup to save your converted file. Rename the converted file name to a readable format, choose a location in your PC to save the file and you will be downloading the converted result in no time.

   

You may find yourself unable to use the service at times as Vixy.net can get rather busy. I’m stumbled across with “Server too busy” error message a few times during the course of my test using the service. Overall, Vixy.net served as an amazing add on to online video services and it’s a matter of time before they are bought over by Google, at the rate they are going. If you do not know, Vixy.net claimed that they are processing 300GB of conversion per day.

Have fun!

Uncommon magic at 06:12 hour: Tapping into classic tunes thanks to YouTube and Vixy.net

Project Runway Malaysia

In a bid to keep Malaysian from straying away from their television set on a Friday night, 8TV is launching Project Runway Malaysia beginning next month, targeting at fashion lovers. It occurs to me from my recent research that broadcaster in Malaysia has a different view on slot categorization, compared to those of American. If you pay enough attention, many of the popular TV Shows in Malaysia are slotted to play on Friday night; an absolute horror for any Production Owner in the States shall their show ends up in the nicknamed Friday Night Death Slot. In our country on the hand, Friday night are seen as Prime Time Slot and are often targeted for show that broadcaster deemed “hot”; attracting scores of advertiser, bidding for a space to promote their products and services. Now, let’s move on to the bit and pieces of the show.

What is Project Runway Malaysia all about?
Project Runway Malaysia claimed to discover the next big designer, gives a chance to aspiring Fashion Designers (or one who were established, but yet to be known widely) to be recognized in the industry and launch a career with the rewards of RM100, 000 seed fund to promote their brand and fashion line, coupled with Parkson Corporation sponsored retail space to mark their presence in market.

Who’s the Who in the Show?
Bernie Chan – our very own supermodel in her own right, Bernie takes the place of Heidi Klum, strutting down the runway to present tasks to the 15 Designers, as well as sitting in the panel of judges that evaluate each Designer’s work and sending them home each week. I’m wondering what her catch phrase would be, such as those of Heidi’s popular “Auf Wiedersehen” – Good Bye in German; each time she bid good bye to each leaving Designer. Maybe “Selamat Jumpa Lagi”?

Datuk Bernard Chandran – the Malaysia’s “Prince of Designer” whom had made himself a household name in the fashion industry, be it locally or abroad, with his intricate design that speaks everything about luxury and impact. Sporting a clientèle of the who’s who in the elite sociète, who better to understand the art of taking risks and innovations in design while maintaining the integrity to deliver aesthetically pleasing work that adapt to client’s taste.

Peter Lum – our very own Tim Gunn of Project Runway. Peter Lum, famous for his styling work that often seen featured in magazines and TV Shows alike, fits perfectly into the show. We’ll get to see him nagging and criticizing on each Designer’s work on their weekly task. I’m sure they will cook up some catch-up phrase for him such as Tim’s famous “Carry on!”. Will the contestant hate him, or love him? I can’t wait to find out.

Other Judges – Asiah Mion (Editor of EH! magazine), Seema Vismanathan (Editor of Female magazine), Wirda Adnan (Chief Editor of Glam magazine) and Aster Lim (Managing Editor of Female, Marie Claire, Men’s Health and Seventeen).

Guest Judges throughout the series – Tom Abang Saufi, Edmunser, Melinda Looi, Sonny Son and Jacyln Victor

When do you get to watch?
The show will hit your television set every Friday, beginning 3rd of August 2007 at 9.30 PM, screening on your 8TV channel.

Light Hearted Management Course, in 3 minutes

Light hearted material that I happened to have in my Inbox today. Most probably you’ve read them before but I’d like to share these with you as I found it a reality we’re living in the working world. Enjoy and hope you too, do pick up some wise tips from these light reading.

LESSON 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door there stands Bob, the next door neighbour.

Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you 800 to drop that towel.”

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her 800 and leaves.The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks “Who was that?”"It was Bob the next door neighbour”, she replies. “Great!” the husband says, “Did he say anything about the 800 he owes me?”

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

LESSON 2
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?”.

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.

The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?”.

The priest apologised, “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak”.

Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.”

Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

LESSON 3
A sales rep, an administration clerk and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish”.

“Me first! Me first!”, says the admin clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world”.

Puff! She’s gone.

“Me next! Me next!”, says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life”.

Puff! He’s gone.

“OK, you’re up”, the Genie says to the Manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch”.

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

LESSON 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing?”

The eagle answered, “Sure, why not.”

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

LESSON 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull.

“I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree”, sighed the turkey, “but I haven’t got the energy.’

“Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?”, replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.”

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally, after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bullsh*t might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.

LESSON 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realise how warm he was.  The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story:
1) Not everyone who sh!ts on you is your enemy
2) Not everyone who gets you out of sh!t is your friend
3) And when you’re in deep sh!t, it’s best to keep your mouth shut!

Listen now : Binocular

I’m currently very much in love with the sound of Binocular. It simply occurs to me as spectacular – hardly any songs in the album can be considered bad. Every track sounds so right at first hearing and you’ll find yourself hooked to his tune in no time. The entire album was driven by strong acoustic guitar sounds and upbeat music accompanied by uplifting lyrics, kept your feet tapping along the entire tracks. It also reminds me of the sound of Savage Garden and the like of pop/slow rock from the 80s era.

Self titled album, Binocular (Year 2001)

If you’re a fan of pop/slow rock of the 80s like myself, this album is a gem to keep for a very long time. I don’t remember how many times I’ve played the entire album. Most notable songs that caught my attentions were “You”, “Never” and “Deep”. Apart from the upbeat music, the lyrics were beautiful and inspiring, keeping him apart from the others. That’s what I loved most about Binocular.

Prior to this amazing album, Binocular released an EP titled “Binocular: One Expression EP”. I’m surprised that there is so little information about this wonderful singer on-line and the fact was, he had only one major album – self titled, “Binocular”. It was sad to know that his work hasn’t got the recognition he deserved from the industry, and we’re left with only this album to savor his captivating sound.

You’ll not be able to buy his album in your local music store as it is only available in the US and probably were piled around the corner under the “Bargain” sign. Sad, but it’s true. If you are interested to know more about his sound, feel free to listen to his album in my Box.Net website. Enjoy.

To know more about him:
- Yahoo
- Webb.com
- Amazon

Uncommon magic at 17:30 hour: Get a grasp of the sound I like and sharing with you.

I know Why I want to change, but How?

Having spent past an hour talking to two newly profound friends about my visions and the near future in the industry was indeed a little too well spent. In an ordinary day such as now open up a chance to spill on what I had in mind, without the slightest effort to cover the unknown and ugly side of How the labor behind the desk, carrying out the execution job can be daunting and unhappy shall no one has access to what’s going on in the mind of the beholder.

What caught my attention most was the questioning of How do I get to where I want? Am I capable of taking up the challenge I am presenting to myself? Despite having a thought of the same question myself before getting into this mind blowing discussion (literally), I’m uncertain of an answer.

Why? There is a lot of Why in our life. Do you know How to address them? Certainly, I will give that to you. Unfortunately if one required proof and fact of the effectiveness and truth of the How that build upon words that construct the sentences in order to present the idea in my mind of what I believed as the How, it will get the film rolling – ready to make Mission Impossible IV: Making the Impossible Possible. Why? Again – the Why are raised.

Our brain are capable to analyze questions and finding the answers to fend itself against attack of the Why. Ironically, as much years of experiences as you may have fighting them – perhaps growing organically into a fighter yourself; we sometimes loose to the Universe in our attempt to win over Why with the How that we thought is right. At times, with proper game plan, the How gets Why drooling all over exceeding the result we set, spreading joyous moment across the Universe. But how do you see it? It has got to get into action. That’s How.

Life is certainly a game plan that you will need to know at which point of time, one are required to take that step to get to where he/she wants to be. Believing in yourself is your best weapon and taking the utmost responsibilities to deliver your promises has never proved wrong, against the test of time. Get started to think where you are now. Get going to run a life checklist and knock yourself out, whether I need to make a change. Drained out your brain juices to find the How. You will be there one day. Remember, time is the essence of our life. Use it well, spent it worthy, and you’re on your way there.

Uncommon magic at 21:36 hour: My brain gets to speak in metaphor. Enlighten myself.

Muse of the day – Find the Pig in You

Something to have fun with. Get on to ICLP website and check out this cool little flash application that tells your personality based on the Pig you create. Here’s mine:

View Online Malaysia TV Program – FREE!

Yes, you heard it right. The next big wave in local television programming – Online TV Catch Up; brought to you by Media Prima Sdn Bhd that houses the familiar TV channels we used to grow up with – TV3, ntv7, 8TV and TV9; hitting your local internet entertainment shore, sooner than you know.

Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Paul Moss, Media Prima’s Network Media Portals General Manager relates that the “Catch Up TV” service will be offering episodes that goes on free for up to seven days – after which will be stored in an archive as Premium Content; within 12 hours of the programme last played on TV, catering for all stations. Options are provided for viewers to access the Premium Contents by paying a yet to confirmed Pay-Per-Download or Monthly Subscription Price.

Paul Moss

It was told that the lowest price per episode is RM1 while older episodes may goes up to RM2. On the other hand, monthly subscription fees are between RM10 for up to 100/150 downloads per month. These prices however, are not finalized and subject to changes when the service launched somewhere at the end of August.

Emulating international player in the industry such as the United States, where full streaming of popular TV Shows such as CSI, NCIS and Heroes are made available online is indeed a great move by Media Prima in an attempt to strengthen their stand in our local TV industry. Having such a strong online presence not only benefits viewers – local and abroad alike; while keeping them excited over what’s ahead but it also spills to their existing line of advertisers and business partners. Advertisers and Business Partners are given a new platform to promote their products/services by working in tandem with the network efforts in promoting each individual TV Station’s Website to their advantage.

For us mere mortals, let’s keep our heads up for more updates – sometimes sooner than we expected. Let’s embrace the new wave. Our country are moving another step forward, this time around – it’s Online TV. Malaysia Boleh-la!

Out and Personal on Social Networking Site

The sudden rise of social networking site, the like of Friendster, Facebook, MySpace, have everyone talking about privacy intrusions – whether intentional or unintentional.

Recent survey carried out by Nielsen acknowledging the social networking culture firmed position, with Friendster as the second most visited website in the country, followed closely behind Yahoo. Malaysia contribute a total of 23.6% to Friendster’s global internet traffic, making it the number one social networking website in our country. This figure proved that Malaysian are well aware of the existence of such culture, one that is culminated everywhere around the world and there is no sign of slowing down, just yet. My fear was how well do we understand and aware, the impact of what we posted in each of our profile that might affect our life – now or the coming future? Will it come back to haunt you for something you posted, says 5 years ago?

A Friendster member myself, I do keep a few things open and revealed to people who viewed my profile. The like of the usual profile information such as Attended Schools/Colleges, Favorite Books/Movies/Music, Past Time Activities, Brief Description of yourself – all in a bid to gained attention and acquiring new and hopefully, profound friendship for many years to come. I believe that many others like myself do post personal pictures – depicting our physical appearance, be it face shot, half body, full body – anything you can do with a camera, as well as those taken together with friends and family. Some may be pretty and elegant, some are intentionally goofy and explicit and some are never meant to be shown to the public asides from close friends and buddies. Where am I heading to you’re asking?

Apart from the Basic Profile information itself, things that most concerned to me was the posting of personal images in our profile. Some images may just felt appropriate at the time of posting, but it may not be so when says for example – when it’s viewed by your colleague? In worst case scenario, you may not know when someone decided to grab your photo and post it on some other site and screaming ecstatically over your “F**K ME” pose .

A very good example was the recent case of Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo whom received an email threatening her to resign her crown title, failing to do so will result in the perpetrator to make her “obscene” photos public. This came out as a result of Amy herself, who posted the images in her former Facebook Web page which has taken down offline since. With leniency such as one from Mark Soifer which responded to her images as “Kids having a good time“, I’m sure Amy will sailed through this phase of her life – a mixture of utmost glory and gore.

Amy Polumbo, looking decent and pretty

Ok, so you may say that “No, I’m no Miss New Jersey” but hey, you could be the one leading a corporate life, heading a team of people that looks up to you and takes order. Think of it that there’s one glory morning when they found out you’re one hell of nut case after viewing your photos in your Friendster/Facebook/MySpace – what’s next? This situation can simply land on anyone laps, only when you are caught unwary of what you do on these social networking site.

Social networking site are here to stay, and they are invading our everyday life and changing the way we communicate with the world. One can be wiser by just weighing the consequences of what you posted on the websites, are you ready if it turns on the wrong hand? Thinking twice before hitting that Upload button may save you a lot of trouble when the power of the universe decided to play a joke on you. Just watch out for yourself. Have fun!

Student Bashed – Limkokwing

This entry is a mean to spread the news on a recent student attack in the university designated hostel building – Desaria Condominium. Poor lad got bashed up despite attending a high profile creative university that standing as one of the most expensive place to get your creative degree.

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Open Letter To Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

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Attn: Ms.Vasanthy Govindasamy/Dr.Jayles Yeoh/ Tuan Haji Kamaruddin
International Services
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.Dear Sir/Miss,ASSAULT OF STUDENT IN THE PREMISE OF LIMKOKWING UNIVERSITY STUDENT ACCOMMODATION, DESARIA VILLA

I would like to bring your attention to the incident that took place in Desaria Villa condominiums on the 11th of July 2007. At 10.45 am, my friend Shariff Zayeem–an international student from Bangladesh–was assaulted in the Desaria Plaza area by 6-10 security guards.

The armed assault was initiated when my friend Shariff Zayeem attempted to bring a friend of his into the apartment without a visitor’s pass. The door guard confronted my friend as he walked in along with three other friends of his (two of which live in Desaria). Zayeem agreed to sign the necessary visitor documents.

While signing, Zayeem overheard the security guards speaking of him vulgarly in their own language. Aggravated, he confronted them on this. A verbal exchange took place for a short period before 5-6 guards charged at my friend with batons in their hands and continued to aggressively attack him. Two of his other friends were also attacked by a few guards.

Three people from the management who witnessed the incident from the beginning stood still as the assault took place in front of about 15 people. One of the management authorities present was the manager of Desaria Villa himself, Mr.David. The attack left my friend with terrible haemorrhage at the back of his head as a result of a baton broken on his head. His left arm was injured due to the impact of the armed beatings, and his back is badly bruised from the repetitive hits. His two friends were also bruised on several parts of their bodies.

No action was taken by the Desaria management authorities present to help my injured friend. Two friends of mine and I rushed Zayeem to the Serdang Hospital shortly after that. Ms.Vasanthy and Tuan Haji Kamaruddin were present at the hospital later to further investigate the case.

At about 4 pm, I returned to Desaria Villa to visit Shariff Zayeem. I first stopped by the Management Office with three other friends to enquire on the progress of the case where I was attended to by Mr.David. When asked, Mr.David denied his presence at the time of the incident and gave us no update on the action to be taken against the guards.

I then went to the plaza where I was informed by a friend who was present with me in management office that Mr.David had behaved towards him in a threatening manner when enquiring on who I was. I later attempted to visit Zayeem at his unit. While at the guard’s desk, I asked for a visitor’s pass to enter the building where I was denied it without reason.

Mr.David soon attended to the desk where he also told me and a friend of mine that we had been barred from entering Desaria. He gave no reason nor explanation to why this was. I consistently pursued an argument with him on why these actions were being taken against us but received no answer. Instead, Mr.David had brought over 5 men (that are not affiliated with the Desaria management) who stood behind him as he spoke to us. My friend and I, viewing it as a physical threat, decided to leave.

Before leaving, I made it clear to Mr.David that I intend on informing the media, making a police report, and taking legal actions by all procedures and acts possible if at all no actions were to be taken against the security guards and the management. I also stated that I will take all necessary actions through the University to justify my barring from the condominium–which I mentioned may result in his dismissal from the vicinity.

I truly hope the University understands that Zayeem is currently physically unfit to carry out many tasks as a result of the assault. It is primarily because of this reason that I ask of the University’s authorities to grant me admittance to the hostel so that I will be able to do things that are necessary for him as well as be there in the case of a medical emergency, if at all.

Is it really wrong of us students who are not occupants of the hostel to visit our friends there? I do not see a reason valid enough for the non-occupants of Desaria Villa to not be allowed in. Reasons such as the current situation and also times where group assignments are concerned require us to be there all night long. However, with the current unreasonable and insensible enforcements of the management, students of Limkokwing University who are not occupants of Desaria Villa are faced with problems.

The Desaria Villa management as well its security guards have proven to be incompetent in many ways in the past few days. The non-occupants as well as the occupants of Desaria Villa strongly believe that the Desaria Villa management is in dire need of an overhaul. I hope that the University takes the necessary actions to ensure that student-welfare is prioritized and no such incident will repeat again.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

kG Krishnan
Faculty of Communications, Media and Broadcasting

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My friend Shariff Zayeem was assaulted on the 11th of July at 10.45 am at the University’s hostel, Desaria Villa. The 10 security guards have since been detained by the police and the University is taking action against the management of Desaria Villa according to procedure.What exactly will be done is yet to be confirmed. I am closely working on the case. Authorities have requested that I hold back all media for now. This is as much as I can do in the mean time.Please help us by reposting this blogpost.Thank you.

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The above article were obtained from kG Krishnan Blog.