Meet the Star of “Starry Constellation Magazine”, Lisa Steinberg – Part 1

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Btscelebs

Have you ever wanted to meet the celebrity behind the celebrity?

Lisa Steinberg is one of those ladies. She has been bringing the stars to you since 2003. From reviews to interviews, Lisa knows Hollywood!

Check out part one of our interview with one of the most famous names in the business… behind the scenes (BTS):

BTSCelebs: Who was the very first celebrity you ever interviewed? How did it go?
Lisa Steinberg: My very first interview was with former “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” Iyari Limon and it was done by email.  I had no idea what I was doing and sent in like fifty questions for her to respond to. Now a days of course I know to make things A LOT shorter and a lot more practical to answer.  But eventually I actually met Iyari and apologized and she completely understood – we totally had a good laugh about it!  Trial and error is a big part of the business.
How many celebrities have you interviewed since you started your Starry Constellation Magazine?
Unfortunately, I don’t keep count, so I can’t tell you. But we’ve been around since 2003 and we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in January so you can imagine the number is pretty high up there!
Have you ever interviewed politicians or royalty? Do you have plans to in the future? 
We have not interviewed any politicians or any royalty, unless you count television royalty and we all know Betty White is on that list and the answer would be yes! If we ever had the opportunity to interview politicians or royalty we definitely wouldn’t shy away from it.
What made you realize your career with Starry Mag was the right career decision for you?
 I always had a passion for journalism and celebrities.  I was fascinated by television, actors, actresses, and movies – they were my escape.  So when I started looking at online magazines I didn’t see many that conducted celebrity interviews.  With my curiosity and passion, I decided, why can’t it be me?  Why can’t I start the trend and interview the celebrities that I look up to?  So, I decided to found my own magazine and try my hand at interviewing celebrities.  I figured I would ask to interview the celebrities thatI admired and if I got a no, that’d be fine, but I’d keep going until I got my yes.  Amazingly enough, my first shot at an interview, they said yes!
Please describe what the procedures are to securing an interview with in-demand celebrities and walk us thru the actual interview process.
Many interviews are done by conference calls and television show networks will get in touch with us and let us know that on a certain day and time they will have a conference call with one of their show celebrities and they ask if we would like to participate.  When it comes to one on one interviews, we will get in touch with the celebrities’ publicist by sending a request for an interview with their client.  We give them a little bit of background information on the magazine and give them some examples of some of the high profile celebrities that we’ve been lucky enough to have the pleasure and opportunity to interview.  After that we just let them know that we would love to interview their client, and not only would it mean a lot to us, but it would mean a lot as well to our readers. 
Next Week: We will learn about Lisa’s experience at the Huffington Post, her dream interview guest, award shows/athletes and her ultimate celebrity crush.
A Special Thanks to Lisa Steinberg for the interview and BTSCelebs Team Member Anna for contributing questions.
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Hollywood Reporter Lisa Steinberg, CEO of Starry Constellation Mag, Talks to BTSCelebs

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Btscelebs

Meet Starry Mag’s Editor in Chief and Huffington Post journalist Lisa Steinberg!

The lady behind some of the hottest celebrity interviews and media reviews will be interviewed by BTSCelebs!

Learn more about Lisa thru her own words. Check out her introduction below:

“Starry Constellation began in January of 2003 when Editor In Chief, Lisa Steinberg, came up with the idea for an online magazine about her passion; movies. She had already been contributing movie reviews to another online magazine run by a friend. Lisa decided to venture out on her own and begin her own online magazine.

Originally, the magazine included funny TV show quotes, movie reviews, television show reviews and a few sparse columns. Now, the magazine includes celebrity & musical artist interviews, movie & DVD reviews, television show episode guides, television show reviews, CD reviews and much more. The magazine has now expanded from an e-zine, done strictly through email, to this amazing website that you see at starrymag.com!

More recently Lisa has been writing the Hufffington Post and relishes the honor.”

The complete interview with Lisa Steinberg is coming soon!

*BTSCelebs sends Special Thanks to Lisa Steinberg*

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Rex Flodstrom Fights for Surfing Freedom in Chicago

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Btscelebs
ChicagoBTSCelebs
All waves should be accessible to all people.
On a brisk winter day in Chicago, a tall athletic man leaves a court building and breathes a sigh of relief. He has just been through what he considers a ridiculous ordeal. twenty hours of community service await him for a crime he felt he never committed. Who is this man and just what did he do?
Rex Flodstrom is his name and the crime is surfing. On January 17, 2012, the Chicagoland native was arrested in Lake Street Beach for illegally surfing in a beach that banned the sport for the winter season. His arrest left misdemeanor charges and citations over his head for almost a month. What does a person with no previous criminal record do when they feel they are wrongly accused?  They fight in court.
News about his arrest for surfing was spread throughout local and national media outlets like Chicago Tribune, ABC News and ESPN. Professional surfer Kelly Slater voiced his dismay about the incident on twitter, while fellow Pro Surfer and Enviromentalist James Pribram joined Flodstrom at the court building in support of the athlete.
With the help of powerful defense attorney Ed Genson and Flodstrom’s surfing family, he was sentenced to twenty hours of community service and the promise that all criminal charges will be erased after the service is completed by March 19, 2012.
Does the story end there? Not hardly. The now famous surfer and the Surfrider Foundation are planning to fight for the freedom for all surfers in Chicago to surf where they please. They believe surfing is not a crime.
In a recent interview with entertainment focused blog BTSCelebs, Flodstrom recalled the reasons the sport is so strictly regulated in the city.
“A long time ago there was a tragedy where some kids drowned on a raft, so Chicago banned flotation devices.  Surfboards where classified as flotation devices.  In 2009, Chicago legalized surfing at certain beaches due to pressure from Surf-rider and surfers.  Surfing is misunderstood here….  Surfing is a multiple billion dollar global industry.  Surf companies have the technology to build suits and gear in an environmentally responsible way that can keep a surfer warm in cold water.  People drown in the great lakes; I have no desire to be one of those people.  In 2011, 87 people drowned.  There is documented proof that surfers save lives in the great lakes and around the world.”

He concluded his response with the following statement:  ” I agree with Surfrider Foundation’s belief that all beaches and all waves should be accessible to all people.  We believe that surfing is not a crime. “

What attracts Flodstrom and many others to this sport? “Surfing is spiritual.  Surfing puts you in the moment.  Surfing is about being in the right place at the right time.”
Note: This is an article I wrote for The Seoul Times. 
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[Real Talent- Focus] Liyana Wishes Brian Joo a Happy Vday

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Btscelebs

Real Talent is in the virtual building!

Aspiring Malaysian singer Liyana was our special guest in April of 2011. She sang her heart out to a “Dream High” song. 

Since then, she has continued pursuing her dream, but hasn’t forgotten to wish one of her favorite singers a Happy Valentine’s Day. (I know I’m posting the video up late, but it’s better late than never).

Brian, you have one great fan. Happy Belated V-day, everyone!

Become a fan of Liyana by following her on Twitter and let her know BTSCelebs sent you!

@Liyana9T2

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BTSCelebs Interview with Mnet CEO Adam Ware – The Conclusion

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Btscelebs

BTSCelebs Interview with Mnet CEO Adam Ware - The Conclusion

K-pop will remain Hot!

Have you enjoyed our interview with the main man of Mnet America? Well, the fun isn’t over just yet. The conclusion to our three part interview series is here.

Find out how Mr. Ware got into K-pop and what specific moments working in the television industry he will never forget.

BTSCelebs: How did you get into K-Pop?

Adam Ware: Have always been interested into new music going back to my days as a DJ. Really like the energy and fun beat of some of the early K Pop acts. Very fresh sound.

Who was your very first band?

Wonder Girls. 

BTSCelebs Interview with Mnet CEO Adam Ware - The Conclusion

Please describe your very first K-Pop concert.

Went to a taping of M Countdown in Seoul. It was amazing…great energy and the in studio audience loved it. The whole atmosphere was fun…reminded me of when I went to one of my very first tapings as a kid of American Band Stand…way back in the day.

What was your most shocking news story? Most heartwarming story?

Yikes. That’s a tough one. I was the Chief Operating Officer at UPN and I remember the morning of 9/11. UPN didn’t have news, but we worked with our sister network CBS to bring a news feed to our affiliates across the country. It helped all of us feel like we were doing something. 

My most heartwarming story…hmmm…I love hearing about how appreciative people are when we can give them tickets to events and things. Far too often I think Hollywood people take tickets for granted. It really is nice to know that people appreciate it.

Last but not least, will your network include other ethnic programming in your line-up in the near future? 

Absolutely!!! We are committed to bringing programming to Mnet that reflects the diverse world of Asian pop culture. From K Pop to anime to indy short films and beyond. Stay tuned as we have some really cool shows in development. 

We send a Special Thanks to Hannah at Mnet and BTSCelebs Team members Anna and Kevin.

All rights to the images belong to CJ E&M, Mnet, JYP Entertainment/Jonas Group and The Wonder Girls. 

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SM Entertainment: Chicago Auditions

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Btscelebs

BTSCelebsSMChicagoAuditions2

The wait is over!

On February 20th, 2012, South Korean powerhouse SM Entertainment held auditons in the north Chicago suburb of Wheeling. They were trying to find the next singers, actors, models and composers from the MidWest!

People from all over the area traveled to the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago for their shot at fame.

I attended the auditions at 12:30 PM.  Family accompanied me to the location where I tried out for the composer/lyricist category. Finding Wheeling was not a problem we drove their in record time… find the actual center was a challenge. After getting lost (because online driving directions gave us the wrong street), we found the KCCoC thanks to asking local business owners where Capitol Drive was actually located.

We arrived at the location at exactlly 11 AM (one hour before my scheduled time). Organizers at the KCCoC told us that the actual event would not begin until 12:30 PM. They offered us the opportunity to sign in and tour their art museum and enjoy their library. I highly recommend visiting their art museum. They have paintings and pieces of South Korean history adorning the gallery. If you love historical dramas, you will love this museum!

The quaint library was located in the back of building with English and Hangul books/magazines. I glanced at a tourist booklet.

After waiting for about an hour, we headed outside and waited another 30 minutes outside the building the event would be held in.

BTSCelebsSMChicagoAuditions

SM staff greeted us and handed each auditioner a form to fill out. We were asked to fill it out and hand them back in to receive our audition number.  The SM staff was respectful and kind and did the best they could to control the crowd, however, a few moments of confusion ensued when it came to handing the forms in and finding a way into the audtion room.

They told us people scheduled to audition at 12:30PM will be first in line and everyone else should stay seated in the waiting room.

Did I make it in the audition room? No. Why? Because I was auditioning to be a composer/lyricist. I asked the orator who I should hand my demo CD too. She instructed me to give it to the SM reps at the registration table and I was free to leave.

I gave it to them and left the venue. My experience is short, but sweet! Whether I make it or not, I no it is against the rules to disclose that info…. all I can say is that my song (which I will refer to as “AB” is a really good song). I spent a few months putting it together and I’m happy I tried out.

Posted in Music | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Update on “Surfer-Man” Rex Flodstrom

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Btscelebs

The waves may soon be accessible to all people.

Rex Flodstrom headed to court on February 16th, 2012 with powerful defense attorney Ed Genson, Pro Surfer and Enviromentalist James Pribram, his dedicated surf family and members of the local and national press.

What was the verdict? The charges against him will be dropped after he completes his 20 hours of community service before March 19th, 2012.

In light of recent events, Rex and the Surfrider Foundation will continue to support the “all beaches and all waves should be accessible to all people” belief by asking the city of Chicago to lift strict regulations against surfing at the beaches.

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Tim Tebow and Jordin Sparks Pose for Twitter Pic

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Btscelebs

TimTebow&JordinSparks

Tim Tebow: “Absolute pleasure meeting @JordinSparks! Awesome girl!”

On February 3rd, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks (22) and NFL star Tim Tebow (24)  posed for a picture and uploaded it on Twitter. Tim expressed his joy in meeting Jordin for the first time and I thought they looked so cute together that I had to place a spotlight on them for just a moment.

To answer your question… There has been no confirmation of them dating!  I’m a fan of Jordin’s music and I saw the photo  above and thought they look good together. I mean a tall girl (Jordin’s 6 feet) has found a guy who is a perfect height for her to take a picture with! It’s nice.

Image Source: All rights to the image belong  to Tim Tebow 

Posted in Football, Music | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Adam Ware, MNET America’s CEO, Indepth Interview – Part 2

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Btscelebs

Part 2 of BTSCelebs interview with CEO Adam Ware is here! Check out the four “loaded” questions below:

If you had the chance to virtually date/marry any Korean celebrity, who would it be and why?

This is a loaded question and I respectfully take the “fifth amendment”.

Are international (or American)music fans different from Korean?

In some ways they are and some ways they are not. I think the biggest is that American fans don’t necessarily speak Korean, but love K Pop anyways. They love the whole vibe of the stars and the participatory manner that fans can connect. Like doing dance moves and so on. Also, in America the boy and girl bands don’t really exist any longer. 

 What is their most requested artist/TV program?

2NE1. Hands down. Also, viewers want to see M Countdown live. And we are working on trying to figure out a way to broadcast it in the US on TV on the same day it airs in Korea.

 What is the achievement you are most proud of in the last year? 

We’ve expanded the network to all the top 10 cities in the US including San Francisco,Chicago and Boston. Also, it is really amazing to see that Mnet is now starting to gain traction as an American channel and not as imported foreign channel. 

Next Week – Find out how Mr. Ware got into K-pop and what specific moments working in the television industry he will never forget. 

We send a  Special Thanks to Hannah at Mnet and BTSCelebs Team members Anna and Kevin.

All rights to the image belong to CJ E&M and Mnet. 

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Surfer-Man, Rex Flodstrom, Talks to BTSCelebs

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Btscelebs
Surfing has hit Chicago!
In January of 2012, Rex Flodstrom was featured on the Chicago evening news for being arrested……for simply surfing. The Chi-town resident decided to hit the waves of Lake Michigan one brisk January day. Surfing is legal in Chicago on certain beaches, however, the beach Mr. Flodstrom surfed on that day was not on the list. The sports advocate spoke to the local news to express the outrage of the strict regulation of surfing in the Midwestern city. BTSCelebs had a chance to interview him about his life on water and dry land.
Below is his introduction:
“My name is Rex Flodstrom.  I’m a surfer, skateboarder, snowboarder, biker, and artist.  I’m a fan of creative expression.  I express myself creatively.”
Without further ado, the interview begins:
BTSCelebs: How did you begin surfing? Was this sport always your passion?
Rex Flodstrom: I started skateboarding when I was a kid.  I knew I wanted to surf someday.  When I was a teenager I would visit my Dad in Los Angeles.  My first board was $10 at a garage sale.  It was an old beater water log, but I was stoked.  After many failed attempts, I finally caught a wave.  I was hooked for life.  Surfing has been a passion ever since.The waves here are nothing like the ones of Florida or California.
What brings you to Chicago?
I’m from Chicago.  I’ve always had roots here.  I lived in California.  I love California.  I was struggling to get by out there.  The flow of the universe brought me back to Chicago.
Why do you think surfing is so strictly regulated in Chicago, despite it not being a major surfing destination?
A long time ago there was a tragedy where some kids drowned on a raft, so Chicago banned flotation devices.  Surfboards where classified as flotation devices.  In 2009 Chicago legalized surfing at certain beaches due to pressure from Surf-rider and surfers.  Surfing is misunderstood here.  It’s unfortunate that people think surfing is crazy.  Surfing is a multiple billion dollar global industry.  Surf companies have the technology to build suits and gear in an environmentally responsible way that can keep a surfer warm in cold water.  People drown in the great lakes; I have no desire to be one of those people.  In 2011 87 people drowned.  There is documented proof that surfers save lives in the great lakes and around the world.  My friend, The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project travels around the lakes teaching surfers lifesaving techniques and educates people how to survive rip currents.  I agree with Surfrider Foundation’s belief that all beaches and all waves should be accessible to all people.  We believe that surfing is not a crime.
In light of your recent legal issue for surfing in Oak Street Beach in January, Will you be making any appearances on any Chicago-produced talk shows, like Windy City Live or the Rosie Show to support surfers rights in Chi-town?  No Chicago-produced talk shows have contacted me.  Does your family feel as strong as you do about the importance of surfers rights in Chicago?  Yes, my surf family is with me. Movies like Gidget and Johnny Tsunami have depicted surfing to the young mainstream audience, do you feel they accurately portray surfers?  I don’t remember seeing these movies, but no i do not feel surfers have been portrayed accurately yet.
Please describe the nature of your sport:
Surfing is spiritual.  Surfing puts you in the moment.  Surfing is about being in the right place at the right time.
Speaking of the movie “Gidget”, Do you consider yourself a modern day Kahuna?
no
Have you ever been injured surfing?
Thankful all my surfing injuries have been relatively minor.  I’ve had reef cuts, fin gashes, jelly fish stings, severe sun burn, scary leg cramps, and bumps and bruises from impacting my board.
Are there any competitions in Chicago that you participate in?
there are no surf competitions.  i’ll participate when my friends in the skateboard industry have informal competitions.
Do you plan to take your passion for surfing to the professional level?
I want to surf.  I’m still getting better.  Without sponsors it’s difficult to afford entry fees and travel expenses for competitions.
BTSCelebs would like to thank Mr. Flodstrom for the informative and interesting interview. We wish him all the best in his fight for surfers rights in Chicago.
Image credit: Mike Killion and Rex Flodstrom
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