From snowman to mermaid! Lady Gaga swaps her engulfing white costume for bra and panties in NYC

Lady Gaga went from snowman to mermaid in the frozen Big Apple Sunday where she's performing a seven-night residency at the Roseland Ballroom.
The outlandish pop diva - who turned 28 on Friday - eschewed clothing in the drizzly 35-degree weather for a chrome bra, floral panties, and black platforms.

The five-time Grammy winner displayed her curvy, tattooed figure with little more than fishnets to shield her derriere from the cold.

Busting out: Lady Gaga went from snowman to mermaid in the frozen Big Apple Sunday where she's performing a seven-night residency at the Roseland Ballroom

Outside the legendary venue, Gaga greeted her Little Monsters, who came bearing belated birthday gifts and bouquets for her.
When she got home, Gaga - born Stefani Germanotta - tweeted a makeup-free selfie in a long brunette wig cuddling a stuffed pig.
'Night night my mom gave me this swine that heats up to keep my muscles warm. I love her,' she wrote to her 41.2 million followers.

Don't fall again! The outlandish pop diva - who turned 28 Friday - eschewed clothing in the drizzly 40-degree weather for a chrome bra, floral panties, and black platforms

Brrr! The five-time Grammy winner displayed her curvy, tattooed figure with little more than fishnets to shield her derriere from the cold

Anything for her fans! Outside the legendary venue, Gaga greeted her Little Monsters, who came bearing belated birthday gifts and bouquets for her

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Back it up! The 52nd Street theatre will soon close its doors after 56 years, and the G.U.Y. singer is the final performer to take the stage

Driving home: The Roseland Ballroom will eventually be transformed into a 59-storey residential tower

Earlier Sunday, the Do What U Want singer stepped out in a mask, dress, and thigh-high boots literally covered in white stringy fur.
It's a wonder how the New York native saw anything at all through the shaggy muppet-like headpiece, which engulfed her face.
Mother Monster also shared a snap of her wig technician styling her green-tinged 'sewer chic' hairpiece.

Gaga's seven-night Roseland residency ends April 7, and she'll kick off her ARTPOP Ball Tour May 4 at Florida's BB&T Center in Ft. Lauderdale.

Oink oink: When she got home, Gaga - born Stefani Germanotta - tweeted a makeup-free selfie in a long brunette wig cuddling a stuffed pig

Abominable snowman? Earlier Sunday, the Do What U Want singer stepped out in a mask, dress, and thigh-high boots literally covered in white stringy fur

Blinded by fashion: It's a wonder how the New York native saw anything at all through the shaggy muppet-like headpiece, which engulfed her face

Getting her 'hair' done: Mother Monster also shared a snap of her wig technician styling her green-tinged 'sewer chic' hairpiece

During Sunday night's concert, the Applause hitmaker even performed while precariously perched upon a ladder reaching the balcony of the theatre.
The 52nd Street theatre will soon close its doors after 56 years, and the G.U.Y. singer is the final performer to take the stage.
'It's basically the only room in the city I haven’t played,' Gaga told The New Yorker earlier this week, noting that Manhattan clubs are 'where I learned to be bold.'
The Roseland Ballroom will eventually be transformed into a 59-storey residential tower.

Hands in air: Gaga had the crowd riled up at the Roseland Ballroom

Theatrical show: Gaga performed amid a colourful set and several costume changes

Working it: Gaga had a funky purple outfit for the show

She's got a leg up! Gaga's seven-night Roseland residency ends April 7, and she'll kick off her ARTPOP Ball Tour May 4 at Florida's BB&T Center in Ft. Lauderdale

Put your paws up! During Sunday night's concert, the Applause hitmaker even performed while precariously perched upon a ladder reaching the balcony of the theatre

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What loss? Smiling Maria Sharapova shows off her slim pins in patterned shorts, days after defeat by Serena Williams

She lost to Serena Williams at the Sony Open in Miami just three days ago.
But Maria Sharapova appears to be getting over her defeat, emerging on Sunday looking in remarkably good spirits.
The 26-year-old Russian-born tennis star showed off her lean legs in a pair of printed orange and blue shorts.

ooking casual but chic, she teamed her shorts with a black blouse, navy blazer, and strappy black sandals, while her hair was worn loose over her shoulders.
Maintaining her trim figure, the pro athlete sipped on a health green juice.

In the semi-finals on Thursday, Maria lost to Serena for the 15th successive time.
'Despite my results against her, I still look forward to playing against her because you learn so much from that type of level which she produces,' Maria told ESPN following the two set game.

'You finish the match, and you know where you need to improve and the things that you need to work on.'

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What a good sport! Maria Sharapova appeared to be quite happy as she left her hotel after losing to Serena Williams at the Sony Open in Miami, Florida

Looking casual but chic, she teamed her shorts with a black blouse, navy blazer, and strappy black sandals, while her hair was worn loose over her shoulders.
Maintaining her trim figure, the pro athlete sipped on a health green juice.

In the semi-finals on Thursday, Maria lost to Serena for the 15th successive time.
'Despite my results against her, I still look forward to playing against her because you learn so much from that type of level which she produces,' Maria told ESPN following the two set game.

'You finish the match, and you know where you need to improve and the things that you need to work on.'

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Life's a beach! Lucy Mecklenburgh displays her envy-inducing hourglass curves in a skimpy white bikini as she soaks up the sun in Dubai

She's built up a successful diet and exercise brand, as well as her very own 'Booty Camp', in the wake of her departure from The Only Way Is Essex late last year.
And Lucy Mecklenburgh made sure to showcase the fruits of her labour as she kicked back on the beach in Dubai earlier this month.
Slipping into a skimpy white bikini, the 22-year-old reality star displayed her killer tan and envy-inducing hourglass curves as she soaked up the sun in the Middle Eastern holiday hotspot. 

All white on the night: Lucy Mecklenburgh made sure to showcase the fruits of her labour as she kicked back on the beach in Dubai earlier this month

Showing off her washboard abs, toned pins and peachy derriere, the bona fide gym bunny looked happy and relaxed as she enjoyed some well-deserved girls' time with a female friend.Ensuring her incredible figure was centre of attention as she kicked back on the pristine white sand, the brunette Essex girl kept the rest of her beach look simple for her day out in the sunshine. 
Trading in her usual towering wedges in favour of a pair of practical silver flip-flops, the fashion boutique owner showed off her pretty features by going make-up free, and wore her short dark locks tumbling loosely around her shoulders.

Making a splash: Slipping into a skimpy white bikini, the 22-year-old reality star displayed her killer tan and envy-inducing hourglass curves as she soaked up the sun in the Middle Eastern holiday hotspot

Envy inducing: Showing off her washboard abs, toned pins and peachy derriere, the bona fide gym bunny looked happy and relaxed as she enjoyed some well-deserved girls' time on her sunshine break

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Capital is home to 67 billionaires: London now top European destination for super-rich whose average London home will cost more than £10m

The average billionaire is worth £1.79 billion, has four luxury homes and more than £350 million cash in the bank, research revealed yesterday.
There are 2,170 billionaires around the world with a combined worth of £3.88 trillion - double the figure from five years ago.
And London is the number one chosen destination in Western Europe for the super-rich - with 67 of these people living in the capital.

Billionaire's playground: Russian billionaire and owner of Chelsea soccer club Roman Abramovich in London

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich bought three flats in Knightsbridge in 2006 for a total of £7.8 million, adding to three he already owned there worth £10 million

Paris boasts 25 billionaires while tax haven Geneva has just 18 residents with assets running into ten-figures.
Of these, 60 per cent are self-made billionaires, 20 per cent have inherited wealth with 20 per cent having part-inherited, part-made fortunes.
The likes of Roman Abramovich and Lakshmi Mittal will typically own four homes around the world.Incredibly, they will never spend less than £10 million on a house in London unless it is for a servant. And it's traditional family homes, which they choose for their number one residence.
This is according to the Ultra Prime Barometer Survey, which yesterday revealed the average billionaire has at least £50 million of homes.
The research, by Beauchamp Estates and Dataloft, looks into the property portfolios of ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI) across Western Europe.

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Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal has taken up residence in London

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This house in Kensington Palace Gardens, west London, was bought by multi-billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal in 2004. He paid a record £70 million for the 12 bedroom mansion

In London, the elite buy mansions in the 'platinum triangle' of Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia but also look for palatial residences in St Johns Wood and Regents Park.
It costs a staggering £250,000 a year to maintain each of these London properties with huge amounts spent on insurance, security and utility bills.

On top of London, billionaires also need a European beachside home in their property portfolio, with the French Riviera, Tel Aviv, Tuscany and Greek islands the most popular locations.
These people are typically worth £1.79 billion and 86 per cent of them are married. They are family people with 2.1 children.
On average, they hold 42 per cent of their wealth (£760m) in private holdings, 35 per cent (£630m) in publicly held companies, 18 per cent (£350m) in cash, three per cent (£50m) in property and two per cent (£35m) in luxury assets such as artwork, yachts and private jet travel.
Three-quarters have a home in a city which is crucial to their financial, banking and business interest.
This helps boost London’s position as the number one Western European destination of the super-rich.
And it is all about the 'S' word with the wealthy buyers wanting a select location, size, space, security and a high specification.
The average London ultra prime residence, which the billionaires battle it out to own, has six bedroom suites and four reception rooms.
Most (96 per cent) have an outside garden, 39 per cent have a private swimming pool, 43 per cent have a cinema and 43 per cent have a gated driveway.
Beauchamp Estate believe it is a 'badge of billionaire membership' to have a London mansion in the 'platinum triangle' or St Johns Wood and Regents Park.
Gary Hersham, director of Beauchamp Estates, said: 'We advise UHNWI buying homes in London and around the Mediterranean to set aside budgets of typically £50 million to acquire the right properties.
'Most UHNWI buying in Western Europe see having an ultra prime home in Prime Central London and on the French Riviera as 'must have' badges.
'Others then decide they also want a Tuscan estate or residence on the Greek islands which adds another £10 million.'

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[Episodic Thoughts] “Ruse of Engagement” Episode 1

Ruse of Engagement <叛逃>
TVB Series 2014
Cast: Ruco Chan, Ron Ng, Yoyo Mung, Aimee Chan, Louise Lee, Eddie Kwan, Lai Lok Yi, Kenny Wong, Leanne Li
Disclaimer: This is a watch as I write episodic thoughts and some information may not be accurate since this is memory based. Certain dialogue is reproduced with some creative license adopted. I apologize if there is any mistake. All opinion remains my own.
EPISODE 1
“… but if this was 1st class production, you will see Bosco and Moses somewhere, Eddie will be replaced by Michael Miu, Yoyo becomes Myolie and Aimee probably is still Aimee. That sort.”
Correct me if I am wrong; Chinese title is equivalent to “Traitor”, correct? Or “Running dog”? I however love the English title.
I was expecting explosions from scene 1 but what we got is a song less opening and then it starts; bunch of Indians from Punjab with some drug deal gone wrong except it was no drug deal, the dealer was killed with a huge dose of anthrax powder. Yeah, I thought so too; that was so 3 years ago. Anyway the actors you see in this scene is also so 3 years ago; one has actually left HK. Anyway the Indians ran after some Asian dude at some shopping complex which obviously was late at night because the shops were closed and what ensued was an intense gun fight with someone abandoning her old grandma in a wheelchair between gun fighting Indians and … guess who! GUESS!!
No NOT Ruco but Ron aka Alfred. A shootout and one funny looking Asian old man walked by with a limp, bang bang bang, Ron ran to old woman, pushed her aside and bang bang bang and Indians ran away and Ron was just there to shop.
Aimee at her home in front of computer working; yeah very diligent, saw the anthrax death news and rushed out. She reached the rooftop where the anthrax guy died and she checked and all and Ron was there (shopping complex was below) and Ron is I believe SDU. Then came I believe CID or some dept telling Aimee and Ron to get lost but Aimee said this man died of anthrax and so possible terrorism and therefore ATF should be given information. ATF = Anti Terrorism Force and yeah I know, HK got terrorism meh? Well as you can see this episode will explain why TVB should just make another series about SDU and forensics. And then Eddie appeared and he was head of ATF and officially taking over the case and I was like the rooftop had way too many cops. Ron was asked to drop by to ATF tomorrow to give statement which he did and I was like shaking my head; you know how irrelevant this series is when 20 something countries with high tech stuff can’t even find a missing plane and here we have TVB’s idealised super high tech building and equipment that even analysed criminals by the probable matching of BONE STRUCTURE And I mean entire skeleton. Place looked too blue, too modern and as usual with super high tech stuff in a series about super high tech professionals; they all were insufferable know it alls. However this was 3 years ago and so the bad habits of nicknames never ceased; this time Leanne Li’s English name is Beauty.
Anyway Ron observed something not right with that limping old guy and so it was. Apparently one Japanese dude was not happy with some Japanese diplomat about something that involved Indians Punjab and frankly I didn’t follow. I see not terrorism but assassination attempts to be made on the Japanese diplomat during the dragon boat race which by the way Ron was participating.
Meanwhile Ron walked past an alley and saw one guy beating the crap out of the idea. Suddenly it became Brother’s Keeper except Ron was a cop and not a peanut cookie seller. Ron rushed to the dude who ran away and it turns out that’s Ruco looking like a gangster bad ass which he was and he was also Ron’s big brother, a huge disappointment to Ron and to their mom (Louise Lee again) who had pined for the return of the wayward son. Ron demanded Ruco to call home since they did not hear from him for 6 months and Ruco was like screw you! and left and Ron warned that he be careful if not he will personally arrest him.
He as in Ron and Him as in Ruco, so that I be very very clear.
Ruco turned out to be one of the gangster dude for some guy whose assistant was the guy who died of anthrax. He told Ruco to find that Japanese terrorist (in TVB world) and find out what happened. Probably this dude was dealing in anthrax stuff.
Ruco followed the Japanese dude one day and into the very place (Chinese opera theatre) where mom happened to work at. The Japanese dude successfully evaded Ruco and Ruco tried avoiding mom but Japanese dude attacked him openly and as Japanese dude (Sato by the way) tried to inject Ruco with a syringe probably full of poison (or Ebola for all I know), mom saw them and saw him son and quickly cried “Son, don’t kill him! Don’t murder him!”
I was like “But mom surely you can see HE is trying to MURDER ME!!” as they struggled and mom kept crying and I was like oh dear, Brother’s Keeper all over again when Japanese dude tried to squeeze the life out of Ruco’s neck and mom removed her shoe and finally did something useful like hit the Japanese dude with her shoe and he pushed her, she sprained her ankle and Japanese dude again ran away. Ruco wanted to follow but saw his mom like that, pretended not to care when he did as mom cried to him not to leave and be a useless bum and Ruco cried to leave him be and mind her own business and she threatened “If you don’t admit you’re wrong, if you run out now, don’t call me your mother!!” and guess what he did? He ran out and also called for ambulance/police for his mom. As Louise was carried into the ambulance she looked into the crowd with hope against hope he is there and she indeed saw him for one second and she knew she can’t give up on him, just yet.
Back at the club, Ruco got beaten to a pulp as he failed his boss about following the Japanese dude. Boss reminded then to stay in the club for next few days as he got something big for then.
Ron visited his mom in hospital who refused to take pain killers because she wanted to stay awake just in case Ruco dropped by for a visit and Ron being very emotional told his mom “He will never change, he will never ever change. When I saw him, I feel so ashamed he is my brother. Mother, it is time we give up on him. He is not the same man anymore, he is never coming back!” but mom being mom simply refused to give up even if her stubbornness was not due to certainty but rather love.
ATF found the Japanese dude to some building (ooooh so high tech) and to make long story short, they evacuated the entire building and again there was the old man disguise which was escorted by Chris Lai (yeah he is in this series). The ATF nearly caused a bomb blast when they almost knocked into the Japanese’s apartment without checking. Anyway, Chris (here called Negative since his Chinese name sounds like that word) already knew something was wrong with the guy and had personally escorted him as he tapped into his radio receiver (like Morse code thing) and they all surrounded the Japanese dude who then took Chris by the neck or somewhere whilst holding a bug jar (ok not as big as a jar but small cylinder) of anthrax (so 3 years ago!!) and threatened to throw it to the floor and Chris struggled to break free and as the guy threw the bottle down (about to), Eddie shot him in the head (blood and gore in this scene-yeah!!) and oops, bottle fell and luckily someone dived and caught it in the nick of time (no butterfingers here! but the boss was crazy-he misjudged his shooting I tell you and if the guy succeeded, entire male cast all dead for the ATF segments and lucky Aimee will get to front the entire ATF herself, wit Leanne!!). Celebrations, etc but they were still checking into the whole terrorist against diplomat thing.
Now this is where I was fuzzy in memory; why would triad boss give one bag each to his member, including Ruco with specific instruction to leave it at specific area by 12 at the dragon boat race? He was gun for hire? Trying to emulate the Boston Marathon bombing? Anyway Ron was there and saw Ruco and followed him into the toilet and as he knocked open the door he saw Ruco in the act of opening the bag but Ron didn’t see that; he saw only Ruco up to no good. Struggles when they heard a big bang and the bag was opened and in it bombs. Ron looked at a shocked Ruco and I think he said you brought bombs?
Hey Ruco was as clueless as Ron!!
Ending song was sung by Ron and Ruco with a rather fiery looking MV that I believe was filmed later; because Ruco had curlier hair and somewhat slimmer and Ron was much bigger in size and looked pretty tired.
No sign of Yoyo Mung.
The first thing that struck me about this episode is how raw everyone was. Chris Lai was raw, Ron was raw, Ruco was so much younger and raw and Aimee Chan definitely was raw. And you must remember, this was filmed 3 years ago and even the sets and the technology seems dated. Anthrax? Very 3 years ago. This was TVB 3 years ago; everything in your face.
I have nothing to complain about the brother vs brother thing except since this series was filmed, there was another series about the same thing with almost same cast. It is not refreshing. For whatever reason this series was warehoused (maybe subject matter is sensitive?), releasing it now is a few years too late for freshness. Whilst I enjoyed the first few minutes of fresh camera angles which you must watch in HD, after a while all those pause moments got to my nerves.
Performance wise, Eddie looked old and too tense. Louise could sleepwalk in this role but well, she has great chemistry with her “sons” and very heart breaking to see a mom so trying to convince herself her son will come home.
Ruco was ok. He was eager as you can see whilst in Brother’s Keeper, he became more laid back in his acting performance; good for being relaxed, bad because if this become a habit, he will become those zombified actors who did just enough to scrap through. I’d rather an eager Ruco. He looked handsome in here and so much younger but I prefer him with glasses. Without glasses, he not only looked rough (on point here!) but “yam yam sap sap”. I prefer the accountant serial killer look. I am sure once he is in ATF he will be in suits or in those very cool looking ATF costumes.
Ron is Ron. Acting is worse than in Triumph In The Skies II but in retrospect, not as bad as I would think of him.
Aimee Chan is the worst in terms of acting. I like the girl, I do but in here she was like reciting her lines. She clearly improved a lot in Outbound Love but the problem is inOutbound Love she was a miscast, in here the role suits her looks but her acting was like acting. If Yoyo Mung could trump her in here, I will say it doesn’t say much for Yoyo herself since her acting is also so-so. One wonders why Ruco is perpetually stuck with less than stellar younger actresses.
There were a lot more actors that I care to talk about like Kenny Wong (where is he now?), Leanne (weird performance, weird character), Chris Lai (wooden to say the least) and so many more. This is a big production filled with I will say 2nd class actors. Eddie is not 2nd class per se but if this was 1st class production, you will see Bosco and Moses somewhere, Eddie will be replaced by Michael Miu, Yoyo becomes Myolie and Aimee probably is still Aimee. That sort.
Not a bad first episode with a cliff hanger but in the end it feels a bit dated and so in your face that one would expect from a series by TVB which involves specialised field.

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Tavia Yeung Gets Plastic Surgery to Look Younger for Him Law?

Lacking confidence in her looks, Tavia Yeung (楊怡) has allegedly attempted various cosmetic enhancements to better match boyfriend Him Law’s (羅仲謙) youthful face.
Despite her repeated attempts to deny the gossips, Tavia is frequently accused of plastic surgery due to the changing shape of her nose. Apparently not yet satisfied, she allegedly sought additional treatments on her lips, chin, and skin in order to appear younger and more beautiful.
With a five-year age gap between herself and her boyfriend, local media speculates that Tavia may be threatened by her aging looks, made worse when standing next to Him’s eternal baby face. Because Him had earlier expressed that he is approaching the right age for marriage, some believe that Tavia is working hard to enhance her looks in order to remain attractive to Him.
Others also believe that she is making the cosmetic effort in order to take her career to a new level. Despite her TV Queen title, Tavia has yet to see opportunities beyond the Hong Kong TV market. With her TVB contract expiring this month, she is allegedly trying to upgrade her image in order to attract more bids and to negotiate better terms.
Although both speculations are probable, Tavia may simply be hiding a low self-esteem. Currently filming Qing dynasty drama The Paintings of Bureaucracy <官場浮世繪>, the 34-year-old often comes to work in full make-up to avoid running into reporters with a bare face. A source said, “She cares more and more about her looks. Nowadays she must beautify herself first before meeting anyone. She becomes agitated when cameras are close-by, worried that reporters will capture her profile.”
Despite her cautious nature, Tavia was spotted with only light make-up as she headed to the studio set on March 12. Hesitant to show her face to the camera, Tavia initially tried to avoid reporters but later posed while facing them directly, seemingly trying to prevent any profile shots. She spoke little about her contract renewal, saying only that she still has at least one more series to film with TVB. As for potential marriage plans, Tavia laughed it off as always, leaving the public to wonder whether she and Him will ever tie the knot.
Him Responses on Tavia’s Plastic Surgery Rumors
Although cornered by the press to comment on reports that Tavia has upgraded her looks through plastic surgery, Him took the opportunity to compliment that Tavia is a beautiful woman instead and shot down the news as pure gossip. Him also attributed Tavia’s outstanding looks onscreen to TVB’s expert lighting crew. Asked if he can accept his girlfriend undergoing plastic surgery, Him replied, “I don’t care about my girlfriend’s outer appearance; I only value her thoughts. It’s impossible that I don’t change in appearance when I turn 50 years old, otherwise it would be even scarier.”

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Celebrities Pray for Safety of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370

The disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 early on March 8 remains a mystery. On its way to Beijing from Kuala Lumpar, the airplane suddenly vanished from radar screens somewhere over the seas in between Malaysia and Vietnam. Several Asian artists from Malaysia, China, and Taiwan continue to pray for the flight’s safety, hoping there would be a miracle.
Malaysian artists including Michelle Yeoh (楊紫瓊), Vivien Yeo (楊秀惠), Angelica Lee (李心潔), Fish Leung (梁靜茹), Victor Wong (品冠) and Shila Amzah (茜拉) were hit with grief after learning of the missing aircraft. Currently working abroad, Michelle expressed her condolences to the flight’s passengers and crew members. Vivien admitted feeling extremely sorrowful about the incident. With her career based in Hong Kong, she had visited her home country during Lunar New Year to wish family and friends safety. Angelica hopes for a miracle, while Fish and Victor spread words of prayer on their Weibo accounts. Shila felt extremely uncomfortable about the incident and shared how she constantly took flight MH370 in the past.
Other Chinese artists also expressed their concerns for those affected and told everyone to not give up their hopes. Huang Xiaoming (黃曉明) wrote on his Weibo blog, “This news has caused much worry, and I really hope everyone is safe and sound. I hope everyone can take good care of their emotions and never give up on hope! Praying for everyone’s peace!”
Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) uploaded a photograph of two lit candles and commented, “A day of sorrow!” Hong Kong actress, Ada Choi (蔡 少芬), also posted on her Weibo blog, “Why hasn’t the missing airplane been found…Lord have mercy, wishing there is a miracle and also have peace and strength for the families [waiting] on the ground. So sad, so heartbroken, so much sorrow.”
Taiwanese artists including Rainie Yang (楊丞琳), Leehom Wang (王力宏), Yoga Lin (林宥嘉), Valen Hsu (許茹蕓), and Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛) left similar messages of prayer on their blogs. Rainie wrote, “My god…praying that there is peace.” Likewise, Yoga expressed, “Hoping the missing airplane can make it home safely. Give their family members some space. We don’t need to be onlookers toward their grief.”
Leehom, who just flew to Kuala Lumpar from Beijing last week, felt extremely sympathetic. He admitted, “I find it so hard to believe the news I’m hearing. I constantly take that flight, and just did so last week. Praying for all the passengers and crew members!” Barbie wrote, “Please do not make up rumors. Everyone is worried, and please consider the feelings of their family members. Wishing for the passengers’ safety.” Valen also expressed, “Praying for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight’s family members and friends. Hope a miracle can happen! Showing support together!”

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Berlin Film Festival Winner “Black Coal, Thin Ice” to Set off Fireworks on March 21

Detective romance film, Black Coal, Thin Ice <白日焰火>, which won the highest award at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, recently released its latest trailer. The movie, which stars mainland Chinese actor Liao Fan (廖凡) and Taiwanese actress Gwei Lun Mei (桂綸鎂), is slated to open in theaters on March 21.
Black Coal, Thin Ice is the story of laundromat worker Wu Zhizhen (Gwei Lun Mei), whose husband (Wang Xuebing 王學兵) was killed and dismembered five years ago. Now a series of similarly grisly murder cases have cropped up, and the dismembered victims all have one thing in common: each one is an ex-boyfriend of Zhizhen.
In order to uncover the truth, police officer Zhang Zili (Liao Fan) volunteers to get close to Zhizhen, even though he had previously been injured when dealing with her husband’s case five years prior. But as he grows close to her, they fall in love and must wrestle with the truth of the crime together.
Despite being director Diao Yinan’s (刁亦男) third feature film and his first directing endeavor in seven years, Black Coal, Thin Ice won critical acclaim at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival, where it snagged the prestigious Golden Bear Award, given to the best film of the year. The last time a mainland Chinese film won the Golden Bear was in 2007, with the film Tuya’s Marriage <圖雅的婚事>.
Liao Fan also picked up the Silver Bear for Best Actor, making him the first mainland Chinese actor to win the award. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his costar Gwei Lun Mei for “igniting that group of fireworks and giving warmth to that winter.”
The film’s Chinese title, which translates to “Daytime Fireworks,” is a testament to the greatest miracles in life, according to the director. To him, one must be extremely determined to set off fireworks during the daytime. As a result, these fireworks may be more beautiful than those seen at night, and thus be more filled with hope, warmth, and recovery.

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Raymond Lam’s Ex-Lover, Mavis Pan, Spotted with New Rich Boyfriend

Mavis Pan (潘霜霜), the former girlfriend of Raymond Lam (林峯), was recently sighted shopping with new boyfriend, Michael Xue (薛焜), the heir of the Shenzhen jewelry business, Bo Fook.
On March 6, 26-year-old Mavis and 27-year-old Michael were seen shopping at Elements, a large mall located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. The two first stopped by the trendy fashion store Y3, where Mavis spent approximately 15 minutes searching for a set of hats and dresses. While Michael paid, Mavis went to Givenchy – a store across the hall – and picked out a set of clothes for Michael to try out.
Mavis and Michael were seen hugging intimately and linking arms throughout their shopping date, but the two kept a noticeable distance from each other in crowded places. Mavis appeared shocked when she spotted reporters. Speeding up her walking, Mavis dismissed the reporters’ questions and said, “Ah, don’t take photos!”
Asked if Mavis has heard of the marriage rumors between Raymond Lam and Karena Ng (吳 千語), Mavis quickly said, “It has nothing to do with me!” Asked if Michael is Mavis’ current boyfriend, Mavis said, “We are friends!”
Michael, the heir and general manager of Shenzhen’s Bo Fook jewelry company, studied in the United States before returning to his family business in 2009. Established in 1989, Bo Fook is the supplier for over a thousand jewelry stores. Bo Fook has also opened over 300 “Baohengda” jewelry stores and counters. The company has also recently opened a hotel.
In addition, Michael is also a racing driver, and won first place at last year’s Pan Delta Super Racing Festival, representing Shenzhen.

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Louis Koo Makes AV Star Appearance in “Naked Ambition 2”

Louis Koo (古天樂) will be making a guest appearance in the new Hong Kong category III 3D film, Naked Ambition 2 < 3D 豪情>, a sex parody film that stars Chapman To (杜汶澤), Josie Ho (何超儀), and Japanese AV actor Taka Katō. He will be having numerous bed scenes with popular AV actress Kana Yume.
Louis, one of the producers of Naked Ambition 2, starred in the original Naked Ambition film in 2003, which was Louis’ first film as producer. He originally did not plan on investing in Naked Ambition 2, but after director Chan Hing Ka (陳慶嘉) showed him the script of the film, Louis decided that the movie was worth an investment.
Portraying the prostitute “Kong Moon Louis Koo” in his recent cameo appearance of Sandra Ng’s (吳君如) sex comedy Golden Chicken sss <金雞SSS>, Louis decided to continue his running porn star gag with his guest appearance in Naked Ambition 2. Louis traveled to Japan last November to film his short sequence with well-known AV idol actress Kana Yume and other popular Japanese AV actresses.
Louis praised the actresses’ professionalism and said, “They are really open. They’re very into it and they are giving it their all. It’s like they think they’re filming an AV. After filming one take, I had to get our translator to tell [Kana Yume] to be not so extreme!”
Chapman To Was Aroused by Sex Scenes
On the other hand, lead star Chapman To said he admires the crew members’ strong willpower while working on such a risqué and sexually suggestive film. There was one particular scene in which a male crew member had to stand in front of a half-naked Anri Okita for a few hours and had to support her from falling down her chair. “The crew had it the hardest!” said Chapman.
Asked if anything had “turned stiff” while working with the AV actresses, Chapman said, “Of course. It is a biological reaction and something that we have no control over. In fact, [the AV actresses] would be worried if I didn’t have a reaction. They would think that they’ve done something incorrect or wrong.”

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Actor Pine admits New Zealand drink driving charge

Star Trek actor Chris Pine pleaded guilty Monday to drink driving in New Zealand and had his licence suspended for six months, reports said.

US actor Chris Pine attends the European premier 
of "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" in central London 
on January 20, 2014

Pine, 33, was charged after he failed a breath test this month in the South Island town of Methven, where he had been attending a party after completing the science fiction film Z for Zachariah, New Zealand Newswire reported.
Judge Joanna Maze denied an application from the American's lawyers to discharge him without conviction, saying she was "obliged to treat offenders alike".
She suspended Pine's New Zealand driver's licence for six months and fined him NZ$93 ($80), Fairfax New Zealand reported.
Pine, who is best known for playing Captain Kirk in director J.J. Abrams's Star Trek reboot, declined to speak to media outside the Ashburton courthouse before being driven away.

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New names galore on Star Awards 20 Top 10 Most Popular Male/ Female Artistes award nominees list

his year's Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Male/ Female Artistes award nominees list contained a large number of new names, including one rather surprising one.

The ultimate 'Black Horse'?: Radio deejay Justin Ang said he will give his acceptance speech in Mandarin if he does win by some "incredible miracle" at the Star Awards 20.gapore actor Desmond Tan, who received his first Top 10 Most Popular Male/ Female Artistes award nomination says he is especially happy his friend, actress Koh Ya Hui, has been nominated too...

  re actress Koh Ya Hui is among a large number of talents who have been nominated for the first time for the Top 10 Most Popular Male/ Female Artistes award at Star Awards 20.

Star Awards 20 Top 10 Most Popular Male/Female Artistes award first-time nominees (from left) Chris Tong, Ian Fang, Edwin Goh, Xu Bin and Zhang Zhen Hua 

 

SINGAPORE: The nominees list for the Top 10 Most Popular Male/Female Artistes awards at this year's Star Awards, which was released at a special event on Friday, contained a rather interesting name.

It belongs to radio deejay Justin Ang, who is best known for hosting an English-language radio programme on 987FM.
Ang, one half of radio duo The Muttons, apparently managed to qualify for a shot at the award as he hosted the red carpet segment of the countdown show, which was simulcast on both Channel 5 and 8.
The Star Awards regulations state that anyone who has appeared in a local television programme on a Mandarin channel in the past year, and is currently a MediaCorp artiste, can qualify for a nomination.
Ang satisfied both criteria and was nominated for the award based on the results of a public survey conducted by a market research company.
Although Ang said he is aware that he got nominated on "a technicality", the radio host quipped that he is still hoping to win it and dedicate it to his wife, who "has always supported me and fell off the bed laughing" when he told her about his first Star Awards nomination.
His radio partner, deejay Vernon A, has since pledged to help him win it.
"He (Vernon A) is actually very supportive. In fact, he has vowed on our radio show to do everything in his power to help me win!
"He is going to kidnap (fellow nominees) Gurmit Singh, he is going to burn down Qi Yuwu's house, he is going to puncture Lee Teng's tyres and use his car to run over Elvin Ng!" joked Ang, before bursting into laughter.
" I don't condone it but I'm not going to do anything about it."
Not the usual suspects
Along with Ang, stars like Xu Bin, Ian Fang, Edwin Goh, Chris Tong and Zhang Zhen Huan have also been nominated for the Top 10 Most Popular Male/ Female Artistes awards for the first time as well.
As were Singapore actor Desmond Tan and actress Koh Ya Hui, who both entered showbiz after participating in the Star Search 2007 talent competition.
"I am happy ... but I'm also very calm," said Tan of his first-time nomination.
"Last year I was not nominated, even when a lot of people told me I was going to be nominated for sure. So I learned not to have too high hopes."
However, he revealed that he was especially excited that Koh had been nominated for the first time too, as they have grown to become great friends over the years.
Koh said the nomination took her completely by surprise.
"I couldn't believe it. I had to read the message (informing her that she had been nominated) a few times to get the message into my head.
"I have never received a message like that before!" gushed the actress, before adding that she is already very happy to get a nomination, though she would still love to take home a trophy.
"This is my first time getting nominated, so I hope I have 'beginner's luck'!"
The Star Awards turns 20
This year's Star Awards is a very special one, because it is the 20th installment of the glitzy awards show since its inception in 1994.
The Star Awards 20 - Show 1, which recognises the best behind-the-scenes production talents in the local Mandarin television industry, will be broadcast live on April 20, from 7pm on Channel 8.
Star Awards 20 - Show 2, which honours the best performing talents in the past year, will be held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 27, and will be aired live from 5.30pm on Channel 8.
A complete list of the Top 10 Most Popular Male/Female Artistes award nominees can be found here.

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More regulation for Korean entertainment industry to protect aspiring stars

Korean authorities passed new legislation on Tuesday to better regulate the entertainment industry and protect aspiring stars.

Korean youths who aspire to become K-pop stars like girl group A Pink (pictured) may find their journey a little safer, with the recent introduction of new legislation to regulate the Korean entertainment industry.

SEOUL: The Korean government has passed new legislation on Tuesday to better regulate the entertainment industry and protect aspiring stars, reported Korean media.
Under the new law, anyone who wishes to set up a talent agency must now have a minimum of four years of experience in the entertainment industry.
Those who have a criminal record will be investigated before being allowed to do so.
New talent agencies will also require approval from Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism before they can recruit trainees.
In addition, there are new, stricter rules governing the treatment of trainees who are still minors.
These rules will prevent talent agencies from overworking younger trainees by disallowing training from 10pm to 6am daily, and capping the maximum number of hours of training they can undergo at 46 per week.
A Ministry spokesperson said these new rules will result in “a healthier entertainment industry” and help the overall pop culture develop “by restricting the number of agencies” in the industry.
Many Korean youth aspire to become entertainers because they perceive it to be a well-paying, glamorous job.
But achieving stardom is no easy task.
Trainees have to endure years of tough training, and may not even get the chance to make their showbiz debut.
Some may even fall prey to unscrupulous industry players.
In 2012, one talent agency CEO was arrested for sexually assaulting a number of his young female trainees.

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