Ariel Lin to stop acting in dramas





Many speculated that Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin's health was deteriorating when she suddenly announced that she would stop acting in dramas.

Yesterday, Ariel, who suffered from a pituitary sella cyst two years ago, said that she would be reducing her future workload and had no plans of releasing another record.

While some speculate that the actress may be sick again, others questioned if she had made the decision in the name of love.

Ariel clarified that her ailment is untreatable and may recur even after surgery. Heeding her mother's advice, Ariel decided that her family is more important.

"I still love to act, but my health condition is not as good as it used to be. I think I should work within my health limit and set aside some time for people who are important to me," Ariel said.

When Ariel was filming her new drama series I May Not Love You in April, the actress had frequently fallen ill with tonsil inflammation because of the hot weather and her slow metabolism rate.

"It's tough to be the female lead for a drama series. It's like going through military boot camp, where [one's heart and soul] cannot have proper balance," the actress described.

Ariel's boyfriend Cheng Jia Yao had been visiting her on the set constantly.

When asked if she was departing showbiz because of love, Ariel laughed, "I merely wanted him to understand my job. After all, he may be my family member in future."

However, the actress wished for privacy when it came to marriage.

"I've always lived up to everyone's expectations throughout the years. When it comes to [marriage], I may want to be a little selfish," Ariel said, suggesting that she would not be having a high-profile wedding.

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Wu Chun not secretly married with kids, says manager

Channel News Asia

TAIPEI: Taiwan actor Wu Chun's manager Lu Shu Juan, spoke out against recent media reports that claimed Wu is already married and has a 4-month-old daughter, on her micro blog on Wednesday, reported Taiwan media.

Many were convinced by the reports as they were accompanied by photographs of Wu in a car, with a woman who is allegedly his wife, as well as the accounts of Wu's neighbours, who said it was "an open secret" that Wu is a married man.

However, Lu flatly denied these rumours.

"The person in the picture is Wu's sister-in-law! They even got the name wrong!" Lu explained.

Lu added that it was impossible for Wu to have started a family as he had been very busy shooting movies and working on drama serials.

"He is flying around every day, where would he find the time to get married?" said Lu, pointing out that Wu had always been quite the workaholic.

-CNA/ha

Takeshi Kaneshiro has fun with close combat



courtesy of takungpao.com


Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) and Peter Chan Ho Sun yesterday attended a forum at the Beijing People's University. During the event a duel between Gum Sing Mo and Jiang Wu from WU XIA was shown. Actually this scene was removed from the Mainland release, thus yesterday it was a special screening. The event also arranged for three students to perform mountain folk songs to coordinate with the story in the film.

This duel was almost too much for Gum Sing Mo. he had to stand in water for hand to hand combat with Jiang Wu but also had to wield his umbrella as a weapon like acrobats. Luckily action director Yen Chi Tan was on hand to direct. With his natural talent he was able to complete this scene sooner than he expected.

However during the shoot, Gum Sing Mo slipped and fell into the water several times. He almost "poked" Wu Jing in the eye during close combat. Luckily Jiang Wu was fast enough to dodge it. Even Chan Ho Sun was sweating bullets. Gum Sing Mo said, "This fight scene is truly satisfying for me. I consider it as some wu xia fun! Of course I have to thank Yen Chi Tan. I appreciate him very much. He not only has to perform but also handle the action part. I deeply experience his spirit for perfection. No matter how tough it got he would always do his part to its best. No wonder everyone say he is the strongest in the universe."

In another needle to the neck scene, Gum Sing Mo revealed that he has always been somewhat resistant to needles. However he realized that this scene was very key so he toughed it out. The team hired an acupuncture specialist to be on hand to direct. Gum Sing Mo recalled, "That practitioner gave me very detailed explanation and demonstration, so I very quickly understood how and where to apply the needle. I could accept and too afraid about applying it not too deep on the neck. I only wanted to finish sooner so I don't have to keep looking at those needles that make me uncomfortable."

Daniel Radcliffe loves free Potter rides

Daniel Radcliffe is pleased there is now a 'Harry Potter' theme park - because he doesn't have to pay to go on the rides.

Daniel Radcliffe loves the 'Harry Potter' theme park - because he doesn't have to pay.

The 21-year-old actor - who has played the titular boy wizard in all eight of the movies in the franchise - was thrilled to be asked to open the attraction in Florida, which is based on the films and original books by J. K. Rowling, because he got to enjoy the rides afterwards.

He said: 'It's brilliant going round your own theme park. You don't have to queue, you don't have to pay.

'I went on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster five times.'

Despite having amassed an estimated £48 million fortune, Daniel admits he 'doesn't know' what to do with his cash, but is pleased he never has to worry about his finances.

He said: 'I don't know what to do with it. I'm very fortunate to have it, and it gives you room to manoeuvre.

'But the main thing about having money is it means you don't have to worry about it. And that for me is a lovely thing. It's not for fast cars and hookers.'

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Alicia Keys grows more womanly

Alicia Keys feels more centred and ''womanly'' since becoming a mother to son Egypt, nine months.


Alicia Keys feels 'more womanly' since becoming a mother.

The 30-year-old singer - who has a nine-month-old son Egypt with husband Swizz Beatz - has found parenthood has made her more content and 'connected' with herself.

She said: 'It's about becoming more centred in myself. Having the baby has connected me to a deep, more womanly place.'

Alicia also described her marriage to Swizz - whose real name is Kasseem Dean - as 'very equal'.

She said: 'We have a very equal relationship. Equal is my favourite word.'

The 'Empire State of Mind' hitmaker is upset about the sexualisation of pop music, and was astonished at the sight she was greeted by at her goddaughter's recent birthday party.

She explained: 'There were little girls emulating the dance moves they'd seen on TV, like six-year-old strippers.

'I'm going to have to teach my son by example.'

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