augustine talks

jacky wu retires

2009-06-16T20:44:00.002+08:00

Taiwan celebrity talk-show host Jacky Wu Zongxian, known as 'Brother Xian' for his veneration in Taiwan showbiz circles, says he will permanently disappear from the entertainment scene soon.

Wu made an official announcement of his decision on Friday in an interview with mainland website Sina.com.cn. He had hinted at his intention to retire many times.

"I've been in the show business for so long, I just need a change now," said Wu, whose 27-year-long career now spans hosting, singing and acting.

Wu says June 30 this year is the deadline for his retirement. After that he will cease working as an entertainer.

"I'm wishing for an easier life," Wu said

The star says he will focus on his new company which makes environmentally-friendly LED lamps.

Born in 1962, Wu started out by taking cameo roles in variety shows. He is known for his quick witted humor and open-fire talks, which have attracted both followers and critics.

Wu now is the host of a number of popular shows, including the long-running GUESS, which won him an honor at last year's Golden Bell Awards.

He currently ranks as one of the richest entertainers in Taiwan

her dogs live better than u

2009-06-16T19:40:00.000+08:00

WHEN her pooches get sent to the doghouse, it's actually a good thing.

Paris Hilton, 28, has posted pictures on her Twitter page of the luxurious new digs that her 13 dogs enjoy

The house, which Hilton calls the 'Mini Doggie Mansion', is filled with miniature versions of her own furniture.

The two-storey construction, which overlooks the swimming pool in the grounds of Hilton's home, features a spiral staircase, a black chandelier, and wardrobes for the pups' designer outfits.

The pampered pooches even sleep on 'Chewy Vuitton' beds and enjoy air-con on those hot Malibu nights.

Hilton confessed on her Twitter page: 'I have to admit, I may have spoiled them a little too much. But how can I not?

'Just look at those sweet lil' faces, they deserve to be treated like my lil' prince and princesses. :) I love my babies.'

gaga in sg

2009-06-16T16:45:00.000+08:00

Gaga land is pretty awesome - unlike any other.

From her wacky costumes, to her energetic dance moves and outrageous wigs, not to mention those upbeat numbers which no one can resist bopping and singing along to, it’s hard to find a word that adequately describes American dance-pop sensation Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga has extreme style and will naturally invite extreme reactions - you either love or hate her.

But wielding a very formidable glowing disco stick, there’s no denying that this Lady had everyone in The Dome, where her exclusive showcase was held Sunday night, under her spell.

“I want your souls Singapore!” shouted Gaga at one point during her performance which was held in conjunction with the launch of SingTel AMPed, a new music download service for post-paid subscribers.

Not sure if she stole her fans’ souls, but she sure won their hearts and cheers.

So much so that even though excited and restless fans were made to wait almost two whole hours before the singer came on - and that’s not including the time spent in the snaking queue outside in the humid Singapore weather - it all didn’t seem to matter once she hit the stage.

“I am Lady Gaga and this is my house,” asserted the singer at the end of an opening video story titled “Who shot Candy Warhol?”, obviously inspired by the late pop art artist Andy Warhol who was a quirky trend setter himself.

In a burst of flames, the large white kabuki curtain dropped to the ground revealing Lady Gaga dressed in a black and silver bow-tie inspired leotard with a short curly haired wig, her first of three costume and wig changes for the night.

The crowd went wild as Gaga opened the show with an amped rendition of “Love Game”, she then proceeded to have a “sing sing-along in Singapore” performing songs from her album “The Fame”, including the all time favourites “Just dance” and “Pokerface”.

While the entire performance could be seen as a highlight in its entirety, the New Yorker’s acoustic rendition of “Pokerface” was one of the most memorable moments of the night.

Sitting down at the keyboard and tossing her gloves into the screaming crowd, Gaga proved that she could really slow things down and just sing.

But of course with someone as eccentric as Lady Gaga, even something as simple as playing the keyboard couldn’t just be left at that.

The singer in the blink of an eye was soon squatting on the piano seat before actually jumping up on it, and sitting back down again where she conveniently rested her leg on top of the keyboard, all while continuing to play and sing in tune.

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end and the trip to Gaga land lasted a mere 30 minutes which needless to say left the fans wanting much more, especially after being made to wait that long.

“I bloody love you Singapore!” announced Gaga to the shrieks of her adoring fans towards the end of her set.

Thankfully, fans will not have to wait too long to see the singer again as she will be returning for a full live concert on August 12.

Till then, just dance.