I will remember Michael Jackson as the King of Pop

" For you are not alone,
For I am here with you "

It was saddening to know the shocking departure of Michael Jackson. He thrilled us with so many hit singles that will stay evergreen. He was the past, and he is the future. He is the real pop deal and undoubtedly the one and only King of Pop. This was how i first heard the news.

Dad: WC, you wanna go breakfast?

Me: Er... okay (I was still half asleep)

Dad: Then faster get up.

Me: Okay...

Dad: You wanna know something shocking i heard this morning?

Me: (Still half asleep and not wanting to get up) Er... yeah?

Dad: Michael Jackson died early this morning.

Me: (Wide awake immediately) What... Serious? (Shocked)

Dad: Yeah... The radio station is now talking about it...

Then the news flocked the radio and TV stations. The SMS circulated. The Facebook. Even when i went out for breakfast, the owner of the shop was talking about it. Michael Jackson is- i will use the present tense, an international popstar sensation! He is truly a music icon and defines pop music like no other. Honestly, i did not grow up listening to his songs, but how can you not like them?

Thriller. Man in the mirror. Heal the world. We are the world. Billie jeans. Beat it. I'll be there. You're not alone. Black or white. Bad. Smooth criminal. Human nature. Wanna be startin' something. The way you make me feel. The Earth song. Don't stop til you get enough. And the list goes on and on!

I don't recall any MJ moments in my life either. But i envy my mother and my aunt who attended his concert in Malaysia years ago. If i were given a chance to go for his concert, i would. He is the best performer in the world and his concert is top-notch . His moonwalking is absolutely amazing! 8tv played his Dangerous concert in Bucharest recently and apart from his A list of songs, he is magical and unique on stage.

When i surfed the Net for further news about his death, i read some nasty comments about him. Because of his scandal, people bad-mouthed him and even his death, they did not sympathize. Despite his scandal, i choose to remember him as the King of Pop. The man who made pop music so great. The man with fascinating dance moves. The man whose voice has touched the hearts of many. And the man who made the world a better place.

Michael Jackson! Though you may be gone, you left us with the best gift you can give to the world. With respect and gratitude, i sincerely thank you. wc09 wipes tears.

" Though we're far apart,
You're always in my heart. "

Transformers 2 and The Lucky One

" The Fallen will rise " - Revenge of the Fallen

" He was the toast to her butter " - The Lucky One

I have nothing to say- i'm speechless! I shall begin with the movie then the book. This post may be on the verge of being a spoiler but i can assure you that i will keep the juice for you.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is AWESOMELY AMAZING. It is beyond my expectation- i thought it will be a blast in the beginning, mild in the mid, and blast again in the end like the first. As for the sequel, it was blast, blast, and blast all the way to the end. Good news or bad news first? Alright, the bad news is that you have to be on the edge of your seat for more than 2 hours. The good news is that you will be taken on a ride you will never soon forget with its brilliant effects and heart-pounding actions, and the scenes that surely make you go WOW! Micheal Bay is an action-movie maestro! Within the first 10 minutes, i sensed a tinge coming down my spine, and at that moment, i knew the movie will be great. It packs a punch of action with humourous jokes, romantic scenes, and a slice of tragedy. Ignore the negative criticisms you heard about the movie, because i can assure you that, especially if you're a Transformers' fan, you will never leave the show saying it is not good- because it really really really isn't.

If you think that the Fallen is Megatron, you are definitely wrong! In the past, The Fallen is actually part of the Primes but he betrayed the others, leading him into the darker side. There is a machine that can be used to destroy mankind and this interests the Fallen. The other Primes have taken the choice to guard it forever, until now. And the Fallen is taking revenge. With the help of Megatron- resurrected by the other Decepticons, he returns to Earth for the same desire. However, with Optimus Prime in his way- and the only Autobots that can kill the Fallen, an immense and intense war breaks between the 2.

The Autobots in the movie are Optimus Prime- he seemed stronger than in the first movie and has a canon, the adorable Bumblebee, Ironhide, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Archee, Jolt, twin Skids and Mudflap and cross-over Jetfire. The Decepticons in the movie are Megatron, Starscream, Sideways, Scorponok, Soundwave, Ravage, the Doctor, Wheelie, Demolisher, Devastator, and the Fallen.

I want Bumblebee. Both Bumblebee and Optimus play significant roles in the sequel.

Sam's parents never fail to make you laugh.

Gripping and intense.

A map to the Energon has been transferred into Sam's mind. The Decepticons trying to get it.

Soundwave's kid.

Lots of running. Lots of explosions. Lots of damage.

Saying the 3 words is no simple thing!

Megatron making a deal with Sam.

Optimus Prime also makes a deal, or die trying. Oh, uh...

The people that made this movie great. This photographs are taken from RottenTomatoes.

The movie is fantastic! Although it lacks on the plot, the movie is a must-watch for movie-goers. it is so so fast paced that you don't realise the time ticking away. If you ask for comparison, i'm not going to do it- because they are simply awesome. A great choice for the weekend ahead- the BEST ACTION movie i have seen!

Enough with the movie, i'll now congratulate Nicholas Sparks for producing yet another fabulous book- The Lucky One. Although it may not be his best or my favourite, it has that oomph at the end that makes him one of the best writers in the world! Seriously, the last few chapters are simply so suspenseful and, again, intense. As i read, i could picture the images vividly in my mind. The pages turned so fast that i didn't want it to end. The development of the plot is there, but it might be a little draggy. Though so, it's vital for the ending. I think the ending is the climax. And the ending makes the waiting worth.

Logan Thibault, a marine, finds a photograph owned by Elizabeth, a divorce mother. Logan's friend, Victor believes that the picture is a lucky charm as Logan survived deadly combats and won poker games he never have won before. Victor suggests Logan to find the woman in the picture as he said it to ensure the 'balance'. Logan follows his advice and found the woman, keeping the picture a secret. Keith, Elizabeth's ex, does not feel comfortable with Logan and the conflicts begin. However, Ben, Elizabeth's son, likes Logan and his dog, Zeus. Elizabeth lives with her grandmother, Nana- i enjoy her character. After all was said and done, Logan secretly returns the picture to Ben. A storm later attacks the little town, and in the few remaining chapters, the true juice of the story surfaces with thrilling suspense.

In the end, i'm not sure who survived and who died. I had to read and re-read the epilogue numerous times to really know the answer- and i still don't really know. Personally, i prefer for them both to die, because a tragic ending leaves an impact far greater than happily-ever-afters. So, my question is, who really is the Lucky One? Logan? Elizabeth? Or Ben?

Keep up the fantastic works, Micheal Bay and crew, and Nicholas Sparks. I am and always will be a fan of you! wc09 enters his Camaro and rides away with the lucky one.

L for Langkawi- Part 2

" When adventure becomes experience "- Underwater World Langkawi

Missions:

• Pulau Payar
• Lang Square
• Cable Car
• Kuala Kedah Jetty
• Langkawi Jetty
  

Enough with seeing sea creatures in the aquarium, it was time for us to swim with them. Third day started off with an early rise from bed. We had to prepare ourselves and get ready to leave for Pulau Payar. From the jetty, it took us about an hour before arriving at the marine park. It was time to snorkel!

Just after snorkeling- drenched in salt water still.

See the platform at the far end? We swam there over the corals.

The darker blue indicates the corals, the lighter blue indicates the sea floor.

Crabs resting on the rocks.

Another voice of nature! Simply awesome.

We brought bread and fed the fish while we snorkeled. After lunch, there was the shark feeding session. I kept my handphone in the locker and couldn't take any photograph about it. There were many baby sharks! Unfortunately, when my handphone was out, the baby sharks seemed to have hid.

Sun-burned, we ferried back to the jetty and headed to our hotel. Enough with salt water, we soaked ourselves in the chlorinated pool water while enjoying the evening sun. The snorkeling activity took us the whole day, and after all was said and done, we went for our steamboat dinner in the same Chinese Restaurant.

Seconds before we devoured the food! Our steamboat dinner lasted until 11 and we decided to leave for the Lang Square to meet the eagle beautifully lit under the night sky. As we arrived at the Lang Square...

One by one, the lights slowly switched off. And the eagle flew in darkness!
The visiting hours are until midnight.

We lingered outside and returned to our hotel later disappointed. The fourth and final day, we checked out early morning and headed for breakfast. After breakfast, we hunt for chocolates- a must-do in Langkawi since it's duty-free. Cheaper prices as compared to KL, i could not help but to dig into my pockets as i grabbed the chocolates i wanted off the shelves. Just standing in front of the shop, you will be spoilt for choice with the numerous brands and flavours! Got them paid and packed, we headed for our final destination.

The Cable Car!

Since we missed it the other day, we returned for the cable car. Priced at RM 15 for MyKad holders (if not, it's a deep RM 30), the joy ride begins here, awaiting to board the car.

In the cable car- it was not as scary as i have heard.

The first station is up the hill.

From the cable car, we could see the Telaga Tujuh.

Notice writes: Please enjoy fresh air.Thank you for not smoking! So high above sea level.

From the first station, we could see our next and the sky bridge.

Enjoying our time high up in the sky!

The sky bridge from a far.

Really, it was not that scary! I enjoyed the cool breeze up there, surely.

A scenic view from the sky bridge.

Stone, tree, stone, tree. Unique isn't it?

The sky bridge again from the highest peak. I love the greenery surrounding it!

5 knights of Langkawi? Yeah, being immortalised!

After a break at the cafe feet above the ground, we decided to string back before the mist rolled in. The ride, as i have just said, was joyful all along!

Lunch at a restaurant- bad service. After lunch, we swapped positions and headed back to the jetty for Kuala Kedah.

At last, the Helang! (Eagle). Bidding good bye to my friends and to the eagle- the symbol of the island was hard, but it was time.

Truly, the adventure i had in the island has become an experience i will never forget!

Have i conquered Langkawi? Almost. If you want to travel around the island, the best mean of transport is to rent a car- that way, you can drive anywhere at anytime. Across the island only takes about half an hour, so you'll see everything along the way.

Last words, the trip was fun. Missions well done. Spending time in Langkawi, with my friends, is something ordinary yet it felt extraordinary with the right people around! Excuse wc09, he needs to indulge in his bag of chocolates and cheers to the wonders of life!

L for Langkawi- Part 1

" Life is like a coin- you can spend it in whatever way you want, but you can only spend it once. "

Missions:

• LCCT
• Oriental Village
• Telaga Tujuh
• Waterfall
• Underwater World

The friendly trip to Langkawi was fun and memorable- despite the complaints about the shallowness of our wallets now. We spent 4 days exploring and experiencing Langkawi. From my observation, it is a very quiet place. The road seemed empty, as if it had become a racing spot. The shops closed early, leaving us with little 'night life'. Having said that though, i envy the peace and tranquility- something that is lacking in KL. So, here i go, with my missions to accomplish.

My flight was at 7 pm. I left home slightly after 2 to KL Central by Putra LRT. Upon arrival at the terminal, i was lost as it was my first time there and so i first seeked the information counter. The lady directed me to the wrong place and she wasn't very friendly. I returned the second time to the counter, asking from a different lady who was much better in person, and she directed me to the correct place. I descended to the lower floor and waited for the bus to take me to LCCT. The journey there took approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. I waited for my friends in LCCT and as they came, we checked-in and waited patiently for the delayed flight. About 7.10pm, the plane took flight.

Window seats are always fun!

In an hour time, we landed in the Langkawi International Airport and waited for my friends, who were already there, to come pick us up for dinner and to our hotel- City Bayview.

Luck wasn't on our side the very next day. The cable car was closed and we only knew about this when we were there. Not wasting much time, we explored the Oriental Village and later the Telaga Tujuh & Waterfall.

A nice place to walk- though in our hearts, we were rather disappointed the cable car was closed as it was one of the must-do attractions in Langkawi.

Enjoying my mini ride.

A deer and a rabbit farm that's free entrance.

A calm scenery.

Taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Telaga Tujuh ( 7 Wells ).

I ain't bluffing.

A splendid, cascading waterfall after a tiring hike up and down the hill.

Nothing beats the voice of nature. Sitting by the waterfall sure is therapeutic and calming!

Joachim and I.

Group shot!

After saying good bye to the Waterfall, we headed for lunch in a Chinese Restaurant. The food was alright, nothing spectacular. Later, we visited the Underwater World. As i have said, we were not very lucky and the 3D theater was closed. Another disappointment as we paid RM 28 and we expected more.

Penguins aplenty.

Freezing in the Arctic region.

A unique sea creature i-don't-remember-its-name.

Can you spot the stonefish? There are 2 of them.

Upside-down jellyfish.

Like a small kid admiring the sea shells.

Beware: Shark approaching.

Reminds me of one of the fish-games i played on computer. Don't you think it looks sad?

A unique crustacean bidding welcome to its home.

Playing hide-and-seek with this weird looking eel- i think it's an eel.

Walking through the underwater tunnel, we met this gigantic ray and a few 'kerapus' which were not much different in size as compared to the ray. To be honest, i was intimidated by the gigantic size of the creatures!

I love turtles!

Another unique sea creature swimming in the aquarium. A fish with a horn-like thing protruding from its head.

Eagle ray ahead.

Sea horses.

The one-of-a-kind leafy sea horse like.

A must-see and my personal favourite is the seadragon! I always believe in dragons and this proves me right, somehow!

Hope you enjoy this video of a jellyfish swimming in its home. Very lovely, very deadly?

It was time for us to leave the Underwater World as we had seen everything there was on display. There was this section where we were allowed to touch hands-on on some sea creatures like sea cucumber and baby shark- if we can beat their magnificent speed in water! Exiting the Underwater World, i was somehow pleased with my visit. It was truly an amazing time, as i am and always will be, an ocean enthusiast.

Dinner at Pasar Malam (Night Market), located within walking distance from my hotel. After dinner, it was time to have our rest, for the next day, Day 3, will be an adventure- with luck starting to rest on our side. Part 2 coming up soon! wc09 swims both in the river water and the sea water!