Pluckerz Corner

Movie Review: Up

Everyone has some dream in life that they would like to accomplish. May it be to travel around the world or to visit some unknown place to winning the lottery or building an empire. =p But for Carl Fredricksen, at age 78, its not going to be an easy task to fulfillyour dreams. Always wanting to travel the globe and live life to its fullest, but age soon catches up and he feels that life has passed him by. Not until he meets Russell, an 8-year old wilderness explorer. The unlikely pair sets out on a pretty weird adventure... A great movie to watch and enjoy. I managed to catch the first screening and really enjoyed every bit of it. Filled with good jokes and life lessons anyone can use, Up is a really great animation.

Mini Synopsis

So, the movie starts off with Carl, and seeing how his life progress. From a little kid with a heart for adventure till he gets married and grows old. His adventure starts after watching an adventure documentary of an adventurer, Charles Muntz. He soon meets his wife to be, Ellie, who makes him promise that he will take her to Paradise Falls someday.

So life goes on and soon as you know it, Carl and Ellie are in their old ages. Things don't really happen the way they planned and some sad stuff happens as well. So, there we have Carl in his old age and feeling that life has passed him by. Grumpy and about to have his house taken away from him, Carl decides that this would be his last chance for some adventure. He rigs his house up with balloons and sets off on his way to Paradise Falls. Little does he know that he has a little stow away with him on board his flying house. Russell, the little wilderness explorer.

So the two sets out on a funny adventure filled with un-suspecting villains and companions. They will be joined by Dug (the talking dog) and Kevin (the paradise monster - so called). So from a boring life, to an adventure filled with excitement and surprises, Up will surely keep you entertained. You will feel very connected with the characters as the movie progresses. But what villains await Carl and Russell as they journey on to Paradise Falls? Watch Up to find out. =p

My Feedback Of The Movie

Like I said, the movie is really fun to watch. Filled with laughter and great life lessons along the way. The movie also tells us that age is just a number and nothing should stop us from seek out the adventure that we want to have. Up also provides its viewers with different types of personalities and characters that everyone will enjoy.

So do go watch the movie Up to join Carl and Russell on their adventure. Believe me, you will surely enjoy the movie as much as I did. =) I would rate Up a solid 5 out of 5 stars for its wonderful characters and story line. For all the comedy, adventure and drama, I feel that this is one of Disney/Pixar's better animations. Who knows, it might be the best to date! =) I hope you all enjoy the movie as much as I did. =)

Travel: Madagascar

Have you watched the animation Madagascar and wondered where this place was or if it was even real? Well, it is a real country in the African continent. Suitable for those who want to get away from the busy and hectic city life and escape to a land filled with an assortment of flora and fauna. Eco-travelers this place is for you. 

 
Flag of Madagascar

About Madagascar

Madagascar is an island located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The country is a large island on its own and is divided into 6 provinces. Those 6 provinces are, Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, and Toliara.

Madagascar is the fourth most largest island country in the world. Its is famous for its vanilla, peppers, and lemurs (King Julian in the animation Madagascar 1 & 2). It has also a rich history line dating has far back has the 7th century. 

The country gained its independence from France on the 26th of June 1960. Madagascar is a place with many mixtures of cultures. People from various ethnic backgrounds can be found in Madagascar, from Africans, Indians, Arabs, and many other loads of ethnic groups can be found on this wonderful island. It truly is a melting pot.

 

Important Facts

Official Currency: Ariary (MGA)

Official Language: Malagasy & French

Other Spoken Language: English

Capital: Antananarivo

Traveling Around Madagascar

The most inexpensive and common way to travel around Madagascar is by road. You can select to rent a vehicle of your own and take it around. Mind you that the roads in Madagascar can be pretty bad, almost all being of very low grade. A good idea would be renting a 4WD vehicle. This would settle most of the problems but it does come at a higher cost. Take note as well that since road conditions are rather bad, most companies are only willing to rent you the car if you use their drivers.

Traveling by taxi can also be an alternative. There are two different types of taxis in Madagascar, Taxi-Brousse and Taxi-Be. Taxi-Brousse is basically how most local folks travel around the country, from one town to another. Taxi-Be on the other hand, runs around the capital Antananarivo. These taxis are slightly larger then a mini-van.

Local Delicacies

Romazava & Kitoza

Madagascar cuisine consist mostly of rice with some form of accompaniment. The accompaniments may vary from seafood, meat, and vegetables to even sugar or making rice into a drink. Rice is the main diet in Madagascar.

The most famous among accompaniments for rice are, voanjobory (peas flavored with pork), kitoza (seasoned dried strips of local cattle), trondro gasy (white fish cooked with zucchini and tomatoes), romazava (beef with mixed greens sauteed with ginger, tomatoes and onions) and many other various kinds of seafood, beef, chicken or greens.

For other dishes with rice, one should try the Koba (banana with rice and seafood), which is a popular snack. There is also the Toaka gasy, which is a drink made out of sugarcane and rice.

Top 10 Things To See & Do In Madagascar

• Andohahela National Reserve (Home of the baobab tree)
• Watching the whale migration around Baie D'antogil (Happens from June till September)
• Go scuba diving (You might discover a pirate shipwreck)
• Experience the Antadroy Culture (Visit the Antandroy village)
• Andringitra National Park (Discover the legend of 2 waterfalls yourself)
• Visit the Lost Palace and Royal Rova (Can be found in Antananarivo)
• The Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Garden (Filled with glorious tropical gardens)
• The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga (A world heritage site)
• Ankara National Park (Explore caves and go lemur sighting)
• The Andringitra Mountains (Go hiking and explore the vast flora & fauna)

Madagascar is truly a magnificent country. I really do hope that some day I will be able to visit this magical land and just enjoy every bit of it. From the various flora and fauna, their local delicacies, and to their many different cultures, Madagascar is a melting pot of sorts.

Here is a website that I thought might come in handy to you guys who are planning to travel to this country. For those of you who have been there, please feel free to leave a comment. Thanks and enjoy. =)

http://www.madagascarhotels-direct.com

http://www.madagascar-travel.net

52nd Merdeka Day

Merdeka means Independence for us in Malaysia. We will be celebrating that great day on the 31st of August. This would be our 52nd Independence Day. =)

But cutting to the chase, I was walking around Sunway Pyramid (A huge shopping mall in Malaysia) when something caught my eye. Beautiful art work on rolled out canvas were being displayed. These fine, black and white art were really amazing and I was just browsing around looking at them. Then, I saw a notice board that stated the reason for this art display.

It was part of the 52nd Independence Day. Famous artist, composer and film director, S. Amin Shahab was looking for 1,001 faces of Malaysia. Below is the notice board.

 

Here is what it said:-

One Malaysia

A new era dawns, a new vision unfolds. As our country forges forward, celebrating its 52nd national independence, let us remember this moment in history that shaped our identity. The different struggles and endeavours journeyed by our forefathers brought us to one place, one destiny... Malaysia. Join us this Merdeka, as we glance throught the various places and faces that make up Malaysia.

1,001 Faces of Malaysia

Malaysia, a multi-cultural country is made up of many faces from different races. Join legandary artist S. Amin Shahab as he aims to sketch 1,001 faces that represent our country. In realising his dream, shoppers of Malaysian nationality are invited to have their portrait sketched from 10am - 10pm, until 31st August. Together with S. Amin Shahab, let us celebrate harmony and unity amidst diversity, as we celebrate 1 Malaysia this Merdeka.

One Kilometre World

Envisioned by S. Amin Shahab to sketch the world on a one-kilometre canvas. One Kilometre World captures the artist's imagination of various geographical locations on ink and canvas. He is close on his endeavour to complete the painting and enter the Malaysian Book of Records. Come admire the beautiful places come alive in his masterpiece.

About the Artist

Syed Mohd Amin Syed Hashim, well known as S. Amin Shahab, is an artist, composer and film director. He was born on 27 February 1954 in Batu Pahat, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia. S. Amin Shahab graduated from Nan Yang Acedemy of Fine Arts, Singapore.

 
S. Amin Shahab at work

So that is what was said on the notice board. I then went up to him and asked if I could look around. He then said "Sure, go ahead. Would you also like your portrait to be sketched out? It's free of charge and will be part of history." I didn't hesitate and went to sit myself down.

After about 20 minutes or so, he was done. Here is my portrait =D

I know it looks kinda funny but, it'll be part of history =)

S. Amin Shahab was a really nice person and we chat a little before, while and after he sketched me. He is a down to earth and polite person. I thank him for sketching me and for allowing me to take some pictures of his lovely work. Have a look at them and enjoy... =)

So if you want your portrait sketched and be part of history, go down to Sunway Pyramid. =)

Hennessy Artistry 2009

Recently, Hennessy Artistry hit the shores of Malaysia once again. I had the privilege of obtaining to invitation passes for this awesome event.

This year, it was going to be held at the Bukit Kiara Indoor Arena. The event started around 9pm. Me and my better half arrived somewhere around 10pm (due to the difficulties in finding a parking spot). After finally finding a parking spot (which was a little far), we made our way to the entrance and we could see loads of people there. As soon as we reached the entrance, we were guided in by their ushers.

The atmosphere inside was truly amazing. The music was pumping, the crowd was screaming and the drinks were pouring (Oh, did I forget to mention, it was free flow of Hennessy all night long =D). We had our first 2 shots at the bar outside the main events hall.

 
Entrance before the main hall

Once in the main hall, we simply walked around looking for a nice spot to park ourselves =p. And we found a lovely spot right at the bar, in front of all the drinks =) From our spot we could view the hold place, we were practically in the center. So I started with my night of free flowing Hennessy... and what a night it was!

 
The view of the main hall just as we entered.

There were loads of celebrities down to perform. The highlights of the night were the Ying-Yang Twins and Fatman Scoop (whom did not disappoint when they performed). There were also local band One Buck Short, DJ Milinka Radisic, DJ Camilo, Dominique Tsai, Mr. Sam and many more. I couldn't stay for the whole event unfortunately but I believe I stayed for the best parts =D.

So here are some pictures of the night. Hope you guys enjoy it. =)

 
DJ Milinka Radisic spinning.

 
Look at all those lovely Hennessy!!! =D

 
My darling next to all the drinks =D

 
View of the stage from our spot (Bar area) - On stage were One Buck Short.

 
Presenting One Buck Short (Back-up singers were called Cik Rose)

Me and the beautiful DJ Milinka Radisic (She is really nice) =)

 
A Chinese rap group called Homies.

 
The one and only Fatman Scoop!!! =D

   
Get Low, Get Low, to the window, to the wall... The Ying-Yang Twins baby!!!

 
Fatman Scoop and The Ying-Yang Twins pumping up the crowd.

 
DJ Sam and his crew on the decks.     Homies with Dominique Tsai.

What a wonderful & awesome night it was!!! =)

So an amazing night came to an end for us around 3 plus nearly 4. The party was still going on strong (though the drinks were disappearing really quickly), but I had my fill of the night (and what a night it was!!!). I would like to thank Hennessy for having such a great event! =D

Dinner at Restaurant Kampung Thai 32

I recently went down to Ampang Puteri Hospital to visit someone. After my visit however, I was starving... And the funny thing was, I was craving for Thai food... =p Thankfully, there was a Thai restaurant just across the road =D What luck!

So me, my better half and her sister went on over to this little shop which had a really nice and cozy ambiance. It was called, Restaurant Kampung Thai 32 (I actually didn't see the 32 there at first, but saw it later =p).

 

So, anyways, I was really hungry and we decided to order 4 dishes. Of course, we had to have our Tom-yam. We also ordered, Ikan Bakar (Grilled fish or BBQ fish), Fried Squid and Kailan with Oyster Sauce. The Tom-Yam i had to say tasted a little different, more to the sweet side but had a lot of stuff inside (squid, prawns, and loads of other stuff). The Ikan Bakar tasted different too (you can choose from quite alot of fish there, but we picked the stingray). It had a more sweet, spicy taste. The Fried Squid was awesome (especially when dipped in some special garlic sauce they gave us) and the Kailan was cooked really nicely as well. But, honestly, at first we felt that it was rather pricey... But when we saw the portions we were getting, we agreed that it was really worth it. In total, we paid about Rm90. This included drinks (2 glassesof chinese tea, 1 coconut, and 1 glass of lychee). We were also given complimentary appetizer (Squid Chips) and dessert (Honey dew with sago).

So here are some pictures that I took. Enjoy!!! =) (and sorry if they aren't to clear, took it with my phone =p)

  
The interior of the restaurant.

 
The pictures on the wall were for sale (Interesting).

 
Our appetizer, Squid Chips (the special garlic sauce is the first one. The other 2 are sweet chili sauce and sambal belacan)

 
Here you can see our drinks =)

 
All of our dishes =D

 
Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)

 
Our Kailan with Oyster Sauce

 
Fried Squid and the special garlic sauce!!!

 
Tom-Yam!!!

 
Honey Dew with Sago

So, if you are looking for a good Thai restaurant, I would recommend Restaurant Kampung Thai 32 to you guys. Its reasonable when it comes to price and portion, and the food taste great as well. Restaurant Kampung Thai 32 is located right across Ampang Puteri Hospital. So go on down there and I hope you guys enjoy their food as much as I did. =D Enjoy!!!

(A)H1N1 Flu Pandemic!

Recently, the number of deaths has been on a rise here in Malaysia when it came to the A(H1N1) flu. At this moment, it stands at 11 deaths in total. This is a very serious issue indeed... A funny thing is that, there are still people who don't really know what A(H1N1) is. So, I have decided to write a little post on it.

Intro to A(H1N1) Influenza

Since April 2009, the world has been on high alert as the (A)H1N1 flu pandemic slowly spreads across the globe. On the 11th of June 2009, WHO (World Health Organization) has declared the A(H1N1) flu, a pandemic. Its alert level was risen to phase 6, making it the first global pandemic ever since the 1968 Hong Kong Flu.

What is A(H1N1) Influenza

A(H1N1) is a new influenza virus that was first detected in the United States. It was initially called "Swine Flu" but its was later confirmed that it wasn't "Swine Flu". It was instead an assortment of 4 different A-type influenza strains. These 4 strains have been known to be, one endemic to humans, one strain of "Avian Flu" (Bird Flu), and two different strains of "Swine Flu". The virus is said to have originated from Mexico.

The virus spreads from person to person, probably in the same way the normal seasonal influenza spreads. This would basically mean contact with people with the virus and them coughing or sneezing. In rare cases, touching something that has been exposed with the virus and later touching ones mouth or nose could led to contraction of the virus. 

Symptoms of A(H1N1) Influenza

Symptoms of the A(H1N1) influenza virus would include:

• Fever - Especially if the fever is above 100 degrees
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Chills & Fatigue
• Body Aches & Head Aches
• Vomiting & Diarrhea (This doesn't happen to everyone, but there have been reports of patients having these symptoms as well.)
• Difficulty in breathing

*Note* - The elderly (above 65), young children (below 6), pregnant women, and those who have chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart problems, etc.), have a higher risk of contracting the influenza.

Prevention & Treatment

Sadly, there is no vaccine that can be taken for the A(H1N1) influenza has of yet. Works are still in progress in completing a vaccine. But it doesn't mean there is no hope at all.

There are many ways to prevent the virus from spreading and contracting it. Such prevention methods are:

• Covering your mouth/nose when you sneeze or cough with a tissue and disposing of the tissue properly afterwards.
• Washing your hands properly and often with soap and water (wash for about 15-20 seconds). Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or face for germs can spread this way.
• Try avoiding people who are already sick.
• If you are already sick, stay home for about 7 days from the day you contracted the virus or you are symptom free for 24-hours, whichever comes first.

There are also medication that you can take if you have contracted the virus. Such medications are:

Antiviral drugs - These drugs prevent the virus from reproducing in your body. (Please research the drugs and also get your doctors/pharmacist consent before taking any)

Type of antiviral drugs are (but not limited to):-

Oseltamivir and Zanamivir

Finally, if you have any of these symptoms, DO NOT PANIC! Consult your doctor and take all prevention methods mentioned. Get enough rest and try not to get in contact with other people. Take proper medication and everything should be fine. Take care to all and I hope this post will be some help to all of you. Stay healthy! =)