Cheap place to relax

I did mention before that I went to the beach to relax. Well, actually I didn't. I just went to a hotel NEAR the beach. I went there just for a while to visit my sisters and cousins who were passing their time there so I went swimming in the pool instead. I did plan to go to the beach but I didn't have much time.

As you can see from the pictures, it's not a grand 5-star hotel but it was quite nice. It's not as tall as other buildings but the view is kinda pretty. The last picture (the bottom one) shows the buildings that situated next to the hotel. It's a very nice place to live if you ask me. I didn't remember what the residential area is called though.

For those who don't know, Copthorne Orchid hotel is located in Penang island of Malaysia. So if you're traveling here and want to find a (kinda) cheap place to stay and with a nice view, I think this one should suit you.

Shayne Ward ~ Breathless

I know this album has already been out for awhile now, but it's never too late to review a nice pop album right.

Breathless is Shayne Ward 2nd album. It's a nice pop album so if you're not really into pop, you better steer away from this one. It contains 13 tracks including the singles If That's OK with You, No U Hang Up and Breathless.

I was kinda impressed when I heard and saw the video for If That's OK with You (he dance!) but the song that made me bought this album is Breathless. I was so amazed with that song, I decided I have to own this album without even thinking that maybe the other tracks will suck.
Lucky for me, I like pop songs and this album is kinda nice. Some of my favourite tracks are Breathless (of course!), If That's OK with You, Stand by Your Side, Melt the Snow and Tell Him.

At first spin, the songs sound kinda similar to each other, except for Melt the Snow and Tell Him which I think are brilliant songs. But on 2nd spin and onwards, you will enjoy more of each tracks as you get familiar with them.

So, we will see if he can make a better album next time. If he can, then surely I will rush to the music store to get them.

WANTED! Hot assassins!

Wanted and Wall E will open in cinemas this weekend. Well, actually that is for the US release. Wall E will premiere here in Malaysia a little bit late, in July I think, but fortunately Wanted will be released the same week in Malaysia as in the US. Thank God. Not so sure about the other Asian countries.

Wanted starring the hot and sexy Angelina Jolie and our 'Mr. Tumnus', James McAvoy is based on a comic book with the same name by Mark Millar. I didn't know there was a comic. Well, never mind that. It tells a story about a regular guy who was trained to become an assassin by another (hot) assassin to get revenge for his father's murder, who was also an assassin. A lot of assassins there. So expect to see mind-blowing stunts and actions in this movie. Based on the trailer, it's sure gonna be a fun ride. Other casts include Morgan Freeman, Thomas Kretschmann and Konstantin Khabensky.

Oh, by the way, I watched The Incredible Hulk last Wednesday night. It was a fun movie. I will post a review about it next week okay.

Thanx Yahoo! for the poster. ;-)

Britney Spears Celebrates Courtroom Success

Fresh off of a courtroom victory, Britney Spears was spotted out on a trip to West Hollywood’s Fred Segal for a little afternoon shopping on Tuesday (June 24).

Earlier in the day, the “Gimme More” singer attended a hearing with ex-husband Kevin Federline - during which Britney was reportedly granted overnight visitation with her two sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston.

“There was a change in visitation status that was ordered by Commissioner Gordon this morning,” Los Angeles Superior Court spokesperson Alan Parachini told press.

And though Parachini wasn’t at liberty to offer details, a source has since confirmed to press that Ms Spears indeed will be getting sleepovers with the kiddies.

Asked by Us magazine if she was happy with the court outcome, Britney smiled and said, “Yes.” Meanwhile, the next status hearing is set for July 15th.

Solange Knowles Celebrates 22nd Birthday

Everything is bigger and better when you’re a celebrity. So when it came time to plan Solange Knowles’ 22nd birthday party, the guest list included some pretty big names.

Knowles’ sister Beyonce, as well as rapper Ludacris, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, and singer JoJo all showed up to wish her a happy b-day.

Clad in a bright orange strapless dress, Solange mingled around the Los Angeles party, held at a private residence, stopping to pose with her older sis and mother.

Her new album Sol Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams hits stores this August. And she recently told press that having a famous older sister has its blessings as well as its curses.

“People think that my family association helps me, but in a lot of senses it hinders me. When reaching out to these producers, they don’t know if I’m a real musician or if I’m just someone’s annoying little sister.”

Shia LaBeouf: Hard at Work on “Transformers” Sequel

Getting an early start to the day, Shia LaBeouf was hard at work on the set of “Transformers 2”, which is currently shooting on the campus of Princeton University.

In the scene being shot, the 22-year-old NYC native’s character of Sam Witwicky fumbled around with some school books while chatting on the phone.


In related news, Shia currently finds himself in the gossip fodder for a report claiming that he “received a stern warning for lighting up at a Washington, D.C. museum” just months after having an unlawful smoking charge dismissed in Burbank, California.

Tabloid insiders tell: “LaBeouf was at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., filming “Transformers 2”, when he lit up a cigarette in the bathroom. He was reprimanded by officials at the museum for the incident - being told that he could be kicked off the property if he lit up again.”

A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story

Last week, I saw this amazing and sad film about a young man who was murdered because he's a transgender. From what I read in the internet, the made-for-TV film premiered in the US in 2006. Maybe it just reach this part of the world in 2008. I don't remember on which channel I watched it. Maybe HBO (Channel 411 Astro Malaysia) or Star Movies (Channel 413 Astro Malaysia).

The film tells the story of Gwen Araujo (born Edward Araujo), a transgender who was murdered after his acquaintances discovered that he has male genitalia. He had been living as a female so most of his acquaintances didn't know he was actually a male. When some of them found out, they killed him. I'm not sure whether they killed him because of discrimination and hate (as in hate crime) or because of gay panic (as what the defendants claimed).

I'm not so sure what a gay panic defense is that the defendants had been using in the trials so I've checked Wiki for the meaning. Apparently, gay panic defense is when a defendant claims that they have been the object of romantic or sexual advances by the victim, and the propositions so offensive and frightening that it brought on a psychotic state characterized by unusual violence.

Okay, so I understand they were shocked when they found out but to murder the person??? C'mon, that is just cruel. I mean, a punch or a slap is different, but Gwen had been reported to be beaten for 5 hours! That was not 'shocked', that was 'hate'. But of course that is from my point of view. The jury apparently didn't think so since none of them had been committed with hate crime.

Anyway, it's a very touching and sad story. If you ever stumbled upon this film, please watch it. It's really good.

Top animated movies

Yahoo! give us the top 30 animation movies from their users reviews today.

Here are the top 5:

1- Finding Nemo
2- Kung Fu Panda
3- The Incredibles
4- Spirited Away
5- The Lion King

Finding Nemo tops the chart, no surprise there. It is one of my fave movies. Surprisingly Kung Fu Panda landed at no. 2 despite just been screened early in June this year. It must have got a lot of positive reviews. The Incredibles is just great, so no argue there.

Spirited Away at no. 4. Wow, I was surprised. I didn't think Japanese anime could ended up so high in the chart. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE anime! I didn't watch Spirited Away though. But I did watched Princess Mononoke and what a superb anime it was. So I bet Spirited Away is just as good too. And at no. 5 is The Lion King which is one of the best drawn animation I had ever watched. Actually, I like 2D animation. Sadly there didn't make much anymore. Kids these days aren't into 2D. Well, maybe except for anime.

Yuusuke Vs Suzaku

Finally, I had finished reading YuYu Hakusho Vol. 5.

If in Vol. 4, we see Kurama Vs Genbu, the rock-like creature, then in this volume we get to see the battles of the rest of the team members.

First to fight was Kuwabara. His opponent is Byakko, a devil resembles a giant tiger. It sure hard for Kuwabara to defeat him. Next, Hiei Vs Seiryu. This is the shortest battle in this volume, proving that you don't mess with Hiei. The last battle would be Yuusuke Vs Suzaku, the evil leader. He was a snake, sending his evil army to kill Keiko and broadcast the events to crush Yuusuke's spirit. Dirty play. However, Yuusuke being the hero (and so cannot be killed easily) defeated him although with much struggle and nearly killed.

Ah...now I can't wait for the Dark Tournament to start. I've already bought Vol. 6 and Vol. 7. Now, if only I can find some strength to finish reading them.

Mary-Kate Olsen’s West Coast Arrival

With the help of her handler, a striped sweater wearing Mary-Kate Olsen was spotted arriving at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Saturday (June 21).

The 22-year-old former Full House star is returning back out west following a trip to New York City, during which she spent time with twin sister Ashley

Speaking of the empire building Olsen twins, In Touch recently ranked the most powerful sister acts in Hollywood, with their list placing Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at the top of the heap.

The Olsen girls nudged out second place finishing pair, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, followed by new mom Jamie Lynn Spears and her big sister Britney.

Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, followed by Hilary and Haylie Duff rounded out the top five pairs, according to the magazine.

Beyonce Knowles: Shopping in LA

With her rap star mogul husband overseas, Beyonce Knowles was spotted taking advantage of her free time with a shopping spree in Los Angeles on Thursday (June 19).

The “Crazy In Love” singer, tied the knot with Jay-Z back in April, spent time browsing the shops’ selections before being led out to her car by a bodyguard using a shopping bag to cover the R&B hitmaker’s face from lined-up paparazzi.

In related news, it appears that Beyonce and Jay-Z’s fellow celebrity pals are tired of waiting for the two to consummate their marriage with a baby.

Rapper Snoop Dogg, who has 3 kids, tells that starting a family should be the goal for any wedded couple.

“I told them to go home and make babies,” he says. “They should, that’s the next step as far as marriage, having kids ... add on to the family, so hopefully that’s what they’ll do.”

Paris Hilton: Back In Benji’s Arms

She’s been in the Big Apple filming footage for her new MTV reality show and it seems that Paris Hilton is making full use of New York City’s endless supply of designer clothes.

To kick off the evening, Miss Hilton was spotted in midtown Manhattan in a belted white retro-looking dress teamed with red heels and an oversized black handbag

The former “Simple Life” starlet swapped into a lacey black ensemble with a massive pearl necklace and a floral headdress as she continued making her rounds - heading over to a Korean karaoke bar before venturing off to TAO nightclub for an exclusive VIP party.

Never one to end an evening too soon, the hotel heiress met up with boyfriend Benji Madden, who just flew in from Los Angeles, ending the night at Tenjune before heading back to their luxury hotel

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee: Try, Try Again

With their on-again, off-again love affair back on, Tommy Lee and his ex-wife, Pamela Anderson, were spotted out on Thursday enjoying one another’s company.

Wearing a babydoll dress with spiked heels, Pammie and her Motley Crue drummer beau first dropped their kids off at school - later attending an end of year school party with their two boys

Speaking with Rolling Stone, Tommy recently confirmed reports of a reunion during a Rolling Stone interview, telling: “Pamela and the kids have moved in with me. It’s awesome, man. It’s definitely working. You can tell on the kids’ faces—they’re happy when we’re together.”

And though the two seem to be smitten once more, the reunion doesn’t thrill the thrice divorced Baywatch babe’s mother.

“Lately my mother has said, ‘I wish you were gay, considering your choice of men,’ “ Anderson joked.

Lindsay Lohan Shows Off Her Toned Tummy

Showing off her toned tummy, Lindsay Lohan was back on the set of her new movie “Labor Pains” on Thursday (June 19).

Decked out in baseball gear, the Mean Girls starlet took to the diamond of a North Hollywood park - playfully pulling her shirt up while filming a few scenes. In between takes, LiLo mozied about - texting, having her photo taken, and drinking a bottled water through a straw.


In related news, it appears that Miss Lohan’s fit physique has caught the eye of one of her many past suitors, as tabloid reports out of London claim that Calum Best has been sending frequent text messages to the recovering actress in an attempt to rekindle their romance.

An insider told the Mirror: “Calum can’t wait to see Linds - whenever they meet they always seem to get it on. Lindsay couldn’t get enough of his bedroom antics [in the past].”

Kim Kardashian: London Calling

Still taking a break from her West Coast duties, Kim Kardashian continued her European getaway by paying a visit to London, England for the UK premiere of “Hancock.”

And the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” babe showed the Brits what American eye candy is all about in a multicolored floor-length cleavage-baring evening gown with curly dark locks.


Back here in the States, KK has been nominated for two Teen Choice awards. And she’s so excited, she’s already posted a blog entry on her official website thanking her fans.

It reads:

“Hey guys, I just found out that I’ve been nominated for two ‘Teen Choice’ awards this year!

I’m nominated for “Choice TV Female Reality Star” (along with Heidi Montag from The Hills, Lauren Conrad from The Hills, Whitney Thompson from America’s Next Top Model, and Kristi Yamaguchi from Dancing with the Stars).

Our show, Keeping Up with the Kardashian, is also nominated for “Choice TV Celebrity Reality Show” (along with Life of Ryan, Bob & Big, Run’s House, and The Hills).

I’m SO excited for this opportunity, and thankful that my fans thought of me in these categories! Everyone tune into FOX on August 4th to watch and see who wins! Until then, drop a comment and let me know who your favorite teen star is!”

Paris Hilton: Filming in NYC

Making her comeback to reality television, Paris Hilton was spotted out and about in New York City filming footage for her new best-friend-finding show.

The “Stars are Blind” babe checked out the Patricia Field store before making a stop at the Hotel Gansevoort and heading out to club One Oak for some late-night activity.

And it sounds like Miss Hilton keeps scoring big points with her boyfriend Benji Madden. The Good Charlotte rocker recently gushed about how great life is now that Paris is in his world.

He said, “I’ve never been so happy. Nothing worries me in life any more. When you find that best friend, that love, all your worries go away. Your work and everything you do gets better [when] you have someone supporting you. And she’s that for me.”

Britney Spears: By Jamie-Lynn’s Side in Labor

Playing the role of supportive big sister, Britney Spears is bedside with her Nickelodeon star sis, Jamie-Lynn, at the Mississippi Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, Mississippi.

The Gimme More singer has made the cross-country trip as Jamie-Lynn is expected to be giving birth to her first child today (June 19).

As previously reported by Gossip Girls, Britney and family arrived in their hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana yesterday afternoon - meeting up with mother Lynne and Jamie Lynn - as the Spears gang prepares for the baby’s arrival.

“They have had nine months to deal with this,” a Spears family friend told press. “Last night was very low-key. There was no last-minute panicking. No one was worried.”

Lindsay Lohan’s Labor Pains

Well on her way to an acting career revival, Lindsay Lohan was spotted taking a cigarette break on the set of her new movie “Labor Pains,” in which she plays a secretary who fakes a pregnancy in order to keep her job.

And LiLo looked to be on top of her game, rocking a blue top and black skirt teamed with a pair of fuzzy pink sandals and her usual black Ray Ban sunglasses
From all accounts, the “Mean Girls” actress has shed her ‘difficult to work with’ reputation. Producer Lati Grobman told press, “We were a little bit reluctant to work with her. But she’s been amazing.”

And it sounds like she is well on her way to a booming (again) film career. “She’s so natural at what she does. I’ve never seen one take where she’s off. The difference between her and the other girls that are naughty in the business is that she’s actually talented. It’s not [like] Paris Hilton and the rest of them. We took the chance. It’s good that we did. So far, so good.”

In related news, Lindsay has officially taken her name out of the running for an Emmy for her guest spot on one episode Ugly Betty, given the fact that she’ll have a lot more exposure next season when she’s on five episodes. Her rep said, “The appearance was brief. We made a decision to wait.”

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden: Out For Charity

Taking a break from their normal parental duties, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden scheduled a babysitter for Harlow and headed out to the Cartier Love Charity Bracelet launch party.

It’s the third year for the Love Charity bracelet campaign which has raise $2.24 million over the past two years for sixteen global charities. And it just so happens that Joel’s band Good Charlotte is one of this year’s celebrity ambassadors.

Always exhibiting a distinctive style, Miss Richie sported a beige/yellow/grey printed halter-style floor-length dress with a pair of peep toe heels and some blinging bracelets.

Meanwhile, Mr. Madden went for his usual white shirt, black tie, black trousers, black blazer look, although he did show up sans fedora for once.

Jennifer Lopez Sings For Kids, Flies to Belgium

Performing on Tuesday for the first time since giving birth to her twin girls Max and Emme, Jennifer Lopez visited an elementary school for autistic children in Staten Island, New York on Tuesday (June 17).

After seeing the music video for the first time, the schoolchildren wanted to watch it every day, teacher Kathy Amati told a local paper, adding that the kids eventually learned the lyrics and the dance moves from the video.

“From the minute we wrote the letters, they just automatically thought she would come,” Ms. Amati told press.

And the response from Lopez came on the day of her visit, as one of her reps called inquiring as to the time of the graduation ceremony because the “El Cantante” star wished to attend.

After wrapping things up at the local school, Lopez headed home - as she soon rushed off with hubby Marc Anthony and their two little angels to catch a plane headed for Belgium, where they landed earlier today.

Rihanna Keeps Busy in NYC

As previously reported by the Gossip Girls, Rihanna is in the Big Apple for a string of publicity appearances. And following her stop at MTV’s Total Request Live yesterday, she was off to yet another gig.

The “Umbrella” songstress was spotted arriving at SkyBar for a photo shoot, looking fit and fine in a circa-1984 denim jacket overtop a screenprinted white tank top with a pair of leather pants and knee-high boots

And after a super long day of television appearances and constant posing for the camera the Good Girl Gone Bad called it a night, heading back to her Midtown Manhattan hotel.

In related news, Rihanna will be competing in the 2008 Teen Choice Awards in three categories, including Choice Music: Single, Choice Music: Female Artist, and Choice Music: R&B Artist.

The Happening ~ review

I went to watch The Happening last weekend. Here's what I think about the movie (beware: spoilers ahead!).

I like the concept and the story. The idea is truly original and kinda creepy. The plants are releasing some kind of chemical to mess up our brains and this lead to humans becoming delusional and suicidal (!). It looks like the plants are angry with us humans for destroying Earth. Well, if I were the plant, I would be angry too.

Mark Wahlberg played a kind-and-loving science teacher, Elliot Moore, while Zooey Deschanel played his wife, Alma. I was kinda surprise to see Mark in that type of character. He usually play the tough guy, but here, he's very gentle and lovable, and I like it a lot!

The characters development in this movie are not strong but you can still see their different personalities. Elliot is sweet, clever, resilient and kinda naive. While Alma is kinda rebellious (in not-so-obvious kinda way) and still trying to adapt to her marriage, but she still a caring person.

The couple, together with Elliot's best friend, Julian (John Leguizamo), and his daughter, Jess (Ashlyn Sanchez), evacuate their small town in order to survive this horror. They face a lot of obstacles and dangerous situations. With Elliot quick thinking and knowledge in science, they manage to survive (well, at least for Elliot, Alma and Jess).

I love this movie a lot. It's like a wake-up call for us human to stop polluting the Earth. I also like the acting, especially by the 3 main actors (Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and Ashlyn Sanchez) although I wish their characteristics could be developed more. Oh, and not forgetting the soundtrack composed by James Newton Howard. LOVE IT!!!

So, I recommend you guys to watch this movie. But don't expect to see a horror movie, because it's not. Besides, you'll be disappointed if you think that way. It's just a drama with a great story. Bear that in mind while you entering the cinema hall and you might enjoy this movie a whole lot more.

PS: Thanx Yahoo! for the pics!

From Madagascar to Africa

So, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will be in cinemas end of this year. I don't know what to expect. I didn't watch the trailer but my sisters did and they said it was funny. I guess it should be good.

The ones that made me laugh really hard in this movie are the psychotic penguins. They are really fun to watch at. I'm glad they're back for this movie.

Anyway, if you watch Kung Fu Panda, you'll be able to watch the trailer for this movie. The same cast return to lend their voice for this movie such as Ben Stiller (Alex the lion), Chris Rock (Marty the zebra), Jada Pinkett-Smith (Gloria the hyppo) and David Schwimmer (Melman the giraffe).

You can get the full info and also watch the trailer at the Yahoo! Movie page for this movie. Just click here to go there. Or you can just visit DreamWorks website to learn more about these crazy animals.