A phone ring echoes in the forensic lab, Holmes answered while Watson continue on with what he does best. After a short phone conversation, Holmes suddenly fills with excitement, "Come on Watson! We have to hasten our pace. Our last pieces of puzzle is finally arrive!".
"I thought our last piece is going to be at any of these evidence?! Where else our last piece going to be?", asked Watson.
"No, Watson. Everything here are the leads that will guide us to the last piece. And now! Our last piece finally revealed itself!", says Holmes excitedly.
"And where exactly is our last puzzle piece going to be, Holmes? You know I'm tired of doing guesses feeding your mind.", says Watson in frustration. All Holmes did was flash a smile back at Watson and say, "The. St. Michael's. General. Hospital.", and left.
"Wait! What? The last puzzle in the hospital?", says Watson in a shocking manner. Holmes already got his coat ready and about to leave while Watson is still in a hassle grabbing his coat.
About 30 minutes passed, Holmes and Watson finally arrived, greeted with Graham's presence, "Hopefully you won't make me regret my decision doing this, Holmes. Not only will it get you in trouble but me as well.", explained Graham.
"We have wasted enough time now, inspector. The person lying on the bed inside is the key to our puzzle. I want you to promise me one thing, Graham. No matter what happen to that person inside or things bound to happen - NEVER INTERFERE.", says Holmes.
"Bloody hell, Holmes! How am I going to report to the Yard if anything happens to him?! It would costs me a rank or two off my shoulder Holmes!", says Graham in frustration. "Do you want to catch that beast? I'm just gonna make him talk himself out, NOTHING ELSE.", replied Holmes with that fierce eye contact that gives Graham a fearful but assurance of faith from Holmes.
"Alright, fine. Only if there's a threat towards him, I have to pull you out Holmes. MIND YOU.", explained Graham. Holmes proceed to the private patient ward without anymore words uttered. Watson only gives "don't mind him" expression on Graham and proceed following Holmes into the ward.
"Good day, Mr. Bowman! You looking fine.", greet Holmes. Still in weak condition, he utters, "Just call me Josh will do, sir.".
"Alright, Josh. Certainly your previous condition had wasted enough of our time waiting for your statement. Hopefully you are in shape for a long talk.", without holding back questioning. Josh gives a long stare then replied, "OK."
"Great! First for starter, would you take a look at these crime scene photos of your home? Can you tell us how it happened, Josh?", asked Holmes. Josh looks at it longer than usual. "I do not know who did it. I can only tell that I came home late that night and when I try to switch on the light, it wasn't working and then I was stabbed at the back. When I woke up, only do I realized my family is dead.", Josh sobbed.
"Josh, hopefully you understand how serious it is providing false information to the force. It's a serious offence, Josh.", explained Holmes. Not only Josh, but Graham and Watson as well were shocked hearing what Holmes actually says.
"Sir, I don't understand what you mean.", trying to calm himself and avoid Holmes' eyes.
"Holmes, what is this all about? What are you hiding from me?", asked Graham in suspicion. "Hush, inspector. You will have your truth soon.", explained Holmes further.
"Chess. You like chess game, yes? Now, I'll make you a deal. If I checkmate you 3 times, you have to tell us the truth - HOW YOU MURDERED THEM.", says Holmes.
Everyone was shock to hear what Holmes says. "What is the meaning of this, Holmes!", Graham asked in disbelief. "Hush, Graham. All will be reveal soon.", says Holmes.
"Let's begin shall we? Checkmate one - You killed your own family over some dispute with, let's say, your own FATHER?", questioned Holmes and yet Josh hardened his own heart.
"We just warmed up. Checkmate two - After killing them in cold blood, only then do you satisfy the beast within you. Unfortunately, your own sister. The innocent sweet sister of yours came out of her room after all the ruckus you made. Shocked. You murdered her as well after witnessed what you did. Only then, that beast of yours left and you gained back your own senses. This picture of circular blood drops explained you were thinking the next thing to do while holding that soaked blood drippings weapon.", explained Holmes and though he continues to hardened his heart, his beast within already knocking on doorstep.
"Checkmate three - After calming yourself, you plot your own burglary turned murder plan when in fact, that burglar and murderer is yourself. You were smart enough able to cleaned that murder weapon clean, wrapped it with a cloth suggesting the murderer wears glove but unfortunately, a small fiber of the cloth sipped in between cabinets' ledge. Giving reason enough you were trying to stab yourself with the cabinet's help, yes?", explained Holmes further yet again Josh hardened his heart further, keeping silence but the beast within him is about to escape.
"At first, your plan was perfect but 2 things betrayed your plot and turned finger against you, Josh. THE MURDER WEAPON. If a thief stabbed you from behind, the knife would enter at least between 40 to 45 degrees angle but your wounds were straight in - THE WHOLE KNIFE WHEN IN. You weren't plan to kill yourself only a minor stab wound applies. It was these two that makes you fail. THE DIAMOND that feeds on your greed and this a small SCRATCH MARK on the floor close to the cabinet.", Holmes explained while passing those photos to Josh.
"You were about to stab yourself on the back until you didn't realized there's one diamond lying there and you slipped and create that critical stab on your back. This, Josh. Diamonds were your motive of murder wasn't it?", asked Holmes further.
"IT WASN'T MY FAULT THAT I HAVE TO KILLED THEM!", finally the beast is released within him. "I were in deep debt from football betting schemes. I knew he wold not borrow me some cash to clear my debt so I stole his precious diamonds but he discovered what I was doing and gave me a beating. He even called me by names. My blood boils and I grabbed the knife and... and... it wasn't me at all.", confessed Josh.
"But... Where are the diamonds now?", asked Graham. "Your father loves his priced fish right, Josh?", asked Holmes.
"The clothes you wore that night had a little fungus substance on right sleeve which only grew in an aquarium suggesting you hid those diamonds there?", asked Holmes again. "There you go Graham, murder motive, the killer, and evidence. You may arrest him now after he is much better.", in an instant, Holmes and Watson left after solving another crime.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
BLOOD DIAMOND (PART 1.)
There's been a murder crime scene happened in Piccadilly, where the streets vacant for it's fame of being fashionable and luxurious materials at it's best. A family of four, three of which being brutally murdered. A father, a mother and a daughter each received a brutal stabs which instantly killed them while an eldest son survived the massacre but still in critical condition receiving a deep stab to his back. The father runs a luxurious diamond deals which is basically an easy target for every 'beasts' in the street to prey upon.
Inspector Graham just arrived at the crime scene and were greeted by a familiar black coated figure examining the bodies, instantly, he knew just who might it be. "HOLMES, great to see you again. What are you doing here, may I know?", says Graham who only met Holmes once but already the inspector build a sense of dislike towards Holmes.
"You knew I love puzzles, good to see you again, inspector. I've brought a friend to the crime scene, if you don't mind.", says Holmes.
"Bloody hell, Holmes! This is not a playground and who grants you the permission to bring a friend to the crime scene?!", in an instant the inspector already disgust with Holmes attitude of stomping into the crime scene without authorization and bringing in another non-authorized person in.
"Hold your judgment for later. You need it. WATSON! Meet Inspector Graham, one of our Yard's finest gentleman and Graham, this is Watson, my partner. A former army man, medic and forensic.", says Holmes breaking the ice for both of them.
Although Graham wasn't pleasant with Holmes' actions still he play it steadily and shakes Watson's hand. Graham remembered what Mr. Hibbert says before that a crime can't be solved without Holmes advice. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Watson. And Holmes...I don't want another to happened. I'M WARNING YOU."
"So... What do we got for our main course, gentlemen?", asked Graham.
"The victims were James Bowman, aged 58, jewelry dealer as profession, Anne Andrews Bowman, aged 55, a housewife and the daughter, Jude Bowman, aged 24, currently still a graduate. The only victim that survived is their eldest son, Josh Bowman, aged 27, also a jewelry dealer and works for his father, sir.", says an officer.
"No sign of force entry, only two escape routes - through that door where we came in and another through that balcony which is four storey high, sir.", says another gentleman. "So... our murder victim is a professional cat burglar and a killer now?", asked Graham.
"Inspector, would you take a look at this blood pattern here? What do you see?", asked Watson. Graham gave a short thought and answered, "Blood."
"A horizontal bloodline is formed and vertically, it is dropping downwards at least two centimeters apart.", explained Watson. Graham looked at Watson speechlessly, "What do you suggest?".
"It means that the killer sticks the weapon into their guts and pulled it out repeatedly - WITH ALL HIS MIGHT AND STRENGTH. A suggested murder with revenge or anger happened in here, inspector.", explained Watson further.
"But based on his profiles and witnesses, it suggests that Mr. Bowman was a good and friendly fellow, his enemies is just less than 2 finger counts. Business rivals?", asked Graham. "Inspector, would you take a look at this blood stains on the floor. What else do you see?", asked Holmes.
At this point, Graham is out of patience for this duos' guessing game. "Blood?", answered Graham in an uninterested manner. "The blood stains were dripping in a circular manner suggesting he is still holding the murder weapon, walking around, trying to calm and think what he should do next. Part of the circular blood stains are missing suggesting a few blood drops stained his shoe while holding the weapon, possibly might be a person the victim knew. Mr. Bowman opened that door and allowed the beast in - IN HIS OWN WILL.", explained Holmes.
Again Graham gives a deep thought and asked, "So... Do you have in mind who the killer might be, Holmes?".
"At this point, I already have. Only 70% but I need to check the surroundings, go through the evidence and of course, wait for the son to wake up. By then, all of my puzzles will be complete.", says Holmes. Graham disbelieve himself that he actually have to comply with Holmes in order to solve the case as at this point, Holmes already did what he can in 3 days - ALL IN JUST 20 MINUTES.
- TO BE CONTINUE-
Inspector Graham just arrived at the crime scene and were greeted by a familiar black coated figure examining the bodies, instantly, he knew just who might it be. "HOLMES, great to see you again. What are you doing here, may I know?", says Graham who only met Holmes once but already the inspector build a sense of dislike towards Holmes.
"You knew I love puzzles, good to see you again, inspector. I've brought a friend to the crime scene, if you don't mind.", says Holmes.
"Bloody hell, Holmes! This is not a playground and who grants you the permission to bring a friend to the crime scene?!", in an instant the inspector already disgust with Holmes attitude of stomping into the crime scene without authorization and bringing in another non-authorized person in.
"Hold your judgment for later. You need it. WATSON! Meet Inspector Graham, one of our Yard's finest gentleman and Graham, this is Watson, my partner. A former army man, medic and forensic.", says Holmes breaking the ice for both of them.
Although Graham wasn't pleasant with Holmes' actions still he play it steadily and shakes Watson's hand. Graham remembered what Mr. Hibbert says before that a crime can't be solved without Holmes advice. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Watson. And Holmes...I don't want another to happened. I'M WARNING YOU."
"So... What do we got for our main course, gentlemen?", asked Graham.
"The victims were James Bowman, aged 58, jewelry dealer as profession, Anne Andrews Bowman, aged 55, a housewife and the daughter, Jude Bowman, aged 24, currently still a graduate. The only victim that survived is their eldest son, Josh Bowman, aged 27, also a jewelry dealer and works for his father, sir.", says an officer.
"No sign of force entry, only two escape routes - through that door where we came in and another through that balcony which is four storey high, sir.", says another gentleman. "So... our murder victim is a professional cat burglar and a killer now?", asked Graham.
"Inspector, would you take a look at this blood pattern here? What do you see?", asked Watson. Graham gave a short thought and answered, "Blood."
"A horizontal bloodline is formed and vertically, it is dropping downwards at least two centimeters apart.", explained Watson. Graham looked at Watson speechlessly, "What do you suggest?".
"It means that the killer sticks the weapon into their guts and pulled it out repeatedly - WITH ALL HIS MIGHT AND STRENGTH. A suggested murder with revenge or anger happened in here, inspector.", explained Watson further.
"But based on his profiles and witnesses, it suggests that Mr. Bowman was a good and friendly fellow, his enemies is just less than 2 finger counts. Business rivals?", asked Graham. "Inspector, would you take a look at this blood stains on the floor. What else do you see?", asked Holmes.
At this point, Graham is out of patience for this duos' guessing game. "Blood?", answered Graham in an uninterested manner. "The blood stains were dripping in a circular manner suggesting he is still holding the murder weapon, walking around, trying to calm and think what he should do next. Part of the circular blood stains are missing suggesting a few blood drops stained his shoe while holding the weapon, possibly might be a person the victim knew. Mr. Bowman opened that door and allowed the beast in - IN HIS OWN WILL.", explained Holmes.
Again Graham gives a deep thought and asked, "So... Do you have in mind who the killer might be, Holmes?".
"At this point, I already have. Only 70% but I need to check the surroundings, go through the evidence and of course, wait for the son to wake up. By then, all of my puzzles will be complete.", says Holmes. Graham disbelieve himself that he actually have to comply with Holmes in order to solve the case as at this point, Holmes already did what he can in 3 days - ALL IN JUST 20 MINUTES.
- TO BE CONTINUE-
Friday, September 28, 2012
THE MURDERING TUB.
A horse cart is seen being stop at the front door of a noble mansion. Few policemen were presence earlier to assist and it appears there's an issue going on. A gentleman getting off the coach and greets by a few policemen.
"Afternoon gentlemen, gives you an eerie feeling aren't we? Coming out to the cold rainy night to secure a crime scene aye? Inspector Graham from the Yard.", kindly the inspector shows his badge and access the currently secured crime scene.
Upon entering the mansion, the atmosphere is filled with traumatic and grieving moments by the maids upon recording of their statements, finally, the inspector arrives at the scene of the crime - THE MASTER'S PERSONAL BATHROOM. "What do we got so far, gentlemen?", signaled the inspector as he is in-charge of everything at the scene.
"The name's Longwood - LORD DARIUS LONGWOOD, drowned in his own bathtub, possibly he slips while getting out and hit him out cold at the back of the head.", says one of the officers.
"You.... What do you got?", asked the inspector.
"No sign of force entry, the only way out is the way we came in. That window there is nailed tight and only able to get in by smashing, There's no foul play, robbery or fights going on, sir.", says another officer. The inspector took a long silence and asked, "Besides himself, who else is in the house?"
"Only the maids and a butler, sir", a policemen says. Lord Longwood was a fine looking young gentleman which he gained his popularity from his late father who served the Queen's party and of course his more popularity came from his exquisite lifestyle, having numerous relationships with different women - SOME EVEN MARRIED.
"I want details from every crumbs and dusts you can gather from all the women he knew and priorities first on the ones that's partnered. The murderer must be one of the ladies' husband or ladies themselves.", ordered the inspector.
Suddenly a voice from the door echoed saying, "WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!". Everyone looked at the direction of the door and a figure appears. "And who might you be, this is a secured crime scene.", says the inspector.
"Who am I is not important but the killer is still in the house. You can still catch him before the crime scene is cleared off.", says the mysterious person. The inspector looked at him and asked, "What makes you think so?"
"It is clear it is not an accidental drowning and you inspector made a good guess that he might be murder. Lucky. Guess", the inspector is not pleased to hear this. "Resume to the story now, the only person who can access to the master's room is only the people involved in the house, knows his every routine, time and perhaps too well... The culprit is not one person but two actually.", says the mysterious person.
"What makes you so sure about this?", asked the inspector. "Let's look at the tub shall we? First, the water, plain and clear like what we usually consume but still naked to our eyes when it comes to senseless and colourless with water and chemical mixtures. It paralyzed our beloved Lord Longwood here but unfortunately, the mixture wasn't strong enough which resulted him being shot with a poison dart enough to caused muscle cramp and weak to an elephant.", says the mysterious figure.
The inspector looked at him the more with eye contact being in-lined. "Carry on, 'detective'", says the inspector. "Usually when a hunter ambush his killing target, he would watch from close by, making sure his target really weakens before delivering a deadly blow on a prize but since he was an amateur, common sense is to rush in on a kill to deliver a blow so the hunted could still run away. In that case, one person takes the head and keep it under water and the other - COVERS THE LEG.
And since he can't move, he could only scuffles in the tub, struggling to escape like a fish out of the water. Eventually, the chemical took effect and this helped drowns him, if he were to accidentally slipped and drown, the floor should be wet but in this case, only spots surrounding the tub is wet.
Scratch marks were partially visible showing he struggles to escape but to no avail and of course, there were almost faded footprints got ruined by all of the finest police force in the Yard walking in and out of the scene.
Luckily it still shows that this prints had a clean fine print carved from a leather which cuts out and provide comforts for people who works long hours walking and standing around - THE BUTLER HIMSELF. BUT WHICH MAID PARTICULARLY.", explained the "detective".
The "detective" pulls out a bracelet with initials "J.E.", "This bracelet will leads you to the maid, possibly had a pair, the butler's name is ELLIOT - JOHN ELLIOT no? He is the one strong enough to hold the leg. This bracelet design cut out to be a ladies' design possibly for his sister, love and protects her dearly."
"Let me see that maids' list!", says the inspector. As the inspector going through the list and one name caught his eyes, "Gracious! There's a maid named JANE ELLIOT!".
The "detective" gives a clap, "YOU HIT THE JACKPOT AND YOU HAVE YOURSELVES YOUR MURDERERS!".
"But why? Why do they have to kill the master? They can't get anything out of it.", says the inspector. "I remembered someone did mentioned Lord Longwood was quite a ladies' man, yes? even married ladies can't resist his charms. The motive is his sexual desires on the maid JANE ELLIOT which resulted in an unwanted course happened and she has no one else to go to but his brother, THE BUTLER. They killed him out of hatred and revenge. You can arrest them now if you want to know more how they do it, INSPECTOR."
The mysterious "detective" left the scene, making the inspector puzzled who he is and question his assistant. "Who is this man, Mr. Hibbert?".
"He is the brother of MYCROFT, Head of our country's finest elite defense unit force. He's not with the force but he has a great mind and thoughts we police could possibly have as a great asset but yet, he chose this path because he loves puzzles. We SCOTLAND YARD don't possibly needs him but without him, WE CAN'T SOLVE THESE MURDERS. That's our SHERLOCK HOLMES, sir." explained Mr. Hibbert.
The inspector looks at the direction HOLMES left, "SHERLOCK HOLMES eh? I believe we shall cross path soon. AGAIN."
"Afternoon gentlemen, gives you an eerie feeling aren't we? Coming out to the cold rainy night to secure a crime scene aye? Inspector Graham from the Yard.", kindly the inspector shows his badge and access the currently secured crime scene.
Upon entering the mansion, the atmosphere is filled with traumatic and grieving moments by the maids upon recording of their statements, finally, the inspector arrives at the scene of the crime - THE MASTER'S PERSONAL BATHROOM. "What do we got so far, gentlemen?", signaled the inspector as he is in-charge of everything at the scene.
"The name's Longwood - LORD DARIUS LONGWOOD, drowned in his own bathtub, possibly he slips while getting out and hit him out cold at the back of the head.", says one of the officers.
"You.... What do you got?", asked the inspector.
"No sign of force entry, the only way out is the way we came in. That window there is nailed tight and only able to get in by smashing, There's no foul play, robbery or fights going on, sir.", says another officer. The inspector took a long silence and asked, "Besides himself, who else is in the house?"
"Only the maids and a butler, sir", a policemen says. Lord Longwood was a fine looking young gentleman which he gained his popularity from his late father who served the Queen's party and of course his more popularity came from his exquisite lifestyle, having numerous relationships with different women - SOME EVEN MARRIED.
"I want details from every crumbs and dusts you can gather from all the women he knew and priorities first on the ones that's partnered. The murderer must be one of the ladies' husband or ladies themselves.", ordered the inspector.
Suddenly a voice from the door echoed saying, "WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!". Everyone looked at the direction of the door and a figure appears. "And who might you be, this is a secured crime scene.", says the inspector.
"Who am I is not important but the killer is still in the house. You can still catch him before the crime scene is cleared off.", says the mysterious person. The inspector looked at him and asked, "What makes you think so?"
"It is clear it is not an accidental drowning and you inspector made a good guess that he might be murder. Lucky. Guess", the inspector is not pleased to hear this. "Resume to the story now, the only person who can access to the master's room is only the people involved in the house, knows his every routine, time and perhaps too well... The culprit is not one person but two actually.", says the mysterious person.
"What makes you so sure about this?", asked the inspector. "Let's look at the tub shall we? First, the water, plain and clear like what we usually consume but still naked to our eyes when it comes to senseless and colourless with water and chemical mixtures. It paralyzed our beloved Lord Longwood here but unfortunately, the mixture wasn't strong enough which resulted him being shot with a poison dart enough to caused muscle cramp and weak to an elephant.", says the mysterious figure.
The inspector looked at him the more with eye contact being in-lined. "Carry on, 'detective'", says the inspector. "Usually when a hunter ambush his killing target, he would watch from close by, making sure his target really weakens before delivering a deadly blow on a prize but since he was an amateur, common sense is to rush in on a kill to deliver a blow so the hunted could still run away. In that case, one person takes the head and keep it under water and the other - COVERS THE LEG.
And since he can't move, he could only scuffles in the tub, struggling to escape like a fish out of the water. Eventually, the chemical took effect and this helped drowns him, if he were to accidentally slipped and drown, the floor should be wet but in this case, only spots surrounding the tub is wet.
Scratch marks were partially visible showing he struggles to escape but to no avail and of course, there were almost faded footprints got ruined by all of the finest police force in the Yard walking in and out of the scene.
Luckily it still shows that this prints had a clean fine print carved from a leather which cuts out and provide comforts for people who works long hours walking and standing around - THE BUTLER HIMSELF. BUT WHICH MAID PARTICULARLY.", explained the "detective".
The "detective" pulls out a bracelet with initials "J.E.", "This bracelet will leads you to the maid, possibly had a pair, the butler's name is ELLIOT - JOHN ELLIOT no? He is the one strong enough to hold the leg. This bracelet design cut out to be a ladies' design possibly for his sister, love and protects her dearly."
"Let me see that maids' list!", says the inspector. As the inspector going through the list and one name caught his eyes, "Gracious! There's a maid named JANE ELLIOT!".
The "detective" gives a clap, "YOU HIT THE JACKPOT AND YOU HAVE YOURSELVES YOUR MURDERERS!".
"But why? Why do they have to kill the master? They can't get anything out of it.", says the inspector. "I remembered someone did mentioned Lord Longwood was quite a ladies' man, yes? even married ladies can't resist his charms. The motive is his sexual desires on the maid JANE ELLIOT which resulted in an unwanted course happened and she has no one else to go to but his brother, THE BUTLER. They killed him out of hatred and revenge. You can arrest them now if you want to know more how they do it, INSPECTOR."
The mysterious "detective" left the scene, making the inspector puzzled who he is and question his assistant. "Who is this man, Mr. Hibbert?".
"He is the brother of MYCROFT, Head of our country's finest elite defense unit force. He's not with the force but he has a great mind and thoughts we police could possibly have as a great asset but yet, he chose this path because he loves puzzles. We SCOTLAND YARD don't possibly needs him but without him, WE CAN'T SOLVE THESE MURDERS. That's our SHERLOCK HOLMES, sir." explained Mr. Hibbert.
The inspector looks at the direction HOLMES left, "SHERLOCK HOLMES eh? I believe we shall cross path soon. AGAIN."
Friday, August 10, 2012
WHAT'S YOUR SERIAL NUMBER?
Jungle trekking and camping can be an extreme yet fun activity and this is what a bunch of group friends enjoyed doing when they have free times. To them, more extreme, the better it is. Often challenging themselves that they are indeed "IRON MEN" conquering one forest trek after another. One day, Louis - one of the members most passionate extreme jungle trekker was searching the web locating where to trek next for their free time. And he eventually found one...
"Zhang Zhou Island, an island famous for it's seafood at it's harbor and dried seafood along the town. Fun activities - cycling around town, great BBQ spot, more food varieties, great picnic spot and mystical teks for jungle trekkers. Only 20 minutes ferry ride from Hong Kong's famous Queen's pier."
Immediately, he says to himself inside his heart, "PERFECT" - He called his friends and tagging them details on his social network wall. When they expressed interest, in a haste they sold their soul to the deal - Making dates everyone available for the trip, time to meet at the airport, a place for meeting and all. Two weeks later, they finally meet after months locking themselves with their busy working schedule. It's always a typical greetings in the air when they haven't met for quite a while,
"Wah~ Long time no see, you gotten fat already wor, no exercise ar?", joked Peter another trek enthusiast.
"Eh.... You also la, good to see you haven't die yet after so long!", Louis in reply.
Soon, half an hour before taking off to Hong Kong, more and more of their mates had finally showed up. John, Ah Huat, Joanna, Alice, Sean and Michelle made the quota counts to 8 person in their group. Before leaving on a plane, they took a photograph. The flight took about 2 hours, making a stop first in Bangkok and then resume it's flight for another 3 hours reaching Hong Kong International Airport at about noon.
After checking into their hotel rooms and rested after a long flight, they made plans to walk around and stomp the streets of Hong Kong for sight-seeing and for their favorite agenda - FOOD.
They finished the night by heading down to Lady's Street before dozing off for a big adventure tomorrow.
Finally, the big day has arrive. They met at the lobby and finally moves out to Queen's pier and off to Zhang Zhou Island, the next trek they gonna conquer. They decided to camp at the beach side for 3 days before spending their final days in Hong Kong, it's like the whole island had been cursed with time freeze making the times goes by slowly. Common as it gets for a countryside territory, far from an urban civilizations, easy and simple life of a fishermen's tenancy.
It's only their first night, they had complaint saying this place was a flop and putting all blames on Louis,
"Oi, Louis! There's nothing fun and extreme on this island as it says, you sure you got the right updates ar?", says Michelle known for her rough tomboy attitudes.
Louis gave out a small smirk and says, "There's actually more to it. I've managed to find out that a section of a trek - North-west of our current spot is an off limit for treks."
The atmosphere turned silent for a moment with them continue looking at each others in a creepy manner during their BBQ session. Then, Louis continued on, "Our destination tomorrow is an abandoned treks near the off limits area in which is a route connected to numerous cemeteries scattered all around for about 100 years."
The atmosphere turned even more silent and cold. Louis explained that they are going to try something different since every time they went trekking doing almost the same thing. He add on that when they went trekking, whenever they passed by a graveyard, they should jot down a serial grave number, it's "resident's" name, date of birth and the day they passed. Whoever has the most oldest "residents" in their list wins and the loser had to treat them for a meal when they head back to Hong Kong.
Everyone seems excited about the competition and agrees except Joanna and Sean who had a bad feeling about it but to avoid being called coward by them so annoyingly, THEY SOMEHOW AGREED TO JOIN. Night's getting late, they decided to hit to their sleeping back and get ready for tomorrow excitedly. At the first break of dawn, They finally packed and leave for their trekking destination.
Walking for about 15 minutes, they finally arrived at the off limits area, they stop and rest a while at a nearby old temple, marking it their spot. Louis had another brilliant idea of splitting up the group into 4 groups a pair - Louis and Peter, John and Alice, Ah Huat and Michelle and lastly, Sean and Joanna. They will each take a route and will trek until 3pm into the woods before coming back to the temple mark.
Before taking off, all of a sudden an old man with a traditional typical Chinese look approached without a sound and says something which makes their skin had a sudden chill, "Enter at your own risk, Respect the resting place, Don't do anything foolish or pay with your own life...", and he walks off towards the old temple area.
The gang ignores and continues their plan for the day but not for Joanna as she turned silent and looked pale since yesterday. When they finally parted ways, they went and did to fulfill their objective. At the end of the day, only Sean and Joanna made it back - TOGETHER WITH THEIR LIST. They decided to head back much earlier after Joanna complaint of not feeling well. They expect they will lose after just 7 grave counts. Both of them waited for another hour and started to get anxious for the others had not made it home.
In the end, they decided to head back the camp site hoping they will be back before night time bearing in mind probably they are being "kiasu" trying to look for more graves and avoid paying the meals back in Hong Kong soon. Sean and Joanna decided both of them will share to pay for the meals and when to sleep at their respected tents. When the next morning came, both of them awakes with no sights of their friends and decided to pack up and went back to Zhang Zhao town to file a missing person report.
Later on, they went back to the temple ground and look for the old man whom they met yesterday but only found a middle aged man who is seen sweeping the temple ground. They tried to ask for where abouts of the old man, he replied,
"There's no old man here, only me. And this area only me stays here no others..." and he left to run errands.
Before they left, the same caretaker opens a large wooden door yelling, "开门见山, 大吉大利...", meaning "Open door overlooking a mountain, Great fortune to all..." in which the direction of the door really does overlooking a hill which most of their friends disappeared to... To their horror, behind the door reveals a stone plaques which is used to store ashes of deceased people. They saw the old man's picture there in the middle complete with serial tombstone number, name, DOB and deceased date.
Sean remembered he still keeps a list and that number looked familiar, he took out and compare - THE OLD MAN'S NAME AND ALL MATCHED. As he viewed further down the remaining six list of deceased person, it was Louis, Peter, Ah Huat, Michelle, John and Alice.... THEY WERE ALL DEAD SINCE YESTERDAY SIMILARLY STATED IN THEIR LIST, ALL DIED EXACTLY THE SAME DATE...
Joanna went through the photos they taken and went numbed when she viewed a photo they took before leaving to board airplane - ONLY SEAN AND JOANNA IN THE PICTURE...
*THE STORY WRITTEN ABOVE IS MERELY FICTIONAL AND HAS NO RELATIONS TO ANY LIVING PERSON AND IS THE ORIGINAL IDEA OF THE BLOGGER HIMSELF. IF IT DOES RELATES TO ANY PERSON OR ANY PERSON YOU KNEW, IT IS JUST A COINCIDENCE.
"Zhang Zhou Island, an island famous for it's seafood at it's harbor and dried seafood along the town. Fun activities - cycling around town, great BBQ spot, more food varieties, great picnic spot and mystical teks for jungle trekkers. Only 20 minutes ferry ride from Hong Kong's famous Queen's pier."
Immediately, he says to himself inside his heart, "PERFECT" - He called his friends and tagging them details on his social network wall. When they expressed interest, in a haste they sold their soul to the deal - Making dates everyone available for the trip, time to meet at the airport, a place for meeting and all. Two weeks later, they finally meet after months locking themselves with their busy working schedule. It's always a typical greetings in the air when they haven't met for quite a while,
"Wah~ Long time no see, you gotten fat already wor, no exercise ar?", joked Peter another trek enthusiast.
"Eh.... You also la, good to see you haven't die yet after so long!", Louis in reply.
Soon, half an hour before taking off to Hong Kong, more and more of their mates had finally showed up. John, Ah Huat, Joanna, Alice, Sean and Michelle made the quota counts to 8 person in their group. Before leaving on a plane, they took a photograph. The flight took about 2 hours, making a stop first in Bangkok and then resume it's flight for another 3 hours reaching Hong Kong International Airport at about noon.
After checking into their hotel rooms and rested after a long flight, they made plans to walk around and stomp the streets of Hong Kong for sight-seeing and for their favorite agenda - FOOD.
They finished the night by heading down to Lady's Street before dozing off for a big adventure tomorrow.
Finally, the big day has arrive. They met at the lobby and finally moves out to Queen's pier and off to Zhang Zhou Island, the next trek they gonna conquer. They decided to camp at the beach side for 3 days before spending their final days in Hong Kong, it's like the whole island had been cursed with time freeze making the times goes by slowly. Common as it gets for a countryside territory, far from an urban civilizations, easy and simple life of a fishermen's tenancy.
It's only their first night, they had complaint saying this place was a flop and putting all blames on Louis,
"Oi, Louis! There's nothing fun and extreme on this island as it says, you sure you got the right updates ar?", says Michelle known for her rough tomboy attitudes.
Louis gave out a small smirk and says, "There's actually more to it. I've managed to find out that a section of a trek - North-west of our current spot is an off limit for treks."
The atmosphere turned silent for a moment with them continue looking at each others in a creepy manner during their BBQ session. Then, Louis continued on, "Our destination tomorrow is an abandoned treks near the off limits area in which is a route connected to numerous cemeteries scattered all around for about 100 years."
The atmosphere turned even more silent and cold. Louis explained that they are going to try something different since every time they went trekking doing almost the same thing. He add on that when they went trekking, whenever they passed by a graveyard, they should jot down a serial grave number, it's "resident's" name, date of birth and the day they passed. Whoever has the most oldest "residents" in their list wins and the loser had to treat them for a meal when they head back to Hong Kong.
Everyone seems excited about the competition and agrees except Joanna and Sean who had a bad feeling about it but to avoid being called coward by them so annoyingly, THEY SOMEHOW AGREED TO JOIN. Night's getting late, they decided to hit to their sleeping back and get ready for tomorrow excitedly. At the first break of dawn, They finally packed and leave for their trekking destination.
Walking for about 15 minutes, they finally arrived at the off limits area, they stop and rest a while at a nearby old temple, marking it their spot. Louis had another brilliant idea of splitting up the group into 4 groups a pair - Louis and Peter, John and Alice, Ah Huat and Michelle and lastly, Sean and Joanna. They will each take a route and will trek until 3pm into the woods before coming back to the temple mark.
Before taking off, all of a sudden an old man with a traditional typical Chinese look approached without a sound and says something which makes their skin had a sudden chill, "Enter at your own risk, Respect the resting place, Don't do anything foolish or pay with your own life...", and he walks off towards the old temple area.
The gang ignores and continues their plan for the day but not for Joanna as she turned silent and looked pale since yesterday. When they finally parted ways, they went and did to fulfill their objective. At the end of the day, only Sean and Joanna made it back - TOGETHER WITH THEIR LIST. They decided to head back much earlier after Joanna complaint of not feeling well. They expect they will lose after just 7 grave counts. Both of them waited for another hour and started to get anxious for the others had not made it home.
In the end, they decided to head back the camp site hoping they will be back before night time bearing in mind probably they are being "kiasu" trying to look for more graves and avoid paying the meals back in Hong Kong soon. Sean and Joanna decided both of them will share to pay for the meals and when to sleep at their respected tents. When the next morning came, both of them awakes with no sights of their friends and decided to pack up and went back to Zhang Zhao town to file a missing person report.
Later on, they went back to the temple ground and look for the old man whom they met yesterday but only found a middle aged man who is seen sweeping the temple ground. They tried to ask for where abouts of the old man, he replied,
"There's no old man here, only me. And this area only me stays here no others..." and he left to run errands.
Before they left, the same caretaker opens a large wooden door yelling, "开门见山, 大吉大利...", meaning "Open door overlooking a mountain, Great fortune to all..." in which the direction of the door really does overlooking a hill which most of their friends disappeared to... To their horror, behind the door reveals a stone plaques which is used to store ashes of deceased people. They saw the old man's picture there in the middle complete with serial tombstone number, name, DOB and deceased date.
Sean remembered he still keeps a list and that number looked familiar, he took out and compare - THE OLD MAN'S NAME AND ALL MATCHED. As he viewed further down the remaining six list of deceased person, it was Louis, Peter, Ah Huat, Michelle, John and Alice.... THEY WERE ALL DEAD SINCE YESTERDAY SIMILARLY STATED IN THEIR LIST, ALL DIED EXACTLY THE SAME DATE...
Joanna went through the photos they taken and went numbed when she viewed a photo they took before leaving to board airplane - ONLY SEAN AND JOANNA IN THE PICTURE...
*THE STORY WRITTEN ABOVE IS MERELY FICTIONAL AND HAS NO RELATIONS TO ANY LIVING PERSON AND IS THE ORIGINAL IDEA OF THE BLOGGER HIMSELF. IF IT DOES RELATES TO ANY PERSON OR ANY PERSON YOU KNEW, IT IS JUST A COINCIDENCE.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Kaiji : The Ultimate Gambler
TITLE: KAIJI : THE ULTIMATE GAMBLERRELEASED: 8TH APRIL 2010
TAGLINE: WILL YOU RISK YOUR LIFE TO CLEAR OFF THE DEBT
THAT YOU NEVER TAKE? WILL YOU TAKE THE CHANCE?
SYNOPSIS:
"Kaiji : The Ultimate Gambler" is adopted from a famous manga with the same title by Nobuyuki Fujimoto which had sold 11 million copies is about a 26 year-old man, Kaiji (Tatsuya Fujiwara of 'Death Note' fame) who found himself in a huge debt that he himself didn't know or even took the loan itself. Surprised, he found out that it was his friend who took the loan and Kaiji was eventually his guarantor!
To erased off this huge debt of his friend that went missing soon after that, he had no choice but to take an offer to enter a deadly gambling competition aboard a cruise ship which will cost him his life any moment.
Only 3 round of games and his debt contract will be terminated but it won't be easy..... To fight for his own life, he has to gamble a high stakes, to win back his normal life - he has to win it......
MY VIEW AFTER WATCHING IT:
If you think borrowing from loan sharks is already a worst case scenario that can happen? Think again because this rich and good for nothing people are even more sick! Saying that they can help but actually with a risk consequences - you can't pay it, play 3 rounds of game and the debts are history.
Of course these rich people is not gonna go easy on them and each games will erase you off from this earth for good without leaving a trace behind! Thinking of borrowing from a loan shark? Think twice again!
This movie was quite fun to watch and has a sense of something new. Besides, this storyline has a great motivation, moral value and lessons to learn about. Think - "To borrow is easy but paying back is hard"
Only thing is that - I somehow just hate some boring progressive stories because this movie is quite boring, leaving only a handful best part to watch and then boring scene again then best part - repeating the same process over and over again.
PROS:
- Quite educational a bit and moral value to remember on
- Exciting actions
- Japanese manga!
CONS:
- Slow progressive and boring starts
- Repeated used of boring scene then actions over and over again
- Again yet, japanese always just love to turned manga into a real life movie......
RATINGS:
I just love movies that came from Japan be it animation or movie but not all anime manga can make into a real life movie and struck gold with it. I would somehow rather stick movie with movie and manga with manga.
A passable 3/5 stars - Good storyline but keep on using manga for a movie production is just too
repeating sometimes.....
Shutter Island
TITLE: SHUTTER ISLANDRELEASED: 5TH MARCH (US) & 15TH APRIL
(MAL)
TAGLINE: NONE
SYNOPSIS:
'Shutter Island' was set in 1954, where US Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) were assigned to investigate a mysterious murder - said to have connection to a patient who escaped from a highly surveillance hospital for the criminally insane and has been hiding on a remote island called Shutter Island.
During the process of his investigation, more and more mysterious things began to surfaced resulting him to investigate further knowing it might cost his own life or even more paranoid.
To understand the situation even more, he himself set sail to the island itself where he found out that there are more than meets the eye. The mental hospital was said to reside 66 patients, but someone or something told him that there is a mysterious and unknown patient, 'the 67th'. But the doctors strongly claimed that the attendance is still 66 - no more or less and most of them grew suspicious towards Teddy, he might be suffering from past painful memories and illusional..... Is he the one who the stranger claimed - 'the 67th'?
MY REVIEW AFTER WATCHING:
Watching the cinema preview really does boost your interest in wanting to watch 'Shutter Island' even more but watching the movie itself tells the story a bit different. Honestly, I am not saying that the movie is a dull and boring not worth watching - it is interesting to watch actually only that the storyline progressing way too slow!
Maybe it is just the way how Martin Scorsese style of direction, I guess. The beginning was fine and slowly progressing, letting us wait for the best part. He (Martin Scorsese) can be quite a spoiler sometimes because he just drag a scene quite long enough to keep us waiting and waiting and waiting until we are sick of waiting or just simply go to the toilet for a break and come back and hey guess what? The best part has yet to come!
Anyway, the best part of it - is only towards the end. Where all answers are being answered and you yourself might be shocked to find out the truth about the climax (watch yourself! I won't tell) and Leonardo does collaborate well and much better since his last encounter with Martin in 'The Departed' (Hollywood version of Hong Kong's hit 'The Internal Affair")
PROS:
- Suspense and mysteries that keeps you glued on your seat
- Mad men, paranoids and illusions
- Very very dark and deep storyline
CONS:
- Wait too darn long through all the suspense and waiting.... It's a pain!
- Conversations, long dialogue, over dragged scene with even much more dialogues!!!!
- Deep storyline means you have to think whose responsible in the scene (didn't watching movies suppose to be a relaxing activities???)
RATINGS:
Suspense and scary is cool but too overload can be boring and pain, I am neither love nor hate this movie but I can admit I enjoy the movie a bit - not much. Just that I hate sitting in a cinema listening to long talks and stuff or I'll just doze off and irritate other people in the theatre. Maybe I just don't understand the great Martin Scorsese way and philosophy of making this movie and who knows, you might enjoy this movie more than I do.....
3.5/5 stars for great suspense and scare but way too long to wait for the best part to come.....
How To Train Your Dragon
TITLE: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONTAGLINE: NONE
RELEASED: 26TH MARCH 2010
SYNOPSIS:
Hiccup, a son of a Chief Viking village and leader of the Dragon Hunter Clan always wanted to impress his people and makes his father proud but things not always seems right for him because he (Hiccup) can't wield a sword nor a battle ax like a warrior and always gives trouble to the villagers and embarassed his father with crazy inventions and machines - claiming able to kill or hunt down dragons NOT!!!
One night, a bunch of dragons wreak havoc in the village and every vikings doing their part to stick their blade on a dragon's thick scale skin but not Hiccup under a direct strict order from his chief father to stay behind the line and repair and sharpening viking's weapon for killings.
As always, Hiccup being stubborn and brought along his invention and sucessfully shot down a mysterious dragon claimed by many 'as fast as a thunder and as dark as nightsky' - the Night Fury Dragon but no one believes and he sets out alone into the forest in search of it while his father out sailing with other warriors to the dragon's lair to end everything.
Hiccup found it but was unable to lay hands on it and thus released it free but can't fly away because of it's damaged tail. Hiccup actually cared for it and named him Toothless. Before leaving the village, his father actually placed him under the care of his trusted friend - a blacksmith and a mentor to Hiccup to train him to be a Dragon Killer but Hiccup had a potential to be a dragon tamer more than slaying them after spending freetimes with Toothless.
Will he be what his father always wanted him to be or will he break the code and all odds between the vikings and the dragons?
MY REVIEW AFTER WATCHING:
When it comes to animation movies, I always enjoyed best from Japanese anime manga, Disney's Pixar and Dreamworks Anime Pro. The latest flick by Dreamworks Production, 'How To Train Your Dragon' is a fun and laughable animation from the desk of producer from 'Madagascar' and 'Shrek'.
At first sight of it's preview months ago, I have this mixed feeling of whether to watch it or not (my interest was only 50-50 at the time) knowing it might another same old funny jokes and father and son relationship kinda feelings like other anime done by Dreamworks (if you didnt notice, Dreamworks anime stories used the same concept of 'father and son' in every animation production). Because out of movies to watch that time, I finally decided to go for it and watch.
The storyline, actions and feelings, I don't dare to say is boring nor awesome but just simply fun and quite relaxing to watch throughout the hour. I am not sure whether I got the jokes or am I tired or there's no sense of humor in me because throughout the movie, I didn't laugh at all while others are laughing! But I does enjoy watching it though.
In the end, I would still give it a go for it for 'HTTYD'. It is still fun to watch and yet I couldn't laugh it out.
PROS:
- Entertaining yet laughable
- It's cool to watch with family together as it has 'the father and son relationship' and family type of moral values to take home with
- Makes you to take up a habit of owning a pet (minus the dragon, of course)
CONS:
- Not worth the money to watch it on 3-D actually (no feelings of realistics)
- Sometimes just quite sick and tired of the same old storyline concept of 'father and son relationship' kinda animation
- Eventhough the jokes still can be digest on, I just hope there will be more funnier jokes to hear or see rather than the old school repeats (personal opinions)
RATINGS:
ddAt the end of the day after watching 'HTTYD', everyone will be bringing a smile on their face out of the cinema theatre - including me. Entertaining yet the same old style and we never get tired of it (most of them). Still watchable and worthy but not quite fancy the same idea over and over again. A slight passable rating from me - 3.5 out of 5 stars....
3.5/5 star ratings for worthy watching still but yet again same old school entertainment.
3.5/5 star ratings for worthy watching still but yet again same old school entertainment.
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