Powderpuff Flowers

Calliandra Haemotocaphala or commonly known as the Powderpuff Flowers.

 





 

PhotoHunt # 215-MEMORIAL

The Civilian War Memorial in Singapore, alternately called the "Memorial to the civilian victims of the Japanese occupation", as the name implies, is a memorial dedicated to the Civilians who lost their lives during the World War II and the occupation. The Civilian War Memorial was built in remembrance of the 50,000 civilians from the 4 ethnic groups killed during World War 2.

Built in 1964, the 67-metre high landmark is better known to locals as the 'Chopsticks Memorial' with its four tapered columns symbolizing the four main races - Malay, Chinese, Tamil and 'Others' (including Eurasian and European) who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation. 






Built in 1964, the 67-metre high landmark is better known to locals as the 'Chopsticks Memorial' with its four tapered columns symbolizing the four main races - Malay, Chinese, Tamil and 'Others' (including Eurasian and European) who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation. 

History of the Civilian War Memorial During the World War II (1942-1945), the Japanese forces occupied Singapore and they started an operation against the native Chinese community called the "Sook Ching". The Japanese aimed at erasing all anti-Japanese forces from Singapore and made it a rule that all Chinese men aged between 18 and 50 should report to the Japanese Military police known as the Kempeitai. This "Sook Ching" operation is blamed for the brutal deaths of purportedly 50,000 Chinese civilians.

The remains of the civilians, who were casualties of the Occupation, were exhumed from places like Changi, Siglap and Bukit Timah in 1962. The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce took the responsibility to bury the remains of the dead civilians. The construction-work for the Memorial started on 23rd April, 1966 and it was finally complete by January of 1967 at a cost of approximately SGD 500,000.The Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew inaugurated the Civilian War Memorial on 15th February, 1967. A memorial service is organized on the 15th of February every year at the Civilian War Memorial in commemoration of the civilian victims, killed during the War. It also marks the day when the Allied soldiers surrendered Singapore to the Japanese forces in 1942.

FMTSO: HONOR OUR TOWN HEROES

The men in blue, is always an all time  favorite hero    in book Everyday they have to face danger in doing their duty to provide a save environment for the public. I'm not just talking about the Police officer, but the Firefighters, Paramedic and Rescue Unit too. All of them are under the Home Team .


There was an Emergency Preparedness Day organised by the Home Team and Resident Committee near my housing estate a few weeks ago, and we get to see how these heroes tackle an almost real life situation first hand.


The ever ready fire-fighters responding to a call of fire on a fast bike, they usually gets to the ground zero first as they can just zip in between traffic much faster than the big fire truck. They carry an impulse water gun with the portable tank on their back, these are used to tackle the fire first while waiting for the next group of fireman to arrive on a Rhino- a smaller fire truck- the brain child of one of the Commander years ago.


There are all sort of equipments in the Rhino, for used during fire and emergencies.
 



The men in caps are the police officers while the rest are the fire-fighters. Thank you, my heroes!

Thursday Challenge: REST

"REST" (Bedroom, Pillows, Hammock, Peaceful Places, Pyjamas, Napping, Sleeping,...)

ABC Wednesday: S is for sandcastle

S is for Sandcastle, a fun time at the Seaside.

Ruby Tuesday: Red Bike

EMPS # 91- READY, GET SET, GO!

" EMPS #91: Get READY, get SET, GO! Show us something this week, that is READY, something that is SET, or something on the GO! Or, if you like, put them all together! GET READY, GET SET, GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Extra Credit: Show me your subject in both black &white, color!" 

Macro Monday: Little Bear

This little bear is only 4 inches in height but hold a big place in my heart as it's a gift from my only niece.

Today's flowers # 94

Color Carnival # 51

PhotoHunt # 214- MONTHLY

Monthly bills to pay.

Round Robin Challenge: STATUES

FMTSO: Trip To The Zoo

There's only one zoo here in Singapore, and it's always been a favorite place to visit for me. It's less than 30 minutes drive away from my home .

Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Opened in 27th June 1973 with S$9 millions from the Government's grant, it has become the famous place to visit for families and tourists.

Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 16% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes.

To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006.
In 2008, 1.6 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is designated a wildlife rescue centre by the governing authority.




White tigers, also known as Bengal tigers, are rare animals that possess an amazing combination of awesome beauty and impressive power. They have blue eyes, a pink nose, and creamy white fur covered with brown stripes. White tiger males range in length between 2.7 and 3 metres. They weigh between 190 and 260 kilogrammes on the average. Females are smaller, and range in length from 2.2 to 2.7 metres, weighing around 165 kilogrammes.


Siblings Omar, Winnie and Jippie came to us as part of an animal exchange programme from Taman Safari, Indonesia in 2001.


Amid the lush flora and fauna, Singapore Zoo’s world famous ‘open concept’ offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. The Zoo’s inhabitants live in spacious environments simulating that of their natural habitat. Guests can gaze leisurely at the animals while safely separated by dry or wet moats, which are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.



Walk in here for that unforgettable experience to be with the tigers.



For $5  a plate , visitors can get closer to the giraffes while feeding them with raw vegetables.

The giraffe has the longest tongue in the animal kingdom. It can extend to a record length of 53cm! Its flexible tongue functions like a ‘hand’ for grasping leaves. It has a tough and leathery surface, which allows the animal to feed on the thorny acacia.

 





Perhaps the most recognised resident is the orang utan, and this is the place to enjoy fabulous eye-to eye views of these enigmatic apes. An elevated boardwalk takes guests into the treetops where they can observe their natural behaviour at close range.

Elephants of Asia is a one-hectare exhibit that showcases the largest living land mammal, and the colourful history and cultural elements that are associated with these gentle giants. It boasts a mud wallow, bathing pool, viewing loft and rustic thatched huts with Myanmar-influenced architecture. Elevated boardwalks take you through the length of the eco-habitat.

 Singapore Zoo has evolved from being a viewing zoo to becoming a Learning Zoo. Educational content designed in an interactive mode has become a feature of all exhibits. These interpretive aim to effectively convey facts about the animals and messages about wildlife conservation.

Education is an important tool in wildlife conservation as it helps bring forth the plight of endangered animals. It is important that when visitors come to our parks, they leave knowing that they’ve learned something new about an animal, its habitat and its situation in the wild.



Children can look forward to splashes of exhilarating activities at Singapore Zoo’s Rainforest Kidzworld. This new and special attraction within the park offers an educational, fun and engaging time with family-focused activities. Waves of fun await children at the water play area, themed like a wet animal wonderland! Watch out for the massive bucket as it tips over or dash under the droplets of water gushing out from the many water spouts.

Thursday Challenge: PLAY

"PLAY" (Fun, Games, Toys, Sports, Video Games, Sports Equipment,...)