The Chocolate Pansy is ready for take-off from the "runway". Can you see its eye?
Yes, I can!
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This Chocolate Pansy is ready for take-off from the “runway” fern.
Can you see its eye?
Yes, I can!
Monday, July 6, 2026
6025. Yes I Can. Stories
The Chocolate Pansy is ready for take-off from the "runway". Can you see its eye?
Yes, I can!
6024. Google review of The Lumos
a minute ago
PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE LUMOS
SINGAPORE - 27 FEB 2026: 1.15pm. The Lumos, off Grange Road, is a freehold luxury condominium completed in 2011 and located in Prime District 9. It is a single 36-storey, 53-unit development with two penthouses of 5714 and 5929 sq ft.
It has distinctive BLUE structural elements on its facade.
A 3-bedroom 1755 sq ft unit on the 7th floor was sold for S$3.15 million in 2019. Launched for sale in August 2007, a 3-bedroom was sold for S$5.53 million. In 2026, 31 units are marketed by Propnex agents for sale and 3 units are available for rent.
Photo is for sale at
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets
Canon R5, 80mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200 using 75-300mm lens.
27 Feb 2026, 1.15pm
Sunday, July 5, 2026
6023. Dog with paw infection
The purpose of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is to evaluate overall health, screen for diseases, and investigate symptoms like fatigue, fever, or bruising. It measures the types and numbers of cells in your blood, specifically red blood cells (for oxygen), white blood cells (for immunity), and platelets (for clotting)
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) & Hemoglobin: These carry oxygen throughout your body. Abnormal counts can indicate anemia or other blood disorders.
White Blood Cells (WBCs): These fight infections. High levels usually indicate an infection or inflammation, while low levels can suggest bone marrow issues or immune disorders.
Platelets: These help your blood to clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Counts outside the standard range can indicate bleeding or clotting disorders.
The primary purpose of a liver function test (LFT) is to evaluate overall liver health, detect inflammation, and locate potential damage or disease. It achieves this by measuring blood levels of specific proteins, liver enzymes, and waste products (like bilirubin) that the liver produces or processes.
A standard liver function panel evaluates several specific markers to check different facets of your liver's health:
- Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT): Elevated levels usually indicate inflammation or damage to liver cells.
- Proteins (Albumin and Total Protein): Measures the liver’s ability to produce essential proteins required for bodily functions.
- Bilirubin: Measures a waste product created by the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels often point to impaired liver or bile duct function.
The purpose of a kidney function test (or renal panel) is to assess how effectively your kidneys are cleaning your blood, balancing bodily fluids, and maintaining essential mineral levels. These evaluations are primarily used to detect early signs of kidney disease, monitor existing conditions, and evaluate the effects of medications.
The primary purpose of a lipid profile test is to measure the levels of fats and cholesterol in your blood to assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Because high cholesterol rarely shows symptoms, this blood test is essential for early detection and disease prevention. [1, 2, 3, 4]
A standard lipid profile measures five key lipid components to provide a clear picture of your heart health: [1, 2]
Friday, July 3, 2026
6022. Canon 75-300 mm lens review by Amateur Photographer Jan 2026
The Canon RF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 is an entry point into longer lens photography - tests the waters of wildlife or travel photography economically. Price, lightweight, compact dimensions.
Performance, autofocus operation and general build of the lens are reflective of the price. Lens has NO built-in IS
A higher standard of build or quicker (and quieter) autofocus will need
Canon R5 100-400mm F5-6.8 IS USM which has built-in SI (image stabilisation) but costs twice as much.
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minimum focusing distance of 1.5m - allows users to make more of the smaller subjects in the frame.
Filter thread of 58mm. UV filters or circular polarises will be more affordable.
Canon ET-60 lens hood
Canon's Super-Spectra coating enhances image quality by reducing ghosting and flare. Doe NOT have Flourine coating to protect the front element against water or fingerprints. Not samel levels of weather protection as pre-level L series lineup.
NO image stabilisation to get sharp images iwht a long lens. Mitigated if camra body has in-body stabilisation e.g. EOS R7.
No tripod collar, cannot pair with a monpod, no need a support tro share the payload. Write uses a small beanbag cushion to rest bewtten the ledge in a wildlfie hide and the lens to protect lens barrel.
BUILD AND HANDLING>
manual focus ring is significantly smaller than the zoom ring
No zoom lock but barrel does not slip forward, no worry about movement during transit or lens tilted own the floor.
AUTOFOCUS
Focus moter is the slower DC type, not the faster STM or USM .
In BRIGHT light, AF operation is a little sluggish for wildlife photography while in lower light, performance drops off. Not ideal for fast-moving subjects (moving toward or away from the camera). Sharp image for static subject.
Operation is distinctly audible - recording video trickly. the hum picked up by the camera's microphones.
PERFORMANCE
Tempting to use the largest aperture f/4 at 75mm rising to 5.6 at 300mm, the best optical result occur at mid-range apertures between f/8 and f/11. Need to raise ISO if shooting in lower light conditions.
Disadvantage - colour fringing wherfe purple outlining clearly visible around high-contrast edges.
Vignetting is visible butr isnt'a huge issue that cvan be corr3ected in Lightroom.
Possible to capture sharp images, but nmot the same sort of clarity expected from more expensive Canon telezooms.
Verdict; 3-star.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
6021. Care of red-eared sliders
Key Considerations for Red-Eared Sliders
Red-eared sliders require a significant long-term commitment. Common misconceptions about their "easy" care can lead to health issues.
Housing: Adult turtles require much more space than standard starter kits. A single adult needs a large enclosure (ideally 250–300+ liters or roughly 50–100 gallons) to provide sufficient swimming area.
Lighting and Heating: They require a dedicated UVB light (essential for shell and bone health) and a basking spot (heated to 32–35°C) to allow them to dry off and regulate their temperature.
Water Quality: Turtles are messy eaters and produce a high bioload. A powerful filtration system (rated for 2–3 times the volume of the tank) is necessary, along with frequent partial water changes.
Diet: Juveniles are primarily carnivorous, but as they mature, their diet should shift to include more plant matter (such as dark, leafy greens) alongside quality pellets.
Veterinary Care: If your turtle shows signs of illness—such as lethargy, bubbles from the nose, uneven swimming, or eye swelling—it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. You can contact Toa Payoh Vets at +65 6254 3326 to book an appointment.
Common Health Problems
Shell rot appears as soft white patches and stems from poor water quality or inadequate basking. Respiratory infections present as bubbles from the nose, lethargy, and lopsided swimming, usually triggered by chilly water or insufficient UVB.
Eye swelling indicates vitamin A deficiency from a pellet-heavy diet.
All three need an exotic vet — Singapore has several practising specifically with reptiles, and treatment within a week of symptoms gives the best outcomes.
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A 50-cent coin sized hatchling becomes a 25 cm dinner plate within five years, which is why the red eared slider care guide singapore conversation always begins with adult size, not cuteness. Trachemys scripta elegans is listed as one of the world’s worst invasive species, and Singapore’s drains and reservoirs already carry the consequences of decades of releases. This guide from Gensou Aquascaping in Everton Park covers an indoor pond setup that gives a slider a proper life — and keeps it out of waterways where it does not belong.
Quick Facts
- Adult size 20-30 cm; expected lifespan 25-40 years with good husbandry
- Minimum 400 litres for one adult; 600+ litres for a pair
- UVB lighting is non-negotiable for shell and bone health
- Basking spot 32-35°C, water 24-28°C, ambient Singapore room temperature suits
- Filtration sized to 2-3x the system volume per hour minimum
- HDB pet rules under NEA do not specifically restrict turtles, but condo MCSTs may
- Releasing into local waterways is illegal under the Wildlife Act and devastates native ecology
Why This Species Demands Commitment
Red-eared sliders are sold cheaply and outgrow their starter tanks within 18 months. Owners who underestimate the long-term commitment have historically released them into Bedok Reservoir, MacRitchie, and HDB drains, where they outcompete native species like the Malayan box turtle. Buying one means committing to four decades of care or arranging legal rehoming through a society like ACRES — never the canal.
Indoor Pond Sizing
The classic 60 cm tank from a starter kit is unsuitable beyond the first year. A single adult needs a footprint of at least 120 cm by 60 cm with 30-40 cm water depth, putting volume at around 250-300 litres of water plus a basking platform above. A 2-foot custom tank or a converted plastic pond liner sat on a reinforced timber frame both work for HDB living rooms, provided floor loading is checked against your unit’s structural drawings.
Indoor ponds with low walls and large surface areas suit sliders better than tall aquariums because turtles use horizontal swimming room far more than vertical depth.
Basking Platform and UVB
Sliders bask to thermoregulate and to drive vitamin D3 synthesis through UVB exposure. The platform must be fully out of the water, large enough for the entire turtle to dry off, and warmed to 32-35°C by an overhead basking bulb. UVB output must come from a dedicated reptile UVB tube — Arcadia T5 12% or ZooMed PowerSun — placed within 30 cm of the basking surface and replaced every 12 months even if it still emits visible light.
Without UVB, sliders develop metabolic bone disease and shell pyramiding within a year. The cheap basking lamps sold in pet shops produce heat but no usable UVB; check the box for explicit UVB output figures before buying.
Water Temperature in Singapore
Ambient Singapore water sits comfortably in the 26-29°C range that sliders prefer, so heaters are rarely needed. The challenge is the reverse — keeping water from overheating during prolonged sun on south-facing flats. A clip fan over the surface during the hottest months and shading the tank from direct afternoon light keeps water within range without a chiller.
Filtration for High Bioload
Turtles produce roughly three times the waste of an equivalent fish biomass, so filtration is sized accordingly. A canister rated for 2-3 times the actual water volume per hour is the minimum, and pairing two canisters or adding a sump dramatically improves stability. Mechanical media catches the large faecal pellets, biological media handles ammonia, and weekly 30-40% water changes remain non-negotiable regardless of filtration capacity.
Diet Across Life Stages
Hatchlings are heavily carnivorous, taking pellets, bloodworm, and small fish. Adults shift toward 50-60% plant matter — duckweed, water lettuce, romaine, dandelion greens — with the balance from quality turtle pellets and occasional protein. Overfeeding protein in adults causes shell pyramiding and kidney stress. Feed adults every other day, juveniles daily, and remove uneaten food within 30 minutes to protect water quality.
Substrate and Decor Choices
Bare bottom or large river rocks are the safest substrates because sliders dig and swallow gravel. Decor should be heavy and stable; turtles bulldoze anything light. Live plants are usually eaten or destroyed, though water lettuce and water hyacinth can survive as floating snacks if replenished regularly.
Singapore Housing Considerations
NEA’s HDB pet rules focus on dogs and do not specifically prohibit turtles, so red-eared sliders are legal to keep in HDB units. Condominiums often have separate MCST by-laws that may restrict reptiles or large tanks; check your management’s pet policy before committing. Floor loading for a 400-litre indoor pond approaches 500 kg loaded, which falls within HDB structural limits but warrants placement near a load-bearing wall rather than mid-room.
The Release Problem
Releasing a red-eared slider into Singapore waterways is illegal under the Wildlife Act and ecologically destructive. Released sliders carry salmonella, displace native turtles, and prey on native fish and amphibians. If you can no longer keep your slider, contact ACRES or rehome through verified hobbyist communities — never let it loose. Penalties under the Wildlife Act include fines up to $5,000 for first offences.
Common Health Problems
Shell rot appears as soft white patches and stems from poor water quality or inadequate basking. Respiratory infections present as bubbles from the nose, lethargy, and lopsided swimming, usually triggered by chilly water or insufficient UVB. Eye swelling indicates vitamin A deficiency from a pellet-heavy diet. All three need an exotic vet — Singapore has several practising specifically with reptiles, and treatment within a week of symptoms gives the best outcomes.
Long-Term Commitment Reality Check
A red-eared slider purchased today will likely outlive at least one renovation, possibly a marriage, and certainly the original tank setup. Costs across a 30-year lifespan run into thousands of dollars for tanks, lighting, electricity, food, and vet visits. If that arithmetic gives pause, consider a smaller native species or aquatic invertebrates instead.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
6019. Reading to a 4-year-old grandson before bedtime
On 30 Jun 2026, at around 8.30pm, my grandson HOW invited me to his bedroom to read for him for the first time. He always tried to sleep as late as possible. "I can't read," he said as he looked at me with his bright round eyes. "Grandpa, come sit on the floor with me," he sat cross-legged and had chosen his favourite bedtime book.
"I can't sit like you," I replied. He understood as he had seen me having mobility issues as a 76-year-old.
His bedroom was congested with two single beds, a small square table 2 feet by 2 feet and a book shelf of around 3 feet wide.
I sat on the right corner of this table and he sat on my left while 80 percent of the table was filled with his toys. "I cannot see the book as you read," How explained as I held the book on a higher level to read to him. I spotted a "nook" at the end of the single bed where a bar had been installed to prevent him from falling out.
I sat on this nook and immediately regretted doing it. The mattress sunk low and I was sitting with my knees higher than my hip level. I know I could not stand up as my legs are weak and there are no handles to grip for me to stand.
I read him "From head to toe" by Earl Carle. He exercised on the restrictive hard parquet floor of around 4 square feet between the bed and the table and bookshelf. On one page of a donkey kicking with his hind legs, the writer asked "Can you do it?".
"I can do it!". He followed the illustration of the boy doing a back kick. Insufficient space for his back legs to extend. His right knee hit the hard floor. He knee was painful. He winced in pain and looked for his nanny in the next room for comfort.
I decided to get up and got him to Grandma's bedroom where he could exercise on the big king-sized mattress. "HOW HOW," I said. "Ask your Daddy to help pull me up as he is strong." The nanny wanted to help me but she was a petite woman and she could hurt her back. Daddy came with a stern face. He pulled me up with both hands easily.
In Grandma's room, HOW HOW had lots of space and safety for his back kicks. Grandma focused on her smartphone game while I had a lovely time reading to HOW HOW. It was nearly 10pm. He felt the weariness and said: "I am going to sleep." He opened the door and went downstairs to his room to sleep without saying "Good night Grandpa, Good night Grandma. Grandpa, Thank you for reading to me!".
Maybe, one night, I will teach this mischievious grandson the values of life when I read to him.
A nook is a small, quiet, or sheltered space, such as a cozy corner in a room or a secluded spot in nature. It is often used to create a dedicated area for a specific activity, such as a reading nook or a breakfast nook.
Earl Carle's "Head To Toe" book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpCebCxrPVk.. A footage of the donkey kicking with his back legs.
Blog story:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/07/6019-reading-to-4-year-old-grandson.html
More educational videos:
youtube.com/Dr Sing Kong Yuen
Stock photos for sale:
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets
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On 30 Jun 2026, at around 8.30pm, my grandson HOW invited me to his
bedroom to read for him for the first time. He always tried to sleep as
late as possible. "I can't read," he said as he looked at me with his
bright round eyes. "Grandpa, come sit on the floor with me," he sat
cross-legged and had chosen his favourite bedtime book.
"I can't sit like you," I replied. He understood as he had seen me having mobility issues as a 76-year-old.
His bedroom was congested with two single beds, a small square table 2 feet by 2 feet and a book shelf of around 3 feet wide.
I sat on the right corner of this table and he sat on my left while 80 percent of the table was filled with his toys. "I cannot see the book as you read," How explained as I held the book on a higher level to read to him. I spotted a "nook" at the end of the single bed where a bar had been installed to prevent him from falling out.
I sat on this nook and immediately regretted doing it. The mattress sunk low and I was sitting with my knees higher than my hip level. I know I could not stand up as my legs are weak and there are no handles to grip for me to stand.
On 30 June 2026, at 8.30pm, I read to my grandson, HOW HOW the book - "From head to toe" by Earl Carle. He exercised on the restrictive hard parquet floor of around 4 square feet in his congested bedroom while he acted on the illustrations in this book.
He had only this walking space between the bed and the square table and bookshelf. On one page of a donkey kicking with his hind legs, the writer asked "Can you do it?".
"I can do it!". He followed the illustration of the boy doing a back kick. Insufficient space for his back legs to extend. His right knee hit the hard floor. He knee was painful. He winced in pain and looked for his nanny in the next room for comfort.
I decided to get up and got him to Grandma's bedroom where he could exercise on the big king-sized mattress. However, my 76-year-old legs were weak. I could not stand up from a low position above a very soft mattress at one corner of his bed.
"HOW HOW," I whispered so as not to wake up his younger brother. "Ask your Daddy to help pull me up as he is strong." His nanny wanted to help me but she was a petite woman around 5 feet 3 inches tall. She could hurt her back! Daddy came with a stern face. He pulled me up with both hands easily.
In Grandma's room, HOW HOW had lots of space and safety for his back kicks on the king-sized mattress.Grandma welcomed him. She focused on her smartphone game while I had a lovely time reading to HOW HOW.
He did his back kicks, thumbed his chest, arched his back and did the exercises I read the book.
Time flew like a tornado and it was nearly 10pm. He said: "I am going to sleep." He opened the door and went downstairs to his room. He left suddenly. He didn’t say "Good night Grandpa, Good night Grandma. Grandpa, Thank you for reading to me!".
Maybe, one night, I will teach this mischievious grandson the values of life when I read to him another time.
A nook is a small, quiet, or sheltered space, such as a cozy corner in a room or a secluded spot in nature. It is often used to create a dedicated area for a specific activity, such as a reading nook or a breakfast nook.
Earl Carle's "Head To Toe" book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpCebCxrPVk. A footage of the donkey kicking with his back legs.
Blog: Script for creation of this video by Dr Sing Kong Yuen:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/07/6019-reading-to-4-year-old-grandson.html
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SCRIPT FOR VIDEO:
"I can do it!". The 4-year-old boy adopted an illustration of the boy doing a back kick in Earl Carle’s “FROM HEAD TO TOE” book.
A space of 2 feet x 4 feet in his congested bedroom, between his first bed and bookshelf was insufficient space for his back legs to extend fully. His right knee hit the hard floor. He winced in pain, tear drops flowed down his round eyes.
He looked for his nanny in the partitioned room for comfort. His 2-year-old brother had fever and was sleeping soundly hugging his bolster.
I decided to get up and got him to Grandma's bedroom where he could exercise on the big king-sized mattress. However, my 76-year-old legs were weak. I could not stand up from such a low position, above a very soft sinking mattress at one corner of his bed.
"HOW HOW," I whispered so as not to wake up his younger brother. "Ask your Daddy to help pull me up as he is strong." His nanny wanted to help me but she was a petite woman around 5 feet 3 inches tall. She could hurt her back! Daddy came with a stern face. He pulled me up with both hands easily.
I decided to get up and got him to Grandma's bedroom where he could exercise on the big king-sized mattress. However, my 76-year-old legs were weak. I could not stand up from a low position above a very soft mattress at one corner of his bed.
"HOW HOW," I whispered so as
not to wake up his younger brother. "Ask your Daddy to help pull me up
as he is strong." His nanny wanted to help me but she was a petite woman
around 5 feet 3 inches tall. She could hurt her back! Daddy came with a
stern face. He pulled me up with both hands easily.
In
Grandma's room, HOW HOW had lots of space and safety for his back kicks
on the king-sized mattress.Grandma welcomed him. She focused on her
smartphone game while I had a lovely time reading to HOW HOW.
He did his back kicks, thumbed his chest, arched his back and did the exercises I read the book.
Time flew like a tornado and it was nearly 10pm. He said: "I am going to sleep." He opened the door and went downstairs to his room. He left suddenly. He didn’t say "Good night Grandpa, Good night Grandma. Grandpa, Thank you for reading to me!".
I will teach this mischievious grandson the values of life when I read to him again.
A nook is a small, quiet, or sheltered space, such as a cozy corner in a room or a secluded spot in nature. It is often used to create a dedicated area for a specific activity, such as a reading nook or a breakfast nook.
Earl Carle's "Head To Toe" book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpCebCxrPVk. A footage of the donkey kicking with his back legs.
Blog: Script for creation of this video by Dr Sing Kong Yuen:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/07/6019-reading-to-4-year-old-grandson.html
DEDICATION
On 1 July 2026, this video was created for my 3.5-year-old grandson, How How.
He told me he cannot read. He loves all his “one hundred books”
in his bookshelf in his room. Most books were bought by his Daddy.If someone can read to him every night, he may be able to read by himself. I know he can count though!Recently, he counted
from 1 to 100 in Mandarin to me!
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