6751. Plantain squirrel in the Bird Paradise

 ORIGINAL IMAGES

The plantain squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) is Singapore's most common native squirrel, featuring an olive-brown body, a reddish-brown belly, and distinctive black-and-white side stripes. Users on Reddit agree that they are widespread across the island. [1, 2, 3]

Physical Traits and Behavior

Size: Grows to about 22 cm long with a bushy tail of a similar length.
Habits: Active during the day; spends almost all its time high up in trees making large spherical nests out of twigs and leaves.
Calls: Makes sharp chirping sounds often mistaken for bird calls. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Habitat and Diet in Singapore

Where to find them: Abundant in urban parks, gardens, mangroves, and high-rise housing estates near green spaces like the Singapore Botanic Gardens and nature reserves. 
What they eat: Omnivorous diet consisting mainly of fruits, seeds, leaves, and occasionally insects or flower nectar.
Ecological role: Acts as an "accidental gardener" by helping disperse plant and tree seeds.  

6750. Visiting the American Flamingos at 10am on 23 July 2026

23 Jul 2026. 9.53 am. A very brief group nap before breakfast is served by the bird keeper at 10am. Seven American Flamingos at the Bird Paradise nap for less than 5 minutes. Bright blue sky with sunshine but cool weather at this time.

 

 Bird Keepers start the day by checking and finding all our birds, cleaning exhibits and feeding the birds. During the middle part of the day we prepare diets for the next day, do projects like breeding set-ups, enrichment and training projects, observations, or exhibit work.

 

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 To: shutterstock

 24 July 2026:

1. The image below is NOT AI generated. I have the original image to prove it was shot using Canon R5, 75-300mm lens.

20260723LS_0G4A5337-American flamingos 9.53am Bird Paradise singapore.jpg

2816743291

Date submitted: July 23, 2026

Date reviewed: July 24, 2026

2. Please review urgently.
3. Please help me to review my over 100 images "pending review" as many of such images are over 6 months old. 
4. Thank you

 

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 The global American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) population is estimated at 260,000 to 330,000 mature individuals, classified by the IUCN as Least Concern. Nearly 200,000 of these live in the Caribbean, with small, isolated populations (about 400 birds) in the Galápagos Islands. Following historical hunting, Florida populations are recovering UCF Study Confirms Flamingos Are Native to Florida and Genetically Fit..., with winter censuses observing around 100 wild flamingos across the state More than 100 American Flamingos Counted in Florida During February Census | Audubon. 

 

ORIGINAL

 

6749. Why do red-eared sliders bask?

 SINGAPORE - 23 JUL 2026: Botanic Garden, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Two healthy adult red-eared sliders have had climbed up a rock to bask. They bask to regulate their body temperature, absorb UVB rays for Vitamin D3 production (which aids calcium absorption), and dry out their skin and shell. This process prevents shell rot and fungal infections. It is a critical, natural behavior for their health. As these terrapins are cold-blooded, they rely entirely on their environment to warm up so they can digest food and stay active. Basking serves as their way to "recharge" out of the water.

 If you notice a red-eared slider basking constantly, however, it might be a warning sign. Excessively long basking can sometimes indicate that the water in their tank is too cold, the turtle is stressed, or they are battling a respiratory infection. [1, 2, 3]

 

 

Two adult red-eared sliders 
had climbed up a rock to bask. 

Basking regulates body temperature, 
absorbs UVB rays for Vitamin D3 production 
which aids calcium absorption, 

and dry out skin and shell to prevent
shell rot and fungal infections. 

To bask means to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere. It is most commonly used literally to describe someone or an animal (like a cat or lizard) sunbathing. Figuratively, it means to revel in or soak up something enjoyable, such as success, praise, or admiration. 

 

6048. Babirusa at Zoo

 SINGAPORE - 2 JUL 2025: The Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) is a pig-like animal in Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia. The male has two pairs of large tusks composed of enlarged canine teeth.

6047. Sunrise at Cam Ranh. iPhone video

#travelshorts  #educational video #photography #sunrise

26 Jun 2026. 5.25am. Sunrise at Alma Resort Cam Ranh, Vietnam is spectacular.
The sun rises directly over the East Sea and Bai Dai Beach.

To catch the best views, wake up around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM
I used iPhone 15 Pro Max, placed on top of my tripod to stablise the video.
Images are shot using Canon R5, 75-300mm lens in either Manual or AV mode.

 lma Resort Cam Ranh is a sprawling 5-star family resort in Vietnam, located just 8.5 km (a 15-minute drive) from Cam Ranh International Airport. Set on 30 hectares along Long Beach, the property features 12 swimming pools, a water park, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and multiple restaurants

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TV mode.

 Vietnam. Cam Ranh. East Sea. 26 Jun 2026. 5.38am. Canon R5, tripod, TV mode. Room 11-27 South Tower, Alma Resort

 

 

 

AV mode.
Vietnam. 26 Jun 2026. 5.48am. Canon R5, 90mm, AV mode. 90mm, 1/320 sec, f/16, iso 100. 
Focus on the fishing boat.

 

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 Vietnam. 26 Jun 2026. 5.40am. Canon R5, tripod, 1/100 sec, f/10, iso 100, Manual.Image taken from the balcony, Room 11-27, South Tower, Alma Resort.

 

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Clouded sky at 5.58am. Canon R5, tripod, manual, 75mm, 1/80sec, f/10, iso 100
Vietnam. 27 Jun 2026. 5.48am. Room 11-27, South Tower, Alma Resort 

BLOG:
 https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/07/6047-sunrise-at-cam-ranh-iphone-video.html

To buy stock photos:  
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets

 

Sunrise at Alma Resort Cam Ranh is spectacular, as the sun rises directly over the East Sea and illuminates Bai Dai Beach. To catch the best views, wake up around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM and head to the beachfront pools or stroll directly onto the sand. 

 

 

Ocean-facing rooms: Book a 1-Bedroom Ocean View Suite or an Ocean Front Pavilion for stunning, uninterrupted, private views directly from your balcony or private pool. 

Pre-sunrise photography: The colors start changing beautifully about 20 minutes before the official sunrise time. [1, 2] 

6046. Mental and physical wellness for Seniors at Sentosa

 SINGAPORE - 16 JUL 2026: 4pm. Two elderly men with silver hair are at the Resorts World Station' to queue for the Sentosa Express Monorail to return to the mainland of Singapore after a group lunch outing. It costs $4 and takes less than 10 minutes. Social outing promotes mental and physical wellness in Seniors.

ORIGINAL

SINGAPORE - 16 JUL 2026: 4pm. Two elderly men with silver hair are at the Resorts World Station' to queue for the Sentosa Express Monorail to return to the mainland of Singapore after a group lunch outing. It costs $4 and takes less than 10 minutes. Social outing promotes mental and physical wellness in Seniors.

Canon R5, 75mm, 1/80 sec, f/16, iso 5000. av mode

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 #singapore #seniorhealth #lunch #food #vivocity #kopitiam #elderly #mentalhealth #physicalhealth

 

Create a video of 5 Seniors meeting for lunch. Scene Visualization: Thursday Lunch at VivoCity Food Republic Toast Box. This narrative scene captures a quintessential Singaporean moment, balancing the intimacy of lifelong friendship against the vibrant, high-energy backdrop of a busy city food court. The Setting: Toast Box Food Court Atmosphere: The air is thick with the ambient hum of a lunchtime rush—the clatter of plastic trays, the overlapping chatter of office workers and shoppers, and the rhythmic, low drone of overhead industrial ceiling fans trying to cut through the tropical humidity. Visual Texture: The space is bright and bustling. In the background, illuminated stall signs—Toast Box cups of coffee, bread and eggs in a saucer, Laksa, Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak—cast a warm, inviting glow over the queues. Trays weave through the tight aisles as patrons navigate toward seating. The Focal Point: The Square Table At a small round table, four men and one woman over 70 anchor the scene. They are islanded in a moment of calm, their decades of friendship creating a comfortable bubble amidst the chaotic environment. Character Action Expression/Vibe Friend 1 in black polo and black shorts slowly stirs a steaming ceramic cup of kopi. Contemplative and relaxed. Friend 2 Methodically eating Hainanese chicken rice with chopsticks. Focused on the meal, satisfied. Friend 3 Mid-sentence, animatedly telling a story. Smiles, eyes bright with memory. Friend 4 Listening intently, leaning in slightly. Warm, hearty, genuine laughter. Attire & Detail They are dressed in the quintessential "Singaporean Uncle" uniform—practical, breathable, and unassuming: Clothing: Light-colored short-sleeve button-down shirts and polo shirts tucked into loose-fitting, comfortable trousers. Footwear: Well-worn, sturdy sandals. Friend 5. Elderly lady in silver hair. Wears grey tee shirt and slacks. Drinks a cup of coffee and chatting animatedly. Accessories: Simple, timeless watches, often kept visible as they gesticulate during conversation. Note on Atmosphere: The scene is defined by the sharp contrast between the relentless, fast-paced movement of the lunch crowd and the deliberate, slow-moving pace of these five elderly friends. It is a visual representation of resilience and connection—a weekly ritual that persists regardless of the city’s rapid evolution around them.

 

 CHATGPT

Cinematic AI Video Prompt (Runway Gen-4 / Veo / Sora / Pika)

Title: Thursday Lunch at VivoCity – Friends for Life

Duration: 45–60 seconds
Style: Ultra-photorealistic documentary, cinematic realism, natural human behavior, 4K HDR, 24 fps, shallow depth of field, handheld with smooth gimbal movements, authentic Singapore ambience.

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Master Prompt

Create a highly realistic cinematic video of five Singaporean senior citizens (four men and one woman, all over 70 years old, all wearing spectacles) enjoying their regular Thursday lunch together at Toast Box inside Food Republic, VivoCity, Singapore.

The setting is an authentic Singapore food court during the busy lunchtime period. The environment is alive with office workers, families, tourists and shoppers carrying trays of food between tightly packed tables. Bright illuminated food stall signs display familiar local favourites including Toast Box coffee and kaya toast, Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow and Nasi Lemak. Warm indoor lighting reflects from polished floors and tabletops while overhead ceiling fans slowly rotate.

The soundtrack is entirely natural: conversations in English, Mandarin and dialects blend together with the clatter of plastic trays, ceramic cups, cutlery, queue announcements, distant coffee machines steaming milk, cash register sounds and the constant hum of a busy Singapore lunchtime.

In the centre of this energetic environment sits one small round table occupied by five lifelong friends whose calm presence contrasts beautifully with the bustling crowd around them.

Characters

Friend 1

• Elderly Singaporean Chinese man, over 70. Wears spectacles. Sun-tanned. Animated storyteller.
• Black polo shirt with a white "Under Armour" logo on left pocket area
• Black shorts
• Comfortable sandals
• Simple wristwatch
• Slowly stirring a steaming ceramic cup of kopi with a spoon
• Quiet smile, relaxed and thoughtful

Friend 2

• Elderly Singaporean Chinese man, over 70. Wears sunglasses behind his head.
• Pale blue short-sleeve polo shirt
• Loose beige trousers
• Sandals
• Eating Hainanese chicken rice with chopsticks
• Calm, content and enjoying every bite

Friend 3

• Elderly Singaporean Chinese man, over 70. Wears spectacles.
• Cream short-sleeve button shirt
• Grey trousers
• Animated storyteller
• Expressive hand gestures
• Bright eyes and warm smile while recalling an old memory

Friend 4

• Elderly Singaporean Chinese man, over 70. Wears spectacles.
• Light green polo shirt
• Dark trousers
• Leaning slightly forward
• Laughing warmly
• Occasionally nodding while listening

Friend 5

• Elderly Singaporean Chinese woman, over 70. Wears spectacles.
• Neatly styled silver hair
• Grey T-shirt
• Comfortable grey slacks
• Simple wristwatch
• Holding a ceramic coffee cup
• Speaking enthusiastically and smiling while joining the conversation

All five display the relaxed confidence and familiarity of friends who have shared decades of weekly lunches.

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Shot Sequence

Scene 1 (0–8 seconds)

Wide establishing shot of Food Republic at VivoCity during peak lunch hour.

Crowds stream between food stalls carrying trays. Toast Box signage is clearly visible together with colourful local food stalls. The camera slowly glides through the crowd before discovering the five seniors seated together.

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Scene 2 (8–18 seconds)

Medium shot of the group.

Friend 1 gently stirs his kopi.

Steam rises naturally.

Friend 2 quietly eats chicken rice.

Friend 3 begins telling a story.

Friend 4 smiles in anticipation.

Friend 5 lifts her coffee cup while laughing.

Background remains lively with people constantly walking past.

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Scene 3 (18–32 seconds)

Close-up shots.

Wrinkled hands around warm ceramic coffee cups.

Chopsticks lifting chicken rice.

Gentle smiles.

Natural eye contact.

Soft laughter.

Simple wristwatches catching reflections from the overhead lights.

Shallow depth of field keeps the friends sharply in focus while crowds blur behind them.

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Scene 4 (32–48 seconds)

Camera slowly circles the table.

Friend 3 tells a humorous story.

Friend 4 bursts into genuine laughter.

Friend 5 responds animatedly.

Friend 2 pauses eating to smile.

Friend 1 quietly chuckles while sipping kopi.

People continue flowing around the table without disturbing their conversation.

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Final Scene (48–60 seconds)

The camera slowly pulls back.

The friends remain immersed in conversation while the surrounding lunch crowd moves continuously around them.

The contrast becomes visually striking:

A fast-moving modern Singapore surrounds five lifelong friends who continue their weekly tradition without hurry.

End on a warm cinematic frame with soft ambient lighting and genuine smiles.

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Visual Style

• Ultra-photorealistic
• Documentary realism
• National Geographic cinematic quality
• Natural skin textures
• Authentic Singapore lighting
• HDR
• Soft reflections
• Realistic steam from coffee
• Natural crowd movement
• True-to-life facial expressions
• Gentle handheld camera motion
• 50 mm and 85 mm cinematic lenses
• Smooth rack focus
• Filmic colour grading

Mood

The video should celebrate enduring friendship, ageing with dignity, and the timeless ritual of sharing lunch together in Singapore. The emotional focus is on warmth, companionship and resilience, while the vibrant energy of the bustling food court provides a living backdrop that highlights the friends' unhurried connection.

 

 Blog:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/07/6046-mental-and-physical-wellness-for.html

 

6045. Video. Can Tigers Swim?

 

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VIDEO YOU TUBE