6031. Gravitrap photography

 ORIGINAL

The Gravitrap is a non-toxic mosquito trap developed by the National Environment Agency (NEA). It attracts egg-carrying female Aedes mosquitoes (the carriers of dengue and Zika) using water and lures. Once inside, the mosquitoes are caught on a sticky glue board, preventing them from laying eggs or biting humans. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How it Works

Female mosquitoes need to bite humans for blood only when they are preparing to produce eggs. [1, 2]

• The Lure: The trap uses a container filled with water to mimic a prime spot for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
• The Catch: As the mosquito enters, she gets stuck on the inner Glueboard.
• Safe Design: Wire gauze above the water blocks any trapped mosquito from laying eggs, or traps any eggs laid so new mosquitoes cannot hatch and escape. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How to Use and Maintain It

You can purchase Gravitraps from local retailers like Shopee Singapore or Bugs-Stop for under $10 to $20. To get the most out of your trap: [1, 2, 3]

1. Placement: Place traps in dark, shaded corners and resting areas, about 5 to 10 meters apart from one another.
2. Water Levels: Fill the base with water until it escapes from the overflow holes. Top up the water regularly.
3. Glue Board: Inspect the Glue Board once every two weeks and change it monthly.
4. Safety: If you see mosquito larvae (wigglers) in the water, flush them directly down the toilet bowl. Do not pour them into a sink or outdoor drain. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Why the NEA Uses It

The NEA has deployed over 50,000 Gravitraps across Singapore to track mosquito populations and stop dengue outbreaks. Because they attract egg-carrying mosquitoes that are not looking for blood, these traps will not attract biting mosquitoes to your home. Instead, they act as an early warning system to help control the local insect population. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

If you're dealing with mosquitoes in your area, tell me:

• Do you need help placing traps indoors or outdoors?
• Are you looking to buy a Gravitrap, or maintain one you already have?

6030. PHOTOGRAPHY - symmetrical photo of Bishan 8 condo

 

SINGAPORE - 1 Apr 2026: 11.30am Bishan 8 condominium is an older development, just opposite the Bishan MRT station. Its rooms are more spacious and has high ceilings compared to the 2026 condos. PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: An almost symmetrical photo of a building looks attractive, but is hard to shoot as there are obstructions. I share the photo captured. 1 Apr 2026: 11.30am Canon R5, 75mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4.5, ISO 125 Bright sunshine helps to create a sharper image.

 

Google Review

 

6029. Yio Chu Kang Beacon photography. Google review.

SINGAPORE - 1 APR 2026: 

Yio Chu Kang Beacon is a new BTO comprising three residential blocks - 651A, 651B, and 651C - with a total of 454 units. It is facing Presbyterian High School and near the Yio Chu Kang MRT station. It was completed in June 2024. 

Bright morning sunlight brings out the better image.
Photograph from inside a car.

I used Canon R5, 75mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4.5, iso 1254
TV mode, auto ISO.

6028. Lesser Mouse-Deer in Singapore Zoo

 Very shy creature. 
Rare in Singapore

"Least concern" globally. 
Lesser Mouse-Deer (Tragulus kanchil), also known as the Kanchil. 

Canon R5, 300mm, 1/250 sec, f/5.6, iso 12800

12 Apr 2026, 10.45pm

ORIGINAL

 

6027. Prudential Tower logo

 SINGAPORE - 13 APR 2026: 2.12pm. Prudential Tower in Singapore features the company's iconic red logo and a distinctive green glass exterior. It provides a range of insurance plans including PRUShield for health coverage and various investment-linked plans. The Prudential Singapore logo features a stylized woman named Prudence, who is one of the four cardinal virtues. She represents wisdom, foresight, and caution. She holds a mirror to look at the present and a serpent wrapped around her arm to remind people to be careful. This reflects the company's goal to protect your money using smart planning and awareness of the past, present, and future.

Canon R5 135mm, 1/200 sec, f/16, iso 200

 

bright sunshine. lean against pillar to stabilise hand and camera.

 

ORIGINAL

 

6026. Be a teacher advert

 SINGAPORE - 9 APR 2026: 6.14pm. Ministry of Education advertisements featuring the tagline Öpen Doors to Inspiration" on the platform screen doors at the Outram Park MRT station. They promote teaching careers with the message "Be a Champion for every student. Be a teacher". The station is part of the North-East Line, identified by its purple colour scheme. 

ORIGINAL IMAGE

Canon R5 75mm, 1/30 sec, f/16, ISO 12800

 

6025. Yes I Can. Stories

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!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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]

 

 

Total Cholesterol: The overall sum of cholesterol in your blood. [1]

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. [1]

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good cholesterol" because it carries excess "bad" cholesterol away from the arteries to be broken down by the liver. [1, 2]

Triglycerides: A type of fat stored for energy; high levels from excessive calorie intake increase cardiovascular risk. [1, 2]

VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often calculated to estimate triglyceride-rich particles in the blood. [1]

 

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.