Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Euphorbia pulcherrima is known by the common name Poinsettias. They are popular ornamental plants, especially during the Christmas season, known for their vibrant red and green foliage. Native to Mexico and Central America, the plant's blooming period naturally coincides with the holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The colored bracts – which are normally flaming red, with cultivars being orange, pale green, cream, pink, or white, – are often mistaken for flower petals, but are actually leaves. The flowers, a cluster of tiny yellow, are found in the center of each leaf bunch, or false flowers.

Fun Fact:
In order for the bracts to turn red, they must not receive any light for twelve hours a day, six to eight weeks in a row. This developmental response is known as ‘photoperiodism’.

‘Embla’ - Bold crimson bracts contrasted with rich green foliage make this cultivar a classic, striking poinsettia.

Euphorbia pulcherrima ‘Premium Ice Crystal’

Euphorbia pulcherrima ‘J’Adore White Pearl’ - Pristine, pearl-white bracts that shimmer against rich green foliage.

Euphorbia pulcherrima ‘Embla Marble’ - Large bracts streaked in creamy ivory and rose pink create a painterly effect above rich green foliage.

Poinsettia ‘Red Glitter’ - Stands out for its bright red bracts covered in white speckles and splashes

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Gossips

Let’s face it. We all gossip. There are few who don’t. The world will be very quiet indeed if people don’t gossip. People would have nothing to say to each other, after talking about the weather to death.

Gossip may be the vocal form of bitch-craft, but it has its humanitarian side too. It is our way of finding out what our mutual friends, colleagues, neighbours and sometimes relatives are up to. It is through this exchange of information that we are updated on the people, events, and things happening around us.

Generally, most gossip is just harmless digs at the expense of the people we know. Some people talk a lot but do not reveal very much. And there are those who spill out everything in the minimum number of words. People with tact will leave out the sordid details, whereas people without tact will spice up the gossips. Though a bit naughty, there is no malice intended, not intentionally, anyway.

Troubles start when we unintentionally say more than we should – like when we pass sensitive information, or information that was meant for our ears only. 

So, there are a couple of things to bear in mind when it comes to gossiping. Never divulge sensitive information told to us in confidence. No matter how juicy the gossip you have, no matter how you are dying to talk about it, get it out – don’t!

Always be mindful of other people’s feelings. If you are unsure whether you should make known certain facts to all and sundry, don’t. If you think that a particular juicy piece of gossip might annoy or hurt someone, then, it is better to hold your tongue. Even if it is something that is going to be common knowledge, you might want to consider whether it will be better if that information comes from someone else. Sometimes, it is not your story to tell.

Do not spread lies, half-truths and untruth when gossiping. Lastly, and most importantly, there is one unbreakable rule in the gossip game. You must never betray your friends.

If we are mindful of what we talk about and to whom, there is no harm in a little gossip now and then. However, bear in mind that whoever gossips with you will gossip about you. Therefore, observe how someone gossips to you. Does he/she just talk without reserve, or does he/she speak cautiously and generally. If people gossip to you without reservation, then you would want to be careful of what you tell them. Because, surely, they will gossip freely about you too. But if what they gossip about are mundane, general stuff and are tight-lipped about personal stuff, then they are people whom you can trust.

What do you think? Is it all right to gossip? Feel free to share your thoughts on the subject.

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Animal Fun Facts

Let’s take a peek into the world of animals. Here are some trivia, fun facts about animals, courtesy of Facebook pages ‘Colours of Nature’, ‘Ancestral Stories’, ‘Weird Facts’, ‘Unbelievable Facts’, ‘Today I Learned’, Science and facts, Crazy creatures, The Knowledge Factory, The study secrets etc… However, I do not know if they are true. Some of them sound really incredible.

The gerenuk is a slender, long-necked antelope native to the arid regions of East Africa.

Remarkably, it can live its entire life without drinking water, relying solely on the moisture from leaves and shoots. Its unique ability to stand upright on its hind legs allows it to reach vegetation that other grazers cannot.

The gerenuk’s narrow nasal passages help reduce water loss through respiration, while its kidneys produce highly concentrated urine to conserve moisture.

These adaptations make it one of the most specialized desert-dwelling herbivores on the planet. – A Facebook post by ‘The Brain Maze’

Opossums are the unsung superheroes of the animal world, immune to snake venom, able to survive up to 80 rattlesnake bites, and practically tick-eating machines.

These nocturnal marsupials play a vital role in ecosystems across North and Central America. Their immunity to venom from snakes like rattlers and cottonmouths has fascinated scientists, who have studied opossums to develop potential treatments for snakebites in humans. Beyond that, opossums consume thousands of ticks, reducing the spread of Lyme disease, and help clean up carrion and insects, keeping habitats healthy. Despite myths that they carry rabies, they rarely do, opossums quietly support biodiversity wherever they roam.

Small, scruffy, and often misunderstood, opossums prove that heroism doesn’t always wear a cape. Sometimes, it comes with a prehensile tail, a marsupial pouch, and a fearless attitude toward venomous. – A Facebook post by Patrick Barnes

When a cat purrs, it creates gentle vibrations that can actually be good for healing. Studies have shown that these vibrations can help speed up the recovery of broken bones and wounds. This means that having a cat around can be beneficial if someone is hurt or healing from an injury. The soothing sound of a purr is not just comforting; it may also have healing powers.

Cats usually purr when they are happy, relaxed, or comfortable. This habit seems to have a purpose beyond just expressing contentment. The vibrations produced by a cat’s purr can range from about 25 to 150 Hertz, a range that has been linked to promoting healing in tissues and bones. So, when a cat curls up next to you and starts to purr, it might actually be helping you feel better in more ways than one.

In addition to making us feel good, the sound of a cat's purring can reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for healing. When we are relaxed and happy, our bodies are better at healing. So, having a cat around not only brings joy and companionship but can also play a role in the recovery process for injuries and wounds. – A Facebook post by ‘Colours of Nature’

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Christmas Train Show

Fusing the “magic of a cherished American Yuletide tradition with uniquely Singapore elements”, The Christmas Train Show is a floral display “with close to 20 model trains being rotated to travel along 145 metres of complex tracks laid in the centre of Flower Dome”.

According to information at the venue, there are “close to 7,000 plants, including more than 70 plant varieties such as holly, mistletoe, cyclamens, 18 varieties of poinsettias, and 50 varieties of Christmas trees — some rising to 4 metres tall” on display. These complement the landscapes and fill Flower Dome with the unmistakable atmosphere of Christmas.

This is the centerpiece at the entrance. The Christmas Tree was “built with 104,768 LEGO bricks over a total build time of close to 500 hours.”

Since it is a ‘Train Show’ there are many trains whizzing across elevated, eye-level and ground-level tracks.

Nyhavn, a historical Copenhagen landmark, was once a dockside haunt of sailors and taverns. It was a gateway into Copenhagen in the late 1600s. This model of Nyhavn is 6.5 meters wide, and took close to 750 hours to complete using 119,629 LEGO bricks.

There are many nicely decorated Christmas trees. Together with the non-stop Christmas carols playing in the dome, one could indeed feel there isa festive mood in the atmosphere.

And not to forget the many varieties of Poinsettias on display. Bright, beautiful colours. Together with the other plants – they add a lot of colours to the display.

As usual, there were many visitors, all posing and capturing special moments and one for the album.

'The Christmas Train Show’ is now on until the 4th of January 2026. Admission fees apply. Adults pay $12 SGD, Seniors and children below 12 years old pay $8 SGD.

You can click on the picture for a better view.

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Trivia & Fun Facts

There is so much about this world that we do not know. Here are some interesting fun facts, trivias about this wonder-ful world – courtesy of Facebook pages ‘Colours of Nature’, ‘Ancestral Stories’, ‘Weird Facts’, ‘Unbelievable Facts’, ‘Today I Learned’, Science and facts, Crazy creatures, The Knowledge Factory, The study secrets etc… However, I do not know if they are true. Some of them sound really incredible.

Chinese researchers have created an innovative, tree-free “sand paper” — a sustainable material that could revolutionize the paper industry. Developed by the Tianjin Institute of Chemical Technology, this eco-friendly paper is made from desert sand and plant-based binders, requiring almost no water in its production process.

The process involves coating fine grains of sand with a non-toxic polymer that binds them into thin, flexible sheets. The result looks and feels like traditional paper but is tear-resistant, waterproof, and recyclable. Unlike wood pulp paper, this method doesn’t contribute to deforestation or water pollution — two of the biggest environmental costs of conventional paper-making.

Each ton of this sand-based paper saves roughly 20 trees and 30,000 liters of water, making it a potential game changer for arid regions. China plans to scale production in areas near the Gobi and Tengger Deserts, turning sand into a valuable raw material for a greener economy. – A Facebook post by ‘Engineering Facts’

Gas in your intestines comes from swallowed air and bacteria breaking down food. Normally, you release it as a fart (or sometimes a burp).

But if you constantly hold it in, pressure builds up, your gut stretches, and you can get bloating or cramps. When that happens, doctors say some of the gas can actually pass through your gut wall, enter your bloodstream, travel to your lungs, and get breathed out.

Only a small amount takes this route — and it doesn’t make your breath smell like farts — but it’s another reason why letting gas out is healthier and way more comfortable. – A Facebook post by ‘Weird Facts’

The human heart produces a magnetic field that is more than 100 times stronger than the field generated by the brain. This powerful field can be detected up to 3 feet away from the body and changes depending on emotional states. Scientists have discovered that the energy emitted by the heart influences brain activity, showing that our emotions literally affect the energy we give off.

Research from HeartMath indicates that people who practice heart coherence techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude exercises, experience improved brain function, reduced anxiety, and enhanced focus. These practices help align the heart and brain, creating a more balanced and efficient system for processing emotions and making decisions.

This research challenges the traditional belief that intelligence and emotional awareness come solely from the brain. Instead, it shows that the heart and brain work together in a dynamic, bidirectional system. The heart plays a central role in intuition, emotional intelligence, and even how others sense the energy we radiate. Understanding this connection opens the door to practices that improve both mental clarity and emotional well-being. – A Facebook post by ‘Brain Talks’

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Cheeky Humour

Take a break from your problems, troubles, or difficulties to enjoy a laugh. Humour will help you to forget your troubles for a while. Your troubles will be there when you come back, but they might not seem as unsurmountable as before. In any case, you are back, refreshed and in a better frame of mind to tackle them.

Enjoy today’s selection, and may your days be filled with laughter.

If we give all of the people who filed incorrect tax returns the benefit of the doubt and assume that every single one of them simply made an honest mistake, then doesn’t common sense tell us that maybe the tax code is just a little too complex? - Glenn Beck

I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night. - Marie Corelli

Today, I went to the bank and told them I indentify as a millionaire I’d like to withdrraw my money. They laughed and asked me to leave. Turns out – just because you believe something in your brain, doesn’t make it true, and you can’t force others to pretend it is. - Unknown

When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not; but my faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. It is sad to go to pieces like this but we all have to do it. - Mark Twain

Ladies, if you are pregnant, and you know your baby will be a boy, consider naming him ’Gotham’! That way when he starts crying in the middle of the night, all you have to do is turn to your man and whisper, “Gotham needs you.” It won’t matter if it’s the first time or the hundredth he’s hearing it, he will get up and take care of business and you can roll over and get your well-deserved sleep!

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