:apertureindepth:
Friday, June 30, 2006 || mechanism of mimosa plant
Mimosa pudica is remarkable because of its:
Nyctinastic movements - in the evening the leaflets fold together and the whole leaf droops downward until sunrise.
Seismonastic movements - touching the leaves, or shaking the plant, or slight warming of the leaves, or chemical and electrical stimuli, or subjecting the plant to a lack of water, will cause the leaflets to fold together and the whole leaf to droop downwards temporarily.
researchers have found that as the leaves are stimulated to fold together and droop downward, changes in membrane permeability of the cells in the pulvini occur that allow for the rapid movement of calcium ions. This has been related to increased cell wall pliability in the pulvini, which when coupled with decreased turgor pressure allows for movement.
The stimulus to fold and droop leaves can be transmitted from one part of the plant to another. Upon stimulation, changes in electrical potential progress from the site of stimulation to other parts of the plant. In addition, an as of yet unidentified chemical transmitter substance (hormone) can also be measured to move from the site of stimulation to distant parts of the plant.
It has been observed that folded and drooped leaves are not attractive to herbivores, and are often passed by in favor of more normal appearing leaves to eat. Also, folded and drooped leaves exchange less heat and water than fully expanded leaves, and this might have some survival value when the plants are under environmental stress.
adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimosa_pudica
hmm...the above information might be useful for the study of evolution...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |11:34 PM
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Thursday, June 29, 2006 || touch-me-not
mimosa pudica
Latin: Albizia julibrissin,Touch-me-not
i believe that many of us played with this plant when we were small...i remembered several times that while waiting for my mum to chat or came to fetch me from kindergarten, i could went over to the small plot of grassland to play with mimosa...and most certainly be fascinated by its closure movements...it's quite interesting that this plant is actually able to respond to physical stimulus, and the question of how the mimosa closes its leaves leave me puzzle for a long time...not long ago, i was strollling at the bedok reservoir, and noticed this childhood plant that i played with...haha...thus, i kneeled down to take a closer look, and took photos of the plant that most people also consider as weed...this may be due to the dull colour of the mimosa, but i wanted to prove that the plant is actually quite beautiful too, especially the flower...yup, above was the photo that i had cpatured...has your opinion on the plant change?
oOosMiLeoOo
terms: pulvini-A cushionlike swelling at the base of the stalk of a leaf or leaflet.
my world is also round |8:28 PM
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Tuesday, June 27, 2006 || do you know that...???
well...this is really a good read, especially to animal lovers...there are simply so many interesting facts about animals, ranging from pets, birds, to underwater sea animals etc...the knowledge the reader uncover will make them say wow...some examples of the facts...
* The lungs of a horse are three times larger than those of a lion.
* African elephants stay on their feet for 30 to 40 years.
* The forked tongue of a snake enables it to smell "in stereo."
and there are even more bizzare knowledge for readers to discover themselves...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |11:23 PM
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Monday, June 26, 2006 || brighten up
lalala...these few days been kind of stress, especially over the common tests...so, here's a bright orange flower to cheer up...orangem signify change and flexibility, that one need to be able to adapt quickly in the society...also, we need to be able to be quick witted to handle difficulties...in addition, it also symbolise strength and endurance, so we got to hang in there, and overcome all obstacles...hmm...this photo was taken at the annual sentosa flower festival too...i posted a few previously before...haha...bright colours do cheer people up...currently the photos i posted are related to nature photography...soon, i will post some of the architecture photos that i had taken...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |11:14 PM
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Sunday, June 25, 2006 || outstanding plant
took this photo at the botanical garden...was on the way back when i noticed this small plant growing out of the big tree...and it was the only one there...hmm...was this plant lonely? and it had to survive the rain and storm, from nature...many a times in life, our decisions may not be approved by others who doesn't share our beliefs, thus we do things alone...and obstacles are plentiful out there...if we can be like this little plant, surviving and continue to grow, then perhaps our worries will be decreased...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |12:25 PM
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Friday, June 23, 2006 || jewel in the palace (daejanggeum)
i have been following this drama for the last three months...haha...this drama is based on the story of a real historical figure (Jang-geum) who was the first and only woman to serve as head physician to the King in the rigidly hierarchical and male-dominated social structure of the Joseon Dynasty. it showcases the successful rise of a female, which is rarely covered in historical genre, and the elements of traditional food and medicine, which deeply leave behind several traces of practices...when preparing food, one must cook his/her best, and shower the food with love, so that the consumer will be happy...when treating patients, on must try his'her best, and should not discriminate any patients, regardless of the patients' background. this show brings out a lot about humanity...Seo Jang-geum, the main actress, displays intelligence and positive attitude when daunted by obstacles...yet she is able to overcome all difficulties, solely base on her sincere and forgiving heart...of course, there are bound to be villian in every drama...
Lady Choi (Choi Seong-geum) is considered by many to be the bad 'guy', but perhaps we can think of the reasons of why she did all the bad things...but I personally believe that she has a conscience. After all, she never wanted to harm Myeong-Yi but felt she had to for the interests of her family.Arrogant and self-assured, she is a master of cooking with a frightening tenacity to succeed. Her desire for power leads her to plot for the death of Madame Park, the mother of Jang-geum, and Lady Han. in addtion, not to forget the many gorgeous costumes and the hairstyles, and the many wonderful appetising palace food...haha...
this is one of the shows that my whole family watch together...and this truly bonds the family...when we discuss and worry about what will happen next...
oOosMiLeoOo
photo adapted from:http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TVMiniseries/daejangguem.asp?kosm=m2_6&konum=1
my world is also round |9:10 AM
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Thursday, June 22, 2006 || flowers
hmm...this flower can be found at most of the places in singapore, and up till now, i have not seen anyone stop over to appreciate the beauty of this flower...i remembered that i learnt about the reproduction in plants, using this species of flower as specimen...my science teachers taught us about fertilisation and pollination, so together with my group, we had artificially fertilised the plant!! haha...it was such a memorable day...from that day onwards, i have taken a likeness for the nature and beauty of flowers...that was one of the reasons i stopped over to observe this flower, and took this photo...
that was around 8 years ago...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |12:45 AM
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006 || my life as emperor
just finished this wonderful book...
this is a story that traces the path
taken by a young and inpromtu emperor, who gets succeeded into the throne of the Xie dynasty...being young, Duanbai was merely a puppet under the control of more powerful dowager and the empress...he was naive, and knowing that he is able to wield his power to his liking, he commited several inhumane act as he is still unable to comprehend the true meaning of power...he also faces the constant treat pose by his step brothers, who want to fight for the throne...finally, one of his brother, the true emperor, attacked the empire with the support of a duke, and eventually brings the downfall of the country...while running away from captivity, he travels far and wide, never forgetting his dream of becoming a tightrop walker, together with his best companion, swallow...
this book tells a brilliant and compelling tale of fate, decay and decadence, and palace intrigue fueled by the whims of a fourteen-year-old and his manipulating grandmother, a figure strongly reminiscent of China's famous Qing Dynasty dragon empress, Cixi. Yet within this bleak context of impending doom, the author gives us a phoenix tale, the story of an unlikely rebirth into a life of peace and contemplation.
my world is also round |7:24 PM
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Monday, June 19, 2006 || directions...
my world is also round |4:10 PM
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Sunday, June 18, 2006 || happy fathers' day
Q: When is Father's Day?
Ans: Third Sunday in June
Q: Who was the strongest promoter of Father's Day?
Ans: Mrs. Bruce John Dodd
Q: Mr. Dodd was a veteran of which war?
Ans:Civil War
Q: After his wife died, how many children did Mr. Dodd raise alone?
Ans:six
Q: What date did Mrs. Dodd want to her minister to honor her father?
Ans: June 5
Q: In 1916, which president approved the idea of Father's Day?
Ans: Woodrow Wilson
Q: What year did President Calvin Coolidge make Father's Day a national event?.
Ans: 1924
"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."- Sigmund Freud
There were times when all one associated one's father with, was a stern looking man with an invisible stick in hand. During those days, children were afraid to talk to their fathers and readily did whatever he ordered, for they knew only one thing - you can't disobey your father. Still, there was that deep-rooted respect that guided them throughout one's life. Times have changed. Today, dads are more indulgent. They don't expect their children to say, "Yes, father!" all the time. Today, they care for their children more than ever. They go out with them, play with them, pamper them and even change their diapers and cook their lunch whenever they get time. Yet, they haven't lost their position as the epitome of strength and respect in the household. Those times have changed but the love that one have for his/ her father in their heart haven't changed. Love for the father is also a unique one that also have a bit of fear and a feeling of need of that special person to guide our way through to our future.
adapted from: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/fathers-day/fathers-day-quotes.html
my world is also round |11:59 AM
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Saturday, June 17, 2006 || shakugan no shana
hmm...just finished watching this 24-episodes anime, a marvellous anime indeed...the story is about a flame haze and a torch that battles with the tomogaras that eats human souls... it was about an ordinary student became an extraordinary hero in an extraordinary world that he had been discovered... the main character (Sakai Yuji) died way back before he met Shana, one of the flame hazes... his is very firm in character, always believing that he will be able to contribute to restore the balance of the world... he keeps on struggling so that his existence will not be forgotten by his friends...furthermore, the OST, ending songs as well as intermediate songs were touching and soothing...a very good show that brings out about human nature, how we tend to realise the importance of someone only when that someone is gone...
picture adapted from http://p2p.uying.com/html/20060125/20060125pXt8Y3e_3tLffAc2HAFV3Y64Ff3fK0.jpg
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |2:59 PM
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Wednesday, June 14, 2006 || laughter
took this photo at the botanical garden...went there for photo shooting, as well as to take a break from the usual lifestlye of s atudent...and see this smiling face...how carefree she seems...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |10:01 AM
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Monday, June 12, 2006 || rainbow connection
continue to believe in, and never give up your dreams, for which afetr the rain, comes the formation of the rainbow, and true and sincere dreams will come true... oOosMiLeoOo
i took this photo while in thailand, khao lak last year, while on the trip to fulfil the overseas community involvement programme...it was after the rain, and i still remembered i was walking back from the beach to the lodge...immediately i just took several shots...
another close up shot of one of the miracles on earth--the rainbow...rainbow are so beautiful...somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true...and this lead me to the Rainbow Connection Song :
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
my world is also round |9:58 PM
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Sunday, June 11, 2006 || spinocerebellar atrophy
here's an overview of the disease:
mainly indicated by the lost of body's rhythm, a neurodegenrative disease caused by unknownfactors. the nerve cells are damaged and will utimateyl disappear. organs will not be able function properly, thus correct orders cannot be sent to the muscles; the body cannot bedesirably. staggering often happens while walking, and the patient will easily fall down,unbalanced walking, unable to feel the sense of distance, causing problems when takingthings. it will be difficult to stand with one's own feet, and will have to be confined to wheelchairs. the patient will also be unable to speak due to speaking difficulty, and willcause to the difficulties in communicating own will. the cause of the disease is still unknown.at the moment besides slowing the progress of this disease, no cure is available.
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |11:32 AM
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Friday, June 09, 2006 || one litre of tears
photo adapted from: http://www.channel-ai.com/blog/2006/01/01/1-litre-of-tears/
i consider this show one of the best ever, and probably the one that makes me nearly drop my tears...this is a real life story about a girl, Aya, who was contracted with spinocerebrellar atrophy...a disease that gradually degenerates the nervous system...
there is no cure for this disease, and the ending is already known to viewers, that is Aya will not be able to survive this ordeal...in real life, she lived on for another 10 years after contracting this disease, and what she left in this world was the book of diary, name 'one litre of tears', recounting how she managed to struggle throughout the 10 years to live a fulfilling live...
the diary recorded her strongwill, her optimistism, which touches on how one can still live life to the fullest, despite having difficulty in moving, speech problems, and eventually denegeration of the muscles...
from a school girl, to contracting this illness, to almost recovery yet once again falling down, and had to depend on alphabet board to spread her intended messages to her friends and families...Aya was still able to retain her smile, never succumb to the disease, and continue to inspire those around her and those who had the same disease as well...
a real life story, that touches hearts, a diary which reflects her dreams and thoughts,...
can we be like her? i believe many of us may not have the courage to face the obstacles...but we must remember never to give up our hopes and dreams, as both are the driven force that motivates us to strive better...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |6:36 PM
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Thursday, June 08, 2006 || perspectives
One day a father and his rich family took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family.
When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"Very good, Dad!""Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked."Yeah!" "And what did you learn?"
The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon."
When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.His son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are!" Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things?
came across this short inspirational story, so here to share....
if you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude toward life, you've got everything! you can't buy any of these things... you can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc., but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing! something that most of us would have forget...
my world is also round |2:11 PM
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Wednesday, June 07, 2006 || clear error
this calculator has serve me for the past 6 years, and is still going strong...i will treasure it always, as it is the first calculator that fight the battle of exams side by side with me... oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |12:33 PM
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Monday, June 05, 2006 || the last day
everything will eventually come to an end...no matter how much effort one put in to preserve somthing, we are still unable to oppose against the law of replacement...but, memories will always stay on...this is a photo of the clifford pier before it's being close down, and yup, i believe for many who were born in the pre-war or post-war period will remember it always...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |9:24 PM
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Saturday, June 03, 2006 || in case
yeah, went for the zoolympics today, helping out at the orang utan station ( ah meng )...had loads of fun, seeing the swinging "people of the forest" , as well as the smiles on the children themselves...i feel that my group this time round was better than last year's one, though we just met, yet we can joke around despite the humid and burining weather...seeing the animals once again makes me happy, with no worries in my mind, just focusing on my respondsibility...balloon sculpturing tomorrow!! will enjoy to the fullest...
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |9:43 PM
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Friday, June 02, 2006 || lost memory
my world is also round |10:33 PM
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hmm...may not be able to post any thing until crt monitor gets well...right now it's all pitch green, red, blue, yellow and black...haiz...and will do well for my upcoming common tests de...
my world is also round |2:44 PM
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Thursday, June 01, 2006 || life of pi
just finished reading life of pi...the book really brings out the expanse of storytelling about adventure, survival, and ultimately, faith, when the main character, Pi Patel, had to survived on his own out in the enormous Pacific Ocean. Most surprising was how Pi live together in harmony with a Bengal Tiger onboard the lifeboat, when the cargo ship he took sank into the ocean...the story recounts how he managed to survive, how he tame the tiger, and many times when he wanted to give out living, but was disrupted by his mate onboard to continue living. In the end, they arrived in mexico, when the tiger just ran out and disappeared into the forest.
Without the Bengal Tiger as an accompany, Pi would be too lonely to carry on living. This is the same in life. Our family is there to support us. Friends are there to push us. Thus, they are considered part of the motivation that pushes us to reach for our aims...
anyway. just completed my NS checkup on the 1st of june...haha...as least now can relax a bit, don't have to worry about failing the PT tests.
oOosMiLeoOo
my world is also round |5:56 PM
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