skywatch friday: Singapore Marina South

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In Marina South Park in Singapore, a biscuit company sponsored erecting some statues off Chinese heros. It was without controversy as Singapore is a multi cultural country.

It was a windy day when we were there.

skywatch FridaY:

One summer evening, which seems so far away, when we are not only in winter, but we have volcanic ash stopping our flights and the recurring after shocks of the earthquake in Christchurch.

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Skywatched Friday: From my dining window

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The sky put on a show for me when I eat my dinner.

Skywatch Friday: Sun

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This photo is wishful thinking. I took this in January, our summer here. We have been having terrible weather. It rained the whole day yesterday,

Watery Wed/Sky watch Friday: Wet and wild In Auckland

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Auckland weather gave us a beating today. Driving to school with our lights on, I remind myself to turn them off The sky was dark, the squall was wild. On Wednesday, I first went to my ESOl Class at Mt Albert Church. Then I went to School. The gale was so strong that it turned my umbrella the other way. The legs of my long pants were wet.

Combining this two memes as I couldn't during the week.

skywatch Friday: Auckland wild weather

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We have been having wild weather. On Tuesday, we had a tornado, and I was caught at the end of it driving home after school. The rain poured, and I could not see in front of me. When I got home, I watched on TV the tornado passed Pt Chev where my school it.

In the morning, we had very having fog. Today, it was forecast we may have another tornado. The sky was dark, the squall was wild. Our principal gave us tornado warning drill.

These are archives photos, I didn't bring my camera today. Over my http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2011/05/watery-wednesdayoutdoor-wednesday- fatal.html I posted about the tornado.

There is not something specifically in our procedures around this particular event - due to their rarity. However Met Service now has heightened awareness of the 'ideal' conditions so it is something to think about.

These are the precautions suggested in today's Herald.

It would seem that it's best to get the children on the floor in the middle of the room or in the corridor as far from windows as possible. Classes upstairs should also make their way to the downstairs area if possible - or at least to the corridor.

If in the auditorium I think you should evacuate to the corridor in the senior block and the hallway in the office block.

Ultimately I suspect there would be little or no warning and we would all need to exercise commonsense bearing in mind the suggestions below.


WHAT TO DO

INSIDE
* Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home. Keep away from all windows.

* Cover your head and eyes with a blanket or jacket to protect against flying debris.

OUTSIDE
* Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gyms, shopping malls and halls.

* Crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.

DRIVING
* Get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area.

Skywatch Friday: watching sunset in a plane

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We were flying to Australia when I looked out of the window and saw the sunset.

Skywatch Friday: Fisherman at Whitpu

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Me and my rod,
Me and my fish,
As long as the sky is clear,
I am a happy Larry,
I don't need friends.
~a fisherman's song~

No wonder my little Vietnamese student said," Girls not allowed."
"Why?" I asked him.
He replied," Bad luck!"
I commented," Huh?"
He was adamant, "Also girls talk too much."

What can I say?
I asked an adult student,"Can I come?"
He said," Yes."
But he never calls me.
I think he was too polite and not "in my face" as the little student.

Skywatch Friday: splash of colour

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Some elves decided to do a makeover.

Skywatch Friday: New Zealand

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Today, a student from Tanzania shared with my class the Citizenship ceremony she went to make her a Kiwi or New Zealander. I too, more than 20 years ago underwent this ceremony and chose this country to be my home.

You may have read my previous posts that I not only became a New Zealander, I became a Maori as well. Through my association with the NGATI WHATUA O ORAKEI. on Waitangi Day, on the invitation of their Heritage & Resource Manager Ngarimu Blair, I sleep in their Marae, learn the culture , eat their food, and help in their Zero Waste program. Their chief told us that we were now Maoris.

Maoris were the first people to come to New Zealand. Maori is one of 3 official language. At Pt Chevalier School, we are very lucky to have Mr. Matua Emerson Nikora to impart his knowledge and skill of the Maori language and culture.

The video includes: Tutira mai action song, toia mai action song , haere mai action song and ka mate haka

In time, our students will be singing and dancing like the professional dancers. Thanks Matua Emerson. http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2010/10/abc-wednesdaythursday-theme-song-new.html

Skywatch Friday: Auckland remembers Christchurch victims of earthquake.

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Tens of thousands of people turned out for a memorial service at Christchurch's Hagley Park today. Prince William came from England and brought his message from his grand mother, the Queen.

Here in Auckland, in an hour, we will meet at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain to join in with our Christchurch people, in telling them that we care.

News Advisory - Office of the Mayor

11 March 2011

Christchurch Earthquake - Auckland Memorial Service

An outdoor memorial service for the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake will be held at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain on the evening of Friday 18 March.

The ceremony will follow the National Memorial Service in Christchurch , which the Mayor will attend on behalf of the people of Auckland .

The hour-long Auckland memorial service will take place at 7pm.

Aucklanders who attend will be encouraged to lay flowers at the Cenotaph after the ceremony.

Len Brown says it is important we remember what happened in Christchurch as we continue to work with the people of Canterbury as they rebuild.

Aucklanders can also leave messages of support in condolence books at Auckland Town Hall and Auckland libraries.



Auckland Transport Media Release

16 March 2011

FREE BUSES PROVIDED FOR CHRISTCHURCH MEMORIAL SERVICE

Auckland Transport, NZ Bus and Ritchies are providing free bus services for people attending the Christchurch memorial service in Auckland Domain this Friday.

Both the LINK and a special shuttle bus from downtown to Auckland Domain will be free.
The outdoor memorial service for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake will be held at the Cenotaph in front of the Museum in the Auckland Domain at 7pm on Friday.

The free shuttle bus from stop D11 outside the Mercure Hotel on the corner of Customs St east and Queen St in the CBD will run every 10 minutes from 5.30pm to 7pm and after the service from the domain between 8pm and 9pm. Passengers can wave down the bus from existing bus stops on the route along Customs St, Anzac Ave, Symonds St and Park Rd.

Alternatively people can travel free on existing LINK services to and from the Domain between 5.30pm and 7pm and after the service from 8pm until 9pm.

Auckland Transport says the free buses are a small gesture to help Aucklanders take a moment to reflect and show their respects for those affected by the earthquake.

The hour long ceremony will follow the National Memorial Service in Christchurch .
Auckland Museum will remain open until 9pm following the ceremony.
Aucklanders can also leave messages of support in condolence books at the Auckland Town Hall and any Auckland library.
Auckland Transport thanks NZ Bus and Ritchies for their support in providing the free services

Skywatch Friday: Crops for Christchurch

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How do we explain to young children why there are trials and tribulations? How do we explain the devastating earthquake that killed so many? It's hard, but one thing I can see is, it mobilised the whole country from big organizations to small groups, to open their hearts and show love to the victims of the quake.

My church Mt Albert Baptist Church had a collection drop centre. The whole Mt Albert Community, not just the church has dropped off so many things for us to send down to various teams to distribute to those in need. We had a gazebo at the car park where people could drop their stuff. Ka Pai Jeff and your workers.

At Pt Chev School, we raised almost $2000 when we wore black and red last Friday. We also collected a hamper to some 100 evacuees who came up to Auckland. Under the leadership of Nicole and Keren we had 'Crops for Christchurch' which started this Friday. We explained to the children about the produce they could bring from home to sell to raise funds. There were a lot of contribution and the draw card was ORGANIC. Becky, a parent and some students helped in selling. Paki Paki to all who brought their produce, and who bought.

The sky was good, it was a fine day, and the weather was warm.

This is just the first market day, Nicole says it will continue. Thanks to the principal,Sandra for allowing the school to become a market.

Skywatch Sunday: January sunset

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Here in the southern hemisphere, we are having Summer. We have been having wonderful sunset.

Skywatch Friday: News Helicopter

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I have always wondered how they shoot the videos of sportiing events. Today, I found out. I was at a big event, and I saw a small model helicopter hovering round and round. I asked the security guard if that was for the camera. She said yes.

I got to learn something new today.

Addition: It was a remote controlled helicopter. It was quite small about two feet long.

skywatch Friday: At the beach

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Clouds were blowing from Australia across the Tasman Sea.

Skywatch Friday, making our beaches safe,

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This is our beautiful summer sky, and hordes of families head to the beach. But some are working, many of them are volunteers, to make sure the beach is safe for us.



Hurray, Summer is here, the lifeguards are officially at the beach to rescue you if you get into trouble.

http://www.slsnz.org.nz/NationalJandalDay/Front/Front.aspx?ID=9939

Jandal is a hybrid word in New Zealand for Japanese Sandals, and is very popular and well loved that the Jandal is a national Icon.

Three summers ago, they sold key chains which I still use for my car. It's bright red and yellow means it is easy to locate, and at the right size too.

My students were pumping up these inflatables and emphasized to me that it is not meant to be a flotation devise. It is a toy.

My colleagues J and A both have children who are volunteer life guards.

Event organiser Monique Caddy said about 600 businesses and 180 schools nationwide are officially supporting National Jandal Day.

Last Friday, my school joined 180 schools, children and staff were encouraged to wear jandals and donate a gold coin to support the lifeguards.

"Jandals are iconic of the Kiwi summer and preferred by the lifeguards, so it seemed a natural fit."

The annual appeal aims to raise $450,000 to go towards rescue equipment and to help educate the community about water safety.

New Zealand has a drowning rate per capita which is twice that of Australia. Every year, about 1420 people are saved by lifeguards from 73 clubs around the country. The lifeguards patrol 15,000km of coastline for nearly 200,000 hours every summer.

This year's appeal comes 100 years after the first lifesaving clubs were formed at Lyall Bay in Wellington and New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

Skywatched Friday: Sun set at 9 pm

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The sun stayed up in the sky at 9 pm when we had our Christmas in Rocket Park last Sunday. This is Down Under, when we celebrate our Christams with a sausage sizzle, and a teddy bear's picnic.

Do come down here if you feel that your winter is too cold.