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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Colorado's ‘Frankenstein bunnies' with hornlike growths raise concerns
COLORADO – With black spikes growing on their heads, tentacles protruding from their mouths and slug-like growths blocking their eyes, several rabbits hopping around Colorado this week have invited social media comparison to nightmarish mutants. But local residents and pet owners sh ould n ot fear the unsightly creatures munching on grass in their backyards: The bunnies are simply infected with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, a mostly benign infection that cannot s pread to other species, said Ms Kara Van H oose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Rabbits typically overcome the disease on their own, she said, and it becomes a cause for concern only if it hinders their ability to eat or see. Still, it can cause growths in infected rabbits that resemble 'gross' warts or horns, she said. A resident in Fort Collins, Colorado, a city about 1 05km n orth of Denver, first reported an infected rabbit on Aug 8, Ms V an Hoose said. Since then, her department has fielded more than a dozen calls about sightings, mostly from people in northern Colorado. 'We're so used to seeing rabbits, so they're like, 'Oh my god, what is that on its face?' ' Ms Van Hoose said. ''I know what a rabbit is supposed to look like, and that's not it.'' It's not the first time this month that bunnies have driven the internet into a frenzy. Several rabbits used in a photo shoot by the fake heiress known a s Anna Delvey were recently abandoned and then rescued in Prospect Park in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus is transmitted through biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, so rabbits are more likely to contract it in the summer, when interactions with bugs are more common, Ms Van Hoose said. There's no cure or treatment for the disease, she said, so there are few ways to help. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home? Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Opinion Could telco consolidation spell the end of attractive mobile plans? Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Officials are not sure how many rabbits are infected because some people may be reporting the same ones repeatedly, Ms Van Hoose said. The virus will n ot infect most household pets, but people should keep pet rabbits indoors if they see infected wild rabbits in their area, she said. The disease is more severe in domesticated rabbits and can cause cancer, according to a National Institutes of Health study. Pet rabbits should be taken to a veterinarian if they are infected, according to a tipsheet from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Residents should also avoid feeding or interacting with the infected rabbits, and instead should enjoy the novelty of their strange appearances from afar, Ms Van Hoose said. 'Nature is metal,' she said, 'and this can be kind of cool looking on different rabbits'. NYTIMES
Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In 2025 so far, at least eight fire-related deaths have been reported. SINGAPORE – The number of people dying in fires in Singapore has been going up. There were three such deaths in 2023 and five in 2024. In 2025 so far, at least eight fire-related deaths have been reported. Two of the deaths were from a fire that broke out in a Bukit Merah flat on Aug 13. Q: What should you do if a fire breaks out in your home? In the event of a fire, do not panic. Instead, alert others by shouting, and evacuate the room or area. Call 995 and activate the nearest fire alarm. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Opinion Could telco consolidation spell the end of attractive mobile plans? Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' If possible, close the door of the affected room to contain the fire and turn off the gas mains if you can reach them. You should attempt to fight the fire only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others. Ways to extinguish a fire include using a suitable fire extinguisher or hose reel. If the room is smoke-logged, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth and avoid inhaling through the mouth. Get down, keep close to the ground and crawl towards the point of escape under the smoke. If you are trapped, get to a safe room that preferably has open windows, good ventilation and overlooks a road. Shut the door and seal the gap beneath it with fabric to prevent smoke from entering the room. Get to the window and shout for help. Do not attempt to jump out of the building. If your clothes catch fire, drop to the floor immediately and roll from side to side to smother the flames while covering your face. During evacuation, head to the ground floor in an orderly manner using the stairs. Do not use the lift. If you live in a super high-rise residential building with more than 40 storeys and are too far from the ground floor, proceed to the nearest refuge floor instead. Q: What is a refuge floor? A refuge floor is a special floor that serves as a safe holding area so residents do not have to travel many floors down to leave the building in case of a fire. Refuge floors are generally provided at an interval of not more than 20 storeys. They are designed to have natural ventilation and are made of fire-resistant materials. Such floors can be identified by 'Evacuee Holding Area' signs found on the walls around the staircase areas. Q: What to do when there is a fire in your neighbour's home? If your neighbour's home is on fire, alert others by shouting, and call 995. You can try to help your neighbours escape, but should do so only if it does not risk your own safety , said fire safety experts. If intending to enter the affected unit to help, you should also ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear as there may be shattered glass that cracked from the heat. Those on the same floor and the two floors above an affected unit should evacuate. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it is generally safe for occupants of the other floors to remain in their own units with the windows and doors closed. But they should follow the instructions of the authorities if they say evacuation is required. Q: What are some fire safety guidelines you can follow? Common corridors must have at minimum a 1.2m-wide clear passage that is to be unobstructed at all times. Placing or storing objects at staircases and staircase landings is strictly not allowed. Items should also not be placed within riser and hose reel compartments. Access to the landing valves and risers at common areas must not be obstructed. The fire alarm system must be kept on at all times. Fire safety equipment must be regularly serviced and maintained. Q: What can you do to prevent fires? Do not leave cooking unattended. Turn off cooking appliances and unplug them when not in use. Keep flammable products and combustible materials away from heat sources. Do not throw burning embers and cigarette butts into rubbish chutes. Do not place window curtains or combustible materials near prayer altars, stoves or lighted materials. Keep lighted candles away from paper or cardboard decorations, curtains and furnishings. Do not overload electrical outlets. Switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use. Check for broken wires and exposed wiring. If any are found, have the wires replaced immediately. Keep lighters, matches and candles away from children. Do not leave batteries or devices to charge unattended for an extended period of time or overnight. Do not tamper with, modify, or attempt to repair batteries or devices on your own. Stop using the battery if you notice any damage or deformities. Keep entryways, common corridors and staircases free from obstructions. Fatal fires in 2025 As at August, eight people have died in four fires in 2025. This is an average of one fire death per month. Family of three die in Hougang fire in January No foul play was suspected. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY A family of three died in a fire that broke out on Jan 9 in a unit at Block 971 Hougang Street 91. The bodies of the couple and their 18-year-old daughter were found inside one of the bedrooms. Neighbours had described the family as hoarders who lived in a cluttered five-room flat. No foul play was suspected. Australian girl dies after River Valley cooking school fire in April The fire broke out on April 8 at a shophouse in River Valley Road where education and enrichment classes for children are conducted. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG A 10-year-old Australian girl died in hospital after a River Valley Road shophouse that housed a cooking school caught fire on April 8. Another 21 people, consisting of six adults and 15 children, were injured. The authorities later said there were fire safety breaches found at the three-storey shophouse at 278 River Valley Road, including unauthorised partitions. Two die in Toa Payoh fire in July The cause of the fire is being investigated. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO A man and woman were found dead after a fire on July 22 at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1. Firefighters had found them unresponsive inside the unit and they were pronounced dead at the scene after being carried out. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Couple die in Bukit Merah fire on Aug 13 The aftermath of the fire on Aug 13. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG A couple in their 30s were found unconscious in the kitchen after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah on Aug 13. Both were taken to hospital, where they died.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
China supports Thailand-Cambodia reconciliation, offers help
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said he hopes Thailand and Cambodia rebuild mutual trust and restore friendship. BEIJING – China expressed support for Thailand and Cambodia in resolving their border dispute and offered to provide assistance based on the wishes of both nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Aug 14. Mr Wang said China supports the South-east Asian countries in strengthening dialogue, and hopes they rebuild mutual trust and restore friendship, according to two statements from his ministry. He met his Thai and Cambodian counterparts separately on the sidelines of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in China's south-western Yunnan province, readouts of the meetings showed. Thailand and Cambodia have wrangled for decades over border territory and have been on a conflict footing since the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish late in May. Clashes had turned deadly in the worst fighting in more than a decade before a ceasefire was struck in late July . Mr Wang spoke about China's readiness to accelerate the China-Thailand railway construction, encourage more investments from Chinese enterprises in Thailand, and to ensure the stability of regional production and supply chain. It is hoped that Thailand will provide more policy support and facilitation for Chinese enterprises, he told Thailand's Mr Maris Sangiampongsa. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength In his meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Mr Wang sounded support for Cambodia maintaining political stability, and said China is appreciative of the country's crackdown on online gambling and wire fraud. He also expressed hopes that Cambodia will continue strong measures for joint efforts in the region against cross-border criminal activities. For years, criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across South-east Asia, including many along the Thai-Myanmar border, where victims are forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations. China in 2025 has stepped up efforts with the region to stymie the scam operations after cases involving Chinese victims blew up on domestic social media. REUTERS
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Theatre review: Despite forgettable songs, Lord Of The Rings musical immerses fans with stagecraft
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Actor Rarmian Newton (playing Frodo, front) in The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale stage production. The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale Base Entertainment Asia Sands Theatre Aug 13 Fans of the Lord Of The Rings (LOTR) media franchise of books, films, television series and video games now have another avenue to indulge their love for all things Middle-earth – the theatre. And like the fictional setting populated with fantastical wizards, elves, orcs and dwarves, the stage wields its own magic too, allowing audiences to feel like they are part of the enchanting world. The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale, which plays at Sands Theatre until Aug 31, is adapted from English writer J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy of novels (1954 to 1955), but also shares similarities with the film series (2001 to 2003) directed by New Zealand film-maker Peter Jackson. It made its debut in Toronto, Canada, in 2006 and has come to town for its Asia premiere, reimagining the story from the perspective of hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, and focusing on their quest to destroy the One Ring. What differentiates this production, which runs for about 175 minutes with an intermission, is its immersive quality. For one thing, the action is extended beyond Sands Theatre's stage to its aisles and walkways. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Cast members deliver lines, strut off in a huff or rush to one another's rescue from these areas, enveloping the audience in the action. Prior to the show starting, actors are already greeting and mingling with guests, and inviting them to partake in the celebration of hobbit Bilbo Baggins' 111th birthday, the first scene of the musical. Talk about breaking the fourth wall. This artistic choice also accentuates the venue's cavernous quality, reminiscent of some of the film's epic settings such as beautiful elven realm Lothlorien and Barad-dur, the formidable fortress of the dark lord Sauron. A set largely featuring wood carvings captures the simple charm of the hobbits, while stunning projections bring to life many of the books' familiar scenes, from the tranquillity of elven sanctuary Rivendell to the dark chaos of Moria's dwarven mines. Wonder what happens when someone puts on the One Ring, which allows bearers to enslave all forever? That is also answered through clever staging. And puppets are used to depict many of the more sinister elements from the forces of evil. Puppets are used to depict many of the more sinister elements from the forces of evil. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD From voiceovers to lighting to shadows, every theatrical trick is used to bring this battle of good and evil from page to stage. Lighting and shadows are used to bring the battle of good and evil from page to stage. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD And for the most part, it works. The temptations and inner struggles faced by the characters are deftly captured by actors Terence Crawford (Gandalf), Laurence Boxhall (Gollum) and Jemma Rix (Galadriel). One actor who deftly captures his character's inner struggles is Terence Crawford (left, playing Gandalf), seen here with actor Rarmian Newton (right, playing Frodo). PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD Hobbits are a merry, fun-loving bunch, and this is played out with the production's use of music, all performed live by the cast members. For example, Jeremi Campese (Merry) pulls double duty on the cello, while actress Hannah Buckley (Pippin) tackles the violin. However, what disappoints is the overall original music, co-composed by Oscar-winning Indian maestro A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008). The 19 songs, which include folksy Celtic numbers and crowd-rallying anthems, are mostly forgettable, and seemingly serve to only express the emotions of the moment or impress on a character's grand entrance, without really moving the plot forward. It is almost as if these numbers are shoehorned into a perfectly fine play just so it can be called a musical, regardless if the source material meshes well with traditional musical theatre elements. Most of the songs in The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale stage production are forgettable. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD Nonetheless, LOTR fans will likely delight at being able to come so close to memorable characters and scenes, and having music add another dimension to the experience. The comforting duet Now And For Always, delivered by Rarmian Newton and Wern Mak (playing Frodo and Sam respectively), celebrates their enduring bond in the face of the conflict and turmoil. But for the most part, casual theatregoers may puzzle over why characters are singing in the first place. Thankfully, there is enough stagecraft to keep them entertained. Actors Wern Mak (left, playing Sam) and Ruby Clarke (right, playing Rosie) in The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale stage production. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD Book It/The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue When: Until Aug 31, 8pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 2pm (Saturdays), 1 and 6.30pm (Sundays) Admission: $68 to $238 via Marina Bay Sands ( ), Sistic (call 6348-5555 or go to ) and Klook ( )
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
China says supports Thailand, Cambodia reconciliation
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi walks between meetings during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, 2025. MANDEL NGAN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo BEIJING - China expressed support for Thailand and Cambodia in resolving their border dispute and offered to provide assistance based on the wishes of both nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday. Wang said China supports the Southeast Asian countries in strengthening dialogue, and hopes they rebuild mutual trust and restore friendship, according to two statements from his ministry. He met his Thai and Cambodian counterparts separately on the sidelines of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in China's southwestern Yunnan province, readouts of the meetings showed. Thailand and Cambodia have wrangled for decades over border territory and have been on a conflict footing since the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish late in May. Clashes had turned deadly in the worst fighting in more than a decade before a ceasefire was struck in late July. Wang spoke about China's readiness to accelerate the China-Thailand railway construction, encourage more investments from Chinese enterprises in Thailand, and to ensure the stability of regional production and supply chain. It is hoped that Thailand will provide more policy support and facilitation for Chinese enterprises, he said to Thailand's Maris Sangiampongsa. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength In his meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Wang sounded support for Cambodia maintaining political stability, and said China is appreciative of the country's crackdown on online gambling and wire fraud. He also expressed hopes that Cambodia will continue strong measures for joint efforts in the region against cross-border criminal activities. For years, criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including many along the Thai-Myanmar border, where victims are forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations. China this year has stepped up efforts with the region to stymie the scam operations after cases involving Chinese victims blew up on domestic social media. REUTERS
