#Lion City

[kemetic-dreams]

Is the country name Singapore a Chinese word?

‘Singapore’ isn’t a Chinese word, it's an anglicised version of the name ‘Singa pura’ meaning ‘lion city’ which is derived from the Sanskrit language. And before we were even called ‘Singapura’, we were called ‘Temasek’ which is possibly derived from the same root as the word ‘tasek’, which means “lake” in Malay. Tasek implies a reference to a piece of land surrounded by water. The name also appears in sources related to the Zheng He voyages of the early 15th century.

Also, Singapore’s original Chinese name wasn’t even called ‘Xinjiapo 新加坡’. It was instead called ‘Nanyang 南洋’ which in turn is a sinocentric Chinese term for the warmer and fertile geographical region along the Southern coastal regions of China and beyond, otherwise known as the 'South Sea' or Southeast Asia.

Lastly, we were called ‘Syonan-to 昭南島’ during Japanese occupation which meant "Light of the South Island".

[wkaustubh]

Singapore's History and Heritage: A Walk Through Time

Nestled at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a city-state with a rich tapestry of history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to becoming a global economic powerhouse, Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, the city-state stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. While exploring the key milestones that have shaped Singapore's history and heritage, visitors can also indulge in various things to do in Pai and experience the vibrant scene of shopping in Thailand.

Early Days: A Fishing Village to a Trading Hub

Singapore's story begins in the 14th century when it was a mere fishing village known as Temasek. It wasn't until the arrival of Sang Nila Utama, a Sumatran prince, in the 13th century that the island gained prominence. The prince renamed the island "Singapura," which means "Lion City" in Sanskrit after he allegedly spotted a lion on its shores. Although lions never roamed the island, the name stuck, symbolizing strength and courage.

In the 19th century, Singapore's strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes attracted the attention of European powers. Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, established a British trading post in 1819. This marked the beginning of Singapore's rapid ascent as a crucial trading hub in the region.

Colonial Era and World War II:

Under British colonial rule, Singapore flourished economically, becoming a melting pot of cultures due to its strategic location and open trade policies. However, the prosperity was interrupted during World War II when the Japanese occupied Singapore from 1942 to 1945. The war left an indelible mark on the island, with the Battle of Singapore being a pivotal moment in its history. After the war, Singapore went through a period of recovery and reconstruction.

Independence and Nation-Building:

The desire for self-governance gained momentum in the post-war era, leading to the formation of the People's Action Party (PAP) in 1954. Led by Lee Kuan Yew, the PAP advocated for independence from British rule and social reforms. Singapore achieved self-governance in 1959 and joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. However, the union was short-lived, and Singapore gained full independence on August 9, 1965, due to political differences with Malaysia.

Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister of Singapore and embarked on a nation-building journey characterized by economic development, social cohesion, and multiracial harmony. The transformation was remarkable, turning Singapore from a developing nation into a first-world city-state within a single generation.

Cultural Diversity: Harmony in Diversity

One of the defining features of Singapore is its multicultural society. The island is a mosaic of different ethnicities, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and various other communities. This diversity is not only evident in the population but also in the architecture, cuisine, and traditions that permeate the city.

Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam are iconic districts that showcase the cultural richness of their respective communities. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets, temples, mosques, and churches, experiencing firsthand the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and traditions. The annual celebrations of festivals such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas further highlight the multicultural tapestry of Singapore.

Preserving Heritage: Museums and Historic Sites

To truly understand Singapore's history and heritage, a visit to its museums and historic sites is essential. The National Museum of Singapore provides a comprehensive overview of the island's past through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Fort Canning Park, with its archaeological sites and lush greenery, offers a glimpse into Singapore's colonial history.

Changi Chapel and Museum pay homage to the prisoners of war during World War II, while the Peranakan Museum celebrates the unique Peranakan culture, born from the intermingling of Chinese and Malay influences. These sites not only preserve the historical significance but also serve as educational platforms for future generations.

Modern Singapore: A Global City-State

In the latter half of the 20th century, Singapore transitioned from a trading post to a global economic powerhouse. Its commitment to education, innovation, and infrastructure development propelled the nation into the ranks of the world's most developed countries. The skyline of Singapore reflects its modernity, with iconic structures like the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay becoming symbols of the city-state's progress.

Conclusion:

Singapore's history and heritage are intertwined with resilience, diversity, and a forward-looking spirit. As visitors traverse the city-state, they embark on a journey through time, witnessing the transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. Singapore's ability to preserve its cultural roots while embracing progress serves as an inspiration for nations worldwide. A walk through the Lion City is not just a stroll through its bustling streets but a fascinating exploration of a nation's evolution, where history and heritage seamlessly coalesce.

[marsymallows]

Lion city

Singapore was a huge revelation for me and my heart was instantly stolen by it, not only by the advances in their quality of life and technology but also by the discipline that put them there. photos taken in April 2023 | processed and scanned by The Grain House Film Lab, Cebu in April 2024

[kaustubh-wankhede]

Embark on an exhilarating nocturnal journey at the enchanting Nocturnal Wildlife Park in Lion City. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world that comes alive after dark, where fascinating creatures roam under the moonlit sky. From captivating night safaris to interactive encounters with wildlife, discover an array of thrilling activities that redefine your concept of adventure. Engage your senses in a unique blend of education and excitement as you navigate through this extraordinary realm. Join us for an unforgettable experience that unveils the secrets of the night in the heart of Lion City.

[samarajethwa]

The Fool - Thistle

[hev-mark-iv]

[nobodysdaydreams]

I have a theory about Wicked Part 2 and what they are going to add to it, and why it's going to add so much to the movie.

I think they are going to add Dorothy's POV.

In the musical, she's mentioned, but Dorothy never appears on stage. We never know her POV or how much she knew about the witches, Fiyero, Boq, the lion, or what was actually going on in Wicked beyond the Wizard of Oz plot. But in the Wicked two trailers, we see scenes of Dorothy and those scenes are shot as if from the Wizard of Oz, not the traditional Wicked musical, in which Dorothy's character is only briefly mentioned or shown as a shadow. Which means we're going to get to see her story this time!

However, if I was going to include Dorothy's POV for Wicked, I don't think it would be anything like the Wizard of Oz, for a few clear reasons:

Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz is a perceptive and animated child and unless they plan on erasing that aspect of her character, she is not going to go home from Oz at the end of the Wicked movie with the same beliefs as the Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She sees the Wizard is a fraud and calls him out just like Elphaba does. Besides this, there is no way she would just not pick up on the fact that Galinda, the dead witch, Boq, Fiyero, Elphaba, and the lion have a deeper history together than meets the eye for the entire trip.

This one might sound stupid, but trust me, it's important: Toto as a character. Here me out. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's distress in the real world is centered around a mean lady trying to drown her dog and the Witch of the West tries to do the same in Oz. However, in this version, Elphaba's whole thing is animal rights. She'd probably be horrified that Toto can't talk or Dorothy would be surprised and delighted to find that in this world, Toto can talk depending on what they decide to do with the dog. And if Dorothy comes to this world distressed about a lady trying to kill her poor dog, Elphaba would surely empathize. There might even be a misunderstanding between them if Elphaba believes Dorothy is working for the Wizard and Toto is a dog that needs rescuing.

So how does this change things?

There are a number of wonderful options.

The most obvious one is that we could see Dorothy put together and discover the story of Boq, Nessarose, Galinda, Elphaba, Fiyero, and the Wizard. She and the rest of the gang would formulate a plan to help Elphaba fake her death to save her from the people of Oz and the Wizard.

Within that narrative, we could see Elphaba enchanting the sleeping poppies to stop them from getting to the Wizard with the goal of protecting them from the Wizard (rather than to stop them from getting home). In Act 2 of Wicked, the Wizard again tries to form an alliance with Elphaba but Elphaba rejects his offer when she discovers what he's done to her Animal friends. It's possible that Elphaba believes the Wizard is trying to use Dorothy too and is trying to protect her from the same fate.

We could also see conversations between Dorothy and Fiyero about Elphaba (and there are many AO3 fics that have been going with that concept. I see y'all, thank you for doing the Lord's work 🙏🏻) and possibly some conversations between Dorothy and Boq since they'll be traveling together and we don't really get to hear about Boq's ending in the musical. I think the last we see of Boq is that he's angry at Elphaba for his condition and rallying crowds against her, but with all that traveling time and secrets coming out, I could see him getting, I don't know if I'd call it a "redemption arc" per say, but finding his heart again (a real one). Additionally, conversations between Dorothy and the lion about how Elphaba saved him would be nice too. Even if the lion had learned to blame Elphaba for what happened to him, I'm sure Dorothy would be quick to correct him once she discovered the full truth.

But my favorite, my absolute favorite and darkest possibility is the interactions that Dorothy can have with the Wizard. In the Wizard of Oz, she exposes him as a fraud, but in the Wicked movie, he's much worse than that, and I can totally see Dorothy being the one to point that out to him. Why?

First of all, Dorothy is not from Oz. Most people there would never question the Wizard, but if he's so powerful and generous, why is he sending an innocent little girl and three down-on-their-luck guys to go murder his dangerous enemy? That right there is a red flag, and again, if they don't change Dorothy's character, she's going to be a very honest child and comment on how strange this is.

Second of all, if anything I speculated above is true and Dorothy realizes this the Wizard is an animal abuser who vilified an innocent woman, she's going to be very angry at the Wizard, and rightfully so (I hope Toto bites him).

Third of all, and here's where it gets good: in the musical Wicked, the Wizard discovers he is Elphaba's father at the very end because of the bottle Galinda has. Dorothy is not on stage for that because she's not in the main cast of the musical, only mentioned by the other characters, but what if she was? What if she's the one that discovers the connection? What if she calls him out the exact same way Elphaba did after the Wizard gave his little "I always wanted to be a father" speech?

What if the Wizard had a little animal-loving girl who reminds him so much of the daughter he just sent to her to kill standing in front of him with a horrified expression while he puts the pieces together?

What if Dorothy's POV in Wicked isn't about her exposing the Wizard as a nervous fraud, but as a heartless monster?

What if Dorothy's POV is about her exploring this new world and discovering for herself who is truly wicked or good?

[poppies-from-oz]

LAND OF OZ MASTERPOST

Now seems as good a time as any to remind everyone that all of the original fifteen Oz books are public domain and up for free online.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 

The Marvelous Land of Oz

Ozma of Oz

Dorothy & The Wizard in Oz

The Road to Oz

The Emerald City of Oz

The Patchwork Girl of Oz

Little Wizard Stories of Oz

Tik-Tok of Oz

The Scarecrow of Oz

Rinkitink in Oz

The Lost Princess of Oz

The Tin Woodman of Oz

The Magic of Oz

Glinda of Oz

Happy reading! 

[screwpinecaprice]

They won the lottery and inspired by Mr. Greg, they spent it all in one day by committing identity fraud.

Idk I took a second job and my brain is so fried right now. 😭

[overlookcity]

[little-pondhead]

Danny moved to Gotham.

Freakshow is touring in Gotham.

Freakshow knows Danny is in Gotham.

Danny knows Freakshow is still after him.

Danny's faith in heroes has been shattered.

Danny turns to the only person powerful enough to run Freakshow out of town, hopefully for good.

Danny turns to the Joker for help.

The Joker is looking for a new punching bag sidekick after Harley Quinn left him.

Danny is just the perfect person to be shaped by the Joker's hands.

Danny becomes the new Joker Junior.

[buttercup-barf]

There's a whopping Two upcoming movies about Wizard Of Oz-adjacent media, and. Uhm. They certainly are gonna be movies, at least that I know for sure.

The most agonising part is that instead of the funny magic lesbians, I'm gonna be more mentally ill about these fucking things.

I would not be giving a cent of my money to a Russian-owned business of any kind, even if they weren't ridiculously overpriced, but...

They look so fucking stupid. I love them.

[therelwildjaybird]

I LOVE LEGOS !!!!!! (This was so dumb)

[emaadsidiki]

Wild Encounters 🦁🌿

[stuffaboutminneapolis]

Poppy, the Como Zoo Sea Lion

[picspammer]

The Wizard of Oz (1939) dir. Victor Fleming