20 years on...

 Somehow, it just didn't feel like it.

20 years have come and gone. Passed by in a flash. There were good days and there have been many that I don't want to relive.

So in the past 20 years, what have I learned?

Abosolutely nothing. 😂 

From Hale-Bopp to Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: A Comet Watcher's Journey Across Decades (with the aid of AI)

The 1990s were an exciting time for skywatchers, as Comet Hale-Bopp made its spectacular appearance. For many people, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the brightest comets ever observed in modern history. I was living in Perth, Australia, at the time, eagerly anticipating the chance to witness this cosmic event that had captured the attention of astronomers and the public alike. However, a personal challenge stood in my way—my sister fell ill during the critical period when Hale-Bopp was at its peak visibility. As a result, I missed my chance to see the comet with my own eyes, a missed opportunity that lingered in my mind for years.

Recently, however, I finally had the chance to fulfill my dream of capturing a comet on camera. After decades of waiting and watching the skies, I successfully photographed Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, a newly discovered comet that has been anticipated for its potential to put on a brilliant show. This achievement was not only the culmination of my long-held passion for stargazing, but also a personal redemption for the missed opportunity so many years ago.

### Missing Comet Hale-Bopp: A Moment Lost to Family Responsibility

Comet Hale-Bopp made its closest approach to Earth in 1997, and I, like so many others, had prepared to witness its celestial spectacle. Astronomers had predicted it would be one of the most visible comets in decades, with a long, bright tail that could be seen even with the naked eye. Perth, with its clear skies and relatively low levels of light pollution, seemed like the perfect place to observe Hale-Bopp.

However, my plans to view the comet were disrupted when my sister became ill. She required care and attention during the critical period when Hale-Bopp was at its brightest. Though I was disappointed to miss out on the opportunity, my family needed me, and that took precedence. As the days passed and Hale-Bopp eventually faded from view, I realized that I had missed a rare chance to witness a natural phenomenon that many described as awe-inspiring. 

The frustration of that missed moment stayed with me for years. Every time I saw a photograph or read a story about Hale-Bopp, I felt a pang of regret. The sense of having missed something extraordinary—something that wouldn’t return in my lifetime—was a bitter pill to swallow. But family responsibility was non-negotiable, and I reconciled myself to the fact that sometimes, life's priorities overshadow personal ambitions.

### Decades of Waiting and Watching the Skies

Despite my disappointment, my love for stargazing never faded. Over the years, I followed the movements of other celestial objects, but no comet quite compared to the legendary Hale-Bopp. The opportunities to view bright comets are rare, and although a few came and went, none seemed to match the brilliance and visibility that Hale-Bopp had offered. Still, I held onto the hope that someday, another comet would come along, and this time I would be ready.

As technology advanced, my interest in photography deepened, particularly astrophotography. The idea of not just viewing a comet, but capturing its beauty on camera, became an aspiration. I began to invest in equipment—telescopes, cameras, and lenses—hoping that one day I would have the chance to photograph a celestial visitor in all its glory.

Every time a new comet was discovered, I would check its predicted visibility from my location, the timing, and whether the conditions would be ideal for observation. There were close calls—comets that came tantalizingly close to being visible but were either too faint or obstructed by cloudy weather. Still, I remained patient, waiting for that perfect moment.

### The Arrival of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

In 2023, my patience was finally rewarded with the discovery of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. This comet, first observed by astronomers at the Tsuchinshan and ATLAS observatories, was predicted to become a spectacular object visible from Earth. The moment I heard about its discovery, I began making plans. After so many years of waiting, I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

This time, I was fully prepared. I meticulously tracked the comet's path, ensuring that I knew the best nights for observation and photography. I made sure my equipment was in perfect working order, spending evenings practicing long-exposure photography and making adjustments to my telescope and camera settings. I consulted weather reports obsessively, hoping for clear skies when the comet reached peak visibility.

The night finally arrived. I set up my equipment in a quiet location outside of the city, far from light pollution. The air was crisp, and the sky was clear—ideal conditions for observing the comet. As I gazed through my telescope, I saw it: Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, its faint, glowing tail stretching across the dark sky. It wasn’t as bright as Hale-Bopp had been, but it was beautiful in its own right, a reminder of the vastness and wonder of the universe.

With great excitement, I began photographing the comet. The long exposures captured its delicate structure, the shimmering tail, and the distant stars that framed it. As I reviewed the images on my camera, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. After so many years of waiting, I had finally achieved what I had set out to do all those years ago when Hale-Bopp passed by. This was my moment, and it was everything I had hoped for.

### A Journey of Redemption and Patience

Capturing Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was not just the fulfillment of a long-held dream; it was also a form of redemption. Missing Hale-Bopp had been a source of regret for many years, a missed opportunity that felt like it might never come again. But in the end, my patience and persistence paid off. I realized that sometimes, the universe works in its own time, and opportunities—though rare—will present themselves if you’re willing to wait.

The experience of photographing Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was also a reminder of the value of perseverance. As much as I had wanted to witness Hale-Bopp, my decision to care for my sister at that critical moment had been the right one. Family responsibilities took precedence, and I learned to accept that some opportunities are missed for reasons beyond our control. But I also learned that it’s never too late to pursue a passion, even if it takes decades to fulfill.

### Conclusion: The Sky Always Has More to Offer

In the end, my journey from missing Comet Hale-Bopp in the 1990s to photographing Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was one of patience, perseverance, and personal growth. While I missed my chance to witness one of the brightest comets of the century, I finally had the opportunity to capture a beautiful cosmic event, which felt like a long-awaited reward. 

The experience reinforced my belief that the sky always has more to offer. Even if one opportunity slips by, another will eventually come along. The key is to be prepared, to be patient, and to never lose sight of the wonders that await those who keep looking up.

Covid 19 lockdowns, a reflection (AI Generated because I'm too lazy to write much)

 **Why I Prefer COVID-19 Lockdown: Embracing Quietness, Solitude, and Safe Distancing** - an AI Generated Essay

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the world, shifting how we interact with our environment and each other. For many, the sudden imposition of lockdowns, social distancing, and isolation was a challenging and disorienting experience. However, I found myself appreciating certain aspects of the lockdown period, particularly the quietness, the opportunity for solitude, safe distancing, and the ability to avoid regular social contact. Though these preferences might seem unusual in a world that thrives on social connectivity, they align with my deeper desire for calm, introspection, and personal space.

### The Quietness: A Respite from the Noise of Everyday Life

One of the most striking aspects of the lockdown was the sudden stillness that descended upon cities and towns across the globe. Streets emptied of cars, businesses temporarily closed, and the relentless hustle of everyday life came to a grinding halt. This quietness was, for many, a stark contrast to the usual background noise of urban living. For me, however, it was a welcome change. 

The constant noise of traffic, construction, and crowds can often feel overwhelming, especially for those who value peace and tranquility. During the lockdown, I found that the absence of these distractions allowed me to focus more on my thoughts, engage in creative pursuits, and enjoy a slower, more deliberate pace of life. The quietness gave me the opportunity to listen to nature—the sound of birds, the wind rustling through trees, and even the distant hum of the world. This simplicity brought me a sense of peace that had been hard to come by in the pre-pandemic rush.

The absence of external noise also contributed to a more introspective mindset. Without the constant barrage of social interactions and stimuli, I was able to turn inward and reflect on my life, my goals, and my values. In the quiet, I discovered a new level of self-awareness that I hadn't previously experienced. It became clear to me that I thrive in an environment where I can think deeply and quietly, without the pressures of a fast-paced world constantly demanding my attention.

### The Joy of Solitude: Finding Comfort in Being Alone

Another aspect of the lockdown that I appreciated was the opportunity to be alone more often. While human beings are social creatures by nature, many of us need time to ourselves to recharge and regain mental clarity. For me, this alone time is essential to maintaining my emotional well-being. During the lockdown, the social expectations to constantly engage with others—whether in person or online—diminished, and I felt a sense of relief in being able to retreat into solitude without guilt.

Being alone occasionally doesn't mean feeling lonely. Instead, it allows me to pursue my interests without distraction, delve into hobbies I enjoy, and simply be with myself. The lockdown period gave me the space to read more books, write, and spend time with my thoughts. I rediscovered the joy of activities that don’t require the presence of others, such as cooking, meditating, and listening to music. Solitude during the pandemic was not an isolating experience for me; it was a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect with my inner self.

The reduction of social pressure to constantly meet up with friends or attend gatherings was a liberating aspect of the lockdown. Without these expectations, I felt less obligated to conform to social norms that I sometimes find exhausting. Instead, I could choose when and how to interact with people, based on my own energy levels and desire for connection. This newfound sense of control over my social life was empowering, and it helped me cultivate a greater sense of autonomy.

### Safe Distancing: A Preference for Personal Space

The concept of safe distancing, initially introduced as a public health measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, also aligned with my personal preference for maintaining a comfortable distance from others in social settings. While close physical proximity is often a staple of human interaction, it can be overwhelming for some, including myself. The pandemic introduced an expectation of physical space between individuals, which I found to be a welcome change.

Safe distancing reduced the stress of navigating crowded spaces, such as public transportation, shopping centers, or busy streets. For someone who prefers a calmer and less chaotic environment, the ability to move through spaces without being jostled or rushed was a significant benefit. The awareness of personal space became more pronounced, and I found it refreshing that maintaining distance was not only acceptable but encouraged. It allowed me to feel more comfortable in public spaces without the constant anxiety of close contact with strangers.

Moreover, the emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness that accompanied safe distancing protocols made public spaces feel more organized and predictable. The clear demarcation of space in places like supermarkets, parks, and offices fostered a sense of order that I appreciated. Knowing that everyone was adhering to the same guidelines of distance and hygiene made interactions feel more controlled and less intrusive, which contributed to a more peaceful and predictable environment.

### Avoiding Unnecessary Social Contact: A Break from Overstimulation

While social interaction is important, the sheer frequency of it in modern life can often feel overwhelming. From casual conversations with strangers to obligatory social gatherings, it sometimes feels like society places too much emphasis on constant interaction. During the lockdown, these interactions were reduced to only the most essential, which I found to be a positive change.

Not having to engage in superficial small talk or attend large social gatherings was, for me, one of the unexpected benefits of the lockdown. Social media and digital communication filled in some of the gaps, but there was also less pressure to maintain continuous interaction. This reduction in social obligations gave me a break from the overstimulation that often comes with constant social contact. 

I also found that the quality of my interactions improved during this time. Since I was not seeing people as frequently, the conversations I did have felt more meaningful and intentional. The focus shifted from quantity to quality, and I was able to connect more deeply with a smaller circle of friends and family. This reinforced my belief that relationships are not necessarily about how often we see each other, but about the depth of the connection when we do interact.

### Conclusion: A Personal Preference for a Slower, Quieter World

While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown were undeniably challenging in many ways, they also provided a rare opportunity to experience life at a slower pace, with less noise, fewer distractions, and more personal space. For me, the quietness, solitude, safe distancing, and reduced social obligations were aspects of the lockdown that I came to appreciate deeply. 

These preferences may not align with the majority of people who crave social interaction and the return to pre-pandemic normalcy. However, for those of us who value quietness, introspection, and personal space, the lockdown offered a glimpse into a world that caters to these needs. As society moves forward, I hope to carry some of these lessons with me, finding ways to create more balance in my life by prioritizing moments of solitude, appreciating the quiet, and maintaining a healthy distance from the chaos of everyday life.

Lifespans

I find it amazing that the lifespan of "things" are reducing while we as humans are hoping to increase our own lifespans.

That though just popped into my mind I guess because I was going through this blog.
My updates are getting fewer and farther in between.
Then it occurred to me that Sites such as this have all but been taken over by more instantaneous, entertaining and creative albeit less "use-your-own-imagination" sites such as Instagram and Snapchat.

And Twitter, well, yeah. Strict adherence to character count on each post meaning, short, sharp and to the point. That makes a person like me, a wee bit of a dinosaur.
Because I'd like to think that I'm descriptive; and being descriptive takes a massive word count.
Again, old school mentality.

We were taught from a young age, that our essays and compositions had to meet a minimum word count. In today's context, I wouldn't be surprised that it isn't really much of a criteria anymore. As a matter of fact, if you can write less yet provide more information, all the better.
The less is more mantra.

So, I end up being "long winded" or naggy...Oh well.So here's the good thing about having a blog. It's an online diary!

Hmm...I probably have mentioned that before sometime in the past.

Sorry, I have terrible memory except for the things that I bother about; which is mostly the feeling/sensation/emotion that I'm experiencing at a particular point in time.

I don't necessarily commit words to memory but the feel of the situation, yeah I do that and it's possibly why I have a tendency to feel nostalgic ever so often.

Oh before I forget (as if that's going to happen); this is the year of Covid-19 which for us should be more like CoViD-20 because while it emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019, it's real impact was only felt in early 2020.

So I'm stuck at mostly at home, which I don't really mind. That's probably because I have a comfortable home with loads of personal space. I honestly respect and admire those people whom are able to stay in when space always has to be shared. It must be really tough.

An interesting thought just came into my mind actually; a theory. Not a conspiracy theory since that requires more than 1 person to be involved haha...whatever.

What if this period of time, is an alternate timeline. December XX 2019, a significant date where and when and to whom the initial transmission of CoViD-19 took place:

The Ground Zero/Zero hour/Patient Zero.

It could be, that at that specific point in time and place, a person from an alternate dimension, history, future appeared and started the ball rolling. For what reason? We may not know for certain. At least not in the foreseeable future perhaps.

Hmm...a plot/story for a movie begins again. Oh but this one IS tricky because it involves time travel. And as they say, whenever writers write themselves into a corner, Time Travel to the rescue! Haha! It's the lazy way out.

Oh well...

Day 3

Not being able to hear her voice or even a text telling me she's okay.
That is torture for me.
I'm going slightly insane with worry.
But I hold on to the last vestiges of my sanity.
I have to be strong. Mentally stronger than anyone else now.
I have to stop imagining things.
Pull myself together in this emotional maelstrom.
Keep it together.
She'll be out soon.
Then she'll know and appreciate.

WTF Happened?

11 Jan 2018

S left a few messages and made me feel that she was gonna turn her life around. I sent a few in reply as well. Little did I know that last night till this morning just past midnight would be the last time I'd see her in a while.
Somehow, she got arrested and taken into custody. I already had a bad feeling when her last seen on Tele went past 6 hours but I didn't know that it was because of this.

Wasnt until about 2335hrs that I heard the news. My heart sank. Where was she now? She must feel so alone and so scared. On top of that, she had binged in the morning. I felt helpless. Unable to do anything and even not knowing anything.

It drives one crazy. Not knowing.

Slowly, information came in. She was first held at rtc. And now that it's the 12th, I heard from her mom that she is now held in DRC.

I will wait. That's a promise. I will wait and I will have the chance to make her life better. Turn her life around. I don't care what it takes. I will do it. It's because I care about her and also because I love her.

I just hope she realises that no matter what, I will be there for her and support her and comfort her. I will never abandon her.

Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram & Twitter

Yup, it's all but taken over the traditional blog site. Now, blogging = influencer, product promotion etc. Everything has a dollar value to it and everyone monetizes everythjng.

Not me. I still feel that there is value in putting thoughts into words and hopefully, without a character limit.

I've been absent from this site for some time now. Just like a fad but I do feel the urge to pen down my thoughts once in a while.

I've moved into a new home since I last posted and am still getting used to it. Have changed a few cars and even more phones since I last posted here.

Ah... To be honest, life is good to me at the moment but I'm just dreading the time when this bliss ends.

But as I've said before, All Good Things...

It's been a while....yet again 2014

So I've not updated my blog for a while.

I have no idea why; perhaps it's a little passé to keep a written record of one's life online.

Whatever the reason (probably due to pure laziness), I've stopped penning my thoughts.
Been on training since Monday. It's Thursday today. There are so many changes on the Internet. This company merging with that, this social networking company closing down, that one springing up, etc.

Last year, 2013 was a year of travel. In January, I went to Vietnam with my buddy, JT, then it was Shenzhen a couple of times to hang out with Iggy & HY. Also met up with Daniel from EMC GSAP. Interesting to know that he's now an ASR. Looks like I'm one of the last few from 2010 GSAP team to move on to the ASE role.

Like I said, changes.

I'm trying to keep up really. For a guy like me that kinda likes things to stay as they are, changes are hard for me to accept. I may adapt readily but do I really accept the changes? Well, deep inside, I do wish that things remain the same.

I guess that's why I like photography so much as well. It allows me to see things in static. Images that are captured don't change even through the passage of time.

Well, my thoughts for now.

That Birthday Calculator Again.

14 March 1971

Your date of conception was on or about 21 June 1970 which was a Sunday.
You were born on a Sunday
under the astrological sign Pisces.
Your Life path number is 8.

Your fortune cookie reads:
Something you lost will soon turn up.

Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path number 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 1 & 5.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 3, 7 & 9.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2441024.5.
The golden number for 1971 is 15.
The epact number for 1971 is 3.
The year 1971 was not a leap year.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 1/27/1971 and ending 2/14/1972.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Pig.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Wolf; your plant is Plantain.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Pachons, the first month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 17 AdarI 5731.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 18 AdarI 5731.
The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.17.17.11.0 which is
12 baktun 17 katun 17 tun 11 uinal 0 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Sunday, 16 Muharram 1391 (1391-1-16).
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 11 April 1971.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 18 April 1971.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 24 February 1971.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 30 May 1971.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 6 June 1971.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Tuesday, 21 September 1971.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Sunday, 11 April 1971.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 23 February 1971.

As of 1/2/2014 5:28:15 AM EST
You are 42 years old.
You are 514 months old.
You are 2,233 weeks old.
You are 15,635 days old.
You are 375,245 hours old.
You are 22,514,728 minutes old.
You are 1,350,883,695 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:

Taylor Hanson (1983)	Kirby Puckett (1961)	Billy Crystal (1947)
Michael Caine (1933)	Quincy Jones (1933)	Frank Borman (1928)
Hank Ketcham (1920)	Les Brown (1912)	Albert Einstein (1879)

Top songs of 1971

Joy to the World by Three Dog Night	Maggie May by Rod Stewart
It's Too Late by Carole King	One Bad Apple by Osmonds
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by Bee Gees	Knock Three Times by Dawn
Brand New Key by Melanie	Go Away Little Girl by Donny Osmond
Family Affair by Sly & the Family Stone	Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves by Cher

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 6.11937377690802 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Your lucky day is Thursday.
Your lucky number is 3 & 7.
Your ruling planet(s) is Jupiter & Neptune.
Your lucky dates are 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th.
Your opposition sign is Virgo.
Your opposition number(s) is 5.Today is not one of your lucky days!
There are 71 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 43 candles.

Those 43 candles produce 43 BTUs,
or 10,836 calories of heat (that's only 10.8360 food Calories!) .
You can boil 4.91 US ounces of water with that many candles.  

In 1971 there were approximately 3.7 million births in the US.
In 1971 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1971 in the US there were approximately 2,158,802 marriages (10.6%) and 708,000 divorces (3.5%)
In 1971 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1971 the population of Australia was approximately 13,198,380.
In 1971 there were approximately 276,361 births in Australia.
In 1971 in Australia there were approximately 117,637 marriages and 12,947 divorces.
In 1971 in Australia there were approximately 110,650 deaths.

Your birth flower is DAFFODIL

Your birthstone is Aquamarine

The Mystical properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is often used to experience love and mercy. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Jade, Rock Crystal, Bloodstone

Your birth tree is

Lime Tree, the Doubt Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress and labour, tends to laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous, loyal.

There are 357 days till Christmas 2014!
There are 5 days till Orthodox Christmas!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waning gibbous.

It's been a while...yet again

Sometimes I do wonder if anybody reads my blog. It's been a while since I've posted anything here and yet nobody's complaining about the lack of new content.

Anyway, right after having that lucid dream in my last post, the Japan Earthquake struck. Boy was it scary watching live as the massive wall of water rolled inland, unstoppable. Mankind has yet to conquer nature and I believe we never will. Nature will always win in the end.

What have I been up to lately? Well, apart from being buried in work, I've been taking lots of pictures lately. I did a shoot with Trina and also spent some time before my shift started and shot The Clubster.

Here are some of the shots...both of Trina & of The Clubster.

A Lucid Dream

Weird dream today. Mom wanted me to renew passport and mine was left in cabrio but was driving Octy. While driving home route was semi-familiar but full of industrial obstacles; gas pipelines and viaducts being constructed.  Also, road was full of morons running red lights and light trucks racing me. Car felt very sluggish and on one instance forgot to release parking brakes. Very stressful dream which led to me waking up with palpitations. Realized also that I do dream in living colour. What kind of time constraint and rat race am I supposedly feeling the pressure from to have a dream such as this?

Bragging Rights...

Yeap, I think I've earned it this time round.

The penultimate geek in me still takes the helm of my rather oblique lifestyle of trying to mold myself into something I'm so not. So here goes the tech-speak...or so to speak.

Laptop...
Dell Studio
17-Inch wide LED Backlit
Processor Intel i7 - Q720
RAM : 4GB
Display Adapter : ATi Radeon Mobility w 1GB VRAM dedicated
Built-in Blu-ray/DVD-RW drive
Built-in 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi
Built-in HSDPA GSM/3G Broadband Modem
Built-in Bluetooth
O/S Drive - Plextor 64GB SSD (Yeap. Solid State)
Data Drive - 500GB 7200rpm Seagate
JBL Speakers with Built-in Subwoofer

This would be for me, the ultimate desktop replacement rig. Only thing I've ordered and still on the way now is the Backlit keyboard.

Oh and the iPad rocks!