Simon's Bloggfly

Updates

2008-01-27T18:10:00.000+08:00

Apologise again for not updating my blog, almost 6 months have passed. My shooting session has seen a drastic drop since my dengue stunt, probably due to the nagging from my mom and gf. Alot of things had happened since then.

My dad passed on in Sept (20th Sept 07) due to some complications after a minor operation.

I have also started up my planted tank again + apistogramma (abit more in awhile), also took up fish photography. I also gotta a new DSLR body (Canon 40D) just yesterday, hopefully with it, I will start my engine back to what I always wanted to do.

Have added a few new species to my list of butterflies, finally seeing some movement in numbers haha.

(these days blogging with blogger.com is kinda of PITA, uploading image don't always work and the format changes each time an image is upload, looks like I have to find another place)

Butterflies

Plague with unwholesome experience?

2007-07-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

First, I had my ACL reconstructed in my left knee, then I got into the car accident and end up breaking my back and finally, DENGUE!!!! What the hell!, doesn't mean I work in Aedas, I had to be bitten by a Aedes mossie.. What luck I must say I have, must have done something really wrong in my past life.

The first Sunday of July, while lying on my couch, I suddenly felt feverish out of the blues. Took my temperature and 39 degree.. *faint*, went to the doctor the very next day, GP suspected dengue, so I took an inital dengue kit test, where they prick you on the fingers, swap the blood on some tester and look at the kit for a positive or negative sign and turned out negative. Relieve I was, went back, took the medicine and rested for 2 days, but it wasn't turning for the better, my fever was still present, although it went down to 37, so again, I went back to my GP and got another 2 days of rest. Apart from the fever, I had a really bad headache that just wouldn't go away, beside that the usually body aches, but it wasn't that bad as described in the papers. Well, after the 5th day, I decided I should get my blood tested, went back to wait for the result and about 6pm, my doctor rang and needed to see me... I was like "OMG, defintely bad news". and I was freaking right, the test came back positive for dengue and my platelet count was at 77k, a normal person will have 140k to 400k+ count. He wrote a letter and urge me to get admitted into a hospital.

I went back, packed some stuff and left for NUH at 10pm+, the whole admission took almost 2 hours in a freaking cold A&E room. There I was for 3 days, hooked to a IV drip, took no medicine. Eventually, my platelet count went up and I was allowed to leave. Surprisely, I didn't smoke on the first day, but the second day on, I sneak out to the balcony area and took a few quick puffs.. luckily, I chose a 4 bedded ward :). The experience was really shitty, after coming back, I still felt sick as ever. My colleagues sent me fruit baskets and even my IT vendor. So nice of them... my fridge was packed to the brim with fruits... hahaha

I only turned for the better, after return to the work a week later, first day back was a crap but second day on was back to normal. I also went for another blood test, recommended by the hospital. My platelet count went up to 300k+ but at the same time, the enzyme from my liver was abeit high as well. Supposed to do another round of test next week or 2.

I must say, the whole dengue thingy took almost 2 weeks + to recover. Paranoid as we all humans are, my mom bought mossie sprays. keke. Well, another thing to add to my list of plague due to photography. I probably rest for a while before I head back shooting once more.

btw, I bought a samsung 37" R81 LCD... so sweet and couple with a PS3... haha sweeter than sweet man, the graphics rocks. Currently have Ridge racer 7, Resistance: Fall of man and NBA 07. my PSN account is SSNG, so add me in

before I got sick, I went to Alexander hospital (no, I didn't get dengue there, probably judging from the calendar, I believe it's either Toa Payoh town park or the dragon boat association at Kallang) So without further delay, time for more pictures.... I supposed

Word of wisdom and the first installation on how to photograph a butterfly

2007-06-24T00:13:00.000+08:00

I came up with something today on the bus back from Toa Payoh Town park. Don't asked me why, because I don't really know why. Perhaps, reflecting on some of the usual excuses some photographers make when you comment that it should have shot a certain subject from the other side or maybe to go down lower to get a better in focus subject. So with that in mind, I came up with these words.. keke

"You are the determinant between a good and bad shot, after that, you can blame it on your equipments"

Considering the effort one makes when you push the shutter, people tend to fire freely since we are in the digital era, without having to develop films, we lost the ability to properly compose a photo before pushing the shutter. I'm guilty of some trigger happy incidents myself, not because I shoot everything that is anything but rather shooting for keepers. Since my accident, my skill level has dropped drastically. When I used to a one shot, one kill routine, but now, I lose that touch and getting more out of focus photos. I, personally feel that each one of us can determine how each shot will come out, before we fire away, we should always think about what we what to achieve.

Here are some of my consideration when photographing butterflies, I will break down in several posting, each post will talk about 1 topic. Do remember I always use an external flash, either for filling in the lights or brightening the background and subject.

1) choose a good background

A cluttered background 'steals' attraction from the subject, if you have to shoot, would you prefer something of a nicer background (example, smooth green background). Likewise, what background we intend to achieve also depend alot on the subject, if the subject is dark, then having a background equally dark wouldn't bring out the subject. So, naturally, the easiest way is by contrast, a white subject with a dark BG or a dark subject with a light BG usually works. But there are certain situation like white subject on green BG still works as well. I, personally like pastel colours for my shots, so sometimes, instead of a all green background, I add a out of focus flower in the background, it adds to the composition and makes the background a much interesting addition to the photo. But avoid highlights or hotspots, these always draw attraction away from the subject, same as in a cluttered background, depending on the severity of it, you derive the same distraction.

Having the right background usually is the breaker of all photographs. Sometimes, we need to do alittle abit of housekeeping, removing unsightly twigs, leaves or branches in the way. Having a small swiss knife with you is quite handy at times. But of cause, please do so discreetly, especially when you are in a nature reserve or a park, you wouldn't want to end up getting summon for break a twig or a branch or seen trampling on a row of plants. Over the years, I have seen some neat methods used, like using strings to tie branches that is in the way. There are clamps sold commercially for such purpose as well, but they are abit pricey. I found some clamps in the popular bookshop in Bras Basah, which I think get the job done. But sadly, I never tried using them.

Other ways to achieve a better background, includes having fixed a 'background' behind the subject. This proves difficult, especially when the subject is skittish. So, I suggest taking a couple of shots before you decide to do something stupid. Muhahaha... So far, we have found that a towel or a large leaf comes in handy for a background. Unlike, those who shoots in the studio, or in a controlled environment, we sometimes trek a distance, so what we carry along for our outing is kept to the minimal.

Now on how your aperture can affect your background. Remember the bigger the aperture, it blur-er the background gets. (example a background shot at F5.6 has a blurrier image than compared to the same shot at F11) But do remember about the depth of focus, at a given distance + the length of the lens, (the closer you are to the subject, the thinner the DOF will be). For those who don't know what DOF means, it is the depth/area in which everything within this depth/area is in focus. For butterflies, I do suggest at least using a F8 to F11 (that's the sweet spot for my Tamron 180 macro), only at certain situation do you require a blurrier background, this is when you choose a bigger aperture (a small F-stop). Do read up on DOF.

Apart from aperture settings, there is the shutter speed consideration. If you are still learning about your camera, always take a shot, preview and adjust your settings. My main shooting mode is always set to Manual, this allows me to adjust each component separately.

I notice most photographer tend to get harsh lighting on their subject during low light environment. This can be corrected, either adjusting to a lower shutter speed or increasing the ISO speed. (note that you have to compensate for your flash as well). A slower shutter speed allows more light to be capture, hence a brighter background. I don't entirely believe the metering on my camera, so preview a shot is always a good practice, although I don't practise that anymore. How do one know if the lighting on the flash is too harsh on the subject? My practise is, look at the shot, if the lighting on the subject is overpowering or over-lighting the background, then I would say the lighting is too harsh. I have heard photographers using an secondary flash unit to brighten the background, again this is not always possible. Unlike subject that doesn't move much, butterflies on the other hand doesn't always stay at one position. Sometimes, we do not get much opportunity to do such setup. Alternatively, use a bounce card, it can help brighten the background.

Background is really up to each individual preferences, as long as you can convince yourself that you made a good choice, then stick to that decision.

here are some pix I took at TPTP

Wet day today

2007-06-16T15:16:00.000+08:00

It's raining cats and dogs outside, luckily, I decided not to attend the outing at Pasir ris park this morning. Will be a whammer to travel all the way there and not doing any photography due to the sucky weather. Aedas is organising some dragon boat activity at the end of the month, giving me some opportunity to do some photography, should be fun. Work as usual is busy busy busy, nothing much happening for the last few days, as long as nothing fails, my job will be smooth sailing :)

As for my legal case, still awaiting the report from JB, taking too long, really hate the waiting, because everything is riding on that report and nothing can be done without it. Yesterday, I got to see a plastic surgeon for my disfigured tummy, according to the doc, it is not a simple operation, because of the hernia and developed after the first operation, it is uncertain what they did inside me, possibly screw up. Hernia is a bulge developed when there is a previous surgery done on my tummy, the weakened tissue/muscle/stomach wall tears up, allowing my gut to protude through. After some reading up, it is called Incisional hernia, the surgeon suggest I go for more test to determine the condition of my digestive system. He basically gave me 2 options, having the hernia untouch, just removing the skin layer on it, push it back into the stomach cavity and pulling my stomach muscles together and stitiching it up. The other way, will be cutting me open, rearrange the organs and make sure they are not tangled together. My guess is if the latter is chosen, I will be lying in bed for 1 to 2 weeks without food again, but as long as they leave my digestive organs intact, then it will surely be fine. For me, I'm ready to go under the knife again, being at this state for almost 2 years. I just want to get on with my normal life, just another wishful thinking on my part. Don't think it will change anything for me, just trying to make things better, is good enough for me. Also, I'm thinking of giving up smoking for good, so decided to take the opportunity for my next surgery to get it done. Prior to my surgery, I intend to cut down on my sticks. Unlike previously, I didn't had any withdrawn syptoms, simply because after the first operation, I was drugged for a few days straight and after an experience like that, smoking would be the last thing on my mind.

Since my last posting, I decided to increase my photography outings, my back is holding up really good. My next appointment at NUH is scheduled on my birthday. Tomorrow marks the 2nd year after my accident. Time flies, perhaps a good thingy. Only time can heal my wound and memories of it.

time for some pix again

enjoy

new posting + new addition to my collection

2007-05-20T22:48:00.000+08:00

Yalloooo people

Managed to add another 1 species to my collection, finally moving again :) presently at 207.

Nothing much has happened lately, Jin bought a samsung I600, quite a good buy, faster than my HP ipaq :(

Notice my photography has drastic dropped in standard, can't achieve like those in the past (before my accident) getting more wasted shots than those keepers. Kind of depressing at times, wanting to trash the whole lot.

ok, here is 1 of the usable shot for today

Exam blues and more bitching and more pix

2007-04-29T16:18:00.000+08:00

Looking at the date of my last post, I feel kinda bad not updating my blog. As usual it's the exam period, this time round 5 modules *faint*, but it is gonna be over soon, my last paper is on wed and darn it, my exam always have to fall within a public holiday. Why can't NUS just avoid these precious holidays we get. Sometimes I feel that they never take into consideration the hardship of part timers and how we have to juggle with our working life and still complete the course in the same time. This term was kinda of slacking, for me that is. No mood to get things done, no mood to do my assignments, but still it was done. No politics this time with that a$$, last mentioned in my blog a while back, but this time round, another a$$ has emerged from the ashes, an old a$$ for that matter. haha

After our last construction tech presentation, I heard from Jamie that Yong and company had been talking about us during their Building services project meeting, Jamie was in their team. I don't really care if they talking about us or boast about how good they are, all that shit. I supposed they had intention to let us know, thru the use of Jamie... from what she mentioned, Yong and co. was boasting on how good they presentation was, and how screwed up, our's had gone. Still don't understand what's the boasting is about. Project scope wise, I think we picked a much better subject to talk about, comparing to their reclaimation project, HA!, I though too highly of them (Yong) sometimes. Reclaimation is all about cover and fill, what's there to talk about.... DUH!!, if you put in equation on how the reclaimed land mass is used for buildings, such as in the marina bay or east coast area, thats a much better topic. Best of all, they took a freaking 1.5hrs to talk about land reclaimation... talk about wasting time, after they long and boring presentation, my guess was the lecturer was getting impatient.. who wouldn't

But all well and ends well, we had our day :) and it was SWEET!, having our last presentation for building services on cold and hot water services. I'm proud to say that we did a far (i think should be two far) a better project. The day, the project was announced, Yong impatiently chose their choice/subject, which is HDB *boring*, thinking that he might have something up his sleeves, contacts with someone in HDB and obviously looking that his kanchiong old self, thought they had something worthy to do. It turns out that the presentation was taken off the lecture notes, so much for a project... their presentation was utterly a repeat of the lecture on cold and hot water system. Seriously, I don't need another lecture on the subject. If I really need one, I will ask the lecture. Shamelessly ripping information, diagrams off the notes is something an idiot should know not to do. If any of the dumb a$$ from that team is reading this, please for god sake, provide drawings to illustrated the water system, not using photographs. If Yong and co. would have be nicer and asked for drawings, perhaps we would have given them some. One more thing, please read the project specification. Plans and Sections showing the distribution!

remember those are laugh first, laugh last. I respected Yong initially, but now, another down the drain... how come people just can't be humble. After 4 sems, I truly found some real friends and some people I have no problems working with. Too bad azhar left the course though.

back to my other life :), my photography has been a drastic drop in standard, not only do I have problems focusing, my hands shakes!!!!!!!! due to school work, I don't really have time to spare as well. My legal case has turned out so far, smooth. The court has ordered the defendent to pay for my compensation over the case. But for now, I still need the medical report from the JB hospital, which that, I can also seek a local specialist advice on my digestion problems. I hope not too long. I want to get my tummy fixed. so i can enjoy going to beach resorts once more.

here are some new pix, don't expect too much from me please

Vivarium

2007-01-07T21:16:00.000+08:00

Forgotten to post this during the new year, so take it as a backdate post lor. I setup 2 vivariums mainly for my orkets aka jewel orkets.. spent quite alot just on them over at WL.... I think have to control myself, skool starting tomorrow, RATZ!!!! and early feb = almost 5k for skool fees again, worst, again 5 days of classes... really crap lor

show some pix of my vivariums first, only a week old, things looks fine, plants growing

This tank is in my room, looks kinda messy with all that plants hanging in the tank. But no choice, some of them requires cool temp to spike (spike means producing flower stalk) also the humidity is good for the Phal and Den. the Phrags at the left side cost me 100+ alone. they freaking count each growth as a plant, I think $15 ea. I chosen the healthier ones, but those have like 5 to 6 shoots alone *faint*

here is a clearer photo, I also added a 12v dc fan to improve circulation within the fan, I'm considering turn the fan the other way around and suck air from the tank instead of blowing, I think it might reduce evaporation of my already pathetic water body in the tank

This is the other vivarium, in my living room, more water this time. I wanted to add more stuff and idea but realised it wasn't easy and I require more planning. So, next time I need everything to be planned for on paper before I start the project. Mom say she don't mind another tank. So my next vivarium will be at least a 2footer vertical or a 3ft.. hmmm... I defintely prefer a 3ft, imagine 90cm of vertical space for the plants.. meaning more orkets, wahaha

anyway, these 2 tanks run on only pumps, not filters and the lights only comes on at night till the next morning. Also the tank in the living room has 2 pitcher and a venus fly trap, I don't know much about upkeeping them, so have to experiment and see how they are doing. I don't really feel like asking people in the plant forum.... I'm a practical person who like to try and experiment myself first hand and do adjustments. Obviously, a more expensive lessons, but I prefer to take the hard way around things most of the time.

new additions to the family

2007-01-07T20:36:00.000+08:00

yeah, more orkets.. went for an outing with my fishy friends, some of them want to get jewel orchids for their vivarium. Then went to SBG with my mom. SBG hold a monthly plant sale at the visitor centre at the first sunday of every month. Was surprised to see a crowd there today, didn't know they were so popular. But strangely, as discussed with Choy aka a fishy mod in my forum. I observed that there were many gh3y into this hobby, Choy commented that gh3y likes gardening. I don't mean to be rude about it, but there were many at SBG today. What's up with that, association of gh3y with orkets gives me the creeps. If anyone like to enlighten me on this discussion, feel free to leave a comment. Honestly, I have nothing against them, but I do feel that they tend to be more sensitive, more petty than any typical women. Is it me or are they also extra Kiasu. I was picking up some plants today at the WL's booth today, deciding whether to get a bulb., then came 2 of them pointing and whispering about the plant. The moment I decided not to get, one of the 2 rush to pick it up and walked about with it. Perhaps, it was a good buy, or maybe a rare species.. who knows and I don't really care. What bothers me is the Kiasuism they exhibit.. a little bit of singaporean's KS behaviour and a woman's touch of "better grab it before someone takes it".. oh well, I guess its just part and parcel of life and we have to live in harmony. To set thing straight, I have nothing against gh3y, I respect them for who they are, but I prefer to keep my distance between them. Their action simply gives me the chill, reminding me of someone is my previous company.

I loan the 50mm macro from Benny, I think more suitable for plant macroing, shorter length = more flexible for small aperture and shutterspeed. But benny mentioned that the EFs 60mm macro could be a better buy... now I'm thinking of adding a shorter macro lens to my collection, what you guys think?

ok, picture time.!!!

(ps. is my blog so boring? how come no one post one!!!! and the formating for blogger suck big time leh, everytime I upload a photo, it sent it to the top and add spaces for no reasons... nevermind, I will just do more deleting and backspacing, sigh!)

New hobby?

2006-12-12T22:15:00.000+08:00

Haven't posted for quite a while, so better update since I just completed my exams.

first up, the injuries from my car accident hasn't resurface, my back feels good with minimum discomfort, hopefully the instruments in me is holding good. Have to wait till my next birthday to know (strange, but my doctor fixed my appointment on my bday *faintz*), my tummy is the same, hope the legal suit can be alittle faster, can't wait to get it fix, but I'm kinda used to the disfigured tummy, just that, I can't enjoy beach resorts or swimming pools till I fix it. Apart from that, my digestive track is almost back, except for the piles I contracted from the over-frequent visits to the loo.. darn it.. need to remind my lawyer on that additional gift I got from the accident. I hope to get it over and out of my mind.

my new job once again, time flies so fast when I'm busy, can't believe it, but it has already been 1/2 a year... ya man, no mountain too high... still managable, juggling between running around solving IT problems and still doing drafting. Sometimes, I don't get enough time to do my drafting and my team architect gets more panicky :)

new stuff :) or rather a new interest....... orchids :) been poisoned by them, so past few months was kinda fun, visiting the orchid nurseries. I collect wild orchids or species is what they call it. but of course it doesn't mean I collect them from the wild, they are all from the nurseries. last I counted, I have almost 90 species in my yard, the tip of the iceberg, when compared to the 35,000 species in the world. In relation to collecting, of course it meant that I photographed them as well. Thats the other plus point :), still can't get over photography and since I'm not as abled as before, I still can do it at home... yeah, I can hear benny asking me when I wanna start photographying fishes.

Previous attempts wasn't great, looking at pictures/photos online, I think it is possible to achieve studio quality with the right kind of equipments. right now, I still want to experiment with 2 flashes, which I think will get a more natural look minus the unnatural shadows. The black background is black velvet, for obvious reasons, the velvet absorbs the lights from the flash.

see photos :P

New addition

2006-10-14T20:47:00.000+08:00

The Tawny coster has landed here and surprisely, made they trip down from up north in Thailand, hopefully they are here to stay and many new species waiting for us to discover/re-discover

here is a link to some of the new species discovered recently
http://b-pals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=45464#post45464

and here are the pix

Day of reckoning

2006-10-10T00:59:00.000+08:00

I need to say this.. and if I don't I fear that I might die of a heart attack.
ROSLAN, if I ever get a chance to get back at you, you wish you were never born!!!!
I never never felt so betrayed in my whole bloody life. But today, I heard something from someone on how roslan was talking behind my back. my blood shot up and now, I'm so heart broken and frustrated, I blame myself for being so native to think that people, especially those studying together can be friends.. to think that I volunteer myself to do color scanning, compile powerpoint on top of my own task and now, even bloody backslab me and accuse me of taking advantage of the a$$.
All along, we took it upon ourselves to always do the compiling and powerpoint slides, without thinking of it as extra work, but rather helping the team.
All started last friday, when we realised one of our dateline was on the following monday, I'm tied down with the presentation on friday and chunkeong for another presentation, so I thght perhaps someone can help lighten the load and do the report lab... it turns out to be the worst idea, first, I was accused of taking advantage of the a$$, then he gave a lecture on time management. So I tried to explanation why I asked him, to think I was so poilte to even explain.. I should have taken the nasty approach to the problem
then Jin Jin read his reply and get pissed and she replied to him. telling him, that for him to collect data from the library then throw us the data for compilation then take a backseat and not lift a freaking finger to help nor ask if we needed any help and even accuse me for taking advantage of him. HELLO!! who is the one been taken for a ride, not appreciative I don't mind, but don't bloody say I'm taking advantage of him. bloody have the cheek to even mention it, while you think you are the only one doing all the work, ok, after Jin's email he kept quiet and decided to help out with the lab. so i thght problem solved. But today, I got a rude shock, someone told him, the a$$ talk bad about us last week... at the moment, i felt so betrayed
Jin jin say I'm too nice, volunteer to help doing everything, scanning, photography, compiling.
thanks for hearing me out

Finally, some photos

2006-07-16T21:14:00.000+08:00

Been a month since my last outing, don't know why, but I don't have the urge to shoot at all. Perhaps due to the mishap, or probably due to being just lazy about it.

Well, we (butterflycircle members) have agreed upon some rules of posting, due to mysterious disappearance and sign of vandalism at some location, recently, The Plane was one of the victims, members found the location with sign of trampling (human activity), broken twigs, branches. We can't be sure who done that, but the other day, sunny went to the place and all the sudden, they weren't there as scheduled, one thing about butterflies, they tend to return to the same necter plant at a certain timing. So as a measure, we have agreed to keep location secret. Hopefully, if there are poachers lurking in our forum, we could still enjoy them and keep them out of harms way.

2nd thing, just a while back, probably a week or 2, incident from a bird nesting created a scene in the birding photography area, bird watchers complained about how photographers are not ensuring the survival of the bird species, and so, some forums have enforced certain rules on posting such photos and particularly the location. My feeling for all this is simply that it is unenforcable. I do hope that forums should be unbias over the content, particularly nesting photos local or oversea. Such photos educate the public and fellow photographers alike and will be useful for research. If for ever reasons forums kerb such posting, then I feel that it should be for all, local and oversea. I don't see the logic about banning local taken nesting site and allowing oversea taken ones.

3rdly, I have finally left my job of 11yrs last friday, obviously the feeling isn't good, I have made some good relationships and friendships throughout these 11yrs. But due to certain circumstance, I had to leave for another better paid job. All I can say is housing loan ain't cheap and with the rising economy, interest rate will raise. I think its time to look for a re-fiancing, maybe when I have the time. well, tomorrow will be my first day at a new place. Hopefully, a pleasurable place to work in and probably busier than my last job.

ok, time for some pix (ps. for a reason, I can't upload my pix, nvm, leave it as it is, will post later)

Picture of the day

2006-06-30T20:25:00.000+08:00

see if you guys understand my pictures in relation to the last 2 post :)

Word of the day

2006-06-29T16:30:00.000+08:00

Today's word of the day is "Petty"

Pettiness is the root to all evil :), for someone who cannot accept the fact that I have found a better paid job and resort in backstabbing and what's worse, a boss.. tsk tsk tsk. Shame shame

A boss/partner is merely a title, something that is yet proven but achieved only through monetary means. Respect is earned through mutual understanding and equilibrium respect between both parties. So if you want respect, then give due respect the other person in return. You don't have to shaft it down one's throat and demand for it.

Me still trying to comprehend why someone has to resort to those under the belt blows. Perhaps just sour that me and the other ex-colleagues that quitted have been or in my case 'can' do better than before. For the last few years I have witness myself how petty someone can get and to what extent that person can go to. Best of all, just playing an arsewipe hypocrite. Treating you nicely infront and go backstabbing behind you. That one person who have gone thru some religious classes, wonder what they have been teaching in school these days.. haha, ironic huh.. maybe to repent their past and future sins :)

well, God bless them
ps. I respect those who have worked hard to get them to where they are today, kudos to the unnamed boss

Word of wisdom

2006-06-28T15:50:00.000+08:00

FYI, I'm quitting my job, leaving for a better paid job else where
and recently getting crapped and stab by one of my bosses. Narrow minded people never achieve great things in life. One's luck is never eternal, they will run out, just a matter of time.

so in the light of things, I have decided to be forgiving. Hey, I'm a nice guy :)

So instead of plotting and planning how to take revenge, I rather take the opportunity to stay happy and gh3y. Its tiresome to hate someone.

so today's word of wisdom is

Don't be another frog in the well, go fore and discover what the world has to offer.

It is good to sometimes sit down and wonder how good one actually is compared to others outside the well, self denial is a sad excuse :). Sometimes we have to understand that we will never be at the top, some day, we will all fall, so lets be humble. Or at least be nice to the people around us. Retribution always catches up with us

A good day out

2006-06-17T18:40:00.000+08:00

Been awhile since I gone shooting, see last date post :P, so together with the regulars we hit Range station after one of the ranger aka Janet shot a new species yesterday. Lucky for us, Sunny asked her *phew*. Anyhow, some updates on my condition, I went for medical review for SCDF hoping to get a further downgrade from my current C9L2, the MO who saw me thought that my condition could only get the same C9L2 but still suggest I go for the medical board to determine my PES and lucky for me, those on the medical board though otherwise and gave me a E9L9, which meant that I will not be going back for any future reservist, ever again.. yahoooo!!!, I also received confirmation yesterday, a precious slip of paper that state the PES status I was given. As for my legal case, things moving very slowly, heard from my lawyer, he just received the bill from the ortho surgeon and hopefully the report is sent soon after, with that, the lawyer can then sent a official letter to the insurancer.

ok, time for pix.. not the best, but a +2 to my list

No pix day again :(

2006-04-22T13:43:00.001+08:00

Exam week, been studying for a few weeks, that explains the low count of shooting outings :(, education come first, 2 more papers to go. Quite pleased with today's Building science paper, defintely a pass.. if god is on my side again, another A could save my CAP score, yesterday's econ was crap!!!, I only hope the paper is moderated :(. Monday is another killer, RE finance and on wed is my final paper on Singapore law. After that, I'm free like a bird.. yahooooo!!!

Finally, gotta SCDF for my medical review, coming 5th May. Hopefully after that, I get downgraded to nothing :). Sorry to admit, I think reservist in SCDF is a waste of my time. Been served SAF during my NS days, which I think its worth the experience I have gone through as a signaller/runner. During which, I passed thru like a breeze, Fitness test/IPPT was nothing :), can't say that now.. hahaa. After my knee surgery, I got downgraded to Pes C9L2, those wondering whats up with the numbers :P, it simply means, No IPPT, no 'siong' aka tough field training. Was posted to SCDF, manz.. I really felt unwanted.. with a commendation by my OC for an excellent service, thats how they treat me :(. Anyway, my vocation in SCDF is an assistance storeman in a hospital Unit and guess what I have been doing during my reservist, first ICT was a depatch/sorter for the NUH medical record centre. on my 2nd, I did porting... pushing patients around the hospital. Being an active person, plus the fact that I use brain power more than anything else these days, I think its an insult for my education and skill. Well, can't blame me for anything, since they posted me to do such things.. guess they do not know how to make use of manpower.

hopefully after my medical review, I need not waste anymore of my time for such service. But I would like to put it through that serving NS is an important event for all, I value the things taught and the experiences gain. So, my advise to all is support NS, cause it turns boys and men :P

anyway, just 2 nights ago, I came back from office, complaining about a sharp pain on the side of my body, just above my ribcage. My mom asked me what happen, so I told her, maybe having some problems with my appendix, and guess what my mom say...

"errrr.... they took out your appendix, in JB lah" I was like.... how come no one told me about it then. my mom replied "cause, all the time when you were at JB, all you can think of is, when can I go back to Singapore". I was like hahaha... now I thinking must be my spleen.. keke, now that I'm thinking about it, I think the doctor did tell me that they removed my appendix since they were cut up things in my tummy.. hmmm....

pix update should be scheduled for next sat :P.. till then, tata

A birdie day at SBG

2006-04-08T16:20:00.000+08:00

There I was in SBG (Singapore Botanic Garden) searching for a hovering Crimson sunbird to collect a $200 for the shot, some poster request from nparks. But to my disappointment, the birds didn't come in as expected (heard from a birder, they probably too busy mating, since its mating season). Oh well, since I was there, might as well shoot what was available and instead of of collecting the $200, I end up buying a book at niche bookshop.... yeah! on dragonflies... recommended since its a pocket guide of the dragonflies found in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore and its cheap as well $17.50

also, since we are talking about books, those who are serious about butterflies might want to have this book. Personal recommendation, in depth coverage of almost all of the butterflies in Malaysia and Singapore

both books available from Nature niche at the visitor center.
Nature Niche bookshop

oh ya, the butterflies thru the lens exhibition is on, wasn't too pleased with the way they cropped my pictures of the 5 bar and black veined tiger... perhaps, the next one we were thinking of, is at Epson singapore (wheellock place)

anyhow, here are the pix for today

Good news

2006-04-01T21:02:00.000+08:00

A species thought to be extinct on our mainland was discovered by a fellow photographer. No sightings of this species for the last 15 years and closest we got was those found in P. Tekong (Military training area). With this new rediscovery, we truly hope they survive and populate the area and hopefully to other parts of the area (provided the land isn't in the planning of redevelopment)

After almost a month without shooting, stamina wasn't that great, tugging along my tripod, cos of the low lighting situation proves one heck of a challenge, bashing through the undergrowth to get to our destination. But worth the aches and pain, I'm experiencing now.

Another good news is we have a photography exhibition in Singapore Botanic Garden, featuring some of the more colourful species found locally. It will be up for the month of April, so don't miss it. Entrance to the Visitors center

Some updates on my condition, the back is holding up rather well since I have been wearing the post-op lumbar support, the pain on the side could be related to the tummy operation. I'm scheduled to see a plastic surgeon for valuation to the cost of the operation soon.

time for the pix

Sad day

2006-03-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

Just last week, a baby colugos was found in macritchie with her badly injured mother, apparently, someone spotted 3 men carrying plastic bag and what looks like a slingshot. NPS photographer Aaron was at the site when it happened. The mother was so badly injured, she had to be put to sleep. National Park then took the baby into their care, surrogate mother, Janet tend to the baby's need for the past few days at the Ranger station in Macritchie. But last night, the baby simply lost her will to live and had to be put to sleep this morning.

haizzz, darn sad news.. especially when you know how cruel humans actually are, so if anyone is actually reading my blog and frequent our nature reserves, please keep a lookout for anything suspicious and contact the ranger station for assistance. These 'animals' are probably armed with a slingshot or maybe a knife of some sort, so be wary if you approach them.

National Parks Board HQ
1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Tel : 6471 7808 , Helpline toll-free number : 1800-4717300
Fax : 6472 3033
NPaks Ranger hotline - 6468-5736

Update: All talk only

2006-03-25T22:55:00.000+08:00

Been 3 weeks since I last shot anything, suddenly, I lost the urge to go out. No more withdrawl? keke. Anyhow, went to see a private ortho specialist at gleneagles concerning my back, as usual, I get zapped by gamma rays a few times, maybe I'll turn into a hulk someday..keke (me wonder will I get cancer from taking too many xrays?, the stack in NUH is almost 5cm thick in total, got zapped almost everyday during my 19 days stay, don't think it's good for health)

ok, back to the topic, I was sent there by my lawyer, cause of a complain on the left side. But xray didn't show any problems and the doc do not have any idea where the pain is coming from, so his only guess is my tummy wound, explaining that, since my tummy is spilt into halves, the stomach muscles no longer can hold the stomach in place.. or something along that line. He did some measurement for the back and my stomach (wonder why, since he is an ortho specialist, no idea why he has to measure the front). He urged me to get my tummy fix (I been longing to do that, darn depressing just looking at myself at the mirror).

Since I got lotsa things to do at school, that will distract me from photography :)
I might go shooting in the following weekend, after my finance test.

as promised

2006-03-06T19:43:00.000+08:00

ok, plucked my courage to take a pix of my tummy, hope I don't freak anyone out with the photo, so for the faint hearted I advise against viewing. My back isn't the best of state right now, and I'm getting aches and discomfort everytime I go for an outing. I will be scheduled to see a private specialist to followup with the progress of my lumbar recovery.

looks grossed even for myself, so think thrice before viewing

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/simonsng5/misc/dont_peek_pls/front_7090.jpg

now I'm seriously thinking of hanging up my camera, at least till my back gets better or when I get the green light.

Boring day @ SF and USR

2006-03-04T17:30:00.000+08:00

Yup, darn boring, alot of sitting around for something to happen @ SF or lotsa walking without any subjects to shoot. haizzzz... the new low back support I bought yesterday isn't working well, I guess its too big, or simply not enough support for my lower back. Guess have to spend more money on a Donjoy low back brace.
should I get this? or
this? Site state that spinal fusion should use the latter.... haiz, hate to choose, the latter probably cost more, judging from the sport brace I bought a few years back for my knee (Yes, I'm accident prone :P), paid $600 for it, still with me.

here are the crappy pixs (I'm more pleased with the dragon shots)

A day at Ubin

2006-02-26T00:04:00.000+08:00

we had a beginners outing today at P. Ubin today, turn out was good, most attendee was from Nikon user forum. For the first time since I started out in Bcircle, this was the biggest turnout for me. Spilted into 4 groups (according to the system they use) Me and another group had the whole Sensory trail to ourselves. The day started out with all skippers, and butterfly count was really low, had to look for subjects for the beginners to shoot :sweat:, turns out khew and the other group had a tougher time over at the Butterfly hill (behind the NParks HQ), the site was too open and extremely windy (although, the sensory trail wasn't any better), so at the end, they came over. Our inital plan was to stay at either the hill or the sensory trail, but the lack of subjects got us trekking through the mangrove swamps, ending up at the palm plantation along Jalan Ubin (I think..hmmm) then we break for lunch (think we over ordered the food, 5 dishes for 6 guys.. haha). Then was back to more shooting at the trail, while khew and the others left.. (perhaps, alittle too much for beginners :P, but then I'm just recovering from my accident and I think I had a better excuse.. oh well, maybe the sun and all that walking got to them :))

At the end of the day, a +1 to my collection, wish I had a shot at the common Jay.. sigh... on the way back in Sunny's car, had cramps on my low back... (another first time.. so strange, very such attackings) Now suffering from neck aches while updating my blog... darn aches.. okie, lets see the pix then

Fruitful day at Mt Faber

2006-02-12T18:42:00.000+08:00

One day after the posting of the Courtesan by Sunny at ButterflyCircle, we went there in search of it. Luckily, not too early, or rather not my usual outing timing which usually starts around 8-9am. So I met up with Steven at Redhill MRT @ 12pm and we took a cab on the mountain.. keke.

didn't see any flying, so when Sunny came, we went to his favorite hunt site. By around 2pm, most of the species we wanted came down and greeted us :P... you seen airplanes doing dogfights? imagine butterflies doing the same to feud off other males :). What a sight, but wasn't good for us, every so often while composition for a shot, another male would fly by and both end up fighting for terriority.

hmmm... I notice my focusing is abit out for the last few outings, wonder why, could it be due to slow shutterspeed, handshakes or did the accident cause it? will observe and see how

IT'S PICTURE TIME!!!

fresh from the oven

2006-02-11T18:33:00.000+08:00

no new species to my list again, but what can I expect from shooting at Alexandra Hospital. Do not know why I kept going back there in the first place, perhaps should limit myself to a visit every 6 months.

last 2 weeks was pretty busy with Chinese New Year celebration, so not much shooting opportunity, except for an outing to the local zoo with my 2nd bro. Can't believe it, been ages since that kinda of outing took place.

back on track, another low productive outing, only yield 2 acceptable shots, kinda disappointed with myself lately, carried my monopod around then realised I didn't bring the quick release plate... gotta slap myself sometimes.

Then more heartbreaking news from Sunny, while I was in AH (Alexandra hospital), he went to his favorite hunt on Mt. Faber and shot a courtesan, no, it wasn't a prostitute but the butterfly, Euripus nyctelius euploeoides :ANGRY:. I have not seen one so far, so it was a new find. Hopefully, I can finish half of what I was supposed to study for my econ test by tonight and sneak off to Mt. Faber after breakfast tomorrow. Sunny is like a magnet for interesting butts

ok, pix time... don't complain if the pix isn't up to my standard, I KNOW!!! :P

Pix from Mount Faber

2006-02-11T18:25:00.000+08:00

no, Singapore doesn't have a mountain, don't ask me why they named the place Mt. Faber.. beats me :P

Isn't there a job like this for me in Singapore... wish there was

21st Jan @ SF

2006-01-21T16:19:00.000+08:00

Me feel so bad about going for a photography session, but I need to relief some stress and the weather was so sunny...

My medical report from my doctor

2006-01-15T01:39:00.000+08:00

here is the details,

I sustained an intra-abdominal injury and had an emergency laparotomy in Johor, Malaysia. Got transferred back to Singapore the very next day after the op and admitted into NUH. While having my post operative management, I complained of low back pain and was referred to the orthopaedic team, did an emergency CAT scan and the xray showed there was bilateral facet dislocation at lumbar L3 and L4. So I underwent another operation for an interspinous ligament and disc ruptured. L3/4 facets reduction and instrumentations with posterior lateral fusion was performed. In simple english, they cut from the back, removed the disc between my 3 and 4 vertebrae, added 2 screws each on L3 and L4, aligned with some sort of plate to secured the screws in place.

it looks something like this in my x-ray

The procedure was to hold both vertebrae together and together with an implant between the two, fusion or rather fused both together into one.

ok, here comes the bad news, my surgeon after going through my routine x-ray, thinks that the progress of the fusion wasn't as fast as he expected. (could be due to my shooting? or smoking?)
So, he told me to avoid any strenous exercise that might cause more problems for my back, so no trekking, no photography or anything that requires constant bending. He wouldnt be in town of the next 1 year and scheduled me to see him 1.5 years later (wonder why that long). Anyway, I will be starting on my phyiso therapy on monday, so lets see how things goes with it. Apart from my low back experience, the frontal defects :P has healed very well. But I'm not too pleased with the looks of it (maybe a pic of my tummy?), the 2nd surgery to cover the previous laparotomy was done because the wound was taking too long to heal, so I underwent a comestic surgery, in which a patch of skin from my right thigh was taken to graft over my tummy. It healed well and now it looks disfigured. Also, the left side of my body looks fatter than the right, apparently, the laparotomy cut through my stomach muscle which holds the shape of the stomach, without those muscle, the internal organs shifted to my left side, making me look like I had lost weight on the right and not on my left... (can you imagine it?). will find the courage to take a pix of it soon.

thanks for listening
all pix taken from http://www.augustaortho.com/spinefusion.htm

I cannot keep my promise :)

2006-01-15T01:25:00.000+08:00

Since last wed, I was thinking of retiring for 1.5 years. As advised by my orthopaedic surgeon, who thought that trekking around in the nature reserves wasn't good for my low back injury. More of that later.

Finally some sun after a week of rain, which I couldn't resist going out for a shoot. Luckily with the help of my master, who provided the transport to ease the weight. Had to used my haversack instead of my usual lowepro mini trekker.

more pix, less talk. That is the my principle.. put our words into pictures, or rather let the pix speak for itself.

More backlog pix

2006-01-08T13:19:00.000+08:00

as promised (been raining non stop.... RATZ!)

May series

2nd trip up to ER

Lornie Trail

thats all for May, next up June (non butterflies month.... :P )

2006-01-07T11:35:00.000+08:00

Weather was rather disappointing, went to my usual hunt and got tricked by mother nature..
So I think I do alittle backlogging

Shots taken on 25th March 2005

Shots from April 2005

Thats all for the month of march and april, next up will be May
Hope you guys enjoy my pictures, feel free to post your comments

Return of Bloggfly

2006-01-06T21:09:00.000+08:00

Firstly, like to apologise for the disappearance act. Been busy with work, school and recovery.
Also been trying some short outings to test my body. Overall, I'm still in one piece, just troubled with backaches due to the surgery. My tummy has recovered quite well (as long as I stay away from chillies :( , there goes my favourite thingy, no more sambal belacan.. maybe not entirely :) )
Apart from that, its just the physical sight that might be disturbing... will post a pic (maybe, someday)

here are some pix from recent outings.

series from Lornie Trail

series from USR (plus some other macro shots)

ok, its all for now, will upload more pix soon

Mishap

2005-08-07T23:19:00.000+08:00

Sorry for not updating my blog.

But I would not be able to post any new pic till I get better, or at least till I'm more able

We got into an accident during one of our oversea trip to Malaysia, which landed me in hospital for 23 days. So much for the 'safety belt', saved my life but gave me another experience of pain.

Was diagnosed with some serious injuries to my intenstine and colon (ruptured) and had an emergency operation in Johor Bahru. Was transferred back by my family to a local hospital, which later discover I had problems with my spinal cord. Spend 19 days lying in my hospital bed and was discharged on the 7th of July. Spend another 4 days since 3rd Aug to stitch my tummy closed. (Suffered from an infection in my tummy and my doc decided to release a few of my stitches to heal the infection). Managed to convinced my doc to let me go home yesterday. Where I have to tend to my injuries in the comfort of my own home. Glad to be home.... There isn't anywhere better than your own home

My doc advise me to stay away from all activites for at least 6mths. So I will have to take the opportunity to concentrate on my studies and other hobby for the time being. Hopefully, time can strengthen my health back. So till then, please be patient...

I shall return :p

Pulau Ubin 19th March 2005

2005-03-19T23:49:00.000+08:00

This freshly hatched Blue nawab was found by some cyclists in the water. A couple of my bpals brought it under the sun to dry the wings and while 'it' was busying drying it's wings, we were busy photographying it :p

Pulau Ubin 12th March 2005

2005-03-19T23:35:00.000+08:00

Shot this beautiful Black banded silverline at the usual spot. We spotted a few of them. I'm still in search of the Long banded silverline to add it to my collection

2005-03-05T20:58:00.000+08:00

Another trip to Sime forest with a few butterflypals, haven't been there since they open the tree top walk. Things was looking rather promising after the rain started pouring down a few days ago. Defintely, a good sign for life in the nature reserve. And as usual, the place for packed with alot of people visiting the tree top walk (still wondering, was there to see...) imagine walking 5-6km to cross a suspended bridge not more than 300m long and then walking another 6-7km back :p. Also met a few lost-looking people while walking to our usual spot where we bait butterflies with our famous 'belacan'. With the sun blazing down on us, the 'belacan' proves to be very attractive. At 1 point, we spotted 5 common bluebottle and a blue jay feeding on the bait.. (yum yum :) ). Apologize that I have to shrink the pix to 320 to prevent my pix from getting leeched. You never know :p, bigger pix are in the forum.. URL provided below

the rest of the pix is as always..... in butterflypals forum :P
http://www.butterflypals.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=1729

Telok Blangah Height Park and Alexandra Hospital (Butterfly Trail)

2005-02-27T00:51:00.000+08:00

Another quiet day at both locations, but added Hasora vitta vitta to my list (#180)
more discussion at BPals forum

Endau Rompin, Johor, Malaysia

2005-02-23T23:50:00.000+08:00

Shot taken in Endau Rompin

ER, situated at the border of Johor and Pahang. Smack in the middle of a rainforest. We travelled 4hours from Singapore, reaching to the small town of Kahang (Nearest town to ER) last stopover for supplies of water, food and neccesities, before a bumpy ride towards ER (59km of dirt, stones, bridges and whole lot of sun).Our mission was to help MNS survey the species of butterflies in the nature reserve. Upon arrival, I was without words, amazed with the facilities of the ER HQ and if I might add, the 'chalets' were pretty well maintained (too bad, I didn't take a pix of the resort). Mostly timber construction, sure reminded me of my Army dayz in P. Tekong. Well, they have bunk beds, pillow & blanket to make our lifes comforty. Meals are provided, we get 3 full meals, tea and supper (if we pay for that :) ) Each house/chalet divided into sexes (Male/Female) and each comes with a shared toilet on 2 floors (Sleeping quarters on the 2nd floor, 1st floor is a void). Only the main HQ (according to Mr. khew aka butterflypal guru :) ) is the only camp with some comfort provided. And we get electricity supply after dark, got socket even for charging :P

You can read about ER - http://www.malaysiasite.nl/endaueng.htm

rest of the pix and discussion can be found here (you need to register first :))
http://www.butterflypals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676&page=1&pp=10

Chiangmai Butterfly Park

2005-02-23T23:45:00.000+08:00

closeup shot

A short visit to Chiangmai with my beloved girl and her family. We arrived in Chiangmai via transit from bangkok international airport (such a dread and IMO, a waste of my precious 3 hrs just waiting in transit). The weather was great, warm but still great. We visited the park on our last day in Chiangmai (only an hour) before we had to rush to another temple and then to the airport (To our next holiday destination "BANGKOK" :p)

rest of the pix and discussion can be found here
http://www.butterflypals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681&page=1

Recently shot butterflies around Singapore

2005-02-23T22:40:00.000+08:00

Randomly selected some recently photography shots I have taken around singapore. There will be more to come and perhaps I will spilt the pix into family instead of everything into one. Feel free to give your comments, whether on Butterfly or photography

Macritchie, Rifle Range Link

Alexandra Hospital (Butterfly Trail)

Macritchie, Sime track (Jelutong tower)

Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Macritchie, Sime track

Macritchie, Sime track

First post

2005-02-23T10:59:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my humble blog

I will update this blog from time to time (once or twice weekly) with pictures from my butterfly hunting trips

Stay tune