Happy 39th

39 trips around the sun, and I'm still as bewildered by this chaotic carnival we call life as the day I arrived. To my family, the dazzling kaleidoscope of friends, foes, and those fascinatingly in-between: THANK YOU. Each of you has been an unwitting participant in my grand psychological experiment – and what a study it's been! ??

Now, some might call my methods "eccentric." I prefer "meticulously analytical." To truly know someone, you must observe, dissect, and maybe even poke them a little (metaphorically, of course). But it's through this intricate dance of human interaction that I've discovered the gems amidst the pebbles, the diamonds in the rough. ??

To me, the world is a fascinating puzzle, and I can't help but examine each piece in detail, turn it over in my mind, and even try to fit it where it doesn't belong just for fun! This leads to some... let's say "interesting" social experiments. But hey, how else am I supposed to distinguish the truly caring hearts from those who are just putting on a show?

Speaking of caring hearts, let me raise a toast ?? to my incredible wife, Sana Ali. My love, you are my rock, my guiding light, and the keeper of my sanity (most of the time).

And to my partner in crime at Light Circle Studios , Hassan Alam Sethi . My friend, you may be my favorite subject of confusion and playful torment, but it's all in the name of keeping each other sharp. Light Circle, as you know, embodies our shared belief in boundless possibilities. It's a reminder that there's always more to discover, just beyond the edge of our perception. It's the perfect metaphor for our creative journey together.

Light Circle Studios itself is a testament to the power of collaboration and relentless curiosity. It's a place where we challenge each other to think differently, to embrace the unknown, and to never settle for the ordinary.

Light Circle, and in turn, Light Circle Studios, were named after the phenomenon of a solar eclipse. This name reflects a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of avoiding limited perspectives and embracing a broader understanding.

The light circle, or the ring seen during a solar eclipse, is used as a metaphor. Just as some might mistakenly believe the sun is hiding during an eclipse, people can hold inaccurate views due to limited knowledge or perspective. Light Circle encourages moving beyond these limitations.

The name also suggests that the sun, like our own inner light or potential, remains unaffected by external events like eclipses. It's a reminder to focus on our own "burning away," or pursuing our goals, regardless of temporary setbacks. While many say things like the sun lost to the moon – the Sun really didn’t even know it did – It was busy burning away. It was a “Light Circle” to us. Even then – the moon can just never TOTALLY BLACK OUT the Sun. All is location, angles, coincidence, science, the nature of orbits, perception, misinformation and/or rhetoric sold to us. It is essentially "Marketing" Tell the Sun about a solar eclipse and it’ll be like – who is the Moon? The light in all of us remains the same, no matter how eclipsed we seem to be. It's a reminder to focus on our own "burning bright" or pursuing our goals, regardless of temporary setbacks.

Light Circle Studios is one of the companies under the Light Circle umbrella. It shares this philosophy, emphasizing that one must never be bound by thought due to limited perspective. It's a principle way of thinking that encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and continuous learning.

To Saad Shaffique and Haris Durrani , my partners in intellectual mayhem since childhood: Your unwavering belief in my brainpower (and occasional madness) has been fuel for my fire. ??

And to those who may not have cheered me on as loudly: Your skepticism was just the extra push I needed to prove you wrong. ??

To those who do care, and to those who pretend to care equally well: Your presence in my life, whether genuine or a masterclass in acting, has been invaluable data. ?? But let's be real, it's the love and support that have truly propelled me forward. ??

So, cheers to another year of unraveling the mysteries of the human psyche, challenging the status quo, and embracing my glorious weirdness. ?? Happy Birthday to me! May the experiments continue...

Yours truly,

Ali Maqbool (Resident Mad Scientist and Lover of Life) ?? ??

Oh and the Photo at the top isn't too accurate!

This one is!