TV Star Rubina Dilaik On Himachal’s Disaster

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‘Family, friends, far off relatives, almost everyone has been impacted by nature’s fury.’

IMAGE: A row of buildings in Kullu district collapsed on August 24 and hundreds of travellers were stranded in relief camps after landslides blocked the road to Mandi in rain-battered Himachal Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

Rubina Dilaik is a popular face on television thanks to dramas like Chotti Bahu, Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Punar Vivah — Ek Nayi Umeed, along with reality shows like Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 12, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 and Bigg Boss 14 which she won.

The actress who made it to the British weekly Eastern Eye‘s 2022 list of ‘Top 50 Asian Stars’, ranking 31st, was born in Shimla, went to school and college there, and won two local beauty pageants, crowned Miss Shimla in 2006.

Understandably then, Rubina is disturbed by the natural disasters plaguing her home state since the onset of the monsoon this year.

Speaking to Rediff.com Senior Contributor Roshmila Bhattacharya from Los Angeles, Rubina says, “Each one of us is contributing to these natural calamities. We ourselves are responsible for incurring nature’s wrath.”

 

‘Family, friends, far off relatives, almost everyone has been impacted’

The news reports coming in from Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh of devastating landslides leading to roads and even houses cracking are terrifying and heart-wrenching.

Family, friends, far off relatives, almost everyone has been impacted by nature’s fury.

There’s been loss of crops, but by the grace of God, I’ve not heard of any loss of human life or even houses within our circle.

Of course, property has been damaged, fields too, and business have been majorly impacted.

But I believe that if a person is safe in the midst of all the death and destruction, then that’s a blessing to be counted.

I am currently in Los Angeles on a leisure trip. Once I am back, I will definitely visit my parents in Shimla. They were in Mumbai with me before I left for LA.

IMAGE: Police personnel and local residents gather at the site where a house collapsed due to heavy rainfall at Kotgarh village in Shimla. Photograph: ANI Photo

‘Our doors are open to anyone needing help’

In a personal capacity my family is extending help to neighbours and those in the surrounding village to the best of their capacity while the government debates on compensation which is a process in itself.

As public figures, both Abhinav (actor-husband Abhinav Shukla) and I have always reached out.

Our doors are open to anyone needing help.

We have also gone through a pandemic worldwide and it has taught us how to face a disaster situation.

Life itself teaches you how to deal with a crisis.

I’m deeply rooted to my birth place and culture.

The last time I visited Himachal Pradesh was in the first week of July.

Shimla is my home town and there are a lot of memories.

Even the Summer Hill, where a house went down the hill recently, brings back a wave of nostalgia because while in school, we were taken there for picnics.

I haven’t visited the Shiv temple which was also completely destroyed in a landslide, burying some devotees.

The news broke my heart.

The videos coming out of Mandi which has also been ravaged by flash floods and landslides are equally heart-wrenching.

My prayers and sympathies are with all those going through difficult times.

IMAGE: A bridge near the flooded Chaba power house in Shimla. Photograph: ANI Photo

‘It’s important to have a balanced view about both the economy and ecology’

Abhinav is a keen mountaineer and has successfully climbed the highest mountain peak in Ladakh, Stok Kangri, with his brother in 2017.

Whenever he has come back from climbs, he has spoken about how governments in every state are taking good care of these mountains.

They do not give permission for any climbs if they feel the mountain will not support them.

Mountaineers, like my husband, too are very responsible, environmentally conscious and planet friendly.

There have rarely been reports of irresponsible climbs.

We are living in tricky times and it’s important to have a balanced view about both the economy and ecology.

A state like Himachal Pradesh needs tourism to flourish, but at the same time it should ensure that tourism does not have an adverse impact.

Yes, what is happening there right now will create some fear, both among locals and tourists.

In a way fear is good because you realise nature’s wrath and based on this knowledge, can make wise decisions to build a better tomorrow.

But living in fear and not wanting any kind of development can also be counter-productive.

IMAGE: Collapsed houses after a landslide in Krishna Nagar, Shimla, on August 15, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

‘Each one of us is contributing to these natural calamities’

Experts have been blaming the present crisis on unplanned development and increased tourism, particularly in Shimla. I agree, partially.

If we had been more systematic in developing our infrastructure, maybe this might not have happened.

But that is an idealistic thought.

The town of Shimla was built by the British before Independence, so it’s too late to ponder on this.

What we can discuss is global warning which is affecting almost every part of the world.

It’s just unfortunate that it has affected my state more severely.

Each one of us is contributing to these natural calamities.

We ourselves are responsible for incurring nature’s wrath.

Our ego makes us believe that we are in control, but it’s high time we let go of our ego and realise that nature knows how to take care of itself.

Nothing, and no one, is above nature.

And till we realise this, we will continue to incur nature’s wrath.

Watch: Massive landslide in Himachal’s Kullu, several houses collapse

 

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com

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Teen Astrophotographer Shares Shot of Moon Crater: Photo Of The Day

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FREMONT, CA — Arnav Pophale shared this photo taken of a moon crater taken at Lake Elizabeth with a telescope.

The 17-year-old aspiring astrophotographer said the photo of the crater, Mare Crisium, was interesting because it shows the beauty not only of the world we inhabit, but also the beauty of “the universe that can be seen through cities like ours.”

Thank you for sharing your photo!

If you have an awesome photo of nature, breath-taking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we’d love to feature it on Patch.

We’re looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents.

Email it to [email protected].

Also See:

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Go & Show: Celebrating Illinois Nature Preserves’ 60th & a Wisconsin waterfowl show

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A weekend celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Illinois Nature Preserves system leads this Go & Show, plus the Waterfowl Hunters Expo is in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is on Saturday, Aug. 26.

  • On Saturday, there are hikes and tours scheduled across Illinois in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Illinois Nature Preserves system. The Friends of the Illinois Nature Preserves has this map to fnd a site to tour on Saturday. I am scheduled for the Cranberry Slough tour.

On Sunday, Aug. 27, Friends of Illinois Nature Preseres is “having an artist talk and gallery showing of painter Philip Juras’ oil paintings of 23 different Nature Preserves on display at the Illinois State Museum in Lockport.” The gallery opens at 2 p.m., there is a gallery walk with Juras at 3 p.m.

On Monday, Aug. 28, there’s a special public meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission at Illinois Beach Resort in Zion at 2 p.m. with special speakers, then from 3:30 to 6 p.m. there’s a signing ceremony, remarks, hors d’oeuvres, cake, and a cocktail reception.

Click here for overall information on the weekend.



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Baby Dolphin Held in Viral Photo Has Reportedly Died

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Outrage over a photo of a fisherman in Florida holding a young dolphin feet above the water was posted online this week, sparking an investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

As reported by News4JAX, Jacksonville Beach resident Kevin Beaugrand saw the photo posted to Instagram, where it was then shared with over 100,000 people on another account centered around surfing. It has since been deleted.

Beaugrand reported the photo to authorities, telling News4JAX, “I was immediately enraged…It’s a crime against nature.”

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Now, it’s being reported that the baby dolphin in the photo has died.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report shared with Dr. Quincy Gibson, an associate professor of coastal and marine biology at the University of North Florida, via the news outlet, said that a dolphin calf was found dead Wednesday, Aug. 23, under the bridge that crosses the Nassau Sound, where the photo appears to have been taken.

FWC believes that the dolphin found this week was the same one in the photo due to the shape of the dolphin, and in particular, the dorsal fin, as each dolphin’s dorsal fin is unique.

Gibson told the station how confident FWC is in the identification: “From what I’ve heard, everyone [at FWC] seems to be in agreement that it is [the same dolphin].”

She also explained that it’s possible that the dolphin was recently dead at the time the photo was taken, but it’s unlikely, as “When a dolphin does strand or is floating in the water deceased, it degrades really rapidly.”

In her opinion, based on the appearance of the dolphin and how the people in the photo are behaving, “it makes it seem like they did catch it…and it was potentially alive at that point.”

Taking a dolphin out of the water affects their ability to breathe and they can essentially be crushed by the weight of their own bodies. Gibson also noted that the baby dolphin seemed around one year old and would’ve been nursing at the time.

Under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to interfere with dolphins in any way, even if they are dead.

Both the FWC and the NOAA are still investigating, although no charges have been filed, and the identity of the person in the photo has not been released.

Next: Internet Personality Joe Muchlinski, Best Known as VonViddy, Dead at 32

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Nature-Inspired Art Exhibit Open To Somerset County Locals

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BERNARDS, NJ — Visitors are invited to enjoy beautiful nature-inspired artwork on display at the Somerset County Park Commission’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) located at 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, starting Thursday, Aug. 31. The art exhibit “Second Nature: A Visual Investigation of Nature and Humanity” will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 31 through Sept. 24. The exhibit will be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Visitors of all ages can spend a relaxing day viewing interesting abstract and true-to-life depictions of nature in paintings, collages, drawings, and photography. The artwork has been created by members of the Westfield Art Association; a volunteer organization that helps support the artistic endeavors of artists.

For more information, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5336 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

About the Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC at Lord Stirling Park provides approximately nine miles of hiking trails, Naturalist-led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature-themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. Our goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

About the Westfield Art Association
The Westfield Art Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization, which has provided art education and public exhibitions since 1922. Today, the non-profit continues to actively encourage its many members and the pursuit of artists and their artistic goals.

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Stunning Oceanside Sunset: Photo Of The Day

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OCEANSIDE, CA — Patch reader Jeff Kahler captured this photo of the stunning sunset in Oceanside the evening before Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall in San Diego County.

Kahler, who lives in Pennsylvania, was visiting Oceanside when he took the pre-storm photo.

“We are visiting Oceanside, visiting for just a few days, and from our Airbnb just a few blocks from the beach, we saw that the sun was about to set,” Kahler said. “So we made our way down and captured the sunset, with several people on the beach enjoying the sunset as well.”

Thanks for sharing!

If you have an awesome picture of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we’d love to feature it on Patch.

We’re looking for high-resolution, horizontal images that reflect the beauty that is San Diego County, and that show off your unique talents.

Send your photos to [email protected]. Be sure to include photo credit information, when and where the shot was taken, and any other details about what was going on.

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Hasselblad XCD 4/28P: a wide-angle for street photography by Jose Antunes

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Hasselblad XCD 4/28P: a wide-angle for street photographyThe lightest and smallest lens of the Hasselblad X System as of August 2023, the XCD 4/28P, equivalent to a 22mm focal length, is only 245g, 43.5mm in length, and features an F4.0 aperture.

Hasselblad introduces the new XCD 4/28P, as a lightweight, wide-angle lens for street photography, but in fact, reading the whole information shared by the company – and looking at some of the sample images – one understands that this is more than a “street photography” lens, it’s a prime lens that both nature and architecture photographers will love to have in their bag.

Hasselblad XCD 4/28P: a wide-angle for street photographyWith a 22cm minimum focusing distance and 1:6 magnification, rich close-ups of flowers, cuisine, and much more are effortlessly captured. The XCD 4/28P adopts an optical structure of nine elements in eight groups, including two aspherical elements and one ED element, which ensures excellent imaging while effectively suppressing chromatic dispersion. Hasselblad notes that “with a thoughtfully crafted arrangement, the lens has a compact size and a powerful performance, meeting the resolution requirements of 100 million pixels. The lens yields sharp imaging with high precision and high resolution from the centre to the edges, achieving stunning image quality across the frame.”

The metal lens features an engraved focus ring with a Hasselblad “H” pattern, a nod to the design of the XCD Series lenses, and holds to Hasselblad’s ongoing dedication to detail and craftsmanship. The lens sports a linear stepping motor and a lighter, smaller focusing lens group. When used with the PDAF technology of X2D 100C, the focusing lens group can quickly reach the focusing position and achieve a precise stop, resulting in fast, accurate, and responsive focusing.

Hasselblad XCD 4/28P: a wide-angle for street photographyTwo Hasselblad XCD lens series

Those who regularly use flash in their photography will be glad to know that the lens’s small but powerful leaf shutter supports shooting with flash synchronisation at all shutter speeds, with flash synchronisation up to 1/4000s.

There are currently two Hasselblad XCD lens series, V Series and P Series. The P Series consists of entry-level thin, lightweight lenses that can meet daily photography needs. P Series lenses work with the X2D to offer more shooting possibilities for travelling photographers.

The V Series focuses on optical performance and control experience. The lenses have a larger aperture delivering a more pronounced background blurring effect. They also feature a depth of field scale, distance scale, and a focus ring that can be switched between autofocus and manual focus, with a customisable control ring. The V Series currently includes the XCD 2,5/38V, XCD 2,5/55V and XCD 2,5/90V.

The Hasselblad XCD 4/28P Lens has an MSRP of EUR €1,899, including sales tax, and USD $1,679, excluding sales tax. It is now available to order immediately. See details of the new product at www.hasselblad.com.

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The Nature Conservancy Opens its Annual Photo Contest for 2023

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Expanded categories offer more opportunities to win—while helping to preserve nature

ARLINGTON, Va., August 16, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced its annual Global Photo Contest will begin accepting submissions on August 30. The competition is open to all, and will be accepting entries through September 29. By entering your most captivating photos of nature you can help amplify the message that protecting and restoring it is a priority.

While last year’s competition broke records for global participation with over 100,000 entries from a total of 196 countries and territories, the 2023 rendition of this celebrated event is set to be the biggest ever. For the first time in the contest’s history, the number of award categories has doubled, from six to a whopping 12. The expansion will give photographers the freedom to better define their submissions – and provide more opportunities to win.

In 2022, Chinese photographer Li Ping took the grand prize, for his winning shot featuring a drone’s eye view of a lonely highway bordered on each side by gullies extending outward in the shape of a tree.

This year’s 12 categories are Oceans, People & Nature, Plants & Fungi, Freshwater, Lands, Mammals, Climate, Aerials, Insects & Arachnids, Underwater Life, Birds, and Reptiles & Amphibians. Submissions will be assessed by a prestigious panel of judges, including photographer Javier Aznar, photojournalist and filmmaker Morgan Heim and natural history photographer Frans Lanting. Together this panel will select a first and second place winner for each category, plus honorable mentions in all 12 categories. The contest will award over $25,000 in prize money, including a camera kit worth $5,000 for the overall grand-prize winner.

Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to enter. All winners will be announced in October 2023.

Go to nature.org/photocontest for more info on contest rules, photo specifications and how to enter. To view all the 2022 winning photos please visit: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/photo-contest/2022-winners/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230814523300/en/

Contacts

Ann Kaiser
Senior Media Manager
[email protected]

Claire Griffin
Media Relations Coordinator
[email protected]

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‘I’ve never seen anything like that one before’

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A Redditor recently posted a picture of an out-of-this-world-looking mushroom that appeared after the rain, prompting a search to identify the unique species of fungus.

“This “alien mushroom” arrived this morning after the rain during the last days. Does someone know what it is? Looks like a mushroom. But which type?” wrote the poster above a photo of the fungus.

Like something from a sci-fi movie, the striking red fungus grows in a round or oval shape with spongy, cage-like interlacing branches.

“That’s wild, I’ve never seen anything like that one before,” one Redditor remarked. “Kind of cool.”

While many commenters naturally reacted with plenty of hot Cheetos and “Last of Us” jokes, they also quickly identified the otherworldly mushroom as a basket stinkhorn, scientifically known as clathrus ruber.

“If it looks alien, smells rotten, and pops up after a rain it’s most likely a stinkhorn,” one commenter identified.

Basket stinkhorn

Photo Credit: u/I-Am-Vicky / Reddit

“They produce a foul-smelling slime that attracts flies that would be attracted to feces. The flies get the spores all over them and disperse them,” another Redditor explained. “I’d advise digging it up if it’s near your house or it’s really going to bother you,” this user suggested.

In addition to its showstopping appearance and foul smell, the mushroom plays a unique role in the circle of life. The smell of the vibrant mushroom attracts flies to spread its spores and also supports the food chain.

“Sometimes you’ll see lizards hanging nearby waiting for the flies to come and they’ll eat the flies,” one Redditor noted, “Kinda cool how the lizards know that if nature builds it stinky, the flies will come!”

Mushrooms are critical to ecosystems, sharing nutrients and warning signs through an interconnected underground network of mycelium. Long used in food and medicine, mushrooms also play an important role for humans. Growing and foraging for mushrooms is a well-established hobby for many seeking edible species for their culinary delights.

However, you shouldn’t just pluck any mushroom that pops up in the yard, as many can be quite poisonous. Thankfully, there are numerous organizations to help identify mushrooms that may appear around your home.

While Redditors quelled fears of an alien invasion from this strange, cosmic-looking fungus, this commenter couldn’t help but appreciate the wonder of nature. “Stinky or not, this is super awesome! I love cool mushrooms.”

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.

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At Vail Health, nature photography helps with the healing process

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Vail Health presents “Eagle Valley Wild —Images and Insights into our Land, Water and Wildlife” which contains photography from Todd Winslow Pierce.
Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo

Can nature make you happier? Make you feel less stressed? Heal you? That’s the idea behind the nature photography by Todd Winslow Pierce at Vail Health.

“Research studies have shown that incorporating art, specifically nature scenes, in health care settings can have a positive impact on patients’ restoration,” said Amy Keller, vice president of the Vail Health Foundation. “At Vail Health, our Art Council collaborates with local photographers to showcase nature photos from our area in public spaces throughout our facilities.”

Pierce grew up in the valley and knows the landscape and wildlife patterns well enough to get the perfect shot to showcase it in an almost larger-than-life setting at Vail Health. The timing to be involved in this project worked out for Pierce as well as he had just finished reading up on the topic of nature’s restorative benefits.



“I had just read the book called “The Nature Fix,” by Florence Williams, that examines the benefits of nature on health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally,” Pierce said. “I already believed in the healing powers of the natural world from my own experience growing up here in the mountains, but the scientific and medical references throughout the book were really inspiring and sparked the idea about collaborating with Vail Health.”

In 2019, Vail Health started looking for permanent exhibit artwork for the new east wing, so it worked with Pierce to place a number of images in public areas as well as hospital and imaging rooms. During that time, Pierce was also developing a concept called Eagle Valley Wild, which is a nonprofit enterprise that provides professional photographic services to conservation organizations and initiatives in Eagle County. The project educates and inspires locals and visitors with compelling content to increase awareness, appreciation and protection of Eagle County’s land, water and wildlife.

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“Although I couldn’t bring actual forests, waterfalls and wildlife into the hospital, I thought I could offer compelling imagery of all that in ways that could resonate with patients, staff and visitors,” Pierce said.

Photographer Todd Winslow Pierce and Amy Keller, vice president of Vail Health Foundation, pose in front of “Autumn Along the Eagle River” at Vail Health in Vail.
Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo

“We currently have 12 images on display at three different locations within Vail Health Hospital and the Shaw Cancer Center building,” Keller said. “These images will be periodically rotated to maintain visual variety in these spaces. The exhibit has received great interest from patients and staff, with many expressing their appreciation for the photography.”

Alongside the photos are extended captions that go into more detail about each photograph, whether it’s an elk herd in the Brush Creek Valley, the bighorn sheep in East Vail, or a black bear bathing in a small watering hole in Cordillera.

“The photo of the black bear in the water is a staff favorite,” Keller said.


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There are also scenery shots that are very soothing, such as the pond lilies in the Homestake Valley, the fall colors along the Eagle River, or the change of seasons in November on Homestake Creek after a storm has passed through. The large photographs make it almost seem like you are right there in nature.

Along with informative and inspirational exhibits, Pierce is continuing to develop relaxing video segments and creative outings for staff and patients as well.

“My goal with sponsors is to design true win-win relationships that of course help fund the project, but also provide unique benefits and opportunities for them that ultimately promote the importance of our land, water and wildlife in a way that’s informative, inspirational and honest, not preachy or depressing, but rather reveal and educate in a balanced way that evokes reflection, appreciation, affection and a subsequent desire for protection,” Pierce said.

Eagle Valley Wild photographer Todd Winslow Pierce shows Vail Daily reporter Tricia Swenson the photograph titled “Elk Herd, Brush Creek Valley” showing the elk gathering during the spring on ranch pastures at Vail Health Hospital in Vail.
Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo

Pierce said the positive feedback so far has been really encouraging and certainly helps drive him through a lot of the difficult and tedious work that’s involved.

“I really enjoy catching someone pausing to look carefully at the images, and I really enjoy it when they actually take a moment to read the extended captions,” Pierce said.



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