Travel Tales from India

The New Blog URL

2010-02-27T13:10:00.002+05:30

Update- My new blog http://blogs.gonomad.com/traveltalesfromindia/ is live now. I would not be updating this blog anymore. Please update your feeds or whichever way you visit my blog. I now have a new post up at the new blog. Many thanks for your support, looking forward for the same at the new address.

I would be shifting to a new address http://blogs.gonomad.com/traveltalesfromindia/ soon. Please update your bookmarks, RSS and do visit me there in the next week.

A Short Blogging Break!

2010-02-23T09:48:00.003+05:30

We at Gonomad are shifting the blogs to a different platform. That means no new blogging till Friday. In the last one year I wonder when did I not post for so long? But then in the mean while I will try to take many new pictures.

Bhimtal from the Tarkota Temple

2010-02-23T00:00:00.001+05:30

Bhimtal from the Highest Point of the Trek to the Tarkota Temple

Sunset on a Sunday Over a Concrete Jungle

2010-02-22T00:00:00.002+05:30

Sunset at Gurgaon on a Sunday (21/02/2010)

The sun does not distinguish where it sets. Whether it is a beautiful valley or a concrete jungle, many a times, sunset is just magic.

While I was clicking these pictures Chhavi was around lugging a doll almost as tall as her! She had a new hair cut today during the day, her first at a parlor. She went in quite excited telling everyone 'kut kut' on the way but did not like the actual experience!

I clicked a nice picture of her too with her doll at the sunset. But decided against posting it here, I would hate it if her picture got splashed somewhere without my knowledge. And sorry for that horrible looking water mark across the picture but I am quite tired of finding my pictures all over the net, the worst culprits are the small travel websites, they copy with impunity and fighting them is almost impossible!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Jim Corbett National Park

2010-02-21T11:00:00.000+05:30

Jim Corbett National Park Area, Uttrakhand

Lazy Sunday Photo- Bridge Over Koshi River

2010-02-21T00:00:00.001+05:30

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler

2010-02-20T22:55:00.004+05:30

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler at Bhimtal

Skywatch Friday- Sunset at Bhimtal

2010-02-19T22:22:00.003+05:30

Sunset at Bhimtal, Uttrakhand, India

For beautiful skies clicked around the world please visit Skywatch Friday.

Friday Flowers- Yellow Mountain Flowers

2010-02-19T22:08:00.005+05:30

Yellow Mountain Flowers (I think they are called Yellow Flax)

Clicked these yellow flowers at Bhimtal. They are so easy to capture in comparison to those birds!

Ruby Crowned Kinglet (Female) at Bhimtal

2010-02-18T22:34:00.003+05:30

Ruby Crowned Kinglet (Female) at Bhimtal

This small little bird was so notoriously difficult to photograph. It would just not stand still for a moment and was buzzing all around the place. With a lot of difficulty I managed to click this halfway decent shot.

PS. Feeling much better today.

A Grand Old Tree

2010-02-17T22:11:00.005+05:30

A Grand Old Tree near Bhimtal

As soon as I looked at the pictures after I came back, it was the usual feeling, I could not manage a single good shot, apart from this one. I liked it from the beginning.

I took this picture while coming down from a small 8km trek. I had done the trek with Sanjay (in picture here) from the Fisherman's Lodge. I have to say he is a very patient person. I took this picture while coming down. I would stop every 10 feet and try to click a bird. Most people would get fed up quite soon of my slow pace but never failed to point out a bird when he spotted it so that I could take a picture!

While going up I just had it. It was 4KM uphill. I may have not gained too much weight but my fitness seems to have gone for a toss. When we had reached up, Sanjay said, "aap kafi himmat se aa gaye." And he was absolutely right, I did it on sheer will power. If this continues (my lack of any fitness regime) I can soon say goodbye to trekking.

But now that I have managed to notice my mild fever I am having second thoughts. I get a very peculiar headache when I usually run fever and I for sure felt it even at Bhimtal but then I ignored it, I just could not place it as I was not too uncomfortable otherwise. After coming back, even on Monday I felt the hammering but took the classes as usual. Only yesterday I linked the headache to fever and checked my temperature. Today I feel better, there is only mild headache instead of the hammering and I gladly have not taken my temperature.

So, I am just hoping that I am not that badly out of shape, there is a small probability that I had a mild fever when I did the trek (and I am glad I didn't know then or I would have missed on that beautiful trek and all those birds) and that is why I felt completely and seriously knocked out. The small ray of hope is because I had walked 10km when I was at Jim Corbett (though not much uphill) and felt my usual cheerful self.

But then it will take just another uphill walk to prove it my theory is correct or not.

Mild Fever

2010-02-16T22:11:00.004+05:30

Naukuchiya Tal as Viewed from a Height when doing Small Trek from Bhimtal, Uttrakhand

I am running mild fever and I hope it will just go away. My theory is that I got it because I spent only one and a half day at the beautiful Bhimtal. Other than that I hate falling ill in the middle of the semester. So, time to gulp a Crocin and hope that it will go away.

PS. I had a most fabulous one and a half day at Bhimtal and would write in detail as soon as I recover a bit.

Himalayan Bulbul with a Funky Hairstyle

2010-02-15T22:36:00.004+05:30

Himalayan Bulbul at Bhimtal, Uttrakhand

It was not a Lazy Sunday Today

2010-02-14T22:26:00.003+05:30

I was in Bhimtal for the past two days on an invitation from the Fisherman's Lodge.

The story and pictures will follow.

Today we started back from Bhimtal at about 10.30 am. Till Gajraula things were OK.

After that from Hapur to Gaziabad the traffic would just not move. Reached home past 9.00 pm, Luckily Chhavi was awake so got to play with her for a while. It is rare but can't even think of uploading the pictures now. Time to crash. Will catch up with the comments in a while.

The New Ritual

2010-02-13T00:00:00.000+05:30

The New Washing Ritual at the River Koshi, Jim Corbett National Park Area, Uttrakhand

And while you are reading it, I am actually in Uttrakhand again.

Friday Flowers- Daffodils

2010-02-12T12:00:00.000+05:30

Daffodils at Chandigarh

Plagiarism of the Photos Posted on the Internet- Indian Media Cases

2010-02-11T13:30:00.007+05:30

I have been there my self, thrice. My pictures lifted off the net and published in big newspapers or in-flight magazines. I have seen numerous others in the same boat. It is about time that I started to maintain a log of all such posts (mostly Indian cases) at one place. I am not sure what purpose such a plagiarism list will sure but then I want vent.

My Own Three Cases

1. The Most Recent one was with Mint and resolved somewhat decently, but 2K as compensation for plagiarism is too low, the legal minimum is 50K.

2. Before that it was Brunch/HT and they cropped out my (c) Mridula D from the picture before using it.

3. And then there was an in-flight magazine where I found my first picture in print! Without a credit to me of course! And more funnily with a credit to someone else.

They have left me so sore that I am determined to list whatever I can find. And if you know of cases or if your own picture has been plagiarized, do leave me the link, I will do my best to keep it updated.

4. Kalyan Verma finds his picture of Wroughton's Free Tailed Bat in Times of India without his consent and without any credit to him.

5. PlaneMad found his picture of the Taj Mahal Hotel on the front page of the Times of India without his consent and without any credit to him.

6. Shrinidhi found his picture of a police car in the Times of India without his knowledge.

7. Supersam5s picture found its way in the Hindustan Times without his knowledge.

8. Saad.Akhtar found a picture of his family gracing the pages of the Hindustan Times Dainik without his knowledge.

9. Another of Saad's picture in the Hindustan Times without his permission.

10. Twlightfairy's picture in Times of India without her knowledge.

11. Roop finds her own picture staring back at her from the cover of a Punjabi Magazine! And she calls it pits of plagiarism.

12. Jo found a picture taken by him on the cover of a book.

13. Haree's picture in the Madhyamam.

14. Nita found a picture of hers in the Hindustan Times.

15. Shamit Bagchi found his pictures in DNA newspaper.

16. Arun found his picture of Chandratal at NDTV website.

17. Bobin James found his picture in Times of India.

18. Spicejet Magazine Spiceroute lifting from a blog.

19. Archna and her picture in Hindustan Times.

20. Many instances collected at a blog called Indianpressarethieves.

21. A wikipedia page called Times of India=Plagiarism.

22. For Rocksea and Sarah it was Malayala Manorama.

And I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, if you wish to tip me off with a link I would surely add it.

Coal Tit at Jim Corbett National Park

2010-02-11T00:00:00.000+05:30

A Coal Tit (yes that is the name of the bird) at the Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand

Come Friday and I am off again to Uttrakhand, alone on a sponsored trip! More details when I come back.

The Bulb Man

2010-02-10T19:08:00.002+05:30

The Bulb Man from Joshua Key on Vimeo.

The video submitted by a friend to Canon HD Contest, the violin track is by my husband!

Which Touristy City Do You Like?

2010-02-10T13:15:00.007+05:30

Jaipur as seen from Amber Fort

My choice of a touristy city that I like is Jaipur.* I usually avoid the big tourist attractions as they have so many hassles involved with them. Or at least I just visit them once.

But I still like being in Jaipur. I last visited Jaipur in 2008. And I realized that I had not seen so many of the city attractions in spite of being there many times before. I particularly recommend the City Palace for its breathtaking architecture and wonderful museum. I am sure I have still not seen all that the city has to offer.

But the biggest reason I like Jaipur is because of the shopping it offers. I am sure I get sucked into tourist traps there but I so much like the colors of Rajasthan be it fabrics or jewelery. Every time I visit the place I end up shopping which is quite rare for me!

* I first became aware of Simonseeks.com via a business email.

Parrots in the Vicinity

2010-02-09T00:00:00.003+05:30

Parrot on a Clothes Line

These parrots were clicked on Sunday while Chhavi was playing around. There are two consequences of this. She knows when mom is pointing the camera away from her and particularly at the birds it is time to pick up a little mud and put it in her mouth!

Green Parrot

The second and the better consequence is that when she spots a bird she makes her baby noises and tires to draw my attention towards it.

A Goods Train in the Evening Fog at Chandigarh

2010-02-08T00:00:00.001+05:30

A Goods Train at the Red Signal at the Chandigarh Railway Station

Lazy Sunday Photo- Jungle Babbler

2010-02-07T00:00:00.002+05:30

The Jungle Babbler

Mynas Take Over the Chandigarh Railway Station

2010-02-06T10:12:00.001+05:30

Mynas making a Din and Clatter and then some more at the Chandigarh Railway Station

On the Thursday I (along with Sesha and a friend) was waiting for the 2012 Kalka Shatabdi Express at the platform no. 1 of the Chandigarh Railway Station. There were Mynas everywhere. And making quite a racket. I took some still shots (but my SLR is still not talking to my computer) but then decided to capture the voice of the Mynas as it is to be heard to be believed.

I searched on the net for more information and found this dismal piece of news about the Mynas at Chandigarh-

The Ambala Railway Division is determined to shoo away birds from the Chandigarh Railway Station. A senior official said, “We will definitely ask them what kind of gadgets they are going to put and what rays they would emit. We would ensure that the rays are not harmful to the birds.”

The good thing is that the news is dated July 2009 and I took the video on February 4,2010. The Mynas are still there and I hope they will remain there a long time.

PS. This is my first attempt at including my voice in a video and how tired (which I was) and unsure I sound!

Skywatch Friday- Dusk at Morecambe

2010-02-05T23:30:00.001+05:30

Dusk at Morecambe, UK

For more pictures of beautiful skies from around the world visit the Skywatch Page.

Mint Issue- An Update

2010-02-05T21:06:00.006+05:30

I quite like the steps that Mint team took after my picture appeared on their website without my knowledge.

I tweeted and wrote to @Sidin, who had responded to my case with Brunch for plagarism.

To be honest, I was foaming at the mouth when I wrote to Sidin Vadukut. I mean that is my natural reaction when I find my pictures lifted but this time I was real mad because it was only November when I was battling HT and here in February I was staring at the same issue again from the same media house! The natural question to ask is WHY ME! I know the partial answer Google indexing and full size images but still you don't expect to get published 3 out of 4 times in print via plagiarism and twice via the same media house!

I also need to mention that I got a mail from the editor of Mint and never once did they try to say anything but that they goofed up! When I said I am traveling but I need to vent out, he even replied to say he would wait for that mail!

The only time I have managed to get in print with half way decent information is with Spicejet (I know there are past issues with them with bloggers). They had asked beforehand for taking a picture of mine of Barog and use it in their magazine. No offer of rates or anything though. So, I wrote back saying from commercial enterprises I like to charge an amount and they said they pay 300 rupees per picture. For someone like me, who doesn't make a living out of photography or blogging it is still less than pizza money but I wonder what real photographers do? But I am sure there are tricks of trade I do not know. I never hear from the editor again (in spite of follow ups) till last week or so, saying they wish to pay me for use! I was suspicious and said I want to see the copy. The editor is in hurry and says the checks are being cleared, I hold my ground. So, today I saw the online version (if you go to page 75, the Barog picture is mine) and was convinced that all was fine and will now wait for the check to arrive.

But I digress, this one is about Mint. This is what they wrote at the official Mint blog among other things.

We apologize to not only the photographer concerned, but to all readers.

I had not even gone to the stage to ask how do they apologize, they did it on their own.

What I really want to see, however, is a consistent policy for such incidents. For example in a web based publication, they more often than not offer to take down the image which seems like (I know they don't intend it that way) a double insult. Should this be the policy or the credit should be given for use to the photographer?
And then what should be a fair compensation amount in such cases? 2K doesn't seem to be the right price even though I readily agreed to it. And I am not complaining personally but questioning it as a policy. Anyway, I still need to put a more coherent issue about this stuff.

I have to grant it to Mint, Sidin Vadukut and his team knows how to clam down photographers foaming at the mouth though.

My Plagiarized Picture Ends up On Mint (WSJ India Partner)

2010-02-03T17:10:00.005+05:30

Click on the Full Size and then see the Passport Image from a file picture of Mints' Web Page (not available anymore) I hope they find my use of the screen shot a fair use.

That passport picture belongs to me. They have taken it down from the website now.

By now this is the second time I am dealing with the Hindustan Times.

I know who to write to.

They immediately acknowledge the mistake and offer to take that image down, as if that would be enough.

When I retort that I need compensation and credit, they say they will not use the picture but give me the money.

I have to ask how much,

They say 2K and it is high because this is a plagiarized image.

Like a fool who is hard pressed for time I agree, I am equally the culprit.

This is a very hurried post as I am out of town for work. More thoughts on this when I come back.

And I am waiting to hear more from Spicejet too but that is another story and a little different than the straight lifts.

Oriental White-Eye

2010-02-02T13:55:00.003+05:30

An Oriental White-Eye at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand

I think this is the best bird picture I have managed to take on the recent trip to Jim Corbett. But then for this one good one I have deleted almost 50!

Streak Throated Woodpecker

2010-02-01T22:57:00.006+05:30

A Streak Throated Woodpecker at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand

Bird (Jungle Babbler) and the Mirror!

2010-01-31T19:38:00.006+05:30

While Chhavi is shouting in the background, I forced Sesha to make

this video of the Jungle Babbler playing with the mirror.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Juvenile of a Crimson Sunbird

2010-01-31T14:29:00.003+05:30

Juvenile Of a Crimson Sunbird at Jim Corbett National Park Area

As I have no luck with tigers I try and capture as many birds I can! And this juvenile of the Crimson Sunbird did not give me much trouble. I would only spend good 45 minutes t an hour near the flowering bushes and delete at least 50 blurred photos that I clicked!

Another Shot of the Juvenile Of a Crimson Sunbrid at Jim Corbett National Park Area

Birds are a fascination I am developing after I bought the the 70-300mm zoom lens. Before that it was so difficult to capture them! I have accumulated some money in my paypal account and I am wondering which lens to buy first, a 100-400 zoom or a 15-20 wide angle. And it has to be from a store that accepts paypal payments.

White Capped Water Redstart

2010-01-30T17:00:00.003+05:30

White Capped Water Redstart at Kosi River, Jim Corbett National Park

That is the name of the bird, and if you give the bird a closer look you would find that it is an apt name! I took a few shots of the bird near Koshi River too. But there it would not let me creep in close enough.

White Capped Water Redstart

But then I got lucky inside the Jim Corbett National Park's canteen. This bird was merrily hopping around the canteen where I had tea and did not run away when I ventured in close.

Friday Flowers- Marigolds

2010-01-29T20:26:00.003+05:30

Marigolds at the Wild Crest Resort at the Jim Corbett National Park Area

I clicked these big fat Marigolds at the resort where we were staying. I looked at the website of the resort today and I must say the place looks much better in reality than in the pictures available on the website!

Skywatch Friday- Sunset at London Heathrow!

2010-01-29T15:16:00.004+05:30

The Sunset at London Heathrow!

I took this picture in 2008 June while my plane was preparing for take off.

For more skies from across the world, please visit Skywatch Friday Blog.

Reflections on the Water!

2010-01-28T18:30:00.001+05:30

Taking Pictures, Side by Side

I am told that one of my colleagues came back from the Jim Corbett trip has told others, she takes a lot of pictures! The truth is I do and yet so few of them turn out well. But I did manage to get at least two good bird shots. Will upload them soon.

Dew Drops on the Bus Window

2010-01-27T18:30:00.001+05:30

Dew Drops on the Bus Window

We were not sure if we would be able to leave for the Jim Corbett National Park on the last Friday. There was a lot of fog and it makes no sense to leave in fog. But if we did not leave then the next day would have gone. So we left late at night from Gurgaon (this was a college trip but then I usually do not blog about work but I will give an abridged version anyway) and there was a dense fog. The Gurgaon Delhi Expressway Toll was so crowded even at 12.00 at night!

I was about to catch cold and feeling generally a bit tired. After a while I decided to take my avomine and go to sleep! The first time I woke up was at 4.00 am when we got down for tea. And then again it was just fog all around!

By breakfast time (don't ask me when I was too sleepy to know) we had just reached Gajraula. In my avomine induced sleep I refused to wake up and get down for breakfast. I really have to thank my colleagues that they sent the breakfast for me in the bus. Because we made no stops after this!

Finally after 1.00 pm we reached our destination. The journey that should have taken us 6-7 hours took us around 12-13 hours. Yet all of us managed to reach safe and the weather at Corbett was uniformly bright and sunny.

Back from Jim Corbett National Park

2010-01-26T21:10:00.003+05:30

Pug Marks of a Tiger at the Jim Corbett National Park

Went to Jim Corbett National Park starting on a foggy Friday. And that reminds there is already dense fog at this hour here today. I wonder how it will be tomorrow for the morning drive for work!

Once again I am back after having seen the pug marks of a tiger. This was a trip from my college. And at least 3 of our jeeps full of students actually saw tigers. But not us. Too tired as of now. More later.

Beautiful Eyes!

2010-01-25T00:00:00.003+05:30

High Up- Squirrel in the Trees

Oyster Catcher!

2010-01-24T00:08:00.003+05:30

Oyster Catcher at Morecambe, UK

Morecambe by Night

2010-01-23T00:00:00.000+05:30

Morecambe at Night, UK

I am Off!

2010-01-22T22:30:00.001+05:30

Though I have schedules a few posts I will be able to respond to the comments once I am back.

There is fog tonight too!

Skywatch Friday- Sky at Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India

2010-01-22T00:01:00.001+05:30

Sky at Spiti, 2007

And the model is my elder nephew.

For more skies from around the world go to Skywatch Friday.

Recalcitrance- A Novel by Anurag Kumar

2010-01-21T00:00:00.004+05:30

Lucknow

I was lucky enough to get a copy of Recalcitrance by Anurag Kumar from him via Twitter. Whenever I have promised anyone to do a book review I freeze like anything. I am no reviewer or critic. So I decided to do a post where I share 10 things about the book.

I would just give you a short background. The book is set in Lucknow and the time period is the war of 1857. Now off to the 10 things I liked about the book.

10. There is a love story in it and it is subtle and well integrated. It does not feel like an add on to the main story.

9. The author knows his Lucknow well.

8. It is a short novel (by my standards, it is less than 200 pages) and yet the characters are not unidimensional.

7. The pace of the book is excellent.

6. It is not preachy in spite of its subject matter.

5. The narration moves from one story to another quite well.

4. The 'heroes' of the book are human and not super heroes.

3. The feel of the era is invoked well (or so it seems to me, I mean I have not seen that era only read about it).

2. The description of the city made feel as if I was time traveling through Lucknow, some of the spots are known to me.

1. There is hope in it, I cannot take books that end up without a shred of hope for the main characters.

Fog Tonight!

2010-01-20T22:30:00.004+05:30

Light and Fog Tonight!

Wonder if it will get less by the morning or driving it going to be a nightmare. And I am glad we decided to take a short walk outside tonight or else I would not have seen the street light getting dispersed due to the fog. Also it helps to have the SLR in hand rather than the cell phone.

Another Day of Fog, Lots of Fog

2010-01-20T10:21:00.002+05:30

Another Day of Fog at Gurgaon

An Unexpected Trip Seems to be on Cards!

2010-01-19T21:38:00.003+05:30

Seems like I will venture out soon and nearby. And my blog posts have become almost like tweets.

But for the time being it is this or nothing.

I am Sure there was Wifi too!

2010-01-19T00:01:00.001+05:30

Royal Mail Mailbox at the Manchester Airport. I am sure there was Wifi too.

Sunset at Lancaster

2010-01-18T00:03:00.001+05:30

Sunset at Lancaster, November 2009, It was so Cold!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Catty on the Wall!

2010-01-17T18:36:00.004+05:30

Lazy Cat

Ashy prinia Again and What a Beauty They Are!

2010-01-16T20:45:00.004+05:30

Ashy Prinia

Another round of backyard photography while Chhavi was sleeping in the afternoon. After Common Chiffchaff they are the second kind which let me creep quite close. When they fly that close they make quite a sound! However the Indian Robin still has not declared me harmless and flies away as soon as I try to creep in and raise my camera.

I love the look in the eyes in both the pictures. I have to thank Sandeep for the tip that I need to focus on the eyes of the bird sometimes.

Ashy Prinia They Look so Beautiful

I have started taking more interest in birds after I acquired the 70-300mm lens. The closer look makes me appreciate them like never before. One of my friend's was saying once that I actually need to see things more with my eyes than through the lens. But as of now I am enjoying the experience behind the lens. Here is a video of them that I found on Youtube. It is cute.

More about Ashy Prinia from Wikipedia.

Skywatch Friday- Pictures of the Partial Solar Eclipse

2010-01-15T19:47:00.006+05:30

Partial Solar Eclipse, Gurgaon, India

I had a lot of classes to take today but thankfully the peak of the partial eclipse was during my lunch hour. So the trade off was whether to take pictures to have lunch. Though this was not a very difficult choice, I of course decided to take pictures. When I was done with the classes, I went and had a cup Noodle for a late lunch.

The picture above is the reflection of the partial eclipse (January 15, 2010) in my office window. I like a dumbo thought that I could capture the eclipse straight away. After 5 shots I realized that I need a better trick and fast as my class time was approaching fast. Then I remembered that I get all kind of reflections in my office window and hence the picture above. This was my first attempt to photograph an eclipse.

For more picture of skies from around the world see Skywatch Friday Blog.

Friday Flowers- Colorful

2010-01-15T18:23:00.001+05:30

Colorful Plant

Clicked this one in one of the shops at Lancaster. We get them in plenty in North India too. But I do not know the name.

Start of the Partial Solar Eclipse?

2010-01-15T12:15:00.004+05:30

Sun in Gurgaon at around 12.10 Noon

Start of the partial solar eclipse? You decide, I have to run back to a class. This is how the sun looks like at the moment out of my window.

Will update more pictures here later.

Mein aur Mere Parchai (Me and my Shadow)

2010-01-14T18:20:00.001+05:30

Shadows and Lines as the Sun was Peeping through the Window

They All Fell Down!

2010-01-14T09:42:00.004+05:30

They All Fell Down on a Foggy Day

In Gurgaon and I am sure in many other cities overloaded two wheelers are a common site. In todays foggy weather this poor chap somehow managed to spill all his ware on a roundabout. Even though the fog was not too dense it still is quite cold (by Delhi standards) and it must be some task to get all that stuff back on that flimsy moped!

The Daily Swarm Plagarizes my Image!

2010-01-13T22:18:00.007+05:30

Update 2: A Thousand Apologies to my regular readers but I have enabled comment moderation for a while. I hope I will be able to do away with it soon. You would realize why if you have a look at my comment section of this post.

Update 1: This post is already on the first page of Google for the key words 'The Daily Swarm' and Plagiarism. Some satisfaction.

I am sorry to go back to the issue of the plagiarism so soon. But I am sick to my teeth. It all started with Tineye. If you put in your image URL in their search engine they suggest images that are similar to yours. I tried my Big Ben Parliament House image first. It comes first on Google Image Search. Tineye showed an exact match of my image with a page from the Daily Swarm. The Daily Swarm plagiarized my image.

The pity is that I did not take a screen shot as I was caught up with thousand other things (I am kicking myself for not doing it and from the next time I that is the first thing I would do). They have changed the picture after I emailed the editor one Andrew Flanagan and here is what he says-

Mridula,

We've removed your picture from the site and apologize for it's usage.

Andrew Flanagan
Editor, The Daily Swarm

They used my image since July 06,2009 and removed it today. And it looks like a commercial website. And they think that reply is an adequate compensation. I wonder how many other images at The Daily Swarm are plagiarized.

When caught they act like a I don't want to use the word but you know what. I know I can't win them all but I can for sure vent them all.

My Remedy for a Hectic Day

2010-01-13T18:24:00.001+05:30

And Not Just Darjeeling Tea!

I mean I hardly know what tea I drink but I do drink in huge amounts. I clicked this picture at the Delhi Duty Free. Even though I do not remember the price tag now, when I saw it I thought for sure that my tea is not so expensive!

And the days have been hectic for sure recently.

Sunset at Gurgaon on January 1, 2010,

2010-01-12T21:04:00.001+05:30

Sunset on January 1, 2010

The One and Only Taj Mahal

2010-01-11T22:27:00.003+05:30

It was such a tiring day, I would leave you with the Taj Mahal To admire!

Lazy Sunday Photo- More Fog, Hoping for Less Tomorrow

2010-01-10T20:32:00.003+05:30

Fog in January, Gurgaon, India

I took these these pictures around 8.45 in the morning on the Friday. Hope it is not going to be like this tomorrow morning. Even then the visibility was not too bad on the Friday, if there has t be fog then at last let it not be dense.

Bread Rolls on a Cold Winter Day

2010-01-09T22:44:00.005+05:30

Bread Rolls

I got to eat bread rolls after a very long time. My sister made it and it was the perfect evening snack on a cold day! And the chutney that you can see had such wonderful aroma as she had used the coriander leaves from her own small vegetable pot in which she has been growing it. No and the entire plate was not for me.

Friday Flowers- Gazania

2010-01-08T18:25:00.000+05:30

Gazania

I clicked this flower at one of my previous workplace quite long time back. And apart from the relationship with colleagues and friends, this image is probably the only other positive thing I took away. I disliked that place so much!

Skywatch Friday- Sunset at Oxford, UK

2010-01-08T00:02:00.001+05:30

Sunset at Oxford, UK

I took this picture in the summer of 2008. Being summer of course this was closer to 9.00 pm. Even though I had faced this before a few times in Europe, I always feel surprised when the sun sun doesn't go down at its usual 7.00 pm in summer like India.

For more pictures of the great skies from around the world visit Skywatch Friday.

10 Things I Like about McLeod Ganj

2010-01-07T14:51:00.003+05:30

McLeod Ganj- A Pretty Town

10. The Dalai Lama Temple Complex

9. The narrow lanes of the city (minus the cars that people bring from the plains and honk about merrily).

8. The small book shops.

7. The monks on the road (feels like another world).

6. Weather (even the rains that start without any adequate warning).

Road Side Stalls- Jewellery on Display

5. The road side stalls particularly the jewellery on display (though only bought a T shirt for my nephew).

4. Cost (feels affordable).

3. Food (the road side food too).

2. Photo opportunities.

1. Trekking routes going out of it.

*I became aware of Simonseeks.com from a business email.

Lancaster Blonde

2010-01-07T00:00:00.000+05:30

Lancaster Blonde is a Beer!

The only time I had beer in this recent trip was with colleagues on the campus pub (all the places I studied at, we can't even imagine of a campus pub!) I am not fond of beer otherwise but whenever I have been to UK I end up in a pub at least once and I somehow do not mind! The name stuck with me and hence the picture with Lancaster Blonde written over it. I heard that there is another famous brand called Lancaster Bomber but I did not try it this time.

The Morning Fog Today

2010-01-06T09:47:00.006+05:30

The Fog In the Morning Today

When I started my morning commute today it looked a little foggy but nothing really to worked up about. So when the guy on the FM declared, "be careful it is very foggy", I thought maybe I would escape it.

From the Car park the Building is not Visible!

It remained true till I parked my car and joined my colleague for the rest of the drive towards work. Then it started, the dense thick fog, and I was very thankful that I was not driving. I had only my cell phone with me but still I took some pictures. Let us see what happens in the evening. Even now I can't see anything from my office window right now apart from the closest lamp post.

Added a little later-

Bit of Sun Out Now and Gone Again!

But as I clicked this picture from my office window (hence two suns and the reflection) the sun is trying to vanish and then coming out again.

Bronze Winged Jacana at Bundi

2010-01-06T00:04:00.000+05:30

Bronze Winged Jacana at Bundi, Rajasthan

I clicked this picture of a Bronze Winged Jacana at Bundi and the trouble is that I never gave the bird a closer look till a few days back. I would actually like to take a vacation and look at all my pictures. But the trouble is that if I am on vacation, I will go out and take more pictures. I had posted an image of a juvenile of the same before.

Looked Like a Guava

2010-01-05T18:30:00.001+05:30

I clicked this picture at Lancaster. We had gone for lunch with a Dutch colleague and his wife and the restaurant had this little shop attached which was full of exotic plants! Though don't ask me what this fruit was. I can either say it looked live a Guava or that it looks like an exotic fruit. take your pick or else you tell me the name!

Black Winged Stilts at Bundi

2010-01-05T14:36:00.003+05:30

Black Winged Stilts at Bundi

Common Chiffchaff in the Backyard

2010-01-04T00:00:00.002+05:30

Common Chiffchaff in the Backyard

Common Chiffchaffs often play in the backyard throughout the day. The top picture has a very colorful background because that is the color of blurred brick houses that belong to construction workers. In the second picture the bird once again let me creep quite close!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Breakfast

2010-01-03T16:00:00.000+05:30

Breakfast

In my daily routine breakfast is an almost alien concept. I eat something while rushing out for work and gulp a glass of milk. And on weekends I get up late and first have a lot of tea. By the time I think of eating something it is time for lunch!

In that sense this UK trip was unusual. I had a good breakfast everyday. In fact, on the last day when I woke up I was not feeling fresh and I was cursing myself for watching Bruce Almighty (yet again) the previous night on TV. I was tired because I had walked for the whole day on a crisp but cold Saturday (Lancaster Morecambe) and then kept on watching move instead of sleeping. Not a sensible thing to do when next day you have to take a long flight back.

But after I finished my breakfast I was feeling much more brighter and not so tired. I always thought it was sleep that refreshed me, never ever associated with breakfast. Did I learn a lesson from that? I don't think so, I am sitting with a cup of tea.

A Beautiful Starling

2010-01-03T01:36:00.004+05:30

Starling, A Beautiful Bird

I saw a Starling for the first time when I was walking from Lancaster to Morecambe (November 2009). Then I saw this one sitting peacefully on the promenade wall later at Morecambe and this one also let me get quite close to it! Good bird.

I have seen this stunning video of Starlings ((via Indiamike)) at youtube and I thought I would share it with you.

Stairway to Heaven?

2010-01-02T21:14:00.004+05:30

Sunset on January 02, 2010

When I was composing this picture I immediately though this construction scaffolding looked like a stairway to heaven when coupled with the setting sun!

I waled in the same area where I had clicked the Bulbuls thinking that I may get to click a few more today. To my surprise there was not a single Bulbul on the tree where yesterday there were at least 10!

I think I should add a disclaimer in my side bar explaining why I have such a horrid signature. Rajeev gave this idea to me.

From the Same Flock- Red Vented Bulbul

2010-01-02T13:23:00.003+05:30

Red Vented Bulbul Eating Berries

I clicked this picture yesterday and I know it is quite similar to the previous one. But I am so excited about getting these close shots of the bird that I decided to post this one too! Hope you will enjoy it.

Red Vented Bulbul in the Backyard

2010-01-01T19:56:00.004+05:30

Red Vented Bulbul in a Tree Filled with Yellow Berries

I clicked this picture today near my place. I didn't want to just grade the copies on the first day of 2010. Now I hope, I will click bird pictures throughout the year!

I was reading on the net that if you have a 300mm lens then the trick is to try and creep a little closer to the bird. I did just that for the shot above and I am pretty pleased.

And don't you dare laugh at me for that extra line on the picture. What? You are not listening to me? Then go ahead and laugh.

Wish You a Travel Filled 2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00.001+05:30

Wish You a Very Happy New Year, May We Travel More!

Last Day of 2009

2009-12-31T00:00:00.000+05:30

Wishing you a Good time.

I am still grading.

Don't know if I asked for it or not but I am for sure stuck with it.

Still 2009 was a fabulous travel filled year. I want another like it the next year!

2009 at Travel Tales from India- What an Incredible Year it has Been!

2009-12-30T18:55:00.008+05:30

Suratkal Beach, Karnataka

2009 had started well for me, I spent the last day of 2008 at the Suratkal Beach in Karnataka and I was inside a train on the New Year eve. And it rained travel on me @2009.

Gwalior for Work

The next stop for me was Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh where I spent some time with the faculty members of ITM Gwalior discussing Research Methods with them.

Agra in March 2009

This was a family trip with Sesha, my mother in law and me, doing Agra and thoroughly enjoying it.

Oxford in May 2009

I spent nearly two thoroughly enjoyable weeks in UK, I had the fabulous time. Went to Oxford (I wonder if I will ever head that way again) London and Manchester, met school friends after 20 years and had a gala time. And before this there was a huge natak (drama) to get my passport, and I can use the word natak because I got it in the end, just before the trip and with just about enough time to get the visa too.

A Conference in Lucknow

Lucknow was another beautiful trip that was for work but included sightseeing within the conference program. And I have got the order wrong, I went Lucknow before Oxford.

The Dalai lama Temple Complex, McLeod Ganj

The trek we did from McLeod Ganj to Triund and beyond was wonderful with a little hail and rain on one day.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

This was a spnsored trip (via Gonomad) and simply luxurious as I stayed with the Taj Safari Lodge at the Banjar Tola camp.

Barog, Himachal Pradesh- A Cute Little Railway Station

Brat 1, 2 and I had a great time at Barog. The only scare was when Brat 1 and I walked inside the Barog tunnel and a train came!

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Sesha and I headed to Orchha and a good time as the weather was extremely pleasant due to mild rains.

Bundi, Rajasthan

Then Brat 2 and I headed over to Bundi and had a good time in real frying hot weather!

Chhavi

The cutest thing to happen to us in 2009 was Chhavi, we went to Chandigarh to bring her home. And it is actually a little difficult to remember that I had a life before her! We thought that the adoption wait period was one and a half years but we got her soon. We started the process while we were heading for the McLeod Gan trek and got her in October!

Lancaster, UK

This was the most unexpected trip of all, my first year when I went abroad twice ever! Lancaster was cold, it was wet and windy in November and yet I thoroughly liked it!

What an incredible year it has been! I still have a few copies left for grading. I would be doing it on the last day of 2009 and the first day of 2010. I hope my next year would not be filled of grading instead of travel. After all the first day of 2009, I was traveling, and I kept traveling throughout. By the same logic, I sincerely hope I will not keep grading throughout 2010.

A Little Dutch- Klompen

2009-12-30T00:00:00.000+05:30

Klompen- Wooden Dutch Shoes

I was exchanging emails with a colleague in UK (who is Dutch) and he mentioned Klompens in some context. I googled it and of course realized that they are the cute Dutch shoes that you could buy as a souvenir.

Now this time when I was at Lancaster he invited my colleague and me home for a dinner with his kids. And that is when I realized that Klopmens are real shoes! I asked his permission and asked if I could take a picture? He posed with them and a Dutch flag and then I took a picture that you can see. I threatened him that I would post his picture on this blog but he was not afraid!

Always a Hit!

2009-12-29T20:20:00.003+05:30

Gol Guppa, Also Know as Pani Puri

Most of you would know what you see in the picture.

For the benefit of those who don't I will try and describe the concept. You see wheat puffs on your right hand side and they are hollow from inside. You break a small hole in the upper layer of the wheat puff, stuff it with the potato mixture seen at the left hand (bottom) of the picture. Then you pour either the green water or the red water or both into the wheat puff. Then you gulp it whole or else the water will fall and spoil your clothes. The red mix is sweet and the green one spicy. I like the green one. But I put it in small quantities because it is too hot. The result is sheer bliss if you can stand spicy food.

The trouble is I can now stomach only the mall water ones so no more road side gol guppa for me, which is a pity. They taste particularly good when I eat it with my sister.

Mall Birds Both!

2009-12-28T19:18:00.004+05:30

Purple Sunbird at the Great India Place, Noida

Our Bird (Brat 3) at the Great India Place, Noida

I went with my sis and niece to the Great India Place. No, we are no fans of malls but sometimes we go there just like that. My niece is quite a big fan of this jumping activity and I had a great time taking her pictures. Also there was this Purple Sunbird sitting at the cactus at the same mall! And would let me creep in quite close to it. Only my niece would like to go even closer and hold a conversation with the bird. I think both were discussing there flying experience!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Noida Metro

2009-12-27T16:38:00.003+05:30

Noida Metro on a Cold December Day

I am being lazy about the water mark with these pictures. I mean it is not easy for me to place it somewhere in the center of the picture without spoiling it too.

I used my sister's camera for these shots, a Canon Power Shot.

Mouth Watering Tibetan Food at McLeod Ganj

2009-12-26T11:43:00.000+05:30

Tibetan Food at McLeod Ganj

I was transferring pictures from my mobile phone to the computer. I don't know why but a lot of my pictures didn't had the .jpg extension and Picasa was not reading it. So I decided to change the extension of the pictures to .jpg manually for around 175 pictures! The reward was this long forgotten Tibetan meal at McLeod Ganj. It was so delicious that even by looking at the picture my mouth started watering again!

It Happens Only in India?

2009-12-26T00:03:00.000+05:30

One Wonders Why?

Skywatch Friday- Sunrise at 35 Thousand Feet

2009-12-25T12:32:00.003+05:30

Sunrise at 35 Thousand Feet, Picture Clicked by the Fellow Passenger at the Next Seat

For more picture of the sky visit Skywatch Friday.

Wish You a Merry Christmas and Wonderful Holidays

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000+05:30

Wish you All a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Holidays

Images from Delhi Duty Free

2009-12-24T00:04:00.000+05:30

Auto Rickshaws at Delhi Duty Free

Peacocks at the Delhi Duty Free

Camel Close Up

2009-12-23T17:20:00.004+05:30

Camel Miniatures at the Dubai Duty Free

Abhi said in the last comment that I should have taken some close ups of the camels posted in the last picture. I of course had taken a few close ups, so I decided that why not, I will go ahead and post them. Don't they look cute?

Mule Miniatures as a Bonus

Different Shades of, Ahem, Camels

2009-12-23T00:44:00.003+05:30

Camels Camels and more Camels

Never thought it is possible to make camels in so many shades but then you can trust the people of the desert to do that! And this is just onerack full at the Dubai Duty Free, I have so many more that I have to a slide show of it sometime in the future.

Delhicious?

2009-12-22T17:15:00.003+05:30

Delhicious!

Delhicious, the name for sure managed to strike a chord in a foreign land. No, I did not try it out. Only took a picture. But then Indian, Chinese and Italian food dominated the Lancaster streets.

Lancaster Castle, UK

2009-12-22T00:04:00.001+05:30

Lancaster Castle, UK (clicked later during the day)

If you see a big castle in the middle of the city at night what would you do? Like me, probably you would go closer to the notice board and try to see the opening times?

Lancaster Castle, Her Majesty's Prison!

I went ahead only to find this notice- Her Majesty's Prison! At night in a foreign country reading the notice board I felt a little scared and chilly. Still how could I run away without clicking a quick picture of the notice board?

I was later told that there are courts that are part of the Lancaster Castle and open to public. No, I could not go there because I clicked the day pictures by taking a detour as I was walking to the bus stop. And the only free day I had, on Saturday, I spent walking around and up to Morecambe.

Lancaster City Center

2009-12-21T18:21:00.001+05:30

Lancaster City Center at Day Break

I know it does not looks like much of a day break because of the think dark clouds. But this was one trip where I was sure I need to take pictures at low light or I won't get many. I took this picture from my fourth floor room of the Royal Kings Arm of the Best Western Group. And I used the window sill as a tripod. I still have not got around to carrying a tripod on my trips. And that was the only time I would open the window and let some cold air in. I considered it a fair bargain, some cold air in exchange for taking pictures by keeping the camera on the window sill!

Night Landing at Dubai

2009-12-21T00:03:00.001+05:30

Emirates Flight EK 18 from Manchester, Night Landing at Dubai

Lazy Sunday Photo- Not a Lazy Sunday for Him!

2009-12-20T15:22:00.003+05:30

Window Cleaning in Progress at a Mall in Gurgaon

Lazy Sunday Photo- A Little Musical Photo

2009-12-20T00:11:00.000+05:30

Guitars inside a Music Shop

Sesha was inside a music shop for hours over the last weekend. In the mean while Chhavi and I went a little shopping and then to Haldiram's for some chat (me) and Idli for her. When we came back after what we thought was a very long time he was still busy.

I took out the camera and went about clicking every musical instrument in sight. Liked the result of this guitar display. And you have take a guess about my musical sense when even inside a music shop I end up take pictures! We left the shop when Chhavi started saying bye loudly to everybody in sight.

That Missing Ingredient

2009-12-19T00:00:00.001+05:30

The Fortune Star Restaurant at Lancaster, UK

On the cold Saturday night, I was looking for a restaurant or a take away in Lancaster. After walking over in many lanes (I anyway love walking) I decided I would try out a Chinese restaurant by the name of the Fortune Star. I, after all, like Chinese food a lot in India.

It was such a pleasure to get inside the warm restaurant because outside it felt as if it was freezing. This was the day when I had walked for the entire day to Morecambe too. The restaurant seemed to be much in demand and it was quite crowded. The smiling lady at the counter told me that seats would not be possible for a long time but if I wish to take away the food, they would take my order.

So I went in for egg rice and assorted vegetables, both are dishes that I enjoy a lot. While I was waiting for the food to arrive I clicked the picture of that cute statue with the tray of drinks. When the food arrived, I walked back in anticipation of enjoying it in the peace and warmth of my room.

After I settled in my room, I opened the dishes and started gobbling them down. I realized the rice dish was OK as the egg pieces in it had some salt. But the vegetable dish with mushrooms, baby corn and stuff had no salt in it at all. It was a little late at night and I didn't wish to disturb my hosts at the bed and breakfast for salt.

So, I gobbled what I could and the rest I unfortunately had to throw away! The tea tray and the hot water kettle in my room were my saviors that night. And I as I always say, I sleep better after a cup of tea.

Friday Flowers- Roses

2009-12-18T17:11:00.003+05:30

A Bunch of Roses

Clicked at one of the the most unromantic places on the earth- Inside a Sainsbury's at Lancaster, UK. The store actually made for some good pictures!

Skywatch Friday- More Rainbow at Lancaster, UK

2009-12-18T10:01:00.004+05:30

Partial Rainbow at Lancaster, UK

The highest number of rainbows I have seen in a week is 4. I saw all of them at Lancaster.

More Sky pictures at Skywatch Friday.

Little Missiles

2009-12-17T01:49:00.001+05:30

These Lipstick Displays Remind me of Little Missiles!

Mirror Image?

2009-12-16T00:01:00.001+05:30

Mirror Images of Each Other? Squirrels in the Backyard

And I hate that water mark. My only hope is that I will get used to it with time.