Archive for November 9, 2007
November 9, 2007 at 8:00 pm
· City
The Hindu : ned up opportunities in fields which are not or least related to the sector. How else would you explain the increasing market for art in relation to the real estate growth?
If what S.R. Magar, Managing Director, Magnitude Gallery, says is any indication, then the trend is definitely there for all to see. He says that some builders want to have a tie-up with his company in order to cater to their clients.
The company, which is five years old, aims to make art affordable for all, including the middle-class. “We sell in the Rs. 30,000-35,000 range, enabling change of the piece of work after someyears, if possible,” says Magar. “Our aim is to refresh the ambience.”
But there are paintings or murals available for even Rs.1 lakh here. Clients with independent homes usually opt for murals in the 8 x 4 ft dimension in that price range. Those who live in villa-type residential units usually opt for paintings that are unique and suit their interiors.
Economy series
“There is an economy series too, which is preferred by middle-income customers, and they usually come in 1.5 x 2 ft or 1x 1 ft or 2 x 2 ft sizes,” says Magar. For exterior purposes in residential units, those created on imported ingredients with fibre are available, he adds.
Apart from what is available in the gallery, customers can also get their piece of art work customised according to their likes and preferences. “We sit with the clients, talk to them, understand their needs, and depending on their specifications, create original thumbnails. After showing it to them and fine-tuning, we go in for the final product,” says Magar. Right from framing, the art piece is customised. Framing depends on the budget.
Since no reprint or reproduction is available, customers can be rest assured that “they have a unique piece” on display at home, adds Magar. “We charge a…More
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November 9, 2007 at 8:00 pm
· City
The Hindu : ; is used as a misnomer for any type of plant grown in a shallow container. The science of Bonsai, actually, has to do only with trees and shrubs. Any other plants grown in the same way is termed ‘miniature gardening,’ clarifies Sujatha Prakash Devatha, one of the Bonsai experts in Bangalore who has at least 500 varieties in her sprawling garden in Jayanagar.
That the green science has now assumed contemporary perspectives and is being presented in different format is what gives the whole effort a further dimension to the creativity.
What Sujatha has attempted for the new age is Mural Bonsai that is displayed at the entrance of her house. A patch of shrubbery nestled in rocky surrounding is all that you notice from the gate.
As the green impels you to get closer to the wall, all you can do is take a deep breath and wonder how the leaf-and-stem marvel is seen hanging as a mural, live and growing! Green, earthy and aesthetic is the literal description that can be attributed to the piece that can arrest one’s attention. “It took me more than a month to have the piece together,” says Sujatha.
— PHOTOS: BHAGYA PRAKASH K.
Fourteen kinds of shrubs in different shades of green had to be selected to bring them together for a green mural. Aligning them along with mud-embedded roots for the bottom were tasks that required all the experience and skill. Placing the pebbles to give the whole piece a nature-friendly appearance is yet another dexterity, highlighting her expertise. The rough stone wall on which the mural is displayed provides a perfect backdrop to an ethnic work that demands loads of patience.
The mini wonder
“Not just patience, you have to have the persistence to wait for it to grow. Because some of the varieties take months to show up the first shoot…More
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November 9, 2007 at 8:00 pm
· City
The Hindu : water. If we are what we eat we are also what we drink to a greater extent. Pure water as pure H2O does not exist in nature and therefore what we consume has some mineral or salt or the other. The question is what is right and what is wrong in the water we drink. Simultaneously, with increasing impact from human activity, water is being polluted everywhere. So what should be the quality of the water we drink?Is your water tested?
Many private laboratories exist in cities to carry out water testing. In addition the State Pollution Control Boards, the Department of Mines and Geology in Karnataka and many engineering and agricultural colleges help in water testing. Water utilities such as the Chennai Metro Water Board say on their website that they provide water testing service too. Charges vary depending on the laboratories but expect to pay around Rs.200-Rs.900 for a complete test.
Most laboratories will need a sample of at least two litres collected in a sterilised bottle. There are specific requirements of collection if the water is to be tested for indicator bacteria such as e-coli and the laboratory usually prescribes the method.
What to look out for
If your water source is a borewell you must check for all the parameters listed above. Of specific concern will be the Total Dissolved Salts, Nitrates and Fluoride. Leaking sewage pipes have caused ground water to be polluted and the typical pollutant is Nitrate.
Fluoride contamination is reported more through natural sources and is endemic in many villages of India. Fluoride testing kits are available for Rs.1,000- Rs.1,500 which can give a broad range result. Further testing for more accurate results can then be done in laboratories.
If your water source is from the pipeline then it is the responsibility of the city authorities to ensure that the water you receive confirms to…More
Permalink
November 9, 2007 at 6:04 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu : ned up opportunities in fields which are not or least related to the sector. How else would you explain the increasing market for art in relation to the real estate growth?
If what S.R. Magar, Managing Director, Magnitude Gallery, says is any indication, then the trend is definitely there for all to see. He says that some builders want to have a tie-up with his company in order to cater to their clients.
The company, which is five years old, aims to make art affordable for all, including the middle-class. “We sell in the Rs. 30,000-35,000 range, enabling change of the piece of work after someyears, if possible,” says Magar. “Our aim is to refresh the ambience.”
But there are paintings or murals available for even Rs.1 lakh here. Clients with independent homes usually opt for murals in the 8 x 4 ft dimension in that price range. Those who live in villa-type residential units usually opt for paintings that are unique and suit their interiors.
Economy series
“There is an economy series too, which is preferred by middle-income customers, and they usually come in 1.5 x 2 ft or 1x 1 ft or 2 x 2 ft sizes,” says Magar. For exterior purposes in residential units, those created on imported ingredients with fibre are available, he adds.
Apart from what is available in the gallery, customers can also get their piece of art work customised according to their likes and preferences. “We sit with the clients, talk to them, understand their needs, and depending on their specifications, create original thumbnails. After showing it to them and fine-tuning, we go in for the final product,” says Magar. Right from framing, the art piece is customised. Framing depends on the budget.
Since no reprint or reproduction is available, customers can be rest assured that “they have a unique piece” on display at home, adds Magar. “We charge a…More
Permalink
November 9, 2007 at 6:04 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu : ; is used as a misnomer for any type of plant grown in a shallow container. The science of Bonsai, actually, has to do only with trees and shrubs. Any other plants grown in the same way is termed ‘miniature gardening,’ clarifies Sujatha Prakash Devatha, one of the Bonsai experts in Bangalore who has at least 500 varieties in her sprawling garden in Jayanagar.
That the green science has now assumed contemporary perspectives and is being presented in different format is what gives the whole effort a further dimension to the creativity.
What Sujatha has attempted for the new age is Mural Bonsai that is displayed at the entrance of her house. A patch of shrubbery nestled in rocky surrounding is all that you notice from the gate.
As the green impels you to get closer to the wall, all you can do is take a deep breath and wonder how the leaf-and-stem marvel is seen hanging as a mural, live and growing! Green, earthy and aesthetic is the literal description that can be attributed to the piece that can arrest one’s attention. “It took me more than a month to have the piece together,” says Sujatha.
— PHOTOS: BHAGYA PRAKASH K.
Fourteen kinds of shrubs in different shades of green had to be selected to bring them together for a green mural. Aligning them along with mud-embedded roots for the bottom were tasks that required all the experience and skill. Placing the pebbles to give the whole piece a nature-friendly appearance is yet another dexterity, highlighting her expertise. The rough stone wall on which the mural is displayed provides a perfect backdrop to an ethnic work that demands loads of patience.
The mini wonder
“Not just patience, you have to have the persistence to wait for it to grow. Because some of the varieties take months to show up the first shoot…More
Permalink
November 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu : water. If we are what we eat we are also what we drink to a greater extent. Pure water as pure H2O does not exist in nature and therefore what we consume has some mineral or salt or the other. The question is what is right and what is wrong in the water we drink. Simultaneously, with increasing impact from human activity, water is being polluted everywhere. So what should be the quality of the water we drink?Is your water tested?
Many private laboratories exist in cities to carry out water testing. In addition the State Pollution Control Boards, the Department of Mines and Geology in Karnataka and many engineering and agricultural colleges help in water testing. Water utilities such as the Chennai Metro Water Board say on their website that they provide water testing service too. Charges vary depending on the laboratories but expect to pay around Rs.200-Rs.900 for a complete test.
Most laboratories will need a sample of at least two litres collected in a sterilised bottle. There are specific requirements of collection if the water is to be tested for indicator bacteria such as e-coli and the laboratory usually prescribes the method.
What to look out for
If your water source is a borewell you must check for all the parameters listed above. Of specific concern will be the Total Dissolved Salts, Nitrates and Fluoride. Leaking sewage pipes have caused ground water to be polluted and the typical pollutant is Nitrate.
Fluoride contamination is reported more through natural sources and is endemic in many villages of India. Fluoride testing kits are available for Rs.1,000- Rs.1,500 which can give a broad range result. Further testing for more accurate results can then be done in laboratories.
If your water source is from the pipeline then it is the responsibility of the city authorities to ensure that the water you receive confirms to…More
Permalink
November 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu : sand supply becomes less, products made out of these become pricey. Building a house and arranging basic amenities can become a nightmare for ordinary people with modest budgets.
But when the construction of your house is completed and when you want to give the final touch to your floor, think of this man if you want to explore a cheap option.
This young man from Kodungallur, in Thrissur district Kerala, has devised a way of making floor tiles from plastic waste.
If you think that is not a viable option, ask this innovator about it. Seeing plastic waste dumped on roads and other places has been a constant source of worry for K.B. Joy, of Sun Tech Company and an advocate of solid-waste recycling.
“I think this plastic dumping is a big problem. I have been gravely concerned about it. I am happy that I could do something to solve the problem,” he says.
After many experiments, he has come out with the novel idea of making cheaper floor tiles using plastic waste. He collects plastic waste from all sources.
Simple process
The process is a simple one. First, he powders the plastic waste, by putting it in the machine.
Then, it is mixed with liquid asphalt and heated. Baby metal is added and the compound is poured into moulds and the tiles cast in the shape of these moulds. Red oxide is painted on the tile to add to its beauty.
The production cost of 1 sq. ft. tile is only Rs. 12, whereas cement tiles cost Rs. 30 a sq. ft.
The time required for processing the plastic into tiles is much less than what cement ones take. The weight is also less, making it easy to handle. The plastic tile is recyclable. For changing the shape of the tile, just heat it and transform it into the desired shape.
…More
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November 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu :
| Nearly two-thirds of those polled said they cleaned more thoroughly to get some exerciseMessy kids, a chip-munching spouse, sleet-splattered windows – it’s cleaning time again!
If only there’re some redeeming virtues to household chores. But, wait, there is. Like any other physical activity, the housework you do can help you burn calories.
You just need to remember the number 50,261.
According to a study carried out by researchers in Britain, that’s the average number of calories burned off each year simply by doing household chores, the Daily Mail reported in London.
“To prevent weight gain, most adults need to expend around 400 calories a day in physical activity, which is equivalent to around two hours of dusting and cleaning or 82 minutes of vacuuming and mopping,” Gary O’Donovan said.
In fact, the researchers have found that walking more than 22 miles a year while cleaning our homes is the equivalent of strolling the distance across the English Channel or completing 89 laps of an Olympic running track.
Moreover, keeping the house tidy annually burns the same number of calories found in 603 glasses of wine, 192 bars of chocolate, 369 cans of fizzy drink, 146 cheeseburgers or 394 packs of crisps.
The study of 3,000 Britons also found that housework gives people more of a workout than spending an hour a week at the gym.
Domestic chores were found to provide the same amount of exercise as spending 57 hours running at 8.5 miles an hour, or cycling 477 miles.
Almost two-thirds of those polled said they cleaned more thoroughly to try to get some exercise, while 94 per cent said they worked up a sweat while doing the chores and half could feel their muscles burning afterwards.
Surprisingly, 44 per cent were willing to confess they also danced while cleaning to alleviate the boredom. — PTI
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November 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu :
| Property investment can help you in many ways to lower your tax liability, says SRIKALA BHASHYAMProperty is considered an instrument to boost wealth.In recent times, investment in property has taken different dimensions. Besides building a home for self-occupation, many have invested in property to cut down tax liability. Let’s discuss the options for cutting down your tax through an investment in property and dispel myths about these tax benefits.
The tax benefit available on home loans has become synonymous with the salaried class. However, investment in a property can also be a good option for the self-employed. These individuals too can take a loan for the purchase of property and claim the benefits of tax under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act. While such a benefit is automatically available when the property is purchased for self occupation, it needs a different treatment when let out.
The set off
When an individual invests in a property for renting out, the interest paid on home loan would be set off against the rental income. Additional expenses such as municipal taxes would set off against the rental income. The balance sum arrived at is considered the annual value of the property and from this sum, 30 per cent is allowed as deduction as cost towards repairs and maintenance.
In the case of self-occupied property interest amount up to a limit of Rs.1.5 lakh would be allowed as deduction under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act. The amount paid towards principal too comes under tax benefit but under a different section – 80C. So, those who invest in tax saving instruments can do so after taking into account their contribution towards principal repayment. As per the latest budget, this limit has been hiked to Rs.1 lakh.
Commercial property
Tthe home loan benefit is often mistaken with loan for land needed for the construction…More
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November 9, 2007 at 6:03 pm
· City · Real Estate
The Hindu : The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday came down heavily on banks that took refuge in technicalities of contract to unreasonably jack up monthly instalments of home loans.
“It is not appropriate for a bank to use technical provisions with the customer to enhance monthly instalments unreasonably,” RBI Governor Y.V. Reddy said at the customary post-monetary policy press conference. The matter attracted the attention of the RBI after it received several complaints in this regard. “A number of complaints have been received, and we have asked banks to internally look at it. We may also have to ensure that we create certain rights for the customers if there is an unfair one-sided contract,” he said.
“Banks are obliged to explain and justify the revision in interest rates, and also correspondingly ensure that there is a symmetrical provision for a rollback if the interest rates come down,” he pointed out.
In the absence of a global benchmark, some banks which have floating rates have pegged them to a rate determined by them. There were some provisions in the fixed rate contract under certain circumstances to change the rate apart from provision to extend the maturity while keeping the monthly instalments constant, Mr. Reddy observed. - PTI
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