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Can super fancy & super luxury homes prove to be ideal, comfortable, liveable homes?

2012-05-01T19:19:00.000+05:30

The age old adage says... "if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree". Similarly, if a house isn't able to provide its owners the warmth & comfort of being-in-there day & night and through all the seasons & unconditional reasons, it can't simply be called a 'home'.

In plain words, a 'home' is nothing but a place where one can feel the warmth being there, and where the heart & mind of people staying coexist in near-perfect harmony.

One may think where has this question ('Does super fancy & super luxury homes prove to be ideal liveable homes?') popped up from, today all of a sudden?

The topic came forth in our informal discussion today afternoon when one of our fellows exclaimed how happy she would be if she happen to own a big home like Mukesh & Nita Ambani's (India's richest family) 'ANTILIA' or like much rumored Sachin Tendulkar's (India's, and perhaps world's, best cricket sportsperson till date) 'SHELL HOUSE', both located in India's commercial hub, Mumbai.

While no conclusion could arise out of an hour long impromptu debate/ discussion that embarked among us on this topic, the question still remain hovering in our head while at work @BricksnMortar Edesk.

No wonder, money can buy and create amazing buildings and structures and monuments. Though these buildings can create huge amount of buzz and awe around them, but they seldom can provide the warmth of a heartfelt place called 'home'.

Given a chance, ask these very people who own such marvelous and pricey real-estate wonders of concrete, bricks and mortar whether they feel calm and relaxed while being there purposely for rest and good night's sleep? Staying there might bring feelgood factor of owning such wonderful pieces of architecture, construction and finishing, but perhaps not the eternal bliss that one can find even in simple four walls & a plain roof.

What do you think on this topic? What's your say? Let us know by means of comments to this post if you feel like sharing your views.

View the marvelous pictures of the aforementioned two iconic pieces of architecture, construction & execution in the slideshow below:

SachinTendulkar's_Shell-House_Mumbai_India - Online Slideshow Creator

Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai home_ANTILIA - free slideshow maker

Top 10 Most Costliest & Expensive Real Estate Markets of the World of Recent Times

2012-04-27T20:40:00.001+05:30

Property prices always seem to be skyrocketing no matter what time or place or situation for most of people across the world. Still, real estate deals involving millions & billions of dollars happen every other day in one or other part of the world in individual/ group/ commercial capacity.

Individuals, people, companies, organizations, banking institutions et al. have been compiling reports year after year as where the real estate markets are heading, and which among all cities or places in the world are the most costliest real estate markets in terms of transaction of highest price per unit area of floor space.

The upheavals of financial turmoils also play an important role. The not-too-old recessionary winds emanating from the United States of America, which engulfed entire rest of the world wholly or partially / sooner or later, has also left its impact on the prime real estate markets.

World's top 10 most expensive real estate markets during two recent contrasting periods, viz.,

2008-2009 (i.e., just before the 2008-09 subprime bubble & global recessionary sentiments dawned) and
2011-2012 (i.e., post the ill effects of subprime crises and based on deals post Q4 of 2011)

are compiled hereunder:

Rank	During 2008-09 (during subprime crises)	During 2011-12 (post subprime crisis)
1	Monte Carlo, Monaco - US$ 6,550 per sq ft	Monte Carlo, Monaco - US$ 5,830 per sq ft
2	London, UK - US$ 3,670 per sq ft	Cap Ferrat, France - US$ 5,180 per sq ft
3	New York, USA - US$ 2,160 per sq ft	London, UK - US$ 4,890 per sq ft
4	Moscow, Russia - US$ 2,120 per sq ft	Courchevel, France - US$ 4,400 per sq ft
5	Paris, France - US$ 2,100 per sq ft	St.Moritz, Switzerland- US$ 4,260 per sq ft
6	Tokyo, Japan - US$ 2,080 per sq ft	Gstaad, Switzerland - US$ 3,990 per sq ft
7	Hong Kong, China - US$ 2,060 per sq ft	St. Tropez, France - US$ 3,880 per sq ft
8	Rome, Italy - US$ 1,770 per sq ft	Geneva, Switzerland - US$ 3,190 per sq ft
9	Singapore - US$ 1,550 per sq ft	Hong Kong, China - US$ 2,830 per sq ft
10	Sydney, Australia - US$ 1,440 per sq ft	Paris, France - US$ 2,100 per sq ft

The above information has primarily been sourced and compiled from CNBC's surveyed & published data of March 2009 and Knight Frank's 'The Wealth Report 2012'.

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Contribute, surf & share Media Files (Images · Sounds · Videos) for Free at 'Wikimedia Commons'

2012-04-18T18:36:00.000+05:30

Good work, positive initiatives and beneficial material should ideally always be motivated and shared with family, friends, peers and all.

And 'WIKIMEDIA - COMMONS' is one such another platform from the platter of Wiki Technologies. Just like its sibling- 'WIKIPEDIA', it also aims to provide multitude of information uploaded, managed and shared through the 'Open Source' criteria.

Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, is today a database of about more than 12 million freely usable Media files (Images · Sounds · Videos) that are available for free use by one and all provided users follow the general terms specified by the author as well as Open Source/ Creative Commons fundamentals.

Snapshot of results of a typical search for keyword 'Architecture'

Purpose of this post is to inform the subscribers, patrons, readers and visitors of this blog-- who are interested in Civil engineering, Architecture, Lifestyle, Home improvement, etc. related information in terms of pictures, lectures and videos-- that they may use Wikimedia Commons to enhance there knowledge or simply to know more about things relating to these fields. They are also advised to contribute their respective original & genuine submissions to the foundation.

After all, knowledge shared is knowledge enhanced :-)

Post your comments/ observations/ suggestions/ etc. as how helpful you found this open-source informative platform.

A small tip: Search for relevant technical/ non-technical term, or architecture feature, or any keyword in the search bar located at the top-right-side of the Wikimedia Commons page to find matching media files.

Disclaimer: BRICKS-n-MORTAR.com is spreading the word about Wikimedia Commons only as a goodwill gesture pertaining to sharing of useful information on the internet. This blog has in no way received any money, commission, cash, kind, etc. etc. to promote it.

Do You Know Why Burning Fallen Tree Leaves is Detrimental & Injurious to our Health?

2012-04-03T19:11:00.000+05:30

Tree leaves falling in changing seasons-- especially post winters and in autumn seasons-- is a common phenomenon. The trees shed their leaves in whole or in part, where-after new set of leaves and flowers adorn them, following mother nature's cycle.

Image source wn.com

The leaves fall on the ground, roofs, parks, roads, pathways and almost everywhere. While locations in the country-side seldom get affected by this natural phenomenon, the urban counterparts witness a herculean task of cleaning & disposing off this blanket of fallen leaves. The usual practice followed the world over is to sweep the leaves, make piled-up mounds of them, and then burn them.

While this seemingly is a solution to a common man, or even municipal staffs; but this is certainly an act that is more of a harmful practice than a simple solution.

Know why?

Because, burning of the semi-dried & moisture-laden fallen leaves create humongous amounts of smoke, which in turn is laden with deadly cocktail of unburnt carbon particles, soot, strong displeasing odour, besides dangerous carbon-monoxide gas that can prove life threatening also in case the amounts of it is raised beyond the permissible limits in human blood stream, lungs and heart.

The smoke produced upon burning of the leaves is highly obnoxious and pollutes the air in the immediate vicinity as well as several meters & miles away too. The particulates and carbon particles carried with the smoke and polluted air can result in several allergies and breathing problems to humans, while high intake of resulting carbon-monoxide gas can even put someone's life in danger too.

So, what to do, if not burn fallen dried leaves?

Of course fallen leaves need to be cleared-off so as to make the place cleaner and tidier. Simpler solution to adopt and practice being:

by getting them collected through local, municipal or assigned agencies and then decomposing them with suitable process technologies at large as well as small scales, whereby natural 'Compost' can be made that can be used as manure.
by controlled shredding of the collected loads of fallen leaves along with suitable decomposing agents mechanically/ semi-mechanically which can be used to produce 'Mulch' for lawns, gardens and parks.
collecting and dumping loadsful of such fallen dried/ semi-dried leaves in large landfills, dumping yards, etc. where the leaves can decompose by themselves undergoing seasonal action of rains, summers, et.al.
by burning them in incinerators (with stacks of stipulated design and heights) in a controlled, calculated and professional way.

A government advertisement spreading awareness of not burning fallen tree leaves

So, the next time you see someone burning the fallen leaves, try to educate them not to do so. Once all are aware of the ill effects of burning fallen tree leaves, this malpractice shall reduce significantly with the help of peer-to-peer coordination and self regulation, rather than the current law enforcements, penalties and fines by municipal and government bodies the world over.

Spread the word. Share this with your friends, colleagues, children, etc. as better & wise knowledge only can help restrain this ill practice of burning fallen tree leaves which is nothing but totally detrimental to human wellness.

[Q&A]: Which bricks are good for new house construction..?

2012-02-27T20:01:00.003+05:30

Query received from a fellow blogger (who's initialed as 'GPS') in the comments section of our previous post...

Which bricks are good for new house construction, old ones (taken out of old house) or new ones?
Posted by 'GPS' to BRICKS-n-MORTAR.com at Monday, February 27, 2012 12:45:00 PM GMT+05:30

BricksnMortar Edesk replies...

To be brief and precise-- As long as the bricks are of good desired quality, strength, form, shape and texture; they are good for use in your house construction.

Good quality new bricks

Used & irregular old bricks

It seems from your comment that you are going to build your home afresh after bringing down your old dwelling out of which used bricks would be generated, and which you desire to re-use for construction purpose.

Prima facie, the desired good quality bricks for construction should have the following qualities based on which the masonry shall be strong, quality adhering and internally beautiful as well:

that are made from quality and proportionate raw material (main ingredients being clay, silica sand, alumina, iron oxide)
moulded well in desired shape and size
that are burnt appropriately up to desired temperature in a furnace to impart solidity, shape and color
should be without containing more than permissible extents of free lime (which causes bad effects of efflorescence and discoloring)
should have an adequate mortar receiving surface on one side (termed as 'FROG' in technical terms), which provides good bonding properties
should not be too much porous and cracked or morphed

In case the old bricks are adhering to the aforementioned qualities, one should not have any problem using them.

However, in practicality, the following problems may pop-up while using old bricks that one should look out for:
Read full post >>

A quick word from the editors' desk regarding technical issues being faced in our blog layout & presentation

2012-02-22T10:04:00.003+05:30

A quick word regarding the technical issues this blog is facing since last 2-3 days in terms of blog layout and allied presentation over certain web browsers.

We hereby extend sincere apologies for the technical issues being faced by readers of this blog, which is primarily due to some kind of glitch experienced by the blog template service provider of ours.

While we are trying to resolve the issue ASAP, we solicit your kind cooperation in this regard. In the meantime, people may surf through our RSS Feed webpages that will provide clean and complete posts published at our blog.

Sincerely yours,
BricksnMortar Edesk

10 Most Common Household Problems that Home Owners Usually Confront in day-today life

2012-02-10T18:57:00.001+05:30

Came across this useful & informative web content about the 10 most common house problems at nachi.org -- also commonly known as InterNACHI, which is an acronym for 'International Association of Certified Home Inspectors'.

While the website primarily caters exhaustive information to professional home and commercial property inspectors, it also addresses to home owners as well who can benefit from the dos and don'ts that are elaborated therein for upkeeping, improvement and maintenance of one's adorable abodes.

We hereby are sharing this interesting and informative content from one of Internachi's webpages that we came across and which we feel can provide a good insight to our readers as what are the commonest of household problems that home owners usually confront day-in and day-out. As a matter of gratitude to the source of the information, we also advise our readers to visit Internachi's website and peruse through other useful content there.

Quote...
Recent surveys by U.S. and Canadian home inspectors resulted in this list of the ten problems most frequently found in the homes they have inspected:

Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
Improper Electrical Wiring
Roof Damage
Heating Systems
Poor Overall Maintenance
Structurally Related Problems
Plumbing
Exteriors
Poor Ventilation
Miscellaneous

...Unquote

Source: InterNACHI ('International Association of Certified Home Inspectors'). Read the source webpage of InterNACHI for detailed information. It is quite informative indeed.

Disclaimer: This article has been sourced & shared from: InterNACHI for the sole purpose of sharing useful and informative content with the audience of our blog so that they may also benefit from the info, and may also go through rest of informative content at the said Source. This reproduction of information and providing a link to the source has no monetary or any other kind of beneficiary considerations whatsoever by either of the parties.

Sharing this soulful rendition of India's National Anthem on this 63rd Republic Day today

2012-01-26T21:36:00.000+05:30

Indians, and India loving people across the globe, are celebrating India's 63rd Republic Day today-- the 26th day of January, 2012.

We, here at BricksnMortar Edesk, extend heartiest wishes and celebratory nuances to all the Indians and India loving people across the globe on this occasion. Being proud of our mother country and the Indianness is something we cherish to wear on our sleeves.

We would like to share this beautiful and touching rendition of India's National Anthem-- "Jan, Gann, Mann" by means of this post that although was created coinciding with last year's republic day by one of India's premier advertising and media houses-- Mudra Group for another premier media barons- Reliance MediaWorks/ BIG Cinemas. The rendition's been produced by Chrome Pictures.

Though there have been umpteen renditions and adaptations made of India's National Anthem, the uniqueness of this particular rendition is that its been created differently by means and souls of 'special children'. The uniqueness of concept, production and presentation makes it a soul-touching and proud rendition for one and all who connects with it through their hearts.

As afaqs(dot)com puts it, "The presentation is a unique one, as it has been entirely shot in sign language. Children with hearing and speech disabilities have acted in it, thus sending out the message that despite impairment, one has the right to sing the national Anthem in his/her own special way. 'Patriotism knows no language' is the central theme of the film. the film has special kids present the National Anthem in sign language and through gestures."

"The film was shot in Mumbai's Don Bosco School. It features nearly 500 children, from eight Mumbai-based special schools. The schools held rehearsals for nine days, leading to the final shoot. Sangeeta Gala, a mute-training and lip reading specialist teacher, taught the children how to express the national anthem in sign language." One may check out the full transcript of this description clicking here.

We now leave you all with a direct link of this beautiful rendition. Enjoy it.. and do not bother much if you find your cheeks drenched with tears of heartfelt emotions. We experienced the same too, and most likely you would too!

Happy Republic Day once again. Rejoice the feeling of Indianness.

One quick note... Do watch this marvelous rendition till the very last of it.
DO NOT MISS THE FLUTTER OF FLAG IN THE VERY LAST OF THE VIDEO.
Its worth a watch, and is simply priceless!

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[Q&A]: Is it also compulsory to soak Steam Cured Fly-Ash Bricks in water before using it?

2012-01-19T16:58:00.000+05:30

Query received from Mr. Sandip S. Mohite, a resident of Goa, India via the comments section of the earlier posted article here on bricks-n-mortar.com, titled: "Brick Masonry work | "Why bricks be soaked in water before placing them?"

His query is shared herewith so that other interested people reading this blog may also have insight in this respect and may participate in an e-discussion on this topic, if deem so. The query being..

Image source: brickmasonry.in

Is it compulsory to soak Steam Cured Fly-Ash Bricks in water before using it?
These Fly-Ash Bricks are not porous like clay bricks, they are machine made & hydraulic pressed, even water absorption of fly-ash bricks is between 8% to 13%, still is it required to soak the bricks in water?

Please guide me regarding the same & do we have any I.S. Code for Fly-Ash Bricks? Please confirm.

Thanks with regards.
Sandip S. Mohite
Goa
Posted as 'Anonymous' to BRICKS-n-MORTAR.com at Thursday, January 19, 2012 11:15:00 AM GMT+05:30

BricksnMortar Edesk replies...

Dear Mr. Mohite,

The primary purpose of soaking the masonry building blocks is to negate the possibility of them blotting and sucking out the moisture/ water from the mortar that is used to bind them. No matter if they are clay bricks, or fly ash bricks, or autoclave aerated concrete blocks, or hollow/solid concrete blocks-- all of them should ideally be soaked in water. This ensures that the masonry units do not suck / steal away the requisite water from the cement-sand mortar, and thereby not make the mortar brittle/ weak and the strength of the mortar joints be weakened as cement would not provide the requisite strength in that case.

But, one thing that should be handled CAREFULLY is the TIME OF SOAKING for different kind of masonry units, which shall primarily be guided by the respective absorption factors (%age weight increase when water is absorbed by these masonry units). The soaking process should be timed so that the minimum levels of absorption are achieved and NOT the maximum levels since the weight of individual units would increase in the latter case, thereby making their handling by workmen relatively difficult as compared to dry ones.

Soaking of man-made masonry units has one more advantage--
Read full post >>

6 Key Points to Plan, Organize and Remember while Starting a New Project/Work Site

2012-01-09T19:40:00.000+05:30

Often when a greenfield (new; from scratch) project site is in the pipeline stage, just ready to hit the ground so as to take a physical shape, it takes enormous time for the managing and executing agencies to get the works rolling with the planned momentum.

Just imagine-- what may usually happen if despite the plans being there in place on papers (in theory), the actual progress isn’t still taking off in the required direction?

Simple-- The blame-game starts in such a situation with one agency accusing the others for the delays; the delays in turn becoming compounded; and the project cash flow going negative! :-(

The essential key to avoid such a gloomy picture at any stage of any project, perhaps more importantly in the beginning stage of the project, is effective planning and monitoring, together with an all-aligned site organization.And since starting the site marks the physical execution of the project, it becomes imperative to take notice of the key points beforehand so that the project site is organized well to perform efficiently and economically.

6 Key Point Strategy to Remember & Implement

Like any important work, the early stage planning and orientation tools always help in chalking out the success path of the subsequent periods.

The 6 key point strategy to remember and implement is:

1. Making a clear picture of what to do

Knowing the tender documents, contract documents & content, project requirements, plans, budgets, site organization, schedules and everything related to chalk out a clear picture of the project comes handy to get acquainted with the project. This helps in reducing the buffer time, which often gets wasted at the start of a project.

2. Earmarking an effective site organization

No matter if you are amongst the Client, the Consultant or the Contractor, it always helps to have an effective and balanced project as well as back-office teams created to suit the specific nature of the project and the project-site. A balanced and motivated team can do wonders in any sort of conditions.

3. Dividing the site into manageable sections

A site has different needs and functions from time to time. Creating functional and manageable core teams ensure that monitoring and aligning/realigning of the teams as well as the project activities are always under control. Such teams can be enhanced with or merged to garner more strength and skill as the project goes beyond initial embryonic stage.

4. Project-specific Micro & Macro planning

Once the project has followed the macro plans, micro scheduling of activities should follow immediately by respective teams, but in concurrence with each and every correlated team. Such schedules and plans should be regularly monitored and updated vis-à-vis the actual progress and availability of resources. This helps in reflecting the bottlenecks and delays to the managers, who can thereafter take remedial measures without affecting the overall progress much.

5. Time management

It is unavoidable at any project to have automatic balance between the pressure of work and the remaining time in hand. But this bottleneck can be resolved stage by stage with effective time management. The art to learn and master is to prioritize the important activities first than the secondary ones, and planning to cater to the important ones foremost. All successful managers thrive on this very craft of time management on the first place beside of course other trade and/or personal qualities.

6. Authority and Responsibility

Delegation of suitable authority and responsibility to every functional member of the team is the last, but definitely not the least of the key requirements of a successful site organization. This helps in clear-cut roles that all the team members are required to perform in the organization.

In a nutshell...

As they say, a successful and effect start predominantly leads to a remarkable and desired results. By doing better planning and following the same at site with necessary corrective measures, the projects can become more economical and financially viable.

This not only helps the parent companies, but also helps every team member of the project team professionally, personally, financially and morally.

And, the one key member which gains the most out of this practice of strategic planning, is surely the Project itself.

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Common Household Utility & Services related Problems encountered post Festivities and Party Seasons

2012-01-03T17:49:00.001+05:30

Its a common adage that the plumbers, electricians and home cleaning agencies are in very high demand post the festival seasons like Christians' Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter festivals; Hindus' & Sikhs' Diwali, Holi, Gurpurab festivals; Buddhists' Mahaparinirvana festival, Jewish Hanukkah & Purim festivals; Muslims' Eid & Ramzan festivals; Japanese' Matsuri & Hanami festivals; Chinese lantern festival; besides scores of festivals and party seasons observed around the world.

And to top it all, it was the New Years Eve just 2 days back when the scores and scores of households around the world would again have partied all night long.

Team BricksnMortar hereby presents the commonest of household utility & services related problems that prompt the necessity of urgent repairs and maintenance services post such festivities and party seasons. So, if you are also facing one of these problems, its perhaps the high time you make a call to ask for a serviceman at your convenient earliest possible to rectify the problem:

Problematic Symptom(s)	Suggested Preliminary Action	Anticipated Professional Help That May Be Required
Messed-up house interiors & utilities after the parties & get togethers	Take account of your personals and store the valuables under proper respective storages/ places.	Take assistance of home cleaning agencies if the scale of work is more than what you personally or as a family can manage
Clogged and choked drain waste pipes of kitchen sinks and/or washroom basins	Put boiled water with vinegar as well as baking soda ash down the drainage. You may use readymade drain cleaning mild acids / reagents as well (with due care ofcourse)	If the sink/ basin drain pipes & main drains are too greasy to be opened with self-help, there is no other way than to see a professional plumber.
Stinking, soiled, choked, clogged sanitary-ware (lavatories, urinals, faucets, etc.)	Besides using the aforementioned reagents and boiling water, try making use of vacuum pressure pumps (in case available with you, and in case you can bear the agony of doing it yourself!).	In most of the cases where the problem is severe, a professional sewer man may only prove to be of use who shall visit your place with his gadgets and handy tools.
Soiled, blotted, dirty carpets, linen and furnishings	Rub mild cleaning reagent or mild mixture of baking soda and warm water and cleanse the hard spots. Blot up the excess moisture from the surface by placing an old towel or rug on the spot. Let the surface dry up. You may put some talcum powder also over it upon drying.	Hard stains, pet urination/ excreta, beverage/ food/ grease/ spillovers, etc. may need you to seek help of mobile/ shop drycleaners, and/or home cleaning agencies.
Broken, short-circuited, malfunctioning electrical sockets	To be true, most of common households should actually avoid indulging with broken electricals as some wrong move may result in an electrical shock or further complication in the circuits. Knowledgeable households can ofcourse mend the common problems on their own.	Seek services of a local electrician. many a home cleaning agencies also have electricians on board. Ensure that all the circuits, switchboards, sockets, connections and lights are checked for proper functioning.
De-erection, winding up & packing of festive lights, decorative props and similar things	The lightings put up along the fences, roofs, Christmas trees, etc. must be carefully de-erected and packed back. Easier ones and at lower heights can be managed by skillful households by themselves.	Services of a local electrician may be taken in case things are difficult to be managed by self.
Personal health and fitness related issues, fatigue, etc.	All of you know this is important. Take good care of yourself and the other members of the family post festive celebrations. Repeated intake of extra calories, compounding fatigue, lack of proper sleep are a few personal aspects that all households should take care of.	Visit spas, yoga centers, therapy & meditation classes, or whichever place where you may relax your body and mind. This shall unwind you, and is most essential to gear up for the days ahead :-)

With these common tips, BricksnMortar Edesk hereby wishes all the patrons, subscribers, RSS feed readers, visitors and everyone else connected to this blog a very happy, prosperous, blissful and merrily memorable new year 2012.

May all your dreams be bonded bricks-by-brick with the mortar of eternal love and togetherness. We shall look forward to be of more use to you in this new year and the times to come.

BRICKS-n-MORTAR.com Post title: Common household utility & services related problems encountered post festivities and Party Seasons
Pics source: free-clipart.net

From editors' desk-- Reg. our first ever Formal Newsletter via MailChimp platform

2011-12-14T19:39:00.001+05:30

Just a quick word from the BricksnMortar Edesk today to share another first of bricks-n-mortar.com blog.

We have sent our very first formal newsletter yesterday having started an association with one of the world wide web's best email marketing & networking platforms- The MailChimp.

While the Edesk kept on thinking for sometime as what should be the content of the first formal newsletter, it so happened by means of unplanned thread of events. We internally agreed on one point that whichever Edesk member would ready the content first on his/her chosen topic, would be welcomed by all, and the same shall be dispatched.

Ultimately, it was the brainchild of the youngest and newest member of our Edesk, Nyra, whose idea and content was uploaded. And we all actually liked the concept of her idea.

Her idea was first to address all those visitors and would-be patrons of ours who visit our blog at some point of time, and then like it; send us useful feedback and tell us they have subscribed to our updates (by means of Email subscription or RSS Feeds method). They follow the procedure what they are required to do by sending a request to us writing-in their email IDs. (For quick reference, the links for subscription are there on the top right side of the main body of the blog)

By this mean, we get their request immediately through either of our chosen Google's Feedburner or Feedblitz platforms. A procedural confirmation email from these platforms is sent to respective email IDs who have requested for subscription. But, ironically, these beautiful people forget to confirm their email IDs by way of the received confirmation email from our end; and end up not receiving the updates.

Nyra said, she got this idea after she ascertained the problem of a visitor who had somewhat angrily asked over our facebook handle why she was not receiving the updates despite having registered for the same! Upon pondering over the matter, she said she checked the details and found out that the person asking the question had not verified her credentials and email ID. And like this person, there were many on the list (62 in number to be very specific) who had requested for free subscription to our updates, but were not getting the same since they forgot/ missed/ ignored to verify their email IDs.

By means of our first formal newsletter, we have addressed to all such people who were listed as ones having requested for subscription, but had not verified the credentials. In case, YOU are also the one among them, and reading this post right here, ensure this very instance that you login to your respective (chosen) email ID; look for the confirmation email sent from us [ team(at)bricks-n-mortar(dot)com ]; and confirm following the simple click of the verification hyperlink. DO IT RIGHT NOW, please, so that your free subscription to updates is started immediately!

Others, who may like to see this Newsletter online to read it and check out its look and feel, may check it clicking here.

About changes in our web content layout; Approaching 1,00,000 Pageloads Landmark; and Yearly Giveaways!

2011-12-12T12:54:00.000+05:30

Netizens who might have visited our blog this past weekend must have observed a bit change in BRICKS-n-MORTAR.com 's content outlook on the live webspace.

The clutter on the top two folds of the blog has been simplified with only the essentials remaining there on the centre-to-right-sided content columns. By the way, for those who aren't aware of this tech jargon-- first fold of a website is meant to be the topmost portion of a webpage that is visible on the screen upon first click without having scrolled down to view rest of the content, and so on.

Visitors to our blog would now find it easy to view and surf through the popular and trending stuff of this blog. The stuff that would be visible in the said area would be:

Blog Feed, Subscription and prominent Social Media hyperlinks
Search bar | (an intrinsic one, and another google sourced)
Top 15 Liked, Linked & Shared Posts of BRICKS-n-MORTAR | Data Source: Google & respective Social Media Stats
Visitor Metrics Data showing Total Pageloads for this blog | Data Source: Google Stats (Automated data)
Top 10 Posts Receiving Highest Visitors and Pageviews | List Source: Google Stats (Automated data)
Facebook plugin for this blog

The current changes have been brought out as a result of an online survey on two of our noted social media links whereby we had asked our patrons, fans, followers, subscribers and visitors to vote for one of the four given options that in their opinion should be given more prominence on top folds so as to ultimately help blog visitors. The most voted choice, out of the given options, has now been incorporated duly obliging the patrons of this blog.

Furthermore, to end this very update post, BricksnMortar Edesk is pleased to share with all our readers & patrons that our blog is about to witness the landmark of 1,00,000 (a Hundred Thousand) Total Pageloads (as recorded & summarized by the automated data from 'Google Stats') sometime this week.

Although it is just another statistical landmark for our blog, yet it brings about the joy of enjoying continual support and patronage from you all-- our real audience for whom we love to write and bring out useful content. After all, the blog is all about the "endeavors that essentially yearn to encompass any common man's doubts & queries pertaining to Civil Engineering, Architecture, Home improvement, Lifestyle and allied fields."

So, did you also participate in the online survey that made us change the layout? If not, join us on Twitter and Facebook to remain abreast of the events as they happen. It might also make more difference than before as we are soon going to post about the yearly giveaways to the lucky few that may very well include a chance to win a discounted coveted trip to the "GIRI CAMP" located in the beautiful and mystical Himalayan sub-ranges by the sides of river Giri in the enchanting locales of Himachal Pradesh.
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QUICK NOTE:
Announcements to the yearly Giveaways would start commencing alongwith the aforementioned 1,00,000 Total Pageloads Landmark. Visit our blog; locate the 'Visitor Metrics Data showing Total Pageloads' that would soon turn to 1,00,000 benchmark (updated automatically by 'Google Stats') and keep checking out the details following soon thereafter on our blog and social media handles about the Yearly Giveaway Contests.

So keep tuned in. Should you like to take a look at the blog and check out the current pageload stats (which keep updating automatically with every single pageload from any part of the world), simply proceed by clicking here. You may also like to forward/share the information with your family and friends to spread the word about chance to participate in the upcoming Yearly Giveaway!
And, for all those reading this post and who are yet to subscribe, they may join us opting either the RSS feed mode or by Email subscription mode.

5 good reasons why choosing professional home cleaning & maintenance services is worth in today's scenario

2011-12-02T14:40:00.000+05:30

Yesterday's post here on this blog pondered upon the fact whether the common citizens would ever opt to hire professional home cleaning and maintenance agencies for getting his/her/their homes and dwellings professionally cleaned?

The idea for composing the said post came from a mailer that one of the 'BricksnMortar Edesk' members received on behalf of a leading general insurance company of India, ICICI Lombard, that perhaps seemed stressing on the benefits of utilizing the modern day professional home cleaning and maintenance agencies on account of health consciousness and time management. The reasoning extended in the mailer was good enough, and that is why we thought to share the idea with our readers as well.

Hereby, we are sharing the said mailer with you-- our esteemed readers too-- to know your point of view in this regard...

Cleaning your home periodically is one of the best ways in which you can maintain your home well. Unclean and badly managed houses tend to give way towards dust and hazardous organisms like termites. In this modern world where families tend to remain busy in their own personal lives, people often end up ignoring their homes. This is where a great solution can be found in a professional home cleaning service. Though many people would associate lethargy and high expenses with these services, it has many great advantages to offer.

Maintaining the balance in your family life, social life and home cleaning duties may be a difficult rope walk for you. In this situation, you can fulfill your home’s maintenance demands by hiring a cleaning services company that will clean up your place in an orderly fashion. You will be in a better position to focus on your work and care for your family once your home is taken care of.

If you are thinking of opting for a professional home cleaning company, here are the top 5 reasons why you should go for it:

It’s a time saver! Concentrating on your professional and personal life will be all the easier with a professional house cleaning service. With these premium services, you will find yourself with more free time that you can utilize to relax or go socializing with friends.
Show me the money! Professional cleaners could help you save your money. By spending some money, you will get skilled professionals who have the right know-how on keeping a house clean. This will surely save all the money you waste on buying useless cleaning products from the market that don’t really help in any way.
Day to day benefits! Cleaning the house routinely will be possible with professional cleaners. Compared to your domestic maid whose unannounced absence gets you irritated, cleaning professionals will be much more dependable.
Background clear! Doing a background check on your usual maids will be quite difficult and you wouldn’t want to hire someone doubtful. In case of professional cleaning services, the company conducts the necessary background checks on their workers saving you the grief and time.
Customized solutions! Finding a maid whose schedule matches your routine day is nearly impossible. This is where the flexible time offerings of cleaning services will have you impressed.

A badly managed house will definitely become a money pit in the end that cannot be handled even with a good home insurance plan. So, the best way to avoid this scenario is with a professional cleaning service that caters to all your home maintenance requirements brilliantly!

So, what do you think? Would you ever hire professional cleaning & maintenance agencies for you home?
Although it is well known that such services are quite common in the developed countries (due to shortage and/or expensive domestic helpers available) and in the office, institutional and commercial arena worldwide, yet we firmly believe the phenomenon has not totally become very popular with the common masses around the globe.

People still prefer to utilize their own efforts to clean their own dwellings, but the perception is likely to change especially in the developing countries, metro cities and larger townships where people are finding lesser and lesser time to spend on home and respective families due to changing lifestyle patterns, higher incomes due to both husband-wife being working professionals, enhanced quality of living, etc. etc.

Should you have any feedback, comment, observation on this topic, do send to us or publish as comment to this post. It would be nice to garner general feedback received from all of you.

Related previous post:
Would you ever hire professional cleaning & maintenance agencies for you home?

Would you ever hire professional cleaning & maintenance agencies for you home?

2011-12-01T14:50:00.001+05:30

Since almost eternity when the civilized communities and settlers established their colonies, villages and towns-- all of us pay the due attention towards cleaning and maintenance of our homes, dwellings, work places, institutions, public areas, et al. for the simple reason that the place we live, work, play or roam in, should be clean, beautiful and most importantly, hygienic.

Mothers and fathers and elders used to teach their children the importance of cleanliness and hygiene towards which the important lessons of house cleaning were a must besides whatever curriculum the kids used to follow in the schools. Cleaning of houses was as important as maintaining personal hygiene. People used to spend quality time cleaning the places daily, and especially before and during the important festivals and functions.

Home & workplace cleaning and maintenance remains one of the utmost important works still. The only major difference from then and now is that all and everyone seems short of time to carry out such activities. With both the parents going to work; added with the fact that families have gone more nuclear than ever before, taking out quality time for cleaning & maintenance activities have become astronomically difficult.

Source: inetgiant

Fly to present times, and consider the professional home cleaning and maintenance service providers, who offer professional services for all those dwellers who either find no time to clean their homes by themselves or are too laid-back and/or posh to carry out the needful. Professional cleaning agencies come to rescue of all such individuals. These agencies can be hired for regular day to day petty cleaning works or for one time paid job for cleaning of entire home and allied spaces.

While these agencies charge certain amount depending on various factors that we are not going to discuss here today, the very question that comes to our mind is that-- Given an opportunity would you ever hire professional home cleaning & maintenance agencies?

Ponder about this and send us your feedback/ answers what you think. In the meanwhile, we would post tomorrow here on this blog as what many a survey companies have found out regarding this topic. We would also share with you what one of the media communication received by us through a mailer is stating regarding "5 reasons on why to choose professional home cleaning services". Till then bye from our side.

Make your kitchen the heart of your home using modern kitchen doors

2011-11-23T14:15:00.000+05:30

A kitchen is not just the place for cooking and preparing meals it is often the place where one spends a lot of his/her time whether it be chatting with friends or sitting down for a solitary cup of tea. A kitchen can really be the hub of activity in a household. So having a kitchen that one feel comfortable with and at home is very important.

The phase of spacious modern and minimalistic interiors has become more popular for bachelor pads but for a family kitchen that has warmth and character going back to rustic roots with neutral colours are often more appealing than stainless steel, chrome and state of the art technology.

To make it feel as homely and special as possible, the best new way of doing so is to design the kitchen in a way that suits oneself.

For example, for a person who may like to enthuse a feel like being in a country cottage despite actually living in the heart of a busy metropolis city, the best way to design or remodel his/her kitchen is to have exposed beams and cute fabric patterns for the table and the curtains.

All said and done, it is also obviously important for one's kitchen to be intelligently functional and environment-friendly as well. Many a people, who though initially prefer the idea of using the real wood for making the kitchen utilities and storage elements, ultimately decide to use the modern kitchen doors made out of environment friendly engineered wood which not only maintain a plush wood effect but are also easier to clean besides being long lasting in terms of looks and age.

To sum it up-- Country, rustic, more romantic and French style kitchens have now become more preferable designs for family kitchens just like appliances such as ranges and Aga’s and antique pieces in a home are preferable to flat screens and pristine touch control hobs. One definitely would prefer reading the paper while sipping a steaming cup of his/her coffee in a tranquil cozy space rather than in a mere kitchen without personality.

[Q&A]: What are Oil Derricks in the Oil, Gas & Energy field? How can one source Derricks to start up a business?

2011-11-18T19:58:00.001+05:30

Received this query from Marc Wilson- a university student in Tennessee, United States of America- who has sent across his query primarily about Oil Derricks, their utility and allied questions like where do many small and big scale companies source these Oil Derricks from.

It somehow seems from Marc's query that he became interested to know more about this topic after he read an article recently about some fellow alumni who became an enterprising entrepreneur having set up a successful Oil Derricks hire and use business. We plainly are guessing, Marc, that you have started pursuing a similar dream in your ambitious eyes, isn't it? Anyways, our entire team wish you success in your endeavors. We would surely assist you in letting know more about Oil Derricks and their utility.

Q: What are Oil Derricks? What is their function in the Oil, Gas & Energy Sector? Does one need to invest exorbitant amount of money in procuring these equipment if one need to use it to start up a business?

BricksnMortar Edesk answers:

A: In simple terms, Oil Derricks are essentially the enabling equipment structures that function primarily as a combination of stationary cranes or lifting hoists and the oil rigs that drill pump out the oil & gas from deep within the earth's mantle.

In technical terms, Oil Derricks comprise of a sturdy structural framework (steel portal, tower, etc.) designed to hold an upright stationary shaft section together with a movable boom that is utilized to function vertically in repeated thrust-and-lift motion. It derives its name from Thomas Derrick, a British hangman during the Elizabethan era who invented a type of gallows using a movable beam and pulley system giving it much a resemblance to modern day Oil Derricks.

The function of an Oil Derrick can be understood well by visualizing a four legged tower, firmly stationed at the desired location of oil/gas under-bed, with a vertical and co-axial core drill and pump that is sequentially and repeatedly raised to higher heights centrally and then punched/ drilled into the earth's core slowly and steadily until it reaches the bed that is enriched with crude or gas. The structure of the Derrick performs like a fulcrum-lever utility and thereafter pulls & pumps back the crude or gas.

All of us know how important a commodity the crude and gas have become for the mankind. Umpteen resources are therefore required in the Oil, Gas and Energy sector across the globe wherever this fuel is available. Scores of countries, companies, manpower, plant & machinery are involved in this sector; but still the demand always and always outstrips the supply.

With countless options available for everyone interested in this field, innumerable enterprising people like your fellow alumni, and now possibly you, keep looking forward to knock the door of opportunity. One need the appropriate technical soundness of the field and functionalities together with confidence, will and guts to start up a successful venture of their own.

As you asked, ofcourse it requires substantial amounts of funds to own even a couple of Oil Derricks that one needs to push-start his/her/their venture. But, luckily, thanks to numerable companies and agencies present across the world that provide assistance and services to even hire/ rent/ lease the desired types and numbers of Oil Derricks and other related equipment/ setups. In fact, a quick search across the internet popped up useful results of websites and agencies that provide such services enabling one to hire/ lease/ purchase used and new Oil Derrick as well as other Oilfield equipment. You may explore one such e-marketplace offering such services that is in fact located in your very area of interest as well.

Last but not the least, we all again wish you success and luck in this endeavor of yours. Hope you would find the content and link useful that we are extending based on our meticulous desk-based research. Do share your ideas and experiences sometime.

Commonly Used Definitions & Terminologies in Property Bazaar / Real Estate Sector

2011-11-15T17:54:00.001+05:30

It seems the recent series of posts here on this blog-- pertaining to Property Circle Rates; e-Stamping; Stamp duty and Registration fee; etc.-- have struck a deeper note with our subscribers, readers and blog visitors.

Umpteen number of messages, tweets, facebook comments have been received by us since we published our last two posts sometime during last week with many a readers asking the meaning of certain terminologies that were used in the said blog posts.

Though we have answered most of the queries raised by our esteemed subscribers and readers individually, we think it to be prudent to summarize the same here in the form of a new post itself for the benefit of all.

The essential comments and queries were from those who had asked for the meanings and/or definitions of the usual terminologies used in the posts regarding Property Bazaar & Real estate sector.

Commonly Used Definitions & Terminologies in Real Estate Sector

"Property"

It can be termed synonymously for all those realty elements which essentially refers to property of any kind, whether movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, and includes any right or interest in such property.

As described in the website- LegalServicesIndia, some of the prevalent theories that are usually referred to for the purpose of understanding the concept of property are:

1. Historical Theory of Property
2. Labour Theory (Spencer)
3. Psychological Theory (Bentham)
4. Functional Theory ( Jenks, Laski)
5. Philosophical Theories–
(i) Property as a means to Ethnical Ends
(ii) Property as an End in itself

[PS: Check LegalServicesIndia's website for a detailed account on Property clicking here]

"Immovable Property"

It can be termed synonymously for all those realty elements which include land, buildings, hereditary allowances, rights to ways, lights, ferries, fisheries or any other benefit to arise out of land, and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth, but not standing timber, growing crops nor grass. [as per Indian Property Registration Act -1908, mentioned in Part-I (Preliminary section) of the same]

In simple words, Immovable Property is the property that has a fixed location and cannot be moved or transferred elsewhere. It can be built upon or affixed to the ground. Immovable property has a fixed address, determined by the jurisdiction where it is located.

By definition, immovable property is permanent, and it may include buildings, improvements and natural features. Immovable property does not normally include livestock, crops or botanical species including trees or hedges. [as per California Civil Code Section 658]

"Movable Property"

It includes standing timber, growing crops and grass, fruit upon and juice in trees, and property of every other description, except immovable property. [as per Indian Property Registration Act -1908, mentioned in Part-I (Preliminary section) of the same]

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Should you have any other query or doubt regarding these or other similar terminologies used in real estate jargon, do shoot your query to us. We would be glad to provide you the answers. :-)

What are Property CIRCLE RATES & What do they signify in terms of sale & purchase of immovable properties?

2011-11-09T20:50:00.001+05:30

This refers to at least a dozen of queries received from our readers pertaining to our previous post here on bricks-n-mortar.com (titled: "Delhi Government Moots Increasing Circle Rates again towards Sale & Purchase of Property in Delhi, India")

While all appreciated the piece of news that we had shared, the crux of the common question asked by some of our readers thereafter was:

WHAT ARE CIRCLE RATES & WHAT DO THEY SIGNIFY?

Explaining in simple layman terminology, CIRCLE RATE is the minimum designated valuation amount in terms of rate per unit plan area of the land, property, flat, etc. that can be termed as 'Saleable and Immovable Property'.

In other words, Circle Rates are the minimum rates per unit land or floor area that the respective Governments and/or Municipal Corporations/ Bodies fix for particular areas and localities based on various factors to list a few like--

Categorization of colonies in terms of importance of place and its locality, plushness,services & amenities available there and nearby
Demarcation through actual/pseudo boundaries and municipal limits in terms of population and/or status of people living there and nearby (reflecting the status index of living)
Cost of construction coupled with kind and type of aesthetics adopted in the respective areas (reflecting the average monetary worth of people living there and nearby)
Applicable 'Usage' factors (primarily reflecting whether the properties in such localities on an average are used for residential/ commercial/ social/ educational/ other purposes)
Depending upon whether the localities are primarily developed privately or by government/ semi-government/ public sector units
Demand/Supply ratio of land and the amenities the place offers to its inhabitants signifying the 'Market dynamics and trends' associated in terms of abundant availability and scarcity as compared to the demand for it. Higher the scarcity, higher the demand; and therefore, higher the cost associated to land per unit area (meaning higher circle rate of the area)

As such, one can easily comprehend by now that the Immovable Properties are usually registered by respective governments and local municipal bodies in terms of Circle Rates thereby defining the base rate per unit area for the respective sale & purchase of immovable properties, and in turn generating revenues for the government in terms of the preset Registration fee and Stamp duty that are calculated as a percentage of the registered price of a property.

A quick useful footnote here in the end...
The Circle Rates are the minimum rates per unit area for the respective areas below which officially no realty market deal is supposed to happen and be legalized. The actual property rates per unit area in the real world usually are higher than the benchmark circle rates, and that is how and where black money changes hands among the property sellers & buyers who tend to show lower valuations of the properties thereby trying to save the quantum of registration fee and stamp duty that one need to pay to the government.

Let all of us pledge not to use cheap tactics and gimmicks to show undervalued property transactions, whenever we enter into one, and pay the government its valid dues.
What do you say?
YES / NO / PERHAPS YES / PERHAPS NO / CAN'T SAY

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Related posts:
- Delhi Government Moots Increasing Circle Rates again towards Sale & Purchase of Property in Delhi, India
- MCD Property Tax | Online submission of MCD Property Tax | FAQs about MCD Property Tax

Delhi Government Moots Increasing Circle Rates again towards Sale & Purchase of Property in Delhi, India

2011-11-02T21:27:00.000+05:30

Aiming to tame the wild horse symbolizing the prevalent under-valuation of the land/ property prices in realty deals, the Delhi Government is going to increase the Property Circle Rates yet again within a short span of less than a calender year.

The primary aim of the Delhi Government is to ensure that the property bazaar deals involving sale-purchase of realty (involving land, flats, builder floors, independent houses, duplexes, rooftop penthouses, farm houses, commercial properties like shops, godowns, multiplexes, shopping arcades, business centers, banquet halls, party grounds, et al.) do not go entirely undervalued the way it is done presently wherein only a small portion of the actual transaction amount is done in white money, while major chunk of the deal is in black money in the form of cash. The state exchequer looses the registration tax money, stamp duty , etc. in such deals as this is paid on white money portion only.

As TOI puts it, "The move is likely to improve the health of state exchequer and mitigate 'flow of black money' in such transactions."

The Circle Rates were hiked last during February 2011 vide 'Notification No. F.l( 281)/Regn.Br./HQlDiv.Com./09/45' dated 04/Feb/2011 that was incorporated in Part-IV of the Delhi Gazette Extraordinary under the Revenue Department, Govt. of Delhi. The notification was then issued in the name of 'Lt. Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi'.

The previous hike in Circle Rates in February 2011 had fixed the Circle Rates for residential properties as:

Minimum rates for Residential Properties:

Category of Locality	Minimum Rate for Valuation (Rs. per sqm area)
A	86,000
B	68,200
C	54,600
D	43,600
E	36,800
F	32,200
G	27,400
H	13,800

The Delhi Cabinet on Monday gave its nod to further increase these Circle Rates to the tune of 15 to 250 percent for Sale and Purchase of property depending upon the respective property category.
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Readers may further surf through the following external weblinks that may be relating to this topic and helpful to readers in assimilating the entire facts/ information:
Read full post >>

Microsoft's futuristic visionary illustration aptly titled: 'Productivity Future Vision'

2011-10-29T17:30:00.000+05:30

Microsoft on 25 October 2011 launched their futuristic visionary illustration aptly titled: PRODUCTIVITY FUTURE VISION

In 5-10 years, how will people get things done at work, at home, and on the go?

Watch the concept video to get a glimpse of the future of productivity, then explore the stories and technology in more detail.

These are the opening lines on Microsoft Office's homepage for this futuristic offering under the aegis of its MSOffice platform.

The video, uploaded across all media including its homepage and YouTube to name a few, is available in all popular video formats including in high definition (HD). The video explores the facets of our lives in the near future when it would so very well be interwoven and synchronized with hi-tech amalgamation that living & thinking without technology's involvement in our modern lives would be difficult if not impossible.

The video showcases its enigmatic prowess of technology in every sphere of life through three characters- Ayla, Qin, and Shannon- whose life and day-to-day productivity cycle is shown to be immensely improved by use of future technology.getting seamlessly interwoven with our lives.

Check out the video and post your feedback in the comments section of this post as what you make of the video. Do let us know if it impressed you also immensely the way it appealed to us.

Check out related links:
- Microsoft's productivity future vision - Homepage
- Microsoft Office Labs - Future Vision Montage
Similar previous posts here at bricks-n-mortar.com:
- Google's SketchUp - 3-D models generating utility
- Plan, Design and Model your Home with FLOOR PLANNER web utility
- About Google LatLong blog

[Tips-n-Bits]: Cleaning of Wax left-overs & Oil Stains post Diwali Celebrations & Festivities

2011-10-28T09:26:00.001+05:30

Indians, South-East Asians and others all around the world celebrated the festival of lights- 'Deepawali' (also called 'Diwali') that represents victory of good over evil yesterday, i.e., 26 October 2011.

On occasion of Diwali-- which is an official national holiday in many a countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji-- people light up 'diyaas' (earthen or metallic eye-shaped oil-filled lamps), candles and electric lights primarily to mark the significance of triumph of good over evil following the mythological epic 'The Ramayana'.

Oil-filled Earthern Clay Lamps called 'DIYAAS'

However the day after the celebrations and festivities are over, the household cleaning process starts again. Removal of candle-wax-burns, diya oil-spills, etc. from the walls, floors, window sills, etc. becomes a priority as the stains that are resulted could very well damage the painted surfaces of the walls and the likes.

We provide our readers two quick tips for cleaning the wax spill-overs/ left-overs and diya oil stains from the floors, parapets and especially from the painted surfaces:

Cleaning of Candle Wax spill-overs/ left-overs

The wax or paraffin based products like the candles are usually lighted up and stuck with its own molten wax onto any kind of horizontal surface-- be it the floor, or the parapet top, or the window sill, etc. etc. While the candle burns, some of the molten wax, especially that at the bottom, remains there firmly stuck to the surface.If not removed sooner, they leave stains behind. Here are a few simple tips to remove such wax / paraffin based left-overs and stains:

Remove excess of the wax left-over surface slowly by any sharp edged tool, like- spatula/ knife/ painter's sheet, trowel, or any similar tool that has a sharp end surface. Inclined slow sweeps onto the wax left-over may help in loosening the otherwise hardened patch.
Once the excess of wax left-over been swiped-off, removal of the stubborn wax-stain becomes the next step. For this, take hold of a longish tool of iron/ steel/ alloy tool (especially having flatter end on one side and something to hold on on the other side) and heat its flatter/broader end on low temperature.
Once the iron tool becomes reasonably hotter, place an absorbing tissue paper or piece of thin absorbing cloth on the hot part of the tool and then slowly but steadily press the same against the wax end-patch.
This will help in melting of the wax end patch by the hotter tool, and thereafter absorbance of the inherent paraffin oil into the tissue. Repeat this step numerous times till the entire end deposit of wax/paraffin is melted and absorbed by the tissue paper.

Cleaning of Oil spill-overs from the Earthen Lamps (Diyaas)

Diyaas are usually lighted after filling them up with mustard oil and using a cotton based 'batti' (a twisted longish cotton wick). While the diyaas are providing flame-based lighting, the oil used as fuel usually drips down the diya surface in tiny droplets by a combination of capillary/ osmotic action (school science terms).

This results in leaving behind oil stains on the horizontal surfaces where the diyaas were placed. The stains if not removed/ wiped-off quickly may damage the painted surfaces. A few steps that could help removing such leftover oil stains are:
Read full post >>

'Namma Metro' | Bangalore Metro Train Service Starts Operations Today

2011-10-20T18:08:00.002+05:30

'Namma Metro' meaning 'Our Metro' in the native Kannada language of India's Information Technology (IT) super-hub city Bangalore start its operations today, the 20th day of October 2011, in the Byappanahalli to M.G. Road section under Phase-1 of the project.

With this, Bangalore (officially rechristened as Bangaluru now) has become the third Indian city to boast of its own Metro Train service (Tube/ Subway called elsewhere around the globe) after Kolkata (Calcutta) and Delhi.

'Namma Metro' is rightly being pitched as the perfect 'Deepawali Gift' to the Bangaloreans. Its bright colors and tech-savvy outlook will surely appeal to one and all. Looking at the success of Delhi Metro and now Bangalore Metro, other major Indian cities and towns may also see Metro train service becoming a reality sooner or later. Fact of the matter is also that the Metro Rail service is surely going to be one of the best platforms of 'rapid mass transport system'. The sooner the cities and their respective corporations plan for their own metro rail service, the better would be the prospects of their growth and citizen's benefit.

The scheduled dates for completion of the sections under Phase-1 of the Bangalore Metro project being:
Read full post >>

About eminent Indian Architect, Hafeez Contractor's authored 'HOUSING INDIA' on 'The Urban Planning' blog

2011-10-14T16:54:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, came across the online musings authored by one of India's finest architects - Architect Hafeez Contractor - on a blog titled: 'The Urban Vision'.

His post there on the aforementioned blog is intriguingly titled 'HOUSING INDIA' the opening section of which goes like this...
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The slums prevalent in many Indian cities are an evidence of the massive shortage of low cost housing. The census states that 42.6 million people lived in slums in 2001. This constitutes 15 per cent of the total urban population of the country and 22.6 per cent of the urban population of the states or union territories reporting slums.

Why the crisis?

The reason for this crisis is because India has not created housing in proportion to demand. We need to resolve this situation by two-ring strategy

Government subsidized Economically weaker section housing.
Drive the creation of Market drive affordable housing

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The blog post goes on deliberating upon the two key points that are termed as the possible reasons for the crisis that urban India faces. It presents therein interesting reading stuff that compels its readers to ponder upon the various facets and challenges that Urban Planning presents forth. Interested readers of our blog are suggested to go through 'The Urban Vision' blog and provide feedback as what is your opinion on the subject.

A quick note on the blog author (taken from the very same mentioned blog):

Architect Hafeez Contractor's FB link

Hafeez Contractor has a has a Graduate Diploma in architecture from Mumbai and a masters in Urban design from Columbia University, New York. He is a member of the Bombay Heritage Committee and New Delhi Lutyens Bungalow Zone Review Committee. His organization firm has over 350 employees including senior associates, architects, interior designers, draftsmen, civil engineering team and architectural support staff. His firm has till date conceptualized, designed and executed a wide range of architectural projects like bungalows; residential developments; hospitals; hotels; corporate offices; banking and financial institutions; commercial complexes; shopping malls; educational institutions; recreational and sports facilities; townships; airports; railway stations, urban planning and civic redevelopment projects.

[Readers' Query]: Is Rent Lease Agreement a Valid Address Proof (in India)?

2011-10-11T09:38:00.002+05:30

Received a query from Mr. Bharat Reddy in the comments section of one of our earlier posts titled: "What is E-Stamping | Legal Stamp Duty Online Submission ..." who asked...

Click to read more of Q&A

Recently I have entered into a rent agreement at Mumbai through e-stamping. I had
submitted the same as the address proof to my mobile service provider (Vodafone). I was shocked to hear from them that e-stamping is not valid under TRAI. They have asked me to submit any other document as address proof but I don't have any.

Could you please confirm if what they said is true. It would really be a great help to me if you could provide me a website link which could prove them wrong and prevent my account from getting deactivated.
Thank you

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BricksnMortar Edesk's reply...

Dear Mr. Bharat, a formal Registered Rent Agreement entered into with a landlord/ party/ entity is very much a valid address proof that should be acceptable to the telecom service providers here in India.

You may check the Vodafone India weblink also, and show it to the concerned personnel who seem to be ignorant of the requirements. In case you do not get any reprieve, call vodafone's centralized customer care there in Mumbai and report the matter to them.

For the ready reference of yours and our other readers who may find this information useful, we are reproducing herein below the generalized requirements towards validation of address and identity proofs, as stipulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and tabulated at the website of the said telecom operator too. These are:


Document	Note
Unregistered Lease and License Agreement on Rs100/- Stamp paper along with Police Verification Letter Certificate duly stamped and signed with Photograph	Clear Copy of the same - Expiry period should be within 2 months
Certificate from MLA/Class I Gazetted officer with photo.	Original Certificate acceptable
Water Bill (Not older than 3 months)	Generated in the last 3 months
Landline Bill (not more than 3 months old)-(MTNL, BSNL, TATA, RELIANCE, AIRTEL)	Bill should be in customer’s name for latest bill cycle (if bill is in the name of applicant’s Father/Mother/Spouse then the applicant's POI to be matched to establish relationship with that person. Bills only upto last 3 months to be considered valid inclusive of current month
Electricity Bill of a State owned company (not older than last 3 months)	Generated in the last 3 months
IT Assessment Order (last year only) with photograph(not necessary)	Only last year Assessment order valid
Rent / Lease & License/ Sales Agreement - Registered	Only Registered (in the requisite court of law)
For Foreign Nationals - Passport/ Visa: Local Reference Mandatory on Annexure F	Local reference to provide all supporting documents as proof and should not be a self declaration
Post Office Passbook with photograph of the applicant	With customer address and stamp of the Bank. Last Update Not older Than 3 Months
Passport copy of Spouse	Provided Relationship with Spouse is shown
House allotment Letter issued to Employee along with Company ID card of the Ltd Firm	From Private & Govt organisation with Residential address mentioned on it. Along with Company ID card only LTD companies
MOD Establishment - Certificate from Admin Officer	Address to be same as in CAF
Mahanagar Gas Bill ( Only Pipeline Gas)	Generated in the last 3 months
House Tax payment receipt/Purchase Deeds with applicant's address	Address to be same as in CAF. House or Flat Purchase deed without any time restriction
hop establishment certificate	Should be within Validity period
Credit Card Statement	Credit Card Statement Acceptable as POA (but, not older than last 3 months)
Vehicle Registration Certificate	Vehicle Registration Certificate With Address
Defence Personnel – Armed Forces :Canteen Card with photo & address	Can also be taken as POA if address is also mentioned on this
Exservice men ID card not having Ashoka Emblem	Clear Copy of the same
Income Tax PAN	Clear Copy of the same
Photo Credit Card/Photo Debit Card	Address to be same as in CAF
Tibetian/Napelese/Bhutanese citizens driving license issued by the local government with residence address	Driving license issued by the local government. For POA local address/reference is mandatory
International Driving License for POI or Signature proof	Along with Passport & Visa for Foreign National
Cast and Domicile Certificate with photo issued by State Govt. like Assam and other states	Cast and Domicile Certificate with photo issued by State Govt. like Assam and other states
Smart card issued by CSD, Defence / Paramilitary	Smart card issued by CSD, Defence / Paramilitary
Passport with photo & address	With customer address and photograph
Arms License with photo & address and if not expired	With customer address and photograph
Learner License with photo & address and if not expired	Must be Valid. Cant accept Expired
Driving License	With customer address and photograph not expired
Defence Personnel – Armed Forces: Dependent's Card valid for spouse / parents / children with Address	Can also be taken as POA if address is also mentioned on this
Bank employee ID cards with stamped photograph and address	Provided the bank name is in the bank list provided
Student ID Card with stamped photograph with address only for Government recognised Educational Institutes	Valid for Govt recognized College / Institution only* For details on POA please find the info given below regarding students
MOD Establishment - ID Card with photo & address	Address to be same as in CAF(MOD means Ministry of Defence)
Pensioner's Card	Pensioner's Card issued by Govt of India or Any of the Bank in the list provided. Photo and Address to be same as in CAF
Senior Citizen Card issued by the Govt with photo on it	Clear copy of the same
Photo ID Card by Govt/Statutory Authority/PSU with address /Parichay Patra by State Govt with photo	With customer address and stamped photograph
Election Commission Voter's ID Card	With customer address and photograph
Defence Personnel – Armed Forces; Certificate from (Group A-commissioned officers letterhead) Competent Unit Authority	Certificate from Competent Unit Authority mandatory as per Annexure B (Photocopy can be accepted)
College or Institute Certificate with photo (Govt recognised)	As per the Annexure (Photocopy also acceptable)
Certificate from Gram Panchayat with photo & address	Xerox copy of certificate to be accepted as per Annexure A
Caste Certificate with photograph with address	Issued by Government with seal and signature of Deputy Commissioner of the District/Town
Post Office Passbook with stamped photograph of the applicant	With customer address and photograph and stamp of the Postoffice
Current Passbook Bank	Current Passbook of any Schedule Bank acceptable as POA & POI if having photo. Passbook last update not older than 3 months
Freedom Fighter Card	Freedom Fighter Card is acceptable now as POI (if with photo) and as POA (if with Address)
Kisan Passbook	Kisan Passbook is acceptable now as POI (if with photo) and as POA (if with Address). Passbook last update not older than 3 months
CGHS / ECHS Card	CGHS / ECHS Card
Certificate of Photo Identity issued by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas)	Certificate of Photo Identity issued by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas)
Address card with photo issued by Dept of Posts, Govt. of India	Address card with photo issued by Dept of Posts, Govt. of India Within Validity Period
Current passbook of Post office/ any schedule Bank, having photo	Current passbook of Post office/ any schedule Bank, having photo. Last Update Not Older Than 3 Months

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