Beware of the Quacks and quick fix medical practitioners in Bangalore. Picture this!

Quacks are common sight in Bangalore roads, in India. This is a picture from Koramangala main road, on the way to Infant Jesus Church, as captured and send by PIE. See this:quacks-and-free-counselling-roadside

Do write in your comments and any valuable experiences, which would help other readers! 

Do you need a europe / schengen visa and have a passport with 10 year validity?

BANGALORE, India: If you have a passport valid for 20 years, you're no longer eligible for a Schengen visa, as per the information given in the vfs-germany.co.in/south, India. So, if you're planning to travel to any of the countries to which this visa gives you access, it's best to apply for a new passport right away. 

Most passengers who approached travel agencies for this visa were asked to reapply for a passport. Those travelling at short notice had it particularly tough as the reapplication procedure takes around 20 working days. People have to apply just like they would have for a new one. At the Mumbai Schengen visa website, the instruction is: `The passport must not be older than 10 years and needs to be valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of stay in the Schengen territory and needs to contain at least two empty pages' 

Other related information: 

Sneham.in article on Schengen VISA and states

How to claim your vehicle life tax refund and insurance claim, after accidents or full damage?

Bangalore, India: When a vehicle is fully damaged, owners can claim the remaining life tax paid for the vehicle from the transport department. 


Do you know that apart from claiming insurance for the damages, you could also claim the balance of your life tax paid. A recent TOI article gives the following:


It is a common practice to submit registration certificate (RC) book to the insurance company and claim money when a vehicle damaged in an accident is beyond repair and needs to hit the junkyard. 

Life tax on a vehicle is assessed on the presumption that a vehicle’s life span is 15 years. If a vehicle is damaged completely in an accident, then owners can claim refund of life tax for the number of years remaining from the 15-year timeframe, after deducting tax for the number of years it was in use on the road.


A valid instance:
In a recent judgment, the Karnataka Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum fined National Insurance Company to the tune of Rs 10,000 and directed it to settle the complainant’s insurance amount of Rs 4.55 lakh with 12% interest. The incident dates back to June 2008 when the car belonging to A M Srinivas of Yashila Healthcare Devices met with an accident. After assessing the damage to over Rs 4.55 lakh, the insurance company asked him to surrender the RC book as they wanted to sell the damaged vehicle as salvage. However, Srinivas refused to surrender the RC, saying the insurance company was free to sell the salvage, but he would be cancelling the RC and getting a refund of the tax. The company refused to settle the insurance and Srinivas approached the Consumer Forum, which ruled in his favour. 


LIST OF PUBLIC RELATION OFFICERS IN R.T.O OFFICES IN KARNATAKA STATE WITH TELEPHONE NO.

5 simple steps for Google Transit Maps to find your BMTC bus routes and Namma Metro feeder services

Bengaluru, India: 5 simple steps for Google Transit Maps to find your BMTC bus routes and Metro feeder services


Simply follow the STEPS below from sneham.in:
1. Go to Google Maps link: google.co.in/maps in your GPRS enabled mobile phone or internet enabled computer:
2. On left hand side of the webpage, Select "Get Directions" and Select Public Transport for BMTC Bus, feeder services etc.Other options are Drive, Walk, Metro.
3. Type in the start point (A) and destination point (B)
Example:

1. Type in start point (A) as "BMTC Bus depot". 
2. Then Google Maps shows several matching options. 
3. Select the one you want eg. Domlur or Jayanagar bus depot.  
4. Then, Type in destination point (B) as "BIAL" or "Bangalore International Airport"

4. IMPORTANT: Once you select the starting point (A) and destination point (B), select the Day and Time of your travel.
5. You can see the suggested timing and instructions for route for public transport in Bangalore, along with a detailed map, as given below.

Related search terms for more information:

• Google Transit Bangalore
• BMTC Bus Routes
• Bangalore City Map
• Bengaluru Public Transport Route Map
• Bengaluru International Airport BIAL Metro Tube Bus Routes
• Google Map Bangalore Walk Bus Service
• Google Map Bangalore BMRCL Metro Feeder Bus Service
• Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
• Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited

Related useful Sneham.in Articles

• bangalore-bus-routes-bmtc-bus-passes - Vayu, Vajra Volvo, Big 10 buses
• bangalore-city-taxi-phone-numbers-safe recommendations
• bmtc-bus-route-metro-transit-maps - Bengaluru Public transport made easy with Google Transit!

Hope this is useful. Do give your valuable comments, experiences or any updates, if you find this useful. It will help other needy passengers too! Do write in.

Google Transit and Maps BMTC Bus routes and feeder services in Bangalore - Useful Public Transport Directions to BIAL, Bus depots etc. in city

Bengaluru, India: As sneham.in had reported, finally, Google transit which is available and spread across 500 plus major cities across the world is operational in Bangalore (namma Bengaluru public transport with its BMTC bus service and BMRCL Metro goes truly a step ahead!).

Now, once you are in Bangalore or Bengaluru, you can easily findout the BMTC Bus routes, bus numbers, Metro feeder services to your travel destination!


What you need to do to get Public Transport Route Directions in your internet enabled Desktop PC/ Laptop computer or via your 2G GPRS /3G enabled mobile?

Simply follow the STEPS below from sneham.in:
1. Go to Google Maps link: google.co.in/maps in your GPRS enabled mobile phone or internet enabled computer:
2. On left hand side of the webpage, Select "Get Directions" and Select Public Transport for BMTC Bus, feeder services etc.

    Other options are Drive, Walk, Metro.

3. Type in the start point (A) and destination point (B) 
Example:

1. Type in start point (A) as "BMTC Bus depot". 
2. Then Google Maps shows several matching options. 
3. Select the one you want eg. Domlur or Jayanagar bus depot.  
4. Then, Type in destination point (B) as "BIAL" or "Bangalore International Airport"

4. IMPORTANT: Once you select the starting point (A) and destination point (B), select the Day and Time of your travel.
5. You can see the suggested timing and instructions for route for public transport in Bangalore, along with a detailed map, as given below.

Enjoy!

sneham.in gives links of  few example Google Transit routes below, for your better understanding and usage:

1. Google Transit Map for BIAL Bangalore Airport to International Tech Park, Whitefield Bengaluru
2. Google Transit Map for BIAL Bangalore Airport to Rangashankara Theatre, JP Nagar, Bengaluru
3. BMTC Satellite Bus Stop / Depot, Shantinagar to Indiranagar 100 feet road, Post Office, 13th main, HAL II stage, Bengaluru 
4. Google Transit Map for BIAL Bangalore Airport to Electronic City, Bengaluru

Related search terms for more information:

• Google Transit Bangalore
• BMTC Bus Routes
• Bangalore City Map
• Bengaluru Public Transport Route Map
• Bengaluru International Airport BIAL Metro Tube Bus Routes
• Google Map Bangalore Walk Bus Service
• Google Map Bangalore BMRCL Metro Feeder Bus Service
• Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
• Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited

Related useful Sneham.in Articles

• bangalore-bus-routes-bmtc-bus-passes - Vayu, Vajra Volvo, Big 10 buses
• bangalore-city-taxi-phone-numbers-safe recommendations

Hope this is useful. Do give your valuable comments, experiences or any updates, if you find this useful. It will help other needy passengers too! Do write in.

Restaurants in Indiranagar - Recommended Fine Dining, Family Budget and Children friendly

Recommended  Moderate-Expensive Family Fine Dining Restaurants in Indiranagar:
1.Sunnys (fine dining, continental)

2.Mainland china, 100 ft road
3.Mugen, 100 ft road (thai)

4.100 feet, 100 feet road (fine dining continental)

5.Barbeque Nation buffet, 100 ft road

Meets:

-serves alcohol, wine
-fine dining , formal and office hosting
-variety cuisines
-Family and kid friendly 

Recommended Family and Kid friendly restaurants and cafes, on Moderate Budget in Indiranagar

1.Herbs & Spices, Address: 39, 80 Feet Road, HAL 3rd Stage, Bangalore- 560075

2.La Vigna, 32, World Cuisine Network, 80 Feet Road, 12th Main Junction, Hal 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore 

3. Indijoe, Any restaurant in RMZ Infinity, Old Madras road

4.Grill zone Ulsoor/MGRoad

5. Sue Food Palace, Sri Krishna Temple Road, Indiranagar (near to UM Cars/ Nilgiris) next to CMH Road

6. Pizza Hut /KFC /Mc Donalds, CMH Road, Indiranagar

7. South Indies, 100 feet road, Indiranagar

8.Barbeque Nation buffet, 100 ft road

9. Cafe Schorlemmer, Max Mueller Bhavan, #716 CMH Rd, Indiranagar

10.Coastal cuisine, 80 ft road

11.Beijing Bites, Jeevan Bhimanagar
12.Kayal Kerala Restaurant, Jeevan Bhimanagar (no parking)
13.Empire, 80 ft road

Harley Davidson India Dealership, now in Bangalore Lavelle Road

Tusker Harley-Davidson is one of the fifth Harley-Davidson’s fifth dealership started in India. It is situated at Lavelle Road, is state of the art brand and bike experience.


Address: Tusker Harley-Davidson, 55/2, Lavelle Road, Bangalore -560 001

Harley-Davidson India  inaugurated its dealership in Bangalore on Thursday November 18,2010. Tusker Harley-Davidson, the one of the fifth dealerships of Harley-Davidson India.

Across the world, Harley-Davidson dealerships are havens for all who seek to experience and share the joys of leisure riding. Tusker Harley-Davidson is designed to provide a world-class customer experience to all Harley customers and aficionados across the region. This could usher in a new era of motorcycling in Bangalore, according to expectation of senior officials of Harley-Davidson India.

The dealership will offer the entire 2010 Harley-Davidson India line-up of 12 motorcycle models, in addition to authentic Harley-Davidson riding gear, apparel, and merchandise. Harley owners will also be able to choose from a wide range of parts and accessories to customize their bikes.

Relevant Links:
Harley Davidson Bikes in India - Articles featured in Sneham.in
harley-davidson-vrod-vrscdx-night-rod
harley-davidson-touring-flhx-street
harley-davidson-touring-flhr-road-king
harley-davidson-cvo-flhtcuse-ultra
harley-davidson-883r-roadster-in-india
harley-davidson-xl-1200n-nighster
harley-davidson-883l-sportster-motorcycle

BSNL Broadband Customer Service Centers in Bangalore more responsive

BSNL Customer Service Centers (CSCs) which is open on all seven days from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM is very effective. For BSNL Broadband  you can call 1800-424-1600 (toll-free) and register your complain.

They normally resolve the issue on the same day (in my case they came home at 6:00 in the evening to resolve the issue).  Its better then calling the BSNL office.

Bangalore Manchester United (ManU) cafe sports bar and restaurant opens in Koramangala

Manchester United (ManU) restuarant opens in Bangalore, Koramangala by October 2010. For football / soccer freaks, you get to watch the sporting events in international feel.
This will be Manchester United Food and Beverage's (MUFB) first outlet in south India. It would be a  20 seater upscale restuarant, which will take you to the atmosphere at the Old Trafford, the home of English Premier League (EPL) club. The restuarant will have giant screens telecasting soccer games and other sportign events, like cricket. A dug out, raised above the ground level to give an elevated view of the gamme; a sky box for luxurious seating; a Wall of Fame showcasing signed football jerseys of some of the greatest players and memoralia of legends, island Bar and domes shaped like a football, stamped with Manchester United's logo, the Red Devil.

World cuisine, favoured by the players of the EPL during their practice sessions would be on offer. While the cafe will serve premium coffee, the bar attached will have some of the finest global drinks on offer.


Business Investment: MUFB entered India in 2010 and has restuarants in Mumbai and Gurgaon.Based on a TOI report, the company plans 20 more cafes and some 3 restuarants by 2011 through the franchise route. In Bangalore, SYRA Partners and Sports Connoisseurs will be the franchise for ManU. While a 3,000 sqft cafe format will involve an investment of about Rs 2 crore, a 10,000 sqft signature restuarant like the one to comeup in Bangalore will require about Rs.4 crore.


Related search:

• manchester united bar bangalore
• manchester united restaurant bangalore
• manchester united cafe bangalore opening date
• manchester united restaurant bar bangalore

Related articles of interest:

3D IPL cricket in Bangalore pub screens and in theatres

Official Manchester United Cafe gallery

The Bat and Ball Inn, Bangalore by cricketers S Sreesanth, Robin Uthappa et al.

Jayanagar 4th block TTMC - first park and ride facility from BMTC in Bangalore

Jayanagar 4th block in Bangalore has a TTMC (Traffic and Transit Management Centre) built at a cost of Rs.12.9 crore.This was inaugurated in august 2010 by Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa.


The idea of the TTMC, was to get people to park their vehicles here and travel around the city by public transport. This is equivalent to the concept of P+R (Park and Ride) stations close to metro stations in europe.


In Jayanagar TTMC, however parking is easier said than done. The parking lot here can accomodate 60 cars and 150 two wheelers - is located on the roof of the building and people are currently reluctant to use it because BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport corporation) which owns TTMC has not provided lifts yet.


The cost of parking at the Jayanagar TTMC is Rs.8 for a minimum of two hours for two-wheelers and Rs.10 for four wheelers.

Bangalore BMTC's TTMC at Kengeri costed 40 crores, under JNURM. 10 more TTMCs to come!

The Traffic and Transit Management Centre(TTMC) of BMTC was built at a cost of Rs 40 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM). The TTMC’s objective is to provide an integrated transport facility with adequate amenities and conveniences to cater to the requirements of all user groups and reduce congestion of main roads through efficient traffic movement, among others. 

TTMCs are coming up in different locations of the city - Shantinagar, Koramangala, Whitefield, Vijayanagar, Banashankari, Yeshwantpur, Domlur and Bannerghatta and all of them are nearing completion, BMTC officials said. 10 TTMCs will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 479.6 crore. The Kengeri TTMC cost Rs 40 crore. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had inaugurated the TTMC in Jayanagar last September.

Citing the plans to build a Rs 1,400 crore mega main bus-stand in Bangalore under public-private-partnership model, Karnataka Transport Minister Mr R Ashoka said at the inauguration of the Traffic and Transit Management Centre (TTMC) in Kengeri, that around 7-8 companies had shown interest for the bus stand project, which will be built on a PPP(public private partnership) model. He said once the project was realised, Bangalore bus stand would be at par with international bus stands.

Transport minister said Volvo buses deployed by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) in routes such as airport and IT sector hubs in the city are making profits, rejecting the perception in some quarters that it’s financially unviable. The Government planned to press into service Mercedes Benz bus coaches in the Bangalore-Mysore route.

Union Minister for Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy inaugurated the TTMC. Mr Reddy said under JNURM, the Union Government has sanctioned Rs 58,000 crore in the last four-and-half-years, while civic bodies and various state Governments have put in matching funds (Rs 58,000 crore) for urban projects. 

Reddy announced that the Centre would release Rs 11,600 crore towards the escalated cost for Namma Metro project.

Bharti Airtel landline or broadband - customer care numbers in Bangalore

Bharti Airtel broadband customer care number is 08041112345. If you are calling from your own landline or mobile phone, then just dial 121.

NDNC Registry: Donot call registry to avoid spams on mobile and landline

A Mobile or landline subscriber who does not wish to receive telemarketing calls, can request their telephone number be included in the NDNC Registry. Such request are sent through their telecom service providers which will be stored in National Do Not Call Registry.Subscribers can make a Do Not Call requests via Letter, phone, SMS or on-line.

The telephone number "1909" is designated for registering your request in the National Do Not Call Registry. Registrations can be done either by calling or sending SMS with keywords "START DND" to "1909". Telephone calls/SMSs to this number are FREE of cost. The telecom service provider will acknowledge the request within ten days. Requests will become effective in 45 days from the date of request.

Read the details in: http://mobile.sneham.in/2010/06/mobile-and-landline-phone-national.html

If you dont register here, you cant complain anyway!

3D IPL cricket in Bangalore pub screens and in theatres

Watch the IPL in 3D screens, with high definition 3D live feed

• Geoffrey's A British Pub, Royal Orchid Hotels, Old Airport Road, Bangalore . Reservations, call phone:+91 99801 17233
• Firangi Paani, The English Spirit, Forum Mall, Koramangala (Royal Challenege Cricket Nights - game4life) : +91 80 22067878

You can also watch IPL in youtube: YouTube.com/IPL 


If you are going to watch the IPL match in the stadium, I recommend taking the Rs.2750/ range of tickets(IPL3 2010 Bangalore matches), as food and water is free, very less/little Queue when you enter teh stadium, Good crowd and a closer view, Celebrities, Page3, Film stars, commentators liek Gavaskar and other cricketing officials sitting closeby!   

Venomous snake bite? Check for a hospital with Antivenom in Bangalore after First Aid!

At least 80% of the snake bites occur when people try to kill or catch a snake, just 20% are accidents. Approximately 75,000 die of snakebites in the world and India contributes to 40% of these(~30,000/ year)


First Aid/How are snake bites treated?

• Keep the person calm and seated.
• Incase of a bite, rush to the nearest hospital, AFTER ENSURING anti-snake venom serum is available there. TIME IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE!
• Call for emergency assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a snake. Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While waiting for emergency assistance:
• Wash the bite with soap and water
• Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart
• Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort
• Monitor vital signs
• If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes:
• Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be loose enough to slip a finger under it.
• A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.
• Most often, physicians use antivenin -- an antidote to snake venom -- to treat serious snake bites. Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.

Other Dos

• Identifying a bite as a snakebite is vital. In most cases, a snakebite is not just two dots as shown in the movies, it is more like small scratches. The fangs point inwards, and when bitten the first tendency of a person is to withdraw that part of the body and that leaves scratches. Russell’s vipers leave puncture marks
• Call the snake rescuer closest to your area
• Call a hospital before you move the patient and first to enquire if they have the Anti Snake Venom Serum (ASVS), then take the bite victim there
• Remove bangles, wrist-watch or any jewellery from the limb
• Remove any tight clothing from the bitten area
• The available polyvalent ASVS works for all 4 types of venomous snakes found in Bangalore, so there is no need to panic!

Don't

• Donot cut the wound, donot try to suck the venom out
• Donot give any pain killers or alcohol
• Donot call local inexperienced snake catchers for snake rescue. You can call them for help, till official snake rescuers come!
• Don’t panic, one person should take charge of the situation and reassure the patient 
• Don’t try to catch the snake on your own 

Snake Rescue in Bangalore

1. Mohammed Anees : Frazer Town, Bangalore-560005: +91-9844037424 or +91-80-5487424
2. Snake Rescue & Snake tools: Old No.11,New No.20,1st Flr, 12th Crs,Swimming Pool Extn, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560003: +(91)-(80)-66508446
3. Karuna Animal Shelter : Hebbal, Bangalore-560024 : 
4. JustDial:(Phone yellowpages): +91 - 6999 9999

Hospitals

• Manipal Hospital 2526 8901 / 2526 6646
• Chinmaya Mission Hospital 2528 0461 
• Sagar Apollo Hospital 2653 6700 / 2653 6701
• Lakeside Hospital 2536 0823 / 2536 6723
• Mallya Hospital 2227 7997 / 2227 7979
• Bangalore Hospital 2656 2753 / 2656 5494
• St. John's Medical college & Hospital 2553 0724 / 2206 5000
• St.Martha's Hospital 2227 5081 / 2227 5082
• St. Philomena's Hospital 2557 7046 / 2557 7047
• Wockhardt Hospital & Heart Institute 2226 1037 / 2228 1146

Prevention /Preventing snake bites:

Snakes come into the house through broken drain covers, open sumps, damaged sewage and water pipes, open windows and crevices under the doors. Sometimes clothes piled on the bathroom floor or several buckets or vessels on the floor are also a good hiding place for them.

• Encourage the vets in your area to store anti-venom. 
• Get rid of thick vegetation near the main door of the house and trim plants regularly, enabling a clear view of ground area.
• Ensure that the drains, sumps, wells and pipes are well sealed and not defective

Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake. These include:

• Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
• Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
• Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.
• Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

After your duties, trust in God and be calm! :)

Fire Emergency: what you should do? Remember the carlton centre fire tragedy in Bangalore

In case of Fire, what You should do?

• Stay Calm
• Cover your nose and mouth with a wet, clean cloth to prevent smoke inhalation injury and choking
• In case of burns, cover the injury to prevent infections
• Consume fluids as burns can lead to dehydration
• Get used to the Fire Exits in your buildings, apartments
• Move towards the exit slowly, as you inhale smoke faster when you run
• Help people along. Keep a head count to ensure that nobody is left behind during emergency

what You should Not do?

• Never jump off from heights. The sort of trampolines needed to jump off tall buildings maynot be available. It is never an option as it will mean certain death. It is better to remain calm and wait for the rescuers
• Never attempt to climb down the side of a tall building. You are not trained for it
• Use the lift as the power will be turned off or could fail anytime

what the building maintenance / owners association should do?

• Planning mock drill at regular intervals to create awareness on procedures to be followed in times of an evacuation
• Constantly updating fire safety equipment to include advanced gadgets
• Installing glow signs and painting arrows on exit doors to guide people out of the building during emergency
• Inviting experts to conduct workshops on fire fighting and evacuation of occupants
• Upgrading maintenance of facilities
• Never allow illegal constructions which block fire exits and inspect regularly to keep the stairways uncluttered
• Provide oxygen masks in higher floors to help people with respiratory issues, incase of a fire

Have a safe stay!

Loan documents needed to construct a site / villa? Bangalore or in India

A bank appoints a technical officer to evaluate a home loan application. The technical officer starts off by verifying the original documents, title certificates, clearance certificates, guarantees, security documents, income certificates, address proof etc. Further, all the furnished information is cross checked with the records and documents submitted. Each bank, like nationalized or private banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC, IDBI, Canara Bank, PNB, SIB, Federal Bank, SCB, Citibank etc may have different criteria. As such, the required documents differ from cases to case depending on many factors.

1. Documents needed when building a house:
2. Layout plan of the site
3. Allotment letter from appropriate authority
4. Approved building plan
5. No Encumbrance Certificate from appropriate authority
6. Commencement certificate
7. A detailed estimate of cost of construction and phases of construction
8. No objection certificate to mortgage the property
9. Identity proofs
10. Property tax paid proofs

Have a happy time!

Just Books - Book Rental library in Bangalore (Indiranagar, JP Nagar, Whitefield, Sarjapur Jn)

Just Books is a new generation books library in Bangalore that provides a unique reading experience to book lovers with a wide range of books for every type of reader - Toddlers to Teens, Dabblers to Bookworms under a modern, vibrant ambience with effective use of technology.

If you are an existing member of Just Books and enjoy visiting the library in person, this registration will provide an additional service. You will now be able to browse and queue your favourite books on the Web before your visits to the library. While at the library, you can see the queued books with availability status & location at your favorite kiosk. Members can add the books to the queue, request for door delivery.

Note: that they dont have technical and academics book in storage - i think, since they allow members to keep the books for a relaxed time, without any fine.

Memberships plans are as follows:

• Basic Plan - 2 books at a time (approx 150 per month)
• Basic Plan with magazine (approx 175 per month)
• Regular Plan - 3 books at a time (approx 200 per month)
• Regular Plan with magazine - (approx 225 per month)
• AVID reader plan - 4 books at a time (approx.3000/year. FREE door delivery <7kms radius)
• AVID reader plan with 2 magazines - (approx.3500/year. FREE door delivery <7kms radius)

Timings: 10.00AM to 9.00 PM , MONDAY holiday!

Locations:

• Indiranagar -12th main road
• JPNagar - Puttenahalli main road
• Whitefield - Tubarahalli, Varthur road
• Sarjapur Junction - Shobha main road, Green Glen Layout

Verdict: Excellent and recommended. Do check it out in the internet or nearby store.

Life Line's TENDER CHICKEN - Best place to buy clean, healthy halal cut Chicken, in Bangalore, as you buy it abroad.

Pure vegetarians, pardon me. For other initiated non-vegetarian Bangaloreans, what is your average experience in going to buy chicken in Bangalore - in local chicken stalls, super markets, cold storages or directly from farms. Whatever may be your experience so far, be pleasantly surprised when you enter and buy from the new outlets of "Life Line's TENDER Chicken".

Very clean store and ambience, halal cut meat and fresh stock arrives everyday by 8a.m. They will chop the meat into sizes you specify in seconds with the machine.

You can get skin or skin out chicken, whole leg, drumstick,fillet, lollipop standard size pieces. Also, you can buy Chicken mince, winglets, gizzard,liver, janatha chicken, pet feast apart from the different best in class masala sachets on shelf.

Working Hours: 8.00a.m - 9.00p.m

Lifeline's TENDER chicken outlets currently opened are:

• Indiranagar - New Thippasandra main road. Phone: +91 80 25216989
• Frazer Town - Budh Vihar road. Phone: +91 80 25806036
• Hennur - Swayamwara Kalyana Mantap Complex, Hennur Cross road
• Kammanahalli - Nehru road, Kullappa Circle. Phone: +91 80 25422773
• Ramamurthynagar - 8th main, TC Palya Road, Hoysalanagar. Phone: +91 80 41737637
• R.T.Nagar - #1, Ganesha block, Dinnur Main Road.
• Ganganagar - #20, Near 108 B Bus stop, 1 st main. Phone: +91 80 23433905
• Chickamagalur - NEar Market, KM Road. Phone: +91 8262 228596 / 7

Enjoyable buying experience, Perfect machine cut pieces, Halal cut, hygienically reared and processed as claimed in pictures, no offal , no waste and only meat isavailable.I recommend these stores, as convinced and experienced of consistent cleanliness, hygiene and quality.

You can also buy quality meat products from: New Frosties Coldstorage:

• Sri Krishna Temple road, Indiranagar,Bangalore - our age old favourite for all meat and fish needs.Phone: 25283024
• Toobara Halli, Varthur Main Road, Whitefield, Bangalore:Phone:  080 28525566/28525577 Mobile:  9886080656 , 9886080611
  

Note: Please be aware that the author have no business interests in any of the above listed services. Just sharing with you afrom my consistently good experiences.

Best garden landscaping services in Bangalore - home, farmhouse, office, parks or big gardens

Bangalore is known as Garden City and true to its heritage spots many beautiful landscaped gardens.

What if you need to find a trustworthy, cheap and best garden landscpaing service providers in Bangalore city or outskirts for your home, office or famhouse?

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden horticulture services: +91 80 26576733
• The Bodhi Tree,282, 1st main, Defence colony, Indiranagar, Bangalore (private)
  
• Indo-American Hybrid Seeds: +91 80 26760111
• Exotica garden landscaping services, Uttarahalli (private): +91 9448955860

Indo-American Hybrid Seeds wil lgive you services like Greenhouse cnstruction, Seed testing etc if you already have a gardener in place.You could also purchase tools like secateurs, sprinklers, lawn movers, cutters, ceramic, plastic and terracotta pots from here.

Private firms like Exotica offer services like landscaping, garden development and maintenance, horticulture consultancy and development of farms.The Bodhi Tree provides architecture, interior desgning and landscaping services.

Here is a good reference site, if you are interested and have ideas t odevelop in garden landscaping: myidealgarden.com

Have a beautiful lanscape and once you have it please do share your comments and experience! 

How to select the right school for your child? State syllabus or ICSE or CBSE,...

Remember every child doesnot need the same care, facilities and support.So, be aware and choose your child's school, syllabus and environment accordingly.

1. Syllabus - ICSE or CBSE or IB. Rather than your strong opinions, see how suitable it will be for your child, how it helps children to fare in competitive exams in future.

2. School environment, teachers, admission procedures, kind of children/peers who study in the school, their cultural and  monetary backgrounds - all these matters in framing your children's attitude and personality.Be careful about this.

3. Talk to school going children's parents, how a typical school day goes, before you take admission.

4. Parents normally engage their children on different coaching and training classes for dance, tennis, badminton, cricket, other sports etc. This should take care, if your school does not have enough space for sports and would have their focus on academics. Check this anyway and how it suits you.

5. For any franchisee playschools, teachers and principal/franchisee pedigree and commitment should be the criteria , rather than just the chain name like eurokids, zeekids etc. Do personally visit, talk to few parents, how a typical school day goes before you take admission.

6. Incase of relocation, check more about each of the school shortlisted by you, before you come to Bangalore itself, in the net.(Use specific search in google with their name)

7. Take appointment and see the principal personally by J&R and check for any vacancies.

8. In case of transfer, get a good school leaving certificate and reference from current school, assuming you would have to seek readmission there later if needed :)

9. Parent Teacher Association(PTA) may not exist in some schools, but normally it doesnot matter if professionally run. Do check this anyway.

10. Some schools, have heavy advertisements but their school buses are not disciplined and mostly would reach school after the school starts. Be warned of such schools! Check this factor too!

11. Some other schools, as heard from parents and read from internet that they take money but generally give receipts much later. Be warned and sort this out with other parents.

12. In some schools, where so many people throng the school and receptionist for admissions, they might come across sometimes rude to you! Never mind - be prepared and aware of the same! :)

Happy go lucky! Best wishes!

Please do write in your comments and share your opinion, suggestion and useful experiences with other readers!

Top tips to get preferred school admission for your child

You have researched and found a suitable school for your child's abilities and now how to ensure admission for your child? Few guidance and tips from experience for successful admissions for self, colleagues and friends:

1. Ensure that your preferred school is not by hearsay but well researched.Look for schools with focus on education, facilities to nurture talent, good and experienced teachers, effective administration and well paid staff.

2. Getting a right and reputed playschool close to the preferred school matters a lot. Check the effectiveness by verifying the list of playschool's alumni who got admission into your preferred school.Do get this school's certificate and seal.And submit this along with your application form.

3. In case of school transfer, get a good school leaving certificate and reference from current school. It will also help  you to seek readmission there later if needed.

4. Attach a good photograph of your child, even if not asked for in the application form.

5.Find a best way to mention if your child's sibling or close relatives are alumni or studying or working or associated with the school. Also, do mention the academic background and designation of parents in the application form. 

6.Staying very close to the preferred school and mentioning that address in application form matters a lot.Also let the powerful 'receptionist' know about it. If your house is far, consider moving to a rented facility very close to the school.This would help your children anyway!

7. Do personally visit the school several times, enquiring and keeping a watch on admission procedures and dates.Also this will help to get your face familiar to the receptionist, who in many schools would have key roles.

8. Do take an appointment and see the principal personally with the children and parents together. Appriase of your situation and check for any vacancies and possibilities for admission. 

9. In some schools, where so many people throng the school, principal and the receptionist for admissions, they might come across sometimes rude to you! Never mind - be prepared and aware of the same! :)

10. Talk to the school going children's parents and find out what extra things would help you. Go in the morning time to school, where parents comes to drop their children or when they come and wait to pickup their children. This will give you information on any entrance examinations, interviews, contacts and other essential information needed for the admission.

Good luck!

If you liked this, do share it and write in your comments.

How to select a best international school suitable for your child

Relocating to a foreign country as an expat? Or you have come back from a foreign country where you child had international schooling and look for the same in your own country? Or simply, you want your children to have the best global education and facilities and hence looking for an international school? Here are few tips from my experience on getting admission in one of the best international schools for my children, during an on job relocation, sponsored by the company.


International schools are private schools that generally follow a curriculum that is international like IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) or IB(International Baccalaureate).You will find international schools that admit children who are native (would be from wealthiest families who could afford the fees) with a good international mixture of students. Your child will possibly be going to school with students from all over the world and this can be a great learning experience for them in terms of being exposed to other cultures and learning how to get along with different people.

Generally, kindergarten to grade 12 are taught at the international schools and extracurricular activities are encouraged just as they probably are at your child’s current school. In most schools, English is the primary language spoken and used as a teaching medium.Not all children need the same things so it is really important to find the best fit for your child.

Here are a list of things to study and verify  with respect to the international school for your child:

1.Ask for a list of alumni from the school.

An easy question to ask and this reveals much of information about the track record and history of school.

2.How is the attrition of teachers in the school?

Find this from other parents and teachers in the school

3.Is the school accredited and licensed, with a good service experience? 

4.What calendar year, the school follow - U.S. or Indian or European school year?

5.Ask to see the academic and cultural backgrounds of  the teachers in the school?

6.What kind of standardized tests are there to gauge academic progress, in line with their native education system?

Does the school have a way to measure student achievement and is it communicated to parents? Standardized tests, within the grades, are not the end-all of instruction: You should know what your child understands and can do, beyond the taking of tests, so a portfolio including your child's work, in secondary as well as elementary and middle grades, is an important part of assessment.

7.Will transportation be provided by the school for your child? 

8.What extracurricular activities are facilitated by the school?

9.What are the classrooms like - air conditioned?

10.Check out the various facilities on the campus like gym, play area, cafeteria, etc.

Is the school physically attractive, the buildings and grounds clean, neat and well lighted? 

11.What quality of food is available in the cafeteria?

12.What kind of Parent-Teacher interaction and meetings are  there?

13.How does the school help your child adjust to his/her new environment?

14.What is the students to teacher ratio?

15.Does the school offer any options or camps for the summer?

16.Do you get to do any voluntary work or even a paid job in the school?

This will help you to spend your time effectively when you need to go and pick up your children or help you to be occupied and close to your kids. 

17. MOST importantly,do think about the possible schools and colleges your children might get admission, when you are back to your native place, after the relocation.

I had seen many colleagues and friends in India who went abroad, got their children one to three years of international education and when they came back didnot get admission in reputed schools as they couldnot pass Hindi.Finally they end up compromising on some schools which took them or ended up paying a fortune by sending them to some 'affordable' International schools available.

18.How is the school administration and management? What is their reputation?

19.How is the school fees structured? How do they justify the fees and charges? 

20.Are there high standards for your child and all students in the school? Does the school provide the support that children need to succeed? Are there Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs offered? Is there any scholarships or assistance programs?

Teachers must be well prepared to provide that support; this includes ongoing staff development and access to the physical resources necessary to meet the needs of all students.

Best Wishes!Hope this compilation is useful.

Do write in your comments as it will help other readers too.

Looking for the best international schools in Bangalore, India? See details here:bangalore.sneham.in-top-international-igcse-ib-residential