Real Estate MIT established

MIT Center for Real Estate - Home Skip to content. home contact sitemap search: Prospective Students Prospective Students Overview Curriculum Faculty Admissions Prospective Students Overview Curriculum Faculty Admissions Prospective Students Overview FAQ MBA or MSRED? Student Life Meet our Students Request Info Curriculum Faculty Admissions Prospective Students Overview Curriculum MSRED Courses Electives Industry Participants Faculty Admissions Prospective Students Overview Curriculum Faculty Admissions Application Procedure Cost & Aid Visit MIT/CRE Careers Careers Career Services Recent Employers Alumni Career Profiles Research Research Research Initiatives Working Papers Thesis Research Faculty Research Projects Research Research Initiatives NCC HAI CREDL Working Papers Thesis Research Faculty Research Projects Industry Partners Industry Partners Becoming a Partner Partner List Alumni Alumni News & Projects Update Spaulding Award Continuing Education Continuing Education Course List Registration & Fees Events Events News News About Us About Us Staff Giving Giving MIT Center for Real Estate MIT established the Centerfor Real Estate in 1983 to improve thequality of the built environmentand to promote more informed professionalpractice in the real estate industry. It is thehome of the first one-year Master's degree programin real estate development and a respected summerinstitute of professional developmentcourses. Its partnership program provides opportunitiesfor students, practitioners andacademics to get together on both a formal andan informal basis. Learn more about our MSRED Program See which Industry Leaders are partners of MIT/CRE Introducing MIT/CRE’s Featured Partner This Fall we recognize Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, one of the Center’s newest partners. Caisse de dépôt was instrumental in making this year's Student Class Trip to Europe a reality, and will also be featured as Leaders in Real Estate on December 2, 2005. Learn more about Caisse de dépôt and CRE. MITCenterforReal Estate Phone: 617-253-4373 Fax: 617-258-6991 Email: mit-cre@mit.edu Mail: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, w31-310, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 Breaking News Forum in Issues in Real Estate - San Francisco, CA Highlights Alumni/ae Reunion Weekend 2005 , 9/29 - 10/1 Tune in to the ARW 2005 Webcast on 9/30 at 3:30pm EST -- 2005 MIT/CRE Fall Open House Videos of 2004 Open House available Real Estate Opportunity Fund Investment Performance Persistence (pdf 274k) - by David Geltner, Thea C. Hahn, and Nori Gerardo-Lietz

Home Mortgage Insurance U.S.

FCIC: The Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page -- Guide To Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Housing Office of Single Family Housing www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov Revised February 2005 Becoming a Homeowner Many people in the United States dream of owning their own homes,but few are able to pay cash for them. Many individuals and families whocould not otherwise afford to own a home become homeowners with thehelp of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs. FHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) . One of the chief purposes of FHA is to help people obtain financing to buy their homes. This booklet can help homebuyers understand how they can make use of FHA mortgage insurance programs. It explains: How FHA mortgage insurance works Who can get FHA mortgage insurance How to shop for a HUD-approved lender How to apply for an FHA-insured mortgage loan What restrictions apply to FHA-insured mortgage loans Buying a home is the biggest single purchase that most people will make in their lifetimes. Most people borrow money through a mortgage loan to buy a home. Some people reduce the amount of money they borrow by making a large downpayment on the loan to buy a home. Persons who do not have money for a large downpayment may need the help of an FHA-insured mortgage to get a loan. MortgageA legal document that promises a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt. Here is more information about mortgage loans. DownpaymentThe part of the purchase price that a buyer pays in cash and is not included in the mortgage. How FHA Mortgage Insurance Works FHAs mortgage insurance programs help low- and moderate-incomeindividuals and families obtain financing to buy homes or refinance theircurrent mortgages. FHA mortgage insuranceallows a homebuyer to make a low downpaymentand get a mortgage loan for the balance ofthe purchase price. The mortgage loan is made by a HUDapproved lender, such as a bank, mortgage company, or credit union. FHA insures the mortgage and pays the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the loan. FHA/HUD does not make direct loans to people who want to buy, build, or refinance homes. Who Can Get FHA Mortgage Insurance If you are buying a home, refinancing a mortgage for a home youalready own, or making home improvements, you may qualify for anFHA-insured mortgage. In fact, almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. Generally, homebuyers must live in the home in order to get an FHA-insured mortgage loan. The program is not open to investors. To find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you, call the HUD housing counseling and referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visit the HUD website at www.hud.gov . To find a HUD-approved lender , search online at www.hud.gov . You can also find lending institutions in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under the heading Mortgages. To find out if you qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage loan, youshould visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or a HUD-approved lender , such as a bank, credit union, or mortgage company. The housing counselor or lender will look at certain information about your income and spending to determine if you qualify. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. How FHA Mortgage Insurance Can Help You Whether you are buying a home, making home improvements, or refinancingyour current mortgage, you should work with a HUD-approvedlendersuch as a bank, a mortgage company, or a credit unionto applyfor a mortgage loan.Once your loan isapproved, FHA willinsure the loan and paythe lender if you defaulton the mortgage.Because the lender isprotected by this insurance,the lender cangive you better termson your loan. A lower downpayment Some lenders require borrowers to pay 10 percent or more of the price of a home in cash as a downpayment. With FHA-insured mortgages, your downpayment can be as low as 3 percent. The lender will likely require you to prove that you have enough money for the loan downpayment. Use of cash gifts toward downpayment With an FHA-insured mortgage, under certain circumstances you can use a gift from a relative, a local nonprofit organization, or a government agency for all or part of the downpayment and closing costs. The Kinds of Homes Covered by FHA Mortgage Insurance FHA-insured mortgages are available in urban and rural areas for: Single family houses Houses with two, three, or four units Condominium units Houses needing rehabilitation In addition, FHA-insured mortgages are available for reverse mortgages for seniors, called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage . To make sure that its programs serve low- and moderate-income people, FHA sets upper limits on the dollar value of the mortgage loan. These limits change every year and vary by city and state. Check with a local lender or look online on HUDs website, www.hud.gov . Shopping for an FHA-Insured Loan Since buying a home is one of the most important purchases you willmake in your lifetime, HUD recommends you visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency where a counselor can help you compare loansand give you homebuying tips. You can find counseling agencies by callingthe HUD housing counseling and referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visiting the HUD website at www.hud.gov . You can also findHUD-approved lenders on the HUD website. Your house hunting and homebuying experience can be easier when you become pre-qualified for a loan. To become pre-qualified, you will complete a pre-qualification loan application. When a lender pre-qualifies you, the lender tells you the maximum amount of money you can borrow to buy a home. With that information, you can spend your time looking at homes that you can afford rather than ones that are too expensive. Some lenders may charge a fee for pre-qualification, so you should ask about fees and compare two or more lenders. You should shop for an FHA-insured mortgage loan the same way you shop for any high-cost itemcompare prices and features. The cost of getting a mortgage can vary from one lender to another, so compare these features when you are comparing lenders: Interest rate Discount points Closing costs and other fees Annual percentage rate FHA/HUD does not set the amounts for the above factors. You can negotiate with the lender and come to agreement on the interest rate, points, and most processing fees. Interest Rate You can negotiate with your lender on the interest rate that you will pay for your mortgage. Interest rates fluctuate daily, depending on conditions in the mortgage market. FHA recommends that you check with several mortgage lenders to make sure you get the best interest rate available. Discount Points Lenders can charge you discount points when the interest rate is lower than the yield required by investors who buy mortgage securities. A discount point is $1 for every $100 of the mortgage loan amount. The number of points charged varies in different places at different times and among different lenders. Discount points for an FHA-insured mortgage may be paid by you as the homebuyer, by the homebuilder, or by the person selling the house. Closing Costs and Prepaid Items When your loan is finalized, you will have to pay closing costs. Closing costs are costs in addition to the price of the property that are paid when you close your loan to cover the transfer of ownership. A mortgage loan is made up of two parts: principal and inter- est. Principal is the amount of money borrowed to buy your home. Interest is the amount paid for the privilege of borrowing the money and paying it back later, usually over 30 years. When the borrower pays the mortgage each month, some of the amount goes toward paying the principal and some toward interest. Equity is an owner's financial interest in a property. It is the difference between the amount still owed on the mortgage loan and the fair market value of the property. Closing costs are generally made up of thefollowing: Closing agents or attorney fees Interest paid from date of closing through the end of the month of closing Loan origination fee to cover lender administrative costs Credit report fees Appraisal fees Recording fees Survey fee First mortgage insurance premium Title insurance (yours and your lenders) Certain of these closing costs, as well as certain of the prepaid items listed below, may be paid by the seller, or shared between the borrower and the seller, depending on the terms of the sales contract. Prepaids are advance payments (property taxes, first annual premium for homeowners insurance, etc.) made at closing by the borrower that may be placed in an escrow account and used by the lender to pay these bills as they become due. The property tax you will pay is the amount that the state or locality, or both, assesses as a tax on your piece of property based on the value. While the property taxes due at closing are usually covered in your prepaids, your mortgage payment will also include an amount to pay future taxes as assessed by your state or locality. These tax rates vary by area and typically increase over time. Homeowners insurance combines hazard insurance and lia- bility insurance. Hazard insurance covers property damage caused by fire, wind, storms, and other similar events. Coverage for earthquakes and floods may or may not be included with hazard insurance, and you should check with your insurance carrier to determine if this is included in your policy. Liability insurance coverage protects you against claims alleging negligence or inappropriate action resulting in bodily injury or property damage. Annual Percentage Rate The Truth in Lending Act requires the lender to tell you the annualpercentage rate (APR) charged on your home mortgage. The annual percentagerate is calculated by adding the interest rate, the discount points,the initial service charge, the premium paid to insure the mortgage, andcertain other charges collected by the lender. The APR is not the sameas the mortgage loan interest rate. The Cost of FHA Mortgage Insurance When you get a mortgage loan insured by FHA, you have to pay an up-front insurance premium, which can be included in the loan you get through a lender. You will also have to pay a monthly insurance premium that is added to the regular mortgage payment. FHA uses the premiums to pay the lender if you default on your mortgage. The Importance of Getting a Home Inspection Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a homes condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will: Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction, and mechanical systems. Identify items that should be repaired or replaced. Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure, and finishes. After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the findings from the home inspector, usually within five to seven days. FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your future home, and FHA does not perform home inspections. If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, nor can it buy the home back from you. Thats why it is so important for you, the buyer, to get an independenthome inspection. You should remember that an inspection is differentfrom an appraisal, which also will be performed as part of the mortgageprocess. Ask a qualified home inspector to thoroughly examine the physicalcondition of your future home and give you the information you needto make a wise decision. Information Resources You may want more information for yourself, your family, or others.The following services are available to help you. Internet www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov HUDs website contains comprehensive information about homebuying, homeownership, selling a home, making home improvements, and other housing-related topicsin English and Spanish. HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency Locator HUD supports a network of approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling services across the nation. For a complete list of HUDapproved agencies in your area, call the HUD housing counseling referral line toll-free at 1-800-569-4287 or visit the HUD website at www.hud.gov. HUD-Approved Lenders A searchable database of HUD-approved lenders, including banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions, is available on the HUD website at www.hud.gov. HUD Customer Service Center 1-800-767-7468 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) https://webapps1.hud.gov/dds/ Most of the information products developed by HUD are available from HUDs Customer Service Center by calling toll-free 1-800-767-7468 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. EST. Written requests should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Customer Service Center Room B-100 451 Seventh Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 You may fax requests to (202) 708-2313. Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page --

Land For Sale Page

Australia Land For Sale You are on the Australian Trade & Shipping web site www.australiatrade.com.au Local Time | Exchange Rates | Postage | Timetables | Bulletin Boards | Trade Terms | Advertise | Spiritual | Jokes | Holidays | Events | Classifieds Advertise on this site Buy Shelf Space Pay by Credit Card You are on the Land For Sale Page For Sale Farms Homes Houses Resorts Investment Legal Lawyers Solicitors Contracts Real Estate Contracts * Agency * For Sale/Sold * Option to Buy Domains Trade Products Classifieds Shipping Insurance Radio Tourist Land For Sale This page was last updated on Wednesday, 27 October 2004 06:43:37 PM Steel Frame Kit Homes | Eco-Village Houses | Emergency Homes Hello their, I am looking for information about farm/ranch land. I do not have any preference as to the location, but I am biased about the costs associated including cost of development of basic facilities. The basic purpose of this setup is cattle and horse breeding and some organic farming. Keeping these credentials in mind I would like to now what you have to offer in appropriate sized parcels of land. Thank you in advance for your indulgence. This inquiry came in 1st August you can send your inquiries by contacting us by clicking the doorman If you wish to list your property with us simply click the doorman and advise what you have, we will charge you a listing fee. SOLD on 28th July 2001 24 acres located in the Brisbane / Gold Coast area, suitable for farm, retreat, resort, 7 minutes to Shopping and Pub, 40 minutes to Brisbane International Airport: A$ 5000.00 per acre BUY through celestial@australiatrade.com.au use our Australian lawyers domain, click to Contract For Sale on Real Estate SOLD on 15th September 2001 31 clear mostly flat land located in Qld on NSW border, used for home stay accommodation, 2 titles, 2 houses,1 1/2 hours to either Brisbane or Gold Coast walk in walk out, power, phone A$520,000.00 see Farms for Sale Sold We have Two (2) quality blocks of Land For Sale in Brisbane, Queensland. Quick access to the Gold Coast, Brisbane & Airport Shailer park & Kimberley park are very close to * leading private & public schools * the largest shopping centre in Australia * 4 major Golf courses * boating paradise on Moreton Bay * mountain retreats * tertiary education, university, tafe college * hospital & sporting facilities * child care centres Lot 579 Lissadell St Shailer Park 1480 Square metres Sold Lot 576 Lamboo Court Shailer Park 1490 Square metres SOLD Lot 382 Ribwort Court Kimberley Park 1222 Square metres Sold In Australia we can offer our land for sale on a conditional contract....that is subject to finance, inspections Plus we can give you a discount for a cash sale if contact is unconditional on a 14, 21, 30 day settlement with solicitors. Statistics World location 153 deg East 27.5 deg South Average daily temp Summer 32 degrees celsius Winter 17 degrees celsius Sunshine averages Winter Seven ( 7 ) hours per day Business Hours Banks Monday to Thursday 9.30 am - 4 pm Friday 9.30 am - 5 pm Post offices Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm Shopping Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 5 pm Saturday 8.30 am to 4 pm Celestial Industries pty ltd Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm Email: land@australiatrade.com.au Celestial Industries 5 Bates Street Springwood P.O Box 732 Springwood Brisbane Qld 4127 Australia Phone: intl ( 61+7) 3808 1200 Fax: intl ( 61+7) 3290 2481

Buy House

Amazon.com: House of Flying Daggers: DVD Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! All Things Sexy : A list by Eliza Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 123 used & new from $7.45 Available for in-store pickup now from: $19.99 Price may vary based on availability Enter your ZIP Code Have one to sell? House of Flying Daggers (2005) Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro , Andy Lau Director: Yimou Zhang Rating: See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $19.94 Price: $12.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $6.95 (35%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Want it delivered Friday, December 30? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. See details 123 used & new available from $7.45 Edition: Other Versions and Languages Other Versions (DVD) List Price Price Other Offers: DVD House of Flying Daggers (UMD mini for PSP) $28.95 $25.99 36 used & new from $13.97 DVD House of Flying Daggers/Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon $36.96 $25.88 71 used & new from $17.97 Other Versions (VHS Tape) VHS Tape House of Flying Daggers $14.95 $14.20 10 used & new from $7.50 Better Together Buy this DVD with Hero DVD ~ Jet Li today! Total List Price: $39.93 Buy Together Today: $25.98 Customers who bought this DVD also bought Hero DVD ~ Jet Li The Incredibles (Widescreen 2-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Maeve Andrews Sin City DVD ~ Robert Rodriguez Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition with Comic Book) DVD ~ Christian Bale Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music , and in Books Storyline Genres: Action , Drama , Romance Plot Outline: A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful member of a rebel army out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem. Plot Synopsis: During the reign of the Tang dynasty in China, a secret organization called "The House of the Flying Daggers" rises and opposes the government. A police officer called Leo sends officer Jin to investigate a young dancer named Mei, claiming that she has ties to the "Flying Daggers". Leo arrests Mei, only to have Jin breaking her free in a plot to gain her trust and lead the police to the new leader of the secret organization. But things are far more complicated than they seem... Plot Keywords: Visually Impaired Person | Blind | Blindness | Police | Deputy | Police Officer | Martial Arts | Blind Girl | Brothel | China | Dancer | Doublecross | (Show all 22 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Takeshi Kaneshiro , Andy Lau , Ziyi Zhang , Dandan Song , Yang Guang , See more Directors: Yimou Zhang Format: Ac- , Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc, Widescreen Anamorphic Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Number of discs: 1 Rated: Studio: Sony Pictures DVD Release Date: April 19, 2005 Run Time: 119 min (original theatrical or airing runtime) Average Customer Review: Based on 219 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, French Available Audio Tracks: (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Commentary with actor Ziyi Zhang and director Zhang Yimou Creating the Visual Effects featurette "Making of" featurette Theme Song 'Lovers' Music Video Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery Costumes Gallery Storyboard Comparisons Previews From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B0007Q6VXC Amazon.com Sales Rank: #285 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: January 14, 2005 MPAA: for sequences of stylized martial arts violence, and some sexuality. Production Company: Beijing New Picture Film Co., China Film Co-Production Corporation, EDKO Film Ltd., Elite Group Enterprises, Zhang Yimou Studio USA Box Office: $11 Million Budget Estimate: $100 Million Filming Locations: Beijing, China| China| Kossiv National Park, Ukraine| Lviv, Ukraine| Sichun Province, China| Tea Mountain Bamboo Sea Scenery Park, Yongchuen, Chongqing, China| Ukraine Editorial Reviews Amazon.com No one uses color like Chinese director Zhang Yimou--movies like Raise the Red Lantern or Hero , though different in tone and subject matter, are drenched in rich, luscious shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. House of Flying Daggers is no exception; if they weren't choreographed with such vigorous imagination, the spectacular action sequences would seem little more than an excuse for vivid hues rippling across the screen. Government officers Leo and Jin (Asian superstars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) set out to destroy an underground rebellion called the House of Flying Daggers (named for their weapon of choice, a curved blade that swoops through the air like a boomerang). Their only chance to find the rebels is a blind women named Mei (Ziyi Zhang, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ) who has some lethal kung fu moves of her own. In the guise of an aspiring rebel, Jin escorts Mei through gorgeous forests and fields that become bloody battlegrounds as soldiers try to kill them both. While arrows and spears of bamboo fly through the air, Mei, Jin, and Leo turn against each other in surprising ways, driven by passion and honor. Zhang's previous action/art film, Hero , sometimes sacrificed momentum for sheer visual beauty; House of Flying Daggers finds a more muscular balance of aesthetic splendor and dazzling swordplay. --Bret Fetzer Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Ahmed Best National Treasure (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Nicolas Cage Sideways (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Paul Giamatti Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Kwok Kuen Chan Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music , and in Video Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 179 of 199 people found the following review helpful: More Romance Than 'Hero' and More Beauty of Zhang Ziyi , October 7, 2004 Reviewer: T. Nakajima (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-hu Japan) - See all my reviews Soon following the success of 'Hero,' director Yimou Zhang made another film featuring beautiful Zhang Ziyi. One of the good news for Zhang Ziyi fans (including me) is that 'House of Flying Daggers' features her almost all through the film. And this time director's stress is clearly given to the romantic side of the story -- and as if to match his intention, 'House' looks more beautiful, colorful, and gorgeous, than 'Hero.' And there are actions, and some of them are quite unique. The film is set in 859 AD, last days of the now corrupt Tang Dynasty in China. One underground sect called House of Flying Daggers are openly challenging the authority of the government, and to crush these rebels, two officers Jin -- also known 'The Wind' (Takeshi Kaneshiro, 'Chunking Express') and Leo (Andy Lau, 'Infernal Affairs') think of a good plan. Jin goes to meet a blind courtesan Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is suspected to be connected with the secret clan, and he gains the confidence of this beautiful dancer by some tricks -- tricks meaning 'love.' Make her love you, and you get her secret. Hopefully she will lead Jin to the hiding place of the 'House of Flying Daggers,' but before the plan starts, Leo warns Jin: 'Don't fall in love for real.' But who can resist Mei's beauty? Or Zhang Ziyi's for that matter? The rest of the story is very melodramatic, and the film sometimes needs a good amount of suspension of disbelief (especially for Western audiences, I'm afraid). But, though melodramatic, it is aptly so, as this is basically about a romance, or a love story. Those who love the romantic mood in films would understand what I say. It's all about the tension and mood, and 'House' has lots of them. Actions are done by Tony Ching Siu-Tung, whose CV includes the action director of 'A Chinese Ghost Story.' He gives superb martial arts actions here again, without using too much of now-too-trendy wire actions. As the film title shows, there are some effectively shot scenes of 'flying daggers' which, with a good use of CGIs, gives a few of thrilling moments. And like I said before, the battles in the midst of a deep bamboo forest are not to be missed, if you are a real Hong-Kong film fan. Costumes are provided by Emi Wada (as in 'Hero'), whose colorful dresses are just wonderful. Particlularly those long-sleeved dancing costumes for Zhang Ziyi not merely enhance the exotic beauty of the dancer, but things to be treasured on their own merit. And Kathleen Battle sings the theme song at the end of the film. But first and foremost, to me, the film is made for Zhang Ziyi. Did I say she is beautiful? She is, and breathtakingly so, when her character betrays her hidden emotions before the camera. And sometimes the film reveals the character's very sensual side -- I say, for a Chinese film, of course, but it was a little surprising. Of course, top-credited Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro are the stars, and they are very good. The film is always beautiful to see, from the first to the end (the snow field was shot in Ukraine). And if you're a fan of Zhang Ziyi, this one is not to be missed for it's not too much to say that it belongs to her. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 214 of 333 people found the following review helpful: Opinion of a Chinese Viewer..... , December 13, 2004 Reviewer: C. Jen "chanteuse33" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews To be fair, this is not a bad movie considering how many bad movies Hollywood put out there each year. As a Chinese living in US for 20+ years and someone grew up devoting to Wushia films, this is a good but not outstanding movie. Certain aspects were distracting: 1. bamboo forest and the other forest don't mix. They are apparently from two very different regions. Weird how they traversed between the two like they were next door neighbors.... 2. Mei and Jin must be really young to fall so deeply for each other after only 3 days. Also said the House of Daggers leader, Mei (Zhang Ziyi) had used her beauty for business a few times before. She's not a spring chicken who had never ventured out of her confine to be a true Juliet (if you must use the Shakespearean connection.....) 3. Once the twist was revealed, Leo(Andy Lau)'s role became very unsympathetic. He's a classic case of possessive character that stalker/abuser is made of. House of The Flying Daggers is not a Wushia movie technically because its emphasis on the love story. Everything, the story structure, fight scenes, visuals, music, and editing, are all in support of the love story. A true Wushia movie is more about good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, underdog vs. oppressor, or moral vs. greed, much like a classic Western should. As a love story/melodrama, it is good. As a Wushia movie, it is not. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a better representation of the Wushia genre. Just my two cents.... Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. If nothing else, watch this movie for the 'Echo Game' scene... , December 28, 2005 Reviewer: Brandon Wiggins "Glass Onion Child" - See all my reviews This movie is primarily a love story that is kept mildly entertaining with some high flying martial arts and the absolutely stunning Zhiang Ziyi. What I enjoyed most about this film, however, was the choreography and wonderful use of colors throughout the movie. As mentioned before, the 'Echo Game' scene features Zhiang Ziyi performing a beautiful martial arts dance with a gown that has long flowing sleeves that are absolutely gorgeous to watch on screen as they move effortlessly around the circle hitting each specific drum. This was by far one of my favorite scenes in the entire movie. The use of colors is also wonderful to watch, especially the green theme used for the House of Flying Daggers' scenes. As far as the plot goes, this movie offers nothing spectatuclar and is a melodramatic love story at best. But the acting is superb and the film offers enough plot twists to keep your interest until the end of the film. Overall, this film is not about action so much as it is about the overall mood created with the visuals and love story. Zhiang Ziyi is spectacular in her role as Mei and I would highly reccomend this to any fan of films such as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', etc. (CTHD has a much better story though.) Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Better than Crouching Tiger! , December 21, 2005 Reviewer: David Foskin (Waterford, Ireland) - See all my reviews After raising his artistic level to lofty heights in "Hero," Chinese director Zhang Yimou returns to earth with the elegiac "House of Flying Daggers." In what could be considered the second film of his third different film-making period, Zhang now freely traffics in martial arts. Bringing to the genre his own cinematic sensibilities, he renders a film that equals Hong Kong artists in action sequences, while again displaying his mastery in overall technique. Working with a script from Li Feng, Wang Bin and himself, Zhang again returns to his country's history for an action tale full of romance, deceit, betrayal and loyalty. Set in 859 China, near the end of the Tang dynasty, "Daggers" centers on an on-going conflict between the established, corrupt emperor (whom we never see) and what must be called a terrorist group, known by the film's title, sworn to overthrow the ineffectual leader. But, strangely, even when dealing with such a variety of emotions, "Daggers" is often a cold, uninvolving movie. A romance is established between Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who may or may not be blind, and Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who may or may not be a double agent for the government, with Leo (Andy Lau), who may or may not be a triple agent for the government, acting as a romantic foil. In the prolonged opening scene set in a brothel, full of flowery patterns and shimmering costumes, Mei dances for Leo, suggesting that the deft Zhang Ziyi can execute any physical demands. Before leaving the scene, however, director Zhang shows his perfect eye for composition and choreography with his production of Mei's "echo dance." Mei smoothly moves through her intricate paces, provocatively stimulating the senses. Carefully choreographed drummers surround her in perfect symmetry, setting up an unlikely stage from which Mei performs her stunning dance. After this initial interior sequence, the film goes outside and stays there for several pursuits. Zhang then parades several imaginative battle sequences in which armies are outrageously mowed down by one or two people. Consequently, much of "Daggers" follows a Hong Kong film tradition by taking place in the air, as fights erupt in bamboo forests, with warriors swaying in the trees, bending, and defying gravity. Zhang's pastoral fight scenes don't originate from the Hong Kong tradition of Tsui Hark or early John Woo films, but instead are his own inventions with much more emphasis on the aesthetic. And it's for this eye that Zhang is best known, even in epic works like "Hero" or in a film like "Daggers." And that alone makes it more entertaining, and better, than 98 percent of most movies. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 3 people found the following review helpful: From another Chinese viewer... , December 19, 2005 Reviewer: F. Quan (Orem, UT USA) - See all my reviews I rented this movie over the weekend so I could decide if I was going to buy it. Decided against buying it. The movie is slow and drawn out. This is really a love story with martial arts in it. If you're looking for a martial arts movie, move on to something else. If you're looking for a love story, there are better stories out there. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: An Asian love story , December 15, 2005 Reviewer: Cory D. Slipman (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) - See all my reviews "House of Flying Daggers" directed by acclaimed Yimou Zhang is a romanntic drama disguised as a martial arts film. This visually appealing movie features terrific set designs and costuming to create 9th century China at the time of the Tang dynasty. The martial arts action sequences were choreographed beautifully as one would expect. The storyline however was merely an above average romantic plot. The Tang dynasty was in a state of decline and a clandestine underground group, the House of the Flying Daggers, was attempting to take over control of the country. The blind daughter of the recently assassinated leader of the group was purported to be working as a dancer in the lavishly decorated bordello, the Peony Pavilion. Two captains of the reigning government Jin and Leo schemed to use the girl to lead them to the secret hideout of the Flying Daggers. The girl Mei played by the ravishingly beautiful Ziyi Zhang is arrested on trumped up charges by Leo, played by Andy Lau and threatened with torture unless she reveals the secrets of the Flying Daggers. As previously, arranged Jin played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, helps her escape using an impressive array of martial arts moves. Jin and Mei, also an accomplished martial artist, are riding and running through the countryside being hunted by government soldiers. Jin is attempting to gain Mei's confidence so that he can coax her into leading him to the Flying Daggers, with Leo in hot pursuit. A funny thing happens as in their flight which includes frequent battles in that Jin and Mei fall in love. Mei had previously been Leo's love interest so this creates a muddle in the various allegiances. The film concludes in a fairly standard manner but not necessarily happily ever after. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 219 customer reviews... Listmania! Great Asian Movies, China, #1 ... : by Steve Vander The Best Tearjerkers : by Lyn All Things Sexy : by Eliza So You'd Like to... The Best of Eastern Directors : by Jason , Amateur Film Critic Have an awesome Movie collection like me : by kurt , Movie collector/ amatuer movie critic Get the BEST Cinema. : by Ruben , Amateur Movie Critic Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Awards Click here to see more Awards Boston Society of Film Critics Awards: BSFC Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography Golden Rooster Awards: Golden Rooster for Best Art Direction Golden Trailer Awards: Golden Trailer for Best Foreign, Best Foreign Independent Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards: LAFCA Award for Best Foreign Language Film Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing in Foreign Features National Board of Review, USA: NBR Award for Outstanding Production Design National Society of Film Critics Awards, USA: NSFC Award for Best Cinematography, Best Director Satellite Awards: Golden Satellite Award for Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography Nominations Click here to see more Nominations Academy Awards, USA: Oscar for Best Achievement in Cinematography Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film, Best Costumes, Best Director, Best Actress BAFTA Awards: BAFTA Film Award for Best Editing, Best Production Design, Best Film not in the English Language, Best Make Up/Hair, Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Best Cinematography Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: BFCA Award for Best Foreign Language Film Chlotrudis Awards: Chlotrudis Award for Best Cinematography European Film Awards: Screen International Award Golden Globes, USA: Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film Golden Rooster Awards: Golden Rooster for Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Director Golden Trailer Awards: Golden Trailer for Best Music Hong Kong Film Awards: Hong Kong Film Award for Best Asian Film Trivia Click here to see more Trivia Director Yimou Zhang has said that he will rewrite the screenplay to remove Anita Mui's character following the veteran star's death. This is meant to be a sign of respect for Mui. It was earlier reported that Michelle Yeoh or Brigitte Lin would be cast instead. This was originally going to be Anita Mui's final appearance in film and she had already accepted the role but, because she was battling cervical cancer, her part wasn't going to be filmed until early 2004. After her death on 30 December 2003, director Yimou Zhang decided to alter the script rather than find a replacement. Anita's name will still be listed in the credits. Goofs Click here to see more Goofs The music that the live musicians play during the drum duel scene, although beautiful, is not characteristic of classical Chinese music of that era. Crazy Credits Click here to see more Crazy Credits In Memory of Anita Mui1963-2003 The Chinese theatrical release has a Chinese translation of the ending song(which has lyrics in English) on the left side of the screen during thecredits. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections Featured in: The 77th Annual Academy Awards Quotes Click here to see more Quotes [reaches for dagger in back] Leo : Yee : Do not pull this dagger out. I'm sending you back to keep spying for us. You will be more convincing with a dagger in your back. Mei : To be free like the wind. For more information about "House of Flying Daggers" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Look for similar items by category Browse similar items in: DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( K ) > Kaneshiro, Takeshi DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( L ) > Lau, Andy DVD > Directors > ( Y ) > Yimou, Zhang DVD > Genres > Action & Adventure > General DVD > Genres > Art House & International > By Country > China DVD > Genres > Art House & International > By Country > Hong Kong > General DVD > Genres > Art House & International > By Original Language > Chinese DVD > Genres > Art House & International > General DVD > Genres > Drama > General DVD > Genres > Drama > Love & Romance > Romance DVD > Genres > Drama > Love & Romance > Star-Crossed Lovers DVD > Genres > Drama > Period Piece Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. 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buy house abroad and

The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Business NEWS AND VIEWS PUNJAB HARYANA JAMMU & KASHMIR HIMACHAL REGIONAL BRIEFS NATION OPINIONS MAILBAG BUSINESS SPORTS WORLD SPECIAL COVERAGE CHANDIGARH LUDHIANA DELHI THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS B U S I N E S S A-I fleet expansion plan takes off as Boeing offers Rs 1,000 cr rebate New Delhi, December 24 The empowered Group of Ministers today approved flag carrier Air-Indiasplans to purchase 68 aircraft, after securing a Rs 1,000 crore discount on the deal value from US manufacturer Boeing. Istithmar stake in SpiceJet is $50m Stewardesses walk past the engine of an Air Deccan Airbus A-320 aircraft on the tarmac at Bangalore airport. Low-cost private carrier Air Deccan announced on Saturday, that it would buy 30 A320 aircraft from European consortium Airbus Industrie for $1.5 billion. AFP photo Apax to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $1.6 b New York, December 24 After several months of searching for a suitor, Tommy Hilfiger on Friday embraced the same private equity firm that two years ago helped buy out fellow US design icon Calvin Klein. EARLIER STORIES No decision on selling stake in PSUs December 24, 2005 New Year bonanza for RIL investors December 23, 2005 Kalam draws up roadmap for 10-12 pc GDP growth December 22, 2005 Govt to list large central PSUs December 21, 2005 Govt invites EoI for 8 pc stake in Maruti shares December 20, 2005 Raha terrific CEO, but ONGC faulty, Mani tells PM December 19, 2005 Govt may inject dose of health cess to boost economy December 18, 2005 Rs 9,245-cr package for rural coops okayed December 17, 2005 Tatas buy Thailands steel company December 16, 2005 Aiyar blows hot and cold on LPG, kerosene price hike December 15, 2005 Roche, Hetero ink deal London, December 24 Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has signed a deal Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs authorising it to manufacture and sell its anti-viral flu medicine Tamiflu under licence in a number of developing countries. CBoP mulls acquisition Mumbai, December 24 The Centurion Bank of Punjab, the merged entity between the Centurion Bank and the Bank of Punjab, today said it is looking at further acquisition to increase its presence in the domestic market. INVESTOR GUIDANCE NRIs can buy house abroad and claim exemption in India Q: I have sold my house in India and earned some capital gains. Can I claim exemption u/s 54 by purchasing a house abroad? Aviation Notes Tourism to figure in Punjabi Parvasi Divas meet Aviation and tourism are among a few vital areas for development and expansion through non-resident Indians in Punjab in particular and country in general. Taiwanese models display a Toyota Motor Marathon Race concept car at the 2006 International Auto Show on Saturday in Taiwan. AP/PTI A-I fleet expansion plan takes off as Boeing offers Rs 1,000 cr rebate Tribune News Service & PTI New Delhi, December 24 The empowered Group of Ministers (eGoM) today approved flag carrier Air-Indias (A-I) plans to purchase 68 aircraft, after securing a Rs 1,000 crore discount on the deal value from US manufacturer Boeing. Besides the huge discount on the total price of around Rs 35,000 crore, Boeing has also offered to set up MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) and training facilities in India at a cost of around $205 million. The eGoM has also made Boeing agree to sourcing materials from India, equal to 30 per cent of the value of the aircraft, which works out approximately to Rs 8,500 crore. After a five-hour long meeting that eGoM and A-I officials held with Boeing representatives, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters that the documents would now be sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for final approval. The eGoM, headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, has Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj and Programme Implementation Minister Oscar Fernandes and Patel as members. Patel had a few months ago informed Parliament that the deal would cost Rs 38,900 crore which was the price prevailing at that point of time. Official sources said A-I has converted its options to buy 16 aircraft into a firm order, taking the total number of firm orders to 50. It is also acquiring 18 more aircraft for its subsidiary Air-India Express. The fleet would comprise eight Boeing 777-200 (Long Range), 15 B777-300 (Extended Range) and 27 B787s, besides 18 Boeing 737-800s for Air-India Express. The AI Board has selected engines for all 68 aircraft from the CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture between Snecma of France and General Electric Aviation of the US. While the B777-200s and 777-300s would be fitted with GE90 engines, the B787s would have GEnx engines, totalling to about Rs 4,912 crore. The B737-800s of the AI Express would be fitted with CFM56 engines at a cost of around Rs 768 crore. The fleet acquisition proposals of Air-India and Air-India Express were cleared by the Public Investment Board on October 13. While the precise calculation of the monetary concessions was being worked out, an official statement gave a break-up of the $205 million investments promised in India by Boeing and GE. The money would be used for setting up four training simulators costing (up to $75 million), MRO for Boeing aircraft (up to $100 million) and training and other civil aviation requirements ($10 million), besides GEs investment in an engine shop ($20 million). Istithmar stake in SpiceJet is $50m Dubai: Istithmar PJSC, a UAE-based investment house focusing on private equity and alternative investments, has announced that it has raised its stake in low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet to $50 million. It invested $12.5 million in SpiceJet earlier this year, and the present stake-rise was made through the carriers recent issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). Istithmars investment in SpiceJet, its first in India, reflected the groups long-term plans in Indias burgeoning aviation industry, news reports said. Executive Chairman of Istithmar Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said his company is extremely bullish on low-cost carriers in India with the current spate of reforms and the gradual shift to a more open skies policy. UNI Apax to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $1.6 b New York, December 24 After several months of searching for a suitor, Tommy Hilfiger on Friday embraced the same private equity firm that two years ago helped buy out fellow US design icon Calvin Klein. Tommy Hilfiger Corp said it had accepted a $1.6 billion cash takeover bid from Apax Partners. Apax in 2003 teamed up with clothing vendor Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. to buy Calvin Klein, and PVH said it is in preliminary talks with Apax on how they could collaborate on a Tommy deal. This is an incredible brand, a great American iconic brand that we think we can continue to grow globally very significantly, John Megrue, Apax co-chief executive officer, said. John Orrico, fund manager of the Arbitrage Fund, a mutual fund that specialises in merger targets, said that in light of Tommys 49 per cent share rise this year, the price seemed fair. Theyre getting taken out in line with market expectations, Orrico said. Tommy Hilfiger, which maintains headquarters in Hong Kong and New York, has struggled with relatively flat sales for the past five years. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. advised Tommy Hilfiger on the deal. Reuters Roche, Hetero ink deal London, December 24 Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has signed a deal Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs authorising it to manufacture and sell its anti-viral flu medicine Tamiflu under licence in a number of developing countries. The deal makes Hetero the second drug company after Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group to receive a sub-licence that will allow it to sell large volumes of Tamiflu at a price that it chooses. It will also be the first time Roche has authorised a partner company to produce and sell Tamiflu not only in its home market but also in other less developed and developing countries. A Roche spokesman said the deal, which initially lasts for two years, will allow Hetero to sell Tamiflu at whatever price it chooses in India and countries where there is no or poor intellectual property protection for the drug. UNI CBoP mulls acquisition Mumbai, December 24 The Centurion Bank of Punjab, the merged entity between the Centurion Bank and the Bank of Punjab, today said it is looking at further acquisition to increase its presence in the domestic market. To fund the acquisition and other expansion plans, the bank would raise up to Rs 416 crore in the overseas or domestic markets. It would also increase its authorised capital to Rs 250 crore from Rs 150 crore by issuing additional 20 crore shares to three private equity investors. Acquisition is part of our strategy. We will grab the opportunity as and when it comes, Banks Chief Executive Officer Shailendra Bhandari told PTI from Goa where the banks board held an extraordinary general meeting. He said the acquisition would aim at increasing the banks presence in the country and would be carried out in such a manner that the branches do not overlap too much. Centurion Bank of Punjab has 240 branches, mainly concentrated in the North and South. It has reasonable presence in the West and limited presence in the East. Asked whether the bank would look at any bank in the East for acquisition, Bhandarai evaded any direct answer. PTI Investor guidance by A.N. Shanbhag NRIs can buy house abroad and claim exemption in India Q: I have sold my house in India and earned some capital gains. Can I claim exemption u/s 54 by purchasing a house abroad? Vinayak A: Sec. 54 and 54F give exemptions from tax on long-term capital gains arising out of sale (or transfer) of a long-term asset, provided the assessee has purchased within one year before or two years after the date of sale or has constructed within three years after that date, a residential house. Now comes the amusing part. An NRI (and in some special conditions, even residents) can buy a house abroad and claim the exemption legitimately. The legislation has not added the words in India! Yet another case for CBDT. 1-by-6 category Q: Is 1-by-6 category for filing returns applicable to NRIs? Bhoumik A: Notification 10674, dated August 20, 1998 has exempted NRIs from the 1-by-6 category. It has also exempted senior citizens having no business or professional income even if they possess an immovable property. Also foreign travel to certain countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia or to China organised by Ministry of External Affairs does not fall under the 1-by-6 category. Income from NSC Q: I have purchased NSCs, which mature after six years. My question is regarding taxation thereof. Do I have to pay the tax at the time of maturity when I receive the money? That would mean a heavy burden on me and may take me to the next tax bracket also. Is there any way out? Subhash A: The income from NSC is chargeable to tax on accrual basis. It accrues only at the end of each year. The year-end is computed from the date of purchase and is not related to the end of the financial year. However, if you have failed to do so in earlier years, you may pay the tax at the end of the term (on receipt basis) but you will lose all benefit of deductions on annual interests. Section 80C Q: I invested in the Tax Saving ELSS mutual fund scheme in the month of August/ September, 2005, opting for Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). I invested an amount of Rs 5,000 per month and would thus invest a sum of Rs.35,000 by March 31, 2006. I also intend to deposit an amount of Rs.70,000 in my existing PPF account before March 31, 2006. Can you kindly let me know: 1) Whether I will be eligible to get deduction of Rs.1 lakh from my taxable income u/s 80C for A.Y. 2006-07; 2) Whether the above mentioned investments, both in ELSS as well as PPF would qualify for EEE or EET method on withdrawal (ELSS investments will remain locked in for 3 years hence attracting long term capital gains upon withdrawal after three years and PPF account completes 15 years this year hence eligible for total withdrawal of balance and closure next year). 3) I have some earned interest on my investment in NSC in previous years and will pay LIC premium on my 12-year-old insurance policy and will continue to earn interest on existing NSC and pay premium on the insurance policy in future also. So what treatment would they get in subsequent assessment years EEE or EET? If I will need to claim deduction u/s 80C for the same. Sumeet A: Yes, you are entitled to claim the benefit u/s 80C for the FY 05-06 for both ELSS and PPF investments. EET has not yet become a law and it is strongly felt that if and when it is enacted, it will not be with retrospective effect. Therefore, at least for FY 05-06 the old EEE system will apply. The answer to this question is similar to point 2 above. For FY 05-06, it will be EEE and for subsequent years, it will depend upon when and in what manner the law is enacted. Demat charges Q: I read your article on Dividends - Look before you strip, was informative for layman . Sometimes the accountants who file our returns are not aware of all these lT rules (IT laws). I have a small doubt in stocks / equity shares, while considering capital gain/loss, can we factor in CDSL or demat charges ? What about STT? Vinod Argekar, Muscat A: The Continent Deferred Sales Load or CDSL is reduced by the MF from the repurchase NAV and the investor gets only the net proceeds in hand. Hence, it gets automatically factored in. STT cannot be claimed by an investor as a deduction. However, if you are a trader, you can set-off the STT against your tax on trading profits. Demat charges are of two types, one charge is for dematting the particular scrip whereas the other charge is the general holding charge. The first charge can be directly associated with the scrip and hence you can claim it. The other charge needs to be apportioned over the entire portfolio and hence is that much more difficult to claim. If it is significant then the apportionment exercise may be carried on. However, if it is minimal then the means wont justify the end. Trust this meets your requirements. The author may be contacted at wonderlandconsultants@yahoo.com Aviation Notes by K.R. Wadhwaney Tourism to figure in Punjabi Parvasi Divas meet Aviation and tourism are among a few vital areas for development and expansion through non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab in particular and country in general. This all-important topic will be discussed threadbare at the two-day international convention, organised by the Punjabi Parvasi Divas at Chandigarh on January 14 and 15, 2006. Many renowned aviators and tourism personalities are expected to provide wide-range data for expeditious progress. Aviation analysts are of firm belief that speedy progress is possible only when infrastructure is developed at different airports. The fact of the matter is that many more planes are criss-crossing domestic skies than before but there is not even marginal development at airports, which are the gateways of the country. Existing climate is conductive as common people have realised that time saved is money saved. No wonder more persons are flying through no-frills airlines. Apart from Indian, which has been a key player for decades, five private carriers Spicejet, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Sahara and Jet Airways have been flying high. While India continues to have major market share, these private operators have been offering razor-sharp competition to each other. In a free for all, more private operators are about to join as the new year unfolds. The analysts feel that the competition will become more combative which new promotions and schemes being floated by innovative players. Imagine, Air Deccan is even eyeing for flying on NE routes to capture the market. The fares are lower but we have no problem to make the most of it, said airline officials. This is however one version of the airline industry. The other is that there are more players in the vexed airline trade than there is room for. They predict at least 50 per cent will fold or merge with each other before 2006 closes. This observation is not improbable because airline trade is a rough industry. Recently, Kingfisher Airlines has introduced special fares for the Indian armed forces, government employees and public sector personnel. Analysts says it is surprising that no carrier is offering similar kind of facilities to mediapersons. Media is a huge market now. There is indeed a boom as far as airlines are concerned. But despite new operators and routes being connected with each other, the ground situation in airports remain static. The congestion has increased manifolds and pre-flying and after flying continues to be irksome to passengers. If the passenger has to reach airport about two hours before scheduled departure, he has to wait for long to get his baggage. In all, flying is not as much comfortable as it ought to be. Flights are often delayed and then there are instances when flights are cancelled without any prior notice to passengers. Some operators are hell-bent on taking passengers for granted. 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