Minka

Do you know about Minka?  Minka can be translated into "country house" or " farmhouse."  It has doma, "earth floor" and a thatched roof.  An earthen floor section is used for utility and animal stalls. A fire pit without chimney are located in a kitchen area.   The picture below is an example.

Minka is disappearing in Japan.

Cost vs Value of remodeling.

Cost vs Value of remodeling in 2009 is in. If you are looking into remodelling your home, it may be a good idea to add value onto your home, too. 

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/division/pacific/city/san-francisco--ca.aspx

Berkeley Green Condo on MLK

I remember this complex the other day while I was driving. I got to slow down to check it out.  It is an interesting looking building.  I suspected it was a kind of green buildings.  Then I found an artile on this condo complex on Internet.  It is so great that almost all the time I am able to find things I am looking for with my fingertips.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/03/RERH1B6C56.DTL

I saw a few comments on the article.  It is brutal but true.  I argue,  " is it really green to spend so much premium to pursue a green living?"  I read somewhere that people would go for green when and if the prices for green and non-green products are relatively similar.  If you need to pay a huge preminum, it means you have to work more to make money. In order to do so, people tend to drive or do whatever more.

When prices come down for green products, then we will be able to pursue them.  In this economy, it is a tough sell.  But at the same time, I appreciate people who can make difference by pursuing green living. Therefore, go for it!  I hope someone will buy this wonderful condo.  Maybe it is in contract by now.

P.S. My apology to my English in advance.  English speakers tend to laugh...:-)