John Rafalski, REALTOR®
Posted Mon Jun 23 01:50AM
Find amazement with things again!!!!
Did you know that NASA cannot duplicate the flight pattern of a dragon fly? Did you know that a butterfly's life span is two days - and that they are never babies? They go right from the cocoon to an adult butterfly? Did you know the more pollution in the air the more brilliant and bold the sunsets? Did you know that baby zebras recognize their mom's by the positioning of their stripes - and the stripe patterns are never duplicated! Isn't it amazing that alligators lay their eggs at different levels in the ground. And this action determines the gender of the newborn alligator? Isn't it amazing that it is impossible to be mad and laugh at the same time? Isn't it amazing that you can cause a grown man or woman with a tough exterior to melt like butter when you say, "I love you." Isn't it amazing that young children who just meet each other can play like they are lifelong friends within a few seconds?
These facts may seem insignificant. However, the habit of thinking on such things can do amazing things for you. It can cause you to wake up and notice the abundance of wisdom, love, and miracles that are found in every day life!
Just imagine what your life would look like if you called on your natural risk-taking ability. Imagine what your business would look like if you cultivated your childlike thinking. Imagine what your relationships would look like if you were willing to really love!
Let this be your wake up call to the amazement of life. It just might cause you to be aware of the abundant opportunity waiting for you in your business and in life!
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Posted Thu Jun 12 09:17AM
Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a "hands-free" device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines(s) if I'm convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.
Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I'm convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense, however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: No. The law becomes effective July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a "push-to-talk" feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.
_____
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a "hands-free" device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer's opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.
_____
DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone "hands-free?"
A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even "hands-free." EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I'm an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No.
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my "hands-free" device while driving?
A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a "hands-free" wireless device if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.
The two laws were the result of SB 1613 and SB 33, authored by Senator Joe Simitian and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2006
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Posted Wed Apr 23 04:46AM
May 3, Sat. 8:00pm
Michael Bublé Michael Bublé's introduction to the music of the swing era
came to him through his grandfather, who filled his grandson's ears with the
sounds of the Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and others.
Location: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St. Phone: 408.998.8497
May 5, Mon. 8:00pm
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta De Comedy - Big AL and Big Worm The Next
Wave of Latino Comedy. The comedy of Caine Lopez (representing Mexico)
reflects upon true events in his life, from being the fat kid in elementary
school and growing up in a trailer park.
Location: Improv Comedy Club, 62
S. 2nd St. San Jose Phone: 408.280.7475
May 10, Sat. 9:00pm
Alicia Keys Nine-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys returns with her
long-awaited third studio album.
Location: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara
St. Phone: 408.998.8497
May 16, Fri. 8:00pm
Snow White and the Seven Drawfs It's all here, the beautiful Princess, the
evil Queen and her talking mirror, the seven dwarfs who take Snow White
into their home, the poisoned apple, and the Prince who saves her.
Location: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.
San Jose Phone: 408.277.5277
May 24, Sat. 3:30pm
Nunsense When the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook has
accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, they are in dire need of funds for the
burials.
Location: Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey St.
Morgan Hill Phone: 408.782.8087
May 23 - May 25
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Hatcher’s edgy and provocative
adaptation of this timeless classic will mesmerize you and question your
ability to fully know others!
Location: San Jose Repertory Theatre,
101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose Phone: 408.367.7255
Friday - Sunday
Various times
May 31, Sat. 2:00pm
Chicago - the Musical Its Broadway’s most popular musical – a razzle
dazzle tale of sin and celebrity. Chicago is the Sensation that just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
Location: De Anza Community College, Flint Center,
Cupertino Phone: 408.864.8820
John Rafalski
REALTOR®
Cell: 408.828.4432
Office: 408.979.5422
jrafalski@interorealestate.com
Meridian Branch
1567 Meridian Ave., San Jose, CA 95125
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Posted Thu Mar 20 08:39AMHappy New Year! 2008 is going to be an interesting year for real estate. There are a number of economic factors at play as well as a media which loves to predict doom and gloom.
Mortgage interest rates are currently very low.
30 Year Fixed: 6.07%
15 Year Fixed: 5.68%
1 Year Adjust: 5.47%
Interest rates might even go lower if the Federal Reserve drops short term rates by another half point as expected later this month.
On other economic news, unemployment rates jumped a bit in December which caused a stir in the stock market. Existing home sales rose 4/10% showing very modest growth. The current expectation is that we will begin to see a very slow recovery starting in the Spring. It is currently a buyers market so it might be a good time to look for a second home or move up by renting your existing home and purchasing a new home. With low interest rates, a buyers advantage, and good inventory, now might be a good time to act before market becomes extremely competitive as it has been over the last several years.
If you or anyone you know have any real estate questions or needs please feel free to call or e-mail me.
Here is a snapshot of the activity between 2006 and 2007 in Santa Clara County.
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Welcome to my blog. This is where I share my thoughts and views on real estate and life. Please participate by adding your thoughts and comments to my blog entries.