Diwali Greetings

2008 FALL SEASON PREMIERS

2008 FALL SEASON PREMIERSHave you gone all summer without new episodes of your favorite television shows? I know I have. Now that we are approaching fall, it’s time to grab your remote controls, set your TiVo’s and tune in to watch what your superstar characters have been up to. Whether you are an American Idol fanatic, a wannabe CSI detective or just simply think you’re smarter than a fifth grader, here is a complete schedule of the returning shows so you don’t miss a single moment!

 

 

30 Rock – Thursday, October 30 • 9:30PM NBC
The Amazing Race 13 – Sunday, September 28 • 8:00PM CBS
America‘s Next Top Model – Wednesday, September 3 • 8:00PM CW
American Dad – Sunday, September 28 • 9:30PM Fox
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? – Friday, September 5 • 8:00PM Fox
The Big Bang Theory – Monday, September 22 • 8:00PM CBS
The Biggest Loser – Tuesday, September 16 • 8:00PM NBC
Bones – Wednesday, September 3 • 8:00PM Fox
Boston Legal – Monday, September 22 • 10:00PM ABC
Brothers and Sisters – Sunday, September 28 •10:00PM ABC
Chuck – Monday, September 29 • 8:00PM NBC
CSI – Thursday, October 9 • 9:00PM CBS
CSI: Miami – Monday, September 22 • 10:00PM CBS
CSI: New York – Wednesday, September 24 • 10:00PM CBS
Dancing With the Stars – Monday, September 22 • 8:00PM ABC
Deal or No Deal – Monday, August 25 • 8:00PM NBC
Desperate Housewives – Sunday, September 28 • 9:00PM ABC
Dirty Sexy Money – Wednesday, October 1 • 10:00PM ABC
Don’t Forget the Lyrics – Friday, September 12 • 9:00PM Fox
Eli Stone – Tuesday, October 14 • 10:00PM ABC
Everybody Hates Chris – Friday, October 3 • 8:00PM CW
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – Sunday, September 28 • 8:00PM ABC
Family Guy – Sunday, September 28 • 9:00PM Fox
Fringe – Tuesday, September 9 • 9:00PM Fox
The Game – Friday, October 3 • 8:30PM CW
Ghost Whisperer – Friday, October 3 • 8:00PM CBS
Gossip Girl – Monday, September 1 • 8:00PM CW
Grey’s Anatomy – Thursday, September 25 • 9:00PM ABC
Heroes – Monday, September 22 • 9:00PM NBC
House – Tuesday, September 16 • 8:00PM Fox
King of the Hill – Sunday, September 28 • 8:30PM Fox
Kitchen Nightmares – Thursday, September 11 • 9:00PM Fox
Law & Order: SVU – Tuesday, September 23 • 10:00PM NBC
Life on Mars – Thursday, October 9 • 10:00PM CW
Lipstick Jungle – Wednesday, September 24 • 10:00PM NBC
The Mentalist – Tuesday, September 23 • 9:00PM CBS
My Name Is Earl – Thursday, September 25 • 8:00PM NBC
NCIS – Tuesday, September 23 • 8:00PM CBS
The New Adventures of Old Christine - Wednesday, September 24 • 8:00PM CBS
Numb3rs - Friday, October 3 • 10:00PM CBS
The Office – Thursday, September 25  • 9:00PM NBC
One Tree Hill – Monday, September 1  • 9:00PM CW
Prison Break – Monday, September 1  • 9:00PM FOX
Private Practice – Wednesday, October 1 • 9:00PM ABC
Pushing Daisies – Wednesday, October 1 • 8:00PM ABC
Smallville – Thursday, September 4 • 8:00PM CW
Supernanny – Friday, October 3 • 9:00PM ABC
Supernatural – Thursday, September 4 • 9:00PM CW
Survivor: Gabon – Thursday, September 18 • 8:00PM CBS
Til Death – Wednesday, September 10 • 9:00PM Fox
Two and a Half Men – Monday, September 22 • 9:00PM CBS
Ugly Betty – Thursday, September 25 • 8:00PM ABC
The Unit – Sunday, September 28 • 10:00PM CBS
Wife Swap – Friday, October 3 • 8:00PM ABC
Without a Trace – Tuesday, September 23 • 10:00PM CBS

Back-to-School for the Do-it-Yourself Organizer

The 2008-2009 school year will be here before we know it. In preparation, I am pleased to share with you a series of tips to get your child and home in tip-top shape.

 

MUST-HAVE SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES

Paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.

• Shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
• Buy extras of “essentials” and put them away for later
• Buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
• Simplify your child’s wardrobe to “mix-and-match”
• Take an inventory before heading out to the stores
• Shop with a list to avoid buying things you don’t need

CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER

Go through closets and give away clothes and shoes that don’t fit

• Help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
• Clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
• Spend one day before school starts organizing your child’s storage
• Do it “with” your kids, and not “for” them
• Have each child’s room spotless by the night before school starts

GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME

• Make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
• Gather “non-perishable” (juice box, chips, fruit) items a week at a time
• Put the pre-gathered lunch bags (labeled with your child’s name and day) in the pantry, pre-laid out
• Lay out your child’s clothes for the entire week on Saturday or Sunday
• Collect school supplies for next the day before going to bed
• Plan out and shop for a week’s worth of dinners at once
• Have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
• Spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up  
• Create “calming” rituals (bath, reading, soft music) before bed
• Help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime
• Stay away from TV late at night
• Set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
• Complete your AM routine before the kids wake up
• Simplify your morning routine as much as possible

• Complete as many “getting ready” chores the night before as possible
• Have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
• Make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
• Create a sense of structure to start off the day
• Put breakfast supplies within kids’ reach to make things easier
• Develop consequences for not being ready on time

  I hope these steps set you and yours on the right path to a healthy, happy and prosperous school year.

  The Fall real estate market is heating up. Now is the time to take advantage of low interest rates and activity. For more information, contact me today: 408-872-3518. http://DafnaRealtor.com

   

 

 

More 4-1-1 on the New CA Cell Phone Laws

As you may have heard, effective July 1, 2008, two new laws go into effect that will have an impact on cell phone talking motorists. The first law requires that drivers 18 and older use a hands-free device while driving. The second prohibits drivers 18 and under from using a hands-free device or cell phone while driving. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.

 

I am sure you have many questions regarding the new laws and to help you better understand them, I have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s website, www.dmv.gov.ca, regarding the
new legislation.

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 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.

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.

I hope you found this information useful.

 

The traditionally strong spring real estate market has not disappointed. Sales are surging as interest rates remain low and buyer demand remains strong. For more information about today’s market and the opportunities that may benefit you, contact Dafna at 408-872-3158 or dmizrahi[at]cbnorcal.com

Dafna Mizrahi Direct:  408-872-3158 E-mail: dmizrahi@cbnorcal.com http://dafnarealtor.com

 

  

Buy Now While Interest Rates are Low

It’s a great time buy as interest rates are low! Click here to see a PDF of Interest Rate Trends. Contact me, Dafna now at 408-872-3158 or dmizrahi@cbnorcal.com.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Gallon

 

With gas prices topping off at nearly $5 a gallon, I know we are all feeling the crunch and second guessing that summer road trip and our daily driving. To help provide a little “relief,” I wanted to share with you a few ways to increase your gas mileage and save a little money at the pump.   Under the Hood Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. You can improve your gas mileage by using the grade of motor oil in your owner’s manual and changing it according to the schedule recommended by your car manufacturer, usually every 5,000 miles. Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10%.  Driver’s Seat   Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Consider carpooling. Many cities make it easier by matching up commuters. In addition to helping the environment and saving on gas, you may also enjoy perks such as riding in the carpool lane on the highway and not having to pay bridge tolls. Bus it, bike it or hoof it. Why not leave your car at home and consider public transportation, a bike ride or a stroll across town? If you are shopping for a new car and your budget can afford it, consider purchasing a hybrid. You will save a ton of money on gas and be environmentally friendly. Can’t afford a hybrid? Consider a smaller car which is inherently more fuel-efficient and roomier than ever. Junk in the Trunk Remove non-essential stuff from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy up to 2%. Tires Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. It can increase gas mileage up to 3%. New tire and wheels may look nice and they can certainly improve handling, but if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they will create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.  Gas Tank Follow your owner’s manual recommendations for the right octane level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gas is regular octane. Using a higher octane gas than recommended offers no benefit–and costs you at the pump.  Steer clear of gas saving gadgets. The EPA has tested supposed gas-saving devices and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits. In fact, some products may even damage your car’s engine or cause a substantial increase in exhaust emissions.  Behind the Wheel Stay within the posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.  Avoid sudden jerky starts and stops. You can improve in-town gas mileage by up to 5% by driving “gently.” Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve fuel economy when you are driving on the highway.  Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you will save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the air conditioning may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable end of summer. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, there may be no time like the present to take action. Backed by low interest rates and stiff buyer demand, today’s market is shaping up to be one of the most exciting times for real estate in recent months. For additional information on current market conditions, contact: dmizrahi@cbnorcal.com or 408-872-3158. Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your owner’s manual can increase gas mileage by an average of 4%.

Dafna Mizrahi Direct: 408-872-3158 Mobile: 408-315-2414 Fax: 408-872-3160 E-mail: dmizrahi@cbnorcal.com http://www.DafnaRealtor.com

Enjoy Your Vacation–Protect Your Home Before You Go

Here’s a quick to-do-list for before you leave on vacation.

3 days before…

•  Suspend your mail and newspaper delivery. No need to do this in person, go online at www.usps.com to hold your mail. Or you arrange for a trusted neighbor or family member collect your mail and newspapers. You don’t want them to collect outside your home or your mail box to overfill, both are sure signs that no one’s home.

1 day before…

•  Discard perishables. Avoid a smelly refrigerator when you return. Toss cold cuts, dairy products, and produce, or donate them to a local shelter.
• Adjust the refrigerator temerature. Make sure the thermostat isn’t on the supercool setting. This will keep your frig from blowing a circut while you’re away. A closed-up house can raise the temperature in the kitchen, thereby increasing a refrigerators energy use by up to 50 percent in the summer.
• Set timers. Make your house look like it’s lived in during the evenings. To keep your house from sitting dark install plug-in timers ($4-$10 each at Home Depot or Lowe’s) on lamps in several rooms. Set them to go on and off at different times. You can also set radios and TVs with the same type of timers.

3 hours before…

•  Adjust shades and blinds. Leave them partially open so your house looks lived in. This will also ensure passersby can see lights on at night.
• Leave a car in the driveway. If you’re taking yours you can ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you’re away.
• Set the air-conditioner. If your home has central AC, raise your thermostat so that it’s set to about 10 degress below the average outside temperature. But don’t turn it off.

Get the most mileage from your gas dollars

Here’s a few tips to help   gas mileage and help you save at the pump.

• Don’t race away from green lights. The more you press down on your gas pedal, the more gas you’re pumping, you don’t need all that gas to accelerate. Press lightly on the gas pedal, and you’ll still get to you where you’re going.
• Don’t stop quickly. Lay off the gas sooner rather then later as you approach red lights or stop signs. Let off the pedal to give your engine a rest as you coast to a stop while breaking gently. As a bonus your brake pads will last longer too!

These first 2 items alone can improve your fuel economy by as much as 35 percent according to edmunds.com.

• Don’t tailgate. This causes you to have to slow down very quickly, and then speed up again. Avoid this cat and mouse game that wastes your gas.
• Don’t idle. You burn a half-mile worth of gas every minute your car is idle according to the California Energy Commission. If you’re waiting for someone to run in and out again, turn off the engine. Don’t idle your engine to let it warm up before driving. It does your engine no good and it wastes gas.
• Save up your errands. A lot of short hops, where the engine cools down between the trips can use twice as muc gas as starting the car once and making a big sweep to all your stops, according to the U. S. Department of Energy. Go to your farthest destination first so your engine has a chance to reach its optimal operating temperature. Then make your other stops on the way back.

1025 Bluebonnet Dr

	1025 Bluebonnet Dr. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 http://www.1025BluebonnetDr.com
Price: $850,000 Property Status: Active Date of Listing: 7/2/2008 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 6098 sq. ft. Interior Size: 1596 sq. ft.
Dafna Mizrahi Phone: 408.315.2414 Office: 408.872.3158 Toll Free: Cell: Fax: Email: dmizrahi@cbnorcal.com Website: Visit My Site Company: Coldwell Banker

 

California’s New Law on Cell Phone Use in Cars Takes Effect on July 1

Press release, video and more on the new Cell Phone regulations while driving. Be prepared, have your hands free head set ready, and start getting in the habbit of not talking on the phone in the car or using the head set. The fine for the first offense is $20, and it’s $50 for any offenses after the first:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) earlier this month issued an important reminder to all motorists that two new restrictions on the use of cellular phones while driving go into effect on July 1.  The first law prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways.  Operators of vehicles requiring a Class “A” or Class “B” driver’s license, such as large trucks, can use a push-to-talk device such as a Nextel through 2010. 

“We know that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted-driving accidents.  Getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels will save lives and make California’s roads safer,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. 

The second law going into effect July 1 prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving.  Cell phones can continue to be used by those 18 and older if they have either a wireless or hard-wired head set in one ear. 

“New, inexperienced drivers need to focus their full attention on operating a vehicle and not be distracted by phone calls,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.  When court costs and other fees are added to the fines, they often double or even triple the amount of the base fine.  There will be no grace period to avoid penalties under these new laws and officers can begin issuing citations July 1.

According to CHP statistics, 1,091 crashes in 2007 were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones.  A total of 447 people were injured in those crashes.

For more information about the new cell phone laws, including a list of frequently asked questions in English and Spanish, please visit the CHP’s website at www.chp.ca.gov.