Cambria Real Estate Bloghttps://activerain.com/blogs/abraham2007-09-22T15:52:12ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)Avila Beach Custom Househttps://activerain.com/blogsview/213508/avila-beach-custom-house2007-09-22T15:52:12ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Avila_Beach/" title="Avila Beach Real Estate" target="_blank"><img title="Port San Luis" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/1/2/4/ar119051818942127.jpg" border="0" height="361" align="right" alt="Avila Beach Tennis Courts, Pier, and Ocean" width="480" /><strong>Avila Beach</strong></a><strong> is one of my favorite towns on the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo County.</strong> Located just off the beaten path of Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach is a country beach town with sandy beaches, orchards, resorts, sulfur springs, and a charming little town you don't want to miss.</p><p><strong>Avila Beach is right next to Port San Luis Obispo and the Avila Beach Pier.</strong> The area suffered an oil leak in 1998 but since the massive cleanup that removed tons of soil, sand and oil this beach front town has been totally renovated and become one of the most popular beach towns on the Central Coast. </p><p>My family and I frequent this area to go to the Avila barn which provides apple, and peach picking in their seasons, animals for the kids to pet and look at, and then to go to the Avila beach. <strong>One of the newest discoveries for us was a great restaurant that somehow we had missed, "The Custom House".</strong></p><p>The Custom House is a nice restaurant in Avila Beach for casual dining before, after, or during your experience at Avila Beach. <strong>Located right across the street from the sand you can enjoy the sound and views of the ocean as you enjoy good service and food at reasonable prices.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Below is a Little History of the Custom House and Avila Beach that was on their menu:</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Oceanic shipping became common in the first half of the 19th Century using Port San Luis. There were stage lines and small gauge railroads created to run supplies to and from Port San Luis and <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/San_Luis_Obispo/" title="San Luis Obispo Real Estate" target="_blank">San Luis Obispo</a>. Oil companies built pipelines to the port to ship out to all points in the Pacific. In 1906, San Luis Bay was designated an official United States Port of Entry for California. A $500,000 breakwater was built using rock blasted from Morro Rock in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Morro_Bay/" title="Morro Bay Real Estate" target="_blank">Morro Bay, CA.</a>, still seen today out the front windows.</strong> <em>Since then Morro Rock has become a protected national landmark and no more rock removal is permitted.</em><br /></p><p><strong>The port was originally under the jurisdiction of San Francisco. Deputy collectors required offices to work, so David Muzio of Avila Beach built what was The "Old" Custom House.</strong> The building was dedicated on March 19, 1927, creating the largest celebration the county had ever seen.</p><p>The Old Custom House opened as a restaurant in 1971. Over the next 25 years, The Old Custom House Restaurant served up many freshly made meals, famous Bloody Marys, and provided a good time for locals and tourists alike.</p><p>A large oil leak was discovered in 1998 under the beach front property of Avila Beach, CA.. The ensuing cleanup forced the closure of many shops, restaurants and other businesses in "downtown" Avila Beach. <strong>After two years, and the removal of 6,750 truckloads of soil, the cleanup was completed and construction of the "new" Old Custom House and Mr. Rick's was started.</strong> The Old Custom House and Mr. Rick's were completed in 2002 and were among the first businesses to reopen along the redesigned Front Street Promenade in Avila Beach.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Avila_Beach/" title="Avila Beach" target="_blank">View Avila Beach Real Estate</a></strong> </p> Simplicity in Designhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/200664/simplicity-in-design2007-09-10T17:52:28ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><strong>Sometimes the best way to capture style and class is in simplicity.</strong> And when showcasing a luxury estate property on a web site this is what you should be displaying.</p><p><img title="Estate Home" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/0/7/3/ar11894900037022.jpg" height="125" align="right" alt="Central Coast Property" width="400" /> <br /></p><p>When we remove the clutter and noise around and just center the attention on what is important it creates a feeling of clarity and contentment. <strong>As bloggers, we tend to do be long winded and draw out our ideas for a more interesting read.</strong> However, when a topic is handled in the simplest way that gets right to the point there is nothing like it.</p><p>This post isn't about blogging though or the art of writing, this is about displaying a luxury estate on a property website. My example is a web site that show cases one of most spectacular high end properties on the Central Coast of California - <a href="http://cambriaestate.com" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">cambriaestate.com</a> </p><p>Typically I like my web sites to be full of content but this is a great example of where to be clean, simple, focused and refined just like the property that it is show casing. <strong>Not only does it make you slow down and focus in on the property and not get lost in the clutter but it also sets the mood for the home itself.</strong></p><p>A careful consideration when choosing a <a href="http://webdesign.apc.cc" title="Real Estate Web Design" target="_blank">web design</a> layout for your real estate web site or property web site is who are you attracting. Not all people like the same types of things, nor are they attracted to the same types of web sites. One point of view says</p><ul><li><strong>Use lots of words on all your pages</strong></li><li><strong>Fill your pages with keywords</strong></li><li><strong>At least 300 words on each page</strong></li><li><strong>Create lots of links on your page</strong></li></ul><p>While this may be good in certain respects it is not good in all aspects of internet marketing. If you are doing this to enhance your website you are probably doing it to attract viewers from search engines or content readers and not the people who will get totally confused by all the content. I find that people might like your site for the information if it has a lot of content but also get very lost in the clutter. Now if your site is very clean and you only have a few links to navigate people understand what you are trying to tell them and the point the site is making, and honestly if your site never delivers the point of it being there all the content is useless. My advice when showcasing a property in its own website is do like - <a href="http://cambriaestate.com" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">cambriaestate.com</a></p><ul><li><strong>Use defined lines for your framework</strong></li><li><strong>Use short crisp thoughts on your pages</strong></li><li><strong>Reduce the clutter</strong></li><li><strong>Reduce the navigation buttons to a minimum</strong></li></ul> Central Coast Real Estate Agencieshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/145571/central-coast-real-estate-agencies2007-07-12T18:01:57ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="C21" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/9/1/3/ar118430593331998.jpg" height="70" align="right" alt="Century 21" width="145" /></p><p><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ccrmls_agencies.php" title="San Luis Obispo County Brokerages" target="_blank">Real Estate Agencies</a></strong></p><p>An exciting new feature has been added to my <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/mls_search.php" title="Central Coast Real Estate Search" target="_blank">real estate search</a> service for San Luis Obispo County MLS: <strong>A list of every brokerage in the CCRMLS and a list of their active listing agents in the area with links to their listings for sale.</strong> </p><p>This will be very helpful for those people looking for a specific agency's or listing agent's listings. As I track my statistics using Google Analytics <strong>I see many people coming in to my website searching for a specific brokerage.</strong> I know when they get there they must be a little frustrated to only find maybe one or two listings and in different places of my site. So I consolidated an area just for people who are searching that way.</p><p><img title="KW" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/9/1/4/ar118430602441913.jpg" height="77" align="left" alt="Keller Williams" width="116" />Hopefully now when people are searching for <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/brokerage/Re_Max_Ocean_West.php" title="Re/Max Ocean West" target="_blank">Re/Max in Arroyo Grande</a>, <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/brokerage/Re_Max_Parkside_Real_Estate.php" title="Re/Max Park Side" target="_blank">Re/Max Park Side in Paso Robles</a> or <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/brokerage/Century_21_Associates_West_-_Cambria.php" title="C21 Cambria">Century 21</a> in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">Cambria</a> they will find an updated list of all their <strong>current properties as all the listings on the site are updated on a daily bases</strong> with the most recent photos.</p><p><img title="Remax" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/2/1/1/ar118430597611225.jpg" height="132" align="right" alt="Re/Max" width="100" /><strong>View the <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ccrmls_agencies.php" title="CCRMLS Agencies">real estate agencies</a>.</strong><br /></p><p>There are some great companies out there and I support them by adding their brokerage name and listing agent name next to every property detail and <strong>hopefully as a team we can achieve the sellers goal of selling their property.</strong></p><p>The most exposure one can give a listing the better you are serving your client. With the majority of home buyers looking online that means presenting it as many place online as you possibly can. I'm not sure why some agents and agencies exclude their listings from IDX display except maybe they think their listing is to good to be sold by any other Realtor. <strong>Agency pocket listings are to me a disservice to the seller.</strong> If you think you have a buyer for the property, great, but you want to increase demand on that property and that means increase exposure. </p> Cambria CA Water Priceshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/145360/cambria-ca-water-prices2007-07-12T12:32:15ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/land.php" title="Land for sale in Cambria" target="_blank"><img title="Cambria Water Pos" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/8/2/7/ar11842865072814.jpg" border="0" height="162" align="left" alt="Cambria Water" width="238" /></a><strong>Cambria water is still the most valuable resource is Cambria California as this season’s rain fall is lower than any previously recorded since 1973.</strong> Surcharges are planned on being implemented to penalize hefty Cambria water users. Water and sewer bills for all Cambria Community Services District customers are expected to rise soon, as the board begins a series of hikes over the next five years. <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>20 units of water used in two months will cost $235.26, up from $156.84</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>61 units will cost $1,932.98, up from $351.45 </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">These dramatic increases are reflecting the <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/demographics.php" title="Cambria CA" target="_blank">Cambria</a> district’s well levels are as low as they’ve been since 1988-1990 which was the final years of Cambria’s six-year drought.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Cambria real estate is currently in a building moratorium causing the value of most lots to drop in value, some being sold for under $10,000 while others on the ocean going for $2M+.</strong> The building moratorium is planned on being relieved somewhere near 2011 with the building of a desalinization plant that will distribute water hookups to 800 Cambria parcels. The parcels receiving hookups are all reserved on the Cambria water wait list comprised of about 650 positions, some of these positions are being sold separately from the lots themselves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>There are currently 78 water positions being sold in Cambria from $87,000 for position 606 to $299,000 for position 12 and $389,000 for a water hook-up to build now.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though the water situation in Cambria is complicated it hasn’t detracted the desirability of this charming small town on the Central Coast of California called Cambria Pines by the Sea. The local community thrives on tourism and the public events like the 4<sup>th</sup> of July fireworks, the annual Pinedorado, the many car shows throughout the year, and the ever famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Find out more about <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">Cambria Real Estate</a> </strong></p> Cambria Vacation Rentals for Salehttps://activerain.com/blogsview/139888/cambria-vacation-rentals-for-sale2007-07-05T17:22:32ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="Vacation Rental" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/4/5/ar118369928654572.jpg" height="300" align="left" alt="Vacation Rental Property" width="400" /><u><strong>I get asked all the time for vacation rental properties for sale whenever people walk into the <a href="http://www.sandshellrealty.com" title="Sand Shell Realty" target="_blank">Sand Shell Realty</a> office and never before have I had a resource of the complete list of vacation rental homes for sale until today.</strong></u></p><p><strong>Cambria California is a charming little community in San Luis Obispo California.</strong> People come here from all over the world for it's quiet charm and sunny weather with a perfect temperature year round. Summer especially gets a lot of tourist to visit the nice beaches and Heart Castle just up the coast.</p><p><strong>Vacationers who visit Cambria many times choose to enjoy the comfort of a vacation rental home. </strong>With all the amenities and privacy of a home these are very attractive in many coastal towns up and down the Central Coast of California.</p><p><strong>Vacation rental homes are great real estate investments to supplement the mortgage payments of a second home purchased in Cambria for future retirement.</strong> Many people choose to purchase a second home in Cambria and plan on retiring here later. In this town there are many activities and clubs for retirees. Until the retire they use their real estate investment as a vacation rental home. </p><p><strong>Vacation rental homes for sale can now be found quickly and easily and are updated frequently with the current vacation rental properties on the real estate market in Cambria California. </strong>Below is a list of links to many pages of vacation rental properties for sale on the Central Coast.</p><p><em><strong>To be a licensed vacation rental you must meet certain criteria that not every home can qualify for. Below is a list of qualified homes for sale that are licensed vacation rental properties for sale.</strong></em> </p><ul><li><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/vacation_rentals.php" title="Cambria Vacation Rentals" target="_blank">Cambria Vacation Rentals</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Morro_Bay/vacation_rentals.php" title="Morro Bay Vacation Rentals" target="_blank">Morro Bay Vacation Rentals</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cayucos/vacation_rentals.php" title="Cayucos Vacation Rentals" target="_blank">Cayucos Vacation Rentals</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Pismo_Beach/vacation_rentals.php" title="Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals" target="_blank">Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals</a></strong></li></ul> Nevada County Real Estate IDXhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/138468/nevada-county-real-estate-idx2007-07-03T17:07:27ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><a href="http://www.alansavage.com/realestate/nevadacounty/Grass_Valley/residential_map.php" title="Grass Valley Real Estate Map" target="_blank"><img title="Nevada County Real Estate Map Search" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/9/0/2/ar118352548820918.jpg" border="2" height="255" alt="Nevada County Real Estate Search" width="500" /></a></p><p><u><strong>A recent IDX system I built was a <a href="http://www.alansavage.com/" target="_blank">Nevada County Real Estate IDX search for AlanSavage.Com</a>.</strong></u></p><p>Displaying a few thousand properties and dozens of cities in Nevada County to real estate buyers in Nevada County this system is what buyers are looking for. These properties and cities now have a web presence for real estate searchers to find all the <strong>MLS listings in Nevada County</strong>.</p><p>This <strong>real estate MLS search</strong> is setup in a simple environment which sets it apart from many other searches that tend to confuse the user. Simplicity of use allows real estate property seekers to find what they are looking for without a ton of confusing search criteria that many times returns no results. For each search you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for in less than three clicks.</p><p><strong>Featuring full screen MLS maps for each city.</strong> Take a look at the <strong><a href="http://www.alansavage.com/realestate/nevadacounty/Marysville/" title="Grass Valley Real Estate Map" target="_blank">Grass Valley real estate map</a></strong>, or the <strong><a href="http://www.alansavage.com/realestate/nevadacounty/Nevada_City/residential_map.php" title="Nevada City Real Estate Map" target="_blank">Nevada City real estate map</a></strong> including 100's of properties updated daily. </p><p><strong>Nevada County is North East of Sacramento and West of Lake Tahoe.</strong> Towns include <strong><a href="http://www.alansavage.com/realestate/nevadacounty/Grass_Valley/" title="Grass Valley Real Estate" target="_blank">Grass Valley</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.alansavage.com/realestate/nevadacounty/Nevada_City/" title="Nevada City Real Estate" target="_blank">Nevada City</a></strong> in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This area is known as Gold Country and was founded by the pioneers who converted the rugged terrain into homesteads in the <strong>California Gold Rush</strong>. Towns in Nevada County still depict this rugged feel that took the west. This area has been settled by the modern day pioneers of the internet and Silicon Valley who have come from San Jose and San Francisco to live a slower pace life and telecommute.</p> Google Page Rank and the Google Toolbarhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/138418/google-page-rank-and-the-google-toolbar2007-07-03T15:47:35ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="AR Page Rank" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/3/1/1/ar11835202911369.jpg" height="110" alt="Google Page rank of Active Rain" width="800" /></p><p><u><strong>One of the handiest tools as a web developer or any person who is interested in web site ranking is the <a href="http://toolbar.google.com" title="Google Toolbar" target="_blank">Google toolbar</a>. </strong></u></p><p>Though the Google toolbar, like any other toolbar or plug-in for your browser and computer, slows down your computer and web surfing speed if for nothing else it has the <strong>Google PageRank meter</strong> which tells you how important Google thinks a particular page is.</p><p><u><strong>Why is the Google PageRank meter important?</strong></u><br /><strong><em>Simply put it is like how important the page you are looking at is to Google...</em></strong></p><p><u><strong>Okay... but what does that mean?</strong></u><br />Google PageRank is like a multiplier by which Google evaluates where each page should come up in search results. For instance, if your page is about real estate and you have the words real estate throughout your site and a lot of links coming in telling Google your site is about real estate then where you come up for a Google search when someone searches for real estate is based on your Google PageRank. <strong>Two identical pages will come up different places searching Google because one has a higher PageRanking than the other.</strong></p><p><u><strong>How do you get PageRank?</strong></u><br /><strong>Page rank is obtained from incoming links to the page</strong>. The more links that are sent to a page the more value it has in the eyes of Google. Additionally if a page with a high Google ranking is sending a link to a page, the page receiving the link receives more PageRank than a incoming link from a lower ranking page. A web page linking to many other pages is distributing it's value to those other page but the more links that are going out the less PageRank each individual page will receive from the distributing page. Incoming links can come from the same website in addition to other websites. </p><p><u><strong>Okay what's the point?</strong></u><br />The point is knowledge! The PageRank on the Google toolbar allows you to evaluate your website, your blog, and other peoples' sites and pages. If you are looking to build yourself incoming links you should <strong>target sites or pages that have higher PageRank.</strong> And if your personal website has low PageRank you might need to do some work to get your sites value up in the eyes of Google.</p><p><u><strong>Why is this page ranked zero?</strong></u><br />This could be a factor of many things. Mainly it's from <strong>not enough incoming links</strong>, but it could also be because the Google toolbar PageRank has not updated for that page.</p><p><u><strong>When does Google PageRank update?</strong></u><br />Google is constantly updating the ranking of each page but <strong>Google does not update the toolbar PageRank meter but about once every 4 months.</strong> Google does this probably to keep us all a little in the dark so search engine optimizers, such as myself don't play with our sites daily and watch the PageRank change to "game the system".</p><p><u><strong>What's a Good PageRank?</strong></u><br />To determine what a good page ranking in you should compare what your competitors PageRank is. If you are competing in a local market you probably don't need a super high PageRank and a 3/10 might be all you need to come up number 1 in searches. Other more completive markets might require a 5/10 or 6/10. <strong>Google and Yahoo! are the only 10/10s.</strong> msn.com is 8/10.</p><p><u><strong>Additional Tips</strong></u> <br />Many websites such as forums or wiki sites use the rel='nofollow' tag to halt page rank from transferring and reduce spammers from creating links on public sites. If you are participating in link exchange right click on your link to make sure it doesn't have a <strong>rel"nofollow" tag</strong> on it or you may be getting a raw deal.</p><p><strong><a href="http://toolbar.google.com" title="Google Toolbar" target="_blank">Get the Toolbar</a> </strong></p> Plumas County Real Estate IDXhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/138282/plumas-county-real-estate-idx2007-07-03T12:30:22ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/5/3/3/ar118350813633577.jpg" height="383" align="left" alt="Plumas County Real Estate" width="510" /><strong>My newest project </strong>has been the construction of an IDX system for <a href="http://www.manorrealty.net/" title="Manor Realty Chester" target="_blank">Manor Realty</a> in Chester California. I have been working for the broker / owner Alan Savage for several years now and constructed a few websites and IDX systems for him.</p><p>About two years ago I built the first version of the <strong><u><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/plumas_search.php" title="Plumas County Real Estate Search" target="_blank">Plumas County IDX search</a></u></strong> system for Manor Realty and somehow between then and now it got disconnected from the IDX system. Since then I have refined some techniques and SEO for IDX projects to include higher level <strong>Google Map</strong> API functionality to give a feeling like most of the high end real estate search companies use (Trulia, Zillow).</p><p><strong><u>Plumas County is north east of Sacramento and West of Reno NV. </u></strong>In the Sierra Nevada mountains it is a great location for skiing, biking and other recreational activities in their season. At the center of Plumas County is Lake Almanor a beautiful lake with great fishing, boating, and water sports.</p><p><strong><u>There are almost 2000 listings in the Plumas County MLS today,</u></strong> mostly <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/plumas_IDX/homes_for_sale.php" title="Plumas County Homes for Sale" target="_blank">single family homes</a> and <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/plumas_IDX/land_for_sale.php" title="Lots and Land for Sale in Plumas County" target="_blank">lots</a> but a few <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/plumas_IDX/ranches_for_sale.php" title="Farms and Ranches in Plumas County" target="_blank">ranches</a> and <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/plumas_IDX/commercial_property.php" title="Commercial investments in Plumas County" target="_blank">commercial property</a> scattered in different cities. Some believe <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Lake_Almanor/" title="Lake Almanor Real Estate" target="_blank">Lake Almanor</a> to be the next Lake Tahoe as developers find the area and begin to build ski resorts and other attractions. Only time will tell but already many investors have found this area to be exploding with new real estate growth.</p><p>Almost all the local brokerages contribute their listings to this system, so unlike other web sites that only show you a portion of the listings, or perhaps only their listings alone, this brings you the entire multiple listing service. Franchise brokerages such as Coldwell Banker, Re/Max, Century 21, London Properties Lake Almanor, United Country, Plumas Properties, and Prudential. Other local agencies who contribute to this service include Almanor Busy Bee Realty, Baumann Realty, Bailey Creek Properties, Mountain properties and others. </p><p>Manor Realty is located on the north west side of Lake Almanor in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Chester/" title="Chester Real Estate" target="_blank">Chester CA</a> at 289 Main Street and was the brokerage for Foxwood at Lake Almanor for a during its early stages of development. </p> Apple's WWDC Big Announcementshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/122870/apple-s-wwdc-big-announcements2007-06-13T09:55:13ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
For anyone interested in computers and the direction things are going at Apple the WWDC keynote address shed some great light on where Apple is heading with the new OS X Leopard, Safari for Windows and the iPhone. View the <a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/" title="Keynote Address" target="_blank">Apple Keynote Address</a>. <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><img title="Leopard" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/9/6/9/ar118177160896983.jpg" height="300" align="right" alt="Mac OS X" width="300" /><strong>Below is a breakdown of some of the topics discussed in the keynote address from Steve Jobs and others.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Exclusive Intel Processors:</strong> Intel processors will continue to be the exclusive processor used in Mac computers on into the future.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Game Developers Returning to Apple:</strong> <em><strong>EA Games</strong></em> will be releasing titles on the Mac:</p><ul><li>Command and Conquer 3</li><li>Battle Field</li><li>Harry Potter</li><li>Madden Football</li><li>Tiger Woods Golf</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>John Carmack from Id</strong> speaks on developments in his limitless texturing of entire worlds within Id’s games with no drawback on performance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br />The main topic of discussion was 10 of the <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/" title="Mac OS X Leopard Features" target="_blank">200 new and enhanced features</a> in <u><strong>Mac OS X Leopard</strong></u> to be shipping October 21st, the 6th release of Mac OS X.</p> <ol><li><strong>The New Desktop:</strong> <br /><ul><li>Grass background instead of the common blue</li><li>New 3D Dock</li><li>Cleanup desktop tools</li><li>Stacks which allow quick views of folder contents from the dock</li><li>Downloads folder on the dock with stacked functionality</li><li>A consistent new look</li><li>More prominent active window</li></ul> </li><li><strong>New Finder:</strong><br /><ul><li>New sidebar search of other Macs & servers, shared computers</li><li>Back to my Mac allows you to grab or search for files on computers in other locations that are connected to .mac, even Windows machines.</li><li>Cover flow first seen in iTunes is a more visual way of cycling through documents, or files and interact with them more dynamically right in the finder.</li></ul><br /></li><li><strong>Quick Look:</strong><br />Extension of Cover flow allows live file previews of text, images, pdfs, file, documents, movies to full screen in preview mode.<br /><br /></li><li>Leopard will be the first mainstream PC <strong>64 Bit OS from top to bottom</strong> with the ability to run 32-bit and 64-bit applications side by side. 64 bit applications will speed up processing of larger documents, files, graphics, and video about 4 times by not having to access the hard drive as often. High end animators and graphic artists will find this very exciting.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Core Animation</strong> will allow for tremendous functionality for applications automatically streaming video in simpler, more dynamic, and faster methods; text, images, video, OpenGL, GPU acceleration.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Boot Camp</strong> - Built-in to Mac OS X Leopard allowing Windows XP and Vista to run natively with complete compatibility.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Spaces</strong> organizes your windows for grouping applications in window spaces allowing for faster multi tasking and switch to different active application groups.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Enhanced Dashboard Widget organizer</strong> with Web Clip widget so you can scissor any feed on the net and make it a widget on your computer. These widgets updates instantly from the web feed. Movie Widget added to allow you to search for movies, preview, and buy tickets from the widget.<br /><br /></li><li>The new <strong>iChat</strong> video conferencing looks very cool. New enhancements with better audio, tabbed chats, photo booth effects that allows you to show photos, video, pdfs, keynote presentations, applications or anything else you want someone you are conferencing with to see through iChat theater. Use special effects and backdrops to spice up the video chat with photo booth – very cool and fun tool!<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Time Machine</strong> digital backup library allows you to automatically back up with one click. Back up to an external drive and then search back in time for lost files and preview them with quick look and quickly restore the file or your entire Mac with a couple clicks.</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Mac OS Leopard will ship October 21<sup>st</sup> for $129.</strong> Only one version available with everything in it. Take a look at the presentation and I’m sure you will be as impressed I was.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <br /><strong>Apple is releasing Safari 3 onto Windows XP and Vista.</strong> “The fastest, most innovative browser” according to Steve Jobs. Releasing free beta at apple.com/safari</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never been impressed with Safari but maybe they will come out with something soon that will make it worthwhile – who knows. I already run multiple browsers for different functionality and each one has its shortcomings. I guess we’ll see where this one goes.<br /> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>The new iPhone release is June 29th</strong> with Web 2.0, AJAX applications, and the Safari browser built into the phone.<br /> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Apple once again has set some great standards that I’m sure Microsoft and other competitors will have to catch up to. The total 64-bit OS is very exciting for users who tend to bring their computers to its knees. The 64-bit core will speed up everything done on the Mac and increase work flow. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After watching this video and seeing the built Windows OS, the ease of use in the OS and knowing the increasing cross compatibility of applications I am thinking of getting a new Mac with this OS.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Windows Vista, from what I have seen runs slow, is very ponderous and I don’t plan on getting a Windows Vista machine in the near or distant future. I am happy right now with XP but the features of OS X Leopard look very cool. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/" title="Keynote Address" target="_blank">Watch the Video</a> </p> Central Coast Chumash Indianshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/120551/central-coast-chumash-indians2007-06-10T17:43:35ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><em>In beginning this topic on the Chumash Indians I take great care and appreciation for what I am about to write. I have great respect and honor for the native Americans and native peoples of a lot of different cultures such as the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, native Hawaiian’s and other great civilizations that have been infringed upon by our European idealistic superiority. I begin to embark on this blog for <a href="http://activerain.com/cheesemanhomes" title="Mililani Real Estate" target="_blank">Celeste</a> and the challenge she returned to me after I desired her to expand on the Hawaiian culture in its rawest form which she did, entitling the Localism Featured blog <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/119005/The-History-of-Hawaiian" title="History of Hawaii" target="_blank">“The History of Hawaiian Homes”</a> which I invite you all to read. </em></p><p><em>This subject will predate the Spanish exploration of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, the first recorded European explorer of this area. The Chumash Indians in their native state is the subject of this blog, their history, their culture, and their lives.</em> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chumash" title="Wiki Chumash" target="_blank"><img title="Chumash man" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/8/9/2/ar11815395829879.jpg" border="0" height="225" align="left" alt="Chumash working with tools" width="239" /></a><strong>The Chumash Indians are the natives of the area we now call the Central Coast of California, stretching South of Malibu CA, North of <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">Cambria CA</a>, into Big Sur, out to the Channel Islands, and inland to the San Joaquin Valley.</strong> Their culture, homes, and territories were well established with over 150 independent villages, 7,000 square miles and a population estimated at over 18,000. Science dates the first settlements in this area back to 11,000 B.C. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Chumash means “bead maker”, “Seashell people” or “the ones who make shell bead money” and were hunters, gatherers and fishermen.</strong> Like many cultures they recognized the life of nature and how the lives of their people depended on its providence. Ceremonies were set based on the times and seasons of the moon, and sun. Their father, the sun, was celebrated in his respective seasons and transition points we call the summer and winter solstices.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>As one of the most advanced boat builders, the Chumash Indians used tar found naturally to strengthen the seagoing plank canoe boats <em>(tomol)</em> they built from native redwoods, and driftwood.</strong> Invented about 2,000 years ago and able to withstand the waves of our Pacific Ocean, these boats gave them travel up and down the coast line connecting culture and trade amongst the Chumash Indian villages. Each village had adapted cultures and resources in their distinct locations and sea shells were used as money to trade amongst the Chumash tribes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img title="Chumash Bone Awl" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/9/4/ar118154030049585.jpg" border="0" height="330" align="right" alt="Chumash awl" width="150" /><strong>Fine twined baskets, necklaces, jewelry, arrowheads, stone cookware, and seashell money are prevalent artifacts left by this culture. </strong>There are spots around where I live that you can be sure to find arrowheads and other artifacts after looking only a short while. A mound on a hill in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria" title="Cambria Real Estate" target="_blank">Cambria</a> is a known ceremonial ground of the Chumash. Burial grounds are scattered throughout the area, these locations are the sites of established villages. Food storage and the harvesting of crops allowed for these stationary societies to hunt, fish, and live in. Another site at a farm where I grew up was littered with old abalone shells, arrowheads, mortar and pestle remains and other treasures my family collected. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>The Chumash were led by chiefs / priests <em>(wots)</em> of both men and women. </strong>The shamen / astrologers were knowledgeable in the changing of seasons and mapped the stars to guide the people into the future. The chief’s offspring was the inheritor of position, wealth, and ultimately supreme control of the tribe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Chumash ceremonies were held at mounds, hills, caves or other special sites.</strong> Cave paintings can still be found depicting the events, animals and people that were part of their beliefs and rituals for generations. Most of these paintings are under 1,000 years old and are protected by the state. Their locations are even withheld to the public for the most part. One location can be visited in Santa Barbara call Painted Cave. More information about this and other Chumash facts can be found on a <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Santa_Barbara/" title="Santa Barbara Real Estate" target="_blank">Santa Barbara</a> based website: <strong><a href="http://www.sbnature.org/research/anthro/chumash/index.htm" title="Chumash Indian Life" target="_blank">Chumash Indian Life</a>.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><strong>Today the Chumash</strong> families and museums are found with collections of pictures and artifacts depicting culture before the Spanish Missions lined California and wiped the Chumash nearly into non existence. Some <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Santa_Ynez/" title="Santa Ynez Real Estate" target="_blank">Santa Ynez</a> Chumash have capitalized like other Native Americans on their ability to build gaming casinos; theirs is the <strong><a href="http://www.chumashcasino.com/" title="Chumash Casino" target="_blank">Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez</a></strong>. Find out more about the <strong><a href="http://www.santaynezchumash.org/" title="Santa Ynez Chumash" target="_blank">Santa Ynez Chumash</a></strong>. </p> Mustang Water Slides CA - Lopez Lake Recreation Areahttps://activerain.com/blogsview/120102/mustang-water-slides-ca---lopez-lake-recreation-area2007-06-10T03:54:12ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<h1>The Mustang Water Slides and Lopez Lake Recreation Area in Arroyo Grande California</h1>
<img title="Lopez Lake" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/1/4/1/ar118149019714171.jpg" alt="Lopez Lake Recreation Area in Arroyo Grande"><br>
Set in the oaks covered hills of Los Padres National Forest, <a href="http://www.slocountyparks.com/activities/lopez.htm" title="Lopez Lake">Lopez Lake</a>
is an enjoyable spot for fishing, boating, windsurfing, jet skiing, camping, hiking, barbeques and of course the Mustang Water Slides. There is a marina with launch ramp, food store, tackle shop, and boat rentals operating year round. Arroyo Grande and the Central Coast offers temperate climate year round and makes Lopez Lake a great place to camp or park your RV if you are exploring the other great activities on the Central Coast.
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<img title="Mustang" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/0/2/3/ar11814900332061.jpg" alt="Mustang Water Slides Logo" align="right">
<img title="Mustang Water Slides" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/6/0/8/ar118148970480626.jpg" alt="Stampede and Kiddie Area at Mustang Water Slides" align="left" style="padding:">
<a href="http://www.mustangwaterslides.com/" title="Mustang Water Slides">The Mustang Water Slides</a> are at the heart of Lopez Lake. As a child I can remember the exhilaration of going down the two water slides at the park over the years, but now they have added a giant kiddies section with pools, fountains and slides but also a 38 foot drop half pipe for older adventurers.
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At the park there is a food court with snack bar, locker room, showers, hot tubs and changing areas. Life jackets are also available for free use and life guards monitor the slides, pools and Stampede. The new 38 foot Stampede at the Mustang Water Slides can be ridden solo, double, or triple. The more you get on the sled the higher you will go and the bigger the wave will be at the bottom of the half pipe.
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<img title="38 foot Stampede" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/2/6/8/ar118149037886223.jpg" alt="Stampede Drop" align="right">Lopez Lake Recreational Area outside Arroyo Grande California is a great place for the whole family to enjoy many different types of activities in a beautiful natural setting.
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Lopez Lake Recreation Area<br>
6800 Lopez Drive<br>
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
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<strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Arroyo_Grande/" title="Arroyo Grande Real Estate">Arroyo Grande Real Estate</a></strong> Mozart Festival San Luis Obispohttps://activerain.com/blogsview/119194/mozart-festival-san-luis-obispo2007-06-08T17:02:36ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
Mozart Festival San Luis Obispo
<h1>The San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival</h1>
on the Central Coast of California is a season of summer soirees with central coast wine, and music in breathtaking locations around San Luis Obispo County.
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<img title="Violins" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/8/2/8/ar118136495682804.jpg" alt="Violins in the Mozart Festival" align="right">
The 2007 <a href="http://www.mozartfestival.com/">San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival</a> is featuring over 30 events in July of art, music and wine.
These events are located at wineries, missions, gardens,
and symphony halls such as The Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly. San Luis Obispo County takes pride in its rich artistic culture and events and the
Mozart Festival in July is no exception. The communities go all out in their support
and participation.
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<strong><u>Orchestral Activities and the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center:</u></strong><br>
Enjoy this modern orchestra hall and the symphony conducted by Scott Yoo. The <a href="http://www.pacslo.org/">PAC</a> is celebrating its 10th year anniversary
providing a spectacular setting for plays, ballets, operas, symphonies, and concerts.
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<img title="Mozart" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/7/4/8/ar118136512484745.jpg" alt="Mozart Portrait">
<strong><u>Music in Central Coast <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/117645/Paso-Robles-Wine-Country">Wine Country</a>:</u></strong><br>
The vineyards and wines of San Luis Obispo County are world famous for their rich wines, beautiful gardens, and park like settings for musical events.
Bring your blanket and enjoy a picnic and entertainment at one of the vineyard estates during the Mozart Festival.
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<strong><u>Music at <a href="http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/">Mission San Luis Obispo</a>:</u></strong><br>
One of my favorite places to enjoy the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival is at the Mission in downtown San Luis Obispo. There is great classical music, but also
modern artists who come to perform for those who have gathered at the mission for this season of music, art, and entertainment.
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Come and enjoy Central Coast culture, wine, activities, music and the many sounds of the San Luis Obspo Mozart Festival this summer.
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<a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/San_Luis_Obispo/">San Luis Obispo Real Estate</a> Paso Robles Wine Countryhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/117645/paso-robles-wine-country2007-06-06T19:14:21ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="Red Wine" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/5/3/7/ar118120013073592.jpg" height="116" align="right" alt="Wine glass" width="116" /><img title="Paso Robles Wine Country" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/0/2/1/ar118120028012099.jpg" height="190" align="left" alt="Paso Robles Wine Country" width="400" /><u><strong>The Wine and Wineries of Paso Robles Wine Country</strong></u><br /><em>from <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Paso_Robles/" title="Paso Robles Real Estate" target="_blank">Paso Robles Real Estate </a></em><br /></p><p>There are about 250 wineries in the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and nearly 100 wineries in the 24 square mile wine country territory with over 26,000 vineyard acres. Along California’s Central Coast Paso Robles Wine Country is <strong>centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and is California’s fastest growing wine region.<br /></strong></p><p>Paso Robles is fast emerging as a real powerhouse in the world of fine wine. What started as a sleepy western town of agriculture and horse ranches has blossomed into the perfect getaway for wine lovers. Here lies some of the best wines in California. </p><p>Wine tasting in Paso Robles California is a favorite activity among tourists with many wine tours cruising the Paso Robles Wine Country and its numerous wineries.<br /> <br /></p><ul><li><img title="Vineyards" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/6/2/9/ar118120039092667.jpg" height="104" align="right" alt="Vineyards" width="200" /><strong>Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres.</strong> Wine grapes continue to hold the top position for agriculture value crops in San Luis Obispo County and are represented by 35,313 planted acres of wine grapes as reported in the San Luis Obispo County Crop Statistics for the year 2005.<br /><br /><strong>More than 40 wine grape varieties are grown in Paso Robles;</strong> The most widely planted varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (15%), Syrah / Shiraz (10%), Zinfandel (9%), Chardonnay (8%), Petite Sirah (4%) and Sauvignon Blanc (3%). With Italian and Rhône varieties on the upswing, more than 30 other varieties with 100 to less than an acre planted in the region include Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, White Riesling, Roussanne, Barbera, Semillon, Refosco, Syrah Noir, Lagrein, Nebbiolo, Napa Gamay, Marsanne, Counoise, Tannat, Touriga, Grenache Noir, Verdelho, Blaufränkisch, Orange Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, Primitivo, Tinta Cao, Sousão, Tocai Friulano, Cinsault, Carignane, Pinot Blanc and Dolcetto (13%).<strong><em><br /><br /></em></strong><em>The reported acreage reflects the 2006 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership.</em> <strong><em>From <a href="http://www.pasowine.com/" title="Paso Wine" target="_blank">Paso Wine</a></em></strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><img title="Wine" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/2/1/6/ar118120043061204.jpg" height="115" align="right" alt="Wine Glasses" width="115" /><u><strong>The Wineries of Highway 46 East</strong></u><br />Highway 46 is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in Paso Robles. From north or south, travel approximately 3 hours until reaching the Highway 46 East or Fresno turnoff and proceed east from Highway 101 at San Luis Obispo or proceed west from Interstate 5.<br /> </p><ul><li><strong>Bianchi</strong><br />Bianchi Vineyards has been producing quality wines for over 30 years. Visit our tasting room set in the estate vineyards with inviting terraces and edged by a waterfall fed lake.<br /><br /> </li><li><strong>Chumeia Vineyards</strong><br />A small winery featuring Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Clautiere Vineyard</strong><br />Prepare to add some pizzazz to your life and taste wines that are estate-grown and crafted to produce exciting expressions of Rhone varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Eberle Winery</strong><br />Over 25 years of fine wine making. Monthly Guest Chef Dinners held down in the candle-lit caves, deck lunches and facilities for private events.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>EOS Estate Winery </strong><br />California's most spectacular estate winery. Visitor;s Center features award-winning wines, wine tasting, real race car exhibit, deli, gifts, and meeting room.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Firestone Vineyard</strong><br />Firestone Vineyard was founded in 1972 and is now in its third generation of Firestone family stewardship. Paso Robles winery complements the original winery in Santa Barbara County.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Martin & Weyrich</strong><br />One of Paso Robles' most celebrated wineries and premier producer of Italian varietals in the U.S. Award-winning wines.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Meridian</strong><br />Wander through our herb gardens and enjoy a picnic at one of our tables overlooking our vineyards. Tasting room open 10am - 5pm daily.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Pretty-Smith Vineyard & Winery</strong><br />45 acres of primarily Bordeaux varieties that produce award winning Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cavernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a Bordeaux blend that Lisa calls Palette de Rouge.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Robert Hall Winery</strong><br />The largest underground wine caverns on the central coast. Tasting daily of our award-winning wines.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Sylvester Winery</strong><br />Offering warm hospitality & real handcrafted wines. Tasting room doubles as a gourmet foods shop with meats and cheeses.<br /> <br /></li><li><strong>Tobin James Cellars</strong><br />"Taste Paso Robles in a Glass" at the 140 year-old bar with award winning wines. Intense fruit driven wines on this estate vineyard.</li></ul><p><br />Paso Robles Wine Country is an incredible destination and its elegant country side, rolling hills of grapes, and growing communities is making the city of El Paso de Robles one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.</p><p><strong>Find out more about Paso and <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Paso_Robles/" title="Paso Robles Real Estate">Paso Robles Real Estate</a> </strong></p> The Haunting of Cambriahttps://activerain.com/blogsview/116944/the-haunting-of-cambria2007-06-06T04:41:24ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><a href="http://www.hauntingofcambria.com/" title="The Haunting of Cambria" target="_blank"><img title="The Haunting of Cambria" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/5/4/2/ar118114738124561.jpg" border="0" height="297" align="left" alt="The book - The Haunting of Cambria by Richard Taylor" width="200" /></a>Cambria California has an eerie, haunting small town feel to it at times. There are a lot of older buildings built in or around the turn of the last century and the community is that slow paced, small town feel you might hear about in many of the books written by Steven King. There aren't ramshackle homes all over town, zombies walking the streets nor does it have strange goings on - in fact the community is very friendly, active and <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate">Cambria real estate</a> is flourishing and <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/97226/Cambria-Estate-Luxury-Properties" title="Luxury Properties in Cambria" target="_blank">luxury homes in Cambria</a> are some of the most incredible in all of the Central Coast of CA. </p><p><strong>This small town Cambria has been the setting of many films.</strong> It's picturescue charm and beauty in the pine trees and it's close proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood California has made it a hot spot for motion pictures, books, and movie stars. In 1990 the film Arachnophobia was shot in this small town which depicted deadly spiders coming out from the trees and pines surrounding the town. In fact some friends of mine and many other Cambria locals were used as extras in the movie. </p><p><a href="http://www.hauntingofcambria.com/About%20Me.html" title="About Richard Taylor" target="_blank"><img title="Richard Taylor" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/6/9/ar118114743496572.jpg" border="0" height="202" align="right" alt="Richard Taylor novelist writer" width="150" /></a>It has a draw to artists, painters, poets and authors; one of these is <strong>Richard Taylor a novelist and writer of the new book <a href="http://www.hauntingofcambria.com/" title="The Haunting of Cambria" target="_blank">"The Haunting of Cambria"</a>.</strong> Richard Taylor found his way to Cambria from Southern California with his wit, charm, and insightful writing style.</p><p><strong>"The Haunting of Cambria"</strong> is a fiction set with real characters in a real town and the main character is Richard himself as he begins to court Lily. The scene is set around a house called the Monroe House, and old bed and breakfast in Cambria CA. </p><p>Bed and Breakfast's in Cambria are a driving part of the economy in this small community as tourist from all over the world come to visit this charming town and <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/96865/San-Simeon-Hearst-Castle" title="San Simeon Hearst Castle" target="_blank">Hearst Castle in San Simeon</a> just up the coast.<br /><br /></p><p><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate">Cambria Real Estate </a></strong></p> Morro Bay Whale Watching Tours Californiahttps://activerain.com/blogsview/116537/morro-bay-whale-watching-tours-california2007-06-05T13:09:40ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="www.greggblasingame.com" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/1/2/6/8/ar118109206186215.jpg" height="216" alt="Morro Bay Real Estate" width="500" /> <br /></p><p><strong><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Morro_Bay/" title="Morro Bay Real Estate" target="_blank">Morro Bay</a> California</strong> is an incredible place to watch the Central Coast population of <strong>humpback whales</strong> in their summertime feeding grounds. There are many 2 - 3 hour <strong>whale watching cruises and tours</strong> available in Morro Bay. Cruises can travel up the coast past Cayucos to Cambria CA and San Simeon or down past Los Osos to port San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach.</p><p>Abundant wildlife can be seen on the California Central Coast including sea otters, sea lions, abundant fish and birds such as pelicans, frigates, gulls, peregrine falcons, herons, and ospreys. In the waters in and around Morro Bay can be seen in their seasons; humpback whales, grey whales, porpoises, killer whales, minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, orcas, and blue whales. </p><p>Whales spouting and breaching the waters of Morro Bay and all along the <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/mls_search.php" title="Central Coast Real Estate" target="_blank">Central Coast</a> is anticipated by locals and tourists alike.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.sealifestudies.com/" title="Sea Life Studies" target="_blank"><br /></a></strong></p><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.sealifestudies.com/" title="Sea Life Studies" target="_blank">Sea Life Studies</a></strong><br />You can take a scenic boat tour of the Bay or a whale watching excursion that becomes a learning experience. Learn the history and descriptions by a qualified docent form the Natural History Museum on a open-ocean boat from <a href="http://www.virgs.com/" title="Virg's Landing" target="_blank">Virg's landing</a>, operated by the finest professional captains and deck hands.<br /><br />Virg's landing also offers fishing trips. The Central Coast has been called a fish trap and the abundant wildlife here is highly apparent.<u><strong><br /><br />Virg's Landing Sportfishing - 215 Embarcadero - Morro Bay, CA 93442-2041 - (805) 772-1222</strong></u> <br /><br /></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.subseatours.com/whales/whales.html" title="Whale Watching" target="_blank">Morro Bay Charters</a></strong><br />Join the USCG licensed captain for an adventure aboard the 32 foot, 26 passenger U.S. Coast Guard certified, power catamaran, Dos Osos. The catamaran is an open boat with an unobstructed view, but the weather it can get cold in Morro Bay so dress warmly. Catamarans have a stable feel, so people tend not to get seasick. However, it is the ocean and it can sometimes get rough.<br /><br />Trips generally depart at 10:30 a.m. in June, July, August and September with afternoon trips schedualed weather permitting.<u><strong><br /><br />Marina Square - 699 Embarcadero #9 - Morro Bay, CA 93442 - (805) 772-9463</strong></u></li></ul><p><br />Kayak tours are also available in Morro Bay to cruise the Morro Bay harbor and into the <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Los_Osos/" title="Los Osos Real Estate" target="_blank">Los Osos</a> estuary. </p><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.kayakhorizons.com/" title="Kayaking in Morro Bay" target="_blank">Kayak Horizons</a></strong><br />Offering kayak rentals, instruction, paddling gear and tours in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Morro_Bay/" title="Morro Bay Real Estate" target="_blank">Morro Bay</a>'s national estuary and bird sanctuary. Kayak rentals include all the gear you need as well as free instruction for beginners. Single or tandem kayaks, touring or recreational from Necky and Old Town, representing the finest selection in rental paddlecraft available today.<u><strong><br /><br />Kayak Horizons - 551 Embarcadero, Morro By, CA 93442 - (805) 772-6444</strong></u></li></ul><p><strong><br /><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Morro_Bay/" title="Morro Bay Real Estate" target="_blank"> Morro Bay Real Estate</a></strong><br /></p> My - MeMehttps://activerain.com/blogsview/114967/my---meme2007-06-03T16:56:27ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>I just got MeMe'd by <a href="http://activerain.com/herb" title="Herb">herb</a> -</strong></p> <p><strong>Never heard about MeMes before but sounds pretty simple.</strong> After reading a few other ones and getting some ideas I have no idea what I'm going to say =D Though I can see <strong>the basic requirements are 5 little known facts about yourself and invite three other people to meme.</strong> </p> <p>Talking about myself is not really something that I tend to do. Though naturally I can get into a groove on just about any subject and talk about it if pressed upon to do so. This is one thing that AR and blogging in general has brought out in me as I tend to be the shy / quiet type. My pediatrician told my grandparents who I was raised with that I was shy when I was about 3 years old - I guess they know what to look for.</p> <ol><li><img title="Roger Federer" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/4/6/5/ar118093274456445.gif" height="64" alt="Federer" align="right" width="64" />The job I would really like to have right now is to play in <a href="http://www.rolandgarros.com/" title="The French Open">the French Open</a> (Watching <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/n/a/2007/06/03/sports/s065130D68.DTL&o=1&type=sports" title="Federer vs Youzhny">Federer vs Youzhny</a> ATM). I really enjoy tennis and play whenever I can though I've never played in tournaments or anything. I'm kind of silly that way, whatever I'm watching I get sucked into. When I was watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/" title="The Last Samurai">"The Last Samurai"</a> I told my wife I always wanted to be a Japanese Samurai (which is true) but I also wanted to be a Navy Seal when I watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100232/" title="Navy Seal">"Navy Seals"</a>. So who knows =D<br /><br /></li><li>I'm old fashioned. Not only do I dream of living in old Japan as a Samurai but I also like the idea of life 200+ years ago. Seems like manners were better back then. Life was slower. People slowed down enough to listen to each other and life meant more. I guess everyone wants this at least according to Cheers. People want a place where everybody knows your name! Hey that's what this meme thing is about anyway.<br /><br /></li><br><br><center><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FD8ljNobUys"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FD8ljNobUys" height="350" wmode="transparent" width="425"></embed></object></center><br><br><li><img title="Dryers Grand Ice Cream" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/7/4/5/ar118093281054771.jpg" height="49" alt="Dryers" align="right" width="132" />I like cream and sugar in my tea, not coffee. And not low fat creamer please. Whole milk and heavy rich ice cream. Give it to me real and thick with all the flavor. If it clogs up an artery at least I enjoyed it lol<br /><br /></li><li>I find humor in just about every subject, if you haven't noticed I turn everything into something that is half joking and half serious. Most people can't tell if I'm joking or being serious most of the time as I keep a very straight face to the point people think I'm mad, or I have a smile that is almost laughing. Most the time I'm both joking and serious. You can't take life too seriously but you can't take jokes too unserious because most the time people are serious about what they are joking about.<br /><br /></li><li><img title="Awwww little kitty" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/1/8/8/ar118093290688105.jpg" height="116" alt="Kitten on my lap" align="right" width="115" />I have a kitten on my lap and it's meowing lol - looking at me like what's going on - but it's purring at the same time. I like animals - especially horses. I like the smell of a horse, nostalgia of when I was a kid living on a farm. Now the kitten is licking my ear - anyway enough about me. </li></ol> <br><br>I memed <a href="http://activerain.com/suzi">Suzi</a> | <a href="http://activerain.com/sherrysim">Sherry</a> & <a href="http://activerain.com/grass_valley">Alan</a> Meta Tagshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/114374/meta-tags2007-06-02T20:16:47ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="What's a Meta Tag?" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/3/2/5/ar118085364152354.jpg" height="110" align="right" alt="Meta Tags - What's a Meta Tag?" width="276">There are a number of different <strong><u>meta tags</u></strong> - The main three you are worrying about for search engine optimization are: </p> <ol>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Title</strong></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Description</strong></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Keywords</strong></li>
</ol><p><strong><u>Before you setup your meta tags with keywords</u></strong> <strong>you need to figure out what search phrase you are targeting.</strong> The major one you want to target in this case is "real estate". The idea is you want to come up #1 or at least on the first page of whatever search phrase you are targeting. For most of us kicking out Realtor.Com, Yahoo, MSN, RealEstate.Com and Newsweek for top position is a little beyond our powers. So we get more specific. What geographical area are we dealing with? If it is a county that is your region of choice you would specify the county. A city? Use the city name. A region? Use the region title and then put the words real estate after it.</p> <p>My target market is Cambria, the town where I live and work so we will use that as an example. If you don't want to use "Cambria real estate" you can use, "Cambria homes for sale" or "Cambria condos" etc. My preference is real estate.</p> <p>A great way to find related keywords is the keyword tool built into the Google adwords. If you have a Google adwords account just log in, click on tools at the top, then click on keyword tool. Enter a phrase like "Cambria real estate" then hit "get more keywords". And voila you have a list of related keywords that you can use. This will come in more handy as we go on. </p> <p> <br><strong><u>The Title Tag</u></strong> is the most important meta tag to setup. Each page on your website should have a slightly different title, though you can use your key phrase if you so choose e.g. "Cambria Real Estate". For your home page or main site page use your primary search target phrase plus another major related keyword.</p> <p>To get another major related keyword use the Google adwords tool to find related keywords to "real estate". When I just did it the top 3 were "real estate listings" "real estate agents" and "real estate agent". So a great title to a website would be <strong>"Cambria Real Estate Listings" </strong>This has your key phrase target and a strong related keyword modifier on it. It's tight and straight to the point which is what you want. If you want to hit multiple key phrases do it with a different page and title it accordingly.</p> <p><strong><u><br> The Description Tag</u></strong> is the second most important meta tag. Each page should have a slightly modified description for premium optimization. Around 20 words is good for the description. The tighter you can get everything the better. You want to target exactly what you want to rank and get up there. Get keywords from the Google adwords tool mentioned above and make sure you use the words you put in the description and title tags in the body of your page. If your site is about listings talk about listings on the page.</p> <p>Some hot real estate keywords are: listings, agents, agent, listing, broker, residential, brokers, mls, agency, era, property, homes, commercial, find, sales, etc. Sprinkle these words into your description in a concise manor not repeating yourself. A good description might look something like this. <strong>"Find Cambria real estate listings and homes for sale. Search the MLS for commercial investment property and featured properties from our agency." </strong>This includes many hot real estate keywords in it. Just make sure to elaborate a little or at least mention these words in your main body to maintain emphasis.</p> <p><strong><br><u>The Keywords Tag</u></strong> is least important though if done right can help boost your search results. In listing your keywords make sure you include the words in the body of your page. A good thing to do is start by using the keywords from your meta title and meta description. A keywords tag for the page I have been creating might look something like this <strong>"Cambria, real estate, listings, find, homes for sale, search, mls, commercial, investment, property, properties, agency"</strong></p> <p><br> There is no exact science to it and no one has all the answers as these things change frequently. This is a basic outline of what has worked for me so far. Any additions in the comments are welcomed as I am free to always learn more.</p> <p><strong>Hope this helps and good luck!<br><br></strong></p><p><a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria" title="Cambria Real Estate"><strong>Cambria Real Estate </strong></a></p> The Pismo Beach Duneshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/114289/the-pismo-beach-dunes2007-06-02T16:24:54ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><a href="http://www.pismochamber.com/" title="Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce">Pismo Beach</a> California is an incredible destination for fun activities on the Central Coast of California. A recreation and tourism town with more than 65 restaurants and over 30 inns, hotels, motels, and RV parks.<br /> <br /> Visitors will enjoy a myriad of activities including bicycling, golfing, walking through the Monarch Butterfly Grove, horseback riding on the Pismo Beach dunes and beach, tennis, bowling, scuba diving, hiking, exploring tide pools, and miles of beautiful beaches. The 1200 ft. Pismo Pier for walking, sightseeing, fishing or enjoying the great Pismo Beach sunset.<br /> <br /> Pismo Beach holds many special events; the 4th of July Fireworks Show, Band Review, Clam Festival, Car Show and Dixieland Jazz Festival. </p> <p><img title="The Pismo Beach Dunes" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/5/1/6/ar118084466461537.jpg" height="200" align="right" alt="The Dunes in Pismo Beach" width="300" /><br /> <em><u>The Pismo Beach Dunes offer fun and activities for the whole family:</u></em></p> <p><strong><u>Horseback Riding on the Beach and Dunes:</u></strong><br /> <strong>Guided group trail rides to the beach and dunes</strong><br /> <strong>Regular Trail Ride - $45 per person.</strong> Enjoy a 1 hour long relaxing trail ride through the dunes and beach.<br /> <strong>Long Trail Ride - $70 per person.</strong> A 1 1/2 hour long trail ride through the dunes and beach.<br /> The Livery Stable 1-805-489-8100</p> <p><strong><u>RV Resorts on the Pismo Beach Dunes:</u></strong><br /> <strong>Bring your family to Pismo Beach area's most unique RV resorts.</strong> Nestled among the dunes of the beautiful Oceano Preserve. You'll enjoy breathtaking vistas, sand boarding on the dunes and horseback riding on the beach. Secluded , quiet and close to all attractions. <a href="http://www.pismocoastvillage.com/" title="RV Camping">Pismo Beach RV Park</a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><u>Pismo</u></strong><strong><u> Beach Dune Buggy Rentals:</u></strong><br /> Sun buggy fun rentals of Pismo Beach offers the only dune buggy rentals directly on the Pacific Coast with free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Finally, you can now share the experience - it's time your tried it in a buggy! You drive - how fast - how steep - how often - you decide! You won't find Dune buggies like these anywhere else, custom designed buggies built to specifically meet your needs. Price ranges from $90 / hr - $150 / hr. <a href="http://www.sunbuggiefunrentals.com" title="Pismo Dune Buggie Rentals" target="_blank">Pismo Dune Buggies</a> </p> <p><strong><u>Pismo</u></strong><strong><u> Beach Dunes Hummer Rides:</u></strong><br /> Experience the Pismo Beach dunes with a thrilling one hour Hummer adventure. Hummer tours are a fun, exciting way to see the beach and dunes with no responsibility. This experienced tour guide will take you on a ride you will never forget! Mild or Wild. Adults - $42.00 10&under - $24.00. 2 person minimum. <a href="http://pacificadventuretours.com/" title="Pismo Dunes Hummer Tours">Hummer Tours</a></p> <p><strong><u>Pismo</u></strong><strong><u> Beach</u></strong><strong><u> ATV Dune Rentals:</u></strong><br /> Enjoy a ride on the most impressive playground for off highway enthusiasts, the Pismo Oceano Dunes. A large selection of ATV's in different sizes and models to accommodate all ages and skill levels. Get gear, parts, accessories, training, service and more! <a href="http://www.pismooceanoatvrentals.com/" title="ATV Pismo Oceano Dunes Rentals">Pismo Oceano Dunes ATV Rentals</a></p> <p><br /> After enjoying the Pismo Beach Dunes maybe you want to go shopping! If you are passionate about shopping visit <a href="http://www.primeoutlets.com/cntrdefault.asp?cntrid=1004" title="Prime Outlets Pismo Beach">Prime Outlets Pismo Beach</a>.</p> <p><br /> This is a great destination for fun on the Central Coast - Click if you are interest in <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Pismo_Beach/" title="Pismo Beach Real Estate">Pismo Beach Real Estate</a> or <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Oceano/" title="Oceano Real Estate">Oceano Real Estate</a></p> Enforcing Self Protectionhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/112865/enforcing-self-protection2007-05-31T15:55:21ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><em>Inspired by <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/112193/PART-TIME-No-problem" title="Part Time">PART-TIME-No-problem </a></em><br /></p><p><img title="Click it or Ticket" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/3/1/1/ar118067000811344.jpg" height="118" align="right" alt="Click it or Ticket" width="104" /></p><p><strong>What's with the laws that are meant to protect you from yourself? </strong></p> <p>I just got a seatbelt ticket downtown in my small town of Cambria. I wasn't going fast or being reckless. I figured he'd just give me a warning. I have a clean record, never gotten a ticket before - but sure enough he just wrote me up. Something like $90.</p> <p>I don't agree with that law. Why not spend the time and energy it takes writing me up for not wearing my seatbelt and catch a real criminal? Or someone committing a crime that is actually endangering some innocent victim. <strong>I'm just endangering myself!</strong></p> <p>To me it's the same as the "Got to wear a helmet law." If someone wants to endanger themselves by not wearing a helmet, I say go for it. But they want to fine you for it - <strong>"Here's your ticket - We are protecting you from yourself."</strong> Geeee thanks. </p> <p>Honestly though, I'm a big advocate of seatbelts and helmets. My wife was shocked I got the ticket as I am always making everyone buckle up. Maybe that's another reason I'm so upset about it. I just jumped in the car thinking I was going like 2 blocks - then they hit me =\</p> <p>Well it definitely worked anyway - I've noticed myself thinking even more about wearing my seatbelt than I ever did before.</p> <p><strong>So buckle up - in California they are starting to enforce this one. </strong></p> Is Google Too Powerful?https://activerain.com/blogsview/111997/is-google-too-powerful-2007-05-31T00:47:33ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><u><strong>Microsoft and Google</strong></u> </p><p>Seemed like for a long time <a href="http://www.microsoft.com" title="Microsoft">Microsoft</a> was the big giant everyone was scared of and from that fear caused most of us to love to hate them. Lately I've heard a lot about Google's mega conglomerate empire and how they are eating up the internet. </p> <p>Microsoft's plan was to put a computer in ever single home running their software and get them on the internet. Google took the ball from there - once they are on the internet the majority of people use <a href="http://www.google.com" title="Google">Google</a> and they have become the next superpower.</p><p><em>If you can believe it, Google's $144 billion market value tops that of Time Warner, Viacom, CBS, ad agency giant Publicis Groupe, and the New York Times Co. combined.<br /><strong>From Newsweek <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_15/b4029001.htm" title="Possibly">Is Google Too Powerful?</a></strong><br /></em></p><p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(1984)" title="Big Brother 1984"><img title="I'm Watching You" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/1/9/8/6/ar118059336768915.jpg" height="342" align="right" alt="Google Earth" width="400" /></a><strong><u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(1984)" title="Big Brother 1984">Big Brother</a> is Watching You</u></strong> <br /></p><p>Theorys of Google compiling mega databases about the entire planet =o (which is obviously their goal to some degree) are getting people a little concerned. But are these concerns justified? </p> <p> </p> <ul><li><strong>Google knows who you are</strong> - just google your name</li><li><strong>They know where you work</strong> - google your business name</li><li><strong>They have a satellite picture of your house</strong> - google earth your address</li><li><strong>They are building a database of what you search for</strong><br /></li><li><strong>They have bank accounts and tax information</strong> - google checkout, google adsense</li><li><strong>They have credit card and social security information</strong> - google adwords, google adsense</li><li><strong>They monitor what you do on the internet</strong> - google toolbar</li><li><strong>They monitor what you do on your computer</strong> - google desktop</li><li><strong>They know what traffic comes on your website</strong> - google analytics</li><li><strong>They have access to your emails</strong> - <a href="http://mail.google.com/mail/help/more.html" title="Google doesn't read your mail">gmail</a></li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Who knows what they will do or where they will go next - and there are a lot of products I didn't mention - these guys are massive.</p><p>They own <a href="http://www.blogger.com/home" title="Blogger">Blogger</a> - the largest blogging site, the voices and opinions of the world - <strong>Our online diaries</strong> as a lot of us call them.</p><p><a href="http://youtube.com/" title="YouTube">Youtube</a> - the largest online video archive - <strong>archiving family home videos and your recent trips</strong>.</p><p>Google prides themselves in their superior AI capabilities. To be able to search the entire world and come up with exactly what you are looking for. 56% of the internet trust them to do their searches. And if <strong>Google thinks</strong> you need help it will give you suggestions on what you possibly meant. <a href="http://www.google-watch.org/bigbro.html" title="Big Brother">More on Google and Big Brother</a><br /></p><p><br /><u><strong>What Would we do without Google?</strong></u> <br /></p> <p>But we all love them =D because they make awesome products and services. But isn't it a little bit frightening to think how much we have wrapped up ourselves in this company.</p> <p>What would happen to the world if Google disappeared off the planet? Or if both Google and Microsoft disappeared. <strong>Would there be WWIII?</strong> Would we survive?</p><p>Interesting thoughts - The truth is they have become so involved in our lives it would be like shutting down the power plant in your area and leaving you without electricity for a year or two.</p><p> <img title="Google Eyes" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/4/5/2/ar118059418225456.jpg" height="110" align="left" alt="Google's Eyes" width="276" /></p><p><u><strong>Does Google need to be regulated?</strong></u></p><p><em> "Google probably knew when you last thought you were pregnant, what diseases your children have had, and who your divorce lawyer is"<br />Bill Thompson</em> <br /><strong>From the UK <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2786761.stm" title="Well are they?">Is Google too Powerful</a> </strong><br /></p><p>As some of these things may be scary to some - I personally like Google and their services and plan to continue using them. I don't believe they are a malicious company, neither do I think that about Microsoft.</p><p> It is possible that a little control would be good as they are a super power in the world today. But who would regulate them? What agency on the planet would you trust to get involved with Google? Or maybe a better question is: What government would love to get involved with Google and their databases of everyone's private information?</p><p>At this point in time I have no reason to fear Google their free services seem to be helpful to everyone. But honestly who knows? Did you mean: <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1B2GGGL_enUS208US208&pwst=1&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Is+this+just+candy+for+Hansel+and+Gretel%3F&spell=1" class="p">Is this just candy for Hansel and <em>Gretel</em>?</a> </p> REALTOR Magazine's 30 under 30https://activerain.com/blogsview/110722/realtor-magazine-s-30-under-302007-05-29T09:38:14ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/Rookie" title="Real Estate Rookie"><img title="Real Estate Rookie" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/1/6/9/ar118047283796119.jpg" border="0" height="147" align="right" alt="ABC Blocks" width="170" /></a>It seems to me that just about every cover article in <a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf?OpenDatabase" title="Realtor Magazine">REALTOR magazine</a> for the last few years has been about <strong>technology or the new generation of Realtors</strong> being a dominate force in the industry. This of course is good news to me being 24 and very much into the internet and technology.</p> <p>When I got my real estate license a few years back I was very much intimidated and inhibited by being the youngest Realtor I knew. Most of the Realtors in <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/104854/Cambria-California-Local-Links" title="Cambria California">Cambria CA</a> are over 40; in fact most of them are over 50. Now, after talking to other <strong>young Realtors</strong> and reading about them, I use it as an asset. I am realizing that my generation is the wave of the future and we have the skills that the present real estate market is being driven on. </p> <p><a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/featurejune07_30U30?OpenDocument" title="30 under 30">This month's cover story in REALTOR mag</a> is featuring <strong>30 top real estate agents who are under 30</strong>. These stories are very inspiring to me, especially the ones with agents 24 or younger doing over $10M in closings per year. </p> <p><br /><a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmo/2007/07june/30under30/perkins.html" title="Chad Perkins"> Chad Perkins</a> (22) has an incredible story:</p> <p><em>He started selling real estate part-time while still in high school, grossing an income of $80,000 his senior year.</em> </p> <p> <br /><strong>FSBO's, expireds and withdrawn listings</strong> are properties Chad works, and after reading Broker Bryant's <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/108999/The-ball-s-in" title="The ball's in your court. Run with it!!">The Ball is in Your Court Run With It,</a> I have decided to do the same. Thanks BB for some great tools for those of us who are struggling in real estate through this down market. The more inspiration, examples and encouragement we can get the more successful we will become. Use the tools around you, read what works for others, there's so much support around us we don't have to go far to find it.<br /><br /> Tenacity, determination, and the willingness to learn from all those around them were some of the common attributes each one of these individuals seemed to share. <strong>Whether you are under 30 or just new to the real estate market the ability to listen, learn and never give up helps us to succeed in this intense, highly competitive world of real estate.</strong> </p> First to Record Winshttps://activerain.com/blogsview/109641/first-to-record-wins2007-05-28T06:44:40ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="Race to Record" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/3/4/8/ar118037777984375.jpg" height="300" align="right" alt="The race to Record" width="241" /><strong>"The first to record wins the race to the courthouse."</strong></p><p>This saying has been around for awhile but it doesn't really hit home until you lose big bucks over it. Generally this doesn't happen in common transactions but in many foreclose cases and auctions this can happen where the title has not been searched fully and everything is done halfway.</p><p><strong>My friend lost big when a title wasn't recorded and the proper title search was not done.</strong></p><p>The lot was being sold at an auction at a community subdivision in California where the previous owner had not been paying their dues. My friend therefore purchased the property at a nice price in the auction and felt he had done well. Little did he know there was an auction going on simultaneously over a tax lien against the property.</p><p><strong>A week later when the title company finally went to record the purchase, the other transaction had already been recorded! </strong></p><p><strong>Who was to blame?</strong><br />The property's title search was not done properly to uncover all liens against the title. If this was done the tax lien would have been discovered and dealt with. The agent representing the buyer did not do his due diligence in overseeing the transaction from the title search to the recording of the deed. </p><p><strong>So what happened?</strong><br />The property went to the one who recorded first and my friend was left out to dry with no restitution. In consulting an attorney on what course of action to take the attorney recommended filing suit against the selling agent. The suit is pending.</p><p><br />The lesson we can learn if we are dealing in these sort of transactions as agents or investors is <u><strong>we can't expect people to do their job! We have to make sure they do it.</strong></u> Follow up and make sure the title company has completed the recording quickly. </p> Property Best Use - Turning Lemons to Lemonadehttps://activerain.com/blogsview/109577/property-best-use---turning-lemons-to-lemonade2007-05-28T05:47:41ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="Trains are Fun =D" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/8/4/5/ar118037427454871.jpg" height="252" align="right" alt="Train from KoRail" width="419" /><strong>Sometimes a properties best use isn't found right off the bat. In fact a lot of times it isn't found at all.</strong></p> <p>To perfectly enhance a property's characteristics and embellish its character is sometimes hard to do.</p> <p>This morning I had an inquiry about a <strong>lot next to a railroad</strong> and I thought <strong>"What is the best use of a commercial property that is beside a railroad?"</strong> Generally most people don't want to have a bothersome train rolling by the store every day rattling the windows and products on the shelf. If it was an office building it might be very annoying to hear the loud noise while you are trying to work. Not to say that this is always the case but it is the main reason why property near a railroad is cheaper than ones further away.</p> <p>After pondering this situation awhile and trying to think of a way to embellish the fact that it was near a railroad I thought - <strong>"Why not a toy train store? What a great place to have a train store!"</strong> - And maybe even have a schedule of when the trains come by so people who would like to see the train roll by could know when to come by.</p> <p>My son loves Thomas the Train and a train store with a scheduled train rolling past would be a fun place to stop by on a regular basis =) </p> <p>This is not the only use for a property of this kind, and an office building in this location might do very well. <strong>It is fun, however, to ponder on how to enhance some of the things we might think are flaws in a property and turn them into what makes the property unique, special, and to be highly desired.</strong> </p> Cambria Real Estate Statistics 2004 - Todayhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/107868/cambria-real-estate-statistics-2004---today2007-05-25T16:01:01ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/abraham" title="Cambria Real Estate">Real Estate in Cambria</a></strong> has seen its shares of ups and downs but for the most part has been one of the more stable real estate markets in San Luis Obispo County. Cambria homes are generally the first to go up in price and the last to come down.<br /><br />Cambria’s home buyers are generally retirees looking to get away from the big city or second home buyers looking for a place to vacation part time. <strong>Generally this is not a first time home buyers market</strong> as the cost of living is high, home prices are high, and the economy does not support first time home buyers.</p><p><u><strong>Cambria Real Estate Statistics for Single Family Residential Homes from 2004 until today:</strong></u><br /><br /><img title="Cambria" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/2/5/3/ar118015203535283.jpg" height="344" align="right" alt="Cambria Oranges" width="500" /><strong>Homes Sold:</strong><br />2004: 178<br />2005: 182<br />2006: 132<br />*2007: 46<br /><br /><strong>Median Listing Price:</strong><br />2004: $659,000<br />2005: $715,500 <br />2006: $712,000 <br />*2007: $680,000<br /><br /><strong>Median Selling Price:</strong><br />2004: $636,000 <br />2005: $697,500<br />2006: $708,500<br />*2007: $653,750<br /><strong><br />Minimum Selling Price:</strong><br />2004: $308,000 <br />2005: $390,000<br />2006: $370,000<br />*2007: $400,000 <br /><strong><br />Median Days on the Market:</strong><br />2004: 62<br />2005: 63<br />2006: 69<br />*2007: 97<br /><br />*Taken May 25th 2007.<br /><br />These real estate statistics are congruent with the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/102910/Real-Estate-Home-Sales" title="Real Estate Home Sales">real estate home sales in San Luis Obispo County</a> and the rest of the United States. For the most part we have seen sharp increases over 2004 and 2005, a tapering off in 2006 and then sales and prices falling this year. The minimum sales price of homes in Cambria will continue to rise as water becomes more and more scarce. The cost of water alone in Cambria is nearing $400,000 which is where the minimum selling price is. Water is the most precious resource in Cambria. For more information on water and the build-out reduction plan read about <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/98674/Cambria-Special-Project-Area" title="Special Projects Area 1">SPA1</a> and <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/99552/Cambria-Special-Project-Area" title="Special Projects Area 2">SPA2</a>.<br /><br /><strong>View homes for sale, commercial property, land and more <a href="http://realestate.apc.cc/ca/Cambria/" title="Cambria Real Estate">Cambria Real Estate</a>.<br /></strong><br /></p> SEO Word Counterhttps://activerain.com/blogsview/105343/seo-word-counter2007-05-23T00:42:07ZAbraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)
<p><img title="Don't Spam Word Count" src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/1/0/6/ar117989743660128.jpg" height="103" align="right" alt="Use the word counter" width="137" />For <strong>Search Engine Optimization</strong> knowing what <strong>words</strong> you are using and how many times that <strong>word</strong> is used is very useful. Using a word too many times can show up as spam if your overall page <strong>word count</strong> is not very high. If you don't use certain words or associated words then your associated word count might be bad for the subject you are talking about. Search engines won't be as likely to pick up on what subject or information you want a page to be known for if you don't use the right keywords.</p><p>I decided today to create a <strong>word counter</strong> so I could know easily and effectively if I was spamming words or if I wasn't using them enough. You want your keywords to be used a lot but not 20+ times when the content of your page is under 400 or 500 words. If you would like to use this little word counter tool I have made it available - it is version 1.0 so be kind. But if you have any recommendations on how it could be more effective I will try to implement them if the task is not too complex =)</p><p>This tool is also effective if you want to be a "good" writer and not repeat words or if you are just looking for a basic word counting program. </p><p><strong>Enjoy the <a href="http://webdesign.apc.cc/word_counter.php" title="Word Counter">Word Counter</a> </strong></p>