Berkeley Real Estate Blog Cast

2011-09-14T15:51:00.001-07:00

iPad 2
It does everything like nothing else.

With iPad 2 and over 100,000 apps made for it, you can do what you love in ways you never imagined.

Learn more
http://ping.fm/fu2p9

Buy now
http://ping.fm/7MJcp

2011-09-09T14:47:00.001-07:00

Don't miss the first deadline of the school year.
September 20 is the last day to buy a Mac for college and get a free $100 Back to School Card to spend on apps, music, games, and more.*

Shop now
http://ping.fm/uZ1hl

Share on Facebook
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Tell friends on Twitter
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2011-08-25T14:08:00.001-07:00

Multiple choice. No wrong answers.
Find great gear for your school year in our Back to School Buying Guide, where everything ships for free.

Shop now
http://ping.fm/JmrA2

2011-08-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

Everything Apple. Now live and in person.

Introducing the Apple Store, 4th Street.
Join us for our grand opening August 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Learn more
http://ping.fm/SmGpj

2011-06-07T08:19:00.001-07:00

OS X Lion.
The world's most advanced desktop operating system advances even further.

Coming in July to the Mac App Store for just $29.99.

Learn more
http://ping.fm/Nda5g

2011-05-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

For everything Dad does, the gift that does everything.
This Father's Day, get Dad an iPad 2. Pick one up at your favorite Apple Retail Store. Or buy online and get free shipping and engraving.* Just order by Friday, May 27, to make sure your iPad arrives in time.

Buy now
http://ping.fm/srGd8

Apple Retail Store
http://ping.fm/q0use

2011-05-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

Start a bright future with the perfect present.
iPad 2 will help your grad work, play, and learn like never before. Shop the Apple Retail Store or order online and get free shipping.

Buy now
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Apple Retail Store
http://ping.fm/Dd5GM

2011-05-03T13:45:00.001-07:00

The ultimate all-in-one goes all out.
The new iMac features a quad-core processor in every model, up to 3x faster graphics, Thunderbolt, and a FaceTime HD camera. Configure yours online now or pick one up today at your favorite Apple Retail Store.

Configure yours online
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Apple Retail Store
http://ping.fm/B0wVE

Buy now
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2011-05-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

Great ways to make Mom's day.
Shop our Mother's Day Gift Guide for a handpicked collection of Apple products and accessories that will suit her style, get her moving, and make the most of her "me time."

Shop now
http://ping.fm/zSrQb

2011-04-28T06:07:00.001-07:00

Finally.
The amazing iPhone 4. Now available in white.

2011-04-21T09:34:00.001-07:00

Everything Mom loves. You included.
Mom can see you anytime with FaceTime on iPod touch. She can make a FaceTime call to an iPhone 4, iPod touch, iPad 2, and Mac.* She'll also enjoy HD video recording, apps, and more. Pick up iPod touch at the Apple Retail Store. Or order online and get free shipping and free engraving.

Buy now
http://ping.fm/bo6r0

Apple Retail Store
http://ping.fm/w67GE

2011-04-16T08:20:00.001-07:00

Give Mom a book by her favorite author. You.
This Mother's Day, show her how much you care with a personalized photo book made right on your Mac using iPhoto.

Learn more
http://ping.fm/8sI3t

2010-01-09T09:05:00.001-08:00

Two photos from North Berkeley's French Hotel thanks to Jeff Turner!

Saw Leonard Pitt there and got to thank him for his wonderful
presentation on Vintage French Postcards - yes, he had those too.

2010-01-07T12:30:00.001-08:00

At the end of Lake Street in Kensington

2010-01-03T14:04:00.001-08:00

Lap Time with Baby T

2009-12-31T17:32:00.001-08:00

Yay - Berkeley's Black Oak Books Lives!

2009-12-24T09:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas came early - the girls got Carol a mouse!

2009-12-23T15:40:00.001-08:00

Berkeley - where street vendors sell -Poetry!

And es posible habla Español con Batista Angel en Hotel Francesca

I love Berkeley!

2009-12-23T14:41:00.001-08:00

A genuine Berkeley Pious Prius

2009-11-30T16:28:00.001-08:00

Take care of the Earth - always a good idea

2009-11-30T15:35:00.001-08:00

We've lots of rock stars starring in Berkeley's Thousand Oaks
Neighborhood! Note my shadow bottom left for scale.

2009-11-29T10:56:00.001-08:00

Subtle Signage Doesn't Always Work

2009-11-29T10:28:00.001-08:00

A fun mural

2009-11-29T10:20:00.001-08:00

There is a South Park

2009-11-28T10:24:00.001-08:00

Someone donated a Solar System Menorah to Toys For Tots

Go figure

2009-11-23T08:01:00.001-08:00

Sew Clean Cleaners

2009-11-23T07:15:00.001-08:00

Interesting Pen Set

2009-11-16T09:10:00.001-08:00

Consider yourself informed

2009-11-16T09:09:00.001-08:00

Seeing wonderful friends at NAR San Diego really energized me!

2009-11-15T08:13:00.001-08:00

Manhattan Bagel on 4th Street - the BEST Bagels in Berkeley!

2009-11-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

Poly Bathroom Floorene in NOT Carcinogenic - doesn't need hazmat does
need floormat

2009-10-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

Halloween on Mariposa Street in Berkeley is amazing! It's a beautiful
street - all blocked off - filled with kids -parents - dogs... and a
house from "up" with a zillion balloons

2009-10-31T15:48:00.001-07:00

If they name their wireless "Booger" can you imagine what kind of
candy they'd pick?

2009-10-30T19:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Lisa Bullwinkel for another delightful event. I think het
web site is anotherwinkelproduction.com

2009-10-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

A Kosher Fortune, Cookie

2009-10-28T12:54:00.001-07:00

Good for kindergarden, good for roadies

2009-10-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

Fortune Cookie - We must have old memories and young hopes

2009-10-27T22:01:00.001-07:00

We use our Dell Computer as a cat-alytic heater

2009-10-27T11:10:00.001-07:00

Files are easy to find when you have a good cat-a-logue

2009-10-27T07:55:00.001-07:00

Casita Adela in the morning light

2009-10-25T16:54:00.001-07:00

Peralta Avenue is getting pumped up and doubling its liquid assets

2009-10-23T14:03:00.001-07:00

New huge iMac.

Wide angle lenses and sunglasses not included

You want one, don't you?

2009-10-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

Hi #TwitterQueens - one of yours?

2009-10-16T08:41:00.001-07:00

An almost perfect Friday Morning. Carol, NY Times, Bettes Diner - but
no Hangtown Fry this morning

2009-10-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

Treating myself to a hangtown fry at Bette's Diner on 4th. The last
time I had one was at the Cyberstar Retreat last year at Cannon Beach,
Oregon

2009-10-11T22:05:00.001-07:00

Berkeley Dylan Concert Just Ended. Alas the music was lost behind too
many musicians using too much electricity,

2009-10-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

The music my friends will be blowin' in the wind... but by request of
the artist, no photos will be. Warm and comfortable at the top of the
Greek Theater.

By the way, from the sweet aroma in the air, that's not all that's
blowin' in the wind.

Just reminiscin'

2009-10-10T18:15:00.001-07:00

Soul Food @ http://saulsdeli.com

Alas, the web site has flash - not kosher for viewing on the oyPhone.

2009-10-10T17:45:00.001-07:00

Saul's Wireless has lox on it. Nu? What did you expect?

2009-10-10T12:15:00.001-07:00

Berkeley - cat hit by car Colusa at Vincente/Portland

Do you know where it lives please call me 510-684-3334

The cat jumped a fence on Colusa and ran to 680-690 block of Colusa

2009-10-08T10:52:00.001-07:00

This is very cool and I'm blogging with listing agent permission

2009-10-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

Back off! is a great name for a wireless system. I opted to not see
if their password was "password"

2009-10-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

We take recycling very seriously in Berkeley

2009-10-04T11:30:00.001-07:00

We're letting everyone about our wonderful Thousand Oaks listing at
690 Colusa 690colusa.com

2009-10-04T09:58:00.001-07:00

Our "Spice of Life" Festival branch office is OPEN! Stop by 1625
Shattuck and say hello - have some lemonade too

2009-10-02T12:23:00.001-07:00

You can even reserve a parking spot. Go Bears

2009-10-02T11:58:00.001-07:00

Americans At Work - University Avenue just east of San Pablo Avenue in
West Berkeley

2009-10-01T14:22:00.001-07:00

A pretty arbor on Prince Street

2009-09-29T09:24:00.001-07:00

Was so cold in Berkeley that 3 of my tires had flat tire warnings

Yep - winter is here - down to 57 F

Ira & Carol Serkes
Pacific Union RE
510-526-6668
BerkeleyHomes.com

California RE License
00936453 Ira
01143916 Carol

iPhone Powered Email

2009-09-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

I love it when people gravitate to my graphs, charts, and books

2009-09-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

Flowers from our delighted buyers who just closed escrow. We have the
most wonderful clients!

2009-09-24T18:57:00.001-07:00

Our first Thu night Realtor Feedup to support local restaurants

A dozen people, many who have never been to Kensington Pub before.

Thanks to all who attended.

2009-09-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

Meet Mountain Val!

2009-09-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

A monarch butterfly just flew onto my desk. How cool is that?

2009-09-21T15:28:00.001-07:00

I wonder where Turtlz entourage is? This has all the elements of a TV
show.

2009-09-21T15:19:00.001-07:00

A Totem on Tenth Street - West Berkeley

2009-09-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

Orange you glad Carol coordinates colors?

2009-09-18T18:45:00.001-07:00

L'Shana Tova - hoping that the tail of the year will be as lovely as
the head.

2009-09-16T16:52:00.001-07:00

Black Point in Marin has a Hogwarts Speed Limit

2009-09-15T15:06:00.001-07:00

Outside the Epicurious Garden on North Shattuck

Berkeley's Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Meeting Tonight

2009-09-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Berkeley's Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Organization - TONA - is having a meeting tonight - 15 Sep 2009 7:15-9:00 pm.

On the agenda - "Going Solar: What You Need to Know"

Meeting is at the Thousand Oaks Baptist Church Auditorium - Catalina at Colusa just one block north of Solano.

Visit the Thousand Oaks Yahoo Group

2009-09-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

And Bua Luang loves us back

2009-09-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

A Favorite Thai Reataurant with FREE WiFi - Bua Luang at 1166 Solano
in Albany has great food - and - I just discovered - free wifi.

bualuangthaicuisine.com

We walked in and it reminded me of our first meal on the river in
Bangkok last October.

This poster for free music in Albany was in the window.

2009-09-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

Several Hundred Thousand Friends joined me at The Solano Stroll

2009-09-13T15:17:00.001-07:00

OMG - They're breeding!

2009-09-13T15:15:00.001-07:00

Skilled Woodpeckers on Tulare Avenue

2009-09-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

Grand Marshall of the "How Un-Berkeley Can You Be?" Parade

2009-09-13T13:58:00.001-07:00

Come say hello - visit 1217ordway.com for home and neighborhood photo
portfolio

Ira & Carol Serkes
Pacific Union RE
510-526-6668
BerkeleyHomes.com

California RE License
00936453 Ira
01143916 Carol

iPhone Powered Email

2009-09-13T13:57:00.001-07:00

The Zebra Mural on Ada Street just west of Sacramento Street in
Berkeley.

More and more often I take the road less travelled on my Berkeley Real
Estate journeys around town.

Soon afterwards I saw Roger Robinson of Star Inspections with a tribe
of other inspectors at thei ASHI - American Society of Home Inspectors
picnic. Saw houseman on his inspector bike at the Solano Stroll this
morning.

2009-09-13T12:26:00.001-07:00

Berkeley - a Zebra Car across from the Jefferson School

There's an Xtracycle Parade in today's Solano Stroll

2009-09-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I took a picture of an Xtracyle in front of the Berkeley YMCA, and now I see that there will be a parade at today's Solano Stroll.

Here's where to register for the Xtracycle Parade

The Berkeley - Albany Solano Stroll is a mile-long block party

2009-09-12T19:03:00.001-07:00

The Berkeley - Albany Solano Stroll is a mile-long block party... and it's tomorrow!

It's one of our favorite festivals of the year - parade, music, food, dancing, and more!

The parade starts at 10 am.

Here's where to find out more about the stroll

Our Berkeley Community Festival Site

Solano Avenue Association

2009-09-11T15:39:00.001-07:00

At the Party Warehouse in Jack London Square

2009-09-10T12:43:00.001-07:00

We're now in Oakland's Rockridge Neighborhood. I love the Stone
Pillars marking the streets and neighborhoods.

2009-09-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

One of Berkeley's many Bicycle Boulevards. Near North Berkeley BART

2009-09-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

Three Photovoltaic Systems on Grizzly Peak

2009-09-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

A Beautiful Day on Grizzly Peak in the Oakland Hills

2009-09-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

Easy Rider style Bikers - for kids. Seen outside Downtown Berkeley Y

2009-09-07T11:31:00.001-07:00

Self Portrai with Cappuchino - North Berkeley's French Hotel

ATT Data Access #FAIL today

2009-09-05T17:32:00.001-07:00

Every iPhone user is probably trying to get traffic updates because the San Francisco Bay Bridge is closed.

Backgammon on Hopkins Street next to Monterey Market

2009-09-03T17:59:00.001-07:00

Backgammon on Hopkins Street next to Monterey Market

Electric Cars, bikes, and Car Share at the Berkeley Parking lot

2009-09-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Westbrae Charmer 1217 Ordway Open Today

2009-08-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Living room has vaulted ceiling, archway entry to formal dining room, wood burning fireplace; Updated kitchen and bath; glass-paned cabinetry, pull out pantry; recessed lighting; loads of counter space and storage; stack washer/dryer in kitchen closet; Kitchen opens through newer French doors to deck and level back garden; Hall skylight; newer refrigerator, hardwood floors; Detached garage with bonus room; Recent earthquake retrofit done; sewer lateral in compliance.

Visit 1217 Ordway Web Site for the photo portfolio

Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

2009-08-29T10:42:00.003-07:00

The star trek sound board - Galileo - is wireless

2009-08-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

Aboard the West Coast Live Inaugural Cruise at the new Freight and
Salvage in downtown #Berkeley. Join us at wcl.org or kalw.org

2009-08-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

Dropped off Toner for refill. If I was in the mood would have stopped
at Ben and Jerry's to refill my Internet

On Oxford Street Downtown #Berkeley

"Social Networking" Sites - Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Flickr, Google...

2009-08-22T21:51:00.001-07:00

||||| "Social Networking" Sites - Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Flickr, Google...

Here's what I've learned about Google Groups, and other online/"social networking" sites.

Most are free; I paid $25 or so for an annual Flickr Pro site, and $99 for an annual MobileMe (Mac) site

Many of these have privacy settings, but it's best to assume that whatever you post can be seen by others.

What goes on in twitter definitely does not stay in twitter... but that's the purpose of it - to disseminate information...though some information shouldn't be.

Let me know if you'd like more information.

Feel free to forward this post to others. It doesn't need to "Stay in Vegas"

Ira

========================

Google Groups - http://groups.google.com/

I've set up several Google Groups - Our neighborhood group is a Google Group. Great for communicating with members within each group. If you set up a google group, I recommend making it opt-in and by invitation only.

If you collect, create, travel, write, eat, cook, read ... there's probably a group for you. It's easy to create one (or more) google groups.

Posts are generally private

========================

Twitter - http://twitter.com/

Twitter is interesting. Just as light has both wave and particle properties, Twitter is both useless and useful.

Some people "tweet" about what they had for breakfast or where they are at the moment.

Boring.

That said, I think that every one of us should set up a twitter account.

Why?

It's a redundant means of communications in case of emergency.

One person was arrested in Cairo - he sent out a "tweet" and was released from prison that day.

Mumbai Massacre? Twitter used to communicate what was going on.

Miracle on the Hudson. One Thursday I saw a tweet by Science Friday "Fire Trucks and Ambulances heading to the Hudson"

It was NOT the kind of thing you'd expect to receive from Science Friday on Thursday.

I immediately turned on the radio and heard about the plane landing on (in?) the Hudson River.

When you "tweet" it goes out to all your followers. If they feel it's important or interesting, they will "retweet" to all their followers.

In other words - geometric, viral distribution of information.

In case of an emergency/earthquake, one of the first things I'd do is to us Twitter to "tweet" about it, then immediately let anyone following me know we were OK.

Please set up a twitter.com account and take it for a test drive.

========================

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com

Great for connecting with old friends.

I saw a 51 Chevy parked on Sonoma Avenue, took a picture on my iPhone, and emailed the photo to Facebook.

Within an hour my friend Arthur Pincus (still living in The Bronx) said "it looks like one of the cars my father used to sell"

I answered back "I remember his used car lot on Boston Post Road"

And we each brought back pleasant memories about growing up in Pelham Parkway (Bronx Park East and Bolton Street, to be specific)

I like Facebook.

========================

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/

Business Related. If you're looking for a job, this is where you need to be.

========================

Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/

I really like Flickr - it's a photo/video site

For $25 I upgraded to Flickr Pro which lets me upload unlimited photos ... and easily add the photos to a map to show where I took it.! Very cool - I mapped a Hindu Temple in Bangkok, and the Kowloon waterfront location where I took pictures/video of the Hong Kong Light show

I tried out Picasa (Google's picture site) after using Flikr for a few months. Flickr is vastly superior.

I batch resize and watermark ALL photos before uploading them.

http://stuntsoftware.com/Downsize/ is a super $19.95 mac program which does just what I want

Flickr lets you organize your photos into Collections and Sets

Collections
San Francisco Bay Area
Art Deco Architecture
Travel

and within each collection are sets

Travel
- Asia
-- Hong Kong

San Francisco Bay Area
- East Bay
-- Berkeley California
--- Thousand Oaks Neighborhood
--- Northbrae/Westbrae

I REALLY like Flickr

You can even join Flickr Photo Groups - I'm a member of "Art-Deco - London"

A law firm in Dowtown Oakland liked my photo of the Fox Theater Grand Opening so much, they asked for permission to use it in their newsletter.

========================

YouTube - Part of Google - http://www.youtube.com/

I'm still playing with YouTube

I've created videos from HD video (the Panasonic Lumix Camera takes HD Video and fits in my vest pocket) and also from Still Shots using the Ken Burns "panning" effect.

If you have a newer Mac, iMovie is superb for movie making and uploading to YouTube

========================

Blogs - Part of Google - http://www.blogger.com/

Talk about anything which interests you

I have one blog for Art Deco Architecture, another for Living In Berkeley

========================

Tying it all together

A free membership with http://ping.fm lets you take photos with your smart phone (iPhone works great), email to a special email address, and have it post on several sites.

I'm a Macophile.

MobileMe is a $99/year mac service which synchronizes calendars, files, browser bookmarks, and hosts your photos and video

iMovie integrates with YouTube and MobileMe

iPhoto integrates with MobileMe, Facebook, Flickr & Email

Let me know if you'd like more information.

Ira Serkes
510-526-6668
ira@berkeleyhomes.com

2009-08-15T18:55:00.001-07:00

Good Movies bring out the neighbors to the Oaks Theater on Solano in
Thousand Oaks neighborhood of #Berkeley

2009-08-14T18:20:00.001-07:00

We use the entire Buffalo fuselage, not just the wings. Ashby and
Telegraph in #Berkeley - Elmwood / Le Conte neighborhood interface

2009-08-14T17:34:00.001-07:00

C'mon back, C'mon back, C'mon back. that's good.

Seen this afternoon in the #Oakland Hills