The Mortgage & More Blog

Who is your web hosting with?

2008-05-16T10:38:38Z

I have come across many web hosting sites in my time on the internet. Few have been creditable and been able to withstand the test of time. Now there is yet another on the verge of coming on line that has it's own dedicated servers for this very task.

Web hosting can be cheap, but in the long run, it is not the price that you should be looking for. It is more the service that a company can give you is the most important thing when if comes to web hosting. If a company's servers are always crashing, then it is hard to keep yourself in business.

At this point, this service has not launched their main site. They will soon be up and running for business and you can compare them to other web hosters.

Honesty - Power Quotes Series

2008-05-16T09:50:14Z

I have come across a lot of loan officers in my time that do not practice this with their customers. The outcome is devastating when they arrive to the closing table and what was told to the customer is not what is on the paperwork. To me, it makes no sense why you need to lie to your customers to get them to do a deal. Problem is this; this is not just a problem in the loan officer world.

I hope that in one of the quotes below you find some form of inspiration. I have added a song for your listening pleasure as you read the quotes.

If you like, click on the pictures and you can read other post from the other 2 sites that I blog on.

Billy Joel - Honesty
Uploaded by INDIEN94

"I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you're trying to accomplish and what you're willing to sacrifice to accomplish it."
Lee Iacocca

"Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal."
Wanda Hope Carter, from To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABCs

"Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time."
Sam Rayburn

"An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie; for an excuse is a lie guarded."
Alexander Pope

"Who lies for you will lie against you."
Proverb

"Honesty is something you can't wear out."
Waylon Jennings

"Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."
William Shakespeare

"A half truth is a whole lie."
Yiddish Proverb

"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."
Mark Twain

One of the most basic core values is honesty."
Catherine Pulsifer, from HONESTY. . . A CORE VALUE?

St. Jude Medical's Inside Cardiac Arrest

2008-05-15T14:26:45Z

If any of you are like me, you have experience with cardiac arrest and nothing that is exciting. InsideCardiacArrest.com gives detailed information on arrhythmia and how it leads to cardiac arrest. The website goes into risk factors and warning signs and gives information on treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

InsideCardiacArrest.com has two videos that you can view: Sudden Cardiac Arrest & The Human Heart. I would recommend that you check both of these out as SCA kills 325,000 people a year - or nearly 900 per day and it usually occurs without warning. Most people do not realize that if SCA is not treated in the first 4 to 6 minutes, it can be fatal.

Humor - Power Quotes Series

2008-05-14T09:42:12Z

The problem with most people is that when times get tough, humor is the first thing to go. In my world, humor is a must. Without it, how can you survivie?

My good friend, Rick (better known as BLR Guy) always is quick to crack a joke. He understands the need for humor and laughter in our world. Lyn Sims is another that understands this world. I could go on and on with naming the ones that understands this.

I hope that you find some form of inspirtation in the quotes below.

Please click on the pictures and visit my other blogs.

"Humor
The sunshine of the mind."
Bulwer-Lytton

"Good-humor makes all things tolerable."
Henry Ward Beecher

"A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerated the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable."
Billy Graham

"We all enjoy working with someone who has a sense of humor. At times the workplace can become a stressful place, and a sense of humor lightens the environment."
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are People's Expectations of a Coach?

"Humor and knowledge are the two great hopes of our culture."
Konrad Lorenz

"Good –humor is goodness and wisdom combined."
Owen Meredith

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs — jolted by every pebble in the road."
Henry Ward Beecher

"I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it."
Frank A. Clark

About the Author

If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact Danny or Rich of the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approval in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@homeamericamortgage.com or call us @ 865-951-0522.

Rain

2008-05-13T19:56:16Z

Play the song above while you read this and you will be in the same mind frame as I am in. This is sort of an apology to all the subscribers, newbies, friends, and groups that I have here in the rain. Lately my time has been limited on ActiveRain due to the move and other things that have cropped up because of the move. Yesterday I was able to make about 30 comments on differnet post and I enjoyed it much. Today, not so much.

With that being said, I promise I will soon return and return with a mighty conviction. I have always been a supporter of activerain and I feel lost when I am not around. I will soon be BACK IN BLACK.

About the Author

Are your ready for Frontier(s) (A movie Review)

2008-05-13T09:19:35Z

When watching a horror movie, at what levels can you take it? What is your favorite way to be scared? At what point do you turn your head? At what point do you jump? At what point do you scream? At what point do you run and hide? On May 9th 2008 After Dark Films released Frontier(s) to a selective few theaters. On May 13th the unrated and uncut version will be available on DVD. Think before you click on any of these links as this is a review of a horror movie and I do not want to make anyone scream yet.

I urge you to check out the Movie Trailer and consider buying this movie today. If you are a horror fan like me, then this is a must have for your collection. Also, if you are a fan of any of the Saw movies, then you will like this one too. Not to give the movie away, but as one segment says in the movie, once inside, there is no getting out unless you have nothing to lose.

After seeing the Trailer for Frontier(s) and viewing some of the other clips that the website had to offer, I knew that this was a movie I had to see. Most unrated movies never make it to theaters and this one was release to select theaters on May 9th. Just the fact that the movie is controversial to say tthe least is a plus that it made it to the big screen.

Habits - Power Quotes Series

2008-05-12T10:20:41Z

Habits can be good or can be bad for you. It takes 21 days to form a habit and sometimes a lifetime to break them. When you are trying to institue a new habit, it is something that you have to keep your mindset aware of and continue to remind yourself that you need to do this task.

In the work force, people tend to ignore things they do as habit and just move forward. I am sure that you know someone that is constantly late to work, or takes a longer than normal lunch, or smacks when they eat, or cracks their knuckles. All of these things are examples of habits.

I hope that you can find some inspiration in these quotes below. And make it a Super Fantastic Day.

Remember that the pictures are also active and you can read post from two of my other blog sites that I write for..

“First we form habits then they form us. Conquer your bad habits, or they’ll eventually conquer you.”
Dr. Rob Gilbert

"Habit, if not resisted, soon becomes neccessity."
St. Augustine

"The best way to break a bad habit is to drop it."
Leo Aikman

"Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts."
Aristotle

"Feeling sorry for yourself and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have."
Dale Carnegie

"There are two types of habits: ones which comfort us, and ones which would be a comfort if we stopped."
Catherine Pulsifer

"Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them."
Confucius

"The most destructive habit.........................Worry"
Author Unknown, from The Test

"Habit is a man's sole comfort. We dislike doing without even unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed."
Goethe

"Good habits are worth being fanatical about. "
John Irving

About the Author

Road Woes Continue

2008-05-11T10:09:41Z

The Atlanta Braves enjoy the confines of Turner Field this year. This is something that they could not say last year. Currently leading the majors with a 14 - 4 home stand record, the Atlanta Braves could be enjoying success if they could just figure out how to win on the road. With an almost identically backwards record on the road of 4 - 13, it does not take one long to figure why these guys are not on top. Soon, and very soon, they will figure it out and then and only then will teams fear the day that the Atlanta Braves come to town.

After last nights fall apart from what started out to be another great game with Mark Teixeira hitting his 5th home run into the left field bleachers. The Braves jumped out to a 2 - 0 lead that would seem to be enough until the 4th inning where Chuck James fell apart and gave up the lead.

Today, the Braves look to stop their sliding as they look to their new young phenom Jair Jurrjens who has been spectacular this year to say the least.

Also, take a moment and click on the pictures to see some of the other blogs that I write on other sites.

About the Author

Where is my Birthday Card?

2008-05-10T21:26:36Z

Have you ever forgotten to send someone a birthday card and had to rush out to find just the right one to send to your special friend, loved one, family member, or even a business associate? Most of us never think of keeping a stack of birthday cards around for easy access. Now, it is quite the easy task as cardsdirect.com has made it easy to purchase these cards in bulk.

One might ask why in bulk and that is an easy answer. If you got to the store to buy one of these individual you will pay around $4.00 for this card. With that being said, if you buy through cardsdirect.com, then you will pay between $1.50 and $2.00 depending on the quantity and the type that you buy.

Another advantage to buy your birthday cards from cardsdirect.com is that you can personalize your order to say what you want it to say. Think about all the customers that you have in your database and the fact that you want it to be your card that they are opening on their birthday.

It does not end with business clients though. You can use these to send to friends and family from the church, the gym, the carpool, the school teachers and on and on. The people are as endless as the service that they offer. And they have multiple cards to choose from and it is very easy to chose.

Goals - Power Quotes Series

2008-05-09T07:53:07Z

Goals are an important part of our careers and even in our lives. Being able to achieve them gives you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. Goal setting is a part of every successful training program around that I have ever come across and it will continue to be because of its effectiveness.

I hope that in one of the quotes below that you find something that will keep you pushing forward.

As always, the pictures are hyperlinked to other blogs that I write and I would great appreciate you checking them out. Thanks for all the support that you give me and have given me.

"Life's ups and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want."
Marsha Sinetar

"Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy."
Denis Waitley

"Goals give you a compass in order to direct your path through life. Goals focus your thoughts and actions on areas that have precise purpose and meaning."
Catherine Pulsifer, from Wings for Goals

"Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination and disregard for obstacles and other people's criticisms, carry out your plan."
Paul Meyer

"The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score."
Bill Copeland

"Goals are not only absolutely necessary to motivate us. They are essential to really keep us alive."
Robert H. Schuller

"For me, goals are my road map to the life I want. They have helped me accomplish things I once thought were impossible."
Catherine Pulsifer, from Wings of Wisdom

"Choosing a goal and sticking to it changes everything."
Scott Reed

Real Estate in Maryland

2008-05-08T18:27:20Z

In today's shaky market and tough times, finding the right company to deal with in the right area is a must. When I am in the market to buy, I weigh all my options and so should you. The worst thing that you would want to do is sign on with a company that cannot deliver the goods for you. Finding the best deal is not always the right thing as much as finding the right property for your needs.

And when looking for real estate in Maryland, there is one name that you need to be looking for. DROdio Real Estate has been making their mark in the area. Daniel has assembled a team of well trained Realtors ready to empower you with access to tools, information and expertise. Their way of doing business is revolutionary. They have access to tools that will make your experience with them even better.

It does not matter if you are in the market to buy or to sale, one of these team members can aid you in your endeavor. Check out their website today and see if they can help you to either obtain a piece of the American Dream of homeownership or help you sale your piece of the American Dream. Either choice will not allow for you to go wrong by choosing them.

Braves Baseball

2008-05-08T17:23:00Z

Can any team be hotter than the Atlanta Braves? With Chipper Jones and Manny Acosta providing the power in hitting and closing, the Braves are on a roll like you have never seen before. As for the pitching, the Braves have currently on the DL Mike Gonzalez, Mike Hampton, Anthony Lerew, Peter Moylan, John Smoltz, Rafael Soriano. These 6 pitchers were figured in to be big parts of the plans this year.

The Braves have enjoyed success on the most recent home stand but it still seems like it is all for naught as they still remain 3rd in their division. There are 2 division that have this tight of a race. The other is in the American League Central where the spread is only 3 games. Of course, there is a lot of baseball left to play and you never know where that might leave our great superstars of the south. All I can say is

About the Author

Have you seen Zookoda?

2008-05-08T14:30:35Z

Have you taken the time to check out Zookoda? Or maybe I should ask if you know what Zookoda is for some of you. It is quiet simple really. Zookoda is an email marketing application designed specifically for bloggers like you and me. It allows for you to market your blog through emails and get it out into the hands of your fans for faster review. Think about the delays that you normally have when you put out a new post to getting it into the hands of the people that you want it in: YOUR READERS.

Zookoda has many advantages to it's application. You can manage email newsletter subscribers, design eye-catching newsletters to match your blog, and schedule recurring broadcast for each day, week, or month just to name a few things that this will do. This is only scraping the surface as Zookoda has so much more that they offer and can do with this awesome tool. If you are not a member of them yet, then what are you waiting on?

What is in it for me you might ask. Well, that is a great question. Zookoda helps you broadcast when there are updates to your blogs. If you are not blogging on a platform like ActiveRain that automatically shows your updates, then it is hard to get the word out with the little updates that RSS gives you. Zookoda handles that issue for you. Since it was created with bloggers in mind, it is designed to benefit the bloggers that use it.

The great thing that I have yet to even tell you is, it is free. Yeah, you heard me right, it is totally free and that might be the best reason to at least check it out. Can you image having this kind of resource at your fingertips and at your beckon call and not have to pay a dime for it? I can, because I am not only promoting them, I use them myself. I hope that you will at least take the time to dig in and check them out too.

Ladies, if you want....(today's funny)

2008-05-08T08:02:27Z

I received this a few days ago and I am just now getting around to it. In honor of all the hard working women out there, I have to share this with you. It might be the most profound thing that you hear today and I can not let it go by without you getting something from me today. Now, remember, read it all and do not just scroll to the bottom.

Also, if you like, click on the pictures and they will take you to other post that I have written on other blog sites.

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him

and never say its not quite as good as his mothers

...then buy a dog.

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour,

for as long and wherever you want ...

...then buy a dog..

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn't care

about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies .

...then buy a dog.

If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to

warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores

...then buy a dog !

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn't care

if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if

every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves

you unconditionally, perpetually

...then buy a dog.

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come

when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair

all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only

comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence

is solely to ensure his happiness .,

...then buy a cat!

Now be honest, you thought I was gonna say... marry a man, didn't you?

Identity theft tops the Federal Trade Commission's complaint list

2008-05-07T22:20:41Z

I hate when I talk to people and hear that they have become a victim of identity theft. Problem is, it is becoming more common a problem. In our business of lending people money for the purchase of the American dream, homeownership, this is one of the evils that sometimes stands in the way of getting that task done. Lifelock is a great website that helps you guarantee your good name.

One might even suggest that they not have to be subjected to protecting their good name or spending money to do just that. I would say to that person, spend a day in the life of a person that has fallen victim to identity theft and you will understand why it can be so important.

People need to wake up and take precaution to protect what is there. Your good credit can be the lure that it takes to attract the wrong people who will eventually take the things that you love some much away. The biggest one being your credit.

Kiss the Rain.

2008-05-07T20:02:53Z

Enjoy the music as you read this post. Well, I have just one thing to say at this moment.

I’m back.

And Frankly, I have missed this place and missed all the friends that I have made here. I have to say thank you for all the emails and the calls that I have received. I guess you never really never know what kind of impact that you have had on a place or the people in that place until you are away for some time. I had to spend that time away and I am back now, refreshed because I have been standing in the rain silent and I missed the interaction that this forum gives me.

Making the move to Tennessee and getting this branch set up and running has been a task that was overwhelming and taxing to me and to the people that I am constantly around. All that is behind us now and we are moving forward with business as usual in the mortgage industry. My blogging will continue probably more prominent than it ever has been before. I am alos digging into righting my book and getting it completed before I shelf it.

I hope that you enjoyed the song as I think that it is fitting for what I want to say.

About the Author

Moving is never fun

2008-05-01T09:01:07Z

I started out on this journey a month ago. As of today, I am rolling this move into yeat another month and we are yet to be finished. I am not even on my computer as it is not up yet. We have boxes all over the house and furniture everywhere. I can say that at least I am here and we are in business. Thanks for all the emails asking how the move is going and the true friends that I have made here.

About the Author

SocialSpark is here

2008-04-26T09:43:39Z

Are you a blogging addict like me that is looking for a social network that can help you make a couple of extra bucks. Well, let me tell you about a website that I recently joined up with. It is called SocialSpark and it is turning the blogging world around and around. Now, before we get too deep in this post, let me make sure that you understand about SocialSpark. It is not just about writing post for promotion of other products. It is also a social network that allows for you to help promote other people and their websites. In some of these cases, these same people turn around and help promote you on there websites. This creates linkings and helps you in Google PageRank, Alexa, Complete, and RealRank.

Izea who operates PayPerPost, Zookoda, Bloggers Choice Awards and RockStartup is the masterminds behind SocialSpark. IZEA is venture funded by Inflexion Partners, Village Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and DFJ Gotham Ventures. Having this kind of juice behind them allows for them to make it the best site that they can. And not only do they have the opportunity to, so do the members of SocialSpark as it is a community based network. It is the members that get to vote on peoples websites, their blogs, and even them.

SocialSpark requires the following 4 codes of ethics: 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure, 100% Transparency, 100% Real Opinions, and 100% Search Engine Friendly. Lets take a brief look at all 4 of these groups.

Disclosures are required to be on all sponsored post for SocialSpark. There are actually 3 types of opportunities through SocialSpark. Whether it is a Sponsored Post (one that pays you), or a Blog Sponsorship (where you are the advertiser), or a Spark (where you write a post about another member's website or blog), they will advise you which needs to carry an in post disclosure like the one at the bottom.

SocialSpark believes in keeping people honest and makes all post public and visible to everyone. If you do not want someone to know that you are working with a particular advertiser, then you might not want to work with that advertiser at all because any and everyone will be able to know that you wrote that post.

SocialSpark believes that you should pick sponsored post that you feel comfortable about. This is not just a place to add some extra money in your pocket, it is a place where you put your stamp of approval on it and it you are just writing to write, it can come back to bite you in the rear. Make sure that you pick things that are suitable for you and your website.

Lastly, in the code of ethics, SocialSpark has each post carry the "no follow" attribute so as not to affect search engine rankings. This is designed to protect bloggers and advertisers from search engine penalties based on paid linking. Bloggers and Advertisers participating in the marketplace agree not to circumvent this practice and manually remove the "no-follow" attribute.

With all that said, I joined SocialSpark because it has the community network feel that I am so use to here. It is a great feature about these sites and Izea has made sure that SocialSpark is just that; a community. Stop by and check them out today and see what you think.

Where do you get your Cubs Apparel

2008-04-24T22:25:12Z

If you are a big Chicago Cubs fan like I know a few of you are, I have to ask where you get your genuine Cubs apparel from. You can shop at the Cubs regular website and get the normal stuff, or you can go to CubWorld.com and get all kinds of cool things. You can shop by your favorite player or by your favorite apparel if you like. They have everything from shirts, jerseys, caps, sweatshirts, and jackets. You can evn buy an outfit for the toddler in your life. You can even get accessories or souvenirs. And if your thing is Wrigley Field, they even have something for you. Check them out today to get your latest Cubs gear.

Moving day is upon us

2008-04-24T22:13:37Z

For those that follow me, then you know that I have not been around very much this month. The reason for this is I have been preparing for a move to Tennessee and it is now upon us. The movers will be here soon and the hours of sleep slip away. I promise you all that once this is over, I will be back commenting like never before. Thanks for all that you do and thanks for continuing to follow the post that I do get out.

About the Author

Who handles your event planning

2008-04-24T15:02:59Z

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a corporate sponsored event. When I arrived, everything was planned out to a "t" for us and we had it all. Whether it was the quest speakers, or the music each night, or the events during the day, this event was planned out. I later found out that there was an affordable California event planner that had handled all of this for our corporate office.

out of San Fransisco has been doing events such as this since 1983 and their client list continues to grow. But it does not stop with this. They also do conventions, fundraisers, private parties or social events. And the destination is not an issue as they have done these events in Hawaii, The British Virgin Islands, The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Bali, England, France, and Italy to name some.

Having access to some of the biggest names in entertainment, why not get your next event done right. Innovative Entertainment will make it an event for all to remember.

Dog Lovers from all over.

2008-04-24T10:44:07Z

I had the oppurtunity to meet a fellow dog lover through one of the sites that I am a member of. She has her own site at www.sugarykisses.com and has the cutest little 2 year old dog that you have ever seen. If you get a chance, swing by her site and check out Todd.

For all of you that know me, you know that I have 5 wonderful dogs. My Chihuahua, my Standard Poodle, my miniture Poodle, my beagle, and my Lhasa. And I love them all dearly. They are so getting ready for the move. Words can not describe the feelings that they have. I wanted to share some recent pictures of them.

About the Author

Time to freshen up your home

2008-04-24T09:34:38Z

Spring is here and it is time to freshen up your home. One of the easiest and fastest ways to do this is by changing your curtains and/or drapes. ContempoCurtains.com can help you find stylish kitchen curtains or curtains or drapes for any room in the house.

Whether it is modern or retro curtains or drapes that you are looking for, ContempoCurtains.com can deliver the highest quality for your window treatments. And, being in the Real Estate industry, you can recommend them to all your customers for a quick fix to those outdated windows that they have.

ContempoCurtains.com does not stop at just the window treatments either. You can get matching accent pillows, or shower curtains, or wall accessories. So, this truly becomes a one stop shop delivered right to your front door. Check them out today.

John Smoltz makes history.

2008-04-23T19:44:14Z

Last night I got to witness a piece of baseball history as John Smoltz racked up his 3000th strikeout. Now, to put this into perspective, there are only 15 other pitchers to ever accomplish this feat. I have to tell you whether you like the braves or not, you have to tip you hat to this man because he is truly an ambassador to the game of baseball. I have added a video and the new list of the top 16 to achieve this.

Rank - Player	Total	Years
1. Nolan Ryan	5,714	27
2. Roger Clemens	4,672	24
3. Randy Johnson	4,629	20
4. Steve Carlton	4,136	24
5. Bert Blyleven	3, 701	22
6. Tom Seaver	3,640	20

Rank - Player	Total	Years
7. Don Sutton	3,574	23
8. Gaylord Perry	3,534	22
9. Walter Johnson	3,509	21
10. Phil Niekro	3,342	24
11. Greg Maddux	3,287	22
12. Ferguson Jenkins	3,192	19

Rank - Player	Total	Years
13. Bob Gibson	3,117	17
14. Curt Schilling	3,116	20
15. Pedro Martinez	3,031	16
16. John Smoltz	3,006	20

The Cable Guy

2008-04-23T19:29:54Z

If you own a Cisco router, switch, firewall, and other device andyou want to be able to able to configure the router at the command prompt level, then you need to get you hands on a console cable and you are in business. If you do not have the 9 pin plug-in on the back (or sometimes the front) then you can also get your hands on the USB converter. Diablo Cable is also a good source for CAT5 and CAT6 cable if you are ever in the need. I can tell you that as much as I travel, I can never have enough of this as I am always leaving mine somewhere.