Michael's View

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:00:17 -0600

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

I believed and I still believe that every moment is there to be savored and to be improved upon and invested with humor and with beauty and solemnity. We don't ever get to skip a single part and sort of fast forward to the life still to come.
~~ Garrison Keillor

Have a wonderful start to the work week, y'all...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:40:08 -0600

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

What is it about a waterfall? Whether it be a raging torrent or a mere trickle meandering through its predestined path, there is something about the sight and sound of a waterfall that enamors us.

To me, it is a quiet respite of solitude. A place to reflect and admire in complete wonderment the beautiful, awe inspiring tapestry that only the Creator can so masterfully paint...

Have a peaceful Sunday, y'all...
© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Business Mastery's LIVE...

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:02:49 -0600

Yesterday, Mark Boersma, International speaker and President of Synergy Solutions, spoke at the Hampton Inn Suites in the Green Hills area of Nashville, TN.

Several entrepreneurs who were serious about taking their businesses to the next level attended this special Business Mastery's seminar. Mark expanded on how to grow your business based on how to address your potential clients needs based on their personality. How to create raving fans for life through the warm belly rub principle. Three questions you need to be asking if you want to close the sale, was a hot topic of discussion.

During the working lunch segment, 3 time business owner and entrepreneur, Joyce Jackson, discussed how to use the social media to convert clicks into clients. This powerful one hour presentation showed what many entrepreneurs miss or fail to do on their social media sites or blogs.

Joyce Jackson, will be the keynote speaker for the Woman's Empowerment League, to be held this Monday at 9:00 AM at the Cool Springs Marriott.

Mark and Joyce, will be back in Nashville in January of 2010 to continue these sessions on Business Mastery's. Dates to be announced. Both these series will be available soon on audio and DVD. Trailers will be posted in the near future complements of Complete Video Promotions.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Mark Boersma & Joyce Jackson Come to Nashville...

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:16:59 -0600

Mark Boersma, international author, speaker, and President of Synergy Solutions, is speaking in Nashville, TN later today. Be sure to attend his Business Mysteries LIVE presentation at the Hampton Inn in the Green Hills area. Presentation is starts at 9:00 and is free.

As an added bonus, entrepreneur Joyce Jackson, will be speaking on the internet and social media during the working lunch..

Yesterday, Mark and Joyce, put on a dynamite presentation at the Cool Springs Embassy Suites for the Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce. If you missed this exciting presentation on how to grow your business on through the power of master mind groups and mastering ways to grow your business, DVD's of the presentation will be soon be available. You can email me at cvideopromotions@gmail.com☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Friday's Fotos...

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:22:54 -0600

The Cool Springs area of Franklin, TN, is an area that has grown rapidly over the past few years. Not too long ago, it was a wide spot in the road off I-65. An exit to get gas or change a tire on your way to Nashville.

The tree filled hills, and farms that dotted this area have been replaced by homes and commerce.

A little known reprise in the daily rush, is this place on Carothers Pkwy. A place often overlooked as folks rush to and fro☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Time Is Fun...

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:43:55 -0600

Time is fun, when you are eating flies ~ or so the adage goes. If you listen to the talking heads on the tube, one would think we're on the eve of destruction. No wonder they have such a somber look when reporting. Maybe they need to have fun and eat a fly.

Folks seem to be in such a hurry nowadays. Rushing to get here. Gotta get the kids off to shool. Gotta get these reports out. Gotta meet this deadline. Gotta, gotta, gotta. Maybe you need to slow down. Have fun. Eat a fly.

Far too many folks are stuck in dead-end jobs that they do not like. Marking time. Punch in, punch out. Time drones on when you hate what you are doing. Maybe you need to move on. Have fun. Eat a fly.

So you kiss a few toads! Big deal. Warts heal. What do you think that lip-balm is for? Sadly, there is no balm for the tired, weary, defeated soul. Except! Blap! Flick out that tongue. Have fun. Eat a fly.

Time is fun, when you are following your passions. Passion and the generated enthusiasm is contagious. Folks around you feel it, they embrace it. Have fun. Eat a fly.

I have never eaten a fly, you say. Have you ever tried them? Once you get past the "crunch" they're not as bad as you think. C'mon now. Have fun. Eat a fly ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Wordless Wednesday...

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:16:13 -0600

(not so) Wordless Wednesday...

Brentwood, TN, is one of those communities that is a blend of residential, commercial office, parks and country. Just off Franklin Rd and across from several high end subdivisions, lies the Turner and Oman farms. ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Youth Is Wasted on the Young...

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:25:47 -0600

Youth is wasted on the young...

I can remember laying on the cool evening grass, looking at the full moon through the leaves of the large pecan tree in the side yard of my south GA home - contemplating. This was my favorite spot at the end of a long day of chores on the farm. My sanctuary of solitude - my safe place to let the cares of the day go and thoughts of tomorrow begin.

In the eyes of a child, time seems to just dawdle. Gosh, can't wait till tomorrow. Can't wait to get out of grade school. Can't wait to get out of high school. Can't wait to get out of college. Can't wait...

It has been said by folks much wiser than me, youth is wasted on the young. Today, as I cross the threshold and look forward towards another decade on this spinning orb, I realize truer words were never spoken. Like Superman, I was indestructible. At 16, I was smarter than Einstein. At 21, I forgot all I knew. In this journey, I broke a lot of hearts. I had my heart broken.

It has been said, that when, you die, your whole life flashes before your eyes. I really don't know about that - not ready to experience that one. Way too much music left in me to do the Vaudeville Shuffle.

Half my life is now over. In my mind, I often go back to those cool summer evenings under the pecan tree and contemplate. Safe in my sanctuary of solitude, I let the cares of the day go and contemplate on the importance of today, tomorrow, family and friends.

With all the excitement of my younger days, I can't wait. Can't wait to see what present this new day will bring. Presents of presence. Can't wait to see what I will be unwrapping today ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:44:57 -0600

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."

~ Norman Vincent Peale

When faced with obstacles I can easily come up with several reasons why I cannot succeed. I can't. It's too hard. It will take a lot of work. Why bother? Folks won't buy into it anyway...
Today, I will shed my old cloak of disbelief's. I know that I can succeed IF I believe that I can ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:34:22 -0600

I have one of those inquiring minds. As we all know, last night was Halloween, and like any good trick-'r-treater, I went out and made out like a bandito. So my question? Will eating all that candy make me "a blimpo" and make my butt look fat?

Y'all have a great relaxing Sunday. ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Going, Going, but not Quite Gone...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:39:42 -0500

Going, Going, but not quite gone...

The colors of autumn are quickly fading here in Middle Tennessee. The once vibrant reds, greens, oranges and blues are quickly waning as the leaves are falling as quickly as the rain drops that stream down my window pane.

Soon to be gone, but not forgotten, are the colors of this brief fall season. Colors that graced us with all the grace, beauty and pageantry of any fall fashion show ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Friday's Fotos - Maryland Way - Brentwood, TN

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:42:27 -0500

Brentwood, TN is one of those neat towns where a blend of roads, buildings and green spaces abound. Maryland Way, is one of those roads. The tree lined drive through the office complex is lined with many colorful trees so rich in color this time of the year.

Although the trees are rapidly loosing their leaves, there are still enough leaves left to take one's mind off rush hour traffic - even if for a little while ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Different Strokes...

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:20:40 -0500

Different Strokes...

Dif ● runt. An ad-jek-tuv meanin':
     1 unlike in form, kwality, or nature
     2 dis-tinkt
     3 dif-ring from all others
     4 un-use-u-al.

Havin' lived in the south all my life, I know that southern folks are dif-runt. That's jus' the way is an' some folks jus' ain't a-gonna change.

Now jus' when my tired 'ol eyeballz thought that they'd seen it all some brilliant sole came up with this novel way of installin' one of those new fanguled satti-lite antenna thing-a-ma-jabbers.

Hellz-Bellz, they musta got plum tuckered out carrin' those diggers from the shed ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Wordless Wednesday ~ Downtown Franklin, TN

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:01 -0500

(not so) Wordless Wednesday ~ Downtown Franklin, TN

Downtown Franklin, TN is steeped in history, tradition, and a unique blend of old and new. Is it any wonder that this quaint town was named one of the top 10 Best US neighborhoods by the American Planning Association? Downtown Franklin, TN is Tennessee's first neighborhood to get this designation.

I will be doing a video blog on Downtown Franklin, TN later this week. This picture was a screen shot of some footage I took earlier this morning. Now maybe you understand why Hollywood wets the streets in night shots. Better reflected light.

☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Mondy Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:12:40 -0500

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

"Never, if possible, lie down at night without being able to say: I have made one human being, at least, a little wiser, a little happier, or a little better this day. "
~ Charles Kingsley

Far too often, I get hung up in our dog-eat-dog, microwave, gotta-get-done, zoom-zoom life style. I do not take the time to slow down as often as I need. Instead of reaching out a hand or lending a hand, I have been guilty of running over that hand. Today, I will make that conscious effort to make a stranger feel loved and appreciated. I know that tonight, I will sleep much better because of that...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday - Fall Colors...

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:52:59 -0500

Today is a beautiful sunny day. The sun is right, the colors are bright. What a wonderful day to be here in the middle Tennessee area.

Peak colors are about a week or so off. But why wait. Get out your camera and get into your right mind. Enjoy the beautiful weather before old man winter settles in for awhile...

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:06:49 -0500

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day here in middle Tennessee. It was time to grab the camera, let grind of the workweek go and get into my right mind.

The last blooms of the blue iris under the dogwood intreagued me. Checking these from every angle possible, the background was not what I wanted, so I did what every good photogropher does - Cheat!!!

Pulling a little black cloth out of my bag of tricks to block out the background behind the blue iris, changing the lens to a 70-100mm, using the right manual settings, and Voila ~~ the perfect backdrop and camera settings to enhance the color of these late blooming beauties.

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Playing with fall colors...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:05:46 -0500

Playing with fall colors...

Finally, afte what seemed to be a week of gray overcast days the sun finally came out here in middle Tennessee. The last cool snap has started bring out the vibrant colors so atypical of this area.

These vibrant colors are just too good not to have fun with. Although your typical pictures of the fall foliage can be great, why not be a little more abstract. By putting your camera on aperture priority, and setting it to the smallest iris possible, and using a zoom lens, you to can create neat effects such as this. Try it some time.

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Reach for the Sky...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:09:26 -0500

Reach for the sky...
...is not always something you always hear in some spaghetti western. Every now and then, if we really want something bad enough, we will stretch out of our comfort zones to acheive. However; we do not want to stretch out of our comfort zone to reach or access an electric service panel.

The Nashville area is quite hilly. And builders often take heed of steeper slopes to ensure that the finish grade falls within drainage and other building guidelines. However, probably through a comedy of errors, this panel was placed to where only the Jolly Green Giant could reach for it. Mere humans would have to reach for the sky.

Although, there was not a "governing code" determining height requirements at the time this panel was installed the accepted ruled-of-thumb is that the main breaker should be no more than 72" above ground. In this case, the breaker was 85" to the top of the grade and you may want to add another 12" to that if you want to stand on stable ground. Either way, one has to reach for the sky.

For safety reasons, all electric panels need to be readily accessible. This panel was not. Having to set up an extension ladder is not something you want to do if you are in a fight or flight situation. Needless to say, having to reach for the sky made it into this report.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Factory Manufactured Fireplaces...

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:15:44 -0500

Factory Manufactured Fireplaces...

Factory manufactured fireplaces are in stalled in many new homes today as an inexpensive alternative to the masonry counterparts. These can be an enjoyable spot to congregate on these cooler fall days with family and friends. However, there are some installation flaws often overlooked by installers and home inspectors alike.

Almost all factory manufactured fireplaces are designed to burn wood or gas logs. All refractory panels will have a knock out designed for Natural or LP fuel line penetrations. As part of fire safety, these pipe penetrations are supposed to be sealed and fired with a refractory sealant that meets the manufacturer's specifications. Most are not.

Radiant heat can can pass through the opening in the factory manufactured fireplace enclosure and ignite framing materials. Most of the time, this is not observed by the home owner until it is too late.

If you have a factory manufactured fireplace installed in your home, take a few minutes to look where the gas line penetrates the refractory panel. If it is not sealed, call the manufacturer or your local installer and have the line sealed.

Refractory panel sealant for factory manufactured fireplaces may be available at your local home improvement store or fireplace sales center. To fire the sealant, run your fireplace for the amount of time specified by the sealant manufacturer. It is far better to be safe than sorry...

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Wordless Wednesday - Topsy Turvy

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:28:00 -0500

(not so) Wordless Wednesday...
This really seems to have been a "topsy turvy" year for weather here in the mid south. A very mild winter and spring, cooler and wetter than normal summer, and now this Indian summer looks as if it will be up for grabs. My spring flowers that I let re-seed are coming back back. And here I thought that being "topsy turvy" was just for tomatoes ☺☺☺

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Technology - Test Video

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:26:47 -0500

Technology - Test Video

Those of you who frequent my blog know that I am heavy into technology. One of my passions is video. Last week I shot some footage of Gary McBee of People's Home Equity in front of a green screen.

Faced with the choice of either watching the local team be further humiliated or do this video, I chose the latter. This short 2 minute video goes to show you what you can do when you have the right technology and desire.

As Gary will be putting this on his website, your input ☝ or ☟would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Monday Morning Motivator - & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:38:13 -0500

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...
Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? " ~ Unknown

Today, I will focus on ways to better use my time. Today I will strive for balance. Balance between work, recreation and family. ☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:52:49 -0500

(not so) Speechless Sunday...

Friday, was one of those cold, damp, dreary days so atypical of the late autumn weather patterns here in middle Tennessee, not the early part of the season. Nevertheless, the beauty of the solace of a deserted rural road, the eerie silhouettes, and the last hurrah's of Indian summer, warmed the heart of this photographer on what most folks would call a morning not fit for man or beast ☺☺☺

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Fireplaces - Hidden Dangers...

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:05:39 -0500

Fireplaces - Hidden Dangers...

With old man winter just beginning to clear his throat with the first cool snaps of the winter season, many Americans begin firing up their fireplaces. But before you start enjoying the ambiance of the warm embers glow with the blanket, a bottle of bubbly and your sweetie, is your fireplace really safe from the hidden dangers that most folks do not even know about?

Statistically, over 1/3rd of Americans use solid fuel (wood) as their primary source of heat. Most of these are in rural areas. Statistics also show that 36% of residential home fires start in the fireplace or wood burning stove.

When was the last time you:

Had your chimney or flue evaluated by a licensed chimney sweep? Most residential fires are caused by creosote build-up and flue fires.
Checked the air inlets? Some modern fireplaces draw air from the exterior. Insects find these protected areas a cool spot to build their nests. Blocked inlets can cause poor combustion and CO to build up.
When was the last time you checked to see if tree branches were hanging over the flue?
When was the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke detector? Statistics show that most deaths could have been prevented. Missing/dead batteries was the number one cause.

Be safe.

Do not use incendiaries to start a fire. Flammable liquids are unsafe.
Use only seasoned hardwoods. Soft, green wood causes creosote to build up in flues and liners.
Keep firewood away from your home. We do not want to bring in WDO's do we?
Build smaller fires. These burn better and produce less smoke.

By practicing a few "rules of the road" you and your sweetie can cuddle and enjoy the bubbly☺☺☺

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...