The Last King of Scotland...A Movie Review!

With lots of family around for the festivities of the July 4th holiday, the late evenings were spent laying in bed watching television to unwind. I was lucky enough to come across this 2007 nugget that earned its star, Forest Whitaker, the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Oscar and Golden Globe Awards in 2007! I had heard great things about this movie when it was released but never got around to seeing it in the theaters. After seeing this movie, I could definitely understand why Whitaker was given such high praise for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

This story is told through the unique perspective of Idi Amin's fictionalized personal physician and sometimes political adviser Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James Mcavoy. Based on the novel of the same name by Giles Foden, The Last King of Scotland depicts the rise of Idi Amin, AKA 'Butcher of Africa', through the naive, ignorant and narcissistic view of his Scottish doctor. This is a wonderfully acted movie that is so convincing in it storyline and acting that you could actually believe that "Dr. Garrigan" was a real person. This believability is reinforced through the stark portrayal of the historical figure, Idi Amin, and his paranoia expressed through extreme brutality. Though at times this is a disturbing movie to watch, it also gives startling insight into the spiraling degeneration of a brutal dictator. This is definitely a film worth watching!

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.

A Garden's First Bounty!

The Garden Is In!

A Veggie Garden Update...With Chickens!

As many of you know from earlier posts, I am quite an avid gardener! Well today was the first in what will definitely be many takes from my garden. There were at least twice as many cucumbers as the ones you see in the photo above! From the varying shades of green to the alternately bright and deep yellow of the squash, the photo does present the vibrant colors of nature. This is only what was ready today as the plants are laden with veggies. From the grape tomatoes growing in clusters on plants ranging from four to five feet high to the solitary maturing eggplant, this summer is sure to be filled with homegrown goodness; the kind that comes without chemicals. The strawberries are so fresh you could pick and eat them right off the plant! I wanted to share a few photos of both the veggie garden and the wildflower garden...and of course, there will be some new photos of the chickens!

The Veggie Garden!

The Wildflower Garden!

And The Chickens!

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.

July 4th Celebration: 3 Views From Tennessee

As all Americans know, on July 4th we celebrate America's independence from the tyranny of English rule. All across our great land celebrations as diverse as our country itself will be held. Whether you will be cooking out with family, spending a relaxing day hiking in the mountains, or attending a formal event in your community, I would urge everyone to take a moment, public or private, to remember not only those who perished in our Revolutionary War, but the honorable service of the men and women in the armed forces since then.

Knoxville and the surrounding area has three formal events planned to commemorate the birth of the United States of America as a nation. Each of these events are unique and hold the promise of some serious fun!

The first event will be the FREE Festival on the 4th held in World's Fair Park (Click HERE for Map). The festival kicks off at 2pm with the Presentation of Colors from the Knoxville Police Department and the Knoxville Fire Department Combined Color Guard. The First Presbyterian Church Hand Bell Ensemble will perform patriotic songs in conjunction with the kickoff. From 3pm until the fireworks display at 9:35 PM there will be various performances by local artists:

3:00 PM - Freddy Smith and Friends (Comedy, Dancing and Chicken Strutting)

4:00 PM - Wade Hill and the Hillians (Hot Rockin Hillbilly Bluegrass and Country)

5:00 PM - The Mitch Rutman Group (Jazz & Rock Fusion)

6:00 PM - The Lonetones (Appalachian Acoustic Folk Pop)

7:00 PM - Brother John Meyers (Soul, Country and More)

8:00 PM - 24th Annual Pilot FREE Independence Day Concert featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

The second event will be the 21st Annual Independence Day Parade hosted by the Town of Farragut (a suburb of Knoxville). The parade is a real slice of small town America. It features a contingent of the Knox County Police Department motorcycle patrol, community and civic organization floats, local politicians, antique cars, animals, and the Farragut High School marching band! The Grand Marshalls of this years parade will be the Farragut High School coaches. The parade begins at 9:30AM on Kingston Pike beginning at the entrance of Farragut High School and continuing west to Boring Road (Click HERE for Map).

For more information about the parade, please call Farragut's Parks and Leisure Services Department at 966-7057.

The third event will be hosted by the Museum of Appalachia (Click HERE for Map)!

The celebration here definitely harkens back to the rustic days of the American Revolution. You won't see any fireworks nor will you hear any modern music. What you will see and hear are patriotic ceremonies and lots of music; the old-time mountain music and folk tunes like those sung by Mary Jane Queen (Click HERE for a short sample). Demonstrations of mountain skills from broom-making to crosscut sawing, from open-hearth cooking to spinning, and more. Visitors can sample old-time favorites like sassafras tea and fried apple pies. Throughout the day you will hear the thundering BOOM of the traditional anvil shooting!

Wherever you find yourself this 4th of July, I hope you have a safe and fun celebration!

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.

School For Scoundrels...A Movie Review!

I did not have the opportunity to see this in the theaters though it looked very funny. When I saw it was coming on Direct TV last night, I was able to finally see it! Before I go further, let me state that I am a huge John Heder and Billy Bob Thornton fan so I had very high expectations. In addition to the two headlining stars, there were numerous other big names in this film including Michael Clarke Duncan, Sara Silverman, Horatio Sanz, Ben Stiller, and Jacinda Barrett.

Heder's character, Roger epitomizes the spineless loser. It is apparent that he has read numerous self-help books to no avail. In steps Thornton's character, Dr. P who leads a class (of sorts) in helping the pitiful losers attain some self confidence! Dr. P seems to have a successful, albeit mysterious system, to help Roger get not only a modicum of self confidence but the girl as well. That is all I can tell you of the plot without giving anything away.

This film has some side-splitting moments that a well worth a look. From the paintball scene to the tennis scene, you will definitely laugh. This is not either actors best movie, but it is a fun evening's entertainment. I would watch it again for the laughs, but it isn't anything I would add to a movie collection.

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.

Now Is The Time To Buy That Home

With all the rough news we hear about in the media on a daily basis, it is reassuring to know that this downturn in the market has not effected most areas of the country. There is a saying in real estate that all real estate is local. Truer words could not be spoken! Though I do empathize with the folks in southern California and Florida who have been most effected, the market in most of the rest of the country is stable. What you hear about a market like Naples, Florida does not hold true for the Nashville, Tennessee market. I use these vastly different markets to illustrate that real estate is local. If you are looking to buy your piece of the American dream then now is the time. There is an abundance of properties that are priced to sell. Interest rates, though they did begin to climb last week, remain at record lows. Give us a call today and let the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage help you quickly, safely, and professionally navigate the sometimes rough waters of home financing.

Nautical Gifts!

If you are anything like me, you grew up with a love of being outdoors. I remember swimming lessons before I started grade school and making s'mores with the family around a campfire at about the same time. With my family, we were always camping or boating. Most of this was done in the waters off the New England coast. Wonderful places like Narragansett, Rhode Island and Cape Cod, Massachusetts will forever be synonymous with the thrill of boating!

The first time I ever laid eyes on instruments similar to the ones pictured, I must have been four of five years old. They where remarkable things, holding meaning for the adults and mystery for me! I was of course too young then to understand any explanation that may have been given. What I understood was that being on the water provided a sense of freedom and excitement.

I jealously guard the memories of these places, the nautical gifts of my youth. The taste of the salt water when the surf would catch me unaware. The smell of the bait used to catch the sea's bounty. All these are pieces of who I am. As an adult, I must say that I do not have a boat nor am I able to visit those cold waters off the New England coast. Instead I forge new memories, of new places!

Kuumba Festival 2008

This weekend Knoxville celebrates the rich contribution of African Americans to the local art community and the community as a whole with the Kuumba Festival. Begun in 1989 by the African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. the Kuumba Festival highlights the art and artists who help to make our city great. The word kuumba means creativity in Swahili and captures the true spirit of creativity that is expressed in the festival. The festival incorporates the traditional arts, like painting, sculpture, and woodworking. Attendees can also take in non-traditional forms of art like music, dance, spoken word, and stilt walking. The festival will also incorporate a parade where local organizations show their commitment to the the local arts. There are three locations around town where the festival will be held. Each location will host a celebration on a different day.

Knoxville Museum of Art

On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the festival will begin with an opening celebration at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The opening event will run from 5pm until 9pm. It will include the traditional art exhibits as well as food, live jazz, drumming, dance, and spoken word. Admission is $10.

Junkanu Parade on Gay Street and Market Square

On Friday, June 27, 2008 from 10am until 3pm there is a Youth Art Extravaganza at the Emporium building in Market Square. At 6pm the Junkanu Parade will begin on Gay Street and end at Market Square. The parade will feature dancers, drummers, stilt walkers, and community organizations. After the parade there will be a jazz performance by Lonnie Liston Smith This event is FREE!

Chillhowee Park

Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, 2008 the festivities move to Chillhowee Park. These two day will feature the African Marketplace with traditional crafts, clothing and food. Saturday evening will be capped with a performance by Island Records' Jagged Edge Sunday evening will be capped off with a performance by the legendary Ohio Players Each day is $5 before 4pm and $10 after 4pm with children under 6 free!

If you are in the Knoxville area anythime beginning this Thursday, I would recommend checking out the Kuumba Festival. This wonderful event highlights a wonderful aspect of our community that helps make our city great!

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.

Rap, Rock, and Joan Baez

It is a wonderful thing that we all have different musical tastes that appeal to us. In the early days of Rap music there was such an outcry over the rap lyrics and the rap music videos that were bursting on the scene. I remember hearing LL Cool J, Will Smith (the Fresh Prince), and the Beastie Boys and being enthralled by this new music.

The energy, the cadence, and the sense that it was edgy made rap the music to consume. Now keep in mind that heavy metal music like Quiet Riot and Joan Jett and punk music like the Dead Kennedys and Suicidal Tendencies were making their comebacks at the same time. Adding to this appeal was the obvious knowledge that this music made our parents, teachers, and other authority figures quite nervous. What was ironic was that these are the same parents that embraced Elvis and the Beatles. In their day, these musicians were seen to be just as dire a threat as the emerging rap artists of the 80's. The lyrics, think Ed Sullivan censoring The Doors, made the previous generations squirm.

The ultimate marriage of rock and rap came when Aerosmith and Run DMC collaberated on the classic song Walk This Way. This enormous hit was the beginning of mainstream acceptance and wider understanding of the origins and importance of rap music to society at large. It also signified the beginning of sampling which has helped to bring in a new generation of music. This new genre of music defies the old classifications and past marginalization to appeal to a broad cross section of society from the farm kid in central Nebraska to the urban kid in Atlanta. Give a listen to some of the modern artists with an open mind and open ears. Whether you are aware or even consenting, this is the music your child experiences. The music of Nelly and Ludacris may not seem like it to you, but they are the music of the people akin to Neil Young and The Grateful Dead.

Impulse...A Movie Review!

I have a Blockbuster Total Access account that I received as a Christmas present from my younger brother and found that I really enjoy it. The ease of making a list of movies and returning them in prepaid envelopes has really won me over; so much so that I continue to use (and now pay for) my account long after the free period has expired. The account has also allowed me to get movies that I might normally leave on the shelf. This is how I came to see Impulse!

I watched this movie on Sunday night with three friends. I have to say that I was the only one left watching it when it was over! When I added it to my queue, I thought it would be a suspense thriller similar to Body Double or Basic Instinct but I was wrong! This movie had way too much skin and not enough suspense for my taste. There was very little build up to a pitiful crescendo. Nothing original! And as Officer Bar Brady from South Park would say ...OK People! Nothing To See Here! Seriously, leave it on the shelf and save your 101 minutes for something more enjoyable...like a visit to the dentist!

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.

Auto Insurance...Another Thing To Consider When Moving!

So as many of you know, I have been living in Knoxville, Tennessee for about two months now. There were so many things that had to be thought about before moving and a few that could be taken care of after moving. Well here I am with the "after the move" things that need to be taken care of. In speaking with my current auto insurance carrier, I realized that my insurance must be changed to a Tennessee policy and that there will also be cost associated with these changes. Basically, it seems that I have to go through the process of purchasing a new policy. So in thinking about buying this new policy, all those commercials about getting competitive quotes from different companies kept going through my mind. Why not shop around? I deserve cheap auto insurance just like everyone else! I did however want to make sure that cheap doesn't mean vulnerable! So it is off to the the www (world wide web) to further educate myself about some of the important things for me to consider in this latest endeavor associated with moving!