The "common" use for nitrous oxide is as "laughing gas" - You might've had it at your Dentist's office . . . and while used that way, there may be some benefit as you lose focus and stop caring about pain . . . That's not the use I'm talking about here. A Nitrous Oxide System NOS is often used in race car engines. A high performance engine can reach "Super Power" with the simple flick of a switch resulting in a sudden burst of power . . . Often the "secret weapon for the driver in a race. I believe that we REALTORS and Lenders have been groping around for answers as to how to energize our markets. How can we SUPERCHARGE the sales in our local markets? Where's the NOS for Home Buyers and Sellers? We already know that we have a high performance system. Heck, we've handled quite a volume o... 12/16/2008

One of my favorite places to go eat is at Martha's at the Plantation. While at the Belle Meade Plantation, I really enjoy walking through the old carriage house. Talk about taking a trip back in time.... Carriages - Belle Meade Plantation - Nashville, TN Taking pictures of these beauties in a low light setting can be real tricky. Carriages - Belle Meade Plantation - Nashville, TN I hope that you have enjoyed my eye candy for the day... Carriages - Belle Meade Plantation - Nashville, TN Now if ActiveRain can get their prob with the tags fixed all will be well with the world... Follow me on Twitter... You can follow me on FaceBook too.... © 2008 michael thornton - complete home inspections, inc. brentwood, tn 12/16/2008

It is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind to be able to compete in the new arena of real estate. I have recently been through a kidney stone attack and am facing surgery on Thursday morning.  I thought that I was the picture of health, but turning 50 this year has proven to me that I need to start to exercise more and eat less bad foods. With that in mind I would love to help REALTORS out there learn of a better food source and a way to make some additional income (passive) through the program. Please go to my web site and check it out: http://waymorehealthy.isagenix.com ISAGENIX is a great nutrution supplement that will change the way that you feel and look. I have been half heartedly using the product for the last two years. It has helped me with some blood sugar issues and ... 12/16/2008

I think we're having too much fun at church. In that hour we wait as our daughters attend Sunday School, we "hang-out" in Fellowship Hall and mingle with the other parents doing the same thing. We're all truant from the adult religious learning opportunities, but we justify that by the fact that we DO actually attend Mass . . . and we are there for the same PURPOSE . . . It's FUN (even for adults) to be in an unstructured environment with no supervision for a sweet slice of time . . . AND there's plenty of coffee and donuts. Usually, we just talk and solve all the world's problems . . . If only the politicians were listening . . . This Sunday, I was in a deep conversation about the economy and the real estate market and the job market (acting like I really knew what I was talking about ... 12/15/2008

While rummaging around the carriage house at the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN, I came across this item that Santa seemed to have misplaced. I sure hope that he finds it, otherwise, there are going to be a lot of disappointed children. What do you think... Belle Meade Plantation - Nashville, TN Follow me on Twitter... You can follow me on FaceBook too.... © 2008 michael thornton - complete home inspections, inc. brentwood, tn 12/15/2008

We talk a lot about coming from contribution. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... I find all of these to be true . . . and I know that if you don't take care of yourSELF first, you won't have much to give. Even the most caring and compassionate people on the planet need boundaries of their "selflessness" Begin with taking time for yourself . . . Time away from it all - and "them" (whoever "they" are). find a slice of time and place to go where no-one can find you. Isolate yourself, so you won't be compelled to break your selfish need to rejuvenate. Perhaps a "chapel" of sorts . . . Put yourself in this place 30 minutes every day with nothing more to do than to meditate, pray, or just BE with yourself in solitude. I believe th... 12/14/2008

IN the 36:12:3 Course, we learn that building a strong foundation for your business is the critical first step . . . Validity and Positioning in the Marketplace . . . Marketing . . . Prospecting . . . Building your database . . . Communicating with your sphere of influence in an effective and sustainable way . . . but where's your business come from? The PILLARS of your business are the sources of leads. IN this model, there are 5 Pillars: Mets Farms For Sale by Owners Expired and Withdrawn Listings Other Agents Many folks pride themselves in the large percentage of their business that derives from their mets ... These are repeat and referred clients . . . and I agree that this business is generally easier business to service (because there is an element of "built-in" trust) . . . How s... 12/14/2008

View Larger Map If you are looking for the road to the Super Bowl, simply click on the map and click to enlarge the picture. The Tennessee Titans are looking to make the road to the Superbowl go threw Nashville, Tennessee. The picture will show you the road to the Superbowl. With a win over the Houston Texans this is the road to the Super Bowl ! 12/13/2008

 Tonight my son introduce me to the new 12th man on the Tennessee Titans football team. Meet Tow-Mator. He is ready to play a great game of football as the Titans take on the old.. The Houston Texans tomorrow as the Titans continue to Roll towards the Best season ever and hopefully a trip to the Super Bowl. With a win over the Houston Texans, the Tennessee Titans will be 13-1 for the 2008 Season and earn home field advantage throughout the playoffs heading into the Super Bowl. 12/13/2008

Well, Oak Hill, November 2008's Market Report looks remarkedly similar to Octobers!  Only two closings to speak of.  However, it IS looking more promising for December.  There are 38 active listings in Oak Hill ranging in price from $314,000 to $4.9 million and 5 of them have contracts on them!  So maybe things are picking up a little!!! Address BR BA YR BLT GAR SQ FT List Price Sales Price SP/SF DOM 3504 Robin Road 3 2 1945   2303 $299,000 $277,500 $120.50 80 4033 Overbrook Drive 3 2/0 1951 2 2207 $440,000 $420,000 $190.30 44 AVERAGES 3   1948 2 2255 $369,500 $348,750 $154.66 62                       If you would like to know more about the Oak Hill Real Estate Market, or if you would like any information on Middle Tennessee / Nashville Real Estate, please feel free to call Emily Lowe ... 12/13/2008

It seems that condo sales in Nashville's Green Hills began to move a bit in November 2008!  Have a look at what sold!   Address BR BA YR BLT SQ FT List Price Sales Price SP/SF DOM 417 Summit Ridge Pl 1 1 1978 716 $128,900 $120,000 $167.60 77 227 Summit Ridge Pl 1 1 1978 783 $139,900 $136,500 $174.33 40 433 Summit Ridge Pl 2 2 1978 963 $149,900 $137,000 $142.26 113 5025 Hillsboro Pk 2 1/1 1969 928 $162,500 $160,000 $172.41 136 3000 Hillsboro Pk 2 2/1 1967 1280 $175,000 $160,000 $125 74   2716 Linmar Ave 2 1/1 1988 1152 $178,900 $174,000 $151.04 196 2013 Stokes Lane 2 2 1996 1228 $235,900 $226,000 $184.04 57 334 Ardsley Place 3 3/1 1986 2033 $290,000 $278,000 $136.74 174 3826 Bedford 2 2 2007 1839 $599,900 $550,000 $299.08 278 AVERAGES 1.89   1983 1213 $228,988 $215,722 $177.84 127   For ... 12/13/2008

  For those of us who remember Hillsboro Village back in the day when Fido's WAS REALLY A PET SHOP, well, we all know that this part of town has come a long way baby! Last known as Jones Pet Shop, this ultra trendy coffee shop, glorified snack bar and restaurant is a great place to go hang out, drink a cup of coffee or tea, have a yummy dessert or even go for the full meal, all the while conversing with your favorite hipsters and Vandy students galore! One thing that I like about Fido's is that you get to see a great Nashville mixture of people - if you go on a late Sunday morning, you are likely to have a very eclectic mix, from just-out-of-churchers to just-woke-up-musicians and writers, to sorority chicks and frat geeks out talking about what they shouldn't have done but did do the n... 12/13/2008

So I FINALLY went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch a couple of weeks ago.  When I had seen it previously, it was always packed out and I HATE to wait for a seat!  Anybody else out there with me on that one? Anyway, I had a Thai Crunch Salad, which is probably not the "right" or "best" thing to get there.  Here is the description of it - Shredded Napa cabbage, chilled-grilled chicken breast, julienne cucumbers, edamame, crispy wontons, peanuts, cilantro, julienne carrots, red cabbage and green onions tossed with a lime-cilantro dressing. Topped with crispy rice sticks and Thai peanut dressing - It was very good!  And the pizzas that servers were carrying by looked great as well!  I also branched out with my friend and we shared a piece of the Red Velvet Cake, which is just to die fo... 12/13/2008

I think that once upon a time I ate at a Pei Wei Restaurant in Southern California.  But this Asian restaurant has also made its appearance in the Middle Tennessee area - I know there is one in Brentwood and Murfreesboro, most likely in other areas as well. The Pei Wei that I am writing about is in the new Hill Shopping Center, just across the way from Whole Foods in Green Hills. To me, it's just a standard Asian fusion type of restaurant and you can get something quick for around $10 in Nashville, which is nice.  I remember that I had some sort of noodle dish, and it did have some green onions and chicken in it.  Beyond that I don't recall what else there was.  That's not a particularly great review, I realize, so I am going to post another link where there are more thorough reviews do... 12/13/2008

It is an ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE to write this blog on Shalimar!!! Shalimar is an Indian Restaurant in the Green Hills area of Nashville, Tennessee.  I have been eating at Shalimar for well over ten years and am totally in love with the place! One of my Indian friends swears that it is actually more of a northern Indian / Pakistan type of food place - me, I wouldn't know the difference!  All I know is that they regularly serve up some of the yummiest ethnic food in Nashville! My favorites include, and I usually get, chicken masala or chicken tikka masale, which is chicken in either a regular or tomato cream based sauce, spiced as you like it.  Also, definitely try a mango lassi (yogurt type drink).  For $12.99 at lunch you can have a cucumber and tomato salad with a delicious yogurt topping,... 12/13/2008

Last night, Deb and I headed out with the kids to find a Christmas tree. We found a great one - Opted for our first Douglas Fir . . . A fat 8 Foot tall bundle of green. Setting this tree up was the classic Christmas comedy with all 5 of us busily rearranging the furniture to get our Christmas "nest" properly prepared. Usually, rearranging furniture leads to whimsical discussions about getting that new sofa and love seat we saw at American Signature last time we were there. We are ALL ADD . . . so there was very little focus and LOTS of activity. My role was to get the tree stand secured to the tree and cut off the "right" lower branches so there'd be enough room for the zillion presents that are sure to arrive . . . This required the calculating eyes of everyone else to be sure the tree... 12/12/2008

Christmas. What a wonderful time of the year. People singing, people laughing, people giving, festive spirits, and not to mention the eye candy of the lights and decorations that adorn homes and businesses. Ah, as the song writer said, "Christmas is the hap-hapiest time of the year." Large Christmas tree in the Delta atrium If you live in the Nashville area, one of the best places to see lights and enjoy top notch entertainment is at the Opryland Hotel. Check the marquee to see what is happening entertainment wise and while there, walk through the 3 atriums and check out some of the 2 million Christmas lights that adorn this place. Truly eye candy for anyone like me that loves the colors of Christmas. Christmas lights in the Cascades atrium More photos to come on Opryland at a future da... 12/12/2008

If you are looking for a new kitten or cat for your family, look no further!!!  For the next three hours (2-5 p.m.) today, Friday, December 12, 2008 at The Lipman Group / Sotheby's International Realty office, you can come, enjoy some snacks and peruse the privileged kitties of The Privileged Pet - Location is 2325 Crestmoor Road, L-4 in Green Hills, Nashville, TN 37215 Come on by!!!     12/12/2008

These might be the 4 most feared words in the English language (when they are in this order with "!" at the end). Upon hearing these words from a spouse, close friend, client, boss . . .  the brain instantly fires off a couple million electrical impulses throughout the body to trigger a couple million synapses - The heart beat increases significantly in an effort to keep the blood flowing, the lungs start gasping for more air . . . an panic sets in. What could it be? What did I do (or forget to do) to warrant such a grave conversation? Did I drop some balls? Should I run and hide? Maybe if I can avoid the speaker of those words, the issue will evaporate over time. NOPE! Best thing to do is to "Stand in the fire" Don't delay! Have the conversation . . . It's not going to go away til you ... 12/12/2008

The Holidays are here and the City is full of great things to do! Starting with this Friday the following should keep the entire family entertained! 1. The all-new Nutcracker by the Nashville Ballet! Starting Friday December 12th at 7pm  at TPAC.       The Nashville Ballet has recreated this all time favorite Holiday treat and has set it in  1897 Nashville, the year the Parthenon was built at Centenial Park and Cotton Candy made its debut! The show is Friday through Sunday until December 21st but Opening Night is not to be missed! 6th Avenue North between Deadrick and Union will be closed off  and transformed into an outdoor streetscape depicting "Main Street, Nashville 1897" with real snow! 2. A Croft House Christmas - Features the historic Croft home at the Nashville Zoo. The house is... 12/11/2008