Barbara's is More Than I Can Describe

A friend recently recommended Barbars's Home Cookin' in the Grassland area of Franklin, Tennessee. Little did I know just how delicious it was.

Today, friends from church decided to give Barbara's a try. It's a traditional Meat 'n Three. The menu today consisted of Fried Chicken, Roast Beef (more like pot roast), Poppyseed Chicken, Crab Cakes, and more. Along with those entrees came the veggies: green beans, creamed corn, pineapple casserole, black-eyed peas, fried okra, cole slaw, cinnamon apples, and a host of other things. My order: Poppyseed Chicken, green beans, and pineapple casserole. Of course, the warm homemade rolls with a melt-in-your mouth consistency made it even better.

Little did anyone know just how wonderful Barbara's would really be. It was delectable, delicious, and to die for (at least for us foodies). The portions were so large that I asked for a "to go" box early on to save for tomorrow's lunch.

If you'd like to check out Barbara's menu, click HERE. Try it out. You won't be disappointed.

Why I Love Franklin So Much

When I moved to Franklin in October of 2009, I never thought I'd fall in love with this charming Civil War town. I live only nine-tenths of a mile from the Franklin square, and frequently walk to downtown to enjoy the festivals, eateries, or just to look around.



Franklin's latest announcement is the renovation/rehab of the old Gray's Drugstore on Main Street. The new venture will be a food and music establishment, opened by Andy Marshall and partners.

Another eatery, you say? That's right - it's just what Franklin needs to continue it's appeal to people from all across Middle Tennessee.

For more information on this venture, click HERE.

And when September rolls around, come on down to Franklin.

Tennesseeans Can Claim Highest Drop in Credit Card Debt

Tennessee residents have the highest drop in credit card debt in the US, as reported by the Nashville Business Journal. Way to go, Tennessee!

Since our economic downturn, people have come to the sober reality that they need to change their spending habits. And, personally, I despise debt. At one time, I lived with plenty of debt. Yes, my credit score was in the mid-700s, but divorce created havoc with that high score. As a result, I decided to make a change in my financial life.

I'm not one to tout celebrities or to endorse anything frivilous, but today I can wholeheartedly recommend Financial Peace University. Dave Ramsey, FPU's creator, has lived through several bankruptcies, high debt, and the loss of lucrative income. People have learned, like Dave, that living in and with debt is not the best way to go.

Last fall I enrolled in an FPU class at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin. I was skeptical at first, because I'd dealt with some Dave Ramsey disciples - people who think that they should always buy real estate low and sell real estate high, regardless of the market. After a few weeks, I was SOLD! The principles are timeless and trustworthy. Now my goal is to get completely out of debt and enjoy my life.

Since that class, I've made a conscious effort to pay off every debt, buy only what I need, and to strictly budget for any and all expenses. Retirement is only 20 years away, so planning for that is crucial.

If you're in a predicament, or if you just want to live a clean financial lifestyle, take a chance on the FPU class. You won't go wrong. To find out more about Dave Ramsey and FPU, click HERE. Like me, you will definitely feel better, more at ease, stress free, and relaxed when you start chipping away at the burden of debt.

So, how is Tennessee climbing out of debt? The ARTICLE doesn't state how or why, but we can only hope that people are waking up to the reality that debt is not the way to live.

My New Favorite Mexican Place

After such great experiences at Chuy's and Sopapilla's in Franklin, and El Mariachi in Nashville, I wasn't sure if there would ever be any reason to have another Mexican restaurant in Middle Tennessee.

A few weeks ago, I was showing property in Nolensville. After leaving my clients to return to the office, I stumbled on Oscar's Taco Shop in a Nolensville strip mall. I stopped, more out of curiosity, and I'm glad I did.

There are multiple Middle Tennessee locations. To find out where Oscar's has shops, check out their site by clicking HERE.

I'm a shredded beef lover and am frequently disappointed when a Mexican restaurant does not provide that on it's menu. That's why I love El Mariachi (on Thompson Lane near Sidco). I can always count on them to have a shredded beef chimichanga.

When I got to Oscar's, the place was loaded with people. While there was nothing really special about the atmosphere, almost every table was full, and the aroma of delicious Mexican food was in the air. I was drawn into this new and fascinating place.

I ordered the shredded beef tacos for lunch at the Nolensville location. A few weeks later, I went to the Cool Springs location (across from Centennial High School) with friends for breakfast and had the shredded beef burrito (with egg and cheese) for breakfast along with fried potatoes. And I've returned to both locations since.

While the locations are pretty basic in appearance (laminate tables and benches, neutral paint colors, tile floors), the food makes the trip there worthwhile. This is a place I whole heartedly recommend. It's some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. Most of Mexican in the states is more of a Tex-Mex. Not so with this establishment. It's more authentic than others. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
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Give Jack a call if you're looking for real estate or want to sell. Jack knows the Middle Tennessee area, understands the mindset of people here, and is an expert in his field.

Do You Know What Today Is?

In my list of crazy calendar days, today is "National Compliment Day". Who knows where this came from?! I sure don't. And it must be something to it because it can actually be found online. CLICK HERE for a quick link to the info on National Compliment Day.

Who can you compliment today? There's no doubt that everyone needs a compliment every now and then. Whether mean or nice, everyone can use a nice pick-me-up today.

Is there someone in your office or place of work who has done a great job? Or how about your son or daughter - are you proud of them? What about your spouse? Or a friend, parent or other relative?

And there is one additional person you need to compliment - yourself. How many times have you patted yourself on the back said, "Great job!"? Isn't it time?

Go out and have a great day today. Give someone that lift that they need. Maybe they'll pass it on.

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If you are looking for a person who is positive but realistic about real estate, give Jack a call at 615-260-3599. He'll help you with all of your real estate needs.

Summer Is Over and School Has Begun!

In some areas of the country, the beginning of school is nothing more than a distant thought. August provides opportunities for the last hoorays of the summer, just before a September school start date. In Middle Tennessee, August marks the end of the summer and the beginning of the new school year, so WELCOME BACK, students!



Yesterday marked the first day of school for Wilson County students. My son, Hunter, made the band this year, so he's already been at school since July 19, practicing in the horrible heat we've experienced. Wednesday the 4th is the first day for Rutherford County students. It's an abbreviated day and the first full day is Monday the 9th. Thursday, August 12th is an abbreviated first day for students in Davidson County, and their first full day is the 16th. And Thursday, August 12th is the first day for Williamson County students.

Interestingly, summers are getting shorter and shorter. It seems like time flies by, with no break in it's rapid pace. If you haven't had a chance to take your family on vacation this summer, there's always Labor Day weekend, just a month away. Maybe you can head to a local spot such as Huntsville, Alabama to take in the NASA Space Center. Or maybe Hot Springs, Arkansas may be beckoning you there. And then there are always the short day trips to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, or Fall Creek Falls, not far from Cookeville.

Whatever your schedule, whether you have kids or not, it's time to gear up for the next year again .... so enjoy ...
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Looking for a real estate agent who's in tune with our real estate market? If so, then give Jack Jernigan a call at 615-373-3513 or email him at jack@jackjernigan.com

Only the Second Fattest?!

Boy, are we Tennesseans in trouble. According to the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we are fat, fat, fat, fat, fat! Not pleasant news for those of us who live here. Apparently, almost 1/3 of all Tennessee adults are carrying around a lot of extra baggage.

Disconcerting? Absolutely! Obesity is preceded by problems with low income, poor education and lack of access to nearby grocery stores and safe neighborhoods, and other issues.

Discipline is really the bottom line. How many of us are really disciplined enough to control our diets and to head to the gym or even outside for a brisk walk?! Are we willing to pack up the extra portions at our favorite restaurant and bring them home to eat for another meal?

I'm not sure about you, but I prefer to live a little longer. And the more pounds I put on, and the fatter I get, the less likely I am to live longer. My goal for the remainder of 2010? Drop a few pounds and get lean. Come on, it's not that hard

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
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Need a real estate agent who understands Middle Tennessee area and the real estate market? Give me a call and let me lend you a hand.

The Best Father's Day Gift

I've often wondered what the first Father's Day gift was back in 1910. Maybe it was a tie. Throughout the years, I've received my share of Father's Day gifts. Everything from ties to shirts to gift cards made the list, but this year, I received the best gift ever.

When I opened my gift, I discovered something so precious that I will treasure it forever. No, not a brick of gold, or a nice new watch, or anything material. It was a book. That's right - a plain, simple book. Once inside I saw photos of my children on every page accompanied by descriptive words about each of them. You see, Annie and Hunter are the most precious gifts that any dad could have. Since they were born I've told them over and over again, "If I had to go to the ______ year old grocery story, I'd pick you out every single time!" I said it then and I say it now. There is NO GREATER gift in this life than children.

When Annie was born in February of 1994, she was a little early. Prior to her birth, she was an active baby. Her mother and I thought sure she would be a boy because she continually kicked and rolled over. She was born after over 24 hours of labor and weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Hunter, on the other hand, was a little quieter baby. He was big, though, at 9 pounds 3 ounces, and he was a late arrival - about a week late.

I'm proud of my children and and love them with all of my heart. I'm sure you think your kids are the best, but I have to disagree -- mine are! And everyone says so! If you could get to know them, you'd see that they argue and fight sometimes. Annie tries to "steamroll" over Hunter, but he doesn't let her do that too often. He stands up for himself. But he has a much more tender heart. Hunter is more compassionate while Annie is a confident leader.

When I became a dad back in 1994, it was one of the greatest events in my life. And it happened again for a second time in November of 1995. Two great kids and the wonderful blessings that they bring. I'm so grateful ............

Not Quite the Top 20, but Close!

Nashville just barely missed the Top 20 US Cities that have the best quality of life, a result of evaluating the top 67 US major market cities. Ranked by Portfolio.com, there were 20 different criteria, including: well-rounded healthy economies; light traffic; moderate cost of living; household income; home ownership; and strong educational systems.

Raleigh, North Carolina hailed as number 1. An obvious choice for all the high-tech jobs that Raleigh boasts. Another North Carolina city similar in size to Nashville, Charlotte ranks number 16. With the fifth fastest population growth since 2000, it's a shoe-in for a little higher ranking. My old hometown, Richmond, Virginia, ranked 20, just barely making it into the top 20. With scores fairly even in every category, Richmond does boast a high quality of life.

Check out the top 25 slide show and read the synopsis on each one. You may be surprised at some of those that made the top 20 list.
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Real estate isn't rocket science, but it does take skill, professionalism and knowledge to make your way through each local market. For help with your real estate needs in and around Nashville, please give me a shout. You can reach me at: 615-373-3513, or through email: jack@jackjernigan.com

Record Home Sale for Nashville

Well, it sold ... Alan and Denise Jackson's home in Franklin ... for a cool $28 million. This sale is Middle Tennessee's highest home sale in history and it makes Tayna Tucker's 2007 sale of just over $11 million look like chump change.

The Jacksons paid $1.2 million for the 135 acre tract of land in 1993, then built their three-story colonial home on that estate.

You can check out the 50 photos of the estate, CLICK HERE. And to read the entire article in The Tennessean, then choose THIS LINK.

Enjoy the slide show. The house is quite amazing.
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To work with a real estate agent who knows the Middle Tennessee market, give me a shout. I'm here to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Pac-Man Mania

Released in Japan on May 22, 1980, Pac-Man took off. Soon after, it was released in the U.S. Video arcade games were relatively new to the world, with Space Invaders and Aestroids as the two most popular. Video games were also mostly played by guys, but Pac-Man leveled the playing field, appealing to both genders.

A year later, Ms. Pac-Man was released, the most popular video arcade game in history. I must admit that less college spending money was spent on movies and eating out that year while more was spent on Ms. Pac-Man. I was addicted. In a new venue - the cocktail table version - it was easy to take on an opponent.

That love for Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man has never waned. From the original video arcade games to the PC and phone versions, I still find them loads of fun. And so does most of the world.

Want to play a game or two .... or more? Find a flash version for your PC by CLICKING HERE. Enjoy!

Helping Our Flood Victims

The United Way is up to it's eyeballs in requests for help from flood victims. They should be. That's why they're here. Many of us have volunteered to help our friends and neighbors and, honestly, we're getting spent from the efforts.

If you're not able to help people physically, then you can give them a hand financially. By purchasing posters and tee shirts, most of the cost will go toward a donation to a local charity, such as United Way, and the small portion of the cost will go toward the product itself.

Most of these items can be found online by googling the words, "Nashville flood tee shirts" or "Nashville flood posters". The "We Are Nashville" tee shirts can be found locally at Nashville Clothing Company, with two locations: One is at the Icon in the Gulch at 606 12 Ave South, Suite B. The other is in Cool Springs at 420 Cool Springs Blvd, suite 140, just across the street from PF Chang's.

My favorite poster is the a print of the artwork done by Kyle Jones. It can be found by CLICKING HERE.

This is my favorite Nashville Flood poster.

How about digging deep down into your pockets to give what you can? This is a great time to exercise kindness for our Middle Tennessee friends and neighbors.

Bailing Out

The devastation is indescribable. Flood waters rose to above five feet in most places around Nashville. And now debris is piled as high as six to seven feet at curbside.

When I went to work at a friend's condo in River Plantation (in Bellevue) last week, I was shocked by what I saw. Pictures that were hung above the water line began to fall off the walls because the water moved it's way up toward the ceiling. Dead frogs were found on shelves the china cabinet. Accessories and pictures that had been positioned on end tables and bedside tables were now on the floor, sitting in water. The refrigerator was tipped toward the wall at an angle. Wood furniture began to warp, requiring a crowbar to open drawers and doors. Upholstered pieces were now drenched with dirty flood waters. Carpet and rugs were mud-laden, and soaked with water. Mattresses were so filled with water that it took four large men to move each one.

Twenty people went to help my friend. Soaked down to our skin, we kept on working, thinking that the work would never end. Garbage bags filled with wet linens and clothing were stacked in two corners of the patio. One was dry clean; the other was launder. Sorting through clothing, pictures, accessories became a major job. Moving is considered a big stressor on people, but this was 100 times worse. The loss that my friend has felt has been overwhelming.

Last Sunday my parents were in town, so we drove through River Plantation, the Opryland area, Pennington Bend, downtown Nashville, and parts of Franklin so they could see what had happened. My dad, 83 years old, remarked he'd "never seen anything like this." Having served in World War II, he'd seen devastation in Germany before, but nothing like this. My mother commented that, "this is indescribable." And she's right.

Thank goodness for volunteers. Without volunteers, so many people would never be able to bounce back. Sunday, we saw hundreds of volunteers helping homeowners clean out their homes, bringing load after load of wet drywall, carpet and other items out to the curb. ServPro trucks were everywhere, and from everywhere. Area codes such as 412 were painted on the sides of ServPro trucks. Waste management companies were working overtime to remove the debris from the curbs.

While it took a few days for us to make national headlines, it turned out to be a great thing. Our volunteer efforts and true unselfishness has been shown to the world. We're a relentless and strong community. We care about each other. And we also persevere. Nothing can come between a Nashville resident and his neighbor, especially a flood.

Have you taken the opportunity to help a fellow Middle Tennessean yet? Maybe your neighbor didn't suffer flood damage, but may need help with something else. Maybe it's time to volunteer to help a friend in need. Are you that person? Maybe it's time ....

Flooding in Franklin

Rain on Friday, April 30 was no surprise. Weather forecasters predicted it would come and the sky was evidence of the inevitable. A typical spring shower watered plants and lawns of grass, and then let up a little.

Little did I know that when I took my car to be serviced at noon on May 1 that I would drive home in lakes that had formed on Highway 96 in Franklin. While waiting for my car, I watched rain grow stronger and stronger during that 90 minutes of talking on the phone, checking email and trying ot watch the satellite TV in the customer waiting area.

I had already committed to going to hear a band with friends at 3rd and Lindsley that night, but at 3 p.m., I cancelled that daredevil decision. No way was I trading my 2nd floor condo for a trek in the downpour to hear any group.

Around dinner time, I spotted the creek behind our building as the once calm flow of water was now a roaring, rushing river, with an increased height of at least 15 inches. No worries, though, as weather predictions did not include a flood.

Weather forecasters finally admitted we were getting more than we bargained for. Franklin was the first area to be mentioned in a list of damaged locations. Flooding had been evident that afternoon on Highway 96 as I spotted 10-foot lakes in front yards along that road. Even the park next to the Harpeth was flooded up to the entrance. Franklin's Mayor had issued a 6 pm to 6 am curfew for the safety of it's residents.

By late Saturday night, the rains were coming down pretty hard and it was inevitable that Nashville and other parts of Middle Tennessee were going to experience a new kind of disaster.

After staying up late and watching the three major networks turn their broadcasts over to the latest in weather, I finally went to bed. Church hadn't been cancelled yet, so maybe it wasn't really that bad. Things changed at 7:35 the next morning as I heard a voice mail telling me that all church activities had been cancelled that day. The rain kept coming down in sheets so thick it was almost impossible to see anything. The darkness reigned over the entire area, and at 8:30 am, it looked as if it were midnight.

The rain eventually let up long enough Sunday around 11 a.m. for me to run out and get some gas. Surely I'd have enough time to get gas, a few movies from Red Box, and then get back home. I was wrong. While at the Kroger on Columbia Pike, all heavens broke loose. Getting gas wasn't a problem, but even while using an umbrella to run across a flooded parking lot to the Red Box, I was almost soaked. Standing in line behind five other people proved to be an impatient wait as the rain came down harder and faster. Will this EVER let up at all?

After retrieving three flicks, I ran back across the lot. It was a little better now, and I thought I'd take a quick drive around my area of Franklin. Little did I know that I would see streets turned into lakes. Fair Street was now a swimming pool at the dip just past 9th Avenue. 5th Avenue/Hillsboro Road was now an ocean of water as Sonic and Alexander Used Cars were both submerged under the water. I'd seen enough. Home I wanted to go.

Later that afternoon, the rain finally did break for a while and the sun started to shine. I decided to take a tour of the area to see how bad things were. Apparently a few other folks had the same idea.

Out of the four main ways to get out of Franklin, three were completely shut down. Third Avenue (which turns into Highway 96) was blocked. Just a few hundred feet from town was the bridge that crossed a western branch of the Harpeth River. No vehicles were going to get through there as police had taped it off and were blocking all traffic.

Main Street (which turns into Franklin Road going toward Brentwood) was just as bad. The Harpeth is crossed there, too, and police had blocked it off. Just west of there is First Avenue, which had turned into a lake. Only the street sign was visible.

Down the road were 3rd and 4th Avenues, which ran into North Margin Street. Just past North Margin the water had covered graveyards and parking lots. Nowhere was there any way to drive or even walk down those streets.

Just south of 3rd and 4th is 5th Avenue (which turns into Hillsboro Road). As a second visit to this street, I saw even more water this time, and I knew that plenty of damage had been done. Driving on Highway 96 West (toward Bellevue), front yards were flooded to capacity. Owners had parked their vehicles next to the road so they could eventually get out. I just hope they had a rowboat, kayak or canoe to get to their cars.

In almost a half century of living, I've never seen anything like this. Over the last few days, we've heard reports that so far, there is over $1.5 BILLION in damage. Who knows what the final total will be?

My heart goes out to those who have lost so much. This is one of those times I wish I had lots to give to people. It's devastating, heartbreaking and sad. My prayers continue to be with the over thousands of people who are currently homeless. Only God can take care of us.

Stranger Than Fiction

You just can't make up some things. It seems impossible, but Tracy City, Tennessee elected a dead man mayor because they didn't like the incumbent. Go figure .... You can read the entire story HERE.

Think they'll put this in the Guinness Book of World Records?

Undercover Boss

Alright, so I admit it - I watched "Undercover Boss" more out of curiosity one Sunday night when nothing else much was on TV. First episode, I was hooked.

The premise of the show is that a CEO, President, or Owner of a fairly large company will go undercover and work in several departments over a series of days to find out what really goes on in their companies. They pose as a new employee or as a person doing research on various jobs within a company. Little does anyone know, they're harboring the head honcho while they do their jobs.

Watch a little while and you'll find the appeal as I do. Not long into each episode, you'll laugh and you'll cry. You'll be amazed that female Waste Management drivers have to use the bathroom in a tin cup on their route. Or that it takes skill to assemble frozen White Castle burgers into their containers. And that blessings abound for those who work hard with a great attitude.

For more info on "Undercover Boss", check out THIS SITE. And don't miss any more episodes.
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To work with an agent who takes care of his clients, give me a call. Your desires are my priority. And don't forget to tune into "Undercover Boss". It's worth watching.

Skating Into First Place

Since 1988, I've never missed watching the Winter Olympics. In fact, I remember distinctly watching Bonnie Blair's winning streak, Brian Boitano's gold medal performance, and Dan Jansen's memorable poignant moments.

This year was no different. Glued in front of the TV night after night, the only thing better would have being there in person.

Watching Shaun White take the gold for Men's Halfpipe Snowboarding was incredible. Having already won the gold medal for the event, he performed even better in his encore performance. How about Lindsey Vonn in the Ladies' Downhill Alpine Skiing event? Ever seen anyone ski like that? And then it only got better when Evan Lysacek told home the gold for Men's Figure Skating. To top it all off, Seth Wescott won gold in the Men's Snowboard Cross event.

I think there's a little bit of a competitor in all of us. Who doesn't secretly want to experience snowboarding in the Halfpipe event like White? The confidence that bursts from his pores is enough to encourage me to daydream that I could perform skateboarding maneuvers like he does.

Overall, the US (yes, that's us!) took home 37 medals, an all time record high. This year, we even outdid Germany, our fiercest competitor. If you want to see the final medal standings, CLICK HERE. You can see the results and get the scoop on each of the events.
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For a real estate agent who consistently and constantly keeps up with the latest market conditions, give me a shout.

Oreos and Milk

Who doesn't like Oreos?! And who doesn't like them dunked in milk?!

I was reminiscing about eating Oreos this week and amused myself at the various ways I've enjoy Oreos and milk. My favorite way: Oreo Double Stuff dipped briefly in a glass of organic skim milk just before biting into it. I prefer a brief dunk because I still like the Oreo crunch in my mouth, along with the sweet, wet sensation.

Other ways to eat Oreos and milk:
- Unscrew the two sides and dunk each side into milk
- Unscrew the two sides, eat the cream off of each side, then dunk each cookie part in milk
- Unscrew the two sides, eat the cream off of each side, put the two sides back together, then dunk in milk
- Dunk the entire Oreo in milk and hold it down so that the cookie soaks up some milk
- Don't dunk at all, but bite the Oreo and then wash it down with a swallow of milk as fast as possible
- Dunking with a friend
- Dunking alone
- Dunking with your son or daughter
- Dunking with a parent or sibling
- Dunking via webcam with a family member or a friend
- Two lovers interlocking arms dunk their Oreos in the same glass of milk
- Dunking in bed while watching TV
- Dunking for breakfast
- Dunking as a mid-afternoon snack
- Place the Oreo on a spoon and dunk in it's entirety
- Put crushed Oreos in a bowl and pour milk on top of them
- Soak Oreos in milk, then freeze for several hours
- Spread peanut butter on Oreos, then dunk them in milk
- Spread vanilla icing on Oreos, then dunk them in milk
- Unscrew five Oreo cookies, then pile all of the filling from four of them onto the last one and dunk that one in milk
- Dunk the four cookies from the one above in milk
- Dunking at a campsite
- Dunking in front of the TV
- Participating in a dunking contest to see who can dunk and eat the most Oreos in a timed event

So ... what's your favorite way?

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To work with a real estate agent who enjoys life and will provide an enjoyable experience for you in the purchase and/or sale of your home, give me a shout. I'd love to work with you.

Gone With the Wind

I love this movie! I've always loved it, not just because it depicts the strength of the Old South after the Civil War, but also because of the special effects of that time.

Yesterday, my friend, Fran, and I got to see Gone With the Wind for it's 70th anniversary. It's hard to believe that this incredible flick was released back in 1939 - long before I was even thought of. But it was and to many, it's considered the greatest movie ever made.

The last time I saw the movie was in Richmond, Virginia, 20 years ago. It was the 50th anniversary and Stephanie and I, like the other hundreds of people there, dressed in period regalia and got to feast on local delicacies during the intermission. Several of our friends went with us, and we made it a great party.

One of the most famous movies of all time, GWTW had it's share of notables. Of course, most notable were actors Clark Gable, Olivia DeHaviland, and Leslie Howard. Hattie McDaniel, the actor who played Mammie, accepted any role to further the advance of her race, and said so. Another notable was Susan Myrick from Atlanta. Not an actor, but a dialect expert. She was hired by producer David O. Selznick to coach actors in their southern accent. For Selznick, everything had to be perfect, even down to the hoops under skirts. When Ann Rutherford asked Selznick why having the hoops mattered when no one in the audience would know, his explanation was, "Because you'll know." For him, that was enough.

New to the American movie scene was Vivian Leigh. Cast at the last moment, according to legend, Vivian was "suddenly discovered" when she appeared as a companion to Laurence Olivier during the filming of the burning of Atlanta. Of course, sensationalized legends were just as effective in marketing then as they are today. The truth was that an unknown would be cast and that Selznick wanted the publicity to create a huge buzz in America. Regardless of how Vivian was selected, she was the best choice. Years of critics - both professional and novice - have attested to that.

Needless to say, my head is filled with trivia about this great film. How the movie was made fascinates me even today.

While the last screening was last night, you can still get the DVD or blu-ray at local places around town or from a retailer online. It's a great time to watch an incredible classic.

Enjoy ..............

The True Spirit of Christmas

If you haven't taken your children to see Santa Claus yet, there's still time! In spite of economic downturns, job losses and a host of other challenges in our world today, Santa is still the beacon that all is right in the world at Christmas time.

When I was a child, I couldn't understand why we'd see Santa at so many places. My little mind thought that Santa was able to jump from department store to department store, and that he did it just in time for me to see him there. It wasn't until later that my mother, in her hopes of extending my make-believe world, told me that Santa has "helpers" to help him talk with all the kids because he was busy making the toys at the North Pole.

Sometimes today, I wonder if I know the "real" Santa. If not, he's mighty close. Last year, I met Santa Dick at Green Hills Mall working a seasonal job at the mall, and there we became friends.

Over the last year, I've had the opportunity to get to know Santa Dick. He epitomizes what Christmas is all about. Adults and children alike love this wonderful Santa because he genuinely cares about the children (and, yes, adults) that he meets.

Santa Dick recently told me about a little girl he met who understood the real meaning of Christmas. "I just want some balloons for Christmas," she answered when Santa Dick asked her what she wanted. When asked why she just wanted balloons, she told Santa Dick, "So other children who don't have toys can have my toys." Needless to say, by the end of that story, I choked up. That little girl, at her young age, understands Christmas!

How many of us really understand the true meaning of Christmas? I wonder how our economic recession has affected what we give this year. Maybe it's not as much or as expensive as we've given in the past. And that's good. It's time for us to slow down and just love and care about each other.

Do you know what the first gift of Christmas was? It was a baby, lying in a manger, who was born to take away the sins of the world. That unconditional gift is for every single person who ever lived before then, during that time, and since that time. It's for you and for me. Santa Dick would echo these same sentiments.

There's time to go see Santa ... and there's time for us to understand the real meaning of Christmas.

Merry, merry Christmas to all of you! May you be exceptionally blessed this Christmas.