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25th Anniversary of the Music City’s July 4th Celebration

fireworksJuly 4th is fast approaching and it is time for one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the United States.  Nashville’s Department of Tourism and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the schedule for this Saturday’s Riverfront activities.

Let Freedom Sing!  If there’s one thing Nashville knows how to do, it’s throw a party. On Saturday, July 4th head down to Riverfront Park for a day filled with summer fun. Check out the Coca-Cola FREE Family Fun Zone with inflatables and more fun for every member of the family. The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage will feature music beginning at 2pm with Frankie Ballard, The Grascals, MTA’s “Transit,” Lee Roy Parnell and more. The Main Stage concert will kick off at 7pm with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Nashville Symphony performing the National Anthem, followed by a special patriotic salute by Mayor Karl Dean, Barry Scott, and the Nashville Symphony. Performances by The Gabe Dixon Band and Wynonna will continue through the night for the city that music calls home. Stay for our grand finale including an incredible fireworks display synchronized with a performance by our very own Nashville Symphony.

  • 12:00pm  The Family Fun Zone, brought to you by Coca-Cola, Opens
  • 2:00pm The NowPlayingNashville.com First Stage Entertainment Begins
  • 2:00pm MTA’s “Transit”
  • 3:00pm Frankie Ballard
  • 4:00pm The Grascals
  • 5:00pm Lee Roy Parnell
  • 6:45pm – Main stage entertainment begins featuring Wynonna, The Gabe Dixon Band, Barry Scott, and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
  • 9:03pm (approximately) Fireworks Begin with Nashville Symphony
  • 9:25pm  Fireworks Conclude

 Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I bring a cooler into the event?  No, coolers will not be allowed in the park.
  2. Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?  Yes, food and beverage vendors will be on location at 12 noon. Music City July 4th is a non-alcoholic event at Riverfront park.
  3. Can I bring my umbrella to shade me from the sun?   Umbrellas will be permitted as space allows unless it obstructs the view of other patrons.
  4. Is there seating available?  Lawn seating is available to everyone. Lawn chairs will be permitted as space allows
  5. If I leave, can I come back into the event?  Yes, this event is free and open to the public to enjoy.
  6. Is smoking allowed at Riverfront Park? Are there smoking sections?  Smoking is permitted throughout Riverfront Park.
  7. Can I take pictures or video at the festival?  Personal cameras are permitted. No audio recorders, video or professional cameras will be permitted.
  8. What personal items will I be prohibited from bringing into the festival?  Patrons may not enter the venue with alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, coolers, fireworks, pets (except service animals), backpacks, food, beverages, weapons or dangerous devices of any type.
  9.  Who can I contact if I have any additional questions?  Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau @ 800-657-6910 or 615-259-4730 or nashcvb@visitmusiccity.com

Please Note: No alcoholic beverages inside the park. No backpacks. No coolers, no bottles. No tall lawn/camping chairs. Small seat cushions and ground chairs are allowed. No umbrellas

All food and drinks brought must be in a clear, see-through container. To insure safety of all July 4th spectators, personal watercraft will only be allowed on the outside of the bridges (Shelby Street & Woodland Street) after 8:30 p.m. – 30 minutes before the fireworks begin.

Source: Nashville Music City Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitmusiccity.com

June 30, 2009 Posted by | entertainment, Nashville, tennessee | , , | Leave a Comment

Balance: Weighing the importance of a real estate career and Life’s gifts

MD60th-WebDo you have good balance of work and personal time?  I thought I did until it hit me hard over these past few days that I need to take more time and enjoy life, family and friends. 

For approximately five months a few of my relatives have been planning a 60th birthday party surprise for my cousin to be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The plan was to bring family in from different areas of the country to surprise him as he would take a break from his work in California to come home to Colorado to be with his family.  At first it was not an issue to go but these past few months’ business has been very good to me so I backed out to keep on top of my buyers and sellers.  It was early last week after several conversations I agreed that I could fly out on Thursday but would need to return to be in Nashville by Saturday afternoon.  I decided to take my laptop with me and work as I traveled.

Before leaving for the airport Thursday morning CNN reported that Farrah Fawcett passed away.  Wow!  I will be 50 years old this coming month and I was just like every male of my generation that had her posters on my wall and in my locker.  She was a 70’s Icon!  We all knew that she was giving her all as she battled cancer but just to hear that she passed away was no longer just a passing thought.  I thought, oh well, she will be in my prayers tonight.

I had to fly to Atlanta to connect to a flight to Colorado Springs.  The flight was quick, up and down to Atlanta and I had a few hours to wait before boarding so I pulled out my laptop and cell phone and started my activities.  Michael Jackson’s name caught my ear so I glanced up and CNN was reporting that he had a heart issue and believed to be in a coma.  I continued to work and thought maybe it is a publicity stunt or something.  As I worked in the busy terminal I could hear different comments about him as people would be telling their jokes – just natural as people have conversations since this seemed to be the lead story.

Breaking News…CNN can now confirm and report that Michael Jackson is dead.  I immediately looked up to watch the television and then looked around my gate as well as the nearby gates.  Silence!  People of all ages did not speak but stared at their area’s monitor as the report continued.  Damn, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson!  I could only think of sadness as this great talent that we were blessed to see in our lifetime seemed to have struggled with happiness despite all the fame and glory around the world.  I thought to myself that he appeared to always seek the childhood that evaded him.  Seeking his childhood as an adult caused him great pain and public scrutiny.  Another Icon of my generation passes away.

I could not work anymore as my thoughts transitioned from the passing of these two talents to thinking about life.  Am I doing the best to balance my career responsibilities and enjoying the gift of life?  I thought I was; I play in tennis leagues, have several good friends, love my home and family and make it a point to get out in the community and giveback when I can.  Yet here I was dreading taking time away from my work to spend just a few days with relatives, many of which I have not seen in years.  Needless to say I had a reality check.  Balance!  No more laptop for a few days.  My visit was one to remember.  We had a blast and I cherish the time we shared. 

The real estate industry can be (and is) a 24/7 business.  It is easy for all of us to fall in the trap of working so hard that we let life pass us by.  I am now more conscious of the efforts that I need to make to continue to be successful in business and enjoy life!  Wishing each of you all the best!

June 27, 2009 Posted by | dedication, real estate | , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Happy Fathers Day – Giovanni Jacob!

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad, Giovanni (Jake) Jacob.  My Dad is my step-father by name but he is my father from my heart and soul.  He raised me and formed a value system in me that as a child and teenager many of us would not appreciate but as an adult and man I cherish greatly. 

A lot of the drive, strength and value system I owe directly to him.  He also has unconditional love for me and supports me in the decisions I have made in life.  Even as recent as last year when I decided to change career paths and return to the real estate industry so I can begin the process of having my own agency, he did not hesitate in his support for me. 

Thank you Dad for being the man that you are and creating the man that I am.  Happy Fathers Day, love Kenneth!

June 21, 2009 Posted by | dedication, Inspiration | , , | Leave a Comment

A day in the life of a dog and cat…

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary……

  • 8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
  • 9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
  • 9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
  • 10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
  • 12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
  • 1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
  • 3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
  • 5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
  • 7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
  • 8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
  • 11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary. ..

Day 983 of my captivity… My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.  For now…………….

June 20, 2009 Posted by | humor | , | Leave a Comment

Humor…Have a great Friday!

Joke-1

June 19, 2009 Posted by | entertainment, humor | | 2 Comments

I joined Twitter today!

Today I set-up my Twitter account after suggestions from friends and business associates to join.  Now what????  This old dog may be slow to get into the flow of tweeting.  The link is on the blogroll to the right.  All the best – Kenneth

June 16, 2009 Posted by | Contact Information, marketing | , , , | Leave a Comment

SOUTHERN …for all of us that were born, raised, and our friends that have transplanted to the South!

SOUTHERN WOMEN

Southern women know their summer weather report:

  • Humidity
  • Humidity
  • Humidity 

Southern women know their vacation spots:

  • The beach
  • The rivuh
  • The crick 

Southern women know everybody’s first name:

  • Honey
  • Darlin’
  • Shugah 

Southern women know the movies that speak to their hearts:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Driving Miss Daisy
  • Steel Magnolias
  • Gone With The Wind 

Southern women know their religions:

  • Baptist
  • Methodist
  • Football 

Southern women know their cities dripping with Southern charm:

  • Chawl’stn
  • S’vanah
  • Foat Wuth
  • N’awlins
  • Addlanna 

Southern women know their elegant gentlemen:

  • Men in uniform
  • Men in tuxedos
  • Rhett Butler 

Southern girls know their prime real estate:

  • The Mall
  • The Country Club
  • The Beauty Salon 

Southern girls know the 3 deadly sins:

  • Having bad hair and nails
  • Having bad manners
  • Cooking bad food 

SOUTHERNISMS

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit, and that you don’t “HAVE” them, you “PITCH” them.

Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up “a mess.”

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of “yonder.”

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long “directly” is, as in: “Going to town, be back directly.”

Even Southern babies know that “Gimme some sugar” is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

All Southerners know exactly when “by and by” is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who’s got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor’s trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin!

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between “right near” and “a right far piece.” They also know that “just down the road” can be 1 mile or 20

Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol’ boy, and po’ white trash.

No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.

A Southerner knows that “fixin” can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, …. and when we’re “in line,”… we talk to everybody!

Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they’re related, even if only by marriage.

In the South, y’all is singular, all y’all is plural.

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.

When you hear someone say, “Well, I caught myself lookin’,” you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!

Only true Southerners say “sweet tea” and “sweet milk.” Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it — we do not like our tea unsweetened. “Sweet milk” means you don’t want buttermilk.

And a true Southerner knows you don’t scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say,”Bless her heart” … and go your own way.

June 15, 2009 Posted by | entertainment, humor, Nashville, tennessee | , , | Leave a Comment

Humor…Grandmas don’t know everything…

Grandmas don’t know everything..

Little Tony was 7 years old and was staying with his grandmother for a few days.

He’d been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he came into the house and asked her,

‘Grandma, what’s that called when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?’

She was a little taken aback, but she decided to tell him the truth. ‘It’s called sex, darling.’

Little Tony said, ‘Oh, OK,’ and went back outside to play with the other kids.

A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, ‘Grandma, it isn’t called sex. It’s called Bunk Beds. And Jimmy’s mom wants to talk to you.’

June 12, 2009 Posted by | humor | , , | Leave a Comment

Greater Nashville Home Sales Continue Recent Trends; Pending Sales Reach 2000

There were 1,783 home closings reported for the month of May, according to figures provided by the Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS®. This figure represents a 28.9 percent decrease compared with 2,508 closings in May of 2008.

Year-to-date closings are down compared to last with year with 7,149. That is a 31.2 percent decrease compared to the 10,406 closings reported through May 2008.

There were 2,000 sales pending at the end of May, compared with 2,489 pending sales at this time last year.  The average number of days on the market for a single-family home was 92 days.

The median residential price for a single-family home during May was $169,900 and for a condominium it was $156,250.  This compares with last year’s median residential and condominium prices of $189,975 and $159,000, respectively.

Inventory at the end of May was 25,096, down from 24,598 in 2008.

This is the first time since September of last year that we have seen pending sales at the 2,000 level ,” Nichols added.  “For buyers, this is a very important time.  Many factors remain in their favor with interest rates low, inventory plentiful and even support from government programs.  However, those factors will not remain that way indefinitely. If interest rates increase, that could add significantly to the cost of a home.   So, acting now would be to their advantage.  For sellers, making their homes attractive and pricing them properly is critical to getting them sold.“

Source:   Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS®

June 9, 2009 Posted by | Nashville, real estate, relocation, tennessee | , , | 2 Comments

Humor…Top 10 Golf Caddy Comments!

#10 Golfer: “I think I am going to drown myself in the lake.”
Caddy: “Think you can keep your head down that long?”

#9 Golfer: “I’d move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course.
Caddy: “Try heaven, you’ve already moved most of the earth.”

#8 Golfer: “Do you think that my game is improving?”
Caddy: “Yes sir, you miss the ball much closer now.”

#7 Golfer: “Do you think I can get there with a 5 iron?”
Caddy: “Eventually!”

#6 Golfer: “You got to be the worst caddy in the world.”
Caddy: “I don’t think so sir. That would be too much of a coincidence.”

#5 Golfer: “Please stop checking your watch all the time.”
Caddy: “It’s not a watch, it is a compass.”

#4 Golfer: “How do you like my game?”
Caddy: “Very good sir, but personally I prefer golf..”

#3 Golfer: “Do you think it is a sin to play on Sunday?”
Caddy: “The way you play, sir, it is a sin on any day.”

#2 Golfer: “This is the worst course I’ve ever played on.”
Caddy: “This isn’t the golf course. We left that an hour ago.”

AND THE #1 BEST CADDY COMMENT …

Golfer: “That can’t be my ball, it is too old.”
Caddy: “It’s been a long time since we teed off, sir.”

June 8, 2009 Posted by | entertainment, humor | , , | 2 Comments

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