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The Fourth Annual Stars and Guitars Country Music Charity

September 14th, 2011

East Texas has a pretty full calendar when it comes to charitable fund raising events. It seems like every month brings another concert, silent auction, art exhibit, or special lecture benefitting a different cause or charity. Not that I’m against any of them mind you, I just find it difficult to keep up with all the goings on in our area. Well, this Friday, another musical event will be held at KE Bushman’s Winery & Celebration Center,and the proceeds go to a great cause. September the 16th, will be the fourth annual Stars & Guitars Country Music Charity Benefit for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness.

Admittedly, admission is not particularly cheap. Vip tickets are seventy five dollars per person or 100 dollars per couple. Included in that cost, is special seating, dinner and an open wine bar. General admission is twenty five dollars a head. General admission tickets, include the concert and two free drink tickets. Additional drink tickets can be purchased for about three dollars each. While the event is spendy, it’s for a good cause and will most likely tend to draw those for whom the cost is moderate. The venue is located in Bullard, at the Kiepersol winery.  

For more information on the event, Contact: Kelly Boutin via e-mail at kmboutin@etmc.org, or call (903) 596-3618. Information can also be found by visiting the following websites: http://www.outhousetickets.com/Venue/Bushman’s_Event_Center/ , or http://www.examples-help.org.uk/anastrophe.htm .

Resolution of the Suddenlink, Viacom Dispute

January 2nd, 2011

Well the New Year’s weekend came and went, and my son is even now lying in my bed watching his favorite Upside Down Show episodes on Nick Jr. as he drifts off to sleep (hopefully). As a quick side note to Viacom’s confidence, there was a show you should have continued to make. With all the sounds effects and high energy, it actually seems to appeal more to little boys rather than little girls. It’s less about the little ones finding ways to express their emotions and more about playing, making noise and generally having fun. It’s kind of a nice change of programming for the dad of a child who’s all boy!

Putting the review aside for now however, when Saturday morning rolled around and I still had all my cable channels, I assumed that some kind of agreement had been reached between Suddenlink and Viacom, or shortly would be. I wouldn’t have to wait long for confirmation of my suspicions. The cable company sent out an e-mail to subscribers on Saturday afternoon explaining that they had “reached an agreement in principle on a long-term contract.” Obviously the details of the terms were not listed in the e-mail, but they did announce that Viacom’s new on demand, on line movie service would be available to Suddenlink customers, as well as the existing networks customers have come to expect. To their credit, Suddenlink cable also promised that there would not be changes to the promised rate adjustments. Instead the cable provider will simply eat the added cost for their standard services. The recent communication did not stipulate how long the company would be willing to take that hit but I would presume that at some point they will have to raise their rates. For the time being at least, it sounds like they will remain the same. Furthermore, Suddenlink customers will have the option of whether or not to opt out of Viacom’s new movies on demand service.

At the end of day I am glad the companies were able to hash out an agreement, even though I think Viacom’s methods don’t serve the public’s interest. I realize they’re not running a non- profit organization, but I find that the company’s lack of concern for customer satisfaction speaks rather loudly. All that aside, at least we will still have access to Nick Jr. and syndicated episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond.

The Tyler Suddenlink Saga Ends

May 14th, 2010

For those readers who’ve been following my Tyler Texas Suddenlink saga I would like to offer this afterward. (Sorry Donny, I just want to be sure to offer our readers some proper closure). I eventually contacted the Suddenlink rep who offered to assist me in negotiating a better deal on my cable and internet service. After pulling teeth to get to talk with someone with decision making authority, I appreciated that a representative of the company was taking an interest in my case. Fortunately, most of the conversations took place via e-mail as well, so as not to take up any more of my time. The central problem I had was that each person I spoke to seemed to tell me something different. (I must have talked to five or six different people). This seems to be symptomatic of dealing with a large company like Suddenlink, with so many separate departments and entities, that they tend to function like separate businesses. The trick is to find someone who can cut through all little bureaucracies and make a definitive decision. Admittedly this is much easier said than done.

After a couple of emails I was told that a local supervisor would contact me to discuss my service. I spoke to the local super briefly over the phone and we came to an agreement. First off she compensated me for my time. Secondly, she offered to look at my account and see whether or not I could be given the advanced tier like I was originally offered by the disembodied voice I spoke of in my last article. As it turned out she was unable to offer that package at my current rate, but she did offer me thirty days free trial. I thanked her but declined. I’d rather not get used to having the additional channels and then have to either let them go or start paying eleven dollars a month more for them. With my tendency toward procrastination, I’d probably just end up keeping them. So in the end I didn’t get everything I wanted but at least I received satisfaction.

What does the future hold for Suddenlink and me? Long term it’s difficult to say. Having found some people there who are willing to assist me has made it easier to consider sticking it out and acquiring additional services over the long haul. If my service continues as it is now, I may be a Suddenlink customer for a while. To review my story, look for the following titles in this order, on this site: Direct TV or Suddenlink, Which One, Hard to Decide Hmmm? and Suddenlink Internet Service in Tyler Texas. Also, visit Suddenlink’s website at www.suddenlink.com.

Personal Care For The Whole Person

January 8th, 2010

Perhaps the fastest growing industry in Tyler is the medical industry. A drive through town on any given day seems to reveal a new medical center of one kind or another. East Texans have a plethora of choices for all stages of life and health care. Since 2003 they have been choosing Legacy hospice to care for themselves and their loved ones as they approach the close of their lives. Legacy is committed to providing answers and options to patients and families approaching this final stage of life.

Legacy is a small but growing, family run hospice that provides for both the physical and emotional needs which accompany the dying process. There are several varying degrees of care which depend upon the patient’s health. The degrees run from “Routine,” or at home care, to “Inpatient” around the clock care. Every form of counseling from dietary to spiritual is available. Doctors and nurses provide many different forms of therapy for the patient. The Hospice also couples with local nursing homes to help provide care to dying patients.

When it comes to emotional needs, the Chaplains offer council and support both to patients and their families. Bereavement care can be offered to a family for up to a year after the passing of a loved one. The Chaplain staff visits patients and loved ones in their homes or in the hospital, does regular check ups by phone or e-mail, and even helps with funeral and memorial services.

Legacy Hospice is fully covered by Medicaid and Medicare, as well as most other forms of insurance, and serves a large area of North East Texas.