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The Comfort Inn & Suites in Tyler… & Beyond

May 7th, 2012

The fact that I grew up traveling has gone a long way to creating in me a nostalgia for staying in hotels. I realize that for many people who travel solely for work- related purposes that may seem like a fairly absurd statement. But for me, staying over night in a hotel was part of an adventure.  I’m sure that the level of one’s enjoyment of hotels is due solely to the purpose he or she has in traveling, but it’s almost always been a positive experience for me.

It’s always amusing to me to hear people discuss their requirements of a hotel. It must have this or that, it had better not be lacking in this amenity or that one… We all have different levels of expectations. I’m generally fairly easy to please. A cool, clean room, comfortable bed and working TV with Fox News and ESPN will generally keep me content. Throw in a good continental breakfast, and I may even stay another night.

On a recent trip to Dallas, (which was purely recreational mind you), I introduced my son the fun of staying in a hotel. We’ve stayed in them before, but he’s only four so his memories of previous trips are foggy at best.  On this outing I chose to stay in a Comfort Inn. Admittedly a simple establishment, but it came complete with a pool and all the amenities I’ve listed above, along with quite a few I didn’t. Now I realize this was Dallas, but I should reinforce the fact that Tyler also has a Comfort Inn which is arguably more upscale than the one I visited. Enough so that it should surely be able to meet the requirements of patrons whose needs are more… sophisticated than mine are.   The Comfort Inn and Suits in Tyler is located on South Broadway and has all the amenities one would expect, including an indoor pool, hot tube, fitness center and more. It’s generally on the more high- end side of the chain but prices are still reasonable. Tyler has what seems to me a surprising number of places to stay, but the Comfort is among the nicer choices. To read more or to make reservations read about them online or contact their office at (903) 534-0999.

Oliver North Comes to Tyler

November 10th, 2010
Tyler Texas Oliver North

Oliver North

Marine Corp vet, war hero, author and Fox News personality Oliver North will be in Tyler on Sunday, November 14th in order to hold a book signing at Barnes and Noble Booksellers. During the 1980s the Colonel was a lightning rod for controversy due to his role in covert affairs like Iran- Contra. He became a conservative icon when he testified forcefully before congress in 1987 regarding that policy.

Even today North often plays a central role in all kinds of internet whack- job conspiracy theories. Enter his name into Google and your likely find all sorts stories propagated by strange men in their forties who sit hunched over their computers in their parents basements narrating plots involving Colonel North, Jack Bauer and Dale Gribble.

Proponents of such nonsense by the way, consistently accuse non- believers of naiveté for their failure to buy into their elaborate contrivances. In general, I accept the notion that the simplest answer is probably the best answer, not always mind you, but usually. In general I detest conspiracy theories as they muddle the truth to the point that it becomes difficult for people to distinguish it even when reality stares them in the face. But I digress.

Since his days serving in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, Colonel North has become a tireless advocate for the American servicemen, both at home and abroad. His latest book is entitled: American Heroes: Special Operations. The book chronicles the struggles and sacrifices of the American special ops forces serving in the war against terror, in all theaters. The book also features the work of photo journalist Chuck Holton.

It is a moving tribute to our soldiers in harm’s way and the timing of its release, (right before Veteran’s day) was very appropriate. Regardless of political persuasion Colonel North’s work on behalf of Americans in uniform is something we all can and should support. I trust Tylerites will give Mr. North a warm welcome. For more information on North’s visit to Tyler see the following website: http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13452684; or call the Tyler Barnes and Noble at (903) 534-3996.

Burger House

October 12th, 2010
Burger House Tyler Texas

Burger House Tyler Texas

Burger House has brought a great pride to East Texas. The fun “every one knows your name” atmosphere makes your experience of eating at Burger House more enjoyable. Between the giant chalk board and the few video games, my kids have fun when they eat here. The restaurant has a great monument painted on the walls resembling all the greatest treasures in Tyler.

Besides the paintings on the walls and the small video games, Burger House offers great food. They have a great selection of burgers that are made just to your liking. Before eating there I really had not heard very many reports about Burger House. I think that the new burger restaurant Smash Burger has over shadowed Burger House. Burger House has other food than just burgers; they also have chicken sandwiches and hotdogs. The restaurant has chili cheese fries, if you can get over the guilt of the 10 pounds you are putting on from the deep fried potatoes, thick chili, and melted cheese, you will realize how great the food is here.

Not only is the food comparable to the popular Smash Burger, the prices are comparable to. You can eat somewhat cheap here and the servings are large enough to share. They have perfect portions for your small children. Your children can choose their favorite meal from the selections of burger, corn dog, or hotdog. Burger House has two rooms with televisions; usually play the popular sports game or Fox News. Burger house is a fun place to hang out and the food is pretty great too!

National Politics and Local Coverage

January 8th, 2010

Found at 600 on the AM radio dial, KTBB has been broadcasting to East Texas for many, many years. They carry a complete line-up of national talk radio programs. The daily routine features the three biggest personalities on the radio today, from Fox News personality Glen Beck in the morning, to famed political commentator Rush Limbaugh from 11:00 until 2:00, to another Fox News host Sean Hannity in the afternoon. KTBB 600 AM also has play by play Dallas Cowboys football. If your in or around the Tyler and East Texas area and need to hear the Cowboys football game than 600 AM should work.

As expected the Tyler Texas radio station’s views tend to the conservative side politically. Even the community affairs discussions seem to reflect a sort of common sense view of area news. While this may annoy the more progressive or liberal among us, the station does mirror the predominate views of East Texans.

The station also does a great job of keeping Tyler updated on local emergencies. If you rely on satellite for television service, you know how frustrating it can be to lose your signal in the middle of storm coverage. KTBB is a great back up for keeping ear out for those ever changing Texas weather patterns.

But KTBB is not longer confined to the AM dial. You can find local news weather and sports on 92.1 FM. Tyler favorite, David Smoak keeps us updated on the world of sports. “Smoaky,” broadcasts during the afternoon drive time and has become an institution in East Texas radio.

So if you like common sense, conservative politics, and your local news and events up to the minute, tune into KTBB 600 AM, or 92.1, whether at home, in the car, or at work. You’ll find you are both entertained and informed. See also http://www.ktbb.com

Choices Among Tyler Texas Newspaper and News Sources

November 17th, 2009

Local Tyler News Sources Top 6 List

Since the physical form of “the paper” is almost not relevant anymore I have listed the top Tyler Texas news sources in our city below. You may click on the links below and read the latest news stories in Tyler from any of these news organizations.

Why Has The Physical Newspaper Lost Its Appeal?

In Tyler Texas you have several different avenues to consider when picking your news source. My generation for the most part will not subscribe to a newspaper as we get our news from Google, Drudgereport, Fox News, or some of the other liberal media sources out there owned by the government. A newspaper is still a great thing and has a nostalgic place in my heart but not enough to want to pay a monthly subscription fee. 

Tyler Paper

Tyler Paper

 Maybe once a year I might break down and buy a Tyler newspaper but that is on very rare occassions. I do however have a great idea for the Tyler Texas newspaper in helping with building up their newspaper subscriptions back to where they once were. Has anyone reading this ever heard of the Amazon Kindle or the latest new device, the Apple tablet? The Kindle is basically a hardware device that can load electronic books onto it and many believe the Apple tablet is going to popularize devices like the Kindle. A Tyler TX newspaper could offer the Apple Tablet or Kindle for free or at a discount to all their current subscribers and save money on printing and delivery. The monthly subscription could still be in place but instead of delivering a physical newspaper a Tyler Texas resident simply needs to download the latest epaper onto their Apple tablet or Kindle device.

The Apple tablet is getting a lot of buzz from many newspaper companies as they attempt to revitalize their subscription services that have dwindled down to practically nothing. I think people in Tyler TX would be more excited about an Apple Tablet than a Kindle device I think exploring this new technology with the rest of the newspaper industry would be worth it for the Tyler Paper.

Using The Kindle As A Newspaper Reader

The Kindle is one of the simplest electronic devices out there and much easier to use and master compared to a personal computer or laptop. If the Tyler Texas newspaper were to implement their paper on a subscription basis through an Apple tablet or Kindle ebook reader I would personally be more likely to subscribe to it. 

KLTV Tyler TX

KLTV Tyler TX

 People would be able to buy and download ebooks onto the Kindle as well as read the newspaper. The incentive would be in having a free Kindle or discounted Apple Tablet that could double as a reader for Amazon books you buy. Paper subscriptions would increase and the newspaper would arise to the digital age a little later but not too late.

Newspaper Marketing Companies Should Be Used By Tyler Texas Newspaper Companies

There are newspaper marketing companies out there that could setup the Tyler Texas newspaper with a way to implement something like this. I think it would be a great benefit to old and new newspaper readers. It would probably be cost efficient to even have newspaper workers offer to come into the homes of those who would like a tutorial in how to use the Apple Tablet or Kindle to read the paper. Considering that one tutorial would get someone started in never having to wait for physically delivery of the paper again I think it is a win win.