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Area 51

September 9th, 2010

Growing up in Tyler sometimes there seems like there is not much for a teenager to do. A group of people felt like they should start a dance club for teens to hang out at and have a good time. The only people allowed in the club are teenagers that are 13-17. The dance club Area 51 is located at the old movie theater off of fifth street across from Brookshire’s and The Scroll Christian book store. The old cinema has been redecorated with colorful lights and a large dance floor.

If you are a worried parent you can ask the staff to meet with you. They are willing to give you a tour of the dance club. They do not allow anyone older than 17 in the club during the nights they are opened and that includes parents. The club has security provided by the Tyler police department. They do not tolerate any drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. The dance club seems to be pretty safe for the most part. They also have a loose dress code, they simply ask that the girls to cover their unmentionables and that they do not have underwear sticking out. They ask that guys will not show their underwear nor wear really baggy pants. The club also asks that people do not wear base ball caps.

The club sells soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drink. The snacks that they sell are chips, cookies, ice cream, and candy. They have all types of the most current music to dance to. If you want to you can put in a special request in to the DJ. They have air hockey, crane machines and a couple pool tables.

There is a place now that teens can go and that is secure for the most part. Area 51 does reserve the right to search bags and person. And if they feel that your actions are inappropriate or if you are dressed inappropriately they can ask you to leave. If you are still concerned you can contact the owners and talk with them.

Best Buy Tyler

January 8th, 2010

With the closing of Circuit City Tyler finds itself with only one major retail electronics store. Best Buy in Tyler is located on South Broadway behind Ryan’s Steakhouse. The store is generally neat and clean and has great customer service. If you’re looking for a more expensive product, particularly on the order of a new computer or Television, you should be able to find some fairly good sales. It’s the smaller items on which you’ll find some rather unreasonable mark ups. Any kind of cords, power supplies, or other accessories are far too expensive. I have often found myself turning to other sources like e-bay and have saved hundreds on brand new items.

The movie selection is pretty good. I can usually find what I’m looking for provided it’s not too obscure. Although I must confess, based on my last couple of visits, the movie selection seems to have shrunk some. That could be a reflection of a lack of quality product lately. If what you’re looking for isn’t there, I would suggest a visit to Barnes and Noble instead.

As a generally intelligent adult I find a trip through the music aisle an embarrassing experience. I’m not sure whether I should be ashamed by my own lack of knowledge about the current music trends, or whether the musicians themselves are the ones who should be ashamed, both of their own product as well as the way they appear on the labels. Maybe I’m just getting older, and more like my father, but I suspect it’s the latter. These days I prefer the anonymity of iTunes or Amazon when making my music purchases. Not that my tastes are that bad per say, I just find it awkward to explain my purchases, something I feel the inexplicable desire to do. It’s kind of similar to answering the infamous question, “What’s that book about anyway?”

I do enjoy the gaming section although I no longer have the time I once had to invest in that pursuit. By far the best part of the store for me is the computer section. I find it so satisfying to browse the aisles for things I’d love to have but can’t afford. Ok so that’s a bit cynical. I can actually afford a computer every couple of years or else I wouldn’t be typing this, but I digress.

Bottom line is that Best Buy in Tyler is a pretty good store if you like the retail giants. While I seldom go there just to hang out, I do enjoy browsing a little. Larger items are priced fairly low if you take into account the various rebates available, but when it comes to smaller items you’re probably better off trying a few other sources first. To view their website, go to www.bestbuy.com.