There are days when for whatever reason I’m simply unable to achieve any meaningful work in my own home. I’m just continually distracted by all the menial tasks all around me. On those days I find the best option I have is to leave my progeny either with his grandparents or a friend and find a hopefully quiet coffee shop in which to work.

The difficult thing about Tyler coffee shops is discerning which one works for you. I often start at the Barnes and Noble Starbucks but when my computer runs out of power, it becomes necessary to find greener pastures. I should by the way take the opportunity to reprimand the company. Covering your outlets is obnoxious, and rude. I would frequent the coffee shop more often if I could plug my computer in somewhere in the café. Which means by the way I would spend more money there. And the last time I looked, Barnes and Noble is losing ground fast. Its half toy store these days. Can you really afford to turn away paying customers, even if it’s just for coffee?

I’m generally driven to at least stop by the Starbucks across the street from the bookstore but my complaint about that establishment is that it is so often cramped and noisy depending on the crowd that’s there. Which leads me to the Brookshire’s across Rice road. The grocery has installed a coffee lounge in a relatively quiet corner of the store. The coffee is pretty good but for some reason I find it difficult to study there. Maybe it’s because I can’t spread out my work in front of me, or maybe it’s just because I can’t forget I’m in a grocery store. Whatever the reason I generally choose to continue my search for a better work space.

My favorite coffee shop in Tyler is probably Brady’s coffee. In fact I have passed many hours working there, including writing for this very site. The coffee is probably the best in town, (especially since its local), the owner is genial, and the atmosphere, (at least for me), is very conducive for productivity. The only problem is that it closes at four in the afternoon, which can necessitate a change in venue. It also means no after dinner meet ups.

All this brings me back to where I was when I started this article. Tyler seems to be finding itself in a big way of late. Vineyards, Breweries, downtown development, and new upscale locally owned coffee shops like the foundry. The Foundry is a really neat place that sells locally sourced coffee. The atmosphere is excellent. There are plenty of outlets for those glued to their devices, free internet access (of course) and a lot of open space. The establishment also features live music most Thursday nights. The only problem I can see is the shop could possibly use a few more tables.

For those of us too restless to work at home; Tyler probably has a coffee shop for all tastes. It’s just about deciding what works for you.

Well, Tyler is really, really changing quickly, and from where I sit a lot of it is positive. It’s been a couple of years since Tyler voted to allow alcohol sales and society hasn’t fallen apart, social behavior has not gotten any worse, our city hasn’t turned into 1950s Chicago… ok you get it. But I would suggest the city has improved. Local wine producers have successfully made a niche for themselves, both in terms of business and local culture and now they aren’t the only adult beverage company to put down stakes in our city. Craft brews or micro brews are big business these days. And most cities have their favorites which in some way reflect the local culture, and now Tyler is no different.

True Vine Brewery has been open in Tyler since 2011 and in addition to promoting faith and family values they’re emphasis is on establishing a signature beer that reflects our local flavor and culture. It’s an unusual pursuit for a faith based business, at least in our area, but its finding a place in Tyler, which seems increasingly open to trades that contribute to the development of a downtown “urban” culture. True Vines wares are getting a lot of attention as high quality brews.

True Vine brewery has “Open Taps,” night on the last Saturday of every month. The event runs from 5-8 pm and features live local music, food, art and of course, most importantly, beer! Admission costs 10 dollars in advance or 15 at the door. True Vine brewery is located at 219 South Englewood in Tyler. Also, visit their website at truevinebrewing.com .

Ever since I was little, I’ve admired the work of Al Michaels, and how could you not? The guy’s a legend. I have fond memories of his days on Monday Night Football alongside Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf. I loved Monday night football. Heck, I used to sneak out of my room when my parents thought I was in bed during Monday nights to see the action on the gridiron. There was a different feel to the games that came on Monday nights and so much of it had to do with Michaels.

And now, we can all hear about his career straight from the source. Michaels has written a book titled, “You Can’t Make this Up,” where he shares his fascinating stories and let you in on how he went from being a college student at Arizona State to broadcasting the “Miracle on Ice,” Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and much, much more.

The book is a great read, even if you’re not a sports fan. Michaels is a household name and whether you know it or not, he was involved in some of your favorite sports memories.

Michaels has inspired so many in the field of sports media. He has always made it look so easy and it’s obvious he’s having fun. He has never made himself part of the story but allows the games unfold how they may, which in a way, is kind of ironic because many of the games wouldn’t be so historic if it weren’t for Michaels making the call.

The book is sold in Barnes and Noble and other stores in Tyler.