I’ve stated on this site before that while I live (and grew up in Tyler), I work in Longview. This is an arrangement that sometimes makes fulfilling social and after- hours work requirements difficult. And since I spend a lot of time in my car, I’ve started becoming more aware of eateries and local culinary hotspots in and around the Longview area as well as Tyler. Incidentally, this past weekend, I visited another East Texas barbeque legend in Kilgore Texas.

Now before I go any further I should stipulate that I’ve developed a fairly refined barbeque palate. (I realize that refined and barbeque should maybe not be used together). I’ve had Hill Country barbeque. I’ve eaten at the likes of the Salt Lick just outside of Austin. I’ve tried all kinds of little mom and pop hole in the wall, Texas barbeque joints, and generally love them all. I’ve even eaten at Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City, (which is great, even though it’s not Texan). So, I know at least a little about how barbeque is supposed to taste. Well, all self- promotion aside, I finally visited the Country Tavern off of highway 31 outside Kilgore and experienced their legendary ribs.

In terms of ascetics the Country Tavern is everything one wants in a barbeque joint. There are no real decoration or décor apart from a pool table and a few neon beer signs. There are a few TVs hanging over the bar, but otherwise it’s merely a large dining room with simple tables. As I say, all this is as it should be. I and most of the people who joined me, all ordered the ribs, with baked beans on the side. The beans in particular were terrific. The ribs were tender and delicious, with meat that fell off the bone. I had little to complain about… except this. While the food was great, it was far from the best barbeque I’ve ever had, and for what I paid, it should have been close. Not to mention the portions were merely adequate, and not really what I expected. Honestly, all preconceived notions aside, I would say the Country Tavern is better than a chain like Bodacious or Spring Creek, however, (and maybe this is my Tyler pride speaking), I don’t think it can touch either of my local favs, the Purple Pig or Stanley’s. For readers who find themselves in the Kilgore area and are looking to absorb a little local color, this is a great stop, but don’t expect to get out for under twenty dollars, and don’t think you’ve heard the last word in Texas barbeque.

Several years ago I wrote an article about Education for Ministry (EFM) for this directory. EFM is a church history and theology class whose aim is to equip lay people in the Episcopal Church with a greater understanding of their faith and tradition, so that they are better able to share those important aspects of their lives with others. But that description is a very shallow one, and hardly an adequate way of conveying the deeper EFM experience. I was reminded of the class’s significance in my life, earlier this week, when I attended the retirement party of my former EFM mentor.

Almost five years ago I made, what at the time seemed like the most drastic and possibly the most irresponsible decision of my life. I was teaching at a small area private school, taking a couple on- line classes, occasionally working a couple semi- regular jobs on the side, and of course participating in EFM. It was at this point in my mildly busy life that I chose to adopt my son, who was at the time eight months old. As one can imagine the first few months of parenthood seemed dramatic, especially given the circumstances which necessitated my son’s adoption. There were midnight crying sessions, early morning drives, and occasional instances of tardiness at work. A lot of things fell by the wayside… a lot. One of the things that didn’t (at least not entirely) was Education for Ministry. The weekly class was my three hours of adult conversation, intellectual stimulation and spiritual refocusing.

But EFM was even more for me. When the first semester started I was relatively new at my church. I knew very few people and my involvement was largely confined to weekly Eucharist. EFM dragged me into the church more fully and made me an active participant. In short, it gave me community. And when my son came along, my class became a quite unexpected source of support. My classmates helped with meals, baby sitters, hand me down clothing, Christmas gifts, and even much needed advice for a single dad who was clearly in over his head. My son became a very in a very real sense, part of the class.

My graduation was about three years ago now, (which hardly seems possible). But the relationships that formed over the four years I spent in the class remain. And while this testimonial is more a recounting of my personal experience than an academic discussion of the benefits and opportunities presented in the curriculum. As such it is probably more suited to a blog post. But here’s the point; at the end of the day this is what church, faith and life in general are all about: community and relationship, both with Christ and our fellow man. Education for Ministry is an experience which provides, at the very least a stepping stone for those seeking all of these things, and for those seeking to help others find them too.

In about two weeks, many Trekies, sci-fi nerds and movie lovers in general will line up to see Star Trek Into Darkness.

J.J. Abrams directs the film in which Chris Pine stars as Captain James T. Kirk who leads his crew on a manhunt in order to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction. It’s easier said than done however, especially considering the Starship Enterprise finds its way through a war-zone.

The crew was on in its way back home before discovering an unstoppable force of terror coming from within its own organization.

The film is a sequel of the 2009 movie in which Kirk wants to live up to the legacy of his late father but Spock (Zachary Quinto) must remind him of the mission at hand, forcing his captain to re-evaluate his priorities.

Emma Dibdin of Digital spy raves about the film on rottentomatoes.com, saying “An exhilarating, emotionally rich and utterly pleasurable journey that wears its love for Trek fans old and new on its sleeve.”

Matthew Lelyand says, “After a confident take-off, Abrams keeps the franchise flying with a faster, faster, FASTER sequel that makes for the most thrilling Star Trek since First Contact.”

The film is rated PG 13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence. It is set to be released into theaters May 17.

I must admit I am not the one in the family to jump at the chance to get a professional photographer for family pictures, for me iPhone pictures really seem to do the trick.

My wife likes iPhone photos and videos even more than me but she was also aware unlike myself what a professional photographer could do.

My wife talked me into the idea of getting a professional photographer to take some really good pictures so we can give them out to family and hang them on our walls.

I listened and realized that my wife had a good point. I had seen Cally Finney’s work on facebook and on her website awhile before my wife and I even talked about professional photos.

What struck me about Cally was a true natural talent at taking photos that many people I know would think they can do also but just can’t.

There really is a difference when it comes to picking a professional photographer. That artistic touch of knowing what to do depending on where you are and what’s going on really sets her a part from the rest.

When Melody asked me what I thought about using Cally Finney, I did not hesitate to say I think she is probably the best talent I’ve seen in east Texas when it comes to photography.

The next thing you know we are scheduling Cally to come out to our house to take pictures during a good time of day for lighting.

Having her at our house was a real pleasure and she knew exactly what to do and how to make us all feel comfortable as we did many different poses and settings around the yard.

Most of what we did with Cally was just natural type of stuff but was strategically done in areas that allowed for the right lighting to shine and with the best background.

The camera Cally brought with her had a lens on it that might have been not unlike the lens that discovered Pluto in 1930 so rest assured she comes equipped with what she needs to get that awesome quality shot.

In summary Cally Finney with Callynth Photography offers you a pleasant experience with a real professional that can be seen in the many examples she provides on her ever increasing in popularity Facebook page: Callynth Photography on Facebook

To contact Cally please fill out the contact form on her website available by clicking here

I recommend you go ahead and set up a family shoot with her right now because this is a great time of the year for outdoor photos.

A former Tyler Junior College Apache, Akeem Shavers hopes to play football on Sundays this fall in the Sunshine State. Shavers signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The running back went undrafted in the NFL draft this past weekend but received a call from the Buccaneers front office following the draft. He later announced the signing via twitter, saying he’s ready to get to work.

He was more recently at Purdue University where he played running back for the Boilermakers. He’s coming off a season of 18 receptions for 370 yards and 871 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He also took part in the Heart of Dallas Bowl where he rushed for 95 yards before suffering an injury.

On top of that, Shavers was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit back in 2011 thanks to his 22 carries for 149 yards. Purdue defeated Western Michigan in 37-32 final.

In 2011, his first year at Purdue, he had 111 carries for 519 yards and six touchdowns. He spent two years at Purdue after spending two years with the Apaches. He joins the joins the company of several other former TJC football stars who eventually went on to sign with an NFL club.

He’ll compete for a full time roster spot in training camp and preseason.

We are just days away from the release of Iron Man 3.

In this third movie of the trilogy, Robert Downing Jr. star as Tony Stark whose world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin. He then embarks on a quest to bring justice to those who are responsible for the attacks and tries to take matters into his own hands, but he ultimately will have to rely on those close to him in order to survive. Stark finds himself in a position where he must also answer the question on whether it’s the man that makes the suit, or the suit that makes the man.
Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approving rating of 89 percent and states, “With the help of its charismatic lead, some impressive acting sequences, and even a few surprises, Iron Man 3 is a witty, entertaining adventure and possibly one of Marvel’s best yet.”

This is the type of movie made for the big screen, with its action and special effects. If you’re one who is known for going to the movies often, chalk up Iron Man 3 as a must see this year. At the very least, it should be pretty darn entertaining.

The school year is winding down and that means so is high school baseball. However, those teams who are still alive are the best of the best as playoff time is actually here and many East Texas high schools are fighting to go to the state championship game.

It starts withclass 5A where the Robert E. Lee Red Raiders of Tyler who are set to take on the Garland Sachse Mustangs in a best-of-three-game series. First pitch of the first game is slated for Friday at 7 p.m. at Mike Carter Field in Tyler. Game two is set to take place starting at noon on Saturday at Sachse High School in Garland. If the two teams split the first two games, there will be a third game to decide on a winner immediately following the game two.

Also in 5A, Longview is slated to take on Garland Naaman in another best-of-three series. The first game is slated for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Longview High School while the second game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start. Game three, if necessary will follow game two.

Whitehouse will represent Class 4A when it goes up against White Oak in another best-of-three series. The first game is slated for 7:30 Thursday at Red Oak High School while the second game will be 7:30 Friday night at Whitehouse. If a third game is necessary, it will be held Saturday at noon.

Class 3A will see Van and Bullard go head-to-head in one game. First pitch is slated for Thursday at 7 p.m. at Kilgore’s Driller Park. Mineola and Spring Hill will also represent Class 3A when they go head-to-head in one game, Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilgore’s Driller Park.

Country music legends, Moe Bandy, Tracy Lawrence and T.G. Sheppard are coming the Rose Capital of the World Saturday, May 4. They will be at the Oil Palace and Tickets are on sale now.

The tickets cost $20 for risers, $30 for floor seats, $4o for golden circle tickets and $100 for tickets to the upstairs lounge.

Bandy has lived all over Texas and has been in the music scene for years. In 1974, he released his first two albums; I just start Hatin’ Cheatin’ Songs Today, and It Was Always so Easy.

Lawrence, a native of East Texas Town, Atlanta, got his start in 1991 when he signed with Atlantic Records and he released his first album; Sticks and Stones. He has released nine studio albums, three compilations, one live album and one Christmas album. He has written more than 30 singles which reached high on the Billboard charts.

Sheppard, a native of Tennessee has been in the business for about 30 years. He got his start in 1975 when he released his self-titled album. Then, the following year, he released two more albums; Motels and Memories and Solitary Man. His most recent album Partners in Rhyme was released in 2007.

Seeing as there are so many restaurants in Tyler, some go unnoticed despite having great food. Perhaps one of the most underestimated barbeque restaurants in town is Stanley’s BBQ. People who come from out of town often stop for a good Texas BBQ.

One satisfied Stanley’s customer says, “My favorite BBQ joint. The ribs are perfection. Ask for barky moist brisket. Closest to Mueller I have had. I love the spicy bbq sauce. If you do not like this place then you obviously have no idea how BBQ is supposed to taste.”

Another customer, Kat from Dallas, said she ate at Stanley’s and it was well worth the stop.
“Went to Tyler for the day, came here for dinner. DELICIOUS! It’s difficult to find good BBQ, this is definitely good BBQ.”

A former Tyler resident said he came back for the first time in a long time.

“I lived in Tyler from 1993 till 1996 and loved Stanley’s back then. Going last week on a business trip, Stanley’s was my choice for dinner. Greatness still!”

If you love BBQ, there are several options for places to go, but not all of them are as high-quality as what you’ll find at Stanley’s.

While in high school at Robert E. Lee in Tyler, Matt Flynn won a state championship. Then in college, he won the National Championship game at LSU. Now he’s on the next level, well, kind of. I guess it’s safe to say though, Flynn’s chances of winning at the next level will have to at least be put on hold since he will now be suiting up for the Oakland Raiders.

Last year, Matt Flynn was one of the biggest names (if not the biggest) in free agency before he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said he was going to leave the job open to competition, and although we didn’t believe him, he did just that. Rookie Russell Wilson came in and surprised a ton of people and became a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year Award after leading his team into the second round of the playoffs.
Russell’s play was proof that the starting job was his, and Flynn’s future was in question. Now, the former Red Raider is an Oakland Raider.

The past decade has seen Oakland go through quarterbacks like paper towels. Of course, that’s probably because defenses have torn quarterbacks apart like paper towels. Since 2003, no one has lasted more than two years as the starting quarterback for the silver and black.

Flynn isn’t guaranteed the starting position but if he gets, he’ll replace Carson Palmer who is coming off his second year for the team. The Raiders have also seen Jason Campbell, JeMarcus Russell, Daunte Culpepper, Andrew Walter, Kerry Collins and and Rich Gannon since 2003. Let’s just hope the Tyler native has better luck.