Downfall of Dallas-based Empire Blockbuster

Downfall of Dallas-based Empire: Blockbuster. Blockbuster, which first established itself 25 years ago in Dallas, is on the verge of having to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As of December 31 2009, Blockbuster has accumulated a debt of approximately $964 million and has overall losses of over $1 billion since 2007.

So why is Blockbuster on such a decline? Enter Netflix. Netflix is the online movie provider that, along with Redbox, has almost single-handedly crushed the once dominant movie rental provider Blockbuster. Netflix was officially established in 1997, although sales began booming in the early part of the next decade. Netflix reported its 2 billionth movie rental in April of 2009, a billion more than 2 years prior. Netflix's low, flat-rate prices and no late fees have made it the standard of movie renting. Now one would think that the immediacy of being able to pick up a movie from a Blockbuster would be more advantageous than having to wait for one to arrive in the mail, right? Well, Netflix began an instant download service on its rentals where its customers can upload the movie right to his/her computer or television. All in all, Netflix's prices and services have surpassed those provided by the once superior Blockbuster.

Blockbuster has attributed its decline to its competitors, like Netflix, but also the kiosk newcomer Redbox. Redbox, a subsidiary with the ingenious minds of Coinstar, has revolutionized movie rentals. Starting in 2003, Redbox is well over 100 million rentals and its stock is still rising. You may have first seen Redbox at your local Walmart, but as of recently Redbox has surpassed Blockbuster for number of locations, granted the 572 Blockbusters which closed in the U.S. in 2009 does not help.

Blockbuster, accordingly, is making one last push to become a profitable corporation once again. In July of 2009 Blockbuster opened "Blockbuster Express," a kiosk rental service that cuts out having to deal with understaffed Blockbuster stores. Blockbuster now has 2,225 kiosks in the U.S. and more will be appearing in North Texas in the next few months to try to turn around the corporation's dismal financial status. If things don't turn around immediately, it will in fact be...the downfall of Dallas-based empire Blockbuster.

Grapevine Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail

This April, discover the unique experience of the 18th Annual Grapevine Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail!

Make plans with your friends to make a weekend out of this event! April 16th and 17th will be packed full of activities such as two jazz wine trains, the ceramonial blessing of the vines, new release wines and of course, the Grapevine wine trail!

On Saturday, join Delaney Vinyards, and experience annual Blessing of The Vines. This century old ceramony ensures a great harvest for the year. Live entertainment and complimentary wine tasting follow the ceramony.

The New Vintage Art Show features dozens of local artist displaying their original artwork from oil painting, water colors and other mediums such as pottery, sculpture, jewelry and so many other beautiful pieces for you to browse!

The Grapevine Wine Trail is another memorable experience on that allows attendees to taste wines from the different wineries in Grapevine. The trail is on Sunday and runs from 1am to 5pm. The wineries open their doors and offer live music, delicious foods, wine and interaction from the winemakers. Each person attending the trail receive a "passport" which includes a tasting card allowing you to have tastings at each of the winery as well as a gift for each person! Relax, taste the exceptional wines of Grapevine and enjoy visiting with your closest friends!

Don't miss this years Grapevine Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail and experience a little bit of what makes Grapevine unique!

New, Low-Priced Grocer in North Texas- Aldi

New, low-priced grocer in North Texas- Aldi. Aldi, a franchise discount grocery store in Germany, is now emerging in North Texas. It is aiming to be a major competitor with the Walmart and Target supercenters.

Aldi sells nothing but groceries, therefore, the customer is paying for nothing but the product (instead of convenience,) although customer satisfaction is vital. In fact, Aldi provides its "double-guarantee" on all their products. If the customer is not 100% satisfied, Aldi will not only fully refund the customer but also free of charge provide that customer with a satisfying product. Aldi's products are all house brands, although many of which are produced by Tyson Foods. In fact, in Texas, Aldi has tweaked its product line a bit to fit Southern-folk buying habits. For instance, year-supply bags of charcoal, gallon containers of sweet tea and even a Mexican food section.

One catch about Aldi is that the customer rents his/her own shopping cart for $.25 and $.06 for each paper bag, although the the customer is refunded his/her money once the cart is returned after shopping. The reason for the charge on paper bags is to cut costs for Aldi, but also to be environmentally friendly. Aldi says most customers who use paper bags just wind up throwing them away at home instead of recycling them, so Aldi is encouraging its customers to buy an Aldi shopping bag or even to bring their own.

So where are the Aldi stores near you? Each of Aldi's first 11 stores opening in North Texas are within a mile and a half of a Walmart to give some immediate competition to the nation's largest retailer. Additionally, Aldi will have 32 stores open in North Texas by the year's end. If you're okay with the opportunity cost of losing major brand name selection for phenomenal prices and expedient service, give the new, low-priced grocer in North Texas-Aldi a try.

Arlington, TX - Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

Arlington, TX - "Take me out to the ballgame...take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks!"

The 2010 Texas Rangers baseball season is in full swing! With so many great specials going on, there's a reason for everyone to go to the game this season! Tickets are affordable and throughout the week, there are many different ways to celebrate & enjoy being outdoors with the Texas Rangers! Make sure to bring your favorite snacks and plastic bottle drinks with you to enjoy the game (with the exception of cans, glass and alcoholic beverages). Enjoy warm nights this summer at The Ballpark in Arlington!

Ticket Specials:


Monday - Military Mondays. Active or retired military ID's may be presented at the box office for one free ticket with the purchase of a regularly priced ticket in most seating areas.

Tuesday - Free Kids Tuesdays. Kids 13 and under get in FREE in most sections for home games. One free child's ticket is free with the purchase of one full price ticket.

Wednesday - Half Price Tickets. Tickets are half priced in designated sections when purchased on The Texas Rangers website. *Wednesday is also $1 Hot Dog Day & Dr. Pepper Autograph day!

Thursday - Senior Thursdays. With proof of age, seniors 65 and over will receive 1 free ticket regularly priced up to a $40 value to any home game with the purchase of a regularly priced ticket.

Friday - Fireworks Fridays. In select areas, tickets are $10 and parking is $5 cash, for 10 home games this season (all Fridays except May 21, August 13 and September 10). Enter FIREWORKS as the coupon code on The Texas Rangers Website.

Sunday - Dryer's $1 ice cream night!


During April and May, either bring your Dr. Pepper or Diet Dr. Pepper can to the ballpark or enter DRPEPPER as your coupon code on The Texas Rangers Websites to receive half price tickets in upper reserved, upper box, Lexus Club terrace or lower reserved.

There are TONS of events for you and your friends to take advantage of. Look at the Texas Rangers promotion schedule for many more promotions offered during the 2010 baseball season. So come out and enjoy a summer night in Arlington, TX and sing "take me out to the ballgame!"

Runway Theatre Presents "To Kill a Mockingbird"

The Runway Theatre Presents "To Kill a Mockingbird". How long has it been since you read they classic American tale "to Kill a Mockingbird"? Come get a refresher while enjoying the entertainment of Runway Theatre!

From now throught March 28th you can take a trip down memory lane with Scout, Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, Dill and the rest of the gang!

The Runway Theatre is located at 215 North Dooley St. Grapevine, TX 76051. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students (under 18 years of age with a valid student ID). Performances will be held on Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Come enjoy a night out on the town as the Runway Theatre Presents "To Kill a Mockingbird"!

Spring Break Blues?? Visit the Zoo!

Do you have the spring break blues? Visit The Zoo! If you're trying to save money this spring break, don't sit at home with nothing to do! The Fort Worth zoo is waiting for you!

The Fort Worth Zoo has started a Safari Shuttle to help animal lovers get to and from the zoo and beat the traffic. The shuttle is very affordable and is a fun, easy, way to get out, try something new and enjoy your week long break! The shuttle will depart every half hour from downtown Fort Worth and will be running through Saturday.

While you're at the zoo, make sure to check out the newest exhibit, The Museum of Living Art, which opened March 6th. This exciting exhibit allows you to get up close and personal with some of natures most amazing creatures!

Trying to decide which day to go? Wednesday's are half price ticket day at the Fort Worth Zoo! Pack a picnic, gather your friends and take a trip learning about all different animals from around the world at the Fort Worth Zoo!

So, don't let the spring break blues get you down. Visit the Zoo!

Colleyville liquor sales vote in May!

Colleyville residents eagerly await a liquor sales vote in May! Currently, residents have to drive to Dallas or Fort Worth to purchase liquor. Charlie Hall, owner of Hall's Grocery, hopes to change this. He created a petition allowing the issue of liquor sales in the city to appear on the May 8th ballot. He believes that allowing liquor to be sold in Colleyville would boost sales tax revenue for the city. Residents were invited to come in and sign the petition at Hall's Grocery on Glade Road and SH-121. To be considered, the petition had to have 2,676 signatures of registered Colleyville voters. After an overwhelming response, Hall was able to turn in 3,498 signatures, although 500 were ruled invalid. If voters OK the liquor sales, the city will still have to approve any new liquor stores coming into the area. The Colleyville liquor sales vote in May could create many new opportunities for the city!

DFW Connector is Coming!

The DFW Connector is changing the way we travel in the DFW area! This is a $1 Billion project that will improve the roadways, traffic and air quality on SH 114 and SH 121. Construction began in February, 2010 and will be complete by 2014.

Visit the DFW Connector webpage for a full timeline, updates on lane closures and alternative routes. This website also allows you to receive e-alerts with updates or view an interactive map of plans and construction!

What an exciting project for the Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake area! The DFW Connector is sure to improve mobility in these areas!

The Wonderful World of Blogs!

The TaylorMade Team is diving into the wonderful world of Blogs! This page is set up to show you all of the exciting things that are and will be going on in the DFW area! Stay tuned for the latest information in our area and join us as we enter the wonderful world of Blogs!