It’s Never Easy to Say Goodbye

Today marks the end of two of the fastest and most amazing years of my life. I have never laughed nor learned as much as I did in my time at Schipul.

My Beloved Schipul PeepsWhen I first started here, I was a Facebook addict and dallied in Twitter, but I knew next to nothing about how the actual Internet worked. At this point in my life I was pretty sure it still lived at Al Gore’s house and was sort of couch sized. I also thought a DNS cloud was that white fluffy thing that rolls over your house before a big storm. But thank goodness… at Schipul, you learn a lot and you learn it quickly.

Less than six months after arriving at Schipul, I not only knew that HTML wasn’t someone’s initials, but I’d decided I wanted to launch the Schipul blog… all by myself. Makes total sense right? Thank goodness I had a manager that believed in me enough to let me try. And thank goodness Schipul hires patient people, because I was by no means an internet expert at this point… I believe I walked back and forth between the IT Director’s desk, the Creative Director’s desk and mine about eleventy-billion times with questions about the Schipul blog before it went live.

I imagine being a fly on the wall during one of these discussion with Rodney (our IT guy) would have been extremely comical…

Maggie: So. I think WebFaction is possessed by the devil. I can’t get the domain to shoot the right way and the nav makes no sense and their help files are WORTHLESS.
Rod: Are you sure you’re pointing the DNS to the right server?
Maggie: I think so. I wrote them a support ticket.
Rod: Yeah. I saw it.
Maggie: Did it make sense?
Rod: (silence)
Maggie: No? Okay. I’m going to rewrite it. Be right back! Also… when I get back, remember to tell me what the heck Akismet is. It sounds like an alien food group. Also we need to talk about what ‘thumbnail” means.
Rod: (puts head on desk)

Now… two years later… I know what Akismet is and could launch a blog with minimal questions. But the amazing amount of knowledge is not the only reason why I’m going to miss Schipul so much though…

I am going to miss the coffee, the LOLcats and the hilarious IMs from Brandi. I don’t know where I’m going to get my funny internet fix from now on. I suppose I should let her know I expect daily emails.

I am going to miss my morning meetings with Katie, my manager and partner in crime. I have learned so much from this gal over the past two years and I could not have asked for a better cheerleader. We Irish girls gotta stick together.

I’m going to miss hug-attacking Ed in the hall and the plasma cars and the cookie parties (for some reason these three things really go together well).

I am going to go through Rodney and Aaron withdrawals and I’m going to miss having Jennifer in the corner office to talk to.

I’m going to miss my silly little cube and my angry mullet bear picture.

I probably will not miss forgetting that I don’t have an ‘inside voice” and accidentally announcing things to the entire office from said cube.

I am most definitely going to miss ‘that’s what she said” jokes with April and Caitlin and I’m going to miss Friday Happy Hours in Katie’s office with all of the Schipul women.

I’m going to miss the excitement in the office when Jenny lays the smack-down on some code and I’m going to miss talking to Iris about what kind of day it’s going to be based on Ed’s morning music selection (techo? It’s going to be a fun one!).

I’m going to miss calling David to announce ‘I just hard coded something and FTPed some stuff!!” (whatever that means—I’m sure he usually just rolls his eyes) and watching Ben’s super amazing videos.

I am for sure going to miss Albert rapping along to his iTunes and Jonti hugs.

I am going to miss pretending that I know what the heck Eloy and Glen are saying when the start speaking programmese and I’m going to miss harassing JMO about SEO on a regular basis. H1 tag what?!

I’m going to miss tiny Foofs and her not so tiny-voice and new music Thursdays.

I am going to lunches with JJ where we solve all of the universe’s problems and I’m going to miss her amazing little family.

I am going to miss sitting with Kerry and learning all about Tendenci and Dreamweaver and I’m going to miss trying to explain to her why all of the sudden the font in my Outlook is size 27 (I blame the demons on this too).

I am going to miss hearing about Brandi and Lyndia‘s wedding plans and Courtney showing up in my cube just to chat. We Tomball girls stick together! I’m going to miss hearing Kim’s baby stories and hugs from Ella when she comes to the office to see Katie.

I’m going to miss the silly stories we share at the beginning of every Monday Morning Meetings and pretending not to tear up when Ed makes us watch some cheesy youtube video about lions. You know… because I HATE cheesy things.

Never in my life have I been surrounded my such a diverse and supportive bunch…

In Schipul I have found my second family. It’s big and it’s weird, but it is certainly lovely. No matter where I end up, I will always be a Schipulite.

Love you all.

Katie and Maggie

Laughing

TWLOHA Day

Baseball

Shel's Schipul Visit

Schipul Cheer ’09 Contest Winner!

Merry Christmas! Well, almost Merry Christmas. A big thanks to all of the people who entered our Schipul Cheer ’09 contest. Most entries came in via Twitter which was both awesome and huge time suck for me.

Our lucky winner was picked by our random integer counter is the victory goes to entrant number 13, aka CosmoPolitician, aka Monica Danna! So kudos to her and we really hope she enjoys her spoils.

What did she get? A slew of stuff. Some books, a few toys, maybe some free coffee. We still want her to be surprised when she gets the stuff, so details will have to come from her.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated! We had a lot of fun looking at trees – even the hand drawn ones. This certainly won’t be the last contest I run, so make sure you stick around.

Oh, and here is Monica’s tree:

Full of Christmas spirit!
Full of Christmas spirit!

Schipul Cheer Gift Guide ’09’ For People Who Have Everything

Quick Note: Our Schipul Cheer ’09 Contest ends at 5pm TODAY! So make sure you enter by submitting a photo of your Christmas tree in the blog comments or on Twitter with the tag #schipulcheer09!

Some people are harder to shop for than others, and not just because they have a stinker of a personality. This week’s gift guide will feature more unusual gifts that you can get for those people who have everything. Or those people who you kinda know, but wouldn’t really call them a friend because they are acquaintances and you have to buy them a gift because you heard that they bought you a gift.

Peanut Butter of the Month Club:

Om nom nom nom
Om nom nom nom

This gift only works for those not allergic to nuts. While there are several “of the month” clubs, peanut butter gets added to the list simply because it is peanut butter and it is amazing that it can come in flavors other than peanut.

http://www.amazingclubs.com/peanutbutter_01.html
Price: $17.95/month – $19.95/month

Penguin Water Carbonator:

Did they call it a penguin because it looks like one? Or did they make it look like one on purpose?
Did they call it a penguin because it looks like one? Or did they make it look like one on purpose?

Do you often drink water and think, “This could really use little bubbles of carbonation”? If so, this penguin is here to help. It will even allow you to customize   carbonation to suit your taste.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/e196/?pkey=ggftthsthf
Price: $199.95

“Our Lady of Lucha Libre” Candle:

Body slaaaam!
Body slaaaam!

Never give a boring candle as a gift ever again. Look at this thing. It is amazing. And it also comes in Christos Mysterio Jr.

http://www.merchline.com/palehorse/productdisplay.9873.p.htm
Price: $14

Bow Tie AND Button-Down Collar:

Sir Kitty McFluffikins don't mess
Sir Kitty McFluffikins don't mess

This. Cracks. Me. Up. And no, you do not HAVE to buy it for your crazy cat loving friend. You can buy it for your crazy dog loving friend too.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36866797
Price: $17

Tentacle Scarf:

Mmmm... octopus
Mmmm... octopus

The product description is so good that I am simply going to copy and paste it: Have you ever dreamed you were being attacked by a giant squid? Of tentacles wrapping around you, pulling you down to the depths, where an eye as big as a dinner plate looked back at you…

Now you can make your dream come true, without all the fear and discomfort of the nightmare realm.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32196126
Price: $45 (Etsy shows very very few left in stock, so act fast!)

Ninja Salt and Pepper Set:

Cutest ninjas ever!
Cutest ninjas ever!

Guess which one holds the pepper.

http://www.patinastores.com/Products/Ninja_SP_Set_088367.cfm
Price: 16.95

Krylon Spray Paint Lamp:

No worries, the paint was removed first. For graffiti purposes.
No worries, the paint was removed first. For graffiti purposes.

Know someone who is younger and into urban design? Snag them one of these lamps. Tear off the tag and tell them you made it yourself.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36485964
Price: $75

Novel Tea:

Nerdiest tea ever.
Nerdiest tea ever.

Tea can only be made better by one thing! No… I’m not talking about vodka. I’m talking about literary quotes from folks like CS Lewis, Alice Hoffman, and others that you only pretend to know about. Great for book nerds and your friends who prefer tea over coffee (for some really insane reason).

http://bagladiestea.com/novel-tea.html
Price: $2.50/pouch – $12.50/box

Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan:

Buy two of these. The first one will wear out in no time.
Buy two of these. The first one will wear out in no time.

Perhaps the greatest thing produced this decade. No longer will people fight over corner pieces and edges. You can read through the unique features on the product page, but let’s face it, you saw it and knew it was a winner.

http://www.bakersedge.com/product_ebp.html
Price: $34.95

Coffee Cuff:

Comes in different colors of wood.  Yes, wood comes in different colors. I was shocked too.
Comes in different colors of wood. Yes, wood comes in different colors. I was shocked too.

Coffee cuff! Both fashionable and practical. Wear it as a unique cuff and when you grab that hot cup to go, slip the cuff onto the cup as a sleeve. Not a good gift for absent minded people who may toss the cuff with the cup. Like me. Because I did.

http://www.contexture.ca/coffeecuff.php
Price: $68

Mr. Beer Beer Kit:

I have no idea if this works, but the idea is cool.
I have no idea if this works, but the idea is cool.

Guys–well, mainly guys–can be a little weird about beer. They love it, can tell you where it came from, the type, how it can be improved, and so forth. But they can’t seem to remember where their keys are. Know a dude who might get a kick out of home brewing? Then this is the gift.

http://www.mrbeer.com/category-exec/category_id/3
Price: $42.46

Hall Gallery Frame Set:

I wouldn't bother replacing the frames with real photos.
I wouldn't bother replacing the frames with real photos.

Yes, photo frames. How is this unique? It isn’t. BUT! This is one of those gifts that is great for people you may not know very well. Like… your mother-in-law. Or an Aunt that you got in the Secret Santa name pull deal.

http://gifts.redenvelope.com/
Price: $89.99

Mini Baja Race:

YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAW!
YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAW!

Racing! Dune buggies! Obstacle course! You can actually purchase a mini Baja race ride! How cool is THAT? Screw giving it as a gift, I’m buying it for myself. Because, ya know, it is right outside of the Vegas strip.

http://www.cloud9living.com/experience-gifts/las-vegas/mini-baja-chase
Price: $240 – $545

Architectural Name Frame:

Feel free to spell out dirty words.
Feel free to spell out dirty words.

Photos of architecture and nature that resemble letters are put together according to whatever name you type into a box. Done in black and white photos since everyone seems to think that pictures are more artistic without color.

http://www.scribetime.com/Personalized-Black-amp-White-Wall-Art–Architectural-Name-Frame_p_2235.html
Price: $71.99 (cheaper if only purchasing a 3 letter name)

WowWee Rovio Wi-Fi Robotic Webcam:

If you squint, it kinda looks like a little dog.
If you squint, it kinda looks like a little dog.

It was a wi-fi camera on it. And microphone. But, I think the description on the site pretty much makes this product. It really sells you on the idea that you never have to interact face-to-face with family, collegues, or elderly people ever again.

http://www.etoys.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3372595
Price: $299.99 …small price to pay to never see someone again. Just sayin’.

Piano Wire Bracelets:

Chocking hazard. GET IT? HAHA... ok, I watch too much CSI.
Chocking hazard. GET IT? HAHA... ok, I watch too much CSI.

For anyone interested in music, this could make a great gift. Finally give a gift of jewelry without breaking the bank or making it seem like you are totally all for a serious commitment.

http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HH4542&websource=findgift&keyword=HH4542&source_code=S02FG1
Price: $24.95 – $34.95

The Land Sailor:

Sailing. On land.
Sailing. On land.

Forget the sailboat and having to deal with water – get a land sailor. Rather than selling you on this totally rad product, I would much rather mention that there are group meet-ups for people who land sail. Think Hells Angels with polo shirts and that whole not being hardcore thing.

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/11444?source=FROOGLE
Price: $999.95

Mezzo Roserva Wine Enhancer:

Sound waves for your wine
Sound waves for your wine

This is a gift for those snooty wine people you know. Place a bottle of wine on one of these and through the power of sound waves and… stuff… it can enhance the flavor of wine.   It even (supposedly) eliminates red wine headaches. Buy me this and a couple of bottles of wine and I’ll test that theory for ya.

http://www.wineenhancer.net/store/medium-copper-wine-enhancer-021,Product.asp
Price: $84.99

Custom Fingerprint Rings:

Super romantic? Or kinda creepy?
Super romantic? Or kinda creepy?

Have a ring custom made with your fingerprint put on the inside. This is ridiculously awesome and thoughtful and my gosh, just amazing. Probably the most “special” gift on this list.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36355529
Price: $150

Bottle of Fernet-Branca Liqueur:

They all kinda taste bad.
They all kinda taste bad.

Why should you get someone a bottle of Fernet? Easy. Fernet can be used to prevent and/or cure hangovers. That is right, taking a shot of this bitter drink before a night out will keep you functioning in the morning. Just keep in mind that it generally tastes terrible.

http://www.napacabs.com/Fernet-Branca-Liqueur-750ml-P3687.aspx
Price: $25.95 (prices vary on brand and where you buy)

Stovetop Glass Vacuum Coffee Maker:

I can smell it from here.
I can smell it from here.

There are wine snobs and then there are coffee snobs. Tell them to ditch their drip maker and give them this as a gift. Makes fresh coffee (if you have fresh beans and grind them) and is so much better than a machine doing the work.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005NCX5/notcot-20
Price: $74.79

Feed Cats, Hang out with Sealions:

That lion isn't THAT big.
That lion isn't THAT big.

The Houston Zoo (yeah, they are a client) offers people the chance to   get close to large cats and feed them. Not only that, but the deal comes with a chance to hang out with the sealions and get your picture taken. I’ve done this and I gotta say, it is pretty awesome. Especially with cool Zoo Keepers.

Since Schipul is based in Houston, it is easier to list the Houston Zoo, but definitely check out your local zoo to see what they have to offer.

http://www.houstonzoo.org/events/tours/cat/
Price: $100

miShare iPod Transfer System:

Looks a little like a camera. Just thought I'd mention that.
Looks a little like a camera. Just thought I'd mention that.

First, let me state that this is NOT compatible with the iPhone or iPod Touch. But outside of that, this is one hell of a nifty tool. You can actually transfer music between two different iPods in a matter of seconds. I mean, do I even have to say anything else about this? No. No I do not.

http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=18173&k=ZZ50923
Price: $99.50

That’s a wrap! Submit a photo of your Christmas tree to win some prizes, take some time to do some online shopping, and stay tuned for next week’s gift guide! It’ll be brightly colored and the last one!

Video: Christmas Trees Light Up at the Houston Zoo

Raise the roof for the holidays!

Whether it’s a palm, oak, fur, or a purple plastic seedling…everyone loves a good tree decorating session. This week Schipul had the opportunity to decorate a real live burly pine at the Houston Zoo, one of our beloved clients. Not be be boastful, but the view at Rockefeller Center pales in comparison…Matt Lauer, eat your heart out.

The Schipul Christmas tree is a unique blend of all things geeky. Between the branches and needles, you’ll find an array of discarded computer mice (spray-painted silver of course), Twitter birdies, and the handles of your favorite Schipulites.

The video below chronicles @cpembyrun and @houstonzoodude as they “skip it” through the Houston Zoo and explore the holiday magic within. Yes, there are talking animals…and it’s glorious.

Houston Zoo Christmas Trees from Schipul – The Web Marketing Co. on Vimeo.

Check out the photos on the Schipul Facebook Fan Page! Happy Holidays!

Schipul Cheer Gift Guide ’09’ Designers and Artsy Folks

The key to picking out a fantastic gift for a fantastic designer is to get something a little unique, a little thought out, and a little pretty. It also helps to know the personality of the designer you are purchasing for.

Some are more hipster/eco-friendly types who might appreciate organic design while others are the “I-usually-wear-black-shirts” and really like modern and minimalistic designs. Then there are those who are oddly obsessed with unicorns.

What was I talking about again? Oh right, the gift guide!

 

Schipul Cheer – Super Awesome Contest Time!

schipul-cheer

In case you missed the memo, we will be releasing a series of gift guides this month. Last week we went over gifts to get for geeks and gamers and this week we will list out some items for those artsy types.

BUT WAIT!

You didn’t think that I would write a series of posts without having a sweet contest extravaganza to go with it, did you? It is Christmas time, yo!

Starting immediately, we are going to have the first official Schipul Cheer contest! And yes, winning will be just as easy as every other contest I have done. So yeah, lets break this down and get to deckin’ halls with good tidings and some pimped out joy and stuff.

HOW TO WIN:

Super easy. Ready?

  • Take a picture of your Christmas tree.

That’s it! Take a photo and post it in our comments section of this post, any of the Schipul Cheer Gift Guide posts, –OR– our new thing, post it to Twitter with the tag #schipulcheer09!

PRIZE(S):

Psyche! It is CHRISTMAS, geeze. You cant know what we are getting you. But yeah, I guess I can give you this hint: Some of the items (yes, more than one thing) are hidden within the Schipul Cheer Gift Guide lists. That’s right, you have the chance to win something rad from those lists.

But it isn’t that $200 robot so don’t ask.

DEADLINES:

  • Contest starts December 7th and runs until the 17th!

We will take all of the photos and run them through our random integer counter thing of magic and randomly select a winner. One entry per person.

So what are you waiting for? Show me some trees! And seriously, someone needs to remove the exclamation point from my keyboard.

Friday Fun: Art Box Show!

Ben Gillin Art Box

Who knew that boxes could be so artsy?  Step aside moving, Crayola and donut boxes – the Art Box Show is here!

Join Schipulite Ben Gillin and  his lovely bride Maria Navarro for this fundraising art event at Bering and James Gallery this Friday, December 4th (12 – 10pm) and Saturday, December 5th (12-6pm).  Each artist was given a wooden box to decorate and manipulate however they saw fit.

The Art Boxes will be for sale at a flat rate of $125, with proceeds going to the artists and DePelchin Children’s Center.  Fun, great art, super artists — all for a good cause.

Schipul Cheer Gift Guide ’09 – Geeks and Gamers

Need some stellar gift ideas? We’ve got you covered. Personally, I am a huge Christmas fan (I started celebrating in October) and am always on the lookout for unique gifts to give. This year, my gift to everyone is my secret stash of awesome gift ideas and online shops.

This week, I present to you a quick gift guide for all of those geeks, gamers, and techy people in your life. Feel free to purchase anything on this list and mail it to the Schipul office with an ‘Attn: to Brandi.”

ALSO (BONUS!): If nothing on the list fits for your geek/gamer/techy then leave a comment that tells me a little about them and a price range and I will try to help you find something special! Or, tweet it using the tag #schipulcheer09.

And literally, in no particular order whatsoever, the gift guide:

Kikkerland Wind-up Toys:

Buy 20, wind them all up, watch them go!
Buy 20, wind them all up, watch them go!

These make for some great stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts, and toys for secret Santa. I have a large collection of them and have attempted to take them apart and rebuild them several times. Total choking hazard, by the way.

http://www.kikkerland.com/
Price: $12-$18

Mimobot Flash USB Drives:

I wish Darth Vador was my father. Sorta.
I wish Darth Vader was my father. Sorta.

These are totally rad! Perfect for someone needing information on the go and appreciates awesomely designed tech toys. And check out the Halo themed ones that are on sale!

http://www.mimoco.com/shop/mimobot-designer-usb-flash-drives?limit=all
Price: $10- $25

You are the CSS to my HTML T-Shirt:

This shirt was made for lovers. Of code.
This shirt was made for lovers. Of code.

Declare your love in the best way possible. If your girl or guy doesn’t get it, then consider hooking up with a geek next time.   Oh, and you can also buy it in button form.

http://www.popandshorty.bigcartel.com/product/you-are-the-css-to-my-html-t-shirt
Price: $25

Xbox 360 Text Messaging Kit:

(Insert "all your base" joke here)
(Insert "all your base" joke here)

If you are playing online and you really can’t deal with n00bs screaming through the headset you can attach a keyboard and type out your insults instead.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Text-Messaging-Kit/dp/B000UN3UDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1259117947&sr=8-1-catcorr
Price: $29.46 (regularly $29.99′ gee, what a saving)

Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) Locket Charm Necklace:

*Swoon*
*Swoon*

If you are a bit of geek (technically a nerd in this case) who happens to be dating a girl who is also pretty nerdy, this is a good option for jewelry. Some ladies like their Johnny Depps’ and Justin Timberlakes’ but nerd girls get a lil’ flutter for Mr. Darcy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35348620
Price:   $42


Sir Isaac Newton Action Figure:

I would date him if he were still alive.

You know who was the shiz? Sir Freakin’ Isaac Newton. True nerds will appreciate this figurine and forever keep it on their desk–which is most likely at NASA, ‘cus NASA totally gets it.

http://www.jackstoybox.com/servlet/the-1148/Isaac-Newton-Oddfellows-Figure/Detail
Price: $4.49

Harry: Thick Tendrils of Organization:

I'd throw it at people. Just sayin'.
I'd throw it at people. Just sayin'.

Geeks are already a little messy, so it is easier to just throw everything into a ball and declare it as being “organized.”

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/cubegoodies/8b4e/
Price: $24.99 (regularly $29.99)


Super Mario Piranha Plant Scarf:

It matches EVERY SINGLE THING. Promise!
It matches EVERY SINGLE THING. Promise!

It may not get very cold in Houston (TX), but who the hell cares. IT IS A PIRANHA PLANT SCARF. I’d wear it in the freakin’ desert!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34184810
Price: $38

Command Doormat:

Its for Apple users because M$ people prefer to track in dirt.
Its for Apple users because M$ people prefer to track in dirt.

Someone needs to reassure me that I am not the only one who walks around expecting keyboard shortcuts to work in real world scenarios

http://www.meninos.us/products.php?product=Command-Doormat
Price: $50

Nintendo Controller Knit Hat (Reversible):

Needs more Nintendo controllers
Needs more Nintendo controllers

Gamers know their roots and no matter if they have moved on to the PS3 or Xbox 360, the still pay some homage to the NES. Note: A lot of gamers avoid the outdoors, so buying a hat to wear in cold weather may not be the most practical idea.

http://www.80stees.com/products/Reversible-Controller-Nintendo-Knit-Hat.asp
Price: $20

Matryoshkus Blanco:

The site also creates them in black
Also comes in black

If you are a geek, you should go out of your way to make sure that every space in your home reflects your geekiness. These Russian doll.. uh.. things.. are great for storing cooking ingredients. Or just for show if you don’t really cook.

http://store.artlebedev.com/toys/first-floor/matryoshkus-blanco/
Price: $38.46

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0:

Better than a cat! Then again, what isnt?
Better than a cat! Then again, what isnt?

Give the gift of a LEGO robot! Either give the gift to a friend or build the robot and offer it’s cleaning services to a loved one. Or buy one and keep it for yourself. Or buy thousands of them, build a robot army, and take over the world. Your call. I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.

http://shop.lego.com/Product/?p=8547&cmp=afc-csena&hqs=8547
Price: $279.99

Etre Touchy Gloves:

Not just for iPhones! ... but should be.
Not just for iPhones! ... but should be.

With so many things that require you to touch them with your thumb and index finger, giving the gift of finger freedom is always a sweet idea. Or you can just cut and sew your own gloves if you’re one of those crafty types.

http://www.etretouchy.com/
Price: $33.12

PS3 Blu-ray Disc Remote:

The buttons do things
The buttons do things

PS3’s makes for an amazing game console and blu-ray player. Being created for gaming first, the idea of having a remote (outside of the PS gaming controller) was not factored in until later.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-3-Blu-ray-Disc-Remote/dp/B000M17AVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1259118150&sr=1-1
Price: $19.82 (regularly $24)

Zelda the Solar Cyborg Bugbot v0.2:

Don't look at it directly in the eye.. uh.. face.. area
Don't look at it directly in the eye.. uh.. face.. area

I hate bugs, I’m not into the benefits of solar power, but holy wow do I love a good ‘bot. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a handmade toy that serves no real purpose other than ten minutes of amusement.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25784366
Price: $85.00

Nintendo Controller Bag:

This bag will bring all of the milkshakes to the yard
This bag will bring all of the milkshakes to the yard

If you don’t think your soon-to-be-gift-recipient needs a bag, then you are sorely mistaken. This. This bag. This is magic.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35668764&ref=sc_2
Price: $42

Screwpop Tool:

Always helpful in computer emergencies
Always helpful in computer emergencies

This little thing is great to have and is one of those “something extra” gifts. If you know an IT guy/gal who is always running around helping people, this tool can come in handy. It also opens beer. So, ya know, that is totally win.

http://screwpoptool.com/
Price: $4.95

MonkeyLectric Bike Wheel Light M133S:

Weird, I have that same blue wig
Weird, I have that same blue wig

I love my bike geek friends! No matter how many times I nearly run them over, they still get back up. These LED lights are super awesome and bring that something extra to a bike. And they are LED lights. LED lights are amazing… and can be used for some weird stuff.

http://store.monkeylectric.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=m133s
Price: $64.99

Mana Mug:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ahhahahahahahah ah hah ah ahahahaha hahahaha! Oh MAN! HAHAHA! Ok, ok, if you don’t get it, your gamer friends will. Especially if they are heavy coffee drinkers.

http://www.splitreason.com/product/469
Price: $10.95

Firefly (The Complete Season):

"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."
"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

This does not need any explanation or additional selling points. It is Firefly. That is more than good enough.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Firefly:+The+Complete+Series+%5B4+Discs%5D+-+DVD/6096681.p?skuId=6096681&id=1324175
Price: $39.99


And so concludes this week’s gift guide. Still looking for something more? I’ll be posting a new guide each week! Next week we will list out some rockin’ gifts for those Designers, Crafties and Indie friends of yours.

giftbox

But, before I skedaddle, I want to let everyone know about GiftBox! It organizes your present list(s), tracks how much they are, where they are, who they are for, if they have been purchased, how much money you have spent, and so much more! It’s a free service, so go get it!

DNS server outage yesterday 12/1 affected Tendenci emails

Yesterday (Tuesday, December 1st) our network provider experienced a DNS (domain name server) outage that caused multiple email failures from some Tendenci Web sites.

What does this mean?  If your Tendenci-driven site sent out any emails yesterday, there is a chance that they didn't make it to your final recipients.  Emailed content includes:

  • Newsletters
  • Contact form submissions
  • Membership renewals
  • Registration confirmation
  • Payment confirmation (from Tendenci, the merchant account confirmations were not affected)

We are still trying to evaluate how many Web sites were affected and at what times, but in the meantime please do be aware that communications from your Tendenci site may not have gotten through.

The Schipul Support team is available to you FREE OF CHARGE for issues surrounding yesterday's email issues.  

Please call us at (281) 497.6567 ext 411 and let us help you with any issues you may have or questions you'd like addressed.  We are here to help and hugely value your business and support.

Thirty Days of Thanks – YOU!

crowdsurf

This month, the Schipul crew has taken a look at some of the things we are thankful for with our 30 Days of Thanks series – and boy did we get a WIDE variety!!  At the end of a month dedicated to introspection and family, we are left feeling more blessed than ever.

Our final shout out for our 30 Days of Thanks is to YOU! Whether you are a client, a local  Community member, part of the Schipul tribe or just stopping by to see what’s happenin’,  we are glad you are here and part of our lives.

At our company, we put a lot of focus on Storytelling – both online and offline.  One of the most crucial components of any Story are the diverse characters that we interact with.  The greater the variety and the depth of the interactions between characters, the more interesting and exciting the Story.

Without you, we’d just be a group of nerds tapping away at our keyboards.  With you in our world, we’re constantly growing, connecting, networking, learning and pushing ourselves in any way we can.

Thanks for being you and thanks being a part of our tribe.  Lots of warm fuzzies from the Schipulites.  We think you’re pretty swell.

Photo thanks to Flickr user chrisjohnbeckett