Category: Do Good

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PetaPalooza: Because All the Dogs are Doing It

My Mother's Photos for Facebook 017
Penny Lane...rockstar puppy and supporter of Houston Humane Society.

I know…

I know the heartache…

The agony of racing to Ticketmaster only to find out that Lollapalooza 2009 was not only sold out, but that Joe Wilson had bought the last 3-day pass…

No, this was not a cruel joke…and no, Ashton Kutcher was not waiting in the neighbor’s double wide. You simply came to the realization that you just didn’t make the cut. You weren’t fast enough…the endurance wasn’t there…in a nutshell; your Gatorade Glacier Freeze failed you.

So what does one do when they find themselves lying in the fetal position wishing for some ‘palooza” in their lives?

PETAPALOOZA baby!

Here are the Top 5 Reasons Why Petapalooza will kill your Palooza Blues:

  1. I am aware that Lollapallooza is in Chicago. I’m sure Grant Park is a beautiful place and I’m pretty sure it would be quite a delight to meet Oprah…I guess.   But let’s be honest people. Who really needs Oprah when you have Debra Duncan in the great city of Houston? I’ll ‘raise the roof” for that bit of knowledge.*Disclaimer* Debra Duncan will not be at Petapalooza. But she lives in Houston…so who really knows?
  2. Sure you can go to Lollapallooza and have Cold War Kids entice your inner dance revolution while you ninja kick to Portugal The Man…and as night falls, The Decemberists sing you the sweetest lullaby you’ve heard since childbirth. Or you can bring your mobiles to Petapalooza while The Jud Johnson Band serenade you with roses and sparkles. Trust me folks, they are very easy on the eyes. That’s all I really got for that one.
  3. Yes it’s true. There are art exhibits and what not at Lollapalooza. But do they have dog caricatures? Perhaps doggy massages? How about adoptables? The answer is no, no they do not. Petapalooza will. Period.
  4. Whole Foods sponsored Lollapalooza. Great. Fantastic. Whole Foods AND Schipul is sponsoring Petapalooza. I rest my case.
  5. This girl and this girl did not judge an Idol Doggy Trick competition at Lollapalooza. However, they will be in their rarest Paula Abdul form at Discovery Green on September 12, 2009 for Petapalooza. I’m just sayin’…

Let it marinate for awhile. And if all else fails…do it for the dogs.

A little side note – Come by the Schipul booth for your chance to win a Flip Camera!

Proceeds will benefit the Houston Humane Society. For more information, please visit www.houstonhumane.com/events

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Friday Fun: Want to Win a HOUSE??

The Myelin ProjectWhat? Win a HOUSE?

Yes, it’s true folks!

One of our awesome clients, The Myelin Project has partnered with Wayne Osteen Custom Homes to Raffle off a brand new home in Amarillo, Texas.

What does The Myelin Project do and what is the raffle benefiting? The Myelin Project goal is to fund research to find a cure for diseases (such as multiple sclerosis) that attack myelin (the magic cells that protect our nerves). Your raffle ticket proceeds go to finding that cure!

The deets:

  • Tickets are $50.00 (FOR A HOUSE!)
  • Only 4500 tickets will be sold (so you have a great chance to him!)
  • The Myelin Project will draw 100 tickets  and those  100  ticket holders  are the finalists
  • The 100 finalists will participate in a  reverse raffle to select the winning ticket  and house winner
  • The giveaway will be held at the house on Sunday, October 18 (You don’t have to be present to win!)
  • The last ticket drawn will be the house winner
  • Results will  then will be posted on  The Myelin Project web site’s home page
Head on over to their registration page to get in on the action and don’t worry–There will be a slew of other awesome giveaways on top of the house so if you aren’t the big winner, you still may get something fun.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t want to live in Amarillo, you can always sell the house (and make money!!). And for a mere $50 you have done something amazing for those who suffer from those terrible diseases.
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Tour de Pink: Let’s ride!

Tour de Pink
Pink Ribbons Project on the Great Day Houston set with host, Debra Duncan

Forget about Tour de France, Tour de Corn or even your neighborhood Tour de Decker Prairie….it’s all about Tour de Pink this year!

Tour de Pink is the first bike ride in Texas solely benefiting breast cancer. The event is held annually in order to raise money for the Pink Ribbons Project‘ in motion to fight breast cancer through awareness and education programs.

Wheels young and old will be lining up, Sunday, September 13th at Prairie View A&M University just outside Houston, TX. Routes are available for all levels and in addition to the registration fee, each cyclist is required to raise $100 in pledges from family and friends.

I’m going to be quite frank…this is your chance to ride for all the boobies across the world! You will not only help to save lives…but you will be supporting a beautiful cause and that my friends, is priceless.

So dig those fuchsia lycras out of storage and WD-40 the Big Tike…it’s time to lock-load-n-ride.

To find out more information on Tour de Pink 2009, please visit: www.tourdepink.org

Follow Pink Ribbons Project on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan!

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Houston Humane Society’s 1st Annual Suds-n-Safety: Are you and Chauncy prepared?

BathtimeWhether you have been tuning in to KPRC’s beloved Frank Billingsly…or the hairs on your arm are suddenly pointing due east, you are well aware that hurricane season is vastly approaching. Not only that, but you are beginning to realize that the wretched smell radiating off of your furry friend Chauncy can no longer be succumbed with five squirts of Febreeze.

Come on people…cleaning the dog with air freshener? That’s so pedestrian.

But alas! You no longer need to fret my little angora rabbits…the wonderful folks at the Houston Humane Society are at it again! This Saturday from 10-2, bring your rats nest…that’s you Chauncy, down to the 1st Annual Pet Paradise Suds-n-Safety, a dog wash benefiting the Houston Humane Society.

Suds-n-Safety will offer information on how to get you and your tail-wagger ready for hurricane season. The event is also featuring $20 microchips for those pups who yearn for the taste of adventure and a vaccination clinic for those pups who…I guess you can say also yearn for the taste of adventure.

So come on out to Suds-n-Safety this Saturday…Chauncys’ all over the world will thank you.

Location:
Pet Paradise
7511 Monroe Rd.
Houston, TX 77061

For more information:
Lisa Pogue at 713-341-3311 or e-mail lpogue@houstonhumane.org

If you would like even more information about disaster preparedness, check out Schipul’s recent blog post, ‘Preparing for disaster at home and in the office’ are you ready?”

Thanks Jenah Crump Photography for the adorable   photo!

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Friday Fun: Oh I Wish I Had an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

Some say it’s a myth, others say they have only heard of its legendary tales…but few can actually say, ‘Dude, I was there…AND felt it’s golden buns.” If you have any inclination as to what buns I’m referring to, I can only assume your heart is racing with anticipation. As was mine when I pulled up to the Kroger… questioning…hoping…sweating profusely…and then I saw it. Just over the horizon, the glorious orange and yellow glistening in the sun…I was in the presence of the one and only Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

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This past week, the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile became the centerpiece for Houston Children’s Miracle Network fundraising event. Children ate hot dogs, stained their clothes with sno cones and sang ‘Oh I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener” in harmony while I led the chorus in spelling out O-S-C-A-R-M-A-Y-E-R.   Seeing as though my organized choir tale was false, I feel a sing-a-long would have been top notch, possibly increasing my chances at a record deal.

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The highlight of the day you ask? Dress your own giant plastic hotdog then stand in front of the Wienermobile while the photographer yelled, ‘Say Cheesy Wienes!” And no I did not wait in line for 15 minutes amongst toddlers so I could get my chance of being spotlighted in the magnificent glow of my childhood dream car….ok, I’m lying. Hello my name is Courtney Pemberton…and it was awesome.

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For the grizzly men out there, let me give you a run-down of what this wienermobile is packin’ under its lightly toasted buns. This bad boy is a Chevrolet W4 Series chassis, V-8 with a 6.0 liter 350 Vortec 5700 engine with a GPS navigational system and a state-of-the-art audio center with wireless microphone system. I know what you’re thinking…Dear Santa, instead of a Toyota Prius this year, can I have a Wienermobile with all the trimmings…and a 6 pack of 100% cotton tube socks.

Of course, we all know the Wienermobile would have never come into existence if it wasn’t for the man…Oscar Mayer himself. It was through the genius marketing of the Mayer family that for the past 73 years, ten versions of the Wienermobile have brought excitement…and sometimes confusion, but mostly excitement, to children all over the country . So here is my shout out to Oscar G. Mayer III, who passed away this week…R.I.P buddy. You made Houston’s day.

Oscar Mayer

If you want to follow the Wienermobile and the Hotdogger’s travels, check out their Hotdogger blog or follow them on Twitter!

Thanks to Guadalupe   for being an awesome Hotdogger…I couldn’t have dressed my plastic hot dog with out you!

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Safety Month: Hurricane and weather Blogs to know

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Ah hurricanes, they’re not just for sipping on in New Orleans .   If you’re in a hurricane-effected area like we are (in Gulf Coast neighboring Houston!), you’ve probably already been talking about the possible rains, winds and candle lit evenings ahead with neighbors, family and co-workers.

With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite hurricane and weather blogs – that’s right, we geek out on weather too:

The WeatherMatrix (one of many Accuweather.com Blogs)
You can really tell when a Blogger is passionate about his subject matter and Jesse is SERIOUS about weather.   One big bonus on The WeatherMatrix’s Blog is that it’s not only packed with tips, national weather updates galore – it’s always full of gorgeous weather-related visuals, photos and projections.      If the WeatherMatrix Blog isn’t enough for you, there is also an entire WeatherMatrix community for weather enthusiasts.

WunderBlog
Weather Underground’s co-founder Jeff Masters writes up the world’s weather as he sees it.   Twisters, climate change and more.   Perhaps what’s even more interesting than Jeff’s posts are the incredible number of comments and intensely focused contributions from www.wunderground.com members.

WeatherBlog for ABC13
While this is technically a local Houston weather Blog, you’ll find all sorts of great weather-focused posts on topics like the Saffir-Simpson Scale re-vamping, hurricane workshops and NASA-TV.   Great weather brain candy.

Cloudy and Cool
Meteorologist Paul Yeager unleashes his weather brain power on this great Blog, featuring everything from 2009 hurricane season predictions to commentary on global warming to reminiscing on impactful weather events from his career.

Where do you get your weather fix?   Be sure to comment on our Schipul Book Club post this week for a chance to win an emergency kit and a copy of The Survivor’s Club.

Image above thanks to Jesse – every single hurricane worldwide from 1851 to 2007, colored by intensity when known.   Visualization at its finest!

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Boss Blog of the Month: Neurofibromatosis Cafe

Boss [baws, bos]

Reggie Bibbs
Reggie Bibbs


-adjective
1. exemplifies a unique quality; awesome; incredible
2.   An expression from the mid 1950s, which fell from favor by the early 1960 until now.
Hey dude, do you know Reggie Bibbs? I heard his blog is so boss.

As I stand sit here, amongst a sea of people, adorning my wizards’ cloak and wand, I feel the need to rise up…for today marks the start of something glorious! No, they have not finally captured the French Big Foot named Clouseau and put him on display in Canada. Come on dude. This friends, is the beginning of a new era…a place where bloggers can be exalted for a job well done. A place where I can sit here every month and say…This Blog is So Boss.

Like all historic revolutions, I must start out with a bang followed by a little pow. Hell, let’s throw in a 540 tornado kick, landing in a roundout back flip – blindfolded. It’s true, some blogs just have that affect on people, and ninja moves aside, I am honored to feature a local Houston blog, ‘Neurofibromatosis Cafe as the boss blog of the month.

So what you’re saying is there’s a new place in town for coffee and tweet-ups? Coffeegroundz what? Unfortunately no but there is a man named Reggie Bibbs.   Reggie was born with neurofibromatosis (NF) which is a genetic disease that causes him to develop tumors on his body. He began this blog, along with long-time friend Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU Advertising, to spread the word of NF.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Reggie and it became one of those moments where you think to yourself…so this is what life is all about. His passion and spirit were infectious as he spoke about what his blog has provided for people.

‘I believe my blog has helped others to realize that things aren’t as bad as they seem. If I am out and happy with my problems, then others should be to. It is an encouragement to people with NF and without NF.

So how did Reggie’s blog become what it is today? Reggie explained to me that it was after his brother, Ronald, lost his life to NF that he was not going to let anyone else go through what his family had to endure. Teaming up with Lou, they created the Just Ask T-shirts

‘I had the shirts made so people would ASK when they saw me. People wanted to know, but I felt like they didn’t know how to ask. After the shirts, Lou suggested a blog to write about my experiences.

And as they says the rest is history.

The Just Ask campaign went on to win 2 gold ADDY awards, one silver, and a Special Judges Award for Public Service Advertising. I would never claim to be an advertising genius, or a pro unicorn jouster for that matter, but I do know that the Just Ask ads were absolutely spectacular and the well earned recognition could not have happened to a better guy that’s you chief.

Reggie is also lucky enough to have Lou, along with two other of his close friends, William and Matt contribute to the blog. These guys have not only helped document Reggie’s experiences but they have played a huge part in bringing NF to the forefront.

‘These guys mean the world to me. Without them, I would not be able to do what I do. They are the friends that encourage me to get out there and do things. When Lou talked me into going to the Astros game, it was something I will never forget. It was a full house everyone was so nice to me and because I took that step, I felt like I could go other places.

No doubt about it, Reggie has definitely become the man about town. Through his blog posts, you can see what an impact Reggie is making in the community. He has spoken across the country for other NF Foundations where his most recent trip was to Grand Rapids next stop Canada. Here’s a fun fact: I am a ninja and can fit in medium-sized suitcases; specifically designed to fly to Canada I’m just sayin’.

When he is not traveling, you can see him at the Houston Roller Derby, meeting with political figures, chummin’ it up with Kevin Nealon, starting the dance revolution at Music Nites really, the list goes on and to be quite honest, I’m not yearning for carpal tunnel anytime soon so I will bid adieu. But before I ‘do I want to leave you with one final thought from a man who used something as simple as a blog to create a movement and therefore inspire others to simply be thankful.

‘People who have NF come to my blog to read my stories and learn that even if you have NF, you can still live a full life. They see that I have learned that most people will understand the ones that don’t, that’s ok. Think about the people that have accepted you. Reggie Bibbs

Other Ways to Connect with Boss-Blogger Reggie Bibbs:

Reggie Bibbs-Neurofibromatosis Flickr stream

Visit Reggie Bibbs on Facebook

*The photo was apart of the award-winning ads recognized at the 2009 ADDY Awards.

Thanks again Reggie! You truly are an inspiration.

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Bring Your Dog Out to Shampooch to Benefit the Houston Humane Society…the Smellier the Better!

Fellow Schipulite, Courtney (left), and Houston Humane Society's Public Relations Director Lisa (right) having some play time with spunky Bonita!
Fellow Schipulite, Courtney (right), and Houston Humane Society's Public Relations Director Lisa (left) having some play time with spunky Bonita!

Are you ready….to let the dogs out? Go ahead, give a good bark…you know you want to. We also know that between your busy schedule, American Idol mayhem and tweeting about #medievelmovies that good Ol’ Cranston hasn’t seen a bathtub since the Philadelphia Eagle’s last Super Bowl win. Folks, I’m not sure if you’re aware…but that has been a really, really long time. So what’s a dog with an extreme odor issue to do?
The Houston Humane Society (Schipul client) and Whole Foods Market invite all Houstonians and their furry friends to Shampooch, a benefit dog wash this Saturday (May 23, 2009) from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. The event will take place at ALL Houston area Whole Foods Market locations:

2955 Kirby Drive
4004 Bellaire Blvd.
15900 Southwest Freeway in Sugarland
11145 Westheimer Road
6401 Woodway

How perfect is Shampooch? You can take care of that long-overdue grocery list while Cranston gets a taste of the good life…cleanliness. And not to worry, your beloved is in the hands of the Houston Humane Society staff and volunteers where they will bathe, lather, pamper, and quite possibly treat your pooches to a delightful song and dance number. Alright, the song and dance number is optional…I just thought since ‘Keyboard Cat” was such a hit that, well you know…it’s just a thought. Whole Foods Market will be providing all-natural products used for the washes. All donations will support the HHS’s efforts in promoting humane treatment towards animals. For more information contact Lisa Pogue 713.341.3311 or via e-mail lpogue@houstonhumane.org.

If you would like to adopt the adorable Bonita featured in the picture go to the Houston Humane Society shelter and ask for tag 240.

Houston Humane Society Hours:

Monday – Wednesday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.