Category: Schipul Co Events

Events from our past as Schipul – The Web Marketing Company before renaming the company after our software Tendenci.

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Schipul Thanks – A month of gratitude and life lessons

Schipul is thankful

Happy November!   We’ve passed the sugar high of Halloween and are focusing our thoughts around the more introspective (and turkey laden) Thanksgiving season.

This month each member of our team is sharing a source of inspiration in their lives – whether it’s a person, a book, a movie or a blog – that has helped guide them to where they are today.

We encourage you to chime in with your own sources of inspiration this month and check out our Thirty Days of Thanks posts from our 2010 series as well.

The biggest thanks, of course, goes out to our clients who make everyday at the office possible and exciting.   Your feedback, ideas and exciting missions keep our teams in a state of constant growth and development.

We love watching your communities connect, your businesses thrive and your events prosper – thanks for being the biggest inspiration of all!

Photo thanks to Flickr user visitamommy

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Friday Fun Post: Brewmasters International Beer Festival

It’s the day before Labor Day Weekend and you still don’t have plans? Why not go down to Galveston, Texas for the Brewmasters International Beer Festival? Heck, you could even go for the whole weekend if you want.

“The Lone Star State’s Premiere Beer event Is finally here!”

Labor Day Weekend  |  September 3-6, 2010

Beer lovers rejoice at this four-day extravaganza with an unimaginable variety of hundreds of beers, musical entertainment, scrumptious culinary selections, educational seminars from Beer 101, all the way to how to brew your own. There will also be BrewLicious featuring fine food & beer pairings, and many more events for the beer lovers delight.

Let your taste buds get carried away with specialty beers from around the world. Utilizing the beautiful bayside oasis of the Moody Garden grounds & conference center, beer enthusiasts gather to grab a mug, take a chug, and enjoy the ultimate beer sampling experience.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/defekto

What a perfect excuse to go to the Beach with fellow Beer Lovers to  eat Brats & Burgers while have a Brew!

Check out some of the other awesome things that will be happening at the event this weekend:

For other news about Beer in Texas, check out  Ronnie Crocker  Beer, Tx Blog over on the Chron.com.

You can also read about some of the Schipulite’s favorite Beers on an oldie but goodie blog post “Thirty Days of Thanks – Beer” by David Stagg.

Don’t Drink and Drive.

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The Art of Gallery Openings

Whether you are looking for performance art in the Theater District or visual art in anywhere from your local coffee shop to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is loaded like very few cities in the country when it comes to its artistic community.  The myth of these fantastic arts options is they are not easily accessible. Admittedly, I was one of those people until I made the decision to get out, and start exploring this visial arts scene that is literally everywhere around Houston.

My first foray into the world of Houston art galleries was actually spawned by an SPA board meeting at the  Bering & James gallery. I got there early with the rest of my co-workers to set up before our board members arrived. While we were waiting for the festivities to begin, I signed their guestbook, getting myself on their mailing list.

1. Get on the mailing list.
I’ll get to some gallery suggestions in another post, but if you have any galleries that you know of, but have never worked up the nerve to attend, simply click over to their website and get yourself on the mailing list. There is really no better way to be informed of future openings and special events.

After the board meeting, I got a chance to speak with one of the owners of the gallery, Blakely Bering. I asked her about the gallery. She is a wonderfully energetic and helpful gallery owner. She makes it easy for you to walk into her gallery, and make you feel welcome. Oh, and I own a piece of her work.

2. Meet at least one of the gallery owners.
There are a couple of good reasons why you should make yourself familiar with the gallery owners. If you are an aspiring collector, it’s always nice to build a foundation for future business you will be doing with the gallery. However, if you are just there for the art and the scene, it’s just plain good manners to thank your host or hostess for opening their gallery doors to you.

A few weeks later, I received an email about an upcoming opening at Bering & James. I checked my calendar, and had nothing to do that evening. I called up my friend Nikole to see if she would like to join me.

3. Take a friend.
While I have been known to make my own fun during a solo night on the town, I highly recommend you bring a wingman when you start charting your own course through the art scene in Houston. This is particularly true if this scene is not your typical environment. For instance, if you don’t get out much, an art gallery can be a bit daunting. I’m a regular social butterfly, and I didn’t feel comfortable going alone. Besides, people watching is a regular sport during events like this, and it’s always more fun when you have someone with you to comment on your fellow gallery-goers.

Speaking of people watching, you’re likely to be very surprised about the kind of people you’ll run into at a Houston gallery opening. It’s not the stuffy New York City crowd that pontificates on the art or vision, it’s pretty devoid of  pretension. People in Houston are friendly and open when it comes to artistic endeavors. Open up in the gallery. Before long, you’re sure to run into a new person who becomes a fast friend.

4. Nevertheless, dress to impress.
One thing that is always true about any Houston event, you get all kinds. Our cowboy roots tend to make us think that jeans are always appropriate regardless of the type of event. I am not saying that jeans aren’t okay at these events, just saying that you shouldn’t dress down for an opening. However, going over the top will make you look like a pretentious jerk; which is not the first impression you want to make with anyone in the gallery. You will see these people at other openings at the gallery you’re visiting, as well as, other galleries around town. Don’t let their first impression of you be that of a snooty idiot. What Houstonians lack in pretentiousness, they more than make up for in gossipping.

Guys, go with a button up (or a nice t-shirt)  with jeans and a blazer. Ladies, avoid the stringy tops, unless you have a jacket. Jeans are great, but if you have a cute dress to show off, this is THE NIGHT to bring it. The Golden Rule? Always remember that people are coming to the gallery to see the art on the walls, not on you. While it is generally nice for people to notice you, that is not the way to get noticed at a gallery. The artist and gallery owners are generally the only people who can and will break this rule.

Nikole and I have attended a couple openings now at Bering & James. There is one gentleman we have nicknamed Steve Perry for his Journey-esque hairstyle. This is one of the best parts of these openings; looking at the other people. Inevitably, there will always be a few people who either disregard the rule or flout it with admirable flair. Until you are a big time art collector, you need to keep a lower profile, and obey the rule.

5. The wine is free, but this isn’t Cheers, Norm.
Make sure you don’t come off as one of those people who is there for the free wine. NOT a good way to go. Have no more than two glasses at the opening. If you start hitting the free booze hard, people will notice and, even worse, you’ll start to get sloppy. This is a surefire way to get yourself OFF the mailing list. Generally speaking, you’ll probably not have the need to stay at the gallery much longer than it takes to drink one glass anyway.

6. Get in and get out.
Unless you are a collector or close personal friend of the gallery owner(s), I advise you get in, see the art, say hi to the people you know, drink some wine and get the hell out of there. Unless you get into some conversation with new and interesting people, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than 30-45 minutes at an opening. That said . . .

7. An opening does not make an evening.
Always have plans after the opening. Even if it is as simple as going somewhere to talk about the art, gallery and people, make sure you make the gallery opening your evening opening. This will also be helpful in keeping you from lingering too long.

In my next post: A short list of galleries you should get to know.

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Hurricane Season supply checklist – be prepared!

Basic Hurricane and Safety Preparedness Kits

June 1, marked the beginning of   National Safety Month, so we’ve put together a short video on what you can do to be prepared in case of an emergency, as well as a few helpful tips.   If you live near the coast, you are well aware that hurricane season is here!!   Stock up and stay safe:

Hurricane Preparedness Kit from Schipul – The Web Marketing Co. on Vimeo.

  • Water – at least 3 days of drinking water for everyone in your family including pets (about 1 gallon per person per day). Have a week on hand if possible. Backup sterilization devices (Steripen or Katadyn Extream) and water   enhancers like powdered mixes that replenish electrolytes are handy to have as well.
    • Food – at least 3 days of food per person and pet. We recommend foods that are easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of clean-up like peanut butter, Freeze dried/ dehydrated foods (available at camping stores0, and sweet treats and comfort foods. Don’t forget a can opener for shelf stable canned goods.
    • Lighting– a standard flashlight with extra batteries is a good start. Since lighting is as much a need as a sense of comfort, fun lighting ideas include Glowsticks and Glow-In-the-Dark Stickers.
    • First Aid Kit – extra allergy or   prescription medication is a good idea.   You may want to add   old prescription glasses, sunscreen, and mosquito spray to your basic first-aid kit.
    • Communication – weather and battery operated radio, power inverter that plugs into you car, cell phone backup battery, and online wireless system (in case your phone is damaged), a wireless air card (for laptop) and a USB to back up documents and keep them safe.
    • Atlas – It’s important to follow the secure hurricane routes recommended by officials. An atlas will help you navigate in case you need to go off the beaten path.
    • Storage – keep everything in one safe place and don’t cheat and use it in the meantime. A nice backpack or storage bin is easy to grab and go and make sure items (like batteries or canned goods) are rotated out for freshness.

    How can we help you stay safe during hurricane season?

    Feel free to contact us (info@tendenci.com or   281-497-6567) for additional information or for help putting together your Hurricane Preparedness Kit.

    Helpful Emergency and Hurricane Preparedness Sites

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    We Saw a Lady Walking a Cheetah

    Of all the things I imagined seeing this weekend, a   cheetah on a leash taking a leisurely stroll through the Houston Zoo was NOT on the list. But that’s the kind of thing that happens during Photo Day at the Houston Zoo.

    Photo Day is a series of 6 outings during which photographers and photography enthusiasts can visit the Houston Zoo and take pictures of the animals. Fellow Schipulite Derek Key (@dereskey) and I had the opportunity to attend Saturday’s photo day…and that’s how we saw the cheetah.

    Our Day…in Photos

    The animals are likely to be active during the earliest part of the day, especially in the summer…in Houston. So for Photo Day, the zoo opens two hours early (at 7am) and lets photo enthusiasts catch the early risers. I’ve been to the Houston   Zoo countless times, but this is the first time I saw so many of the big cats and rare birds.

    The lions roamed their pen long enough for photo ops…

    We watched the reptiles have breakfast, which is creepy and AWESOME…

    We found out what a Cassowary is…

    and finally, we discovered that the meerkats draw quite a crowd!

    Have an Awesome Time AND Help the Zoo

    Since the Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization it relies heavily on membership and attendance for support. While Photo Day is open to both the public and zoo membership holders, the   zoo features   special events   just for members, including Zoobilee and special Member Mornings.

    In addition to cool member activities, the zoo is also involved in conservation efforts like the Lone Star State Projects and fundraising to for treatments that help prevent elephant herpes.

    Be sure to check out the Houston Zoo’s Flickr photo stream, and upload photos of your zoo visits!

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    Join the “Get Checked” Campaign

    The Pink Ribbons Project is launching a new campaign dedicated to encouraging men and women of all ages to ‘Get Checked’.

    The “Get Checked” campaign is aimed to remind adult women and men to attend regular doctor checkups. Over 190,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and by the time many of them discover this, the cancer has already developed into advanced stages. Studies show that finding tumors early-on can increase your chance of full recovery by 20%.

    The Pink Ribbons Projects asks that you simply submit a photo of your face and a brief message or story to encourage people to check themselves regularly as a preventive measure. Their “Get Checked” campaign site will feature you and many others to put a human face on breast cancer- as well as provide some exciting ‘Get Checked’ services as the site launches later this year.

    Submit Your Picture and You Could Save a Life

    After surviving breast cancer, co-founder Susan Rafte (along with her sister Jane’s) life long passion for dancing inspired them to start “The Pink Ribbons Project/ Dancers In Motion Against Breast Cancer” a group dedicated to educate people about breast cancer, in ways traditional methods can not. Their website states “Using the Arts to help save lives and improve the quality of life for those touched by breast cancer”. They aim to inspire and lift the spirits of those battling breast cancer and move people into action. Through performances and events they raise money to help those battling breast cancer. Besides the the Get Checked campaign, the Pink Ribbons Project also hosts the “Tour De Pink” bike race to raise funds for medical operations and supplies.

    Help Save Lives By Sharing Your Story

    The Pink Ribbon Project also works in collaboration with Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong Foundation. This video documents Susan Rafte and how The Pink Ribbon Project came to be.

    https://twitter.com/lancearmstrong
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    Summer Staycation

    Since I’m still one of the new guys here at Schipul, I don’t have a lot of vacation time saved up. That said, I’m going to be spending quite a bit of time close to home this summer. However, that does not mean I can’t get that vacation feel right here in Houston. So today’s post is dedicated to the wonderful world of staycations. I also recommend any of these options for a friend coming in from out of town.

    I lived with my parents (in Sugar Land) for a while after graduating from college.  During the heydey of the Super Bowl and various All-Star Games,  you could generally find  me somewhere in the vicinity of Downtown. During that time, I had the pleasure of staying in the Alden Hotel,  Magnolia Hotel and the Inn at the Ballpark. I also got to spend the week with the Rutgers Football team in the Hyatt Regency during the 2006 Texas Bowl. In short, I know my way around Downtown Houston hotels.  Let’s break them down:

    A Night at the Theater
    Alden Hotel     – Perfect for a Downtown weekend taking in the offerings of Houston’s Theater District. a+ is a great way to start your evening with amazing food and atmosphere. The hotel will whisk you to and from the theater, and their bar is the perfect end to a perfect evening.

    Magnolia Hotel – The rooftop pool, while a tad bit small, presents a fantastic view of Downtown Houston and the surrounding areas. This is also a great location for Theater District events. However, they do not have a restaurant on site. Nor does their bar really have that great hotel bar feel. Still, if you want a quiet weekend away from it all, book a night at the Maggie. NOTE: Request a room with a view.

    Take Me Out to the Ballgame
    Inn at the Ballpark     – While this is probably not a great summer to catch an Astros game, there is no doubt walking across the street to see on is a unique experience in its own right. Plus you have Vic & Anthony’s right next door. If you like baseball, this is your place to stay.

    Inn at the Ballpark

    Night on the (Down)Town
    Hyatt Regency – If you went to high school in Houston, there is a distinct chance your prom was held at this hotel. If you haven’t been to it since your prom, you might be surprised to see how things have changed. new Lobby Bar, new restaurant, new everything really. The rooms are very nice, and it’s got a nice vibe. Plus, you’re blocks away from the Houston Pavilions. The Hyatt is one of the largest hotels in Downtown, so there’s always bound to be a number of travelers to swap stories with at the bar.

    Four Seasons Houston Resort Pool

    Four Seasons – What is it about a Four Seasons Hotel? Like the Hyatt, the Four Seasons has gone through some major renovations in an attempt to draw more locals. Their resort-style pool is tops among their Downtown brethren, if not any hotel in Houston. Besides, there is just something about staying in a Four Seasons. Add their convenient location to Discovery Green and Houston Pavilions, and you’ve got yourself an  itinerary  fit for the most ambitious fun seeker.

    I know what you’re saying, I live inside the Loop, I can see Downtown from my window. Okay, so maybe Downtown isn’t going to give you that exotic out-of-town feel you’re looking for, but can you handle going outside the Loop? What about the Beltway? One of the funny things about Houston’s size is that you can drive across it, and feel like you’ve just been on a serious road trip. The burbs have done a good job creating places for people to visit. Both Sugar Land and  The Woodlands have developed Town Centers that feature hotels and various dining and entertainment options. I’ve been to Sugar Land Town Square, and I highly recommend it. Kind of a small town feel with cosmopolitan style.

    Sugar Land Town Square

    I know, OMG, THE BURBS! Okay, okay, I’ll keep trying. I do have one last recommendation for you, and it is JUST inside the Beltway. I am talking about the recently opened CITYCENTRE. I had the recent opportunity to spend the evening here with my friends from the Fresh Arts Coalition and Spacetaker during their Arternative Happy Hour event. What will probably surprise you first, is the number of people calling CITYCENTRE their nightlife home. Indeed, there was a great scene going at Yard House and Straits. I’ve eaten at both, and HIGHLY recommend both. The evening wound down with live music at  Monna Lisa in the Hotel Sorella. The atmosphere was so great, that one friend exclaimed, “I feel like I’m out of town.”

    So you see, a vacation doesn’t have to always be somewhere outside the city you live. All you need is the right frame of mind, and a fantastic destination. See you by the (hotel) pool!

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    The Essential Travel Pillow!

    Really Lyndia? YES really! The travel pillow IS essential for all travelers. If you’re not lucky enough to be in one of these, you’ll need one I promise.
    We are all too familiar with the ‘I’m trying to sleep in this small space with the seats that hardly lean back without touching the person next to me” dance. It’s the same 4 or 5 positions that we seem to try over and over again until we are finally too sleepy to care and just pass out. Here are just a few.

    1. The lay straight back position that makes your head flop left and right the moment you doze off. Only the talented that don’t move when they sleep can pull of this position. Others just end up with whiplash or with their head hanging down in front of them drooling.
    2. Me, I like to sleep on my side so I try the lay back with my head turned position. Flipping back and forth from my right to left and left to right every time I start to feel my neck go numb.
    3. How about trying to lift both legs on your seat and lay your head on your knees? Yeah that’s a really comfortable one.
    4. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat you can always use one of their small pillows to lean on the wall of the airplane. Of course there is always that gap between your seat and the concave airplane wall that causes your pillow to slip and fall repeatedly.

    These are all reasons to BRING A TRAVEL PILLOW WITH YOU. They work and your neck will love you for it. My favorite travel pillow is just your regular old donut shaped travel pillow. I have an awesome Temperpedic one but the $10 ones you can get at the airport works great also.( They can be useful for sitting on too if you happen do something retarded like jump off a bridge into a river and bruise your tail bone. So I’ve heard).   Here are just a few to check out


    EZYSLEEP

    Price: £19.99 (US$30.00 approx)

    This travel pillow completely prevents your head from tilting forward. It has high sides to support the neck and head. There is chin support to stop your head from falling forwards. Fast inflation with included mini-pump and it folds away neatly into included carry case.


    The Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch

    Price: $10.00

    The Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch upgrades your comfort level in trains, planes and cars! The dual-chambered pillow allows individual cushioning of head and neck for maximum relaxation. Adjust by inflating each section for desired support and firmness. It is ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable and is complete with a handy carrying pouch.

    The TravelRest

    Price: $26.95
    With its patented ergonomic shape, the TravelRest pillow attached to any seat back, nestling against the head and neck to provide support and comfort in flight or on the road. Even without a seat back, TravelRest’s versatile design provides excellent support – simply sling the tether cord over your head and shoulder… and relax. Its the Ultimate Travel Pillow.

    IPOD/MP3 Travel Pillow

    Price: Starting at $14.95

    Need I say more?

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    Gleeking for a Good Cause

    For the second year in a row, I am on the Host Committee for DiverseWorks’ Luck of the Draw Summer Auction. This is one of DW’s biggest events of the year, and one of the quirkier and memorable events in Houston each year. The concept is simple. DW asks artists from around the country to donate small works of art that are sold throughout the evening. Numbers are then drawn to determine who gets first crack at the 200+ pieces. As this is a DiverseWorks event, you can expect a great crowd, food and libations. And, to get you properly Gleeful, they’ve invited the choir from  Houston School for the Performing and Visual Arts to perform at the event.

    Art Change tickets start $100 (the price goes to $125 if you purchase after June 1.), but you can guarantee a Top 20 position for $250 (NOTE: Top 5 tickets costing $500 have sold out.) Regardless of what ticket you purchase, you’re getting a piece of art at a great price. Luck of the Draw is great because it introduces you to art collection in a fun and exciting way.  Not interested in owning a unique piece of art? No problem, you can still be part of the fun for $25.

    To purchase tickets: Contact Tracey Morton at tracey@diverseworks.org or call 713-223-8346.

    Now, if you can’t wait to get your artsy Glee action on, DiverseWorks is hosting a Glee Season Finale Watch Party at Lucky’s Pub on Tuesday, May 25 at 7:30 PM.