Posted by Alex · August 15th, 2008
Some offices have ‘Summer Fridays,’ a special schedule for the summer where either the office only works half-days on Fridays, or half the office is off a full day on Fridays, or some variation. We are generally too busy for this kind of schedule, so we decided on our own MindBites version of the Summer Fridays. Introducing….The Dog Days of Summer!
Many Biters are dog owners and lovers, so we have decided to start a bring-your-pooch-to-the-office-day on Fridays (also, this is the day our resident non-dog-lover is not in the office). Today, Chuy is visiting the office with her mom, Huntley. Chuy is a 2 year old Border Collie mix who loves to run, jump, swim and play! Her favorite activity this summer has been watching the Olympics while lying in her mother’s lap (her favorite event category is equestrian-they use animals!). Here is a picture of Huntley and Chuy snapped in the office:
Despite the look on Chuy’s face, Huntley is NOT squeezing her to pieces. Although, she is completely squeezable!
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Tags: Chuy, dogs, MindBites, summer | Posted in General, MindBites News and Notes | No Comments »
Posted by Brittanie · July 31st, 2008
I love summer! And I’m so sad it’s almost over. (In Austin we’re about half-way through it.) To keep my summer spirit in tact during its off-season I listen to tunes that remind me of how awesome it is. Here is a compiled list of the ones that really get to me, something upbeat and fun for the whole family to enjoy while traveling this summer.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: music, summer | Posted in Faves | No Comments »
Posted by Derek · July 29th, 2008
What says “summertime” better than coral reefs? Coral reefs are the symbol of clean refreshing water, open space, beautiful creatures, and every possible color one could imagine. But what many don’t realize is that coral reefs are an invaluable resource for scientific research. More than 100 human cultures depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection. Also, they play an important role as natural breakwaters to minimize wave damage from cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, and tsunamis. But like many of the earth’s natural beauties, the reefs are in danger of destruction due to humans, and one group, the Coral Reef Alliance, has set out on a mission to preserve them.
The Coral Reef Alliance (also called CORAL) is a member-supported NPO dedicated to protecting coral reefs worldwide by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. They attempt to do so by engaging stakeholders from three groups, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their managers, marine recreation tourism, and local communities. CORAL’s goal is to increase the capacity for these groups to work collaboratively toward conservation.
They choose a site for their projects based on political stability and safety, type of threats, funding availability, local support for marine protected areas, and the presence of potential conservation partner organizations. They are currently focused in the Asia/Pacific and Caribbean/Latin America regions. Their 7 active project sites are in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Hawaii, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
You can help conserve these beautiful underwater structures in four fundamental ways:
- Joining CORAL and making a donation. An ongoing commitment can make you a Friend of the Reef, which gives you access to a one year subscription of CORAL Current and other perks. You can join and donate online at www.coral.org.
- Be a Smart Consumer by following suggestions like these: Don’t buy coral jewelry, choose seafood wisely (by following CORAL’s online guide), Support coral friendly business, and donate to reef conservation societies.
- Show support by adding a badge to you website, blog, or e-mail signature (as we have done in our blog entry). Or send a coral reef E-Card to three of your friends and ask them to pass it on.
- Live sustainably, that is try not to leave a large environmental footprint behind as you live your life. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, plant native trees, buy efficient cars, and reduce traveling by airplane.
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Tags: Charities, CORAL, Coral Reef Allaince, non-profit organization, summer | Posted in Charity | 1 Comment »
Posted by Brittanie · July 24th, 2008
The summer is half gone and parents are running low on ideas to entertain the kids. To try to avoid the summer slump we have created a list to help all who are wondering how to entertain and enjoy the rest of summer vacation. The list basically cuts it down to two areas, with AC and without, that include the summer’s best pick-up-and-go activities to do with your kids. Many of these activities are specific to Austin, but the ideas (like going to a museum, or bowling) can be done anywhere!
With AC:
1. Stay cool, get a cone, or a cupcake!
Snow cones on Lamar
Amy’s Ice cream on Burnet Road
Bar-B-Que adventures to Llano
Hey, Cupcake! on 24th
2. Read a book or have one read to you
Book Fairs
Library Day: Thursdays
Book Readings at Barnes & Noble
Pottery Barn: Story-time
3. Get crafty
Workshop: Make a garden gnome
4. Bowl
Dart Bowl $1 Mondays
5. Museums
Bob Bullock Museum: IMAX
Blanton Museum
Children’s Museum
Without AC:
1. Movies in the Park
2. Fairs
Hill Country Art fairs
Weekend Book Fairs at AMOA Laguna Lagoria location
3. Free live music
Blues on the Green every other Wednesday at Zilker
Austin Symphony Free Sundays outside Long Center
4. Get your sweat on
Explore the Greenbelt beyond Barton Springs
Take a 20 minute hike to Sculpture Falls and Bull Creek
Fishing in Port Aransas
Disc Golf
Canoe trips on Town Lake
Peter Pan Putt-putt
Blackberry picking escapades
Camping trips to Paleface Ranch
Family oriented Fun Runs
5. Put on a play or watch one for free
Zilker Outdoor Theatre: Thursday - Sunday at sundown
6. Go to camp or join a club
Longhorn, Ozark, Chess, Art
First Samples Sewing camps
Ballet Austin Dance camps
Church camps
Book People Book Club
7. Go to A Park or Pool
Take the dog out to a park
Slip ‘N Slide Contests
Austin Pools
Picnics at the Botanical Gardens
Gardening to encourage butterfly and bird watching
Volleyball courts at Zilker Park and Pease Park
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Tags: Austin Hot Spots, children, summer | Posted in Around Austin, Life and Learning | No Comments »
Posted by Ellen · July 8th, 2008
The 4th of July weekend is always a time that I look forward to, because it brings up strong feelings of family and summer time. As I sit here thinking about the holiday weekend, there are 10 things that come to mind.
1. It is hotter than hell on July 4th.
The heat can even bring the best man down when it comes to outdoor activities. Eating in 98 degrees while sweating profusely with both legs stuck to the chair does not bring about the happiest of thoughts. It is best to plan meals and outside activities around cooler times of the day.
2. Patriotism is great.
I really enjoy seeing the United States of America flags waving in the wind. It really does remind me of our democratic country and how despite some of the challenges that come up in life, we by far have the best lives by comparison.
3. Family members try to be on their best behavior.
I noticed that some of our family members that normally start trouble during ordinary family gatherings are on better behavior during the 4th of July weekend. I think they might be operating on some 4th of July code of conduct that was instilled in them from birth.
4. Fireworks look better up close.
When watching fireworks from far away, they look small and seem to barely make it up above the horizon. It is best to have the fireworks display take up your entire peripheral field of vision to get the maximum amount of excitement and enjoyment.
5. Public boat launches at lakes are out of control.
Expect overcrowding, no parking and long lines to put your boat in the water as well as taking it out. Also, there is lots of law enforcement on the lake on a holiday weekend, which can be good or bad depending on your perspective.
6. Grocery stores are an absolute riot the day before the 4th of July.
As we were walking in to a local grocery an elderly man was walking out and he stopped us and said “Son, you don’t want to go in there.”
7. Do serve summer time food on a summer holiday weekend.
While most people will lap up roast beef and mashed potatoes any time of the day or night, it is better to serve food that is easier to eat in the heat and that can be served at room temperature.
8. Watch out for wayward, crazy dogs during peak fireworks hours.
I noticed several canine escapees running loose while fireworks were being shot off in the neighborhood. These dogs are scared and confused and might even show you their pearly whites. Also a good thing to think about before you leave the house and leave poochie in the backyard alone.
9. Parades end up being fun after all.
Even if you are dreading going to a parade, nine times out of ten you will find something fun and exciting to look at.
10. The freaks come out at night.
Enough said.
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Tags: July 4th, outdoor, summer | Posted in General, Life and Learning | No Comments »
Posted by Alex · July 1st, 2008
It is officially flip-flop weather here in sunny, HOT, Austin, Texas. When I think summertime, I envision great outdoor parties with all of my friends, cooking on the grill, enjoying fabulous iced beverages, and letting loose with some summer fun! Here are some great ideas and MindBites to get you, your friends, and your family enjoying the upcoming July 4th holiday and summer!
Drinks:
I don’t know about the weather where you are, but summer in Texas is HOT, often paired with an overabundance of HUMID. The only way to brave this sauna is a frosty beverage. My favorites include (in no certain order)-water, iced tea, lemonade, beer, sangria and margaritas. Here are some great summertime drink tips:
Learn How To Make Popular Bar Drinks
Open a Beer in an Emergency
Fabulous Mexican Martinis and More
and Wine and Food Pairings
Food:
Cooking out is one of my all-time favorite memories about childhood summers. But, in addition to (insert your favorite grilled food here), there are a variety of great summertime foods to cool things off-or spice them up!
Make Tony’s Vodka Burgers
Ice cream tastes better when you Make It Yourself
Learn Maudie’s Secret Salsa tips
Cooling Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Try to cook Using the Sun
Entertainment:
You might not want to do anything other than chat with your family or guests, but sometimes it’s nice to have some other diversion from the heat, especially if it includes cooling off in a lake (or other body of water)!
In the very least, you’ll need a Playlist 
Learn to Ride a Waverunner or Drive a Boat
Ever tried Windsurfing?
And, of course, use your HandyCam to record it all for posterity!
I hope that some of these lessons will inspire you! Add in some red, white, and blue, and some fireworks, and you’ve got a 4th of July party. Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to teach us what you learn.
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Tags: July 4th, outdoor, summer | Posted in Life and Learning | No Comments »
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