We gathered in EADO, a fast developing and edgy neighborhood East of Downtown Houston (where the much anticipated Houston Dynamo Soccer Stadium will be built) to discuss and give our views of transforming unused public space into vital community centers. Grouped in teams of six, we came up with 6 ideas to solve the problem including spaces’ sociability, uses & activities, accessibility & linkage.

Everyone had a great time and hopefully we had provided a starting point in the development of the Promenade. Thanks Ellen Goldberg (President – Sister Cities of Houston) we enjoyed the reward of helping make Houston’s plan for the future a great success
Click to view slideshow.

For one day each year the downtown enthralled audiences with a open house of music and performances up-and-coming performances for 2012 seasons from the Alley Theatre, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall and Wortham Theatre Center; AKA the Annual Houston Theatre District Open House.Click to view slideshow.

Our cultural hopping started out with a packed schedule in record high temperatures in Houston. First with ballet performances by the Houston Ballet II and then Houston Grand Opera, followed by a series of fantastic performances including the Broadway hit Chicago. The sexy temptress and black widow Velma Kelly always leaves the audience breathless and thinking “till death do we part”.

For the grand finale we walked a couple blocks through the heat to Jones Hall; where the Houston Symphony preformed from their 2012 repertoire of concerts John Williams “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook and Beethoven’s Overture to Corioland among several others. Robert Franz the conductor had a surprisingly charming sense of humor playing up to the packed house. I couldn’t help but think of “The Maestro” episode of Jerry Seinfeld; each such passionate conductors. My favorite was the romantic ending from Viva Puccini.

We applaud Capital One Bank for making this event possible. It is smart marketing on their part to provide people with an experience that is memorable, fun and entertaining. The next time I think of switching banks, Capital One Bank will surely be in my mind as a possible contender.

We hope that years not far from today, City of Houston will be looked upon as an individual with an identity that represents innovation and cultural diversity —a brand recognized worldwide as a city of the future.

The culinary art series demonstrates the high level of culinary expertise at Dos Brisas worthy amongst the best chefs in the world. Throughout the project, we used only natural ingredients from the kitchen and organic gardens to keep to the all natural, fresh and organic concept embraced at Dos Brisas. We created edible corals with bread dough and homemade colorings from black squid ink, tea, spices, fruits and vegetables. The collaboration between the creative team and chefs was exhilarating.

What’s next? Hopefully a Culinary Seduction series.

An online virtual currency called bitcoin is supposedly untraceable and un-hackable. I was slightly apprehensive at first, but there may be some practicality to the idea, if one doesn’t worry about hackers. Some worry that it will be disrupt currencies the world over. But, just think transactions without the middle man. That I like.

This revolution will indeed be fun to watch as global currencies fight the inception of this idea that could very well change the future of business transactions.

Watch the video. Would you accept bitcoin at your business?

Valencia Group's Hotel Sorella @ City Centre Pool

MindEnsemble is happy to announce that Hotel Sorella at City Centre is on the Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2011 as one of the best places to stay in the world.

Holiday 2010

Renewable Flowers

Irwina’s telling everyone she won a beauty contest, but actually today we beta tested our new community initiative “Renewable Flowers”. What is Renewable Flowers? It’s where we pick up flowers used for an event (wedding, gala, etc.), rearrange them and donate them to individuals in a hospital or a retirement community.

Typically these flowers would have otherwise been discarded—what a waste of “happy” assets.

Our reward is a simple thank you and the sincere expression of gratitude on each person’s face as they accepted the flowers. Irwina was invited over for afternoon tea and  we were even given chocolate in return for the flowers. We at MindEnsemble are a big fan of chocolate.

The simple gesture of giving from the heart reminded us how powerful helping others can be and that life with a charitable heart rocks.

TabbedOut

In a perfect world, I’d have my cocktails hand delivered by a “hottie” or beamed into my hand like I was Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. In a TabbedOut world, I can pay for my bar (or restaurant) tabs with my iPhone or Android (Blackberry coming) no matter if I left the bar 2 hours before. No longer would I have to hassle with getting the bartender attention to close out, worry about credit card thief, or being charged a fee for forgetting to close my tab. No worries, just stress free drinking. That my friend is a good day after the office!

So, what the problem? Well, TabbedOut is currently only available in 3 cities-Austin, Dallas & Chico California. There’s also the fact that if your phone or favorite establishments aren’t ‘one of the chosen ones’, you’re S.O.L. Nevertheless, with the advancements of technology your city or favorite establishment will have something very similar before you know it.

But, if you’re ever in Austin you can download the program on your phone, search for participating bars & restaurants and let the experience begin. Oh yea, before I forget there’s one more similar application we at MindEnsemble recommend during a night of partying. RideCharge, pay your cab driver with what else-your phone.