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    A Meeting of Great Minds

    UP and away: Houston's hometown think-fest sends idea seekers out on a real high

    Nancy Wozny
    Oct 24, 2010 | 12:00 pm
    • Rebecca Masson
      Photo by Kimberly Park
    • Gracie Cavnar
      Photo by Marisol Castro
    • Luis von Ahn
    • Jessica Jackley
    • David Eagleman
    • Bill Nye
      Courtesy photo

    Houston's homegrown think-fest, The UP Experience, went down without a hitch Thursday at the Stafford Centre, where more than 600 eager idea-seekers gathered to listen to 15 speakers offer their thoughts on how to change the world — or at least the next image on their power point.

    Founded by Sheryl and Ernie Rapp, The UP Experience attracted all kinds of enthusiasts, from those wanting to hear a specific speaker to those up for a day of being challenged with creative ideas. Jerry Hobby, CEO of Anything Internet, prefers the convenience of UP.

    "I'm a fan of TED, but it's expensive and hard to get to," said Hobby, a three-time UPster. "I may not agree with all the speakers, but they always expand my thinking."

    Hobby preferred not to study the speaker lineup. "It's better to be surprised; go in with a totally open mind," he said.

    Sally Kolenda of Leadership Houston had a different approach. As a volunteer for Community Cloth, Kolenda came specifically to hear Kiva founder Jessica Jackley.

     Speakers varied in their approach, from the academic, (Wendy Schiller, Luis von Ahn) to the off-the-wall zany (Bill Nye, David Pogue). Some had that "I've done this speech before" polish (Gracie Cavnar, Michael Eisner), while others took us through their life journey (Steve Thomas, Dennis Littky, Jessica Jackley).

     Get more shut eye

    Who knew the sleep doc would be such a hit. Since when is snoozing so sexy?

    About now, if you were in the room with James Maas, author of Power Sleep and Sleep for Success. Maas combined hard science with humor along with compelling evidence to get more shut eye.

    "Stop those early morning exercise sessions," Maas said.

    Figure skater Sarah Hughes did and has an Olympic Gold Medal as a result. Maas drew a standing-room-only mob for the Q & A, where he elaborated on his ideas.

    "Sleep has been ignored by medical schools and it's the number one complaint in America," Maas insisted. "Sleep is finally getting some attention and is growing into a huge industry."

    In another room, 400 high school juniors gathered to hear five speakers hand-picked by Cody Rapp, a neuroscience major at the University of Southern California. Bill Nye, Luis von Ahn and David Pogue made the grade as favorites.

    "You could feel the energy in the room," said Cody, who founded The Junior UP Experience. "The kids were so excited. It's so cool to get information on the outside world like this, especially in your junior year of high school."

    Lunch, in the form of a sleek black Bento Box with all the beauty of a still life, contained food delights from a collection of Houston's top chefs, including Barbara McKnight of Catering by Culinaire, Randy Evans of Haven, Giancarlo Ferrara of Arcodoro, Ryan Pera of new Revival Meats Grocery & Market, John Sheely of Mockingbird Bistro, and Pastry chef Rebecca Masson. I sampled every single one of Masson's delicacies (for research purposes), and I must admit, I do feel smarter.

    Localebrity neuroscientist David Eagleman, on double duty, offered his theory of discounting the future by revealing the two separate brain systems operating under the same hood of our heads, the "I want it now" short term one which led to the housing bubble explosion, and the "save me from my future self" one that led to savings accounts like the Christmas Club.

    As soon as he was done with his 20 minutes in the spotlight, he switched to moderator, asking cut-to-the-chase post-talk questions to the speakers.

     Divas World added an artful element with several singing introductions, including a pre-Eisner Disney tunes medley.

     Heart-tugging speakers

    The speakers who touched my heart and mind possessed a combination of ground breaking work, humor and a gift for 20-minute storytelling. Those less attached to their power point also proved more persuasive.

    Carnegie Mellon computer science professor von Ahn had the whole package, an amazing discovery and a need-to-know delivery style. Most known as the developer of CAPTCHA, those wavy semi-drunk looking characters you sometimes need to type to get into your Facebook account or buy tickets online, von Ahn dazzled the crowd with his stunningly original research.

    CAPTCHA, which reveals whether you are a human or a computer, is now being put to service to better the world. Be annoyed by the 10 seconds it takes to type into that little box no more. You are helping to digitize books and translate languages.

    The kooky Nye reminded the energy biz folks that there's economic opportunity in conservation.

    "It's in no one's best interests to deny climate change," said Nye, who pretended to get electrocuted while plugging in his laptop. Nye is particularly proud of his $10-a-month electricity bill. The science guy was in top form. He ranted about getting science education in elementary schools and his ongoing competition to use the least amount of energy in Hollywood.

    "I must crush Ed Begley," joked Nye as we visited in the green room.

    The New York Times personal technology columnist Pogue threw away the change-the-world script to entertain us with a list of amazing gadgets that may, in fact, change your world. He was a hoot — funny, informative, off the charts nutty and enthused about the gizmos making our lives more connected and well, fun. His 20 minutes went by way too fast.

     Wired founder Kevin Kelly took an understated stance, offering a long term view of technology. According to Kelly, the Internet has proved to be one of the most dependable phenomenon in history. It's never broken down on a large scale. Wow. Interesting.

    The 12 year-old-going-on-40 child author Adora Svitak reminded us to listen to the wisdom of young people. Sure, sometimes kids can be brutally honest telling you that your nose is too big. When the prodigy launched into some facts on the recent BP oil spill, she suggested the company could use a "Your nose is too big" moment of honesty.

     Inspired to make a difference

    Lackley's journey from sitting in on a Stanford class in economics to traveling to Africa to interview hundreds of small entrepreneurs proved a moving tale. Today, she's most known as founder of Kiva, a mico-lending social benefit website which facilitates over $1 million in transactions weekly. Her authenticity came through in spades, rousing the only standing ovation of the day. I left wanting to know more about micro-financing and Kiva.

    Kolenda wasn't disappointed with her heroine either.

    "Jessica Jackley was amazing. People weren't so much applauding her but applauding the idea that we can make a difference. Small grants can change the world, and they are," Kolenda said. "I am still on fire after yesterday."

    Afterwards, she rattled off an impressive list of ideas, action plans and inspiration gathered from just about every speaker.

    Karen Watassek of Society for the Performing Arts took away a more personal "to do" list. Impressed by Eisner's focus on meaningful partnerships, Maas ideas on getting more sleep, Cavnar's get-back-to-the-garden mantra, Dan Buettner's longevity findings in the blue zones, she was ready to implement a healthier lifestyle.

    "I am definitely going to make some changes," Watassek said.

    I ran into Hobby again as the day drew to a close. He had taken copious notes, gathering a boatload of shovel ready ideas he could implement in his company.

    "I'm going to use Eagleman's concept of future deferment. It applies to marketing and payroll. I will use it in my goals workshop," Hobby said. "Pogue's ideas on augmented reality really made sense. It's real and the future, all at the same time. Now that's visionary."

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    Here are the 15 best things to do in Houston this 4th of July weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 2, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    The 4th of July lands on a Friday this year, which means things will get especially patriotic this weekend.

    We’ve already listed all the fireworks celebrations and restaurant specials that’ll be popping off on Friday. (Don’t forget about the screenings of Independence Day at River Oaks Theatre, Rooftop Cinema Club and Marriott Marquis Houston.) But there are also other must-see events happening this weekend, including a LEGO convention, the second anniversary of a Third Ward eatery, the return of a Stanley Kubrick classic, and an outlaw music festival featuring Willie Freakin’ Nelson and Bob Freakin’ Dylan!

    Thursday, July 3

    Brick Rodeo
    Brick Rodeo is a family-friendly event that features hundreds of custom models and displays made from LEGO bricks. Creators from Texas and around the country will be available to talk about their creations. Fans who want to display their own creations, attend workshops, and participate in all the activities should purchase an All Access Pass. Families and individuals who want to spend a day viewing incredible custom creations, talking with builders, and shopping with vendors should purchase a public exhibition ticket. 9 am (8:30 am Friday-Sunday).

    City Place presents Young Audiences of Houston: Painting with Watercolor Pencils Art Workshop
    This free art workshop, hosted by Young Audiences of Houston teaching artist Judy Malone Stein, transforms City Place’s central waterfront plaza into a classical art studio with easels and other essential supplies. Participants are introduced to the medium of watercolor pencils and will learn basic color theory which includes the color wheel and primary and secondary colors, along with complimentary colors. They will also focus on creating compositions, using traditional visions (portraits, landscapes, still life) as their subject matter. 9:30 am.

    Improv Houston presents Dustin Ross
    Dustin Ross is a NAACP Image Award-winning host, writer, and producer. Fans of The Read podcast may know him as a longtime guest/friend to the show. These days, you can hear him on two pods: The Friend Zone, with co-hosts Hey Fran Hey and Assante; and Holding Court, with Eboni K. Williams. He has also hosted seasons of Bet on Black, REVOLT TV’s competition series, Bet On Black. As an on-air contributor, Ross has appeared on multiple platforms, including MTV, BET, Bravo TV, HBO, FUSE TV, GLAAD, Fox Soul, and more. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, July 4

    Freedom Over Texas
    With an average of 50,000 people in attendance, Freedom Over Texas has become Houston’s annual, signature July 4th celebration. The live, televised event will feature local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice, and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. It also features a unique non-profit component, as the event will donate a percentage of food and beverage sales to the Houston Food Bank. 4 pm.

    Ensemble Theatre presents The Tap Dance Kid
    Over at The Ensemble Theatre, The Tap Dance Kid is about a 10-year-old African-American kid named Willie who doesn’t want to be a lawyer like his well-to-do strict father, and dreams of becoming a dancer like his talented Uncle Dipsey, an aspiring Broadway choreographer. The final production in the theater’s 2024-25 season, this musical is filled with imaginations of stardom that keep us tapping along. Through Sunday, July 27. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

    Dan Electro’s presents The Broken Spokes & Oliver Penn 4th of July Party
    Freedom, music, and a 4th of July Party will be going down at Dan Electros. The show will feature a performance from traditional Texas country band The Broken Spokes, a well-seasoned outfit that’s put in the time honing their craft in honky tonks across Texas,. Also performing will be Rhode Island-born, Houston-based country singer Oliver Penn, who has shared the stage with Charley Crockett, Shakey Graves, Randall King, The California Honeydrops, and Shinyribs. 9 pm.

    Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Graveyard Shift: Attack the Block
    Guy Fawkes Night in London is a time for fireworks, fooling around, and an occasional surprise or two. But when vicious extraterrestrials decide to crash the hellraisers’ holiday, a time for making merry quickly turns scary. Writer-director Joe Cornish also ensures it’s frequently humorous as well. This frisky, vigorous 2011 spoof — propelled by an insistent electronic score by Steven Price & Basement Jaxx and a star-making lead turn from John Boyega — shows a similar sensibility in its breezy blending of goofiness and gruesomeness. 10 pm.

    Saturday, July 5

    Rado Market 2 Year Anniversary Celebration
    Chef Chris Williams’ market and cafe at the historic Eldorado Ballroom will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a celebration that’s free and open to the public. The event will include complimentary champagne during the first hour, food specials from chef Jaden Gaines, and live music from a DJ for the first two hours. Guests can also browse and shop from a curated lineup of local vendors offering various products for sale, including Posh Body, Ambrosia Nectar, 77 Stash, and Juxx. Patrons can also enter two raffles featuring Radiant Aura samples and other giveaways. Noon.


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
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    Winnie’s presents Labubu Face Tattoo Korean Corn Dog Karaoke Party
    Never has an event’s name been a more complete description of what’s happening at the Midtown sandwich shop/cocktail bar on Saturday. Artists from Rodeo Tiger will be tattooing Labubu, the must-have accessory that feels destined to become the Beanie Babies of 2025 ($25 minimum, $50 for both sides, and $100 for full face custom work). While you wait, snack on a Korean corn dog created by chef Jennifer Hoffman. Karaoke starts at 8 pm. 1 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Barry Lyndon
    This weekend, catch the 50th anniversary screening (in glorious 35mm!) of Stanley Kubrick’s lavish, Oscar-winning 1975 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s 18th-century novel. Forced to leave Ireland after killing an English officer in a duel, young Redmond Barry (Ryan O’Neal) seeks his fortune as a soldier in Prussia, as a spy, and then as a gambler living among the elite of Europe. He changes his name and marries an aristocrat (Marisa Berenson) for her wealth, but will he finally gain the acceptance he seeks? 5 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Kings Harbor Waterfront Village presents “Fireworks on the Pier”
    Looking for a post-4th of July throwdown this weekend? Kings Harbor Waterfront Village in Kingwood will have its annual “Fireworks on the Pier” celebration, a patriotic evening of family fun, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities include family-friendly games like Connect Four, a balloon artist, face painting and bubble stations for kids. Local restaurants will be serving up a variety of delicious food and drink options throughout the evening. A dazzling fireworks show over the pier will begin around 10 pm. 7 pm.

    Movies at Miller: Wicked
    We know there is a lot of y’all who can’t wait for Wicked: For Good to drop in multiplexes this winter. Before that happens, head over to Miller Outdoor Theatre and revisit the Oscar-winning Broadway musical adaptation that set it all off. In the magical Land of Oz, Wicked covers the first act, following Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Galinda (Ariana Grande), the future Glinda the Good Witch. The audience is encouraged to come in costume. 8:30 pm.

    Sunday, July 6

    Eldorado Ballroom presents Ball N’ Parlay
    Dubbed “A 1st Sunday Vibeout,” Ball N’ Parlay is a vibrant, Third Ward day party that’s going to be held outside the legendary Eldorado Ballroom. They’re really hyping this one up, calling it “the Sunday you’ve been waiting for, where music, community, and culture meet.” We’re just psyched that some of our favorite DJs will be doing live sets, including DJ Elevated, Maiya Papaya, Alist, and DJ Bloom. 3 pm.

    Outlaw Music Festival
    If you grew up going to Cactus Music and picking up the latest issue of No Depression, looking for the latest in outlaw country releases to scoop up, a fest full of iconic, guitar-strumming banditos will be making a stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion this weekend. The 10th anniversary tour of the Outlaw Music Festival will feature an unparalleled lineup of legends and superstars, including Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, and Tami Neilson. 4:05 pm.

    CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
    As of this writing, we don’t know who will be playing in the final match of the soccer championship known as the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, going down this weekend at NRG Stadium. What we do now is that the winners will be determined on Wednesday night, when the semifinal matchups – the USMNT vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Honduras – will take place. This also marks the first time the Gold Cup Final will be held in the state of Texas. 6 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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