Outpost Houston Newsletteroutposthouston.com/pdf/09_Q3.pdf · three special activities for kids of all ages. The Dewberry Farm is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Halloween

QUARTER 3 2009 Issue #30 Outpost Houston Newsletter, Page 1

QUARTER 3 2009 Issue #30

Outpost Houston Newsletter

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN

By Adriana Reis It’s time to say goodbye to the summer and welcome the new season! If you have kids, pretty soon you’ll be looking for Halloween costumes and ideas of what to do during this pleasant time of the year. To help you plan your autumn family fun and get in the mood for the Halloween celebrations, we’ve selected three special activities for kids of all ages.

The Dewberry Farm is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Halloween activities, such as visiting a pumpkin patch and wearing spooky costumes. However, it offers much more than that. There is a barnyard where children can watch, touch, and even feed some of the animals; a thematic playground that includes a frontier log-hewn play fort, pedal carts, train ride, and a giant roller slide; a race track where pigs run on Saturdays at

noon, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm, and Sundays at 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm; and a lot more! The farm’s most famous Halloween activity is the tractor drawn hayride that takes you to the pumpkin patch. Kids love to choose their very own pumpkin for carving or decoration and handpick it from the field. Several different varieties of

fresh vine pumpkins are for sale and cost 50 cents per pound. On Saturdays night, the farm offers the Lighted Pumpkin Stroll. Visitors pay $3 to walk through the Pumpkin Road with over 500 carved pumpkins and see cartoon characters, movie stars, animals and Halloween figures. It’s the perfect background for your Halloween pictures. Continued on page 3

In this Issue

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN

EDITOR’S NOTE

CULTURAL MORNING

NEW LAWS FOR TEXAS

DRIVERS

RUNNING IN HOUSTON

HOUSTON CITYPASS

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

IN THE USA

NEW ARRIVALS

NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


FROM THE EDITOR & EVENTS

Editor’s Note

Warm greetings to you all! I hope that you had a great summer and had the chance to try some of the tips from our last Newsletter. Summer at Outpost was quiet, but with many families coming to catch the beginning of the school year, we were busy in helping them as well as planning events for the next season. We started our next round of events with a Cultural Morning (see p.2), where we were happy to see some of the newcomers of 2009. If you missed this event and wish to meet new people, you have another chance at our next Newcomer’s coffee Morning on October 15 that will be hosted by one of our dedicated volunteers. Following this event we plan to host a presentation on personal safety, “Surviving Houston’s Highways”. We are also organizing another wine tasting for singles and couples and we hope to see you at the new venue, tasting new wines! Please, let us know if you have information that would be useful for the whole expat community, as well as ideas on improving our services. If you would like to write an article for our next issue of Newsletter or have ideas about an interesting subject you would like to read about, please let us know!

All the best and stay safe!

[Lubka Elser]

CULTURAL MORNING INDONESIA, MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE

This year’s Cultural Morning held on September 29th introduced three beautiful countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. As it is traditional to organize the cultural mornings outside the Outpost office, this event took place at the Rattan restaurant, which is known for its delicious Asian specialties.

We focused on providing information about these countries (valuable in connection to upcoming Managed Open Resourcing rounds), and sharing hands-on experiences from expats who lived there. Hand-outs contained a short description of each country, with its cultural DO’s & DON’Ts and a recipe of a traditional dish (for a PDF version of the hand-outs, please contact Outpost Houston at [email protected]). An information table displayed publications & DVDs that we received from the Indonesian Consulate in Houston, guide books from Outpost Houston library, books about Singapore from one of our

speakers and the last issue of the Destinations magazine dedicated to countries of South East Asia.

We are very happy that Karin, Marjanne and Silvia, all expat spouses, were willing to share their experiences. Silvia and Marjanne were both on posting in Miri and gave us an insight into how they experienced the colourful Malaysian culture. They both explained to us what was difficult, what was easy and what they enjoyed the most, and then answered questions from the curious

audience. Afterwards, Karin gave us a presentation about her 6 years in Singapore. We were amazed to hear about her stories of this multicultural city-state, that she took her Singaporean horse back to The Netherlands or her volunteering at the Asian Civilization and Peranakan Museums. After the presentation Meri, who is Indonesian and just relocated to Houston, told us a few words about Jakarta and her posting in Brunei. At the end of the talks we tasted some of the delicious Asian appetizers prepared by the Rattan restaurant.

We look forward to see you all at our future events!


HOUSTON ACTIVITIES

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN Continued from page 1

If you want to celebrate the Halloween without leaving the city, don’t miss the Houston Zoo Boo 2009. The Zoo is guaranteed fun all year long, but the kids love it even more when they get to wear their spooky Halloween costume. Besides showing off their costume in the Costume Parade and dance to the “thrilling” music with the children’s DJ, they can pick out their small pumpkin at the Fiesta Mart Pumpkin Patch and paint it into a Halloween jack-o-lantern! What’s more, they will find candies throughout the Zoo at the “Trunk or Treat” booths. Don’t forget your Halloween basket!

Another great way to enjoy the Halloween in Houston is to visit the McDonald’s® Halloween Mansion at the Children’s Museum of Houston. From October 20 through 31, the whole family will enjoy trick-or-treating, making monster mosaics, hair raising activities and more. Older kids will love to play Dr. Frankenstein and bring to life mystical monsters in the Monster Mix-n-Match; learn everything about spiders and find out this menacing creature is simply misunderstood; create wiggly worms and watch as the “worms” wiggle and squirm in a solution and then take them home, and many other special Halloween activities. This will be the first Halloween celebration since the museum expansion. The place has doubled in size and now promises to offer twice as much fun. Halloween goodies and trinkets will be scattered throughout the museum. Have fun! More information:

www.dewberryfarm.com 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423 September 26 - November 15, Saturdays: 10am-10pm, Sundays: 12pm to dusk. The general admission to the farm costs $11 for kids age 3 to 54 and $8 for seniors. Although the Dewberry Farm will be closed to the public after November 15, this year it’ll reopen on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 27) for the Christmas tree season. There will be no admission charge and the families will be able to choose their Christmas tree.

www.houstonzoo.org/zooboo 6200 Golf Course Dr, Houston, TX 77030 October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 from 9 am to 4 pm The general admission for children 2 to 11 is $6, age 12 to 64 pay $10 and seniors $6. All Zoo Boo activities are included in the Zoo admission fee. It’s free for Zoo Members. www.cmhouston.org/halloween Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004 October 20 through 31 Trick-or-treat every day from 4 pm to 6 pm The general admission for children/adults 1 to 65 is $7. Free for children under 1 and Museum members. Admission price includes all activities, movies, spotlight performances, special events and hands-on exhibits.


WHAT’S ON IN HOUSTON

You’re Invited! You will have the opportunity to meet with new and recent arrivals, settled spouses, our Meet & Greet Team as well as Outpost Staff. We have a lovely children’s playroom, so feel free to bring the kids along. Coffee with a Twist! Each Open House hosts a special guest who will speak about issues relative to expatriate life in Houston. Look out for details in upcoming email announcements.

The next Open House will be on October 22nd and will be a presentation called Surviving Houston’s Highways with a state trooper telling us about personal safety and a speaker from Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition making us aware of human trafficking in Houston. We also plan another Newcomers’ Coffee Morning at the home of one of our dedicated volunteers. Our events typically start at 10:00 am with coffee, where you can socialize with other employees and spouses as well as meet the Outpost Houston staff, and last till noon.

We hope to see you all soon!

Nothing says more about a city than its names

Westheimer Road

Is named after Mitchell Louis Westheimer (1831-1906). He came to Texas from Germany in 1859 and bought 640-acres of farmland, which became known as the Westheimer Plantation residence on the site of the present Lamar High School. With his wife he raised sixteen children: eight of their own, three orphans, and five children of relatives. In the 1860s Westheimer built a school on his farm for the children of the area. He was a hay merchant and owned a flourmill, and also it was him who laid the first streetcar tracks in Houston. In the 1880s Westheimer opened the Houston Livery Stable. His nephews formed the Westheimer Transfer and Storage Company in 1883, which is still in operation today. The Westheimer family was active member of the oldest synagogue in Texas, the Congregation Beth Israel. In 1895 Westheimer dedicated a portion of the land from his plantation to Harris County to provide right-of-way for a short-cut road to Columbus and Sealy. This road was denominated Westheimer Road and runs west from near downtown Houston over thirty miles to Fulshear. It is the longest major thoroughfare in Texas. http://www.tshaonline.org/

Fight Cancer – Collect corks

Houston-area Spec's stores are asking community members to drop off their used corks in support of The Cork Project, a charity recycling campaign launched about three months ago. All types of corks are welcome. “It is a way to do two things,” Spec's director of marketing Lisa Key said. “One, we are recycling corks and keeping them out of landfills. Second - project partner TerraCycle will donate 2 cents per cork to The Christus Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, which is based in downtown Houston.” “They are on the verge of a true ‘break-out’ to finding a cure,” said Key, who recently visited the foundation's labs with her father, Spec's owner John Rydman. Spec's will be working on this project indefinitely with TerraCycle, which uses natural and artificial corks and other materials to create a wide range of everyday items, from trivets to playground bases. Spec's stores will start carrying some of TerraCycle's products this August. The campaign has been well received so far at the Spec's at 11990 Westheimer, near Kirkwood. A lot of people collect corks. This is a great use for them. For more information, call Spec’s at 713-526-8787 http://www.terracycle.net/

MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE


NEW REGULATIONS

TEXAS DRIVERS

New Laws for Drivers in Texas as of September 2009

Here are some of the changes in traffic rules that have come into effect since September 2009. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all laws passed in the past legislative session.

- In the first 12 months of getting their license teenaged drivers are prohibited from:

o Driving between midnight and 5am o Travelling with more than one passenger under the age of 21 o Using wireless communication devices while driving.

- Teenagers under the age of 18 are required to take a ‘Behind-the-Wheel’ test before being issued with a driver’s license.

- People under the age of 25 cannot be issued a driver’s license unless they present a ‘Driver Education Certificate’.

- Children under the age of 8, and under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be secured in size-appropriate child passenger safety-seat systems (i.e. use a booster seat). Violation will get a warning but will become a ticketing offense from June 1, 2010.

- It is illegal to use mobile phones (handheld wireless communication device - WCD) in a school-crossing zone. Hands-free devices are permitted. WCDs are only allowed in an emergency.

- All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear a seat belt. - New Texas residents will be allowed to drive without a Texas license for 90 days rather the current

30 days. - A safety compliance label is required to be placed on the windshield, side or rear

window stating that window tinting complies with the provisions in Transportation Code.

- Drinking and driving: o There will be a 1 year suspension of license for an alcohol-related conviction of driving or

boating when a child is present. o Minors face prosecution if convicted of operating a boat with any detectible amount of

alcohol in their system. Drive Safely – Remember drinking and driving do not mix. Ref: Texas Journey, Sept/Oct ‘09 For a recorded sound bite on this topic, call 512-424-2606 Read about DPS online at www.txdps.state.tx.us

*********** Chain Letter for Texas motorists It has been brought to our attention that a chain letter about emergency assistance on a highway is being sent around. However, the information in this letter is not entirely untrue. There is indeed a Texas Roadside Assistance phone number 1-800-525-5555 (in small print above the barcode) on your driver’s license. You can call the number for roadside assistance (as well as to report an accident or suspected drug activity). But there will be no tow truck for free. Service calls are made at the driver's expense and are not paid for with tax dollars. The hotline merely connects you to services.


EXPATS SHARING EXPERIENCE

RUNNING IN HOUSTON

By Helen Grant

On arrival in Houston you may well think any plans of keeping fit will be confined to driving to the most conveniently located gym and joining the many rows of gym rats pounding the treadmills, stair climbers or elliptical machines. A change of scene coming in the form of which TV channel you wish to tune into that day. Being able to workout 24/7 in any weather has its place but for those who wish to seek the great outdoors there may be more opportunities in the Greater Houston Area than you imagine.

Houston has a thriving running community. It is estimated that over four million people circumnavigate the Memorial Park 3 mile loop by foot every year. Take a drive along Memorial Drive at any time of day and you will see folk out walking, jogging and running along the street lit, crushed granite trail. There are ¼ mile markers, water fountains, restrooms and even free hot shower facilities at the Memorial Tennis Center. For those who don’t like to run alone – here’s the place to be and be seen. If you prefer to run from work or at lunchtime there is Buffalo Bayou. Starting Downtown you can head out west along Allen Parkway, run alongside the banks of the city’s major Bayou, cross Shepherd’s Bridge and return via Memorial Drive. Once again there are water fountains, paths and for those who prefer to run on grass a five mile loop of short, sharp hilly terrain upon which you can test your fitness. Those living and working out west don’t miss out. Terry Hershey Park makes a convenient alternative. This can be accessed at all the major road crossings between Sam Houston Parkway and Highway 6. Between the two are over six miles of asphalt and grass trails to the north of the bayou and off road mountain bike trails to the south. Again there are water fountains, restrooms and several cold, outdoor showers for cooling off. Even your dog can take a drink at the doggie water fountains. These are the three most popular and central locations to walk or run. Less frequented are the Ho Chin Min mountain bike trails located to the south of Memorial Drive in Memorial Park, the trails in Herman Park and the route circumnavigating Rice University. Unlike other major US cities, Houston is unusual in having many different running clubs which come together under the umbrella organization Houston Area Road Running Association (HARRA – pronounced Hurrah). Check out their website: www.harra.org if you are seeking the company of like minded individuals or the discipline of training groups in your area. There are currently 24 running clubs listed and the monthly magazine, Inside Texas Running, you receive by joining this organization lists the news of other running-related events such as trail running, ultra-running, high school cross country & track throughout Texas. At this time of year the majority of runners in Houston are focusing on their preparations for the Chevron Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon. However, there are still family 5K fund raisers held every Saturday morning with Race for the Cure, October 3, bringing together over 30,000 people. As always, everything is well planned with parking, restrooms and refreshments for everyone. The only thing that cannot be controlled is the weather. If you are seeking a break from organized urban life, check out the following. All are like-minded people trying to get off the beaten track. Houston Trail & Ultra Runners: http://www.geocities.com/h_t_rex/ Houston Orienteering Club: http://www.hoc.us.orienteering.org/ Houston Adventure Racing Club: http://www.houstonadventureracing.com/houston/Home.html Houston Racing (Triathlon) Club: http://www.houstonracing.com/


NEW ARRIVALS

Houston CityPass By Mette Willoughby

A CityPass is a booklet of discount tickets to Houston’s most popular attractions, a smart purchase for day trips with family and friends or for when you have visitors. The places to visit are recommended and chosen by the experts from National Geographic Traveler magazine.

By purchasing the booklet you will experience the urban city, Houston with its museums, restaurants and shops - a cheaper way, with a discount up to 45 % of regular prices and also the benefit to skip tickets lines as you can enter through members’ line.

The CityPass consists of 5 or 6 tickets to the attractions such as The Space Center (NASA), Houston Museum of Natural Science, George Ranch Historical Park, to name but a few. The booklet also includes a city map, transportation information,

opening hours of all the attractions, money saving coupons, etc. The tickets are valid for 9 consecutive days from the day you first use the pass.

The CityPass costs $39 for adult and $29 for children age 4-11. The pass is available also in other cities like New York, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Toronto, etc. http://www.citypass.com/what.html http://www.discoveramerica.com/ca/texas/houston-city-pass.html http://www.thefamilytravelfiles.com/ezine/articles/124/

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS OF HOUSTON

Calling all expat ladies or ladies who have previously been on expat assignments.

International Connections of Houston welcomes all of you to its monthly meetings where you will have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. In addition, the club offers a varied group of activities ranging from walking groups, swimming, tennis, foreign language lessons and conversation groups, dinners, lunches, cooking demonstrations and much more besides. Why not come along to our next meeting as see for yourselves? Our meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10.00 am in the Conference Centre of The Apartments on Voss, 2424 S. Voss Road in Houston. Contact: Kareen Dee Email: [email protected] www.internationalconnectionshouston.org (The list is for networking purposes only. Please respect this)

John Donovan Vanessa Kertznus Steven Anderson Pavel Galperin

Ronald & Gloria Villanueva Osmera Othman & Norasmah

Bolhasan Jason Jeremiah & spouse

Ronnie Natividad David Bird

Thomas & Anne Krayenbuhl-Jolliet

Chih-Cheng Lin & Josephine He David & Gillian Pendrey

Inayat Al-Mandhary & Conrad McCarthy

Daniel & Morena Minisini Dan & Antonela Petcu Kathleen Eisbrenner

Qingfeng Wang & spouse Andrew Hepher

Alan & Trang Cormack Paul Rudman & Sarah Jo Connor

Rutger Beelaerts Stefan Brauner

Welcome to Houston!

NEW ARRIVALS


EXPATS SHARING EXPERIENCE

“I HAVE A DREAM” - COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY IN THE USA

by Mette Willoughby

The US has got the most number of highly ranked universities, colleges and schools in the world, and students who successfully complete their degree have, for years, been highly sought-after by employers worldwide. If you are contemplating on doing a degree in the United States, here is some food for thought and some of the steps to follow.

It does not necessarily have to cost a lot of money. Some long-term residents of Texas may be able to pay “In-State Tuition Fees”. House Bill 1403 is a law passed in 2001 that allows some non-citizen students to pay in-state tuition at a Texas public university and to qualify for state financial aid. Here are some of the most important conditions:

If the student is a US Citizen or Permanent Resident 1) Has resided with a parent or legal guardian or conservator during at least a portion of the 3 years leading up to high school graduation or the receipt of a GED certificate. 2) Has graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this state 3) Has resided in this state for at least three years as of the date the person graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma 4) Has registered as an entering student in an institution of higher education If student is not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident 1) Has lived in Texas the 12 months prior to enrollment 2) Student must be coded as a House Bill student by the Admission’s Office For further details please visit the web site www.utsa.edu/financialaid/hb1403.html Visa: On moving away from home and onto campus, the student could be eligible to get the F-1 Visa. The Immigration and Naturalization Department (INS), under the State Department of the United States, issue this visa. The F-1 visa is issued to students who are enrolled in an academic or English language program. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. The applicant must meet the following basic requirements: must have good health and have health insurance, must obey all US laws, all applicants must display proof of financial responsibility to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and must agree to leave the USA after the course of US study is complete. You may also wish to consult a qualified attorney in this matter.

During your Senior Year: What to do during the fall semester? * Participate in College Fair(s) * Essay writing * Go to see schools and take a tour. Ask questions to see whether you feel this is the place for you * Investigate scholarships and financial aid information and make sure not to miss deadlines * Take required test, like the SAT or/and ACT. See the individual universities requirements. These tests can be taken multiple times, but your application deadline will limit this.

Continued on page 9


IDEAS FOR LEASURE TIME

Continued from page 8 The SAT Reasoning Test (Scholastic Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test in math, critical reading, and writing for college admissions in the US. It is developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization, which claims that the SAT can determine whether or not a person is ready for college. http://www.collegeboard.com/ The ACT Test (American College Test) assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. It is a multiple-choice test, which covers four areas: English, math, reading and science. The writing test is optional. http://www.act.org/ * Contact institutions to provide transcripts, and ask teachers and administrators who know you well to write letters of recommendation. Submit applications before the end of the semester, directly to the university. How to Apply Common University Application (Texas) - ApplyTexas was created through a collaborative effort between the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the colleges and universities represented on the site. The goal is to offer a centralized means for both Texas and non-Texas students to apply to the many postsecondary institutions available in Texas. https://www.applytexas.org/ A number of Universities (~400) use the Common Application The Common Application is a nonprofit membership organization that it is committed to providing reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity in the college application process. It serves students, member institutions, and secondary schools by providing applications – online and in print – that students and school officials may submit to any of the nearly 400 members. Membership is open to colleges and universities that promote access by evaluating students using a holistic selection process. https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx

If you are in process of collecting information about higher education in the US and would like to share it with others in Shell, please write an e-mail to [email protected] and we will happily include it in forthcoming Newsletters.

Events in Houston Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia October 9 – January 10 www.hmns.org One World Music Jam October 17 www.milleroutdoortheatre.com International Quilt Festival October 14 - 18 www.quilts.com Halloween Storytime Party October 24 www.barnesandnoble.com Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trailblazers October 31 www.rockets.com Houston Grand Opera - The Elixir of Love October 23 – November 7 www.houstongrandopera.org Disney on Ice November 11 - 15 www.reliantpark.com Stages Theatre - Panto Sleeping Beauty November 18 – January 3 www.stagestheatre.com Surviving: The Great Debate October 15 www.thehealthmuseum.org Cinema Arts Festival Houston November 13 - 15 www.mfah.org 14th Annual Children Festival November 14 & 15 www.woodlandscenter.org Jackson Browne December 1 www.verizonwirelesstheater.com


WHAT’S ON IN HOUSTON

What’s on in Houston Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Renaissance Festival in one of the nation’s largest, most acclaimed renaissance theme parks where the sights, sound, tastes and beauty of the 16th Century come alive every Saturday and Sunday for 8 weekends. October through November, from 9 a.m. to dusk at Plantersville, TX. Come and get up close with birds of prey, see the ancient art of war, noble knights on costumed steeds with authentic weapons, skilled swordsmen, Shakespeare’s verses coming alive by a stand-up comedian, gypsy dance, or just stroll in the beautiful gardens with exotic trees or have ride on an Oliphant. For directions and all attractions check www.texrenfest.com

FAMILY

The Moon: "Houston, Tranquility Base Here. The Eagle Has Landed," September 27–January 10 The MFAH celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing with a major exhibition that explores 500 years of mankind's fascination with the moon, from early telescopes, to romantic paintings, to NASA photographs. For information, as well as various educational programs, lectures or Sunday family tours visit www.mfah.org/moon Price: Adults $7, children $3.50 Location: Museum of Fine Arts

For more ideas check p.9 Please, let us know about interesting activities that are planned in the period of December through February for our next Newsletter!

NATURE

Wings over Houston 25th Airshow

October 31 & November 1 U.S. Navy Blue Angels, prop-driven warbirds, a demonstration by US coast guard helicopter, aerobatic aviators, wingwalker, skydiving, but also Radio Controlled Model Aircrafts and many other attractions. Location: Ellington Field Price: $15 adult, $4 child or $35 family ticket. www.wingsoverhouston.com Feast with the Beasts 6 November, 7-11 pm Houston Zoo's 4th Annual Food & Drink Celebration, featuring 50 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and a live performance. Sea lion show, piranha feeding, tiger chat and other shows. Price: $85, members $75 Location: Houston ZOO www.houstonzoo.org/en/cev/412

FOR THE KIDS

The Story of the Lone Star State October – November, 11am From the Native Americans to NASA astronauts, 600 years of Texas tales are told in 45 minutes. Audiences learn about Indian folklore, Spanish exploration, Hispanic heritage, and the many cultures and peoples that have shaped our state. Free entrance. Location: Miller Outdoor Theater

ART Cool Globes Houston:

October 8 – December 31 The public art exhibit will feature 50 super-sized Cool Globes that each convey a different message about what ordinary citizens can do to combat global warming. The five-foot diameter, seven-foot-tall globes will be decorated by local, national and international artists. www.coolglobes.com Location: Discovery Green


NEW BOOKS

New Books in the Outpost Library

The library of Outpost Houston has many books about Houston, Texas, USA and also books and documents about other Shell locations worldwide. We also have books oriented on expat life, expat children and living in a different country. You can borrow any amount of books for 14 days and can return them in person or via internal mail.

When in Rome or Rio or Riyadh: cultural Q&As for successful

business behavior around the world

by Gwyneth Olofsson

For nearly 20 years, Gwyneth Olofsson has been helping people avoid the cultural gaffes that plague travelers to new cultures. Over the years, her colleagues and acquaintances have come to her for advice about living and working in a wide variety of new situations. Her answers-in letters and e-mails-are now an essential guide for businesspeople and professionals working outside their own culture. She coaches the business traveler on important cultural issues, many that can easily go awry: getting acquainted, making a good impression, eating and drinking together, understanding diverse rules of time, discussing ethics and politics in the workplace and many more.

Asian Business Customs & Manners: A Country-by-Country

Guide

by Mary Murray Bosrock

Asian Business Customs & Manners is the comprehensive guide to Asian customs, cultures, and communication. It contains information on every aspect of Asian business culture, including business practices and attitudes, meetings, negotiations, meals, punctuality, language, gestures, and everything in between. The book helps ensure best business practices abroad, resulting in successful business relationships and transactions. It includes information for the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as a brief overview of Australia.

Texas DK Eyewitness books

by Simon Adams & David

Murdoch

The rich history of the Lone Star State is brought to life in hundreds of objects, artifacts, and artworks that you'd have to visit 50 museums to see live. Learn about how ranching and the discovery of oil changed the face of Texas, who Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin were, why cowboys wore high-heeled boots and large-brimmed hats, and much more. A great book for advanced second graders and above. The illustrations and the facts are both well presented.


OUTPOST HOUSTON NEWS

Emergency?

Dial 911 & give

• your name • your street, number & zip • your phone number • police, fire or ambulance

Editor: Lubka Elser Assistant Editor: Mette Willoughby Newsletter Input: Hema Kamath Adriana Reis Helen Grant Outpost Team: Lubka Elser Adriana Reis Miranda Mulders Jumoke Oduwole Hema Kamath Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am - 2pm Shell Woodcreek, Ste 6115 200 N. Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77079 ph. 281 544 4600 fax. 281 544 4159 [email protected] www.outposthouston.com

The information given by Outpost-Houston is based upon the gathered personal experiences of expatriate families. Therefore, you will appreciate that Outpost Houston cannot accept any liability for damages directly or indirectly resulting from the services rendered or information given.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Police, Fire Department, Ambulance City of Houston Services Helpline Houston Police Department Harris County Sheriff’s Office Reliant Energy (power outage) Telephone Directory Assistance Bush Int. Airport Information Postal Service AAA Stranded Motorists Toll Road Assistance (working hrs) Toll Road Assistance (24 hrs) GEMS Benefits (BUPA) United HealthCare Expatriate Services

911 311 713 222 3131 713 221 6000 1 800 332 7143 1 411 281 230 3100 1 800 275 8777 713 284 6523 1 800 525 5555 713 222 7328 281 376 3472 [email protected] 1 800 554 9299 713 245 4800

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

October 15 Newcomer’s Coffee Morning Time: 10 - noon October 22 Surviving Houston’s Highways Time: 10 - noon November (TBA) After Summer wine Tasting Time: 5 – 8 p.m. November 19 Coffee with a Twist: Texas Oil Time: 10 am - Noon Location: Outpost Houston Watch for specific dates and times in our ‘Classifieds’ email announcements and also on our website www.outposthouston.com

Documents

Outpost Houston Newsletteroutposthouston.com/pdf/09_Q3.pdf · three special activities for kids of all ages. The Dewberry Farm is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Halloween