In a good way. Guess who's featured on their Fashion Homepage??
Yep! They sent a very nice email alerting me to my HP presence which was a follow up from their previous email apologizing for the Bernini mix up. Brickfish is back in my good graces.
FYI, you can vote everyday. In case, you know, you are devoted to me winning this competition as such me. I'm ranked 29 with a viral meter of warm...I would like that viral meter to be HOT. Like my shoe design. Feel free to share. Real free.
Oh, and FYI "Guest 137587183_ 87488048" who left the feedback "ive seen the same shoe everywhere" - um, NO. You have NEVER seen that shoe anywhere. It's a Taft Empire Couture original.
I think I might be going to NYC to meet Mr. Madden himself......
So, right now Zappos is co-sponsoring this Steve Madden promo hosted by Brickfish - "Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com." That pretty much sums it up.
Much like the Purple Lab submission that I participated in (and WON...sort of), Brickfish users submit their designs, promote it, the community votes, and the top 250 entries get chosen by editors as various winners. Grand prize is a trip to Las Vegas and New York, and the chance to pitch your design to Mr. Steve Madden himself.
Pretty cool, right? I'll take part that in. Wrong.
Instead of using the gawky "Entry Editor" available for the promotion, I submitted my Baroque shoe design assignment from my Fashion 9A sketch class last year. Remember it?
Certainly original, and plus - I don't have to sketch another.
Anyways.......I submit my sketch, title it "If it Ain't Baroque" and in the description box, write "Bernini inspired D'Orsay".
Done.
Nope!
Not even ten minutes go by, I get the following email in my inbox from the Brickfish Team:
* * * *
Dear Amanda,
We value your contributions and want to thank you for being an active member of Brickfish®.
We wanted to let you know that we have recently removed your entry "If it Ain't Baroque" from "Steve Madden's SOLE SEARCH powered by Zappos.com" for the following reason:
Does not fit requirements (Entrant must not make reference to any other competitive shoe brand or Web site.)
* * * *
Competitive shoe brand or web site? What? It took me ANOTHER ten minutes to realize, they think I'm referring to Bernini the brand..not the famous BAROQUE Italian sculptor. FAIL BRICKFISH.
FAIL.
You should be embarrassed. There was a pun and everything! And to top it all off, even in natural search.........Gian Lorenzo Bernini comes up first. First natural search result, Brickfish. First!
Currently trying to sort this out. Update to follow.
For those of you who don't know what a Moxi is, allow me to introduce itself....it's name is Mox-ohhh, M to the oxi. The World's Best HD DVR…, no joke. Anyone who's ever had a Moxi, knows exactly what I'm talking about.
* * * *
My husband and I were first introduced to Moxi way back when Adelphia use to service West LA. Time Warner, the crushing media mogul that it is, bought out Adelphia, and although our service provider changed, our DVR did not. That is until one day, our beloved Moxi died :(
When TWC came to replace it, they gave us something made by Motorola. Like everything Motorola makes, it failed miserably. First and foremost, the interface doesn't even compare. See below. It says COX in the corner, but it's the same box, same interface.
I mean, scroll back up and compare the two. Doesn't, right? We went from cruising down the street in our '64 to riding the carpool lane in a Ford Fusion (i.e. no longer super-fly).
Second of all, there's too often a response delay from the remote to the DVR. If I hit the "menu" button, it could take up to 5-10 seconds for the DVR to process this signal. Sometimes it doesn't even process the signal at all. We've accidentally deleted shows we were watching because the DVR will pick and choose what remote signals it wants to accept that day. GRRR mediocre technology.
Third, and leading off of second, the DVR has the ability to become possessed. I'm not even joking. Check out this video below. It says Comcast, but it's made by Motorola. How did Motorola snag all these contracts? Oh I know, by producing super cheap boxes and passing that savings off to the cable companies. This Motorola box would regularly freak out and turn to the religious channel for no reason at all.
Our Moxi never fell to the temptations of the devil.
* * * *
Anyways...after a month, maybe, of putting up with this inferior box, we called TWC, and we're like, give us back our Moxi. They said they couldn't. This will be TWC's theme for the rest of this post.
They said they had discontinued their contract with Moxi (which I'm not sure they even had one in the first place), and the only way to get a Moxi was to purchase one on our own (which you know, run about $800) or try to get our hands on a refurbished one, which was highly unlikely. Apparently, they get snatched up pretty quick. You know, because they rule and all. Okay....we accepted our fate. That was until...
We went over to my bff's Court's house (aka Downtown Brown), and she and her husband (Bri Bri) HAD a Moxi. Let me recount the dialogue as I remember. Me: "You guys have a Moxi?!" Bri Bri: "Yeah, so awesome" Me: "They [TWC] told us you couldn't get a Moxi anymore." Bri Bri: "That's a lie. They have them."
* * * *
A lie?!?! So about a week or two ago, I was inspired by frustration to call TWC again and level with the customer service agent. If we don't get a Moxi, we're going to DirecTV. This was not an empty threat. My husband unfortunately is a Browns fan, and he covets Direct's NFL package. We never get Cleveland games on the West Coast. You know, unless they're going to get beaten by a really popular team or something.
* * * *
First the rep tells me, while he could send a technician to my house to replace the box, the technician probably won't have a Moxi on him.
Um...then what's the point?
Then he explains, the best way to get a Moxi is to bring my old box into THEIR offices, and see if they have one in stock.
Really? The best way to get you, my service provider, to replace my DVR with a Moxi....is for me to come to you. That's the laziest customer service ever. Even lazier than the model Ikea has set up. I mean, who pays who around here?
However, they make promises that they will try their best to show up with a Moxi.
* * * *
After that conversation and some Facebook feedback, (see below)
I contacted TWC again re: the matter. Here's the transcript from that online chat, dated 10/6/09.
* * * * user Amanda_ has entered room
analyst Wilson has entered room
Wilson> Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable. We are currently testing our live chat function and appreciate your patience. At the end of our chat you will be given the option of taking a brief survey. Hi! My name is Wilson. Please give me a moment while I access your account.
Wilson> I will assist you with your inquiry about the DVR.
Amanda_> K, right now i have an appt for a cableman to come over and replace my dvr
Amanda_> i hate it
Amanda_> i've asked for a moxi, but you guys can't guarantee it
Amanda_> i've heard the only way i can get a moxi is to go down to the time warner building and get one there
Amanda_> how do i do that?
Amanda_> do i just show up? do i have to bring my old box?
Wilson> Unfotunately, we cannot guarantee any model or brand of box.
Amanda_> i know that, and i'm going to leave Time Warner if I don't get a moxi, but that's besides the point
Wilson> You need to go with your old DVR.
Wilson> With your photo ID.
Amanda_> K, so i have to disconnect it myself?
Wilson> There will be no charge for the exchange.
Wilson> Yes, you need to disconnect it your self.
Amanda_> and bring it, exchange it, and then set it up myself?
Wilson> Correct.
Amanda_> and that's my best shot at getting a moxi, because you guys won't bring me one?
Wilson> It is that we will not deliver one, it is that we cannot guarantee that the technician will take a Moxi box for you.
Amanda_> Why?
Amanda_> Dont' you have computers that can capture data like that?
Wilson> Because, if there is no Moxi boxes at the time you have the schedule the technician will take another brand.
Amanda_> Couldn't we just be contacted and put on a wait list?
Wilson> There is no wait list to get a Moxi box.
Amanda_> But, if I requested a moxi, and you didn't have it in stock, someone could create a wait list, right?
Wilson> I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you. However there is no wait list to get a Moxi box, we cannot create a wait list for it.
Amanda_> No. You can. You will not. Correct?
Wilson> We are not able to make a wait list for it. There is no way for us to contact the warehouse to make a wait list.
Amanda_> None of that makes sense.
Amanda_> There's no way, humanly possible to contact the warehouse
Amanda_> no phone number, no email address
Wilson> I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Amanda_> how do you business with them if you can't contact them?
Wilson> We do not have their phone number, or the e-mail address.
Amanda_> Then how do you do business with them?
Wilson> We place the order, the technician read the order and he goes to the warehouse to get the necessary equipment.
Amanda_> So you do have contact with the warehouse?
Wilson> The technician has contact with the warehouse.
Amanda_ And the technician will not make a wait list, correct?
Wilson> Correct, I am not able for policies reasons, to place and order to make a wait list for a Moxi box.
Amanda_> That's fine. Can you email me that policy?
Wilson> Sorry, they are company policies.
Amanda_> Okay. Well, I hope things work out
Wilson> You want me to find the closest store for you?
Amanda_> I believe it's on Nebraska
Wilson> Okay.
Wilson> Is there anything else I can help you with?
Amanda_> No.Thank you.
* * * *
It's like dealing with a government agency.
* * * *
I even tried reaching out to Moxi via their Facebook fan page to get to the bottom of this.
I didn't get a response. Since I like you and all Moxi, a little social networking for brands 101: Don't set up a two way communication channel if you don't want to participate in the conversation. By ignoring potential advocates, you run the risk of alienating them. FYI.
* * * *
Anyways.........last weekend the TWC technician came out, and he didn't have a box. Sort of half expected. We sent him back, and I told him we were switching to DirecTV. Again, not an empty threat. I don't make them. I've walked home on more than one occasion. In fact, I think I jumped on the computer in front of the technician and looked up DirecTV. Apologetic, the man left. End scene.
Or.....so I thought.......
Low and behold, Tafty gets a call Wednesday from TWC saying they have a box and want to come out Thursday. We schedule for Saturday...and ta da!
Moxi is back in effect....with a slight catch. Time Warner doesn't carry the new sexy boxes.
Super sexy, right? And they connect to the internet and do things like download Netflix movies and import your Flickr photos. Yesssss...I want on so bad.
Instead, we were able to get our hands on an old Moxi, the same Moxi we use to have. Unfortunately, the old boxes don't have the HDMI hook-up. Tafty is telling me it'll be fine. Meaning, he'd rather have me win this Moxi fight and sacrifice a little definition. Just a little. He works in post, so it's kind of important to him.
This is a long over due update. About a month and a half ago (I know, long over due), I received the following email from Brickfish prizing!!!!!!!
* * * *
Hey Amanda, (<----Kind of informal right?)
It is our pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as a Most Viral winner in the Purple Lab “Kiss and Tell Your Huge Lips Skinny Hips I.D.” campaign!! Congrats, you will be named a Purple Lab "Multi-Tasking Maven." As such, you will receive 2 colors of your choice from the Huge Lips Skinny Hips collection as well as exclusive access to pre-launch products!
* * * *
Um, hell yeah. Exclusive access to pre-launch products? Two words I love, "exclusive" and "pre-launch." The ten most viral entries were chosen as "Most Viral Winners." I ended up ranking #7 out of the ten with a score of 523, 1620 views and eight reviews. Not bad considering there was 461 entries. Below is a snapshot of my viral meter. I'm hot!!!
Pretty ironic that a media buyer ends up winning most viral entry. The beauty of it? I didn't even really push it that hard (mostly because it's a picture of me on a pole in my living room. But whatevs, I'm an S-Factor student. An upper level student at that these days).
Most viral entry..........Hmmmm.. maaybee.........somebody knows something about how this whole internet thing? Shhh...wouldn't want that getting out.
It's true. Case in point, Tafty's brilliant tortilla soup.
Yum. So yum, he made it twice this week. The recipe is ridiculously simple. We upgraded on the salsa buying some Santa Babara type chipotle mixture and skipped the chicken. Where am I going to get shredded chicken? Haven't figured that out quite yet. Stay tuned for more delicious challenges.
This whole thing started after I bought a shadow box to house and display my many, many "wedding mementos." A project I've been putting off. After all, it was the best damn branded wedding ever attended (actual feedback from a guest, thank you). So now, I'm left with a sampling of napkins, programs, save the dates, misc accessories, etc.....etc.......etc. I spent, I think, a total of two nights in front of the TV; arranging and rearranging everything in a classic, clean and modern .....way??? But, it just kept coming out crafty.
Ew.
Kind of like this.
* * * * *
So I gave up on that idea.
But.......still had this shadow box in my possession; now without a purpose.
After numerous "shadow box ideas" Google searches, I found Heart Fish's blog and their copycat wood type. I ended up buying the letters off of eBay which were WAY cheaper than any letter sellers on Etsy, and I'm quite impressed with how it turn out.
And.......there's hidden code in my letters. It's probably hard to tell from the photo, but "Taft", "Tafty", "CT", "AT", "17", etc.....etc.....etc....are all in there. In fact every letter has a purpose.
Nate Berkus...how we love you. You take everything, and make it more beautiful than we ever imagined.
Martha has nothing on you. And Colin? He's just a bit too dramatic at times. But you...you are perfect.
I've been on Oprah.com a lot lately, if you can tell. The season is back and off the hook. I've also been redoing my living room (as much as you can in a rental) and looking for style inspiration. Enter Nate and his "Decorating Essentials".
He lists eight total essentials from antique chairs to funky lamps, but my favorite decorating essential? Framing old notes. Nate suggests displaying old notes from important people in your life by framing them. I framed a note from Tafty below.
He wrote it on a piece of scrap paper while I was sleeping and left it for me to find in the morning. It was while we were engaged, and although the photo isn't great, the last line reads, "I can't wait to marry you". I heart him.
My mother didn't teach me how to cook. She knows how to cook, and I've seen her cook. I've actually eaten her food on occasion, and it's good. But this domestic skill set was never passed on to me.
For one, I don't think she had a lot of time. She spent half of my childhood working in corporate America, and the other half starting up her own graphic design business. Dinner was usually served before she got home by my father and consisted of anything you could make in a toaster oven. Think bagel bites and chicken nuggets. I had no complaints.
Reason number two, I don't think it was important to her. Although she never voiced it, I got the impression and would carry on the sentiment that successful women don't cook. Cooking was an expectation of a homemaker, not a business woman. A business woman brings in the bacon. She doesn't serve it up. And without going through my parents' family history and/or a sociology dissertation involving the implications of the ERA act on generation x and y.......my expectation was to receive a college degree, join the workforce and not need to know things like how to cook.
* * * * *
So because of all of this, the first time I ever attempted making anything (like actually cooking, not baking - there's a difference), I was out of the house. In college. It was mashed potatoes. And it didn't go well.
I ruined a pot.
Burned it from the inside out.
How? Well, the recipe didn't call for water. So I didn't add it. My parents thought this was "just rich", but come on, why would I know to add water? Oh, because anyone who knows anything about a stove, knows that. Clearly, I did not, and would table cooking and my attempts for approximately the next 5-7 years.
* * * * *
Fast forward to today. Inspired by fellow blogger/college comrade, Pammyh (sorry Moonlighting Fooditor, your culinary prowess is too intimidating), and the relatively new chicness associated with simple homemade gourmet, I've set out with the mission to cook at least ONE beautiful meal a week with the help of Sam the Cooking Guy.
I heart Sam. Sam the Cooking Guy says that if you knew how to cook better, you'd eat better, and he's right. He's not a fancy chef. He's a cook, and his cooking is efficient, healthy and easy. I love all these things.
Um, I sat through FIVE of these 5 to 7 minute long YouTube videos, only NOT to see "Big Shot Kitty Pole Dancer" be called out. I do not understand what is happening. In case you forgot, see below (and vote!)
This was To27.com's email blast that went out last Friday. Last Friday to approx 23,000+ readers. Hey-o!!
Claudia Chan, pres of Shecky's (as in Shecky's Girls Night)and the co-founder of To27.com, emailed me last week and asked if they could use my Nacho Story as their feature cover. Like, the whole Nacho ordeal was pretty amazing...but this buzz is beginning to rival it. I've gone from 300 to 1,000 uniques in a month.
The Barney's Warehouse Sale began this A.M.!! Running through the 23rd, it has a new location at the Convention Center Downtown. I know. I feel the same way. I miss the hanger.
Couldn't be better timing. I have an event in two weeks and a line item of mad money burning a whole in my bank register. It's just taking up space there. Not even accruing interest. It would be much better invested at the sale.
* * *
I'm going to try to make it out this Sunday. Expect pics.
Isn't it the cutest? And totally appropriate. Back in May, Dwell declared this little grill the hot pick of the day. I just found it at Anthro and thought it would be perfect.
And I was right. Our hosts loved it! Or at least, they were very polite. I'm not easily offended when it comes to gift reciprocation. I'm picky, so I don't expect anyone else not to be. I try my best, but gift receipts are always included. Always.
Chow suggested I make something. Make something? The only thing I know how to make............is a drink.
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