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Outing Forever 21's Sins on Fashion's Night Out

September 6, 2012 3:04 PM | filed in: business, gripes, los angeles design

September 6 is Fashion's Night Out, the industry's global initiative to "restore consumer confidence" and "bring the fun back to shopping." Fashion is a tricky thing: We all want it, but we can't all afford it. When I hear people talk about how expensive clothes are or how they get all of their wardrobe at Ross, I think of two films: First, I am reminded of The Devil Wears Prada. When Andy ignorantly scoffs as the magazine staff debates which of two similar turquoise belts to use in a shoot, Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly delivers a great speech to explain...

Wells Fargo, How You Disappoint Me...

July 26, 2011 4:42 PM | filed in: gripes

I am so mad at my supposed business banker that I sent an uncharacteristic email to him (he was not in, or I would have given him the verbal version -- with a lot more expletives). Here's the background: I had personal accounts (checking, saving -- standard deal) and added on business accounts. A few months later, the business account required an address change and contact person change. All kinds of errors were made at this small request: - First, I received business checks with the home address. (Oh, we'll fix that.)- Next, I received business checks with the business...

The Worst Tagline of All Time

May 4, 2011 11:41 AM | filed in: business, gripes

I guess one could argue that the title of this post is The Worst Blog Title of All Time, but I thought something flimsy and superlative was appropriate to the content. A common obstacle small-business owners encounter is a desire to serve more than just a target audience, in the name of diversification (or, in stronger terms, "throwing a bunch of shit at the wall to see what sticks"). I think it's often considered a protection--if business wanes in one avenue, hey, you can always sell t-shirts!--and also sometimes an indicator of head-too-big syndrome or pure greed. "We're a plumbing...

Welcome to the Neighborhood?

June 5, 2010 7:53 AM | filed in: gripes

In just a couple of weeks, we've met so many neighbors. People are often in their yards, and there are dogs everywhere, which means we encounter a lot of people on each walk. Because we have a new puppy, we've been consistently logging five to seven miles of walking each day. We take a really long one in the morning, another long one in the evening, and several short ones between. This way, the puppy (and our other dog) can expend all of that juvenile energy :) and be fairly calm. Usually, we're out of the house for the first...

The Good and the Bad of Moving

May 25, 2010 10:06 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams

I moved on Saturday.The new place is great, although a little smaller, and the neighborhood is ideal for us, with tons of dog owners, close proximity to places we visit on a regular basis, and lots within walking distance. We found out around May 5 that we needed to move, since our landlords found some new tenants (we were doing a month-to-month arrangement until they found someone, which happened right away), so it was a whirlwind couple of weeks to research places, take tours, go through the application process, and get packed.I love some aspects of moving: It's the perfect...

Amazing Tops Awesome in 2010 Most Overused Internet Phrase

April 30, 2010 7:57 AM | filed in: gripes, just for fun

At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Thursday, Amazing was crowned the Most Overused Internet Phrase for 2010, knocking Awesome from the top spot it's held for the past seven years. Finalists were selected from aggregated anonymous data supplied by Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and Bebo and verified by the accounting firm Price Waterhouse. Like, once dubbed "the sassy new 'um' for today's active professional" by The New York Times, has dwindled in popularity among 25- to 39-year-olds, whose social networking activity is more prevalent than the 12-24 age segment who embrace Like as much as the generation before them once did...

Oh, Starz, How I Know Thy Bump

April 22, 2010 10:22 PM | filed in: gripes

I'm a big fan of Netflix on Demand. Since getting rid of cable, TV-watching has become something we specifically decide to do--rather than something that reflexively happens because of laziness or boredom. This means we watch less programming in general and what we do watch is more targeted to our interests. I love documentaries, and there's always a broad variety; Dan likes to have mindless horror movies on in the background while working, and Netflix on Demand doesn't disappoint in that arena.Beside the instant on-demand service, we receive a constant rotation of Netflix Blu-Rays. One thing that drives me crazy...

Could Someone Please Invent Wireless Everything?

April 18, 2010 2:04 PM | filed in: gripes

Today I was taking some photos of the house for our landlords. Clutter seems to show twice as much in photos, so I was tidying up as I went along. Since we rent, we didn't drill holes when we hung our flat-screen in the living room. (I always have to mention this when someone comes in the room, because I can't just let them think I made the decision to do that.) Forget the days of one cord going from the TV to the outlet: High-definition televisions require more wires! This thing in our living room has one wire that's...

Holy Crap, It's April 14!

April 14, 2010 7:53 PM | filed in: gripes

I started filing income tax when I was a wee thing, and during and right after college, I always sent off my poor-person's 1040-EZ by mid-January. As I got older and started earning more (...and acquiring more complicated income from freelance work and eventually marrying a man who was self-employed for over a decade and starting businesses and losing money on investments and making a long-distance move to South Florida from Illinois...), income tax filing became way more of a hassle than using the Fed's little worksheets. One year, when I ended up at the post office on April 15...

Dear Department of Homeland Security:

January 9, 2010 4:03 PM | filed in: gripes, web development

Is that really you visiting my site so much? According to my research, one (or possible three!) your IPs makes more server requests than even Google and Yahoo bots. What could it be? I didn't know the DHS had such an interest in design. Thank you for checking out my samples. Perhaps you are looking for someone to redesign your agency's image? Or maybe you need a blog installed at www.dhs.gov? Oh, you probably like reading my to-do lists, thinking that maybe your bureau can get some inspiration from my perpetual and overriding work ethic. Could it be that you...

Seriously, I'm a Big Fat Liar

November 10, 2009 1:08 PM | filed in: graphic design & business, gripes

I said something in my last post--a week ago!--about posting a video entry the next day. Ha. I have the video, thanks to my lovely little HD camcorder that I've had for a few months. Isn't it amazing how technology advances? My previous HD camcorder, purchased in 1999 or 2000, was super low-resolution in comparison, not to mention really clunky! At the time, it was pretty advanced, but now it's blown away by the new one... I went with a top-of-the-line one again, so I can hopefully get a few (okay, a couple?) years out of it before I feel...

Finding Time to Blog is Hard...

November 3, 2009 3:52 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun, writing

I always have an intention to post daily entries on my blog, but invariably, I find having staying power the hardest part. Generally, I start out strong, then start to lag, until--the next thing I know--it's been a monthful of nothing. I definitely make mental notes (and some written notes) when a topic arises, so I can put it on the back burner of my brain and let it simmer. Even if I think about what I want to post, though, the time it takes to sit down (and avoid distraction), then type and edit, a post is at least...

Five Signs a Client May Be Driving Your Project Down the Toilet

October 21, 2009 6:58 AM | filed in: business, graphic design & business, gripes

Designers and other creatives are often stereotyped as lazy slackers with diva attitudes .There's a new commercial (for Intuit's build-your-own-website service) that shows one dissatisfied customer saying, "I hired a designer to build my website... five months ago..." with a been-there-I-can-relate overtone. Strangely, though, it's been my experience that many times, clients have a hard time doing their part to finish the project. I don't know if it's a mental block, laziness, or lack of real need to complete the work (underlying satisfaction/familiarity with the status quo), but it's clear that some clients are driven to complete a project with...

Sometimes It's Best Just to Walk Away

October 20, 2009 9:11 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams

This week, I had a regrettable experience with a short-term client. There was a disagreement about whether the work I performed merited getting paid. My ultimate response was to tell the client that while I thought their non-payment was incorrect, I wasn't going to pursue the matter. [I mean, have you ever been to small claims court? It's not very complicated, but it's kind of a waste of a day. You have to get dressed up to go to the courthouse, where you're felt up by security, then corralled in the most non-stimulating room known to man, then rustled into...

The Problem with Spec Work... Again, for Those Who Didn't Hear

October 16, 2009 7:59 AM | filed in: business, graphic design & business, gripes, los angeles design

What is "spec work" and why is it bad? "Spec" stands for "speculative." Spec work is "work done prior to engagement with a client in anticipation of [possibly] being paid," according to AIGA. (Boiled down: Spec is knowingly working without a guarantee of compensation.) Spec work can be disguised as: • Pro bono/volunteer work - This is work usually performed for not-for-profit or struggling organizations. Companies tout the good feelings associated with voluntarism.• Contests - People submit their designs to a judging panel on the chance of winning a (usually small) prize. Even large companies pull this one. We've all...

The Internet Isn't Perfect...

October 12, 2009 8:30 PM | filed in: gripes, web development

For instance, why is it that when you believe you have a singular username, you eventually find that other people are using it too? This isn't me. Neither is this. Neither is this. Not this one either. And so on and so forth... It makes me wonder whether someone saw my username and decided to use it... or if we had the idea at the same time... or if it wasn't so singular after all. In other news, why are Whois records always so outdated? (And do you think ICANN will get mad if I haven't updated all 64 of...

Open Letter to GD USA Editor Gordon Kaye

August 5, 2009 5:04 AM | filed in: graphic design & business, gripes

Dear Mr. Kaye, The most recent issue of GD USA (Graphic Design USA) has me once again wringing my hands in distress. The tweet I posted after my read encapsulates my irritation with your magazine and other publications that perpetuate the design awards industry: "Why is every issue of GD USA an 'awards' issue? The design awards industry is such a scam, payola so you can say you're 'award-winning.'"The mediocre articles--generally written with little expertise or research (judging from the content)--I can take. The fluffy anecdotes, bullet-ridden "tips" passages, and extra leading to fill a page I can take. The inundation...

You Like This. Don't You?

May 9, 2009 9:36 AM | filed in: graphic design & business, gripes

Really, I can't believe Ace of Cakes is still on. Chef Duff of Charm City Cakes is hardly interesting, but most importantly, the cakes for which they're supposedly renowned SUCK! I marvel at how people are so dazzled... it goes to show you that most people just need to be told they're going to like something to decide that they do like it. Maybe people in Baltimore have no standards when it comes to cake.Here are some issues: - The designs are not very good. The team is given themes and requests most creative cake-makers would die to work on...

Back to Business...

May 3, 2009 2:48 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams

This week, I made a much-needed plunge back into society. After months of slipping stealthily into galleries during patron hours (the quiet time for serious buyers), we finally went to an opening specifically to reconnect with people we hadn't seen in a long time and to get back in the swing of being out. It helped that, earlier in the week, I had another social engagement out of the house and a small get-together with friends at my place. This weekend capped it off as we attended a family function and also got together with friends in San Diego for...

Tomorrow is Tax Day, BTW

April 14, 2009 8:25 AM | filed in: gripes

This year is completely flying by. Even though we took care of taxes months ago, we didn't mail our vouchers into the State and Fed yet... and suddenly, there are only two days (today and tomorrow) to do it. Guess I'll be one of those sorry sacks waiting in line at the post office this week.

Too much = not enough

March 15, 2009 5:21 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams

There is some saying that runs along the lines of, "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." I have always pretty successfully managed a big workload comprised of many different projects, but I've found that I do have a threshold. At some point, the idea of so much on the to-do list actually hinders much progress on any of them. If I have any work weakness (beside being too intense sometimes), I'd say it's this. My productivity when I'm on task is stellar... but if I'm distracted by the thought of how much is looming...

Would Anyone Care for a Five-Hour Energy Martini?

March 11, 2009 11:23 PM | filed in: gripes

There's a new round of radio spots for Five-Hour Energy, and one part disturbs me: "People choose Five-Hour Energy over 2.5 million times per week." Really? Anytime I've seen the television commercials for Five-Hour Energy, I've thought, Does anyone actually buy those? The answer is, obviously, yes. Maybe it's only 500,000 customers drinking one each day. Maybe it's 2.5 million people drinking one per week. Either way, it's too many. The thought of taking a shot of something to boost my energy strikes me as unhealthy and unnatural. It also reinforces the suspicion that the American Way to fix something...

Why does the Lipking family keep coming into my life?

March 5, 2009 10:40 PM | filed in: gripes

When we were looking for a house to move into a few months ago, my husband and I checked out a house in Simi Valley, California. The four-bedroom, '60s-style ranch home was owned by Mrs. Lipking, who we chatted with via email and who met us on a weeknight to give us a tour. While showing us the house, she made various condescending remarks: "You're so young. Do you know how much the rent is?""Are you sure you need all this space?""There are a lot of townhouses and apartments around here."Forget about the fact that these statements were probably illegal...

Settling In

November 23, 2008 10:35 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams, inspiration

We finally moved from the treachery that is Daly Street Lofts/Telephone Company Lofts. In the four weeks that we've been moved, we have pretty much settled... except for a couple of boxes, we are unpacked and have everything in its place.We've used our fireplace, hung our draperies, framed photos, and set-up our guest room. We have an office for working, a room for working out, and a big living room where we can relax on our sofa, lie around, and relax. We have a 10-foot-long table on our covered patio and a garage to store things like cars, cleaning supplies...

Countdown to Civilization?

August 21, 2008 10:31 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams, los angeles design

We're almost there. One of these days, soon--perhaps even within a week--, our home will have an active phone line (our impending "launch date" only required that I virtually threaten AT&T with cancellation and no future business if they didn't figure out the problem) and high-speed wireless Internet access (oh, that's a dandy, too). Then, sometime after that, we hope to have hot water. We have found that leaving the setting on cold actually results in warmer water than turning it to hot; Dan cleverly determined that the cold water pipes run along the roof, while the "hot" supply is...

Hey, My First Earthquake

July 29, 2008 10:30 PM | filed in: gripes, los angeles design

Weird. Everything is fine.

What the...?

June 1, 2008 10:21 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun

I found a partially used pack of cigarettes in my car. More accurately, Dan found them. We don't smoke and haven't used valet or had the car serviced since it was detailed a couple of weeks ago. Whose could these be? Parliaments, anyone? They're in our garbage can.

Stupidest News Story of 2008 (So Far)

May 1, 2008 10:04 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun

New study: 58 percent of black children can't swim 1. Someone did a study on this subject? 2. Some journalist deemed this newsworthy? The last time I checked, there's nothing hugely detrimental about living a life without swimming. Also, I didn't learn to swim until I was 10 or 11.

It Bothers Me When...

March 14, 2008 9:59 PM | filed in: gripes

...parents don't really let their kids make decisions about who they would elect, but instead use their kids as extra mouths for their own causes: "My four-year-old supports Obama!" et cetera....political candidates' commercials and public-service announcements use kids to do their voiceovers: "Will you do what it takes to ensure the safety of my future?" Can't we just leave the kids out of it? I believe it's healthy and beneficial to teach kids about the political process and to let them compare the backgrounds and beliefs of leaders; on the other hand, I think it's stifling for parents to dictate...

Greek to Me

February 18, 2008 9:41 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun

I'd had my fancy-pants 3G PDA/phone for months and still stumbled through texting. I figured it was because the keyboard layout is like a regular keyboard rather than a phone... but the anticipatory finish-your-word engine was really bad. (For instance, instead of the word "car," I'd get something like "cÃø." It was so irritating.This weekend, while I was trying to set-up my work email, I ran across the culprit: My default language was set to Afrikaans.

All You Need is Love...

February 9, 2008 9:35 PM | filed in: gripes, hopes & dreams

Valentine's Day is coming. Are you ready? Did you buy flowers, jewelry, chocolate? If your answer is no, what kind of person are you?I really don't like the holiday, which each year becomes more of a "you'd better get this or you're not keeping up with everyone else" toward guys. I feel bad that they constantly are subjected to marketing that suggests they aren't good partners unless they buy their significant others something... and what once was an initiative to sell more cards has become a month-long tirade on how expensive jewelry is the true way to a woman's heart...

Isn't It Kind of Hilarious When...

January 18, 2008 9:19 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun, los angeles design

...someone can be seen publicly being swallowed by a cult, but he has no idea? If you haven't seen the Tom Cruise KSW (Keep Scientology Working) video, you HAVE to go to Gawker.com and check it out. I guess he IS a raving lunatic and is so far gone that he believes he and other Scientologists are the only ones who know the "realities of the world." I'm sure if you sat with him and had a conversation about the criteria that qualify a group as a cult, Tom would reject those criteria because they aren't endorsed by Scientology. "We...

Identity Theft 101

January 17, 2008 9:13 PM | filed in: gripes

It might not be the greatest idea to use a married white person's credit card to join BlackSingles.com. Twice.Since there were two sign-ups and simultaneous sign-ups to a porn site, I'm guessing this is a scam at the billing level. What a way to spend a Thursday night.Did I mention that I also mysteriously started receiving Ebony magazine? (Really.)

Amazon, Why Must You Make Me Question My Love for You?

January 6, 2008 8:48 PM | filed in: gripes

Do you visit Amazon.com? (Who doesn't?) Ever been tempted by their credit card offer? You might want to read about my experience.Amazon.com offers a Visa (backed by Chase Bank), and their general promotion is to give an instant $30 Amazon credit upon approval. This was fine for me... I was looking for a new credit card, and it was nice to have my first couple of Amazon orders be "free." (Thirty bucks isn't a lot, but it was enough to buy a few paperback titles for my book club.)A couple of weeks after applying for the card, I realized I...

Don't Drive in LA

January 5, 2008 8:46 PM | filed in: gripes, just for fun

While my morning commute is almost always 20-25 minutes, driving home is a crap shoot: Sometimes it's 20 minutes, sometimes it's 90 minutes, and damned if it's ever the same two days in a row.After work a couple of days ago, I got onto the 101 (CA-101/"Hollywood Freeway" for you non-Angelenos) and groaned at the wall of traffic. I groaned again when I read the first traffic-status sign, which read "75 minutes to downtown."Forty-five minutes and a few miles later, the next traffic-status sign laughed in my face: "90 minutes to downtown."

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