Just about every month, the photo and imaging teams try to go out and do something in public! Most recently we all went to Cherokee Park for a little cookout. We brought our spouses, friends, children and puppies for some fresh air, food, and even a few different ball games for the real adventurous folks. If you weren't there you missed out, it was perfect weather. Good times for good people!!

Here is a group shot of us who came with our furry friends:

from left to right:

andi with zeus, myself with danger, maggie with penelope, and kaya with lola.

Every month Zappos hosts a monthly golf event at various courses all around Vegas. We host these golf events in appreciation of our valued partners, employees and friends/family of Zappos. Each event is "sponsored" by one of our volunteering vendors. They supply the prizes, we do the rest! Over the last 2.5 years these have grown to an average of 32-40 players per month! We always play in scramble (team play) format so players of all skill levels can come out and have a great time. In fact, we personally encourage first timers to come out and join us - a few of them have even been on a winning team. I personally feel that golf is an amazing sport and that everyone should give it try. This is a great time for everyone as we get to hang out with each other (and have a few drinks), meet new people (and have a few drinks), bond on a more personal level (and have a few drinks), and tell stories afterwards (and have a few drinks ;) ). Speaking of stories, here's one from March:

Our March 2008 event was sponsored Calvin Klein (thanks Lorraine!). It was a beautiful day out at the Badlands Golf Club in Summerlin. A perfect golf day - as I would call it. The event started with a catered lunch, compliments of CK, a few drinks, and some pre-game trash talking. We tee'd off at noon with 36 players in groups of 4. Ok, let's get to the good stuff...


(Pictured above are DC Shoes with special guest, Jay Bentley from Bad Religion, and 2 from our Rideshop team - Jim and Josh)

On about the 15th hole, our CK rep, Lorraine, got out of the cart (with her golf partner, Alana, still on the cart) to play her ball when all of a sudden a group of kids came tearing down the golf course on their bikes and hijacked the golf cart with Alana still on it. A struggle ensued between Alana and the kids. Alana had her foot slammed on the brake as the kids were hitting the gas. This resulted in golf cart donuts until Alana was tossed off the cart with the cooler (full of beer). While this was going on, Lorraine picked up one of the kids' bikes and threatened to toss the bike into the nearby water. The ordeal finally ended when the guys in the group behind them came up and pulled the kids off the cart. After regaining possession of the golf cart, Lorraine and Alana took off to safety.

To answer the questions in your head right now... yes, the beer was safe and the bike was wet. :^0

More stories coming soon to a Zappos blog near you...

Sean K - the Self-Proclaimed Chief Golf Officer (http://twitter.com/skimshady)

So a group us from the KY Content team decided to participate in a weight loss competition of sorts. We call Fat Loss '08. Fat Loss 08 is whole other blog in itself that we will be posting in a couple of weeks, but this story would have never happened if it wasn't for Fat Loss '08.

In the first week, Jon, (I know Jon is the star of our department) had lost 5 pounds! He lost 5 pounds, by not exercising, counting calories, or drinking shakes. Instead, he ate like 15 Popsicles a day. He ate a few other things as well, but nothing you would consider a diet item. Then he constantly insisted it was good for you. Not the sugar-free kind either. He does NOT like the sugar-free, hands down!

Lisa, another senior in the Images department, found the perfect shirt for Jon. A couple of us pitched in and got him the polar garden tee shirt. (a garden of popsicles) The best thing about doing this for him is he never would and didn't expect it. That also makes it the best part, because he thought it was another trick waiting to happen, as we handed him the brown package. He totally deserved it, because we do give him a lot of trouble at times. Putting him on the spot and embarrassing him all the time. Yay Jon! Keep it up with your funny ways.

The first ever Zappos.com flag football team had a very successful season finishing 5-5, just missing the playoffs. With only a couple months of playing together under their belts, they were no slouches. Most teams in their league have been playing together for years. That kind of chemistry takes time to develop and Zappos.com put up a fine effort in their short time playing together.

Here are those dapper guys!

From left to right: Top: Derek L., Zack D., Jaime A., Anand D., Kevin W., Aaron T., Norbinn R. Bottom: Paul P., Rico N., Mike F., Jay D., Nick P.

After the season, the team decided to have a bbq at Nick P’s house. Nick played center/defensive line during the season. Many times in preparation for each game Nick could be heard saying, “I just want to hit people!” He certainly brought that nasty streak you look for in a lineman. He knows his way around a grill as well.

The bbq was quickly planned, but did not lack variety. Teammates had their choice of 3 different kinds of bratwurst, burgers, bbq chicken (the Quarterback’s specialty), bbq pork and ribs (pre-marinated, store bought by the Free Safety, boo). Drinks were flowing and food was consumed on an easy Sunday afternoon. Even a couple games of H.O.R.S.E. got pretty competitive for these guys.

It was definitely a good time. Here’s looking forward to next season. If anyone loves some football, we’re sure to be even better the next time around!

Last night, myself, the photographer heading up the Gala (Abby), and our assistants set up for our art show. We were cutting wires + strings, twisting, tying, hooking, taping and labeling 41 pieces! Once everything was prepared, they had to be displayed on a table, mannequin or in the air without putting anything on the walls!! Eight glorious hours later we had our beautiful presentation ready for the public.

The Gala is a small representation of what the KY Content Team ( which includes both Photo and Imaging Departments) can create in their spare time. We had submissions ranging from paintings + photographs to three dementional pieces such as sculptures and a handmade designer dress!

Our official show opening was today at 3:30, made complete with catered snacks from Lady Fingers Catering, some jazz music, and the rest of the team joining us. The show was a raging success!!

Our hard work payed off and everyone had a great time. Winners will be announced later this month.



For any KY employees reading, and any Vegas employees visiting Kentucky right now, the show will be open until May 9th, so please swing by the training room and take a look at our creations. All we ask is that you please not touch any of the submitted pieces.

ENJOY!

As most of the world knows, the Kentucky Derby is a HUGE deal for KY. Each year, from the kick-off at "Thunder over Louisville" to the "Chow Wagon" and "Hot Air Balloon Race" and all the way to the main event, the actual Derby race, the entire city is in celebration.

Here at Zappos we are no different, having our own mini-version of several events.We spend an entire night dedicated to the festivities. Having some "Kentucky HotBrown" for dinner, with our supervisors and managers serving nachos and cotton candy to the team, followed by our own horse racing (actually hopping), a horse decorating contest, AND a Derby Hat contest!



Each department and shift received a stenciled foam-core horse to cut out and deck-out for display by our break-room. Night shift photo department took an hour of our friday night to enjoy some pizza dinner and decorate our horse.


We decided to focus our horse in the direction of two fashionable and flashy brands, Ed Hardy and Betsy Johnson. All complete with an actual Betsey Johnson jockey and finished off with a pair of New Balance running shoes to win the race. We are very proud of our "Zappotariat" A.K.A. "Betsy Hardy".

Lots a great comments to me personally (though none posted) about Andrea's Winged Sunglasses art project from Happy Hour last Thursday. Here's a few more! Steve, Andy, Chris Jerry, Brian, Meg, Brett, Richard, Thad and Tony himself! You're all ready for Bingo Night at the Trop!

So, Andrea.... what will you be doing for the next happy hour?

Do you know what your Zappos Buddies in Kentucky are doing today, April 28? Yes, we are going to get orders out the door super fast. Yes, we are going to play Rock Band at lunch and on breaks. On top of all that, we are off to the races; the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races that is. Our team is loading up the bed right now, doing sprints in weighted vests, and watching "Braveheart" on repeat to get psyched up.

Last week, yours truly and a couple others ran the Bed through some time trials. It was the Zappos version of the wind tunnel, also known as Quadrant 3 of the Warehouse. Yours truly is also in the Red Shirt calling out cadence to the others; my not-in-marathon-shape Zappos buddies are pushing with me; and Mindy is piloting this lightning-fast Bed thoroughbred. Team Zappos will give them a run for their money; you can put your $2 bet on that.

Since this is our first year competing in the bed race, we're out to have fun. Next year, watch out UPS! Zappos will rock you!

Andrea C. brought these spiffy sunglasses to the last Zappos Happy Hour and managed to get shots of many interesting people wearing them. This series is of members of Merchandising's Casual Lifestyle time (C-Life). At the happy hour there were many things to celebrate, one of which being Shyloh's promotion to Buyer. Another one: Galen, Mr. Capital G himself, was promoted to Senior Director of both Casual Lifestyle and Performance! Way to go, boss!

More sunglasses photos will follow! I understand there's one or two of our VP of Merch as well as our Senior Corporate Counsel. Great job, Andrea!

Howzit, faithful followers?!

I really hated to title this latest HR / Training pulsating post as I did, (waaaay too many ABBA references his week for some reason), but what choice did I have??? Feast your ogling ojos on this:


That’s Zappos HR’s very own ninja prom queen, Heaven “Heavenless” T. showing us what she’s got. ‘nuff said.

Oh wait, that’s not true!! I also managed to score a pic of Jamstar’s recent glittering gift from one of her joie de vivre vendors:



Perhaps coming to a Zollar Store near you!! Sweeeeeet……

Some parting notes!

Jobs@zappos! Come getcha some!

Special thanks to p-1603, Zappos CEO, for letting me post Heaven’s performance here, instead of snatching it from my archives for his own sinister purposes, and waiting ever so patiently for me to get it out. Yer the best Tony. Love ya. Mean it.

Coming Soon!
-How HR’s Monthly Outing literally rocked! (promise this one’s coming really soon)
-An update from Training! (sorry, really needed to get Heaven’s routine up!)
-Zappos.com: Powered by Hope! (and another Dancing Queen!!)
-Random Rozzy Thoughts! (building anticipation…it’ll be worth it!)
-The Benches Are Here!!!!! (or, “Why We Love Rozzy and Rebecca L.!”)
-What’s all this about Twitter, then?!!

Until we meet again, “Yes! A brain transplant!...I don’t need it; take my brain!”
~drroo
(follow me on twitter!)

Item!
Have any ideas on how this crazy, kooky thing we call a blog could evolve? They don’t even need to be good ones! Have a burning question, or a need to wax philosophical? Need some sage advice? I’m here for you, citizens of the intarweb, and my sustenance is your comments!!!

Team building is a vital part of our company and department culture, especially with the growth and change that we’ve experienced over the past few months. Our teams are encouraged to spend 10-20% of our time outside the office walls, whether it’s for specific team building activities or just hanging out. Developing these personal relationships actually helps our teams become more effective by breaking down the typical office barriers.

Well, what better way to get to know your team members than a little fishing trip out to Lake Las Vegas? Thanks to Miss Britni and Miss Ashley we had the pleasure of learning how to fly fish for the April marketing team outing! Fly fishing in the desert? Yes, it can be done! And boy do we have fishing stories to tell?!

It wasn’t a surprise that our resident superman Darrin wins the prize for the first fish. Ask him how he felt about getting the first one and he says, “Darn, it feels good to be gangsta!” Darrin, who knew?!

Our gal Rachel wins the reward for the biggest fish! Come to find out, she grew up fishing with her dad. Fair? I think not! Her fish may not be a frog, but will it turn into prince charming someday? Only time will tell!

Since it was one of the few times he had been fishing in his life, it didn’t matter to Ned that he didn’t catch a fish. “I almost caught myself…does that count?”

And ever the optimist, Robert’s quote of the day: “It’s not the size of the fish that counts; it’s the size of the fight!”

Andy looked the part of a fisherman but was more interested in feeding and watching the ducks. “I dunno – I think they’re kinda cute!”

Did we accomplish building a stronger team? Did we build upon our personal relationships? I would say so…all in all it was a great day out at the lake. Watch for the May marketing team outing - coming soon!

There are countless reasons why people move to Las Vegas and, while each of our justifications are wildly different, here are my top five:

1) Zappos.com

2) The weather from October thru May

3) 24/7 partying

4) The Shopping

5) You can get a direct flight to almost any location from
here and vice versa.

My top two reasons for living in Las Vegas came into perfect harmony on Sunday afternoon at a Kids’ team tailgate prior to the Las Vegas 51's game. Members of the Kids team and their families came together to eat, drink, and be merry while cheering on our local team.

Zappos has made community involvement a huge priority, and in
the small realm of baseball, we not only sponsor the 51’s, but we are also active
sponsors of the Henderson Little League program! Moreover, we have a team of Zappos folks that get together weekly for a softball league.

We sure serve up a fine balance of work and play around
here! Everyone had a great time at the tailgate
and at the game (the proof is in the pictures B-) ).

BEFORE

AFTER

Thank you to everyone involved in this great event!

Salutations, rapturous readers! I hope this merry missive from yours truly finds you reasonably chirpy! There was no wayI could let the week come to an end without one last update, as there was a boat-load of stuff that happened in Zappos.com's HR and Training teams since last we spoke!

So much culture, so little time…

Much of that boat-load had something to do with Jamie N., Zappos' resident Cruise Ship Coordinator! Also called “JamStar!” by those who know her best, she creates and coordinates myriad and momentous employee-related events, activities, and programs…kind of like Julie from the Love Boat, but without that 80's perm and with a bit more of an edge.

Our 4th Annual Zappos Employee Picnic was the largest to date, and ridiculously successful…


The calm before the crazy.

Kris Z. and Angela M. realizing they’re clearly outclassed. (Not that there’s anything classy about Bryan T.’s utter abandonment of all civility…)

L to R: Steve P., Mark G., Steve H., Fred M., Meghan B., and Eileen L. Winners of the Team Challenge!

...and JamStar just couldn’t resist making some mischief along the way:

“Ever since HR’s very own Dave H. won the typing contest, there have been vicious rumors aboutHR rigging results. Some of us decided to fight back. We held a raffle at the picnic, drew the winners yesterday, and sent the following email:

---

Congratulations to the following folks lucky enough to win a prize in the Picnic Raffle:

• 1 Play Station 3 (Valued at $400) = Dave W. from HR
• 1 Stainless Barbeque Grill Station (Valued at $200) = Drew K. from HR
• 2 Flip Video Camera (Valued at $155 each) = Rebecca R. and Hollie D. from HR
• 1 Espresso Coffee Maker (Valued at $100) = Christa F. from HR
• 2 Polaroid Digital Camera (Valued at $90 each) = Jacob P. and Rosalind S. from HR
• 1 Margarita Madness Machine (Valued at $80) = Eric V. from HR
• 1 Shell Gift Card (Valued at $50) = Heaven T. from HR

Wow, it looks like HR really swept the grand prizes. Luck of the draw I guess.

---

“Phones started to ring, inboxes started to blow up. It was great! Just some of the comments: Cheaters!...Jamie, that's statistically a little suspicious…this is gonna really upset people that everyone in HR won and no one else, wow…rofl!...You should send a follow-up picture of HR loading everything into someone's trunk.

“We let the team off the hook and sent the list of the real winners out. This caused another flood of emails: THAT WAS GREAT!!!... You guys are too much!... Here we all were with out mouths agape, when we got your second email…You punks!... You should have heard the grumbling goin on over here!!... Nice trick. LOL”

PS: For those of you questioning whether Dave H. actually won the typing contest last week, he's happy to go mano a mano with anyone doubting his skills. You name the time and place.

Meanwhile, the trail-blazing Training team was having an out of this world Las Vegas Encounter! Super Trainer,
Adrienne “Abductee” C. probes into greater detail for us: “Remember the exchange student program in high school? Zappos does! Every 3 weeks or so, we fly 5-10 employees from the fulfillment center (our warehouse) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky out to Vegas, put them up at the local Station Casinos hotel, and give them rental cars to run wild around town!

“They spend a week with us in our corporate office learning how the ‘other side’ lives and works. They visit
different departments and get to do some hands on stuff. Before this group left to go home, they wanted to do a parade around the office. You know how much we love parades!http://blogs.zappos.com/!!

“Sharing their Kentucky-ness by bringing the Derby to us Vegans!"

“A Vegas trip isn’t complete without visiting the sign!”

Some parting notes: Jobs@zappos! For all my friends!

Have any ideas on how this crazy, kooky thing we call a blog could evolve? They don’t even need to be good ones! Have a burning question, or a need to wax philosophical? Need some sage advice? I’m here for you, citizens of the interweb!

Coming Soon:

• How HR’s Monthly Outing Literally Rocked!
• Random Rozzy Thoughts (yer gonna love this)
• The Benches Are Here!!!!! (or, “Why We Love Rozzy and Rebecca L.”)

Catch y’all on the flip side, and remember: “We gotta find that troll!”
~Ddroo!

Last Friday was Chrissie's Birthday and like all Birthdays here in Finance
we decorated her desk in a very crazy way, this time we added something a
little out of the ordinary!

Why cans you ask? Chrissie's desk is in a location that gets a lot of
foot traffic and visitors who stop to chat. When those visitors stop and talk
they usually set their can down on the top of Chrissie's cubicle wall and for
some reason the can is left there. When Chrissie realizes the can is still
there it is usually long after the visitor has gone. Most times the soda is
left unopened and still cold. Nobody knows why or who likes to leave their unopened
sodas at her desk and it drives her crazy. So Patrick (The mastermind) decided
to collect as many cans as he could to terrorize decorate Chrissie’s
desk.

March Madness that is! Like always Finance went all out, this time around Finance
threw a March Madness parade. Helping spread the madness, leading the Allstar Varsity Team was Nothing but Net Jimmy and White Chocolate Johnny dribbling the team through the halls! Frank and Devlyn lead the cheerleaders and the Finance Mascots pumped up the crazy Zappos fans! The Referees and Coaches were on hand to closely watch for any foul plays!! Of course like any sporting event there were plenty of peanuts and cotton candy flying through the air to feed the crowd. Big thanks to Audrea for organizing the Madness!

ZAPPOS FINANCE WILL ALWAYS ROCK YOU!!!