David Hoyt's Blog

Taco Bar!

2012-02-24T21:45:00.010-08:00

The DU Bookstore marked its final day of business as an institutionally owned store - after 148 years of independent operation I might add - with a taco bar for the staff. It was a sad day, with the contract management company moving out furniture, computers, and various unconscious staff members. However, free food seems to have had a positive effect on the staff. At least until all the stockroom employees got there and finished off every remaining morsel - still another tradition that I am sure will continue under the new management company.

Dave B. Is Leaving Too!

2012-02-23T20:29:00.005-08:00

Dave B. is leaving the DU Bookstore after 17 years. Dave is the supply and food buyer for the Bookstore, as well as the Bookstore's promotions coordinator. Dave is also truly crazy, but that's a gift. He has always been willing to have his photograph taken for this blog, and if he too is in the witness protection program - like so many of the camera shy Bookstore staff seem to be - he doesn't seem to care. Thanks Dave and Good Luck to You!

Sandy Is Leaving!

2012-02-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sandy - pictured above - will soon be leaving the DU Bookstore after many years as the clothing buyer. Her last day will be next Tuesday. And yes, I know that the photograph above is just a represenatation of Sandy (and a damned good one, I might add), but throughout the years she has refused to let me take her photograph. She claims to be in the witness protection program and can't have her identity compromised. Ironically, a number of other employees at the DU Bookstore have told me the same thing when I have asked to take their photo. They can't all be lying, can they?

A Portrait Of Trish

2012-02-21T20:42:00.000-08:00

I asked Trish if I could take her photograph this morning, and she was immediately apprehensive. She asked me if I was going to say a bunch of insulting things about her. Frankly, I was hurt. I always try to portray every DU Bookstore employee in the best possible light and never fail to give them a compliment. I think Trish is still bitter about my taking her photograph right after she broke her nose and stating on my blog that it resulted from a bar brawl. I even complimented her on her famous right hook. So okay Trish, I apologize. It wasn't a "bar brawl" - it took place in the parking lot. Happy now?

Carol Returns!

2012-02-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

Carol has returned to the DU Bookstore this week to help us out with textbook returns. She graciously allowed me to take her photograph, but afterwards told me that I had caught her with a box cutter in her hand, so I better not be intending to say anything negative about her on my blog. I quickly assured her that I had no such intention. That's what I like about Carol - she takes a very straightforward approach. If Noah, the Stockroom Coordinator, had been as direct, I might not have made up all those horrible lies about him. Oh well, too late now! Welcome Back Carol and Tough Luck, Noah!

A Time For Reflection

2012-02-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

This week will be a time of reflection for the staff of the DU Bookstore. Friday will be the last day the Bookstore will operate as part of the University of Denver. After 148 years, the DU Bookstore will close after this date and be turned over to a contract management firm. It will be a major change for much of the staff. Many of us have worked for the University of Denver for many years (it has been almost 28 years for me) and we will now be employed by a new, privately owned company, with all the adjustments that will entail. All I have to say is "another pint, bartender!"

Next In Line Please!

2012-02-18T18:50:00.001-08:00

I was emptying the trash at the DU Bookstore yesterday, and found that all of our "next in line" signs were being tossed out. The Bookstore will be taken over by a contract management company starting February 29th and so everything must go. My friend Valarie - the former Operations Manager at the University of Denver Bookstore - designed these signs to be used during the busy first days of each quarter. The signs appeared after one particularly strong-lunged temporary cashier caused permanent ear damage to some staff members while trying to attract the next customers in line. Once Valarie distributed these signs, the change was stunning. All the cashiers suddenly became mimes, waving their signs, gesturing, doing everything they could do to attract the eye of the next person in line except speak. Personally, I felt the need to say at least something - "next please" - but then again, as everyone likes to tell me, I'm a bit on the eccentric side (i.e. crazy).

Darrel's Last Day

2012-02-17T20:48:00.001-08:00

Today was Darrel's last day at the DU Bookstore after 10 years as the Account's Payable Supervisor. Starting next week he will become the Budget Officer for the University of Denver's Chemistry Department, and so we had a potluck for him today in the Bookstore's break room. There was a lot of food, which is a good thing, since we had a lot of extra stockroom people working here this week. For as long as I have worked at the Bookstore - and we are talking 28 years now - I have found that the stockroom staff tends to eat like half starved wolverines. And I mean that with all due respect. Good Luck Darrel!

Checking In With Noah And Dave B

2012-02-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

The DU Bookstore staff is working hard to get the store ready for it's conversion to a contract managed store. Noah (in the photograph on the left) and Dave B (on the right) are working on - actually, to be honest, I don't know what the hell they are doing. They are going through a huge pile of junk on the floor, looking at each item, and then for the most part throwing it into a garbage container. However, I am sure it is a critical step in the conversion process. Way to go, guys! Keep up the good work!

Tony Talks!

2012-02-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Tony, the Quick Copy Center Manager, reminisced this afternoon about his time with the Police Auxiliary Association in Aurora. The group's purpose was to improve community relations with the police, and involved guest speakers from the police department, ride alongs with the police, and other similar initiatives. Tony tells me that he even worked with the police in preparing them for the Democratic National Convention in 2008. Tony would pretend he was a protester, and the police would practice their choke holds on him, use their night sticks on his head, taser him, etc. Thanks for sharing, Tony. This explains soooo much.

Maria In Control

2012-02-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Maria is the DU Bookstore's Textbook Coordinator, and as such it is her job over the next week or two to return virtually every textbook in the store. And she is handling it beautifully! We were going to hire some extra staff to help her finish all the returns, but she is doing such a good job on her own we've decided not to. Got to think of the bottom line, after all. Good work, Maria! Keep it up!

A Visit From Chris!

2012-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

I was a bit surprised to see Chris, one of our used book company reps, sitting in Acting Bookstore Director Marty's chair this afternoon. Chris works for the company that will be taking over the Bookstore starting February 29th. I thought to myself that these guys move very quickly and asked Chris if he was taking over for Marty. Chris told me that Marty was just at lunch and he was simply printing out a report of the books he was purchasing. I keep asking Chris to make the checks out to "cash" to simplify the bookkeeping, but he seems to have a problem with this. Just trying to keep things simple, Chris!

One Week Until Spring Training!

2012-02-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

It is a mere week until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. The Chicago Cubs report this coming Saturday, while the Colorado Rockies report Sunday. It is a great time of year, when every team has a chance to win it all. And here's a baseball tip: if you know a Cubs fan, be sure to get a sizable bet down with them before the season starts. Cub fans are notoriously optimistic during spring training and the start of the season - before reality sets in and the team starts its annual collapse (usually one week after opening day). Be sure to move quickly!

Saturday Morning At The DU Bookstore

2012-02-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Lauren (pictured above) and I opened up the DU Bookstore this morning at 9:00 A.M. It was a very cold day, but at least the Bookstore was nice and warm. We were planning to eliminate heat at the Bookstore in order to make the bottom line, but it was decided to lease out the store to a contract management company before we could institute that change. Probably a good thing, too. The Bookstore staff are a pretty surly lot these days. I'd hate to see what they would be like working in the store if it was a bit on the cool side - say 15 degrees.

Two New Employees For Noah!

2012-02-10T20:19:00.001-08:00

Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Coordinator, will have two new full-time employees working for him when the Bookstore is turned over to a contact management company next month. Noah runs a tight ship, and it will require a lot more of his time to properly hassle his two new staff members. This will mean less time supervising the employees at his coffee shops out in San Francisco (see previous posts). Tonight I imagine the staff of Noah's Coffee Shop on Market are dancing in the streets of San Fran.

Closing The Books On The DU Bookstore

2012-02-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Chris (pictured above) will be staying on temporarily with the University of Denver after the DU Bookstore is leased out to a contract management company beginning February 29th. Chris will be helping me close the books on the DU Bookstore after 148 years of being institutionally owned. After the books are balanced, we will both rejoin our colleagues in working for the contract management operation. The University of Denver has estimated it will take 3o days to finish up balancing the books and completing the financial statements, but I am beginning to think it might take longer - much longer. Perhaps as many as 7 years longer. "Hey Craig, maybe we'll finish up next year" will be my typical response. You need make sure everything is absolutely correct, right? Right!

Lunch At Pete's With Roddy!

2012-02-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

I had lunch this afternoon with Roddy (pictured above), the University of Denver's Photography Professor. In a little over an hour, we solved all the problems of the world, and had a nice lunch, too. There must be a way to make some money doing this. Perhaps we can have people mail in $20 along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and we'll mail back our solutions. Heck, we'll even wave the fee for elected officials. Give us a call, Rick Santorum.

A New Policy

2012-02-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

Marty, the Acting Director of the DU Bookstore (pictured above), instituted a "Be Nice or Leave" policy this week. If people refuse to be nice and also refuse to leave, they will be immediately waterboarded. This new policy has been greeted with great enthusiasm by the Bookstore's employees. Over 90% of the staff has volunteered to administer the waterboarding, and some have even specified the particular person they want to waterboard if the opportunity arises. Another successful process improvement!

Darrel Is Leaving!

2012-02-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

After 10 years as the Accounts Payable Supervisor at the DU Bookstore, Darrel is leaving to become the Budget Officer at the University of Denver's Chemistry Department. Darrel is a great employee and we will all miss him, although he has promised to still help us out as we close the books on the DU Bookstore and get ready to be taken over by a private company. Good luck to you and thanks for everything you've done for us, Darrel! We appreciate it!

A Super Sunday (For Estate Planning)

2012-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today was Super Bowl Sunday, and before I went to the Yard House on the 16th Street Mall in Denver to watch the game, I stopped at the Barnes and Noble across the street to buy a book on estate planning. It has recently occurred to me that some day I might actually die, and I want to make sure the villa in Tuscany, the estate in Nice, and the apartment in Paris - not to mention my luxury condo in Denver - wind up in the right hands. Plus, my friend Valarie gave me two photography books by Sebastiao Salgado for my birthday last year, on the condition that I leave them to her in my will. If I die unexpectedly without a will, Valarie will kill me.

What Is Art?

2012-02-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

As part of our monthly feature " Free Day at the Denver Art Museum," today we try to answer the question "What is Art?" For this, we need to quote the Supreme Court Justice who attempted to define pornography: "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it."

Snow Day

2012-02-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a snow day for the University of Denver. By this morning 12 inches of snow had fallen in the city, and a lot more in such places as Highlands Ranch, Roxborough Park, and Wheatridge, where some people are foolish enough to live. I spent part of the day trying to decide where to travel to use up the rest of my excess vacation days, a popular activity now that the DU Bookstore will soon be taken over a contract management store. I just got back this week from San Francisco, and over the past year have visited Spain, France, Italy, Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. Where to next? Northern Europe, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Pittsburgh? Well, I hear Pittsburgh is kind of nice. Maybe there.

Marty In Charge!

2012-02-02T20:26:00.001-08:00

Tristy's last day as the Director of the DU Bookstore was this past Tuesday. She is leaving the store to become the Director of Budget and Finance for the University of Denver's School of Natural Sciences and Math. In her place, Marty - pictured above - is now the Acting Director of the DU Bookstore and will lead the store through the transition from being institutionally owned to being a contract management store. As faithful readers will remember, Marty can often be found lying on the floor in his office, stretching his "bad back." I understand the need to exercise his back, but why does he always seem to be snoring, with eyes shut tight? Probably just a sinus condition.

A Return To Reality (Of A Sort)

2012-02-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

I returned to the DU Bookstore this morning after a 6 day vacation in San Francisco. One of the many staff members who welcomed me back to work was Dave B. (seen in the photograph above). I really enjoyed San Francisco a lot, although while there I remember thinking to myself that they have an awfully lot of strange characters out there. However, after spending a full day back at work, I now realize that the DU Bookstore is no slouch in that area either.

Fisherman's Wharf And Noah's Coffee

2012-01-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

I got a cup of coffee at Noah's Coffee Shop in downtown San Francisco this morning and brought it with me on the streetcar to Fisherman's Wharf. I asked the cashier at the shop if it was connected to the same Noah from Denver, Colorado, and described him a bit. She replied "Yeah, yeah, that's the sadistic SOB all right. Tell him to go to hell for me the next time you see him." Wow! I know Noah is a little rough on his stockroom employees, but he must really be something else when he out in San Francisco supervising his coffee shops. Who woulda thunk it?

Chinatown, My Chinatown!

2012-01-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

I visited Chinatown in San Francisco this morning. It was very much like entering a foreign country - the people, store signs, and goods for sale all seem so different. Chinatown in San Francisco is like a small village - everyone appears to know each other and everyone gathers on street corners to talk. Older men and women spend their days in the park, gossiping and playing cards. Even among the shopkeepers, people seem more important than profits. It sounds to me like it is time to send these guys to DU's Business School. That will help to get their priorities straight.

Wine Country Safari

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

Today I drove up to Muir Woods, north of San Francisco, to see the giant redwoods. Afterwards, I drove up to Sonoma to visit the wine country. I stopped at one of the oldest wineries in the State of California - Sebastiani's - to see what the wine tasting experience is all about. The only thing I know about wine tasting is from an old commercial featuring Paul Hogan, who starred in the movie Crocodile Dundee years ago. In the commercial, he watches a group of people standing around a table, sampling a bottle of wine, and afterwards spitting the wine into a bucket at the same time. "Blimey, that must have been a bad batch," says Paul. I learned today that nobody actually spits the wine out anymore. They drink it all down. In fact, the winery actually CHARGES FOR THE WINES! What a shock! In Denver, nobody charges for wine tastings. "Crappy, but free" is a very popular comment during these Denver tastings.

Big Sur

2012-01-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

Time for a nocturnal tour of Big Sur, heading down California 1 on a Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Just south of Carmel, the road is nothing but steep hills and hairpin turns. Time to kick out the jambs, push the outside edge of the envelope - 80, 90, 100, 120 miles per hour, riding without a helmet, one slip and lights out forever - an adrenaline rush so strong, it is more powerful than any hallucinogen. Oh - wait a minute - that was Hunter S. Thompson. I actually came down in a rented 4 cylinder KIA. But it was more or less the same experience.

The Merry Churchillians

2012-01-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

Here in San Francisco there are constant reminders of Jack Kerouac, the author of "On The Road" and leader of a group of hippies called "The Merry Churchillians." This was a group of flower children obsessed with the memory of Winston Churchill. My colleague Wally, who I work with at the DU Bookstore, was a member of this San Francisco group back during "The Summer of Love," and is still is obsessed with Churchill to this day. Now of course, the Churchillian Society is a very proper organization, and has annual meetings at such places as the Drake Hotel in Chicago and the Hotel La Dee Dah in Boston, but they can never erase the fact that they started out as a bunch of hippie freaks. Deal with it, guys.

Haight & Asbury

2012-01-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

Today I arrived in San Francisco and immediately started exploring it's various neighborhoods. I even visited the corner of Haight and Asbury, where my colleague Wally spent time as a "Flower Child" during the "Summer of Love" so many years ago. I find it very hard to imagine Wally as a "Flower Child," and even harder to think of him as a part-time lingerie salesman (I'm sorry, Wally, I mean "scarf" salesman). Sometimes nostalgia can be really really scary.

The Old Farts of Oman

2012-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

I have a desktop calendar that I keep in the kitchen titled 1000 things to see before you die. I tore off yesterday's page and saw that today's thing to see before you die was the "Old Farts of Oman." Why would I want to see them when I work with lots of old farts at the DU Bookstore? Then I looked again and saw that it actually said "The Old Forts of Oman." Still not interested.

Is Wally A Former Hippie?

2012-01-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Wally - pictured above providing his inimitable customer service - surprised me quite a bit this afternoon after I mentioned that I would soon be traveling to San Francisco. Wally told me that he had attended San Francisco State and lived in San Francisco during the "Summer of Love" (1967 to you youngsters). I asked him if was a hippie back then, and he said no - he had short hair and a part-time job in a women's apparel store selling "scarfs" (by which he probably means lingerie). But seriously - attending San Francisco State and living in San Francisco during the "Summer of Love" and not being a hippie? No way! Wally then told me he left San Francisco State and quit the job in lady's lingerie after that summer to join the navy. He requested he be stationed in the Bay area, and he actually did wind up being sent there. Groovy!

Checking In With Noah

2012-01-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Coordinator, wants to become a professional poet after he gets his bachelor's degree later this year. I, on the other hand, only want to travel the world and get paid for it. Time to get real, Noah! Feel free to use me as a role model.

A New Job Goal!

2012-01-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

My new literary hero is Bill Bryson. He travels the world - walking, hiking, taking trains and buses - and then writes about his experiences. Not only that, he makes a lot of money doing this. This is EXACTLY what I want to do with the rest of my life. Who did he bribe to get that gig?

Brittnie And John

2012-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

Brittnie (on the left in the photo above) and John (on the right) are work study and non-benefited employees, respectively, at the DU Bookstore. Neither one seems to fazed with all the changes about to take place at the store. "Bring it on," both of them say. Way to go, guys!

Looking Good!

2012-01-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

There was a DU Bookstore staff meeting at 8:30 this morning. I took a photograph of the meeting that included Tristy, the current Bookstore Director, and Sandy, the clothing and gift buyer. Both said they did not look good this morning, and would have me killed - or words to that effect - if I put it on my blog. However, Tony (in the above photo on the left) and Marty (on the right) both felt that they were looking very good this morning, and agreed to let me take their photograph instead. When I started to take it, however, they seemed to also want to take my photograph with their phone cameras. Maybe we were all three looking good this morning.

OUTSOURCED!

2012-01-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

The rumors were true! The University of Denver has decided to outsource the DU Bookstore. The store will be leased out to a private company starting February 29th. What a way to go after 148 years as an independent entity. I wonder if this will have a negative effect on pledges by DU Bookstore employees to the University of Denver's Ascend campaign? Nah!

The Quick Copy Center Has An Open House

2012-01-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

The Quick Copy Center - now located in the University of Denver Bookstore - had an "Open House" this afternoon, and celebrated with cookies, punch, lemonade, and Jack Daniels Old Number 7, among other refreshments. Pictured above are the Quick Copy staff - Ceci and Tony. We have not had cookies at the Bookstore since a DU author's reception many years ago, when the DU Bookstore staff kept eating all the cookies and the caterer kept refilling the platters, resulting in a bill of over $1,000. I am happy to report that Ceci and Tony guarded the cookie supply closely this time, slapping the hand of any employee going anywhere near the tray. Way to go guys!

Everybody's a Critic

2012-01-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

Valarie, the former Operations Manager of the DU Bookstore, will only allow me to take her photograph these days with most of her face covered up, as in the photo above. It is hard not to take this as a criticism of my photography. My sister is also very critical of the photographs that I take of her. She has stated many times that I am a great zoo photographer, and should never ever take another photograph of a human being again. Talk about left-handed compliments.

Four Weeks Until Spring Training

2012-01-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today was a cold, windy, snowy, just plain depressing day here in Denver. But cheer up everyone! Spring training is only 4 weeks away. Can summer be far behind?

At the Zoo

2012-01-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

I hate to complain, but I went to the Denver Zoo today and found out that some zoo members are more equal than others. I wanted to take photographs of the giraffes, but if I did I would be shooting right into the sun. Then I looked at the opposite side of the yard and saw a number of people on a deck, taking photographs and hand feeding some of giraffes. I and a small angry mob looked all through the empty giraffe building, trying to figure out how to get up there. It was obvious that to do that you would have to go through a gate, through a closed door to a back room, and then up a staircase to get to that deck. How do those guys rate special treatment? Not that I'm bitter. Fine, I'll just take photographs of the lions instead.

Go Broncos!

2012-01-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

My friend Stuart and I went to Brooklyn's across from the Pepsi Center for beers and burgers tonight. The place was packed, since the Denver Broncos were playing the New England Patriots in an NFL playoff game. This past week all you heard about on the news were the Broncos and Tim Tebow. I'm not saying Denver is obsessed with football or anything, but I do remember, years ago, television reporters interviewing John Elway's grandmother in the month of May, asking her how she though the season would go. The game started, and the Broncos were 14 points behind within 2 minutes. The place emptied out quickly, and Stuart and I went to see the Denver Mammoths lacrosse game. It was, unfortunately, lacrosse, but at least The Mammoths won.

Checking In With Ceci

2012-01-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ceci works as both the Coursepack Coordinator for the DU Bookstore and as the Assistant Manager of the Quick Copy Center. The Quick Copy Center was thrown out of Penrose Library this past summer and told never to return. The DU Bookstore built a new location for it inside the store, and there will be an open house for the new Quick Copy Center this coming Wednesday. Ceci is very excited about this. I imagine they will be having wine and cheese, dancing in the evening, and that it will be a formal affair (tuxedos required). And if not, I would like to know the reason why.

Hail To The Chief

2012-01-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

Marty - pictured above - has just been appointed Acting Director of the DU Bookstore. As of February 1st, he will be replacing Tristy, the current Director, who will become the Budget Director for the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Marty is definitely up to the task, taking naps every afternoon in his office to make sure he is well rested and ready for action. Come to think of it, Marty has been taking naps even before his appointment to the Acting Director position. What foresight!

Carol Says Goodbye

2012-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Carol has been working at the University of Denver Bookstore now for the past two months, first in the stockroom helping to check in and stock textbooks, and then as a cashier on the sales floor during the first two weeks of classes. Since the "rush" period is over, today was Carol's last day at the store. Ordinarily she would be back helping us out in March, just before the start of the spring quarter, but now that the store will most likely be outsourced, it is uncertain whether we will be able to hire temporary employees anymore. Thanks for everything, Carol!

Noah's Goal Is In Sight!

2012-01-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Noah - the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Coordinator - is taking a class on mid-twentieth century "objectivist" poets this quarter at the University of Denver, and is only several classes away from getting his degree. Noah's goal after graduation is to get a full-time job as a professional poet. This is a growing field in today's new economy - there are now official state poets, official city poets, even official highway department poets these days. There might even someday be store poets at Wal-Mart. Check it out, Noah!

The Pepsi Panic

2012-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Dave B. - pictured above - helped out on the DU Bookstore's sales floor today, ringing up textbooks on the cash register. In fact, he was so busy that he missed placing the 4 P.M. Pepsi order. Evidently the Pepsi order can only be placed on Mondays, so Dave will have to wait until next Monday to reorder Pepsi products. This means the Bookstore could run out of Diet Pepsi, Diet Dr. Pepper, and Diet Mountain Dew by the end of the week. The DU Bookstore staff (most of them are addicted to these drinks) is already getting nervous. Nothing is more frightening than a Diet Pepsi junkie not being able to get their daily fix. They get very surly, even more so than usual, if that is even possible.

What's Wrong With Holiday Music?

2012-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:00

Last Friday night was Epiphany, and yesterday was Orthodox Christmas. In other words, no more excuses to not take down the Christmas tree. However, before we close the door on this Christmas season, I want to know why everyone at the DU Bookstore complained so much about holiday music in the store? Granted, we might have heard "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "I'm Not Getting Any Presents For Christmas " one too many times, but on the whole I thought the music was rather nice. The worst complaints were between Christmas and New Year's Day. By rights I think we should have extended the holiday music until yesterday, but even the Muzak lady I dealt with seemed to think that was a little too much. Go figure.

Free Day at the DAM

2012-01-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

It was an extremely dreary day here in Denver. Fortunately, it was also a free day at the Denver Art Museum, and so I decided to take full advantage of this and spent the afternoon there. The modern art on exhibit is fascinating, although often difficult to interpret. And in some cases, perhaps that is for the best.

Cindi From Athletics

2012-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Cindi - pictured above - works for the University of Denver's Athletic Department, and helps coordinate the purchase of books for athletes on scholarship. Cindi also makes sure everthing is done according to NCAA regulations, to prevent the university from being reassigned to the Central Siberian Conference. Now that I think about it, I believe Colorado College has recently joined the CBC. In any case, great working with you, Cindi!

The Return of Brian

2012-01-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

Brian has returned to the DU Bookstore, helping us out during the first two weeks of classes. Brian's wife Pat also is working at the store. A few days ago, she told us that Brian could not work this past Monday - the official New Year's Day holiday - because he had to deal with real estate matters (Brian is a realtor). I asked Brian if the real estate matters involved either the Rose Bowl or the Orange Bowl. "The Orange Bowl," replied Brian. Just as I thought.

Nebraska's Competitor Is Here!

2012-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

A competitor of Nebraska Book Company - our main used book supplier at the DU Bookstore - is here buying back textbooks this week. Joe - pictured above - has been buying textbooks for many years. He is a friend of Chris, our sales representative. Faithful readers will recall that Chris and his wife Kim (also a rep) were last at the Bookstore during the first week of fall classes at DU, and got into a huge fistfight in the middle of the sales floor with Chuck and John, the Nebraska Book Company representatives. It only ended when Kim knocked Chuck out with a vase. John dragged Chuck out the door and immediately drove him to Reivers, a local sports bar, where he was successfully revived. The miracles of modern science!

Lorrie From Connect-To-One

2012-01-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

Lorrie is the DU Bookstore's representative from Connect-To-One, one of two buying groups the Bookstore belongs to. Lorrie is helping us out on the sales floor during the first week of classes. If the rumors are true and the DU Bookstore is soon leased out, this will be the last time she helps us out. Thanks for everything, Lorrie!

Pat Returns!

2012-01-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Pat has returned to the DU Bookstore to help out on the sales floor during the first few weeks of classes. Her husband, Brian, will also be helping out at the Bookstore, starting tomorrow. Pat says Brian couldn't work today because he was busy with his real estate business. More like bowl game business, if you ask me.

New Year's Day

2012-01-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

I drove up to Fort Collins to celebrate the New Year with my sister Susan and brother-in-law George this afternoon. We watched the Denver Broncos lose their third game in a row but still make the playoffs. I wonder if this means people won't come up to me in the street anymore - like last night - and ask if I've heard the Good News about Tim Tebow. I can only hope.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-12-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

I took the light rail downtown tonight to see the 9 o'clock fireworks show on Denver's 16th street mall. Who should I run into but Wally from the DU Bookstore (on the left in the top photograph), his wife Linda (on the right in the top photograph), and a friend of theirs (in the middle). I was really surprised, since Wally told me he hated going out on New year's Eve and intended to spend the night at home reading his Churchill tomes. Last year, I was watching news coverage of New Year's Eve in Denver and thought I saw Wally and Linda climbing a light pole in Larimer Square - buck naked I might add - but Wally insisted that wasn't them. Now I'm not so sure. Happy New Year Everyone!

Web Site Madness

2011-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Wally and Victoria - pictured above - processed almost 100 web orders for the DU Bookstore today. With winter quarter classes beginning this Tuesday, textbook orders have been coming in fast and furious. Despite great personal risk due to a high level of static electricity in the store, Wally and Victoria made sure every order was processed, putting service to the student above their own safety. Good work guys!

Still Another Insult!

2011-12-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

As faithful readers know, I have received a number of insulting remarks over the years about my wristwatch. My brother-in-law gave it to me as a Christmas gift many years ago. The following summer, when visiting my mother in Stuart, Florida, we were walking past the Walgreen's in the Treasure Coast Mall when my mother insisted on buying me a Timex watch to replace that "hideous thing." I wore that Timex until it stopped working, and then wore the "ugly" watch again from that time forward. My co-worker Wally once asked me if I got the watch by subscribing to Time magazine. Last year I went to Chicago and lost the watch in Oakwoods Cemetery. By the time I went back to retrieve it, the gates were closed. However, the next morning I went back, and it was right where I left it. Nobody wanted it enough to take it. And now, last Saturday, I went to the watch repair shop at Sears to get the battery replaced. It has been at least 2 1/2 years since I was last there, but the Asian-American watchmaker immediately said to me "Oh yes, I remember THAT watch. We've replaced the battery for you before." Glad to know my watch is that famous.

Cheryl Solves A Mystery

2011-12-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

The DU Bookstore received a call from a customer named Angelina (aka Angel), who told us she did not receive her textbook order. She had wanted the books sent to her workplace, the Great Clips at the Germantown Square Mall in Germantown, Wisconsin. However, she did not put the name of the business on the order. We tracked the shipment and found it was signed for by someone we will call Hightower. While Marty - the Textbook Manager - and I were trying to find a phone number for the mall office, Cheryl - pictured above - found a Deborah Hightower who owned a business called the Healing Place on the same street. I called Deborah and told her about the package meant for Great Clips. She told me nobody has been at the business in several weeks, and she knew nothing about a package. Half an hour later Deborah called me back, telling me that she suddenly remembered she has a daughter! With the same last name! Who works at Beratti Bridal in the same mall as Great Clips! In the detective business we call that a clue. I called Beratti Bridal and told them about a package signed by someone named Hightower. I was told nobody named Hightower worked there. Nobody named Alisa Hightower works there? Oh, THAT Hightower. I was then told they would check their stockroom and get back to me. And they did, finally fessing up and admitting they did indeed have the package and would deliver it to Angel at Great Clips. And now I feel very close to the people of Germantown, Wisconsin. I feel I know so many of them. Maybe I should visit.

Busman's Holiday

2011-12-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

The University of Denver Bookstore was closed today - it is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday this week - and so I naturally wound up this afternoon at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Lower Downtown Denver. The place was packed, and there was actually a crowd at the cash registers, everyone no doubt using up their Christmas gift cards. This is in contrast to the DU Bookstore, where the employees are undisturbed by customers this week as the holiday muzak drives them to the final stages of madness.

Puffiness

2011-12-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

I was originally going to take a photograph of Nina, one of the two Operations Coordinators at the DY Bookstore, today. However, she claimed she had too much salt yesterday and was "too puffy" to be photographed. However, Trish, standing right next to her, said she was always puffy, and so I took a photograph of her instead.

Christmas Day!

2011-12-25T21:24:00.001-08:00

It was a feast like no other this Christmas Day! Unlimited road kill turkey, good talk, lots of Christmas ales, and an exchange of gifts. And even though according to the ads on TV a new Lexus was THE gift to give this year, nobody here got one. What a bunch of Scrooges!

Giving Everyone The Bird

2011-12-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, and I will be cooking a traditional "roadkill" turkey dinner for 8 people, including myself. I've never hosted a dinner with that many people, and don't even own 8 chairs. Plus, I'm not sure I can fit 8 people into my apartment at the same time. I may have to have 2 people out on the balcony at any one time and rotate them every half hour or so. It is supposed to be a nice day tomorrow, so who could possibly object? It's the holidays after all.

Happy Holidays from the DU Bookstore!

2011-12-23T21:39:00.001-08:00

Even Noah Is Cold!

2011-12-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

It was a cold, snowy day in Denver today, and the University of Denver's stockroom was frigid. Even Noah - the Stockroom Coordinator who likes to keep the place cold enough to "hang meat" (he thinks it makes the staff work faster) - was cold. He refused to raise the thermostat, however, sticking to his principles, no matter how many of his staff might get frostbite. Way to go Noah!

Carol Joins The DU Bookstore Team

2011-12-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

Carol is a friend of Joe (see previous blogs), and is working in the stockroom and on the sales floor this month and next, helping the DU Bookstore prepare for the first day of classes. Everyone has been impressed with how hard Carol works, and she hasn't made a single complaint concerning the stockroom's arctic temperature. As opposed to Maria, who beat Noah - the Stockroom Coordinator - mercilessly until he agreed to turn up the thermostat.

A Mid-Week Visit With Susan And George

2011-12-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

I drove up to Fort Collins for a festive beer and pizza dinner with my sister Susan and brother-in-law George tonight. They are both very excited about attending my "roadkill" turkey dinner this Christmas Sunday. Roadkill turkey dinners are not only dirt cheap and incredibly fresh, but they are also really easy to prepare - just wipe off the dirt, pull out the feathers and put it in the oven. In three hours you have a meal. And nobody seems to mind if you miss a few feathers. Just blow them right out there at the table.

The Return of Victoria

2011-12-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

Victoria has returned to the DU Bookstore to help us prepare for winter rush period. Victoria used to work full time at the Bookstore, but left to travel the world. Now she is back in Denver, pursuing a degree at Metro State College, and tells us of all the places in the world she visited, the most wonderful place of all has been the DU Bookstore. In honor of that statement, I have added a "rough pastel" finish to her photograph. Not only does it result in a distinctive image, it also helps hide the fact that I forgot to change the shutter speed on my camera after taking photographs of Valarie last night. Photoshop is the last refuge of scoundrels.

Valarie Graduates - Finally!

2011-12-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

Valarie graduated from Metro State College this afternoon, after an intense year and a half of study. She was delayed in getting her degree by raising two children, operating an art gallery in Denver, and owning and operating Capitol Hill Books in Denver for over 20 years. Her daughter Cheyanne (on the left in the photograph above) threw Valarie (on the right) a surprise party at the Mercury Cafe, a wonderful refuge for the free spirits of Denver. There was a party for Valarie on the main floor, and then swing dancing on the second floor for the rest of the night. What a wonderful party, and what a wonderful mother and daughter. Congratulations again, Valarie! What a tremendous achievement.

The DU Bookstore Holiday Party

2011-12-17T21:46:00.001-08:00

The University of Denver Bookstore had what very probably will be its last holiday party tonight at Maggiano's in the Denver Tech Center. Tristy - pictured above - gave a short speech thanking Bookstore employees for their work over the years, occasionally stopping to threaten me if I continued taking photographs of her. If the Bookstore is leased out, a celebration next year is uncertain. Don't worry. There is always the traditional 6 pack out on the curb type of holiday party. Dress warm!

One Man's Trash...

2011-12-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

Friday is trash day at the DU Bookstore. Today as I was carrying my bag of trash over my back like Santa, I asked Dave B. if wanted any of it to take home. I truly believe in the old adage "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Dave B. was so impressed by this offer that he insisted on taking my photograph and asked me to blog about it. I imagine he feels that I am such an environmentally correct, not to mention generous, rascal that the rest of the world should know. Thanks Dave!

The DU Bookstore's 30,000th Web Order

2011-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Wally was very proud, and I must say, a little misty-eyed today when he came into my office to announce that he was about to process the DU Bookstore's 30,000th Internet web order. Wally is the one who processed the majority of these orders, and so I made a little speech in the text office to commemorate the event. I must say the textbook office seemed very underwhelmed. Doug and Brittney just rolled their eyes, and Ceci only wanted to know if there would be cake. As far as I'm concerned, apathy is the Bookstore's greatest enemy these days.

Dinner With Valarie!

2011-12-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

I had dinner at The Gyro's Place on Colfax with Valarie this evening. We were celebrating both her birthday and her graduation from Metro State. Valarie will receive her diploma this Sunday and finally achieve her goal of finishing her degree. And I know nothing about some kind of surprise celebration afterwards. I know nothing!

Lunch With Roddy!

2011-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

I had lunch this afternoon with Roddy, the University of Denver's photography professor and a good friend. Roddy is living the good life while classes are not in session, and was kind enough to both give me advice on my photographs and listen to my reservations about the Bookstore being leased out. He did suggest an "Occupy DU" style protest to persuade the university to keep the Bookstore university owned, but I'm afraid that wouldn't work. A lot of staff member are rather elderly and tend to wonder off, which would defeat the whole purpose. Thanks for the suggestion anyway, Roddy!

A Tangled Web

2011-12-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

The DU Bookstore's web site provider did a software upgrade last night, which resulted in every customer trying to place an online order with the store being warned that our site was highly suspicious and they should leave it immediately. We called Campus Hub, our software provider, and they said they would put their top scientists to work on the problem, maybe even by tomorrow. Needless to say, holiday web sales have dropped a bit, giving sales floor staff such as Lauren (pictured above) a needed break. I guess there is a silver lining to everything.

A DU Med School?

2011-12-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

The headline says it all - the University of Denver is exploring the possibility of starting a medical school. I just hope the medical students they attract won't be the same DU students that jump off the balcony of my building into the swimming pool each summer. If so, it will soon be time to check that diploma very closely whenever you visit the doctor.

A Time To Ponder

2011-12-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

It seems like tragedies occur more around the holidays than at other times of the year: children with inoperable cancer, teenagers dying in car accidents, drunk drivers killing pedestrians, gunmen killing fathers of five. Maybe we just notice these stories more around this time of year. The struggles so many people face each day make you appreciate what you have in life and encourage us all stop complaining so much about the little annoyances in life. Happy Holidays Everyone!

Law And Disorder

2011-12-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

John is helping to check in law textbooks in the DU Bookstore's stockroom this week. The tables are covered with titles. John says this wild tangle of books is symbolic of an increasingly confusing legal system, a direct result of an increasingly complex society. I for one believe the next president - Newt Gringrich - will fix this problem quickly. For example, his plan to eliminate child labor laws will allow the DU Bookstore to increase productivity while at the same time lowering costs - all this without having to worry about incentive killing laws banning 10 year olds from working more than 40 hours a week. Go Newt!

Beer Is The Answer, But What Was The Question?

2011-12-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Stuart and I had a couple of beers at Old Chicago in Lakewood tonight, and toasted "being in the driver's seat." Actually, Stuart is the one in the driver's seat. I'm still on the bus trying to figure out the transit map. Good luck out there on the highway of life, Stuart!

Holiday Madness

2011-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Wally and Katie have been processing hundreds of online holiday orders this past week here at the University of Denver Bookstore. What with the pressure of processing web orders, checking in thousands of textbooks, and dealing with rental returns, among many other duties, upper management here at the DU Bookstore has been worried that some employees might slip over the edge into madness. Of course, with this staff, how could we tell?

The Big Chill

2011-12-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

It is crunch time in the DU Bookstore's stockroom. Hundreds of textbook shipments are arriving every day, and Noah, the Stockroom Coordinator, has once again started using his proven management technique of turning down the thermostat to increase productivity. Whenever Noah turns the thermostat down to 33 degrees - just high enough to keep the pipes from freezing - his employees work faster just to stay warm. Good thinking, Noah. Keep coming up with these kind of ideas and it could mean winning the University of Denver employee of the year award!

Rebecca Is Back!

2011-12-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

Rebecca is back working at the University of Denver Bookstore after a semester studying in Australia. Because Rebecca hasn't worked at DU since June, we had to do a background check on her to make sure she wasn't knocking off convenience stores while down under (Rebecca did mention that there are a LOT of 7-11s in Australia). In any case, her background check came back clean and she is now free to assist Brittney, Ceci, and the very curmudgeonly Doug in the Bookstore's textbook office. Welcome back, Rebecca!

It's A Wonderful Bookstore!

2011-12-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I decided to get into the Christmas spirit by watching "It's A Wonderful Life" on television as I was putting up my Christmas tree. Last year I had bought a book about the movie, which included a photograph of the final heartwarming scene of the movie. I was thinking at the time I would photoshop the faces of the DU Bookstore's employees onto the faces of the various characters in that photo. I then decided "to hell with it" - in a whimsical holiday way, of course - and never looked at the book again until today. Right after the scene pictured above of the Building and Loan's Board of Director's meeting, Uncle Billy says "Well, we're being voted out of business after 25 years. Easy come, easy go." He also says "So what? I can get another job. I'm only 56." In 1946 this was supposed to be funny, but not today. As faithful readers know, the University of Denver is contemplating outsourcing the Bookstore after 148 years. Could we soon become an entire store of Uncle Billys?

Free Art!

2011-12-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a free day at the Denver Art Museum. Is it my imagination, or does the art look better when you get in for free? I toured the contemporary art wing of the museum this afternoon, and I saw a lot of artwork I liked. On other days when I have to pay to get in, the art often seems very so so. Probably it is just the holiday season affecting my viewpoint.

Happy 17th Anniversary Dave!

2011-12-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Dave B. celebrated his 17th anniversary as a DU Bookstore employee today. Dave started working at the store at 8:15 A.M. on December 2nd, 1994. He remembers coming to the front door and seeing me down on my hands and knees, trying to remove a spot on the carpet, while Helen - a long time employee then in her 80s - looked on. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember thinking to myself "This guy is really crazy, but we need the help." And now, 17 fun-filled years have gone by. What more could you ask out of life? Congratulations Dave!

Snow Day!

2011-12-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

No, we didn't get the day off, despite the weather. In point of fact, Chris and Darrel (pictured above) and I opened up the DU Bookstore at 7:30 this morning, despite a raging snowstorm. Other Bookstore employees trickled in much later or never came in at all. Evidently we of the DU Bookstore accounting staff are made of much stronger stuff. Plus we live closer.

Noah Speaks!

2011-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Coordinator, now has at least 50 part-time people helping him unpack textbooks in preparation for DU's winter quarter. I reminded Noah that he once stated he could easily unpack all the store's textbook boxes by himself. As a matter of fact, I think that was during his job interview. Tristy, the Bookstore's Director, was very impressed. In any case, Noah states that that was before 9-11, which changed everything. Not to mention the fact that Noah is not getting any younger.

It's Textbook Time Again!

2011-11-29T20:44:00.000-08:00

It is textbook receiving time at the DU Bookstore once again. In the next week or so, almost all of the winter quarter textbook shipments will arrive. It is always fun to see the hundreds if not thousands of boxes stacked to the rafters in the back room, with nowhere to walk, wondering how Noah, the Stockroom Coordinator, will deal with the deluge. As always, Noah asked for - and received - additional help with the receiving. I personally have always thought that Noah could handle it all himself as long as he stayed organized, but once again I was overruled. The squeaky wheel always gets the grease, I say.

Rental Return Hell

2011-11-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day to return rental textbooks at the University of Denver Bookstore. It was a very hectic day on the sales floor, what with having to take back rentals and having to buy back textbooks. Meanwhile, the Bookstore's stockroom staff (see photograph above) was having a great time, taking the thousands of rental returns and putting them in alphabetical order. It is like being paid to do a giant crossword puzzle, while the sales floor staff has to slave away. Life is so unfair.

It's the Holidays Again!

2011-11-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

Somehow it's the holiday season again. It seems to me that it was just summer, and now we have to deal with Christmas shopping, not to mention holiday music in all the stores, including the DU Bookstore. I ordered the holiday Muzak for the store personally, requesting Mitch Miller and Gene Autry 24/7. Unfortunately, the company we deal with does not have any Xmas songs by those particular artists. The staff will just have to bear up.

The Big Blue Bear

2011-11-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

It was a brisk sunny Saturday - a good day for a walk downtown. I could not resist taking a photo of Denver's "Big Blue Bear," the landmark statue peering into the Denver Convention Center. It was created by a University of Denver professor. I wonder if we could convince him to create a giant red tailed hawk - the school's mascot - peering into DU's Ritchie Center? On the other hand, let's not.

MCA Denver

2011-11-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver was open until 10:00 P.M, charging only a $5 admission fee after 5:00 o'clock. The entire museum was dedicated to the hippie movement of the 1960s. Although I have enjoyed going to the MCA in the past, I must say that this exhibit appears to have been put together by burned out hippies, and I mean that with all due respect. However, I did decide not to ask for my $5 back. Maybe I'll just request it back in a letter.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

I had Thanksgiving dinner with my sister Susan and brother-in-law George tonight. Susan cheerfully remarked that except for our uncle in California and a few cousins, we three are all that is left of our family. I think Susan's point was that if the family had been larger, we could have gotten someone else to cook the holiday dinners, since she was sick of it (even though George did all the cooking). Susan informed me that from now on I would be expected to cook every holiday meal. Time to start looking for those roadkill turkeys!

Fight Club

2011-11-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

Darrel is feeling better today after having surgery for a detached retina last Thursday. We medical experts at the DU Bookstore have been pondering how Darrel could have a detached retina with no obvious cause. We then remembered that Darrel was a Golden Gloves boxer when he was young. Could this be the cause? However, a few years ago, Larry - another former Golden Gloves boxer that worked at the store - started promoting the idea of a DU Bookstore Fight Club. In addition to Darrel and Larry, Bill - a former Operations Coordinator, and textbook buyers Doug and Brittney - also expressed interest in the idea. I was told the Fight Club was never established, but could they have been lying due to possible legal complications? Could this be the real reason Darrel got his detached retina? Sounds to me like there needs to be an investigation on this one.

A Toast To The DU Bookstore!

2011-11-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

Chuck (on the left) and John (on the right) toasted the University of Denver Bookstore tonight at the Bull & Bush Brewery & Restaurant. As University of Denver insiders are already aware, the university is contemplating outsourcing the store. If that happens, this will be the last book buy at DU for Chuck and John and the other Nebraska buyers. Whatever happens, it's been great working with you Chuck and John!

Signs of the Time

2011-11-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

It was busy enough at the book buy and rental return desk at the DU Bookstore today that we decided to print signs to direct traffic. We posted the signs on stanchions, but after seeing Noah (shown above) holding up these signs, I think it would be a better idea to have him stand on the sales floor and hold up, twirl, and wave the signs to direct traffic, just like the individuals you see advertising condos and restaurants on street corners these days. If this works out, we can send Noah outside to advertise the store along Evans Avenue. For Noah's sake, I hope it's a warm winter.

The Quiet Before The Storm

2011-11-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

John (on the left) and Dean (on the right) report that the number of books bought back from DU students this quarter is way down. However, this could mean that everyone will come into the DU Bookstore on the same day to sell back their books - possibly this very Monday. The same thing happened a few years ago. On that day the book buyback line stretched out the door, down the hallway, and outside the building, all the way to the Jerusalem restaurant, several block away. As I recall, on that day Chuck - one of the Nebraska book buyers - fainted dead away. John had to throw water on his face, slap him several times to revive him, and then lash him to his computer terminal to make sure he didn't collapse again. It was a very stressful period for the Nebraska book buyers, but frankly quite amusing to watch. Good luck tomorrow guys!

The View From Downtown

2011-11-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Today was a sunny, beautiful, crisp fall day - perfect for a walk through downtown Denver. This was also World Toilet Day. I spent much of the afternoon wondering what kind of photograph would be most appropriate to celebrate Thomas Crapper's famous invention, but finally decided to flush the idea down the drain. Let everyone celebrate World Toilet Day in their own way.

Dave R. Goes By The Book

2011-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Dave R. seemed crestfallen today when I mentioned that I was taking the Tom Peters book "Re-imagine" home with me. It was on the "free" table in the DU Bookstore's break room, so I thought nobody wanted it. Evidently Dave has been reading it on his lunch hour each day and has been thoroughly enjoying it. I didn't have the heart to take it home after that and put it back on the break room table. However, I insist that Dave be put in charge of implementing the book's recommendations, chapter by chapter.

Still Another Nebraska Book Guy!

2011-11-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

Dean, along with Chuck and John, is here at the DU Bookstore for the next week or so buying back textbooks from students. Dean, like Chuck and John, lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. I asked if Nebraska didn't seem to him to be overrun with cows and corn. Dean admitted this was true, but also mentioned that it was very windy in Nebraska, and the reason for this is because "Colorado blows and Iowa sucks." Could that be some kind of crack? In any case, welcome to the DU Bookstore Dean!