At Least No One Died

I saw the van of the team that was going to put my kitchen back together in front of my building this afternoon, and took a self-portrait, hoping to blog about how long it took to get my kitchen back. As faithful readers know, my entire dining room has been covered with the contents of my kitchen cabinets since February 14th, and I have had to use the bathroom sink to wash my dishes. When I walked in the door, the plumber was there, hooking up my sink. He left to pick up a part, and a short while later water started shooting out of the pipe, flooding my kitchen, bedroom, hallway, and half the living room. As I write, the padding of my living and dining room carpet is being ripped out, and half of my bedroom carpet is gone. Ironically, the damage is 10 times worse than the damage they were hired to fix in the first place. I have to keep my perspective - no one died, it is not a tragedy - but yesterday I could not use my dining room and kitchen, and tonight I can't use the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom. I am peeved.

LTBO!

I was processing the monthly DU Bookstore commission check from Apple Computers today, and came across an entry that said "P3 2011 iPad LTBO $510" However, we did not receive $510 dollars, and so I asked Robyn (not Robin!) and Donovan what this meant. They puzzled over it for a while, and then Donovan looked it up on the Internet. He found out that LTBO means "Love the Blonde Only." Apple is such a cryptic company.

Noah's Last FMLA Hours!

Noah, one of the most faithful readers of my blog, used up his last few hours of FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) parental leave this time period. After approximately 40 weeks off to care for his newborn child, he is back to working his regular schedule at the DU Bookstore. When I asked Noah about how this will affect him, he replied that he still has 5 weeks of vacation time to use. If the DU Bookstore Director had only followed my advice, we would have fired all of our employees, and rehired them as unbenefited part-time workers. Then we wouldn't have this problem. So much for thinking outside the box.

Charlie's Last Day!

Today was Charlie's last day at the DU Bookstore. He is going to help out with his family from this point on, and does not have enough time to work at the Bookstore. Charlie is the most positive person I have ever met, and it going to be a great loss to the Bookstore to lose him. Good Luck, Charlie! Please keep in touch!

The DU Bookstore Fight Club

The resignation of Bill, one of the two Operations Coordinators at the DU Bookstore, reminds me that Larry, a former Operations Coordinator, retired almost a year ago. Larry was promoting a DU Bookstore Fight Club. Larry (a native of Streator, Illinois) boxed when he was young, and had a memorable bout with a fighter from Joliet Reform School. Joliet Reform School had quite a successful boxing team, but Larry forgave his father for making him box many years ago. Darrel, the Bookstore's Account's Payable Supervisor. also boxed in Waterloo, Iowa against a number of inner city opponents. The plan was for Larry to face Darrel in a bout, and for Doug, the Bookstore's textbook buyer, to fight Brittney, the Bookstore's Law School buyer. The winners would face each other for the DU Bookstore championship. After Larry left the store, the Fight Club idea fell by the wayside. However, Brittney still wants to fight Doug, and I have found the perfect site for the bout, just two miles from the DU Bookstore.

Bill Is Resigning!

Bill has decided he needs a change of scene, and has given two weeks notice to the DU Bookstore. He has even considered retirement, and moving to Canada. Canada? The land where they have only three weeks of summer? Bring a pretty warm jacket, Bill.

Dinner With Valarie

I had dinner with Valarie tonight, and she was kind enough to critique my new bestseller, "Denver People and Places, A Photographic Journey." Valarie thought all the photographs were very good, except for the ones of her (of course). As a matter of fact, she even compared me to Diane Arbus. I am still trying to figure out if that was a compliment or not. In any case, she told me that the photograph I took of her tonight was the best I have ever taken of her. In point of fact, many of the people I take photographs of these days cover their faces first. And I don't take it personally, either. By the way, you can check out the book at:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2023717

Chuck Says Goodbye!

Chuck, the book buyer from Nebraska Book Company, is headed back to Nebraska (the state) after buying books for the DU Bookstore for the past 4 days. It was a pretty successful beginning of term buy, and if I recall right, we are shipping the books back to Lincoln, Nebraska via Alaska Airlines. At least I think I have that right. In any case, it was great to see you again, Chuck. I am sure we will see you at Saltdogs Stadium (minor league baseball in all its glory) this summer!

Charlie And Bweza

Charlie and Bweza are two of the most positive minded people working at the DU Bookstore. That is a truly great thing. Charlie says that every day is just wonderful, and Bweza spends much of her time volunteering for good causes. Plus, they enjoy having their photograph taken! Thank you Charlie and Bweza! Keep those positive vibes coming!

Dennis from Nebraska and Saltdogs Baseball

Dennis (the other Chuck) is back from Nebraska Book Company to help out the DU Bookstore during the spring rush. Dennis, like the original Chuck, is a Lincoln Saltdogs fan. The Saltdogs are a minor league baseball team in Lincoln, Nebraska. Baseball is an important part of many people's lives. Chuck told me today about a friend of his who is dying from a disease very similar to Lou Gehrig's disease. His friend loves baseball, and watches all the major league games he can on television. One of my favorite columnists, Lewis Grizzard, once wrote a column about how important it was to him to watch the Atlanta Braves baseball game every day on television when he was recovering from a severe heart attack. In other words, baseball, to many people, is more than a sport - it is all about the human spirit. Go Saltdogs!

Chuck Is Back!

It is the first day of spring classes at the University of Denver, and Chuck is back buying textbooks for the DU Bookstore. Chuck is from Nebraska (Motto: "I Break for Cows") and is a devoted Saltdogs fan (they play minor league baseball). Chuck is very enthused about the upcoming baseball season, even though Saltdogs Field also doubles as a cow pasture. Watch out where you step, guys! Such is life in Nebraska.

The Father of Rental Books!

Marty is the father of rental books at the University of Denver Bookstore. Known as "old man Marty" to his friends and colleagues, he is the one who put the rental program together. This is the program that we hope will save the DU Bookstore and make it competitive with the Internet. Otherwise, Marty, his wife Shannon, and his young child Carson, will be out on the street, along with the rest of us. This damn well better work, Marty!

Trish Is Ready!

Monday is the first day of classes for the spring quarter at the University of Denver. Trish (pictured above) is ready for the onslaught, although she is already complaining about the temperature in the Bookstore. It is a very comfortable 88.9 degrees in the store these days. What is her problem?

Victoria Has Returned!

The University of Denver's Spring Quarter starts Monday, and Victoria has returned to help out the Bookstore during the first week of classes. Victoria is from Scotland, as is Roddy, the photography professor at DU. As a matter of fact, the woman who rents my late mother's condo in Florida is also from Scotland. All of this tells me that Scotland is a great place to "be from." All the Scottish ex-patriots love to go back home in the summer, which I think is the week of August 17th. Definitely stay away from there the other 51 weeks of the year is the message I am getting. Welcome back Victoria!

Dave B. Celebrates St. Pat's Day!

Dave B. celebrated St. Patrick's Day today with his "Kiss My T-Shirt, It's Irish" shirt today. I don't think he got many takers, which explains his surly mood. Regardless, Happy St. Patrick's Day, Dave B! I admire your spirit!

Dee Is Back!

Dee is back, working at the DU Bookstore's information desk during the spring quarter rush. Dee is showing off her DU Bookstore "Berka Look," but actually I think she is just trying to hide from customers. It doesn't work, Dee. They can still see you.

Chuck Says Goodbye!

Today is the last day Chuck, from Nebraska Book Company, will be doing our book buy. We will have to do all the work by ourselves from this point on. However, Chuck will be back for the first week of classes (the week of March 21st) to buy more books. You can always count on Nebraska folk. They are there when you need them, as long as it is before planting seaon. After planting season, just try and get hold of them. It is one rural state.

Wally Agrees!

Wally (pictured above) is featured in my book "Denver People and Places" and agrees that it is a prime candidate for a Pulitzer. I am just awed at the praise I have received. At last there will be no complaints about my portraits making people look old. By whom I mean my sister Susan and friend Valarie. Deal with it, okay?

Stuart Gives The Thumbs Up!

My friend Stuart gave the thumbs up on my recently published book, "Denver People and Places" this evening. Stuart was thinking Pulitzer tonight. In point of fact, so was I, but I was too modest to express it out loud. If I win the big prize, this means that no one can complain about their portraits. This means you, too, Valarie!

My Book Has Arrived!

My Blurb Book, "Denver People and Places," arrived this morning at my doorstep. I ordered it to come UPS ground, but evidently the Blurb Book People recognized the importance of these portraits, the insightful commentary, and the stunning cityscapes, and knew something like this needed to be delivered immediately. It was sent Federal Express Next Day Air - on their dime, I might add. And delivered on a Saturday, too. Even the Blurb Book people can recognize true art. Thank you Blurb.Com! I am sure the people featured in this book will now recognize the brilliance of their portraits and their permanent place in the art world!

Pamela Is Leaving!

Pamela, the DU Bookstore's Coursepack Coordinator, is leaving the Bookstore for greener pastures. We had a farewell luncheon for her at Illegal Pete's today. Dee (on the far right) is looking properly distraught. Pamela is leaving the Bookstore to work at a brokerage firm, for more money. What can she be thinking?

John From Nebraska

John is the third member of the Nebraska Book Company team that is buying books for the DU Bookstore. This quarter we have competition from both Subway (yes, the sandwich company!) and a "Buyback Mobile" at the corner of High and Asbury. Chuck, and the other Chuck, Dennis, were planning on taking the DU Bookstore Management Team to dinner at McDonald's Friday night, but John insisted on taking us to a pricey Cherry Creek Bistro. Thanks John! I'll have the steak and lobster!

Matthew is Graduating!

Matthew has been a work study student at the DU Bookstore for 4 years. Today was his last day of classes at DU. He will be graduating at the end of this quarter. In honor of this joyous occasion, he dressed up in his special graduation suit. Very nice indeed, but when doing job interviews, I recommend something slightly more conservative. Keep in mind, Matthew, that this mistake is how I wound up working at the DU Bookstore for 27 years.

The Nebraska Boys Are Back!

Chuck and the other Chuck - Dennis - are back at the DU Bookstore buying back used textbooks for the store. They were absolutely crushed when I deleted - by mistake of course - the photographs I took of them yesterday. I hope this portrait of them makes up for it all. They are from Nebraska, after all, so a photograph of them on my blog is a really BIG DEAL! Tomorrow, the third Nebraska buyer, John, get his 15 minutes of fame!

A Rare Mistake!

I made a very rare error tonight. I took photographs of Chuck and the other Chuck -Dennis - to put on my blog tonight. They are the book buyers from the Nebraska Book Company, and are here for the end of quarter book buy. It appears - although I am still investigating this - that I deleted the photographs from my camera before I downloaded them to my computer. These were some of the greatest portraits ever taken in the history of photography. Oh well, there is always tomorrow!

Done!

I'm done! Kind of. I have finally finished my "Blurb"(photo) book for the Portfolio Class I am taking at DU. I still have to write three cultural reviews tomorrow, to show that I am attending cultural events and will be a well rounded person after I leave school (in my case when I retire, but the world does need more cultured senior citizens, doesn't it?). Now all I have to do is sit back and wait for offers to pour in from book publishers. Can fame and fortune be far behind?

Kitchens Are Complicated!

Kitchens are a complicated thing. On February 14th (Valentine's Day), the Wet Extraction Team (WET) dismantled my kitchen and removed the kitchen wall. Within two days, the wall was back up, but the rest of the kitchen remained in pieces. Taking apart a kitchen is easy, but putting one back together is a very complicated thing. You need to make calculations, meet with the Team WET scientists, and consult with the Team WET astrologists. I am sure that when the stars are aligned, and everything else is in place, they will restore my kitchen to its previous state with lightning speed. I am so glad I didn't go with one of those fly-by-night outfits that simply puts your kitchen back the way it was and then forgets about it. Thank You Team WET! I am with you all the way!

Jeannine

Jeannine works for Mail Services, which is part of the University of Denver's Bookstore Division. It is a "Service Operation," which means that it is expected to lose money. I have suggested to Tristy, the Bookstore Director, that the less they do, the less money they lose. If they did absolutely nothing, we would meet our bottom line easily. She always gets mad at me when I suggest that. It makes perfect sense to me. Go figure.

Rampage!

Marty (pictured on the far right) is the General Merchandise and Textbook Manager at the DU Bookstore. He belongs to a band called Rampage. He and his group played tonight for a fundraiser at the Toad Tavern in Littleton. Marty's wife Shannon is in charge of the "Rock for Runyon" organization, and he and his group played for the event. All the money raised goes to help Runyon Elementary School. The band even agreed to pose for a photograph. They all seem to be very nice, but crazy. Not a bad combination.

Charlie is Leaving!

Charlie has worked at the DU Bookstore for a number of years. Charlie is the most positive person I have ever met. He is a great morale booster at the store. It will be a great loss to have him leave the Bookstore. However, one of his daughters has recently had his 4th grandchild, and he is in great demand to help out his daughters with babysitting, errands, and everything else. Family comes first for Charlie, as well it should, so he has given his notice. Thanks for the positive outlook, Charlie. It has really made a difference!

A Very Sad Noah

Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Coordinator, has only 12 hours left of FMLA leave, given to him by the University of Denver upon the birth of his second child. I told Noah that I thought this was a tax dodge on his part, but Noah maintains that this is in point of fact a work dodge, and that he and his wife are hoping for a third child very soon. Congratulations, Noah! You have learned how to work the system at a relatively young age.