Marty Shows Off His Thinking Cap

Marty, the Textbook Manager of the DU Bookstore, shows off his "thinking cap" in the photograph above, which was taken recently by Tony, the Bookstore's Copy Center Manager.  Marty wears this cap when he needs to be especially creative, such as when he is working on his new web site, martynearymusic.com.  Marty promises to have his web site - promoting his guitar/mandolin/zither lessons and  the services of the bands he plays for - up and running by the end of the year, which, as I write this, is exactly 10 hours away.  Good luck with that Marty!

Speaking of Van Gogh...

Speaking of Van Gogh, one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings is "The Drinkers," which is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.  I took the above photograph of my sister Susan expounding on the merits of the painting years ago, when we both lived back in that toddling town.  I think I like the painting so much because it reminds me so much of my formative years back in Chicago.  Nostalgia still lives!

Saturday Afternoon With Vincent

My friend Valarie, sister Susan, and brother-in-law George (from left to right in the photograph above) and I went to see "Becoming Van Gogh" this afternoon at the Denver Art Museum (affectionately known as The DAM).  We agreed to meet at the entrance to the museum, but Valarie, Susan, and George arrived at the north entrance while I waited at the south (correct) entrance. After a quick cell phone call, the three of them headed to the south entrance.  While I waited for them to arrive, I watched none other than Toulouse lautrec greeting visitors to the museum.  He looked pretty good, too, considering he can't be a day under 140.  Naturally, by the time Valarie, Susan, and George arrived, he had disappeared.  I told them who they had missed, but they just rolled their eyes and ignored me.   I am NOT seeing things, guys.  At least not this time.

Bill Pays A Visit

Bill, the DU Bookstore's former Operations Coordinator, paid a visit to the Bookstore this afternoon to say hello and to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  Bill is enjoying his retirement immensely, taking bicycle rides in the Napa Valley, skiing in Aspen, playing the roulette tables in Monte Carlo, cruising the Mediterranean in his yacht, or at least pursuing leisure activities similar to these.  In any case, it was great to see you, Bill!  Keep having fun, and don't worry about us wage slaves here in the trenches.  

Victoria Returns!

Victoria has returned to the DU Bookstore to help us out during the Winter Quarter "Rush" period.  Since she last worked at the Bookstore, Victoria has earned a degree in Geographic Information Systems from Metropolitan State University, and did an internship in Oregon with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  After working for 6 months in the Oregonian wilderness, she was offered a full time position with the agency.  Next month, after working "rush" at the DU Bookstore, she will start her new job with Fish and Wildlife, but has decided to commute to her job from trendy Portland.  As Victoria puts it, you can only look at all those deer for so long. A little bit of wildlife can go a long way.  

Boxing Day!

Today is Boxing Day, the day traditionally set aside for giving gifts to servants and the less fortunate.  The question is, in giving gifts to your servants, do you also give them the day off, or not?  Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Manager (pictured above), as well as the rest of the stockroom crew, feel this is not a relevant issue for them.  I strongly disagree.  What if  you win the Power Ball Lottery and buy a huge house on the French Rivera, overlooking the Mediterranean,  and need a staff to run it?  Noah responded that he doesn't need servants, he has a wife.  That settles the issue as far as he is concerned, at least until his wife reads this.

Merry Christmas To All

Merry Christmas everyone!  I celebrated the holiday today by cooking a turkey dinner for my sister Susan, brother-in-law George, and friend Stuart.  I intended to take a photograph of the three of them for this Blog, but between cooking and acting as host, I just forgot.  And can you believe no one reminded me to take one?  Which is why today's Blog photo is one of my famous self-portraits.  Deal with it, Blog readers!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is all about family, and I have been thinking a lot today about Christmases past.  I came across several photos of the Christmas of 1964, when my mother and father and sister and I lived in the Brainerd neighborhood of Chicago.  Those were happy days, all of us together and living in that wonderful house on Aberdeen Street .  My mother loved the place so much it was hard to persuade her to go on vacations.  Several years ago I went back to the old neighborhood after  44 years.  I am happy to report that it is just as nice as ever.  I put together a "Blurb" book, "The Journey Home: Returning to Chicago," chronicling my experiences on that trip (www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1361398 ), and I never fail to get a warm glow whenever I look at it.  It is so nice to have all those wonderful memories.  Merry Christmas Everyone!

Marty Promises Action

Marty, the Textbook Manager at the DU Bookstore, continues to work on his web site - martynearymusic.com - and has promised it will be operational by the end of the year.  I asked him which year, and he stated emphatically that it would be ready by the end of this year.  The site will promote Marty's guitar lessons and the services of the several bands he belongs to.  Marty also told me that there will be a disclaimer stating that he no longer teaches either the zither or scuba.  But those happen to be the two things I am interested in!  What a bummer.

Wally Reminisces

Yesterday I brought a package to be shipped to Toledo "Next Day Air" to Wally, my friend and colleague at the DU Bookstore.  At the very mention of Toledo, Wally was transported back to the days when he worked on an ore boat sailing the Great Lakes.  Toledo was one of their regular stops, and a "bum" boat would always come out to meet them, selling every item imaginable, including beer.  The ship's cook asked Wally to buy him a case of Schlitz, since he was preparing lunch and couldn't leave the galley.  Wally did just that, not realizing the cook had a bit of a drinking problem.  The cook proceeded to go on a major bender, depriving the crew of their meals.  Everyone wondered how the cook could have possibly got hold of all that booze.  Wally, of course, being no fool, wondered out loud the same thing. Later on, Wally served on either the Star of India (a full-rigged sailing ship) or the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway (I can never remember which), and you can rest assured he never made that same mistake again.  

Changing Health Care Plans

I recently needed to change health care plans, and asked Tony, my friend and colleague at the DU Bookstore (seen in the photograph above) the name of his doctor.  Originally, I had asked Wally, another DU Bookstore employee, the name of his physician.  Wally told me that his doctor is one of two brothers who share a medical office here in Denver, but that he can never keep their names straight.  One is a general practitioner and the other is a proctologist.  In a situation like that, if you make a mistake when making an appointment, it could be a big one.  In addition, Wally also mentioned that his doctor has a degree in music, as opposed to something a little more practical, like medicine.  Fun is fun, but I think I will stick with Tony's recommendation.

Joe Is Back!

We last visited with Joe (pictured above) at the Art Students League of Denver's annual Summer Arts Festival, where he had a booth displaying his artwork.  Joe is a monotype artist and an art teacher, and also helps out in the DU Bookstore's stockroom, as well as on the sales floor, during "rush" periods.  Joe is quite talented, and his artwork is featured at Denver's Zip 37 Gallery, as well as at other art galleries around town. Be sure to check out his blog at www.squishtoid.blogspot.com.  Joe's brother Owen also works at the Bookstore, but prefers not to be photographed.  Perhaps another sizable bribe is in order.  This could get expensive.

Cheryl Visits the Bookstore

Cheryl, who works at the DU Bookstore during our "rush" periods, stopped by the store today to say hello and buy some snacks.  At first Cheryl wasn't very enthusiastic about having her photograph taken, but Trish, another Bookstore employee, encouraged her to pose for the camera.  Trish has also convinced a number of other Bookstore employees to be photographed for this blog, although Trish herself steadfastly refuses to let me take her picture.  Time to resort to sheer bribery, I guess.

The Bookstore Accounting Office Annual Holiday Lunch

Today was the annual DU Bookstore Accounting Office Holiday Lunch.  Of course, only two of us still work in the Bookstore's Accounting Office, but why should that stop a great tradition?  In the photograph above (from left to right ) are, in the back row, Chris, Darrel, and Flo, and in the front, Brittney and her daughter Addison.  Of course, Addison has never worked at the DU Bookstore.  However, when Brittney was Addison's age, her mother put her to work at the Fort Lewis Bookstore in Durango, Colorado, and look how well she turned out.  Brittney seems to think it might be best to wait a few years before Addison and her son Conner enter the workforce.  Okay, be that way.

The Mozambique Corner

My friend Valarie's daughter, Cheyanne (third from the right in the photograph above), joined the Peace Corps this past fall and is now a teacher in Mozambique.  She first went to the town of Namaacha, in the southern part of the country, for training.  I am pretty sure that is where the well-known musical, "The Man of Namaacha,"  was set.  Regardless, she is now training teachers at a college in the Homoine District of Mozambique.  Plus, she now has her own blog:  http://timeinmozambique.blogspot.com.  You should definitely check it out.  Way to go Cheyanne!

Vincent And Me

I visited the Denver Art Museum (The DAM) this afternoon for the first time since becoming a member a few weeks ago.  Although it was a very chilly day outside, it was quite pleasant  inside the museum, viewing all the new paintings and exhibits that have been added since the last time I was there.  Although I joined the museum in order to buy discounted tickets to the "Becoming Van Gogh" exhibit, I think it was a good idea to join anyway.  Plus, I was told by the person selling me the membership that there is an open bar for members every Friday night.  I sure hope she wasn't just saying that to make the sale.

Robin And Caitie Host A Christmas Cookie Party

Robin, my good friend and former Hatch's Bookstore co-worker (in the photo on the right) and her daughter Caitie (on the left), hosted a Christmas cookie decorating party last night, which was a huge success.  Even I - not known as a master chef - baked two dozen chocolate chip cookies, with a little help from the Pillsbury Baking people.  However, I couldn't help but notice that I was the only one who brought beer.  Aren't cookies and beer still a cherished holiday tradition?  We have GOT to keep these hallowed traditions alive.  I know I will certainly do my part.

Not A Creature Was Stirring...

All of the students have gone home for the holidays, and so the University of Denver campus is very quiet these days. Even many of the DU staff members have disappeared, taking time off to enjoy the season.  It is a happy time of year, but also a sad time too, since there are so few people left to corral into having their photograph taken for this Blog.  I guess that is what they call the "Christmas Blues."  I wonder if Cindy Sherman has the same problem?

Ashley Stops By!

Ashley, who was a work study student at the DU Bookstore for four years, stopped by the store this morning to do a little shopping.  In point of fact, she set off an alarm that brought every employee in the Bookstore to the Computer Department to see what was going on.  Frankly, I have to admit, Ashley always did want to be the center of attention when she worked here, and probably was just looking for an easy way to greet everyone in the store at the same time.  Currently, she is very close to earning a Masters Degree in Biology  from the University of Denver, and hopes to eventually get a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, the better to figure out her former co-workers. Way to go Ashley!

Charlie Visits The DU Bookstore!

Charlie, a former DU Bookstore employee, paid a visit to the store this afternoon to say hello, and says he is really enjoying retirement.  He is doing a lot of traveling and is also helping take care of his granddaughter.  We asked him if he wanted to work for the Bookstore during our "Rush" period next month, but he just laughed and walked away.  I think that means no. What?  Have you forgotten all the fun we used to have during the first week of classes?  Regardless, it was good to see you again Charlie!

The British Bulldog Rocks!

The last time I was in this restaurant / tavern it was called The Punch Bowl, a bar whose history dates back to 1904.  Back then, patrons would bet on prize fights that were held in the bar by throwing money into a punch bowl.  Several years ago, the place was remodeled and renamed The British Bulldog.  I must say, they did a great job with the remodel, keeping all of the historical elements, but still making the place look and feel very trendy.  As an added plus, the bartenders and wait staff are all very cheerful and friendly, and the place has the feel of a neighborhood bar - a modern day Cheers.  Congratulations, Bulldog People!  Keep up the good work!

Bri Works Toward Her Goals

Bri is not only a DU Bookstore employee, but also a student at the University of Denver, majoring in both English and Communication.  She is minoring in Japanese and Hebrew, and hopes to become a translator, possibly with a Japanese publisher of anime comic books.  Once Bri achieves that goal, perhaps she could move to the editorial side of the business. If so, how about a comic book superhero who works at a college bookstore?  You could call him "Dr. Hawk," a superhero who uses his great powers for truth, justice, and lower textbook prices.  Sounds like a winner to me.

Matt Keeps Busy

Matt, a DU Bookstore employee and a Computer Science / Studio Art student at the University of Denver, is keeping busy these day working two jobs.  Matt is specializing in Video Game Production, and hopes to go into that profession after graduation.  Matt, once you start working in that field, try to get all those Ms. Pac-Man machines back into the restaurants around town.  I haven't seen one in years. What is the deal with that?

Happy Birthday Valarie!

Valarie, the former Operations Manager of the DU Bookstore, and I celebrated her birthday today with dinner and a movie.  And no, I am not crazy enough to mention which birthday.  We first went to see the new James Bond film, Skyfall, which was really great fun to see, and then had dinner at Applebee's.  Over dinner, I mentioned to Valarie that like James Bond in Skyfall, I too was worried that I have lost a step.  Valarie replied that she has always noticed quite a similarity between James Bond and me.  I was so glad to hear that.  I have also noticed that similarity, but thought I was just imagining things.

John Returns From The Glorious South

John, my friend and colleague at the DU Bookstore, returned this week from a Thanksgiving visit to his home in Georgia.  He and his family spent part of his visit on a farm, riding horses and enjoying the rural Georgia countryside. I asked John if there were any old antebellum plantations in the area, but evidently General Sherman  took care of most of those during his famous "March to the Sea."  Fortunately, John tells me that Georgians are no longer bitter about that - "at least the educated ones, anyway."  Just what does that mean? We Northerners have all seen Deliverance too, you know.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Happy St. Nicholas Day from Santa, everybody!  This year everyone who has been good will get a Christmas carp.  Everyone who has been bad will get two Christmas carps.  Just deal with it, kiddies.

The Quest For Accuracy

Tony, the DU Bookstore's Quick Copy Center Manager (pictured above), told me today that Marty, the store's Textbook Manager, has been telling people that today, December 5th, is St. Nicholas Day.  This is not true.  In point of fact, St. Nicholas Day is always celebrated on December 6th.  Marty has been all excited lately about the Christmas season and the Christmas traditions of his favorite city, Prague, and seems to have gotten confused. However, in fairness to Marty, presents might sometimes be exchanged on St. Nicholas Eve.  Plus, a second round of presents is then exchanged on Christmas Day.  Talk about "win-win."  Book my flight to Prague immediately!  

Excited About The Holidays

I asked Marty today if his new web site, martynearymusic.com, was online yet.  I thought he was having someone design it, but Marty tells me he is putting it together himself.  Look for it sometime in 2014. In any case, Marty was waxing nostalgic today about Prague, his favorite European city, and its holiday traditions.  Evidently everyone there receives gifts on both St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) and on Christmas Day.  Plus, it is a tradition in Prague to celebrate Christmas Day with a Christmas carp.  Yum!  Marty hopes he and his family can visit Prague over the Christmas holidays next year.  If you do, Marty, try really hard to avoid that carp.  Perhaps a McDonald's will be open.

The 2012 Santa Claus Pub Crawl

I attended the 2012 Santa Claus Pub Crawl here in Denver this past Saturday.  It started out in the early afternoon at Fado's Irish Pub in Denver's LoDo neighborhood.  It was a surreal experience to say the least - lots of guys in Santa suits hanging out at the bar, drinking beer, and not doing much crawling.  These guys were settled in for the afternoon.  I came back at 4:00 to see the "Running of the Santas," and it was a great disappointment   I envisioned the streets being closed and 1,500 men and women in Santa suits racing to the finish line.  Instead, it was a handful of twenty-somethings in Santa caps who sprinted across the street and then walked the rest of the way to the Ginn Mill on Larimer Street for evening libations.  Another illusion shattered.

Sergio Appears On The Blog At Last!

Sergio is an engineering student at the University of Denver and has worked at the DU Bookstore since September.  He agreed to be featured on my Blog after being persuaded to do so by a number of other Bookstore employees.  I am of course very flattered that these employees spoke so highly of my Blog and told Sergio what an honor it is for him to appear on it.  However, I couldn't help but notice that most of the employees extolling my Blog refuse to appear on it themselves.  What's up with that?

Emilie Joins The DU Bookstore Team!

Emilie started working at the DU Bookstore in September and is originally from Minnesota.  In fact, the other morning Emilie, Trish (also a Bookstore employee), and a customer were at the front desk of the store and discovered that they were all from the same part of Minnesota.  They then spent a bit of time discussing the glories of the state.  I myself have never been to Minnesota, but I do know the state is notorious for its cold and snowy winters.  Not only do you have to plug in your car every night so it will start up the next day, but every morning you have to get up early and thaw out the cows.  What a drag!  No wonder so many Minnesotans live here.

A Visit From Chris

Chris, a former DU Bookstore employee, is living the good life working at University of Denver's Chemistry Department three days a week.  She stopped by the Bookstore today to say hello and catch up on what is happening at the store.  Chris mentioned that she went to her cousin's house for Thanksgiving Dinner this year, but will  be doing all the cooking on Christmas.  I told her that I will also be hosting a dinner on Christmas Day, and took the opportunity to ask if she thought it would be wise to cook a turkey I have had in my freezer since last Thanksgiving.  Chris advised me to be cautious and make sure I don't poison all my guests, at least not on Christmas Day.  Wise advice indeed.  On the other hand, the emergency rooms will surely be open Christmas Night - decisions, decisions...

Still Another Retraction!

Dee (pictured in the photograph above), works at the DU Bookstore during rush periods and is also a poet.  She stopped by the Bookstore today and stated emphatically that she is not a "Slam" poet and does not participate in Slam poetry contests.  Once again I have been misinformed and must print a retraction.  Like Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Manager, Dee prefers the old fashioned kind of poetry readings.  There goes the big poetry contest I had been planning for the Bookstore's Stockroom.  Perhaps we can still have some poetry readings, and then award a lifetime supply of out-of-print textbooks to both Dee and Noah.

The DU Bookstore Poetry Games

Noah, the DU Bookstore's Stockroom Manager (pictured above), is a poet in his spare time.  He has stated many times that he does not like the idea of "Slam Poetry," where contestants shout their poetry to each other and a winner is chosen from among the participants. Noah feels it is just an attempt to make poetry exciting, and he prefers the unexciting old fashioned kind of poetry readings. Another Bookstore employee, Dee, is also a poet, but takes part in Slam Poetry contests all the time here at the University of Denver.  I say let them face off in the DU Bookstore Stockroom, while everyone is checking in winter quarter textbooks.  Not only will it be an interesting contrast in styles, but it will make the day fly by.  The winner will receive a lifetime supply of out-of-print textbooks.  Let the contest begin!

The Excitement Builds!

Everybody at the DU Bookstore is anxiously awaiting the debut of Marty's (the DU Bookstore Coursebook Manager's) new website, www.martynearymusic.com.  I checked out the site today.  It says "Future home of something quite cool," and shows a closet with that loud shirt Marty always likes to wear.  The website will promote the two bands Marty plays guitar for and will also promote the music lessons he offers in the evenings and on weekends. I asked him the other day if he gives zither lessons, in addition to guitar. As everyone knows, zither music is coming back in a big way.  Marty told me yes - zither and scuba.  You don't think he was being sarcastic, do you?  I didn't even think Marty could swim.

Mustard's Last Stand

I had dinner tonight at Mustard's Last Stand, located just down the street from the University of Denver.  The hamburgers and fries there are great.  Plus, the place has a Chicago theme, with Chi-town memorabilia on the walls and Cubs and White Sox baseball on the television during the summer.  And the best thing is, everyone there is still depressed about the Cub's miserable season.  Not only do you get a good meal, you get to experience a group therapy session to help deal with still another losing season. As they say in Chicago, wait until next year!

Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey was on the menu today up in Fort Collins.  My sister Susan contemplates another 3 weeks of leftovers in the photograph above, while my brother-in-law George watches television, trying not to think about it.  And after the three weeks are up, we all can look forward to... More Turkey!  That is what is on the menu at my place on Christmas Day.  Not only is it delicious, but wouldn't "Leftover Turkey" make a great new name for Marty's - the DU Bookstore's Coursebook Manager's - band?

Cruising For Carolers

I saw in the newspaper that the Third Annual Victorian Home Tour in the Upper Colfax neighborhood of Denver was taking place this Saturday, and decided to check it out.  The cost of the tour was FIFTEEN DOLLARS - not that I am cheap or anything - so I decided to just check out the neighborhood and see if I could get a photograph of The Original Dickens Carolers, who were scheduled to perform that afternoon in front of the Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast at 16th and Race Streets. In point of fact, I was very impressed with the neighborhood.  In a two block square area could be found the Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast, the Vine Street Brewpub, St. Mark's Coffee House, the Thin Man Pub, Pete's Kitchen, and the iconic Satire Lounge. Talk about a great neighborhood!  Plus, I actually did wind up seeing The Original Dickens Carolers, took their photograph, and saved fifteen bucks in the bargain.  Talk about a win-win situation!

A Black Friday Kind Of Birthday

I went up to Fort Collins this afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving with my sister Susan and brother-in-law George.  Since today is George's birthday, we decided to celebrate both events at the same time.  When I first met him, George was 10 years older than  me.  Now he tells me that he is actually 10 years younger than I am.  Susan says this has something to do with Quantum Physics and Einstein's Theory of Relativity.  Isn't science wonderful?

A Broadway Danny Rose Kind Of Thanksgiving

My sister Susan and brother-in-law George decided to postpone Thanksgiving until Friday, so today I was on my own.  I decided to celebrate the day with a "Broadway Danny Rose" kind of Thanksgiving.  In that 1980s era Woody Allen movie, Danny Rose would entertain his show business clients each Thanksgiving with individual frozen turkey dinners, which they all agreed was just as good as the real thing.  And in point of fact, my dinner tonight did indeed taste just as good as a regular Thanksgiving Day meal.  On the other hand, I am also a dedicated Maxwell House instant coffee drinker, and I firmly believe that instant coffee is just as good, if not better, than a cup of Starbucks. Deal with it, all you gourmets out there.

Cheryl Stops By

Cheryl, the Budget Coordinator for the Office of Teaching and Learning at the University of Denver and who also works at the DU Bookstore during rush periods, stopped by the Bookstore today to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  When I first asked Cheryl this afternoon if I could take her photograph for my Blog, she said no.  However, after I broke down into tears and started sobbing she changed her mind and agreed to let me take the photo.  Never let humiliation get in the way of getting the job done, I always say.  It is a hard truth, but one every Blogger must learn.

Damn Yankees

John, who works at the DU Bookstore and is also a University of Denver student, is flying home to Atlanta tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with his family.  John and I got into a conversation this afternoon about the relative busyness of Atlanta's Hartsfield airport versus Chicago's O'Hare (my former hometown airport).  I mentioned that Chicago got its start as a railroad hub, and John mentioned that Atlanta was a railroad hub too, until Illinois' General Grant destroyed the place.  I pointed out that it was actually General Sherman (another Illinois native) who put the torch to the place, but John didn't seem to think that was an important detail.  One Illinois Yankee is the same as any other, I guess.  You don't think Atlantans are still bitter after all these years, do you?

New Glasses For Noah

I noticed today that Noah, the Stockroom Manager of the DU Bookstore, was wearing new eyeglasses.  A few weeks ago, he told me that he fell asleep on a couch while reading, and broke his previous pair. He finally replaced the broken glasses last week. When I asked if I could take his photograph to commemorate this event, he asked me if this was truly blog worthy material. Are you crazy, Noah?  We bloggers are desperate for things to write about.  New eyeglasses are a tremendous thing to report on.  For me, even the heartbreak of psoriasis is a big scoop.  Congrats on the new look, Noah!

A Lost Masterpiece - Recovered!

I finally got my Canon camera back this week.  I had left it in my friend Valarie's car last Sunday, and she brought it back to me this past Thursday.  Thank goodness for that, since I had taken an irreplaceable photograph (from left to right) of Valarie, Chris, Jim, Linda, and Darrel just after we had seen the documentary film "Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters" on the last day of the Denver Film Festival.  As faithful blog readers know, Valarie, Chris, Darrel, and I all used to work together at the DU Bookstore.  The movie was great, as was the dinner afterwards at Maggiano's Little Italy.  What a tragedy it would have been to have lost this wonderful "moment in time."  Thanks for finding my camera, Valarie!  The art world salutes you!

The End Of The Fall Quarter

Yesterday was the last day of the fall quarter here at the University of Denver.  I had expected that most DU students would be home studying for their finals, which will be taking place this Saturday through Tuesday.  Instead, they all seemed to be at Jordan's Irish Pub, kitty-corner from the DU campus, mellowing out before taking their big exams.  That was my plan last night, and I'm not even taking any classes.  See you next January DU students!

Valarie Returns To The DU Bookstore!

Valarie, the former Operations Manager of the University of Denver Bookstore, returned to the store for a visit yesterday after two and a half years.  I must say she was very impressed with the store's new look.  After a major remodeling - new carpet, new fixtures, the works - Valarie thinks the store looks great.  She was especially impressed with the store's general book section and how well the Bookstore is being merchandised.  However, she flat out refused to help with the semi-annual inventory taking place this Sunday. I guess nostalgia can take you only so far.  Go figure.

The Churchill Dinner Is This Saturday!

Wally, my friend and colleague at the DU Bookstore, reminded me today that the Rocky Mountain Churchillians will be hosting their annual Churchill dinner this Saturday night, and Wally has good news!  The dinner will be held inside the Park Hill Golf Course clubhouse, instead of out on the fairway as originally planned.  That might have been a pretty nippy affair this time of year.  I can't remember the main speaker's name - I think it was Who something.  Perhaps Dr. Who! In any case, he will be speaking about all things Churchill (Winston, not Ward), and there is still time to join the Rocky Mountain Churchillians and attend the festivities.  The website is www.winstonchurchillcolorado.org.  Still no word on the open bar, however.

That Old Positive Spirit

Tony, the Quick Copy Center Manager at the DU Bookstore, tells me things are going well for him, and that he has nothing at all to complain about.  He also adds that life is too short to be unhappy.  That's the spirit, Tony! You aren't going to catch him worrying about the end of the world, which according to the Mayan calendar takes place next month. C'est la guerre, as they say.

Exciting News!

Marty, the Course Materials Manager at the DU Bookstore, is only a few days away from having his own web site.  Marty, as faithful readers know, is a musician when he is not working at the Bookstore.  On this new web site, he will be promoting the several bands to which he belongs, and their availability for weddings, parties, bar mitzvahs, cruise ship gigs, etc.  Marty will also be promoting his music lessons.  Marty teaches guitar, banjo, the mandolin, the ukulele, and possibly even the zither - and as everyone knows, zither music is making a big comeback.  All will be revealed at Marty's big grand opening party for his web site, which I am sure will have an open bar. Stay tuned for details!

5 Days Till Freedom

 

John, my friend and colleague at the DU Bookstore, will be taking his chemistry final this coming Saturday, and will have 8 weeks of freedom before starting classes again in January in pursuit of his teaching certificate.  John is contemplating taking 3 classes during the winter term, in addition to working at the Bookstore.  I did that myself once when pursing an MBA at the University of Denver.  That was over 20 years ago, of course.  My analyst tells me I should be fully recovered from that experience in just a few more years.