Noah Gets Trained

Noah - the former Stockroom Coordinator for the DU Bookstore and the future Stockroom Manager for the contract management company taking over - attended training sessions today in the building next door to the Bookstore. Noah, looking puzzled in the photograph above, learned that the new company has a no harassment policy. This probably means that Noah will no longer be able to use his favorite management technique - "hassle the hell out of everyone and get those boxes unpacked." Personally I believe in staying with what works, so I feel your pain, Noah!

The End Of An Era

Today was the last day of the DU Bookstore as an institutionally owned operation. The store is now closed and will reopen as a contract managed store March 6th. Today was also the last day for Sandy as an employee of the Bookstore. She was finally going to let me take her photograph to put on this blog, but unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera this morning in my haste to get to work by 9:00 A.M. (which is well before dawn, I think). Since Sandy left early today, I have blown my only chance to get her photograph. Probably for the best, since I truly believe she really is in the witness protection program. In any case, faithful readers will have to make due with my rather jaunty profile instead. Eat your heart out, George Clooney!

The Last Inventory

Today was the last inventory for the DU Bookstore as an independent entity. Marty - pictured above - predicted that it would only take a few hours, since we had so little merchandise on hand. I knew he had cursed us the minute he said it, but I was too polite to say anything. To be fair, it didn't take any longer than usual, but it sure didn't take any less time either. You know things are going slow when the staff starts disappearing into the break room looking for food written off in 1977 to munch on.

Republic Plaza!

I had a beer tonight at the Yard House, just across the 16th Street Mall from Republic Plaza. I have very fond memories of taking photographs of the Republic Building, the tallest in Denver. After 9-11, whenever you tried to take a picture of it, several men in suits would burst through the front door and chase after you. I, of course, would immediately run away, only to be back the following weekend to take another photograph of the building. Of course, I already had plenty of photographs of it - I just liked the cat and mouse action. Thanks guys! Another significant blow against terrorism!

Shredding The DU Bookstore Files

Tristy - the former DU Bookstore Director - and I met at the DU Bookstore this afternoon, where Tristy packed up her remaining papers and possessions and left very specific instructions on shredding assorted DU Bookstore files. This must be done before a contract management company takes over the store on Wednesday. After loading her personal files and possessions into her trunk, Tristy drove off in her Ferrari F430 Spider and I drove off in my Lamborghini, both of us feeling a great load has been taken off our shoulders. Let the weekend begin!

Taco Bar!

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!

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!