All Things Must Pass

Posted by admin on 06.23.2008 at 10:41 am

This week will be reports and pictures from the Better World Books Warehouse (or “Green House” as we know it) in South Bend as we conduct our yearly meeting week.


Mr. LaGrou showing how we solve disputes concerning process decisions at Better World Books

Before the climactic scene in “Almost Famous” (in which they sing “Tiny Dancer” on the bus, legendary scene) they carry the guitarist, Russell, onto the bus.  The manager says, in his almost British lilt “Ladies and gentlemen, the evening is over.  We hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves, and we’ll See you again in 1974!! Good evening!!”  The bus doors close and the rest is a come down from the insanity of the previous days, which is an apt comparison after the non-stop action of Better World Books week.  Our shirts say “I survived BWB Week 2008″ but some people made the adjustment “I almost survived…” and that was probably more accurate.  Hitting the books and then unwinding is quite a task…

So it was on Friday, as people slowly filed out after a spectacular presentation and a group photo that is sure to have some fine lookin’ individuals in it with our  new Better World Books shirts.  One by one cars filtered off to Midway (gotta love Southwest Airlines!  Also, loving Midway, the expert traveler line was fantastic and the sandwich shop hits the spot) and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say sleep was had and relief was enjoyed.

As usual, these events can’t come soon enough and there are so many updates I’m scouring my notebook trying to keep you posted, that’s going to have to come in another email, blowing up with awesome.

Have your say » | Tagged Dispatches from the Green House, green house, pictures, yearly meetings

Sore Back-Back Home-Home Runs

Posted by Jack on 06.17.2008 at 7:57 am

This week will be reports and pictures from the Better World Books Warehouse (or “Green House” as we know it) in South Bend as we conduct our yearly meeting week.

Sorry about the title, I think I’ve been watching too much “Wheel of Fortune” so the “Before and After” thing was in my head…  In any event, let me explain:

When I was hired, eons ago Abby Rae LaCombe (current Rocky Mountain + Canada RD) and I cruised to the Green House and were instructed in the ways of the force, errrr book acquisitions and company policies.  But also, to make sure we understood the challenges of working in the warehouse we spent a day scanning books (a monumental task, each person here scans 110-160 per hour!) and sorting heavy boxes, and let me tell you, I was sore afterwards.  Coming back and seeing “job sharing” on the schedule I was slightly concerned for how I’d feel like an old man tomorrow trying to get myself out of bed.

After getting out we were ready for fresh air and rolled over to the local park with refreshments and a grill, but most importantly, large red balls for KICKBALL!  The showdowns were fierce, the refreshments were cold and seeing everyone was fantastic.  After I was assaulted by a young assassin with a water gun and schooled on the kickball field (notice the picture below, who hurts their shoulder playing kickball???  I seriously must suck), I decided it was time to stick to the grill area and engage in Better World Books #1 out-of-work pastime, ultimate frisbee.

It feels good to be back “home,” if only for a week.  Burning the candle at both ends… commence!

(The Acquisitions Team (Atlanta, represent!) fresh off drinking the company kool-aid in the veritable “War Room,” emails and calls their contacts, furiously trying to get books in)

Have your say » | Tagged Uncategorized, great times, the green house, yearly meetings