06:02 (so this is goodbye)

Hey All,

I know it's been sometime since this ol' blogger had anyone come near it. I blame my fatigue by-way-of laziness--and really only me--however that's not to say that I haven't been thinking about my old home. I understand that today's entry is brought on by a bittersweet form of nostalgia, sadness and even excitement, nevertheless I couldn't think of a better way then this old fashioned form of networking.

There are no new releases today, those will come on Monday if I can convince someone to carry the torch--just only a few notes as I make my way out as my last day as an employee here. All around the store you'll find little hints and cues to pick up, from my last drawing of Bresson's A Man Escaped and my last set of picks, Swan Song--to my music choice of today. I don't think I've ever had this much fun working for anybody, Target comes awfully close, but is nowhere near touching the coattails of what videotheque is and has become. I wanted to extend my greatest thanks to the staff here for always making me feel like I wasn't so replaceable--for allowing me to massacre their ears with three different versions of Without You (I can't live) or endless loops of Naked Fish and joining me along for wonderful dances in the aisleways. Mark, perhaps it's better that you haven't seen the catatonic freak outs by the recommended section, but I can't say I won't miss working here, it's been excellent. Thank you for all the bones you've tossed my way and allowing me to be a part of your baby. I wasn't here from the complete get-go, but I certainly saw this sweetie grow to be waaaay better than some of others joints. And don't worry about the best of's from the Weekly--they haven't understood what Class is just yet. And for the rest of you, including the newbies, it's a shame we didn't have much longer together, but it's been my pleasure getting to know you all. And for my cohorts who've been here a little longer, we've seen some crazy shiiiiiiiit, which has made it all the better.

Lastly, my interactions with customers and you onliners have varied over the years....some are more friendly/humanly than others but you've made it a pleasure to work and chat with you over your terrible movie selection. I kid, I kid, but certainly I've made some good friends working here. Thanks for your patience with me, your kind words about the drawings, or even just extending the courtesy of actually taking whichever recommendation you ask of me. I can say at the very least, it's been interesting.

So many thanks for these wonderful few years, it's been hell and a blast. I'll be back soon enough, only this time on the other side of the counter. With Mr. Johann playing by side, Videotheque, this one's for you.

--Andy

1:04:05 (Lesson lived)

*Ahhh* It's like Irish Spring soap, staring anew. We successfully made it out of those claustrophobic times, with thanks to you, and ready for round two. We sincerely hope everyone had a safe, memorable (probably not), and relaxing weekend. The big ball dropped and we set forth on our mindless adventures in film stock. 120 Fuji 800 is my choice. But before you google that, here's the shortlist for this weekend. It really is short. Auld, Lang, Syne!

Fraggle Rock: Your favorite hippie muppets from the 80s escaped the fuzz in their Spicolian van just to make their way into your entertainment system. I used watch these things and then forgot all about it. One day I was cleaning le garage and happened to come across a box of toys. In this box was a McDonald's (don't hate me Morgan Spurlock!) toy of Sprocket! When I first gazed into that loveable muppet's beady little eyes, I was transformed eons ago into my kinder days. Oh thank heaven for happy meals.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle: Fans of the above and say, Half-Baked, are bound to fall in love with this comedy gem. Filled with ridable deers, puffs and puffs of clouds, and those oh so cute hamburgers, this flick brings joy to hordes of like-minded folk. Now, here at VT we do not condone such lascivious acts as those portrayed by Harold AND Kumar, however we understand that the youth of today are young, impressionable punks. There is nothing we can say that will deter them from committing such acts, but hear you me, if you come in here and ask to use the bathroom, you're bound to get turned down.

Riding Giants: Dude, where's my board? I dunno dude! Seriously dude, where's my board? Dude, I dunno!! Dude! where's my board! Dude, maybe Laird has it? Duuude?! I hate it when he jacks my board! Yeah, dude, I think he and Cindy took it out last night! Duude! Not cool man, not cool. He told me he was gonna make some movie or sumthin, I dunno man. Dude let's call him. Alright dude. Dude, where's my phone?

Troy: Badly-accented Brad Pitt and his heel star as Achilles. Wolfgang Petersen directs Pitt, Eric Bana and Peter O'Toole in this retelling of the Greek Tragedy. And let me tell ya that it's pretty darn tragic. This is the second big budget action flick that shows the stars gluteous maximus. So ladies, indulge yourself.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: What you say? This is already out? Well indeed you are correct, however, what I am discussing is the new double disc special edition. Featuring over an hour of stuff, cool photo book and things. Take it for a stroll.

other releases left unsaid: Bullfighter, Little Black Book, Speakeasy and Employee of the Month.

*** New Staff Recommendations! YAY! Here's what our wild and wily employees have lined up this month! Please support our picks and help our confidence!

Andy: ONOMATOPOEIA, WOULDN'T WANNA BE YA: Andy traveled the ends of the world to collect films that employ in some shape or form, the much over-looked english language phenomena. Come grade him on his selections. Guess how it works: Batman (60s), Freaks, & Wayne's World.

Megan: DIM SUM WITH CRISPIN: Hmm, me thinks Rick might of put her up to this. Anyways, enjoy a nice dinner with cult icon, Crispin Glover, and you'll be astonished by his oeuvre. Including Charlie's Angels, River's Edge and of course, Willard.

Elise: THE NOISE, THE NOISE, I LIVE FOR THE NOISE! Pssh, who needs words. These not-so-silent features share the next best thing to sight, sound! Take these home, relax or be enchanted. With or without the video, just pop in these babies and let your ears fall in love all over again. Featuring Philip Glass's 'Qatsi series, Baraka, & Triplets of Belleville.

Rick: SUBTRACTING DIGITS: Ouch! Never put your hand in a monkey's mouth, otherwise you'll end up in Rick's pix. I would recommend giving him a banana instead. Gratuitous violence fills Rick's section, so if you are feeling for a bit of the ol' ultra-violence, chew on these: Snatch, Heathers, and the Big Lebowski. alright maybe not that violent.

That be it for tonight. Godspeed, be safe, be merry, and be generous.

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