The Ark

Whatever floats your boat...

This is pretty early--March, 2008. I bought my camera in late February. I had an ulterior motive for making this video and I may vlog about that one day.

Since 2008, two of the four branches of this local video chain have closed. The used bookstore I filmed is also gone. Stereo Jack's, whose display window I shot, is still kicking.

Views: 44

Comment by BlancheNoE on September 3, 2010 at 7:46am
*sigh* Our last independent film store was shuttered 4 years ago and the closest independent bookstore is a 35 minute drive away. Whenever the bookstore asks me if I want to join the book-club for discounts I tell them thank you, but I'd rather pay full price in the hopes that it will insure their continuing existence. There is only one independent record store left in the area where we used to be famous for our independent record stores *shakes fist at WalMart and the like*. I really enjoyed this,...GREAT conversation. Thank you for sharing it.
Comment by NatureJunkie on September 3, 2010 at 1:56pm
I work in a university town that used to have two wonderful independent film stores like this one. One died a couple years ago and the other was bought out by Hollywood videos. It still operates under its old name, but the offerings have been "mainstreamed."

I agree with Joe. There's something about the visual and tactile experience of going into a video, book, or music store that helps me not only narrow down my choices, but most of the time, it's how I discover new stuff I hadn't heard of before. I keep supporting these kinds of places, but I'm afraid they're going the way of the baker, the milk truck, and the soda fountain. Every time one disappears, I feel the loss.
Comment by LtAdams2247 on September 4, 2010 at 3:09am
All too true. I began my love for movies in a small video store where they would have all the new stuff up front and throw the old stuff in a big box in the back. There's nothing like digging through there and _discovering_ a rare item like that.

I started out on VHS and have since moved to digital copies. The gain I have to say though is that it's MUCH more economic when it comes to storage space ;-)
Comment by lima on September 4, 2010 at 1:52pm
when I go back home, the only place to get a video is those redbox' outside the grocery store... its horrible. better going to the local walmart and buying a old movie for a few dollars then to be stuck selecting what redbox wants you to watch.

Viva Las Vegas: Liams Cougar Pick! sweet =)
Comment by flophousepoodle on September 4, 2010 at 6:11pm
out here, thank heavens for netflix
nice T-shirt
Comment by Geoff on September 6, 2010 at 9:48am
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Blanch. I recorded it by putting the cap on my camera and holding it between us like a microphone. Unfortunately, after I took the cap off to film Joe's t-shirt I forgot to turn the camera back on again (with cap replaced) so I didn't record the second half of our conversation.

First time I ever interviewed someone. Realized I talk too much. That's what God gave us editing software for.

NJ, I think you're right, Joe thinks you're right; there is very little future for independent bookstores, record shops, and video places. We talked a bit more--not recorded, see above--about the future of movie theaters. Fewer and fewer reasons for folks to interrupt the repetitive shuffle between apartment and cube farm.

Pete, I'm a bit older. I remember movie houses that specialized in foreign and independent films. There was even a place that only showed short films--mostly cartoons--that lasted for about eight years. It's actually a lot easier to find unusual stuff now. It used to be an occasion when a movie house put together a Fassbinder retrospective or assembled a program of the best animation from that year's Annecy and Zagreb festivals.

Lima, when you get home we want your eyes glued on us! But I think those grocery store dvd vending machines are very temporary. Pretty soon everything will be piped to you via your high-speed connection.

flop, did you know I once punched the founder of Netflix for looking at my poker hand? He grew up in my neighborhood.
Comment by BlancheNoE on September 6, 2010 at 10:38am
You got to punch the guy who started Netflix??? *runs off to build shrine to Geoff*
,...umm,..if you're not to busy, Mr. Sky God Universe ruler/master, could you go punch Brad Greenspan (creator((supposedly)) of Live Video) for me ?,...I will slaughter 3 trolls and 5 socks in your honor, amen.
Comment by Geoff on September 6, 2010 at 11:24am
Hey Blanch, Reed Hastings fairly recently wrote an op ed suggesting that America raise taxes to 50% on big earners like himself and is a big supporter of public education. Maybe you're not so happy about me punching him now?

btw, I'm getting very jerky playback with those of your LV vlogs that I can even access. : (

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