In Eckleburg's Eyes - 2/4/2009, Part 1

News & Notes from Monday-Tuesday, February 2nd-3rd, 2009, Part 1

-I spent the majority of Monday at home learning things that may or may not ever be relevant to my life. I awoke to the sight of snow. Knox County Schools were let out early on Monday and closed on Tuesday but the roads were not bad. I left the house several times. In the process, I discovered a new activity that I enjoy. I like making abrupt stops with snow on the vehicle and having snow fly off at odd angles. (Note: This photo came from Knoxville News-Sentinel.)

-My two weekly Tuesday engagements were postponed. I was asked to work at Hope Resource Center on Thursday instead of Tuesday. My Tuesday night class was cancelled, but not due to snow. My professor, RGB, had gone to a better place...namely Cocoa Beach to attend the 23rd Annual International Self-Directed Learning Symposium.

-On Tuesday, I met JTH and PCR at the Food Court in West Town Mall. As a mall employee, PCR seldom eats at the Food Court, but consented to meet us there as he had not seen either of us in some time. I ate at Sbarro, JTH at Frullati Café & Bakery, and PCR at Asian Chao.

-PCR is well. He was disappointed that PacSun, which he manages, missed their goals last month by only $500. This cost him a bonus. He does, however, expect a bonus for once again reducing shrink (the number of items missing from inventory). In his time at this store, he has reduced shrink from 1.8% to 0.67%. It is his major strength. While working in Pigeon Forge, he reduced shrink from a whopping 5% to 0.39%. In spite of these successes, he has been unable to motivate his employees to put the toilet paper in the company bathroom on its roller. I guess all leaders have their deficiencies.

-PCR’s wife ANDR did not get to make her January 21st doctor’s appointment and is still in pain. She was in “the manner of women” (as Genesis 31:35 describes the condition) making tests on that day impossible. She is also scheduled to have her wisdom teeth removed on Friday. Keep her in your prayers.

-PCR has a new phone. He bought the cheapest one available with the exception of some archaic 1¢ “Zack Morris” phones. Who was more adversely affected by the rise of the cell phone: Superman (who had no more phone booths to change in) or Paul E. Dangerously (whose weapon of choice shrunk to unuseable sizes)? (Note: I am fully aware of the nerdiness of these references and the improbability of anyone getting both.)

-PCR chided JTH regarding his beloved Steve Nash. In the second quarter of a game on January 25th, Atlanta Hawks’ star Josh Smith had an unbelievable one-handed monster dunk over Nash. To add insult to injury, Nash was called for a foul on the play. PCR commented, “Poor Steve Nash...God love him...’cause nobody else does...’cept Josh.” The dunk can be seen on YouTube here. In JTH’s defense, Nash’s Suns won the game, 104-99.

-Speaking of basketball, the three of us discussed the possibility of playing in a different church's basketball league this spring. Any suggestions? We also contemplated creating a volleyball team and playing in a league off of Watt Road. The problem is that the league is divided into an A league and a B league. The A league would require us to practice and even with preparation we would still lose the majority of our games. The B league is too noncompetitive, even for us. The possibility of wearing U.S. National Team jerseys and then performing horribly did amuse us greatly enough to consider joining the A league.