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Kurt Fischer
Gosh, guys, the topic of lurkers seems so negative. Perhaps we enjoy the banter, but don't choose to participate.
Two topics which might be of interest.
I work for Fossil (watches, leathers, etc). This has been a tough time for our firm. The first challenge was the movement from shopping at stores to online shopping. We have a lot invested in stores and it is difficult to pivot to ecommerce. Second, the transition from traditional watches to smartwatches or, as we call them, connected devices. It's funny, but Fossil actually has more makes and models of smartwatches than most of the competition combined, but we do a terrible job at getting our message out. Rather than advertise on TV, we do most of our marketing over the internet. And now the third challenge, the corona virus.
Our offices are closed and everyone works from home. Both our home office in Richardson as well as overseas are working from home. Our people fall into three categories - hours reduced to 4 days a week, hours reduced to 3 days a week, and furloughed. I am one of those working 3 days a week. I look upon this as inconvenient, but perhaps providing a time to test my ability to live on a retirement income. It's been my intention to retire in December or next March, so if we are working from home for April-June, it will be a good test and then have time for a few good months of normal salary.
How has the virus affected your work environment? Are any of you in a similar situation?
Second topic. The free time has given me the opportunity to read. On the lighter side, I am continuing to read Patrick O'Brian's seafaring novels. If you don't know O'Brian, the movie "Master and Commander-The Far Side of the World" was made in 2003. O'Brian wrote a total of 20 books in his English naval series. They were a favorite of mine when I traveled for many years. I'm almost embarrassed to admit I've read the series at least six times, now going on seven. Given that each book is 300-400 pages, that is quite a bit of downtime. But the books are both well written and contain an amazing amount of period history (1790 to 1810).
Another set of books I'm reading at present are Christian in nature. "Yeshua - The Life of the Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective" by Arnold Fruchtenbaum. There is a four volume set as well as a single abridged volume. This is the most informative commentary on the Gospels that I have ever read. Fruchtenbaum has a very deep understanding of first century Rabbinic thinking and writing. This background provides insights into what is transpiring in the Gospels that I've never received from gentile writers. The four volume set may provide a bit too much in Rabbinic quotations, but I've learned to pass over them more rapidly, once I understand the argument being put forth. Somewhat tough sledding to read, but great benefits.
I hope everyone continues to contribute to this forum. It is interesting to read the opinions of others even if I don't contribute very often.
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Another lurker chiming in, although I prefer being called an interested observer. My dad loved Patrick O'Brian's novels about the sea and read and reread them. He could also recite (with an English accent, especially after multiple glasses of wine) The Rime of the Ancient Mariner bringing tears to his eyes as he spoke. When it was that time of the evening, some would sit rapt with attention while others would tiptoe away (having heard it many times). He loved books, poetry - anything to do with the see. So although he admired his son-in-law, he was overjoyed when Don was on the crew of Master and Commander. He was already thrilled that he had worked on Lonesome Dove, but this pushed his pride over the top! 