2007-09-30 - 9:37 a.m.

...the clock of life is wound but once...

Last week I came into the lab to discover that the famed clock from this entry had been returned and placed back on the wall... in the following manner:

Interesting. I had no word regarding whether this was deemed a solution to the problem. Or perhaps, this was their definition of a 'temporary clock replacement.' Or what?

After this baby had sat up there for a week, I mentioned to one of my students that I had to get a picture of it. Good idea to bring these things up with the students - because the latest version of the story came out.

An electrician apparently brought the clock back a week ago. It seems that the clock is still under warranty, and the Mountain U electricians are not allowed to fix/touch any equipment that remains under warranty. Therefore the original plan was to return the clock to the manufacturer for replacement or repair. Okay - that makes sense.

BUT: the thing is, the Mountain repair office has since estimated that by the time the clock is packed up, shipped off, and actually ARRIVES in the hands of the original manufacturer, the warranty will have expired, and therefore the clock will not be fixed. Given that they've had the clock since July, I am wondering about (a) their chosen method of shipping (I mean, Canada Post is slow, but it's not THAT slow), and (b) the exact location of manufacturer (I'm guessing MARS).

So, instead, the chosen action was to replace the clock on the wall with this huge pink work order sign, and wait until the warranty expires. Then, after the warranty expires, the electrician will come back, collect the clock, and endeavor to fix it.

I couldn't make this stuff up.

But it does put the rest of the year in perspective, doesn't it?

I leave you today with this poetic thought (that I am thinking of posting on the wall next to the defunct ticker):

The Clock (Author: unknown)

The clock of life is wound but once,
and no man has the power.
To tell just when that clock will stop,
at late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own,
live...love...toil with the will...
Place no faith into tomorrow,
for the clock may then be still.