Thoughts During a Global Pandemic

It's taken a few weeks to absorb what's happening.  I read an article in today's New York Times.  It was on the front page:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/us/coronavirus-colleges-universities-admissions.html?searchResultPosition=6

Of course, it was on the NY Times's web site earlier.  Higher education is going through a tough time.  One thing that keeps coming to mind is Waren Zevon's interview on the Late Show with David Letterman.  Mr. Zevon was dying of cancer and asked about his insight on dying.  His reply was "Enjoy every sandwich."  That's good advice and demonstrates a level of understanding.  Not everyone can face their own mortality with such awareness of what truly matters.

The other thing is that online learning isn't the same.  Students are filing lawsuits over their online classes and are demanding reduced tuition:

https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-tuition-university-of-the-arts-temple-drexel-west-chester-lawsuit-refund-20200416.html

I know what you're thinking... "You mean there's a difference between online and face-to-face instruction?  Why are the students suing?  Isn't technology great?"  Well, Virginia, there is such a thing as tort law and not everyone wants virtual education.  Then again, who wants to get sick?  Still, if I didn't have my laptop, smartphone and good internet service, I'd be pretty lost.  That said, none of that matters nearly as much as the Reuben sandwich a few feet away.  Priorities!  Remember, "Enjoy every sandwich."  Please stay safe and stay healthy!