by James A. Bacon
We’ve been in self-isolation for only a week, and already we’re getting cabin fever. Laura and I were especially disappointed by the cancellation of our bi-monthly book club meeting, which would have entailed gathering more than ten people in one place.
Fortunately, thanks to the miracles of technology — broadband and Zoom, in particular — we managed to gather virtually. Some of our group had used Zoom for business, but no one knew how the program would work as a social media. It turned out pretty well. It wasn’t as satisfying as conversing (and eating and drinking) in person, but it was a lot more fun than sitting around by ourselves and watching re-runs of “Nurse Jackie.”
If you haven’t tried Zoom, you need to. As long as one of your number has a Zoom account — many have it for business and professional reasons — he or she can set up a virtual meeting and everyone else can participate for free. The software can be downloaded easily, and the interface is incredibly intuitive. I can think of no better way to help you muddle through the long, lonely days of self-isolation to come.
— JAB