It’s not often a Braking News Alert brings me to tears. But at 11:50 last night, a BBC Alert announcing the death of Dr. Stephen Hawking did just that. Dr. Hawking has been a central figure in my life. Someone I admire greatly. I consider him one of mankind’s greatest.

I read just about every piece of his work I could get my hands on over the years. He had an amazing way of describing the most complex scientific theories in ways that anyone could understand. His books and works have been the basis of countless intellectual conversations I have engaged in over the years. I watched him play himself on Star Trek growing up… and the Big Bang Theory in more recent years. I found his sense of humor and personality… mesmerizing.

He taught me more about the universe and our existence than any other person, religion or institution. I wrote him a fan letter in 2007 or 2008 and one of his grad students responded. I am glad I took the time to thank him for his work.

He was one of the most important minds of my lifetime.

Thank you Dr. Hawking for everything.

I will miss you.

Tuesday afternoon: media declares major NYC area snowstorm for Wednesday

Tuesday 9:17pm: I post a message to my courses Slack channel advising students that Wednesday’s 6PM class will be moved online to a zoom.us conference room. I make it clear that the course will meet even if the college closes.

Tuesday 10:13pm: 100% of students in the course confirm receipt of the message within Slack using Slacks “Simple Poll” app. That’s 100% of students confirming the message in under an hour. This was made possible due to Slacks push notification system and my amazing students.