Black Out Tuesday

 PAUSE THE SHOW. USE YOUR VOICE. BLACK OUT TUESDAY JUNE 2, 2020

The music industry initiated Black Out Tuesday as a day of reflection and meaningful action in support of racial justice. Recommendations include:

• If you have been impacted by the recent events, take a break – there is a lot going on and sometimes we all just need a minute. Take that minute.
• Help the family of George Floyd HERE.
• Fight for Breonna Taylor HERE.
• Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery HERE.
• Want to help protesters? Donate to one or more community bail funds HERE.
• Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
• Want to connect with leaders building grass roots campaigns? Click HERE.
• Are you an ally and want to learn more? Here are some anti-racism resources.

#THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED 

Alternative Black Out Tuesday recommendations 

In the spirit of sharing softer news and/or silly vibes:

• Comedian Steve Hofstetter entertained audience while shutting down Trump supporter.  
• Stephen Colbert returned from a 10 day break, recapped what he missed.
• Trump Impressionist JL Cauvin addressed the protests.

Daily pandemic update:  

Africa's coronavirus cases have surpassed 150,000 while more than 4,300 deaths have been confirmed across the continent. Millions of people in Yemen are at risk from a tragedy fuelled by coronavirus, an international UN-backed pledging conference is expected to hear on June 2. Aljazeera.com timeline

2 June 2020	Cases		Deaths		Recovered
13:06 GMT*	Yesterday	Today	Yesterday	Today	Yesterday	Today
World	6,291,969	6,400,057	374,369	378,071	2,862,634	2,930,683
US	1,837,830	1,859,772	106,208	106,929	599,875	615,654
NY	379,902	380,825	29,918	29,988	66,603	66,867
CT	42,201	42,740	3,944	3,964	7,511	7,511
NC	28,784	29,591	937	948	14,954	18,860

A moment of silence for those we’ve lost to coronavirus, including the first 100 and the first 100,000 in the US.

As of today 15% of closed cases in the US resulted in death; 85% recovered.

Globally 11% of closed cases resulted in death worldwide; 89% recovered.

Currently 2% of all active cases are considered serious or critical.

*Documenting time of day because real time data updates continuously.
Tracking specific states:  NY is US epicenter. Son Reid lives in CT. I live in NC. 
Worldometers     Coronainusa     Starsexpress2020     https://ncov2019.live/

In the news: 

• CT protesters shut down I-84 in Hartford as demonstrations against excessive use of force by police continued. CT comptroller projected $619 million budget shortfall due to pandemic job losses and business closures.
• David McAtee, business owner and community pillar, was fatally shot by law enforcement in Louisville KY. Police body cameras were not activated during the incident so Mayor Greg Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad effective immediately. Similar tragic deaths in other cities also were reported.
• Ebola confirmed in Congo again; 6 new cases.
• George Floyd’s independent autopsy called his death a homicide by "asphyxiation from sustained pressure" -- a finding at odds with the county medical examiner. 
• Governors pushed back after Trump told them on a phone call they were "weak." 
• Houston TX Police Chief Art Acevedo shared a message to Trump, “on behalf of the police chiefs of this country: please, if you don’t have something constructive to say, keep your mouth shut.” 
• International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes committed by US personnel in Afghanistan. 
• Iranian scientist acquitted of stealing trade secrets finally released from US and on his way home.
• Moderna's vaccine announcement set off Wall Street frenzy; calls for investigation grow after odd stock transactions.
• Peaceful protestors assembled between the White House and historic St John’s Episcopal Church were cleared by law enforcement using tear gas and flash bombs in preparation for surreal Trump photo op. Church rector Rev Robert Fisher said he was in shock during appearance on Fox News. Right Rev Mariann Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, said she was outraged. Arlington County responded by recalling ACPD away from DC.  
• Russian Su-35 fighter jets flew “in an unsafe and unprofessional manner” while intercepting a Navy plane flying over international waters in the Mediterranean. 
• Trump spoke with Putin about plans for next G7 to be hosted by the US. He wants to invite Russia, Australia, India and South Korea to join the summit. 
• Trump threatened to declare antifa a terrorist organization despite questionable legal justification. Antifa is short for anti-fascist; a movement against fascism. NBC reported a Twitter account claiming to belong to antifa and pushing violent rhetoric related to ongoing protests has been linked to the white nationalist group Identity Evropa, according to a Twitter spokesperson. 
• Trump also threatened to deploy US military against American citizens to quell violence. Military personnel and equipment were seen in DC after Trump promised to 'dominate the streets'.
• White House exterior lights were turned off Sunday night as if the person living there had run out of candy on Halloween. Meanwhile protests continued in the area and around the country. Trump tweeted “LAW & ORDER!” but made no attempt to calm an anxious nation. Monday morning he denied reports he had retreated to a bunker Friday. 
• Winston Salem Walmart stores closed early Monday due to rumors of violence circulating online which turned out to be false alarm.

Following Kenny Beck’s lead to share a few signs of hope:

• 103 year old MA woman surviving coronavirus celebrated with a cold beer.
• Powerful and peaceful images of protestors emerged to override violence.
• Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance is staging Disenchanted outdoors; opens June 3.

In my personal life…

After consuming and processing insanely large quantities of negative news and then writing about it for a solid week, I’m feeling the need to step away from the computer for the sake of my mental health. I still want to be informed and actively engaged in racial justice. I also want to spend more time outside and more quality time with Greg. Both are important. Balance is the key. 

I’ve been using headphones to listen to news reports and protest videos while Greg watches tv so we can be together in the same room. Last night he laughed out loud watching the Dukes of Hazzard as I held back tears watching the madness of King Don gas innocent people so he could walk to a church and hold up a bible for a photo op. Worst reality show ever.

Greg and I managed to connect for a little while. We watched a DVR episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and then the movie Lucy in the Sky. We talked some too. We’re both itching for a road trip so we chatted about potential destinations and accommodation options; hotel vs AirBnB vs camping. It’s just talk for now but it felt good to think about life beyond coronavirus and civil unrest.

Minerva had her best day in a long time. She’s an older dog, doesn’t move as fast as she once did, doesn’t hear or see well either. She enjoys walking on a leash, though she typically walks slowly so she can carefully sniff every blade of grass or bit of gravel along her path. More often than not there will be a bunny or two in the vicinity when we are out walking. When Minerva catches the scent, she will keep her nose to the ground without looking up. Often she remains oblivious to bunnies right in front of her as she concentrates on their smell.  Last night was like that. I took a few photos of her and a socially not-very-distant bunny, right up until Minerva got close enough to actually see the bunny and chase after it. She bayed excitedly as she sprinted across the yard, yanking her leash to momentarily escape my grasp. I chased after her and eventually caught up as the bunny hopped away.

Minerva sniffing down a bunny trail hunting for wabbits

For breakfast Greg and I ate cake. I can’t remember eating anything for lunch. For dinner Greg made grilled chicken, roasted potatoes and salad. Later we ate toasted pop tarts for dessert. Clearly it was not a good day nutritionally speaking except for dinner which was delicious and satisfying.

My daily action for racial justice Tuesday is to be quiet and listen to black voices. No talking today; just listening.