Day 111

Another 164,000 plus cases in the world today. That is two days in a row.  The hardest hit countries continue to be the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Columbia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran. Peru and Argentina are reporting high numbers as well. Lately, state officials are treating restrictions like a yo-yo.  As infections increase states are dialing back their mandates and other states are pausing reopening phases due to the increase around the nation. Hospitalizations are on the rise, up 25% from  last week in the following states: Texas, Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina, Montana, Georgia and California according to Washington Post data. 

With all this in mind (and everything else) at times it all seems absurd.  The idea of absurdism in philosophy is indeed the conflict of our human nature to find meaning in life through our inherent inability to find purpose in a chaotic and random world.  It has its ties to nihilism and existentialism in a philosophical sense.  The author Albert Camus wrote all of his works through this life-lens.  An example can be found in his published essay The Myth of Sisyphus.  Sisyphus in Greek mythology, was tasked with pushing the same boulder up a mountain only to watch it roll down again each time.  When we think of plagues, diseases and war or disasters we may think on the absurd.  The absurd is bizarre to us yet part of our lives in a way we often do not understand.  It reminds me of the children's song row, row row your boat which my friend Tim interprets as truth, that life is just that, a dream.  Ought we to be merrily rowing amidst the chaos and absurd.  Seeking not the meaning of life, but instead just living and inventing moments as we glide along the stream? 

Capturing our experiences like objects in the impossible bottles of our mind?

It is a philosophy Camus would most certainly approve of.

"Life can be magnificent and overwhelming – that is the whole tragedy. Without beauty, love, or danger it would almost be easy to live.- Albert Camus

Day 110

 Good morning on this Monday June 29, 2020.  I am waxing nostalgic today after finding brainpickings.org yesterday and seeing Maria Popova is from Brooklyn. I emailed her, told her about visiting Bensonhurst nearly every weekend growing up and was inspired to find my grandparents house on 67th street via google maps. Here it is: Amazingly the statue of Mary in the garden I honestly believe was

identical to the one my grandparents owned, if not the very same one!  My sisters and I were reminiscing about walking down 18th avenue and shopping at the Five and Dime, produce markets and butcher shops. Janice, the youngest, remembers my aunt Gina and her buying Jelly sandals. It was a big deal as children to shop the Avenue with mom and grandma buying the fruits and vegetables and sausage and ground beef for the meat sauce grandma would make every Sunday in Brooklyn at 1913 67th street.  Lisa, the oldest, remembers the pepperoni sticks hanging in the "pork store".  In the summer we would have dinner under the grapevine on the back patio and then grandpa would create fun games for the kids to play and win money.  The three daughters (my mom and her two sisters) always went home with an envelope of cash.  In the cooler days we ate inside, usually in the basement on a long table set for 14 people.(and sometimes more if cousins like uncle Patty and aunt Ray and Patty Ann joined us)  There was always sauce and pasta, meatballs and sausage, fruit and nuts and cake and coffee and wine!  The bottles were often a Chianti in the traditional straw basket. 

I recently visited my in-laws and Dewey shared a photo of him and his friends road tripping to CA to surf with their surfboard on top of their VW bug. Here they are on their way to surf with locals in 1965:

Now to the present where the pandemic rules.  As the world continues to combat a virus outbreak that has infected over 10 million the summer weather is not helping as some speculated back in April.  Although being outdoors is helpful it seems opening up bars and other public venues is not as the number of cases has soared in certain countries (America, Brazil, Mexico) 

Social distancing in some areas is a thing of the past and wearing a mask is not cool.  The data on how effective a mask is to preventing transmission is pretty substantial yet people insist on venturing out into public spaces and spreading their germs.  This NPR  story on mask wearing tells how the infection rate could be slowed considerably if everyone just wore a mask. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/21/880832213/yes-wearing-masks-helps-heres-why

Day 109

Sunday June 28, 2020. I am musing on the power of youth as my friend Avery J turned 30 years young yesterday. I say years young because youth is so fulfilling and fleeting all the same. We live those years with some vim and vigor. Seeking all there is to be sought and we live and dream and kick and scream through it all. Here is Avery as we jammed on a music/poetry project:

The pain and glory.  The triumphs and the tribulations. The climbs and the falls. We look through a lens that is tinted with hopes and dreams and plans and schemes and all the while we have our eyes on a prize.  The goal in our hearts and we sacrifice for it and in the reaching we die a little along the way and are reborn with each leap of faith we take.  We journey through time zones and scatter friends around the world.  Leaving bits and chunks of ourselves here and there.  We exchange fluids and opinions and rage on in defense of our good fight.  For our souls to be dipped in the evils evening and cleansed anew each morning by the soft sun.  We salute the morning and breathe a sigh to the gods of our mind.  For each and every person holds a spirit close to them to guide them and replenish their own light, lest the dark take over.  The balance of it all.  

May we never waver from our inner god, our internal worship and the energy flowing through our veins.  Speed and safety can hold hands if we bribe each one confidently and consistently.

"Luck is the savior for the few but a demon for the masses."-MICHAEL TITORENKO, Verses for the Down and Out

We reached two milestones today both of which are not positive in nature. We have reported over 10 million coronavirus cases worldwide and surpassed 500,000 deaths.  We also reported an all-time high in number of daily cases with 194,190.   Truly a monumentally sad day in this pandemic history.  In the United States, both Florida and Texas are backing off their next phase of reopening and closing bars while New Mexico has also halted it's reopening next steps.  Some states fear hospitals may be overwhelmed, not in the fall, but this week.  The fear of a second wave is a future thought now as the nation presently continues to struggle with the first wave.

In the middle of all this we have a presidential administration which appears to be clueless and narcissistic.  According to the Washington Post, "The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to overturn the entire Obama-era Affordable Care Act, which would fulfill one of President Trump's campaign promises and leave more than 23 million Americans uninsured in the middle of a health crisis. "  It is no wonder people are panicking and anxious during these times.  The hope lies in the fact that it is an election year.  Make your voice be heard and vote.

In positive news: Nature has been an anecdote for isolation and anxiety during the pandemic as many have taken to walking and getting into the great outdoors for solace of mind and body. Poets have long understand the healing powers of the natural elements and thus written about the beauty and cure found in being close to the earth and all it offers.  From forests to deserts, oceans to mountains, rivers to ponds and gardens to jungles we all have our favorites.  The following link is to a website entitled brain pickings and offers wonderful articles about humanism and the pondering of life through a literary lens. Enjoy these musings on nature by such profound poets as Whitman, Keats, Thoreau and others not so well known, but just as powerful, Lorraine Hansberry and Rachel Carson. Fight off the doldrums with the power of sunsets, flowers and cloudless skies. Each has the ability to transform your mind to place of tranquility and hope.... https://www.brainpickings.org/2020/06/14/nature-depression/

This is an excerpt from a poem by Jane Hirshfield, The Weighing:

So few grains of happiness
measured against all the dark
and still the scales balance.

The world asks of us
only the strength we have and we give it.
Then it asks more, and we give it.

Day 108

Today is Saturday June 27, 2020 The pandemic continues with alarming increases in the states of Texas, Florida and Arizona as well as Russia and Mexico.  9.7 million people infected worldwide and closing in on half-a-million deaths.  Today I want to write about a time of freedom and a man who embodied it, Dennis Nagle. Dennis, "lived for today" as a young man in the sixties, embracing psychedelics and free love.  Dennis was a true counter-culture hero living the pagan lifestyle and experiencing all he could. He moved to London in the seventies and made his living selling drugs. He was a real life Easy Rider.  

By the 1980's he had four children from four different women.  As scattered as his life was he was also somewhat of a technical genius.  He was creating light boxes before their time and while living in L.A. he was creating light shows for rock concerts. That is where his son, Alex, found him.  By this time Dennis was upholding his fatherly duties and when his youngest son. Michael, enrolled in M.I.T. Dennis followed him there and found a job on campus in a lab. Amy Smith, the founding director of D-Lab, described Mr. Nagle as “a fiercely loyal mentor to many students over the years and was a staunch supporter of the need to balance creativity and order, fun and work and anarchy and kindness.” Dennis Nagle may have begun his life as a rebel without a cause, but his later life found him a purpose and he filled young minds with inspiration and free thinking.   Dennis Nagle died of complications from the coronavirus on April 24, 2020. He was 78 years old. His story reminds us that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, to keep on keeping on, enjoy life to the fullest and spread your zest for life to those around you.  You never know who you may inspire (Mason Goldberg I am thinking of you) or what may inspire you. 

Day 107

Today is Friday June 27, 2020  For the second straight day the U.S. has recorded a record number of coronavirus cases.  Texas was forced to halt its reopening due to the wave of infections hitting the state. 

At 9.7 million total cases worldwide and nearly 500,000 deaths the coronavirus aka COVID-19 is still gaining momentum and appears as though only a vaccine will halt its progress.  In the last week  we have seen the highest number of cases reported in the world since the pandemic began on March 12, 2020. 

Recently the younger set is showing an increase in new virus cases.  People in their 20's, 30's and 40's are being infected at an alarming rate which could slow the progress for going back to college campuses and any participation in college sports.  Most of these spikes have occurred in Texas, Arizona and FLA. In Florida, the average age being tested is currently 35, at one time it was 65.  This all gives fuel to the thought that for every coronavirus case reported there are ten unreported.  This also leads experts to believe asymptomatic young people are spreading the virus.  As bars and restaurants have reopened and young people are socializing more the virus is getting a boost from people not social distancing nor wearing masks.  This New York Times interactive report is highly recommended for those interested in seeing potentially how the virus was able to spread its way around the nation.   It is entitled, "How the virus won" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-spread.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20200626&instance_id=19769&nl=the-morning&regi_id=123306348&segment_id=31917&te=1&user_id=73f6061144fbbfd1811d3627c70dd2c4

In sports news, football is set to begin again on time with players reporting to camps on July 28, 2020.

My belief is all sports situations are fluid due to the large groups getting together and it remains to be seen if these major league sports will be able to continue. I imagine they will with some players becoming infected, being quarantined for two weeks thus missing two weeks of games. It will be very interesting to say the least especially with these games being played in empty stadiums. Go team?!

Day 106

The pandemic continues to be mysterious and unpredictable in some ways (infecting  mostly adults rather than children, infecting men more than women) and yet we have learned how it is transmitted and understand the preventative measures to thwart the virus.  Today in a virtual meeting with several specialists teachers in Aurora Public Schools we discussed the scenario of going back under some severe protocols.  In this instance, students would not move throughout the building, but instead staff would come to them.  They would remain inside their classrooms six feet apart for the whole of the day and specialists would bring their lessons to the room.  Lunch would be served and eaten in the room too.  This is a nightmare scenario for everyone involved.  It stifles movement and keeps children sedentary for most of the day.  Even the moments of brain breaks and classroom physical education the movement is limited.

I do not think this is the way things will end up, but we have to prepare for every contingency. 

A Denver Post guest commentary argues for children to have in-person learning because it is what's best for children. The article touches on mental health, physical activity, nutrition and social interaction as positive resources children are missing when not in school.  And utmost on everyone's mind is the achievement gap and it's impact. You can read the article in it's entirety here: https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/24/colorado-schools-reopen-coronavirus-guest-commentary/

"There is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from food or from food packaging.", but the FDA was busy today helping get information out to people as they started a podcast known as "FDA Insight" and posted a youtube video of a 25 minute speech from Dr. Hahn at the Brussels Forum.  Hahn is a commissioner at the FDA.   The numbers concerning the virus continues to rise with nearly 175,000 new cases worldwide putting the overall total at 9.6 million.  Brazil exceeded the U.S. in new cases yesterday and reported over twice as many deaths as the U.S. 

And that is with the U.S. reporting the most new cases in a single day since April 24, two months ago.  Experts are blaming the fast-track reopening phase, but keep in mind testing has become more available.  It should be noted here that when it comes to total cases CDC Director Robert Redfield said Thursday: “Our best estimate right now is that for every case that’s reported, there actually are 10 other infections.”    We did get some good news when MLB announced it would begin a shortened 60 game season on July 24th.  Batter up!

Day 105

Wednesday June 24, 2020 I have been out of the state the last few days for the first time since the pandemic. Maren and I drove to New Mexico to visit her parents. In retrospect it felt safe traveling by car. Our stops were minimal and we wore masks (as did most others) when at those stops. Visiting was pleasant and we just kept our distance from her parents. I am unsure about traveling by airplane yet. The risks seem greater and there are more intangibles outside of your control and more people in your proximity.  Most experts who weigh the two modes of travel opt for driving. 

In the coronavirus news headlines: several U.S. states have had their highest number of patients to date (Arizona, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee and Montana. Also, daily fatalities rose for the first time since June 7. More than 800 coronavirus deaths were reported on Tuesday.  The world has now reported 9.5 million cases and over 480,000 deaths. All this with current waves of increasing numbers in several U.S. states and countries (Mexico, Bolivia and Honduras) and it's only the beginning of summer. If in fact these rising numbers are a result of restrictions being lifted and people being less safe we may be in for a long suffering summer. 

If you are interested in how the pandemic has affected our spending you need to read the data report put together by Harvard University's Raj Chetty.  He has collected numbers which tell us the story behind the recent economic downturn and it is all very interesting (in a geeky number-crunching-kinda-way). First, the largest consumer spending decreases are happening in wealthy zip codes, a 70% drop compared to a 30% drop in poorer zip codes. Second is how this affected jobs and as you might imagine wealthy neighborhood zip codes laid off 70% of staff compared to about 30% of poor neighborhood business layoffs.  Chetty explains it simply by saying,  "reductions in spending by the rich have led to loss in jobs mostly for low-income individuals working in affluent areas."  Thirdly, the government response to the pandemic (stimulus checks and the paycheck protection program) have not helped as they thought it would.  Lastly, state reopenings were not reason enough for people to begin spending again as the wealthy were mostly able to work remotely (no reason to go out and spend).  Until the wealthy become unafraid and begin to spend again, the workers in the service industries in the wealthy neighborhoods will continue to suffer the most.  You can read the entire article here: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2020/06/23/881662948/why-reopening-isnt-enough-to-save-the-economy?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits

Day 104

Today is Tuesday June 23, 2020 and day 104 into this journey that we are all on. This tenuous ride. This quarantine trip. This passage throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic has us all feeling uncertain. The current times may have us on edge, fearful of catching a virus that gives some people zero symptoms and expediently takes the lives of others. No one should be judge, blames or faulted by the way they react in these unprecedented times. How could we know how to act and navigate our lives when something so unknown, so sudden and mysteriously deadly is thrust into our world. We are all hopefully doing our best to stay safe and stay rational. The truth is some cannot. Some are afraid and become irrational. Others are selfish and reacting in a way that only profits them. Many are suffering from loss of income and fear losing their business or their mortgage or both.  There is no handbook on how to live during a pandemic. 

Everyday we see or hear about people who are trying to get through this with the least amount of physical, mental and emotional damage to themselves, their families and their livelihoods. In the U.S. many states are struggling during a reopening phase as spikes in several cities has resulted in some of the highest new case totals yet. In places like prisons, factories, food manufacturing plants and even nursing homes, the number of cases seems to come in waves. In the Navajo nation thousands have become ill. A big problem there is the lack of medical care and impoverished living conditions like no running water or cell service making the situation dire. All over the world the struggle continues. The best hope is for a vaccine in the early part of 2021, but until then it will be a real struggle to keep this infectious disease under wraps.

The European Union  is considering a ban on travel from the U.S. once they reopen their borders. 

The United States continues to lead all nations with total cases, deaths and new cases.  The idea is scary to think this lifestyle could exist until some time into 2021, but the experts say and numbers show that just may be the path we are on.  I saw my friends Peter, Kalpana and their daughter Ilakshi today. We sat on an outside patio and shared some time with them. They only time they removed their masks was to eat or drink. I think it was because we sat closer than six feet and they are protecting their three year old.  I feel for them having to bring up a young one under these restrictions and conditions. I heard baseball is coming back for a very short 60 game season. I do not know the details, but heard a start date was July 24.

Good news. 

Day 102

Today is June 21, 2020 Fathers Day. In the news: according to the Washington Post, “ Eight states on Saturday reported their highest single-day case counts since the pandemic began, and daily new infections nationwide exceeded 30,000 on both Friday and Saturday.“ This news coming on the heels of a Trump -Republican rally in Tulsa, OK where thousands gathered to show their support of the POTUS. Most did not wear masks during the indoor rally and although they were freely handed out.  Some protesters gathered outside, but no violence was reported. Spain is reopening its borders, but other countries are dealing with large infection rates and struggling to control the virus, which has now infected 8.7 million people worldwide. Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Brazil and the U.S.are countries that saw over 3,000 new cases yesterday. Florida and Arizona continues to show increasing numbers in both cases and deaths with Florida losing nearly as many lives as repotting new cases. 

Today is also Father’s Day and I would like to acknowledge my dad. He is eighty years old and recently had a hospital stay lasting twelves days. He had an infection in his blood and the doctors were able to catch it and get antibiotics in him immediately. He is home now and on the mend. 

Happy Father’s Day POP!  

Day 103

Today is Monday June 22, 2020. The pandemic has been official for 103 days and the waves occurring in certain parts of the world tell us it is far from over.  The transmission of the virus is done mostly through person to person contact (although touching a recently infected surface and then touching your face could also transmit the virus) which leads one to believe the countries with large numbers of new cases are not staying socially distant and possibly not enforcing mask wearing in public. Now over nine million people have been infected and we are closing in on 500,000 deaths during this COVID-19 pandemic. Recently experts are warning that the virus is on pace to continue spreading intensively through the U.S. in coming months.  This pandemic has been a very interesting event in the sense that there are basically two camps in the world when referring to a pandemic attitude.  One agrees with the experts and the numbers and fears the worst, consequently they mask up, social distance and stay home as much as possible. The other camp is somewhat permissive about the whole thing and some in this group may even dismiss the virus outbreak as a hoax. This boggles the mind, but suppose they do not know of anyone who personally has been directly affected or anyone in the health care field?  This could cause them to question the virus and its spread, but (according to The NY Times, “the virus is gaining ground. Nationwide, cases have risen 15 percent over the last two weeks. Cases are rising in 18 states across the South, West and Midwest. Seven states hit single-day case records Saturday, and five others hit a record earlier in the week.“ 

      Some believe it a ruse to have an impact on the upcoming election. As if the Democrats would create a fake virus or fake news in an attempt to persuade the general public to vote against the current administration.  Seems like a pretty far-fetched plot to hatch just to win sway votes.  The fact is that the current administration did not cause the pandemic, but they are responsible for the handling of the virus outbreak and its continued efforts to slow the spread. And let’s face it the United States is an enormous country with many freedoms and an extremely egotistical society which do not like being told what to do (even if it is for their own good). My theory is that even when this is all over and no virus exists in our country people will still talk about the actions taken by humans either in charge or your neighbors.  I imagine some will deny it ever really happened. However, those that have lost loved ones or served in the health care industry will know the reality.  It seems all of the reality or controversy is not going away anytime soon. I say, let your conscience be your guide. For those without a conscience please keep your distance. 

Day 101

Saturday June 20, 2020 While moving through the day and in daily interactions with people I noticed something. When I saw another person I judged them. I judged them on whether they wore a mask or not. And I imagine they were judging me. Whichever camp you fall in the other party is watching you and most likely making an assumption of your character, political viewpoint and general attitude about the world and everyone living in it. I found it to be pitiful. I found myself to be pitiful. I found out we as humans are designed to look at people who are different from us and judge them or worse question them or even worse persecute them. We are all of the great unwashed. We are all sinners. We are all with faults. If only we could see the true human in all of us. And see the spirit of the human that is in us; imperfect. Many of us can accept our own shortcomings and forgive ourselves our trespasses, but we cannot see others in the same way. Why? Why must we look at people and name them black, Republican, special, poor, overweight, stupid, and tell them they are wrong for not thinking, acting or looking like us. 

If only all of us would just accept each other as people, humans with hearts that break and minds that react with feelings. Be open to all kinds of people regardless of whether or not they look like us or believe like us or live like us. We share the world and the world accepts us. Why can we not see the reality of this pandemic. It judges no one. It takes the lives of breathing people and turns them into ravaged souls that cry and gasp for air. We as humans could learn from this, but we won't. There was a pandemic in 1918 that took millions of lives and what did we learn from that? Did we learn to treat people the same? Did we learn to accept all humankind regardless of skin tone, language spoken or IQ? No we continued in the way we always have and here we are 102 years later. Different pandemic same people dying and those that survive will not be changed. Heavy thoughts tonight. I will end with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson to ponder " We believe in ourselves as we do not believe in others. We permit all things to ourselves and that which we call sin in others is experiment for us." 

The truth is we are experimenting with life and we all deserve the same opportunities to feel alive and feel success and know joy and live free from fear or ridicule. Let us experiment with loving ourselves and others as equals. If you advocate for all humans you too will be human and be advocated for. 

Day 100

Today is June 19, 2020 

So many times in our lives 100 is a milestone.  100 days into something or 100 days remaining. 100 percent. 100 episodes of a television show. 100 likes. 100 years. There was even a 100 years war! (Remember that from social studies?) You can look it up here if you wish (https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/hundred-years-war) 

100 of anything is usually a good thing. As I write my day one-hundred entry my first thoughts are: how long I have journeyed and how far will I go?  Consistently doing anything for 100 days is something to be proud of (ever try a 30 day challenge?) writing for 100 days during the time of  a pandemic has been therapeutic.  It started as a way to document this event and have a record of the experience and then just became routine. Writing is also a love of mine and it been both fun and challenging to create the blog and it has encouraged me to stay on top of the current events and virus news while adding tidbits of information that would be interesting to readers.  I had decided a few weeks ago I would probably write for one complete year. I feel like that is an accomplishment  I can be proud of and also provide future readers a large scope of the event and how our world was impacted. So thank you for reading and following my journey. Let's get into it...

Anthony S. Fauci has answered questions regarding pandemic waves and the most important answer he gives is "You can’t talk about a second wave in the summer because we’re still in the first wave." I understand people want to know what the future holds and we are all anxious for this nightmare to end, but he goes on to provide some insight into our roles by saying, "This will end and it will be within our power to end it both from a public health standpoint and hopefully within a reasonable time with the scientific advances that bring us interventions in the form of vaccines and therapy. But we are all in this together.  You have a responsibility for your own health. But also, since we live in a big country and in a global community, what we do as individuals will have an impact on the success or not of getting this outbreak under control."

So hold fast my friends and continue to protect yourself and others as you move about the world, whether that means flying, driving or walking. In any manner you interact with others know the best precautions that can prevent transmission are wearing a mask, staying six feet apart and being mindful not to touch your face while diligently washing your hands (especially after contacting any surfaces or just being out in public).  I was inspired to write some poetry after waking in the middle of the night and realizing I dreamed, but have know idea what the dream was about...so here is what I wrote:

Dreams fill my mind, but like untethered ships pass in the night forever lost to me. Images unseen haunt me, tease me, shhh they seem to whisper, yet leave as if uninvited.

Photo is a Michael Zeno Diemer painting entitled Ship at Sea.

Day 99

Today is June 18, 2020 and it is day 99 (which feels like 199 in pandemic blog days).  In virus news,  the data shows how a month ago in the middle of our stay-at-home order the world was averaging around 90,000 new cases a day. In the month of June during our reopening phase we are averaging around 135,000 and yesterday the most cases on any given day was reported at 166,095. Some of this is due to an increase in testing and not just the reopening phase.  Some may also be from people not social distancing and wearing a mask as the CDC continues to advise. In the world of sports colleges around the nation are finding returning athletes are testing positive for COVID19 causing further delays in the possibility of fall sports.  This could also be the case for professional athletes as well. It remains to be seen whether we will see baseball this year.  Football is full steam ahead, but who knows what will happen once players all huddle together. And of course we are awaiting, avidly, the return of basketball and hockey; they have plans but nothing is yet scheduled.  During these times of waiting and hoping we all need inspiration.

     I follow a few online writers and podcasts who inspire me.  They all write or speak about health, exercise or positive motivation. They are health experts, doctors and gurus.  Feel free to look them up: Brad Stulberg,  Dr. Stephanie Estima, Benjamin Hardy, PhD and Zat Rana.  I find their writing relevant to me as well as thoughtful and enlightening in regard to current events.  One recent article by Benjamin Hardy was about success, motivation, and actions.  Something that got my attention was how actions precede inspiration and how our desire for something requires us to plan and act in order to reach said desire. The psychologists call it "epiphany ability." The thoughts you have can only become reality if you put those thoughts into action and thus the action inspires the creation.  Creation in turn inspires others and creation can last lifetimes.    We have the ability to train and teach ourselves to not only conjure up the desires in our minds, but ultimately reach them.  Our minds are like computers waiting to be reprogrammed.  The investment you make in your daily self-talk, steadfast positive projection and then real-life application can lead you to information and connections you need to be successful.  When it comes to boldness and action, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said it best, “Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute: What you can do, or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage and then the mind grows heated; Begin and then the work will be completed.”

So there you have it. During these times, if you find yourself uninspired, think on something you would like to achieve; a project, hobby or artistic creation and begin it! Who knows what you can accomplish. 

I for one have been training in the art of Filipino Stick fighting. 

Day 98

June 17, 2020  It is day 98 in this pandemic journey.The latest news from the COVID-19 front lines in America: Florida, Texas and Arizona all set records for the most cases reported in one day in their respective states. The United States continues to lead all countries in number of coronavirus cases and resulting deaths.  In world news the president of Honduras has tested positive and an outbreak in Beijing is resulting in a new set of restrictions for the people.  This comes shortly after China had stifled the virus with strict safety orders.  It is a cautionary tale to all countries that the virus can sneak back anytime. In a continuing fight to slow down the death rate scientists at the University of Oxford discovered that  a commonly available steroid called dexamethasone has reduced deaths in patients with severe Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus. The data is small, but if the results continue it will be a treatment that can reduce death rates and save the lives of the those thought to have no chance of survival.
If you are looking for a new show to watch you may be interested in a series on Apple TV entitled "Dickinson".  It is a new take on the poet Emily Dickinson during her younger years.  She was an amazing poet, but not discovered until after her death.  She had extraordinary vision for a young woman living in the 1800's.  her father was well a established lawyer and businessman and also a writer.  He even wrote a piece on "The woman's place in the world". Needless to say he was not overly supportive of Emily's foray into the literary world.  She would eventually write over one-thousand-eighteen-hundred poems and after they were discovered and published her genius was well known. She influenced many young poets, myself included.  In 1998 I wrote this poem while living in Chicago, Illinois: "Destiny is my drowning. Water gave me life and it's sister is sin. I cannot detach myself except to ride America's highway into the soft night of my despondent soul."  Seventeen years later I would revise and revisit this poem and, with the help of my friends Peter Simon, Jim Ajemian, Tim and Wyatt DeShong, turn it into a short film. You can see the film here.

Day 97

Tuesday June 16, 2020
Yesterday, June 15, 1923, Lou Gehrig substituted at first base for the N.Y. Yankees and the rest is history they say. Gehirg went on to play in  2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years until broken in 1995 by Cal Ripken Jr.
My feeling is we need a super-sub to come in and give us relief and save us from a virus that is damaging our sense of freedom, personal safety and positive attitude.  The pandemic continues to ripple through the world as states and counties experience new peaks of the virus outbreak.
     Pakistan, one month after reopening, has reported over 100,000 new cases. The Arizona sunbelt of the U.S. is experiencing a rash of new cases, over 800 in one day recently, due to reopening too soon. And Florida has had six days straight of over 1,000 new cases and reported a one day high on 2,581 on Saturday.  These spikes are a warning of the failure to cover your face and maintain social distance.  Many experts fear a massive second wave come winter. 
    Such a wave occurred in 1918 during the flu pandemic when millions lost their lives. The 1918 pandemic lasted three years. It actually had three waves with the second being the most deadly.  It is still uncertain what caused the second wave as there is speculation that lack of social distancing was one reason, the soldiers returning from war in Europe being another, but experts have also alluded to the possibility the virus may have mutated into a deadlier strain.       Now for some lighter more uplifting information. John Krasinski, of The Office fame, began a show entitled SGN (Some Good News). With the help of his children (set dressing) Wife (co-anchor) and celebrity friends (Lin-Manuel Miranda serenaded a little girl who missed a performance of “Hamilton” in Florida. Oprah Winfrey gave advice to a graduating college student) People around the world are doing their best to find hope and garner courage as we all feel the weight of loss during this time. Whether you have experienced COVID-19 first hand or are just keeping track of the events via the internet or national news it is with heavy hearts we sympathize or empathize with those infected and affected, If you are interested in SGN  You can view the final episode here: https://youtu.be/TXdKrtmexWU

Day 96

It is Monday June 15, 2020 Day 96. Some updates on coronavirus numbers. The number of total cases has surpassed 8 million, but it is important to note that about 4 million of that total is recovered patients. Total deaths comes in at 437,206. We continue to navigate the world with a virus outbreak and world pandemic.  Each of us is on this journey with our own perspective, attitude and belief.  These in turn warrant our actions and our actions in turn effect those we interact with. So much talk has been about respecting others and understanding their views and feelings about the pandemic that sometimes what is lost is our own self-reflection. I would like to speak on that today. Any time we look to investigate ourselves it is a personal affair and possibly emotional as well.
The following questions are not mine. I read them on psychology today and found them to be introspective as you take the journey inward. Consider: Why am I thinking this?
This may be a new thought you have been wrestling with and pondering its origin may lead to deeper thinking and an interpretation of oneself not seen before. What is happening? The current state of affairs in the world, your city or your personal are included in this as well as the thoughts passing through your mind. What am I seeing? The eyes see a lot.  But in the subconscious state it may be nothing of importance because our mind is not present. When we are in a conscious state we can truly see what is garnering our attention at this moment. Am I listening? Clearing the mind will help listening truly happen. And listening in the true sense can help us decipher our own thoughts.
Am I using all my senses? This is one we often do not consider.  When I first studied the power of the subconscious mind and being mindful I was taught a simple technique to help you be present and that was rubbing the fingers of one hand together.

I found this helpful and use it now and then to keep me mindfully grounded. It is so easy to slip into the subconscious realms of our past and projecting thoughts of our possible future.

Using your senses to be in touch with the reality around you is a great way to meditate and can provide some calm in an otherwise stormy life circumstance or world situation (hello?2020)

Am I present? This is the one question we are most likely to struggle with. Mostly because our day-to-day affairs keep us thinking about deadlines, time, dates, and other controlling realities that make up our 24 hour period (or 16 hours if you sleep at all). The thoughts flowing through our mind most moments of the day are focused on everything but the present. As an exercise single out a few mundane tasks during your day in which you can focus on (think washing your hands- you are doing plenty of that lately) and during those tasks use your senses to feel, smell, see, hear and/or taste the experience like never before. Remember to clear your mind of thought and focus on the senses, one at a time. Good luck and may you be present more often.  

Day 95

Sunday June 14, 2020 I am currently reading 1968: The year that rocked the world by Mark Kurlansky.  The first thing that stands out is the similarities from that year to our current year. Of course there was no world wide pandemic, but social unrest due to civil rights and consequently protests and riots, an election year, and the feeling of isolation as people were pulled apart rather than drawn together.  The issues of our current state of affairs may be different than those in 1968 (such as the support and/or protest of the war in Vietnam), but some issues are rising to the surface again.  Most notably a civil rights movement rising like a phoenix after the death of George Floyd from the actions of a white police officer. And if you think it is only about police brutality then think again because between the death of George Floyd and the current virus outbreak the inequalities and opportunities provided to white and blacks is clear. The civil rights movement is in full motion and this time around we may see true reform in the area of police action.  And there is hope some other areas of inequality will be addressed as well or at least investigated more closely.  This being an election year is another aspect likened to 1968. The incumbent president in 1968 was Lyndon B. Johnson, who ultimately chose not to run for re-election opening the door for Richard Nixon after the assassination of Robert Kennedy which came a few months after the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And it was these murders that led to protests and riots in which police tactics ranged from beatings to tear gas and use of rubber bullets. The riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention were particularly unsettling. This year we have an incumbent president who will run for re-election and is currently under scrutiny for his outlandish and outspoken tweets about protesters as well as his handling of the virus even before it entered the United States.  His language and actions since the virus has overwhelmed the nation are also questionable.  The lone competition is Democratic nominee Joe Biden.  The bi-partisan wars over the pandemic alone are enough to separate the people, but now you have police brutality, civil rights, the economy and unemployment rates as well as a continually swelling national debt.  It may take the next president four years just to get the country back on it's feet and that is if we can control the virus, known as novel coronavirus, with a vaccine.
Another interesting similarity was the broadcasting of news.  In 1968 same day broadcast was something new to the public.  This meant, for the first time ever, the people could see what was happening across the globe on their televisions in live action.  Obviously we still have this ability, but we also currently have millions of freelance reporters with their cell phones capturing everything as it goes on and posting it to a myriad of social media sites not just on your local news channel.
As in 1968, the people are torn apart over important issues involving every man, women and child.  The world is torn apart by an economic downfall not seen since 1939 and we are all suffering together through a pandemic that has infected 7.9 million people and resulted in the deaths of nearly half-a-million more. With the exception of a few (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan and many remote islands) most countries are struggling to balance controlling the outbreak and reopen the economy. These are indeed turbulent times and the year is only halfway over. Buckle your seat belts, strap on your helmets and put on your life vests we are in for a long bumpy ride...oh and do not forget your masks.

Day 94

Today is June 13, 2020. Saturday. Typically on any Saturday night in June one may find yourself at a baseball game, a concert, a nightclub or any number of social events that are suspended for the foreseeable future. In this current pandemic state the world is getting creative in it's effort to bring those events back to you.  The N.B.A. is planning a restart of 22 teams vying for the championship all in one place, Walt Disney World Resort, and the N.H.L. is planning a similar short season to begin July 10th.  The N.B.A. reboot is tentatively set to begin July 31st. In Germany you can club it in your car with actors dressed in costume dancing outside you car to music, unce, unce, unce! Can you feel the bass!

The world is trying. The airlines are flying. The hotels are opening. The roads are becoming busy again and almost everywhere people are moving and celebrating life again.  Being quarantined inside your house, know matter how much you love your home, for three months is taxing.  You feel the psychological prison as much as the physical walls caving in. The need for sun, air and movement other than exercise is overwhelming as your favorite restaurants and parks and venues are beginning to function in a limited capacity. Especially those events that are taking place outdoors.  Many states and countries still have limits on the number of people gathering, but at least people can gather. 

Yes the virus still exists and it's unknown qualities are still scary. Recently a twenty year old female with no underlying health conditions had her lungs so ravished by Covid19 she required a double lung transplant (never performed in the U.S. before due to the virus). So as the summer blossoms and the sirens call you to venture out and mingle do the research on what is a high risk activity and what is a low risk activity. Here is a link to help you stay informed on what the CDC says about certian activities. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html

 As I began this entry saying this is Saturday I will end by saying it is no typical Saturday night. Whether you choose to stay in or decide to go out you will consider how the pandemic of 2020 has changed your views on life now and in the future. Same as it ever was may never be again.

Day 93

Today is June 12, 2020 As the world continues to fight the coronavirus it is also getting acclimated to living under its veil. Many states and countries are reopening to a degree that besides seeing everyone in a mask is beginning to feel like the world once felt, normal. But as the feeling of normalcy may be felt by some others would argue. Brazil has quickly risen to number two (behind the U.S.) in total number of cases and they are are a few hundred behind the U.K. in total deaths (the U.S. leads by a large margin)  So for those dealing with the virus firsthand either as a victim or as a healthcare worker the feeling of normalcy is lost on them.  The virus, even if you have had no contact with it or know anyone who has, haunts us.  It taunts us every time we venture out of our homes and into the public eye. Plexi glass is the new normal.  You see it every where you go, in between the people, like a great protector against spit and virus-carrying aerosols. It is the second defense after the mask.
We are in a new wave of covid-19 cases and a new way of "moving about the cabin" as my wife likes to say.  Feeling free to move about the cabin is for a select few (the unmasked, unbelievers). Otherwise, the fear is real. The threat is real. And as we know is what the virus will do to us if we get it.  The health experts say 80% of those that are infected will be sick for a short time and live to tell the tale, but there is a percentage which will be hospitalized and dealt a heavy blow.  They will need oxygen and many will not survive the fight.  With now well over 7 million cases in the world and nearly a half million deaths the Covid-19 pandemic is winning over the human race. Of course we are 7.8 billion strong and the numbers favor us, but still the virus has knocked us down the economic ladder a few rungs. A big question is what's to come of world power? Which country will emerge form the dust of this pandemic as the global leader? Will it be the country who develops and distributes the vaccine? Will it be the country who creates a new plan for future virus prevention and preparedness?  The future endorsement and terms of many world leaders is in jeopardy.  Those that did not prepare for the virus outbreak or move quickly enough to lock down and protect those from the spread of the virus are under scrutiny now and all eyes watch to see who does what next.
I do not deny the pressures are enormous on all leaders.  It is difficult to find the balance between keeping citizens safe from the virus and still having a viable economy.  Keeping your household afloat is one challenge, but keeping an entire nation from sinking under the weight of disease, death, unemployment and economic failure is another.  There are many who are doing their best to endure against all these struggles day after day and many are looking for guidance and support from their leadership and government. In some cases, the words and hope and guidance has not been there.  There is much criticism in the world these days. And not all of it is focused on the virus outbreak as police brutality has risen to the forefront of many minds.  Social unrest is currently ongoing in cities around the world stemming from the death of George Floyd.  Frustration, aggravation and retaliation is fueling protests and riots around the world.  The reforms are coming and many believe and hope the death of George Floyd will bring about serious change to the way police officers are recruited, educated and trained henceforth.  That in turn will bring about a more equitable treatment of all minorities by a largely white police force. 
In personal news, my dad was released from the hospital today and reunited with my mom. The man is happy and smiling under his mask.

Day 92

June 11, 2020.  My eighty year old father, Carlo Portoghese, is in Winthrop Hospital in New York.  He was admitted last Tuesday because of a fever and upon finding out he had a staff infection has been there since.  He has tested negative for Covid19 three times. He has had several tests (MRI, Bone scan, Lung scan and TEE) in order to find the origin of the infection initially found in his blood. The antibiotics have brought the fever down and he is responding well to them.  After his final test results last night and with all tests coming back negative he will have a PICC line put in and be able to come home.

Today my mom celebrates her eightieth birthday and it will be nice when they can finally be together again.

Maren and I were married this day seventeen years ago in Maui, HI. The ceremony took place on a beach  in Kihei near the home of Tim and Scarlet DeShong, who happen to be visiting us on their drive back home to Maine. They were in Florence Oregon for a closing on property once owned by Tim’s dad who recently passed away. It is great having them here to celebrate with us.

Tuesday was the funeral and burial of George Floyd. His death has brought about weeks of protests and riots and in time will bring change to policing procedures and the ill treatment of the black community by white police officers.  During the funeral service, held in Houston, Brooke Williams, a niece of George Floyd, gave an emotion-filled speech.  Ending with this statement, "Someone said, 'Make America Great Again,' but when has America ever been great?" she asked." She has a point. Through the eyes of a black community, once enslaved and forever discriminated against, when has it ever been great?  During a time when the most effective leader and speaker for civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr., was being heard and progress was a real possibility; he was assassinated.  It proved too much and progress was halted.  Racism and death once again went hand in hand.  Not since 1968 has there been a charismatic leader likened to MLK. When in the middle of a pandemic and worldwide health crisis, a 46 year old man and his death by a white police officer in an act of white power and/or racism  (read how racism is defined in the dictionary then decide... prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.) could be the catalyst that brings Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to reality.  His words, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 

Even as a pandemic has shaken the world to it's core and forced an economic shutdown and kept people in their homes the protests go on so the dream may live.  

I also visited the hospital for the first time since the pandemic. It was very sterile and I was in for an x-ray and examination of my elbow. The prognosis is medial and lateral epicondylitis.

7

Day 91

Today is Wednesday June 10, 2020.  When I was living in Chicago in the late nineties my friend Aiman introduced me to a digest entitled Leadership...with a human touch.  In the digest there are articles and quotes on different topics relating to leadership and the civil treatment of fellow humans. In these times, where social unrest and general distrust is rampant throughout the United States it is advisable to check your resources and research the people you are listening to. Are they credible and hold to beliefs that you value?
  In one issue of Leadership...with a human touch it was stated that Albert Einstien, in 1952,  was given the opportunity to become the President of Israel. It was an offer he declined. His decision was most likely based on his own observation, " In the case of political...leaders it is often very doubtful whether they have done more good than harm".  Looking at the history of our nation it is something to consider. As our country, built by white men with white power and white viewpoints, created a system that caters to white society and some would say white supremacy.   A history in which I am ashamed to say, included  a time of enslavement for black men, women and children.  It is unbelievable to me, but I imagine unbearable to the black community who now over 150 years later are still fighting for equality and fair treatment. The leadership needed in this country is one that reflects the ethical treatment of all people regardless of race, culture or creed.  The coronavirus pandemic is an ebb and flow of leveling off and waves of new cases. In parts of the world (New Zealand) it is nearly non-existent and in other areas the infection rates are peaking (Brazil).  The data of new cases is one measure of proof, but unless widespread testing is in place the numbers may not be accurate. As these number go, there seems to be a leveling off in states like Washington and California and spikes in places like Arizona and Florida.Of course with states reopening public areas and the recent protest gatherings these numbers will most likely be different in the next week or two.  The incubation period of the virus is 2-14 days. The board of education for Aurora Public Schools is voting on four potential hybrid models of teaching in the fall.  Whichever model is chosen it will be subject to the guidelines of the Tri-County health department. Actually we are all subject to time, but factors we control can make an impact during this time.  Being open-minded to change and being calm when going through changes in society, work and home life.  Control over your own personal care and indulging only in the activities that give you peace. Keeping a positive mindset that remains grateful and hopeful. Being respectful to others and understanding in how they may process this event.   It has been three months since the CDC announced the coronavirus outbreak an official pandemic. Since then the world has been turned on it's head. Since December, millions have been infected and thousands have lost their lives to the virus known as Covid19. What will the following three months look like? Time will tell.

Day 90

Today is Tuesday June 9, 2020 and George Floyd will be laid to rest today in Houston, Texas.  The service is not public. It will be interesting to see if protesters come out today and tonight on this day.
   The protests of recent days have brought important conversations to light and actions as well.  On Monday the House Democrats released a new legislation, that once passed can see a broad reform to police practices in the U.S.   Some states have banned the choke-hold as a technique to subdue a person. Use of tear gas is also on hold in Seattle for at least thirty days.  California is seriously looking at how police react to protesters. The Justice of Policing Act of 2020 is a bill that would do away with choke holds and no-knock warrants. It would also put in place a system of tracking police misconduct.  These changes are much needed and a long time coming. That is all for today. To respect the burial and life of George Floyd. Take the day to reflect on your own thoughts and how you may treat people moving forward. In particular people that are different than you. How will you reform and what changes will you make that can be felt by all those you interact with. It is on all of us to self-reflect and grow as humans in this world we inhabit.

Day 89

Monday June 8, 2020 It is not just another Manic Monday (so sang the Bangles in 1986). It is manic, but not just another... We don't typically have Mondays like this, indeed with a pandemic caused by a virus that has infected over 7 million and resulted in over 400,000 deaths and social unrest not seen since the late sixties and early seventies, and manic does not even begin to describe what is happening in the world. On top of the fact it is an election year with the incumbent president being one of the most controversial POTUS' in our nation's history.  It is in some ways unbelievable, insane and unprecedented.  The social unrest was spirited by a racial slaying in which a white police officer knelt on the neck of a n unarmed black man for nine minutes resulting in the death of one George Floyd. The reaction was protest and outrage over another uncalled for murder of a black community member by a white officer of the law. The protests come on the heels of a horrific death due to corrupt authority in the way of a mostly white police force and it has been this way too long.  George Floyd is certainly not the first, just the most recent and we can only hope the last.
     The racial discrimination goes beyond law enforcement and is something we are all witnessing first hand through the lens of the pandemic. "At least 20,000 black Americans have died from the virus. Their death rate is nearly 2.5 times higher than whites, and it has never been less than twice that of Latinos and Asians, according to recent data compiled by APM Research Lab. Despite comprising 13% of the country, they make up 25% of Covid-19 deaths."
The difference is evidence for an unfair system that runs through opportunities in education, employment, housing, healthcare, transportation and politics.  All this leads to is more pain and suffering and now more exposure to the virus and subsequently more death. In some states the black community makes up less than 25% of the population but in those areas some 42, 56 and even 80% of the Covid19 deaths.  The changes needed to bring equity to these systems will not happen without protest and a fight. The battle has begun. The voices are speaking.  The fists are raised. The time is now. For if not now, when. It has been 66 years since Brown vs the Board of Education desegregated schools, but there is segregation in this country in other forms. Blacks are represented with a mere 13% of the U.S. police force. In 2019 there were only 52 black U.S. representatives.
"the basic fuel for the teamwork machine is enthusiasm" Glover and Midura
Oh boy is there enthusiasm as protests have been ongoing for over ten days as police forces across the country are looking to reform practices, education and the punishment of officers who are found to use brutality when enforcing the law. It is an opportunity to change the laws and upholding of laws. It is an opportunity to improve the police system in ways that coincide with their motto "to protect and serve" This moment in time is an opportunity to rewrite the language and doctrines written to create a more equitable world for all. They same change starts at the top. In our nation that means the White House. and that is a good place to start by changing the name of the "White House" to something of equality and representative of all people no matter what their color.

Day 88

Sunday June 7, 2020 The world continues it’s battle against Covid19 and a nation attempts to heal itself and reform. The current pandemic and the social unrest over the death of George Floyd bring to mind the importance and value of life. As we think of others during these times and attempt to help the less fortunate or support those being persecuted we ought to consider ourselves too. Have self-compassion and be kind to yourself in a way that is healing and uplifting so that we may be useful to the betterment of the people we interact with. You can do this in several ways:
We can acknowledge the difficulty we may be having. These are troubling times and everyone is processing the events in our own way. It is normal to be wrestling emotionally with the state of affairs regarding racism and politics in our country. If the coronavirus has impacted your world in a personal way or has you feeling anxious then realize that and accept it as a real struggle. Find tools to release the pressure, but allow yourself to feel how you feel. And secondly know that you are not alone in this suffering as a nation mourns for every person unfairly taken from our world by the immoral and racist acts of people in positions of power. We must unite as a people and stand up to racism. This is what the protests are all about and they are our right and allow the people a voice and an opportunity to compel those in charge to change the procedures and protocols for a better system and a better treatment of our black community. Lastly, support yourself in this moment. Seek counsel. Read inspiring and thoughtful words to help you heal and strengthen your mind going forward. Create a positive mindset that promotes you and your vision for yourself. Meditate, dance, chant, pray, journal and do the activities that bring you peace in your mind and your spirit.
We are resourceful and can adapt to any situation and have proven it during this virus outbreak. We can all be better in our actions towards others, in our self-care and in our minds. How we see those around us and how we consider each other will lead to how we act and interact with other people of all races, cultures and religions. As much as we are all unique with a genetic makeup like no other we are also very much the same. Human. Hearts. Feelings. Hopes. Dreams. Longing for love. How will you give and receive love from now on?

Day 87

Today is Saturday June 6, 2020. It seems strange in a way to be writing about a pandemic while the United States is in the middle of social unrest not seen since 1968. It was after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.that protesters and rioters stormed the streets of over 100 cities some lasting for thirty days. On May 25, 2020 an unarmed black man, George Floyd, died of asphyxiation when a white police officer knelt on his neck.  Currently the protests have gone on for nine days and nights. Some peaceful others got violent with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds.
Nevertheless, the pandemic continues and the daily infection numbers have been on the rise since cities across the world have reopened albeit with restrictions. In the last 24 hours over 125,000 new cases were reported and over 4,000 deaths.  This marks the third day in a row that new cases has exceeded 125,000 and we have not yet seen the spike from the crowds gathering to protest. In some cases thousands gathered to protest police brutality and specifically the ill treatment of the black community by white officers. This is a photo from Philadelphia PA today.

I end with excerpts from the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who dedicated his life to the cause of racial inequality and racism.

1964: I am only too well aware of the weaknesses and fail­ures which exist, the doubts about the efficacy of nonviolence ... But I am still convinced that nonviolence is both the most practically sound and morally excellent way to grapple with the age-old problem of racial injustice. 

1968: Racial injus­tice is still the black man's burden and the white man's shame ... The govern­ment must certainly share the guilt, the individual must share the guilt and even the church must share the guilt.

1963: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true mean­ing of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

1962: Hate is always tragic. It is as injurious to the hater as it is to the hated. It distorts the personality and scars the soul ...

It is about time we begin to heal the scars of our souls. To begin the great reform that changes how we treat all people and how we view people.  We must see one another as just that, people and humans who have dreams and feelings and lives that matter.

Day 86

This blog started out as a way for me to document the pandemic. A journal I could share with friends and family. Recently other world events have taken center stage (almost unbelievable to imagine) as we have now had eight days of protests in major cities across the nation. 

The murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed by a white policeman has resulted in social unrest. Protests turned to riots. Peace turned to panic. Tragedy turned to turmoil. All this as the pandemic continues sweeping the world. Coronavirus, a disease easily transmissible through air droplets, has infected nearly 7,000,000 people and taken the lives of over 375,000. These two occurrences happening at the same time have turned our nation upside down and the whole world is watching to see how we respond. How will racism, a deep seated problem in this country for the entirety of its existence, be handled going forward? Can the police procedures be reformed to reflect an equitable treatment of all people no matter their demographic? Can the people be educated in the name of equity and empathy and authenticity?and can the people so wrongfully treated for hundreds of years forgive their oppressors?

These questions must be addressed and answered if a true change is going to happen. This moment in time is crucial for our future. The future of all Americans. Then there is the pandemic. Still a moving force infecting thousands each day. 

The world stayed home for two months and now they are restless and eager to return to work and play and travel as they once knew it. The experts say wearing a mask and social distancing is the best defense, but some are not willing to do that and they don't understand the consequences. 

Will the masses wise up and mask up for the sake of mankind? Will a miracle vaccine change the state of our world? Will the virus run its course without wiping out millions? Will we see the world differently from now on? The situation is unlike one I have ever encountered. Truly, only time will tell if any of these questions are answered.

Day 85

Today is June 4, 2020
I just spoke with my dad who is in the hospital for an infection (MSSA). Hoping his MRI results will reveal something more about the origin of the infection and then he can be released.  He seems to be doing better and his spirits were up. The good news is he tested negative for Covid19.
The pandemic continues to spread and experts fear the wave of infections that may result from the crowds gathering to protest the death of George Floyd. For a eighth day and night protesters gathered in mass, most peacefully, to voice their anger and frustration at the continued ill-treatment of blacks by white police officers.  Even though social distancing is the norm people are intent on having their voice heard and rightly so as the malicious acts of white cops on black people has gone on for far too long.  Changes must be made.  The nation is in turmoil as humans fight a deadly virus, wrestle with their conscience and fear for the black community.  It is a desperate and fluid situation.
Some protests have turned to riots.  The police and in some cases the National guard have been charged to confront and disperse crowds in over 40 cities.  Many cities have instituted curfews in order to quell the destruction of property and looting that primarily happens at night. The fires burn and enraged people are intentionally destroying public property in an effort to be heard and to illicit changes.  The POTUS is pushing back in a power struggle with the protesters and inciting more riots with his tweets and derogatory comments.
The Covid19 pandemic is not going away anytime soon as many states and nations have moved to reopen with restrictions in order to slow the devastating economic spiral which was caused when countries closed shop in an effort to flatten the curve of the virus infection. All this in a election year for the presidency of the United States of America. The following link is to a video from the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago in which police tear gassed and brutalized a crowd of protesters. In some ways it seems this video could have been taken on one of the previous nights in any city America.
The whole world is watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_9OJnRnZjU

Day 84

It is Wednesday June 4, 2020
First an explanation for yesterday. This is from the Colorado Public Radio website:
"Black Lives Matter.
We stand in solidarity with our Black communities and those on the frontlines. We stand against the systems that lead to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many more. We acknowledge the platform we have and vow to use it to speak against systemic violence and oppression so Denver can be safe for Black, Indigenous, and all People Of Color.

We have a lot of learning to do, and we are here to listen.
Tomorrow, we will join our peers from the music industry in observing “Blackout Tuesday” by muting our email and social channels to create more space for dialogue. #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused #AmplifyMelanatedVoices #DoStuffForYourCommunity

If you have privilege, we encourage you to use your voice to actively combat racism. Action looks different for everyone. Consider muting your social channels with us tomorrow to make space for Black voices. Join the front line protesting. Make monthly donations. Write to your leaders. Have those hard conversations with your community, your coworkers, and your family."
So, that is why no blog was reported yesterday.
Today we start with a quote.

"Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it"

Yesterday Maren and I both felt a heavy weight upon us as the events of the recent days have unfolded and left a psychological mark on our hearts and minds. We, as educators in a diverse community of students in Aurora, Colorado, have the opportunity to educate young minds on all subjects including racism, implicit bias and bigotry. We know we can better prepare ourselves for the conversations about these topics and we are planning a book study this summer with a book entitled How to be anti-racist. We also forgive ourselves for times in the past when we were not anti-racist and not proactive enough to support those who are often unsupported and repressed. 

On this day, after the seventh day and night of protests and riots, the coronavirus is still here, infecting and killing and many health experts fear the repercussions of the large crowd gatherings across the nation.  Over 40 cities have had peaceful protests, some of which have turned to riots. 

The virus numbers today are down, but that may be a lag in reporting. According to worldmeters

there were 48,835 new cases and 1,713 new deaths.  The world is to in turmoil over a bigger issue. 

The issue of inequality and injustice. Forgive yourself, but do more to fight racism. Be better to all people and educate yourself on the issues and make changes where you can. This is a photo of the memorial being created on the site where George Floyd's life was taken.     

Day 82

Monday June 1, 2020 It is five months into the year 2020 and it feels like five years. The biggest change in the pandemic recently has been the focus. Everyone in the world is looking at the protests and ensuing riots born out of the unnecessary death of George Floyd. In the U.S. people have come out to protest the police violence against the black community.  The death of George Floyd during a incident involving four Minneapolis police officers, one of which knelt on Foster's neck for nine minutes, has the world in an uproar. And rightly so, this is just another case of police brutality against an unarmed black man. The protests have gone on for six days in which forty cities have now imposed a curfew and in fifteen states the National Guard has been dispatched.  Over the last few nights people have been shot, run over and beaten. Cars and buildings set ablaze. Graffiti has been a big part of the damage done to public structures.  Some police officers have joined the protest walks and in at least one instance in Queens, NY even kneeling with protesters.
In case there is a misunderstanding about why the peaceful protests turn to riots. There are factors to consider such as crowd mentality and interlopers who are just there to cause destruction and openly shame police. An important point was explained to me today and it is best understood by this quote for The Guardian, "Martin Luther King famously called riots “the voice of the unheard” – and as the outcry of people who have tried absolutely everything else for centuries, property damage means something very different from merely malicious or recreational destruction. Acting out to be heard is a common strategy used by children to get attention, but it is not just attention they or the protesters are seeking.  There is more to it. A need, a very important need is not being met. In this case justice needs to be served and protocols changed.  The racist and unlawful conduct inflicted upon the black community by white police officers has gone on for too long without retribution.
The rest of the world as well as the U.S. continues to fight a virus that has infected over 6 million and killed over 375,000.  Another 100,00+ new cases were reported yesterday.  Stay safe.