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    Narcos in the Time of Coronavirus | Eric Garcetti & Billy Porter

    enMay 14, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Building community connections in uncertain timesCreating social bonds with neighbors, exchanging Amazon packages, and innovative restaurant practices can bring hope and normalcy during uncertain times

      Even in uncertain times, building and strengthening community connections can bring hope and prepare us for challenges. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors and creating meaningful social bonds. This can range from lending a helping hand to standing together during natural disasters. Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, creating excitement in everyday life can be as simple as swapping Amazon packages with neighbors, as suggested by Trevor Noah on The Daily Social Distancing Show. Additionally, restaurants are finding innovative ways to implement social distancing, such as using mannequins to fill empty tables, creating a unique dining experience. Overall, focusing on community and connection can help us navigate through challenging times and bring a sense of normalcy.

    • Creative ways to cope with quarantine stress through social mediaPeople use social media to find joy and normalcy during quarantine by engaging in imaginative activities and staying informed while being cautious of misinformation.

      People are finding creative ways to cope with the stress and monotony of quarantine life through social media. Whether it's pretending to be ants in a Facebook group or creating a COVID-19 pinata for a birthday party, people are using their imaginations to bring some fun and normalcy to their lives during these unprecedented times. Additionally, it's important to remember that while social media can provide a sense of community and entertainment, it's also important to be cautious and fact-check information, as there's always a chance of misinformation or even Russian interference. Overall, these creative outlets are helping people stay connected and find joy in the little things, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

    • Twitter's WFH policy and election controversyTwitter allows permanent WFH, reducing commute and potentially improving work-life balance. Election controversy arose from misleading headlines, causing unnecessary stress.

      Twitter is allowing its employees to work from home permanently after the coronavirus pandemic, leading to benefits such as eliminating the daily commute, potentially improving work-life balance, and making it harder for employers to terminate employees in person. However, a recent interview with Jared Kushner, President Trump's senior adviser, caused controversy when headlines suggested he was considering delaying the presidential election. Upon closer examination, Kushner did not actually endorse delaying the election and instead focused on the current plan for it to take place on November 3rd. It's important to avoid sensational headlines and ensure accurate reporting to prevent unnecessary stress and confusion during challenging times. Additionally, former President Obama criticized the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell responded by criticizing Obama for speaking out.

    • Unexpected changes in the drug trade during the pandemicThe marijuana industry is thriving during the lockdowns with sales at an all-time high and delivery services becoming the norm, reflecting changing times and new norms in the weed market.

      The coronavirus pandemic has led to unexpected changes in various aspects of society, including the drug trade. Mitch McConnell's criticism of President Obama's class during his presidency is put into perspective with the revelation of Trump's own past controversial statements. The marijuana industry is thriving during the lockdowns, with sales at an all-time high and delivery services becoming the norm. The shift in the weed market from shady street corners to legitimate businesses is a reflection of these changing times. People are turning to weed as a way to cope with the stress and boredom of staying at home during the pandemic. The old rules no longer apply, and new norms are emerging in unexpected places.

    • The coronavirus pandemic's impact on the global drug tradeThe pandemic has disrupted drug supply chains, forced dealers to adapt, and led to a backlog of dirty money for cartels.

      The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted the global drug trade, both for small-time dealers and large cartels. While the legal drug trade is thriving due to increased demand for at-home consumption, illegal drug sales have become more challenging due to social distancing measures and increased police presence. Small-time dealers are adapting by disguising themselves as joggers or delivery workers, but larger cartels are facing more significant issues. Supply chains have been disrupted due to factory shutdowns in China, making it difficult for cartels to obtain the necessary chemicals to produce profitable drugs like meth and fentanyl. Additionally, money laundering schemes have been impacted due to lockdowns, leading to a backlog of dirty money. Some cartels are attempting to adapt by engaging in philanthropic activities, such as handing out care packages to ordinary citizens, or imposing curfews and providing hand sanitizer in their territories. Overall, the pandemic has brought the global drug trade to its knees, forcing both small and large players to adapt in creative ways.

    • Gangs shift focus to helping communities during pandemicAmidst the pandemic, gangs in South Africa have adapted to distribute essential supplies and contribute positively to society, highlighting the importance of community support.

      Even in the most unexpected circumstances, people and organizations can adapt and find new ways to help their communities. The ongoing pandemic has led to a pause in criminal activities like drug trafficking, and gangs in South Africa have shifted their focus to distributing essential supplies to those in need. This shift shows that even organizations with a reputation for negative activities can contribute positively to society during challenging times. Additionally, initiatives like Neighbor to Neighbor encourage community building and resilience. The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of strong communities and the role they play in supporting each other.

    • Living with COVID-19: Safety Guidelines and FlexibilityUnderstand the importance of safety guidelines, adapt to restrictions, and navigate the 'gray area' of living with COVID-19 until a cure is found.

      The COVID-19 pandemic is not going away anytime soon, and we need to learn to live with it by following safety guidelines such as social and physical distancing, wearing masks, and protecting vulnerable populations. The recent announcement of a prolonged lockdown in LA County caused confusion and frustration, but it's important to understand that even when certain sectors of the economy reopen, they will still have restrictions in place. As an elected official, decisions about what opens and when are based on the need and risk involved. We all have personal desires, but it's crucial to assess the risks and take steps forward cautiously. The current situation requires flexibility and adaptation as we navigate the "gray area" of living with the virus until a cure is found.

    • Prioritizing Safety During Crisis: Construction, Businesses, and SchoolsDuring a crisis, prioritize safety while finding ways to mitigate risk and keep operations running. Collaboration and working together are key. Industry groups discuss safe ways to resume operations, and schools aim for a fall semester with safety as a priority.

      During times of crisis, it's crucial for businesses and leaders to prioritize safety while finding ways to mitigate risk and keep operations running. This was evident in the decision to keep construction open in Los Angeles, despite the ongoing pandemic. By implementing safety measures and continuing inspections, PPE usage, and other precautions, large outbreaks were avoided, allowing for the continuation of infrastructure projects and the earning of income for workers. Elon Musk's decision to defy orders and open his factory may send mixed messages to other business owners, but the consensus is that collaboration and working together is key during this time. Industry groups have come together to discuss safe ways to resume operations, from manufacturing masks to safely hosting sports games and reopening retailers. School openings are a pressing concern, as children need education and daycare, but plans must be made intelligently and with the safety of students and teachers in mind. The fall semester is a goal, but the situation will depend on the current state of the numbers. Ultimately, the priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved while finding ways to get the economy moving again.

    • Mayor Garcetti's Emphasis on Personal Responsibility and Informed DecisionsDuring uncertain times, personal responsibility and informed decisions based on local COVID-19 numbers are crucial in the fight against the pandemic. Individuals can make a significant impact on their communities and the world by staying informed, staying safe, and taking steps forward every few weeks.

      During these uncertain times, following health guidelines and making personal responsibility a priority is crucial in the fight against the ongoing pandemic. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti emphasized the importance of monitoring local COVID-19 numbers and making informed decisions based on those statistics. He also stressed that there are no set dates for returning to normalcy but encouraged planning and taking steps forward every few weeks. Lastly, he emphasized the individual's role in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives. As we navigate this challenging year, it's essential to remember that our actions can make a significant impact on our communities and the world. Stay informed, stay safe, and do your part.

    • Billy Porter's pandemic focus: Self-care, creativity, and activismMulti-talented artist Billy Porter uses pandemic downtime for self-care, creative projects, and activism, encouraging others to use their platforms for good and stay politically engaged.

      Billy Porter, a multi-talented artist known for his unique style and activism, is using his time during the pandemic to focus on self-care while continuing his creative projects and advocating for political change. Despite the challenges of the current situation, Porter remains engaged and determined to make a difference, as seen in his new song inspired by his experiences as a first-generation post-civil rights and coming out during the AIDS crisis. He encourages using one's platform for good and staying politically engaged during this crucial election year.

    • Harnessing Technology for Activism and ChangeRemember your power to bring change through action, like voting. Merge traditional activism methods with modern technology. Know where to begin and take action when opportunity arises. Prioritize mental health support and community-building efforts.

      Despite the challenges of navigating technology and activism in today's world, it's important for individuals to remember their power to bring about change through action, such as voting. Billy, a civil rights activist and advocate for gay rights, emphasized this point, encouraging young people to look beyond the belief that nothing changes and instead find ways to merge traditional activism methods with modern technology. He acknowledged the difficulty in knowing where to begin but emphasized the importance of planning and taking action when the opportunity arises. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health support, and organizations like the disaster distress helpline and NYC Well are working to provide counseling services. Meanwhile, initiatives like Neighbor to Neighbor encourage building stronger community bonds to prepare for future challenges. Overall, the message is that each person has the power to make a difference, whether through activism, voting, or supporting mental health resources and community-building efforts.

    • Your go-to destination for NBA contentGet the latest NBA news, analysis, and entertaining commentary with Beyond the Arc, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

      Beyond the Arc is your go-to destination for NBA content, offering a variety of engaging and informative programming five days a week. Whether you're a hardcore basketball fan looking for in-depth analysis or just looking for some entertaining commentary, this podcast has got you covered. With a focus on insightful discussions, upbeat commentary, breaking news, interviews, and coverage of the biggest stories in the NBA, Beyond the Arc is the perfect addition to your podcast lineup. So, download and follow Beyond the Arc on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts to stay up-to-date with all things NBA.

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