About That Sun

Hello, masses!

I have come to a point where I must walk my walk, after talking my talk for so long on a certain point.

The UV (ultra violet index) has been 10 out of 10 for many days in a row. Weather pages and surf sites have actually stated UV readings of 11.5 and up on what was created as a 10 point exponential scale, but now has been ‘updated to 11.’ Really??

In 1994 I had a sweet job for a bit as a bodyguard to missionaries from Carolina Beach who wanted to see where their church money was being spent in Trinidad and Tobago. We toured around visiting folks whom their church had sent money to, and saw what was being done with it. We were outside a lot, driving a left handed open air dune buggy in the hills and walking around different places while scoping out situations.

In Trinidad, there were only a couple of dark-colored vehicles. All the cars then were white or beige. Guess why? Yep, the SUN. We received quite a lecture on its power, the UV ratings, and the exponential scale. If the UV was 3, they kept us inside. More than one person extolled the harm of UV rays to me. I understand Trini is closer to the equator. But we have tilted.

Cut to 2025. It’s not that friendly sun from the 70s that you could hang out with all day at the beach. The UV is 10 regularly. UV C is reaching the ground. A bleaching agent. Cherenkov radiation is reaching our atmosphere. Not one elected official or medical professional is speaking up here in our tourist town. I worry about all the workers, sports kids, and general population not noticing this phenomenon as well as the landscapers who have caught on to it.

I have written songs about the world situation we find ourselves in for decades. I have joined protests and rallies since college and stood for what I thought was right. I cannot, however, continue in good conscience to bring folks out into the 10UV noon day sun to do anything.

I will not be the stalwart of sound as we all test our aversion to heat stroke. I have had one. I was on the way to another one on No Kings day, but the pouring rain saved me. You may have noticed me holding the tarp over the speaker while sitting in the downpour. I needed it. After loading in, setting up, and helping others put their tents up, I was about to pass out.

I was born in Wilmington, and I have given the bulk of my life to entertaining, educating and helping it. I can’t stand in these x rays at noon with you any longer. I don’t want you standing in them. I don’t want to see musicians playing in it, and I will not be out of the shade for a gig anymore.

I encourage you to research this yourself. Notice the pets that turn white fast now from napping in it. Trees are cooking on the inside. Light reflections killing plants, etc. Now is not the time to paint your house black! We will be working around this problem in addition to all our others for some time.

Get yourself a breathable hat. Always have water in your vehicle. Also a long-sleeve shirt. Sleeves won’t glom up your skin pores like re-applying sunblock every hour will. And note: 50 sunblock= good for 50 minutes. This is a lot of dry info coming from someone who usually likes to be musical, funny or sentimental, but I do care about ya! Take it easy on yourselves and others. I hope to see you in the shade. Rock on.