If it ever comes time that it comes time to go

Here is your open thread for April 2, 2020.

Emmylou Harris turns 73 today. Here she is with John Prine (who’s reportedly doing a bit better as he’s treated for the virus).

On April 2, 1863, Mary Jackson led hundreds of armed women into the marketplace of downtown Richmond, Virginia, in what was later called the Richmond Bread Riot. Jackson reportedly waved a Bowie knife at one shopkeeper shouting “Bread or blood!” but apart from some vandalism and a few minor injuries, there wasn’t much blood — just a whole lot of larceny by women fed up with going unfed.

On April 2, 2020, the US Department of Labor announced that more than 6.6 million Americans had filed for unemployment benefits in the previous week, the largest one-week total ever recorded. By a lot.

Charlemagne was born 1,278 years ago today. I’m descended from Charlemagne (sort of), but then again, who isn’t?

Hans Christian Andersen was born 215 years ago and the emperors are all still naked.

Alec Guinness was born 106 years ago today. He’s terrific in all of his serious roles, but I especially love his old comedies. I’d say start with Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Man in the White Suit, and The Lavender Hill Mob.

Marvin Gaye would have been 81 years old today. Here’s “What’s Going On?” and here’s “Let’s Get It On.”

Leon Russell would have been 76. Here’s “Tight Rope.”

Today is the 79th birthday of Barret Eugene Hansen, better known as Dr. Demento. Here’s “Fish Heads.” Linda Hunt turns 75 today. Clark Gregg turns 58. Michael Fassbender turns 43.

Talk amongst yourselves.