Tosh Berman's Blog, page 124
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
April 12, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
Oddly enough, I feel at ease being alone here with Lun*na. I enjoy the hours of solitude and being at home. As well as e-mailing and texting friends to see how they are holding up. Some get back to me right away, and others, after a week, I haven't heard a squeak from them. Which is OK, because it means that they are not feeling well, or doing what I do for a hobby. Which is to shop for food online, and being consistently frustrated in not only getting the food I desire but also no window for deliveries. It's ironic for a few decades now, we have been sold that Amazon is the answer to our shopping needs, yet, it is this website that now disappoints us in a very frustrating matter. Ironically, I can locate and find the rarest album in a $10 range on the far reaches of the Internet, yet, I'm a total failure in obtaining toilet paper.
It is also strange that I got a writing job during lock-up, and it's a fascinating project. I can't talk too much about it, because it is at the very start of this exciting proposal, but I have to do a lot of research, and that is enjoyable to me. It keeps me occupied and not think about the daily grind of everyday life in the Year of the Trump Virus. Still, I had to refresh my grocery list on an hour-by-hour basis.
Life has drastically changed for a lot of people, but for Lun*na not that huge of a change and me, due that we always work from home, when we can. Money is still a problem for us, and ever since I left the bookstore work at Book Soup, it has been a struggle. Once I left the store, I decided to become a full-time writer. In the power of Positive Thinking frame-of-mind, I kept to my promise. What is extremely difficult is being the sole family member taking care of my aging mom and Uncle. They are OK, but there is always the fear of the shoe falling off, and I trained myself to be alert and ready for any emergency. Even that, my first thought is to go to them, but the truth is that it is too dangerous. I try to make sure that they can get help from professionals when the need is upon them.
Before the Trump Virus hit Los Angeles, I was working part-time at Artbook at Hauser & Wirth. I had to be laid off during the crisis, which is understandable to me. I asked my manager if I can do volunteer work from home, and I have been organizing friends and artists that I admire, to put together a reading list so that we can put it on our Artbook web page. Lots of indie bookstores are on Bookshop.org, and I beg you to all buy books from this website, which promises to be the alternative version of Amazon. All you need to do is type your favorite bookstore, and it will take you to their order page. It's essential that you must feed your stomach, but you also have to feed your mind. Reading right now is one of the best things one can do to fight the boredom or anxiety of being contained in one's home or space.
Yesterday afternoon Kimley and I put together another podcast episode of Book Musik, where we discuss various books on music. The subject matter is David Bowie's Diamond Dogs, and it's a book written by Glen Hendler and published by 33 1/3 Books. That episode will be up on April 15. We both need to keep up with this show, not only to entertain you, dear listeners but also to keep a schedule - the purpose of doing something positive.
I hope all of you are having a lovely holiday today, and remember never to lose your sense of the absurd or humor. I'll be seeing you. -Tosh Berman
Oddly enough, I feel at ease being alone here with Lun*na. I enjoy the hours of solitude and being at home. As well as e-mailing and texting friends to see how they are holding up. Some get back to me right away, and others, after a week, I haven't heard a squeak from them. Which is OK, because it means that they are not feeling well, or doing what I do for a hobby. Which is to shop for food online, and being consistently frustrated in not only getting the food I desire but also no window for deliveries. It's ironic for a few decades now, we have been sold that Amazon is the answer to our shopping needs, yet, it is this website that now disappoints us in a very frustrating matter. Ironically, I can locate and find the rarest album in a $10 range on the far reaches of the Internet, yet, I'm a total failure in obtaining toilet paper.
It is also strange that I got a writing job during lock-up, and it's a fascinating project. I can't talk too much about it, because it is at the very start of this exciting proposal, but I have to do a lot of research, and that is enjoyable to me. It keeps me occupied and not think about the daily grind of everyday life in the Year of the Trump Virus. Still, I had to refresh my grocery list on an hour-by-hour basis.
Life has drastically changed for a lot of people, but for Lun*na not that huge of a change and me, due that we always work from home, when we can. Money is still a problem for us, and ever since I left the bookstore work at Book Soup, it has been a struggle. Once I left the store, I decided to become a full-time writer. In the power of Positive Thinking frame-of-mind, I kept to my promise. What is extremely difficult is being the sole family member taking care of my aging mom and Uncle. They are OK, but there is always the fear of the shoe falling off, and I trained myself to be alert and ready for any emergency. Even that, my first thought is to go to them, but the truth is that it is too dangerous. I try to make sure that they can get help from professionals when the need is upon them.
Before the Trump Virus hit Los Angeles, I was working part-time at Artbook at Hauser & Wirth. I had to be laid off during the crisis, which is understandable to me. I asked my manager if I can do volunteer work from home, and I have been organizing friends and artists that I admire, to put together a reading list so that we can put it on our Artbook web page. Lots of indie bookstores are on Bookshop.org, and I beg you to all buy books from this website, which promises to be the alternative version of Amazon. All you need to do is type your favorite bookstore, and it will take you to their order page. It's essential that you must feed your stomach, but you also have to feed your mind. Reading right now is one of the best things one can do to fight the boredom or anxiety of being contained in one's home or space.
Yesterday afternoon Kimley and I put together another podcast episode of Book Musik, where we discuss various books on music. The subject matter is David Bowie's Diamond Dogs, and it's a book written by Glen Hendler and published by 33 1/3 Books. That episode will be up on April 15. We both need to keep up with this show, not only to entertain you, dear listeners but also to keep a schedule - the purpose of doing something positive.
I hope all of you are having a lovely holiday today, and remember never to lose your sense of the absurd or humor. I'll be seeing you. -Tosh Berman
April 5, 2020
Tosh's Top 20 Book Titles: Buy them here through Artbook at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
This is my top 20 list of books that I recommend for readers and fans. As you can gather, Independent bookstores are having a difficult time. Please support Artbook at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles as well as your local indie bookstore in your area. You can purchase any of these titles here:
Tosh's Top 20 Books for Now: Buy them here!
April 4, 2020
April 4, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
April 4, 2020 (In the Time of the Trump Virus)
The last few days, I have to say, have not been dandy. Every day brings another day of horrific news. It is heart-wrenching to read on Facebook and elsewhere of the deaths that are tied to the Coronavirus. It doesn't help that President Virus can't help himself, except saying disturbing statements, that sounds like the ramblings of an insane person. To put trust in him is a no-no from common sense. Even his supporters must be having a hard time dealing with all of this. I think his strength is his stupidy. Some people are comfortable with stupid. They are pleased when the bar does not rise too high; in fact, if it is buried under the ground, 20-miles down, it gives them some relief.
The only thing good about all of this is being secluded from the world. It's just me, my wife, and our record and book collection. Due to technology, I can still do our podcast Book Musik with Kimley, as well as my current, and gratifying, writing job. What I do miss is human interaction with people, and not being able to visit book and record stores. I miss that greatly.
Today, I didn't take a walk around the neighborhood, due that now I'm wearing a mask, it's hard for me to keep my glasses not fogging up. It's the little things, the so-called devil in the details, issues such as preventing one's glasses, not fogging up. The struggle is consistent! On the other hand, I watched and listened to 'The Band That Fell to Earth, which is a tribute Bowie group. The singer of the band is Julian Shah-Tayler, and every Saturday, he has been on Facebook Live doing Bowie covers. Such enjoyable fun, and I can also do the writing while he sings away. Perfect!
In these horrifying times, it's important not to lose one's sense of humor. Do laugh, because that is good for your soul. And as the No. 6 says, "I'll be seeing you."
Serge Gainsbourg - Ce mortel ennui (1964)
Sort of the social distancing video from Serge Gainsbourg. Well, almost. Nevertheless, a brilliant visual with the great Serge. Throughout his long career, I think I love him the most during the late 1950s and early 60s. But again, when you buy or listen to Gainsbourg, your getting quality. - Tosh Berman
April 3, 2020
Spotify and Apple Music Playlist for "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track" - BOOK MUSIK
Here is our playlist for the BOOK MUSIK episode on "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track" by Ian Penman. Good tunes!
Spotify:
Spotify Playlist for Ian Penman
Apple Music:
Apple Music Playlist for Ian Penman
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
April 1, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
The day went fast. There is a disconnection when I read people’s posts on Facebook, and they are looking for things to do and/or finding enjoyable activity. But for me, I feel very busy at work, and I realize that it is contained in one’s home is usually my typical landscape. Because I’m a writer and was a publisher, the majority of my work took place in my home office. What I do miss is going to the library in Downtown Los Angeles to do work. I noticed when I leave the house to do writing, it feels like work, and therefore what I produced in the library there is something different from what I do at the home office.
Luck has it, I have a paying job staying home, and it’s a writing job. As my dad used to say regarding financial troubles, “The curtain is about to Fall.” Well, that is precisely my situation until I got this job. It’s a great project, and I’m happy to be involved in something so interesting to me. Still, depression lurks due to hearing people passing away, which is unbelievably sad. One of my favorite films is “Barry Lyndon,” and I remember a scene where Barry joined the Army, and he is told to charge the opposite Army, but everyone in his troop is getting shot down, yet he must keep going onward. The scene is funny but very black humor as he looks at the person by his side get shot, and the fellow in the back of him, being shot, as well as the one in the front, and so forth. Every time I open the computer, I hear of another’s passing, and all of it is just terrible. Death gets closer, and already I have friends who are going through the misery of someone’s death, if not from their family.
My generation, and I was a child/teenager, went through the Vietnam War, but this is the first time I have experienced something that is felt worldwide. The sense of dread or suffering is something that we all share, and I know it’s odd, but I’m almost happy to be part of the world at this time. If I have a good day, I feel I can bring that to the world. Which reading this sounds egotistical, but I genuinely want to entertain you. Have a great evening, and stay at home as much as possible. As one gathers, you can’t really trust President Virus, so use common sense, and with fingers crossed and being aware, we will get through this odd nightmare.
BOOK MUSIK 019 - "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track" by Ian Penman
Book Musik 019 – It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track by Ian PenmanPosted on April 1, 2020 by Book Musik
Tosh and Kimley discuss It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track by Ian Penman. Penman is a well-established British music journalist who has been writing since the 70s. This book of some of his more recent longform essays covers the mod music scene of the 1960s and seven additional essays on music icons James Brown, Charlie Parker, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, John Fahey, Steely Dan/Donald Fagen and Prince. Penman digs deep and examines the broader cultural context of each of these amazing musicians. This is the book that every smart music junky craves.Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
March 31, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
I had a dream last night where I’m working in a store, and for sure, I’m aware of the Coronavirus situation. As I was helping people in a store, perhaps a bookstore or music shop, I’m consistently sitting on a toilet and going to the bathroom. It seems that everyone ignored the fact that I’m bottomless and on the toilet. As I was helping customers or directing them to the right section of the store, I’m defecating as I talk, and being aware that I hoped no one noticed what I’m doing. When I woke up around 5 in the morning, I went directly to the bathroom to pee and was pleased that I didn’t have to go number two.
I went back to sleep, but couldn’t because the dream was disturbing to me. I often dream of situations where I’m naked in parties (not orgies), at work, or walking down in some city. Usually, in my Dreamtime, the landscape is a combination of Los Angeles, New York City (always Manhattan, London, Tokyo, and occasionally Paris. In a nod to Situationists, these cities interchange as the dream moves in its pace. I had to wake up at 6:30, and in theory, wake Lun*na, so we can go to Trader Joe’s in Silver Lake, which is the community that we live in.
We got there a tad after 8 AM. There was a line to get in, and there is a red line on the sidewalk where we should stand. Each line is 6-feet away from the other line, and everyone follows this structure with no complaints. The store manager came to the line outside and told us we couldn’t bring our recycled bags in, and that paper bags will be for free. Once we got in, we had to follow the arrows in a specific direction. If it’s a wide aisle, there is a lane that we walk in, and then we had to make an u-turn at the end of the corridor to get things on the right side of the frozen department. It is sort of like an old-fashioned board game, but we're the figures on the game board. Trader Joe’s was very well stocked except for toilet paper. For some, and strange reason, it seems that toilet paper disappeared from the planet Earth. Which may have explained my early dream this morning.
Two great things happen within the last 24-hours. First is that I got a job to work on a script, and it’s a fascinating project, and I will be working with another writer. Throughout my life, I have always fantasized that one day I will be hired to work for a Hollywood studio. To be working with another writer, where I ‘m assigned to write for a specific film or film property. Now that fantasy has come to be, and on top of that, we got advanced test copies of Lun*na’s “Les Sewing Sisters” album. I played the disc last night, and hearing this magnificent music on two speakers quite loud was of a height of great sense of being. So, the day started being kind of shitty, but that shit has turned to gold by 2 PM this afternoon.
I had a dream last night where I’m working in a store, and for sure, I’m aware of the Coronavirus situation. As I was helping people in a store, perhaps a bookstore or music shop, I’m consistently sitting on a toilet and going to the bathroom. It seems that everyone ignored the fact that I’m bottomless and on the toilet. As I was helping customers or directing them to the right section of the store, I’m defecating as I talk, and being aware that I hoped no one noticed what I’m doing. When I woke up around 5 in the morning, I went directly to the bathroom to pee and was pleased that I didn’t have to go number two.
I went back to sleep, but couldn’t because the dream was disturbing to me. I often dream of situations where I’m naked in parties (not orgies), at work, or walking down in some city. Usually, in my Dreamtime, the landscape is a combination of Los Angeles, New York City (always Manhattan, London, Tokyo, and occasionally Paris. In a nod to Situationists, these cities interchange as the dream moves in its pace. I had to wake up at 6:30, and in theory, wake Lun*na, so we can go to Trader Joe’s in Silver Lake, which is the community that we live in.
We got there a tad after 8 AM. There was a line to get in, and there is a red line on the sidewalk where we should stand. Each line is 6-feet away from the other line, and everyone follows this structure with no complaints. The store manager came to the line outside and told us we couldn’t bring our recycled bags in, and that paper bags will be for free. Once we got in, we had to follow the arrows in a specific direction. If it’s a wide aisle, there is a lane that we walk in, and then we had to make an u-turn at the end of the corridor to get things on the right side of the frozen department. It is sort of like an old-fashioned board game, but we're the figures on the game board. Trader Joe’s was very well stocked except for toilet paper. For some, and strange reason, it seems that toilet paper disappeared from the planet Earth. Which may have explained my early dream this morning.
Two great things happen within the last 24-hours. First is that I got a job to work on a script, and it’s a fascinating project, and I will be working with another writer. Throughout my life, I have always fantasized that one day I will be hired to work for a Hollywood studio. To be working with another writer, where I ‘m assigned to write for a specific film or film property. Now that fantasy has come to be, and on top of that, we got advanced test copies of Lun*na’s “Les Sewing Sisters” album. I played the disc last night, and hearing this magnificent music on two speakers quite loud was of a height of great sense of being. So, the day started being kind of shitty, but that shit has turned to gold by 2 PM this afternoon.
March 29, 2020
March 29, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
March 29, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
My gardener came over to the house, and I totally forgot yesterday was the last Saturday of the month. It makes sense that he’s working because he doesn’t have close contact with people in his line of work. I went out to the yard and put his check under a rock and pointed that to him.
My mother called me and told me that Instacart would go on strike on Monday, and she has food ordered and to be delivered on Wednesday. Not sure if the strike will affect her or not. If things are not clear, or they are on strike tomorrow, then she will more likely cancel the order. I will probably have to go shopping for her. This means Lun*na will buy for our food, and I will shop for my mom. My Uncle’s partner is taking care of my Uncle, so he’s been transporting food to their house. They are not Internet savvy, so they don’t know how to use Instacart. The irony was about a month ago or so, I put the Instacart app on my Uncle’s phone, but didn’t set it up for him. Then the next day was the shutdown, and here we are.
In the past, such as last night, there were occasional groupings of young people on the next door empty lot. Mostly drinking and chatting away. It seems that they have no concern about getting sick. When you are young, and if you are not ill, that world of sickness doesn’t mean much in their lives. Until, of course, they get the virus. It must be odd to be a teenager now. Well, it’s always strange to be a teen. Still, I think to be of a certain age, and you have been exposed to President Virus as well as the virus itself, and having your social world contained, is something that must be ‘what the fucking hell?”
If you read my previous post, you know that I had a stressful few days, but now, we are all OK. But who knows about tomorrow. Today, Kimley and I did our first podcast of Book Musik, since the lockdown. Both of us had to deal with issues involving the isolation, and we missed our deadline for the current show. Kimley figured out how to do our show while she’s in her apartment, and I’m here in the house. It seemed to work great, but I do miss doing the show with her three feet away from me on our round table in the tiny dining room by the side of the kitchen. The book we focused on is Ian Penman’s “It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track.” It’s an excellent book by a wonderful writer who digs deep into his subject matter, which is James Brown, Prince, Elvis, and Mod Culture, among other things. That show will be up on April 1.
I feel anxiety about everything. Politics is a real shit-hole, and even though I’m not a firm supporter of Biden, I’m concerned about his campaign. He has a lot of stuff against him due to the Trump Virus, but also I feel he doesn’t have a firm message. I think it’s time for him and Sanders to get together and work for each other’s presence in the election year, which is now. Biden needs Sanders, and I think he and Bernie should have a serious chat among themselves, and continue forward. As for me, I’m going to do face-time chat with some friends, and then listen to my box of 45 rpm singles. The isolation life works for me. My fear is getting the virus, not for my health, but the fear of spreading it to my family and money issues galore. 2020 is a lot of fun.
My gardener came over to the house, and I totally forgot yesterday was the last Saturday of the month. It makes sense that he’s working because he doesn’t have close contact with people in his line of work. I went out to the yard and put his check under a rock and pointed that to him.
My mother called me and told me that Instacart would go on strike on Monday, and she has food ordered and to be delivered on Wednesday. Not sure if the strike will affect her or not. If things are not clear, or they are on strike tomorrow, then she will more likely cancel the order. I will probably have to go shopping for her. This means Lun*na will buy for our food, and I will shop for my mom. My Uncle’s partner is taking care of my Uncle, so he’s been transporting food to their house. They are not Internet savvy, so they don’t know how to use Instacart. The irony was about a month ago or so, I put the Instacart app on my Uncle’s phone, but didn’t set it up for him. Then the next day was the shutdown, and here we are.
In the past, such as last night, there were occasional groupings of young people on the next door empty lot. Mostly drinking and chatting away. It seems that they have no concern about getting sick. When you are young, and if you are not ill, that world of sickness doesn’t mean much in their lives. Until, of course, they get the virus. It must be odd to be a teenager now. Well, it’s always strange to be a teen. Still, I think to be of a certain age, and you have been exposed to President Virus as well as the virus itself, and having your social world contained, is something that must be ‘what the fucking hell?”
If you read my previous post, you know that I had a stressful few days, but now, we are all OK. But who knows about tomorrow. Today, Kimley and I did our first podcast of Book Musik, since the lockdown. Both of us had to deal with issues involving the isolation, and we missed our deadline for the current show. Kimley figured out how to do our show while she’s in her apartment, and I’m here in the house. It seemed to work great, but I do miss doing the show with her three feet away from me on our round table in the tiny dining room by the side of the kitchen. The book we focused on is Ian Penman’s “It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track.” It’s an excellent book by a wonderful writer who digs deep into his subject matter, which is James Brown, Prince, Elvis, and Mod Culture, among other things. That show will be up on April 1.
I feel anxiety about everything. Politics is a real shit-hole, and even though I’m not a firm supporter of Biden, I’m concerned about his campaign. He has a lot of stuff against him due to the Trump Virus, but also I feel he doesn’t have a firm message. I think it’s time for him and Sanders to get together and work for each other’s presence in the election year, which is now. Biden needs Sanders, and I think he and Bernie should have a serious chat among themselves, and continue forward. As for me, I’m going to do face-time chat with some friends, and then listen to my box of 45 rpm singles. The isolation life works for me. My fear is getting the virus, not for my health, but the fear of spreading it to my family and money issues galore. 2020 is a lot of fun.
