Bart Bulletin- May 2024
May 2024
May has come and gone. May Gray, as “they” have been calling it here in Southern California, put a damper on the (my) mood, but spring flowering is happening in this city despite the gloomy days. Pink trees line the blocks of my neighborhood. Orange and yellow nasturtiums line walks. Succulents and cacti of all sorts have a unique bloom protruding forth. The invasive Wisteria climbs up the sides of the Cypress trees three doors down. Everything flowers in Los Angeles and year round! Spring, however, brings its own beauty.
Back in New York City, where I lived for over a decade, the flowers felt more hopeful, appearing as if to say fuck you to winter and to remind us of the natural beauty that persists in spite of the urban landscape. In California, the flowers appear, unrelenting, season after season in a rotation of species and color as if to remind us that beauty is not only promised but expected for all to see. It just happens to be the most showy in the spring. If only the skies reflected the hope of the flowers. Well, anyway here’s June Gloom!
Reading-
I read this book earlier in May and it was a fun one. It’s a coming of age story with some Dust Bowl, Depression Era, Migrant workers in the 30s themes. Baseball! There’s an impending strike amongst the fruit pickers. (One of the three ritual strikes…) Pick it up from the Library today!
Listening-
Nineteen- Charly Bliss I forget this is one of my favorite bands until I’m discussing their music with others. I’ve seen them in concert about 10 times after I first saw them play an outdoor movie night in Williamsburg. New album is out in August. This single is very CRJ Sax era. A second single just released Calling You Out and is also fun. You can hear the influence of many a pop band from 80s/90s and Adam Schlesinger (RIP)
Run to your Mama- Goat. I hadn’t heard of this band before, but this song, especially the driving beat laid out by the bass? Guitar? is so compelling. They’re a Swedish band.
At Midnight: Nancy Wilson- a new compilation just dropped and it’s almost 2 hours of glorious Nancy Wilson. I had recommended a song of hers back in January and I’m still enjoying her music. Now more so in one convenient location!
Italian Shoes - Mink Deville If there’s one song you listen to this month please make it this. It’s a wacky song that is played incredibly earnestly. Perfect for kids. Would love to see how kids dance to this song.
Eating-
Have you eaten at Kogi while in LA? Or maybe you’ve watched some Top Chef or other food media and been introduced to its owner, Roy Choi. Their food rules; they have catered a few of our work parties. Kogi has a collection of Marinades and I highly recommend them. I got 2 bottles for free from their street team and have purchased it a few times since. I like the Sweet Garlic Teriyaki but the two KBBQ options are also good. I air fry tofu that has been marinated in it. Serve with TJ’s veggie fried rice and some Bachan’s.
I read about this product in Specialty Food News and purchased it on the spot. I bought a sampler but have found I like the French Mirepoix flavor the most. It’s the perfect work lunch as I can make it with hot water from the drink cooler. I’m not certain they’re in many stores yet but you can order it online and I recommend it!
This Amused Me
Shaq was having the most fun during the NHL playoffs this year.
Priya Krisna’s On the Job videos are incredible documentaries. This one is so tender.
A former GMA producer has a prolific YouTube of home tours. My favorite thing is when someone privileged speaks confidently as if everyone in the world is at their status. I also like when you get really interesting ideas from hosts like justifying collecting expensive vintage items from Venita Aspen. There’s a certain awkwardness that each host embodies when speaking that I also enjoy. And seeing in people’s homes ain’t shabby!