David Berman (1967–2019) was an American musician, singer and poet. In 1989, with Pavement's Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, he founded the indie-rock band Silver Jews, and was its only constant member until its dissolution in 2009. He provided the band's characteristic lyrics and the simple country-rock sound they developed from their early lo-fi recordings. His abstract, autobiographical lyrics were his creative priority, and he extensively labored over them. Despite believing his work was unappreciated, Berman cultivated a passionate following and became an influential figure in indie rock. After he announced his withdrawal from music in 2009, his return to music in 2019, under the moniker Purple Mountains, prompted an enthusiastic response. His return to music closely preceded his death. Berman's life was marred by difficulties; his music and poetry showcase a forlorn quality, using varied characters in eccentric and surreal circumstances.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Berman_%28musician%29

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1493:

Christopher Columbus wrote a letter, which was widely distributed upon his return to Portugal, announcing the results of his first voyage to the Americas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus%27s_letter_on_the_first_voyage

1900:

Second Boer War: British cavalry led by John French defeated Boer forces to end a 124-day siege of Kimberley in present-day South Africa. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Kimberley

1942:

Second World War: Japanese forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita captured Singapore, with the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history (pictured). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Singapore

2012:

The world's deadliest prison fire took place at the National Penitentiary at Comayagua, Honduras, killing 361 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comayagua_prison_fire

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

meet cute: (intransitive, informal) Of characters in a story or people in real life: to meet each other in an adorable, amusing, or cute way. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/meet_cute

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

I’m totally not kidding … Life is too short. This is all too hard to do to actually be kidding about the whole thing.   --Miranda July https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Miranda_July