Monthly Archives: August 2010

The Battle of the Century ?

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

The Battle of the Century — Newsweek magazine created this amusing “boxing poster-style” graphic heralding the world championship bout between traditional books and the e-book challenger.

Posted in Books, History | 1 Comment

Notes From The (Moscow) Underground

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Moscow’s imposing subway stations can sometimes look like underground art museums. Many station platforms are decked-out with impressive mosaics, murals, statuary and ornate chandeliers. Most Muscovites take the artwork for granted,but this summer the newly openned Dostoevskaya Station, which commemorates … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Tourism | 2 Comments

After Only 900 Years…

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

  After only 900 years, Venice has licensed its first female gondolier.Giorgia Boscolo, 24, passed her final exams last Friday and her name has now been added to the official list of those allowed to practice the age-old profession in the lagoon … Continue reading →

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Architecture for Artists

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon a travel photo of a fantastical building designed by the late, great Austrian artist, designer and environmentalist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and could not resist posting some shots of his astonishing structures.

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Read>Recycle>Repeat

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Many thanks to Buku Sarkar  at ReLitNY for this article. The program Read, Recycle, Repeat Literature In Transit ReLIT NY (previously Choose What You Read NY) is a donation and recycling program that gives out free books to New Yorkers. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

What’s So Funny ?

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Started in 1997, the Thurber Prize for American Humor is the only recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. A panel of national judges selects the three finalists from a selection of seven or eight semi-finalists. … Continue reading →

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“at Capri” or “Tango at St Mark’s”

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

  “Mercat St.Josep II” (Barcelona)   “Fisher’s Songhouse”   “Catalunya V”   “Tango at St. Mark’s”        I’m pleased to share these wonderful paintings by celebrated New Jersey artist Michael Madigan. His current show at the Open Space Gallery in historic Frenchtown, … Continue reading →

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Bukowski Turns 90

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

  Poet, novelist, postman and celebrated drunk, Charles Bukowsi would be turning 90 on August 16th, except he died in 1994. Still, the Poet laureate of Skid Row will be fêted from coast to coast. The birthday events celebrating the … Continue reading →

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Do You Need Better Book Titles?

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Do you ever think that a book could be improved by a more descriptive, or honest, title? In that case, Dan Wilbur’s terrific new website , Better Book Titles, is for you.  “This blog is for people who do not … Continue reading →

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Never Let Me Go…not a review

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

I felt some ambivalence this week when I read that director Mark Romanek’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s deeply affecting novel, Never Let me Go, is set to open this October on the festival circuit. My concern is not about … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Film | 1 Comment