Monthly Archives: March 2012

Some Favorite Places

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

While we take a little travel break we thought that you might be distracted by some of our favorite bookshops. This sample is completely random and in no order whatsoever. People often ask me to choose a favorite bookstore, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mild, Mild West

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Next month’s issue of Budget Travel magazine (old-school version) will be featuring an excellent short article on Amsterdam’s West neighborhoods by Maria Robertson-Textor. The city’s former industrial area has been undergoing a slow, but inexorable gentrification for the last decade … Continue reading →

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

Hanging On

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Finnish conceptual artist Kaarina Kaikkonen creates her flowing, site-specific projects entirely from recycled clothes. Intially she worked only in men’s shirst, ties and jackets, but she has now expanded her work to incorpoated all types of clothing. The garments are … Continue reading →

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Play Literary Geography

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Created in 1933 by cartographer Paul M. Paine, The Booklovers Map of America Showing Certain Landmarks of Literary Geography is a charming guide to many of our favorite literary places. Working during the 1920s and 1930s, Paine designed or co-designed  … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, History, Maps, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Amsterdam DNA

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Amsterdam City Museum has partnered with PlusOne agency to develop a fascinating series of 3D videos for their department called Amsterdam DNA—a show that provides a journey through Amsterdam’s storied history. The short film below is the introduction to … Continue reading →

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Only in America

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Well, here’s an idea whose time has finally come: “Imagine navigating the waters of Lake Union with sweeping views of the Seattle skyline while lounging in a luxurious soaking tub. The boat can accomodate up to six persons…It is powered … Continue reading →

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Is it Das Slinky ?

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Slinky Springs Bridge in Oberhausen, Germany was completed in the summer of 2011. Based on designs by Frankfurt artist Tobias Rehberger, the funky bridge drew its inspiration from the iconic Slinky children’s toy. Rehberger captured the wild, fun qualities … Continue reading →

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Flawed Symmetry of Prediction

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Artist/photographer Jeff Frost shot over 40,000 high resolution still images with a DSLR camera for this mindblowing film. Frost roamed the deserts of Utah and California searching for abandoned buildings with just the right decoration. No CGI effects were used … Continue reading →

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Scotland : Not Just Kilts and Heather

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

  We’re a bit tardy in reporting Scotland’s Carbuncle Award for most dismal town, but here it is anyway. Urban Realm magazine has named Linwood, just southwest of Glasgow, as the most dismal town in Scotland. The award was established … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Song Map

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Song Map is a “road map made-up of song titles: from Highway to Hell to Penny Lane, Itchycoo Park to Heartbreak Hotel.” The cleverly imagined map, which looks suspiciously like a London map, is the creation of the very inventive design … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Maps, Music | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment