Monthly Archives: May 2013

Get Cranking

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

I wish that I had heard about this brilliant device before I started on this current trip. The Crankerator is just what it sounds like: a hand cranked charger for your smart phone, tablet or camera. You can also use it … Continue reading →

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You can’t stop a booklover

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, History, Photography | Tagged | 3 Comments

Book Bench

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Day In Vienna

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

I ran across this wonderful video of Tom Waits: A Day In Vienna on YouTube while looking for an entirely different video set in Vienna. But since I’m leaving Vienna today I thought I’d share. The 30 minute documentary was … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Film, Music | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Yes, We Love A Great Map

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Marcus Kirby’s London-based cartography firm The Future Mapping Company is developing an international reputation among map geeks and travelers for exceptional maps based on bold color palettes and cutting edge design. This all makes us eagerly await the release next … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Maps, USA | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Banned in America

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

London 1927

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Since nearly all of the movie footage that we see from the first half of the 20th century was shot in black and white, we miss out on the rich texture of those bye-gone years. So, this amazing film of … Continue reading →

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Everyone Wants Free Books

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Back in January, the historic,Baltic port city of Gdansk, Poland launched an admirable campaign to promote literacy among the citizenry by stocking thirty-five new local trams with a rolling library of 5,000 new books. Unfortunately, the campaign provide to be … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Books, ebooks | Tagged , | Leave a comment

There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

New York City-based cinematographer Ryan Nethery has put together a disturbing little Tumblr that shows some dreadful rooms for rent in Brooklyn and Manhattan—and they’re not cheap. Called The Worst Room, the blog is a product of Nethery’s personal, painful … Continue reading →

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Mapping the Past

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

These marvelous maps are by Japanese illustrator Takayo Akiyama and were commissioned by the British firm Alfred Dunhill. She has somehow managed to combine contemporary whimsy with a decidedly Victorian sensibility. You can see more of her wonderful illustrations right … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment