Monthly Archives: August 2014

Can You Trust Talking Statues

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Talking Statues is a new project from the non-profit group Sing London, which aims to lift public spirits by giving famous statues a voice. For the next year, thirty-five prominent bronze or stone statues in London and Manchester will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Europe, History, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

But What’s Second Best

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

You may not know the primary language spoken in a country that you’re visiting, but maybe you have a working knowledge of the most important second language spoken. Movehub has created this fascinating infographic highlighting the second most common language … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Tourism, USA | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Some Tourist Advice Is Timeless

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

H/t to the Public Domain Review for this marvelous 19th century book of advice for visitors to London. Sadly, The London Guide to Stranger’s Safeguard against the Cheats, Swindlers and Pickpockets (1819) still offers some sage counsel for travelers today. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Isn’t all art derivative ?

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Three well-known international street artists are suing former Python Terry Gilliam, charging the director with ripping-off one of their collaborative murals painted in Buenos Aires, Argentina nearly four years ago. The artists—Jaz, Ever and Other—allege that a mural in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Film, movies, South America | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tom Hanks Built You An App

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Tom Hanks—yes that Tom Hanks—is well known for his enduring affection for the humble typewriter. Now he has gone and created an iPad app called Hanx Writer that resuscitates the old school manual typewriter experience. The free app provides the … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Tech, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Moving Pictures

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

As a collector and seller of antiquarian books, late at night I sometimes get the feeling that the illustrations are stirring. Now I have proof. The Smithsonian Libraries blog is teeming with gifs based on illustrations based on historical books and publications. … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Art, Books, History, Libraries, Museums | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Word on the Water

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Word on the Water is London’s only floating bookshop. The quirky secondhand store has been popping up on London canals for almost three years and is currently moored outside of Paddington Station. The resident owner, Paddy Creech, not only sells … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, Tourism, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Little Cable Cars Climb Halfway to the Stars

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a sucker for all of those great photo mashups that are popping up online every day. You know, the ones that blend historic images with shots of the same contemporary scene. But photographer Michael Raziano has his own take … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Photography, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Almost Convincing

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Rob Whitworth and JT Singh were commissioned by a state-run tourism agency to produce this fascinating time-lapse video of Pyongyang. Of course they were closely chaperoned during shooting and much of the city was off-limits for their cameras. Still, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Film, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Definitive Guide to Banned Books

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books, Freedom of Speech, History, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment