Monthly Archives: February 2026

We have been taken over by the season of ice

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

We have been taken over by the season of iceVery few people recognise it for what it isAlthough they feel uncomfortableVery few people recognise the fact that somehow the seasons don’t changeI mean, you can acclimate it, you can politically … Continue reading →

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Tales from the crypt and more

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

I first learned about the spooky Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata on my first visit to Rome nearly five decades ago. The historic church is the home of the Capuchins, a Catholic order established in the 16th century.  Its friars … Continue reading →

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My Magnum Opus

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Brian D. Butler
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Cake Day Caturday

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Gâteau Gato means “cat cake,” but this is much more. Artist Alexandre Dubosc created a beautiful chocolate zoetrope that displays animated cats. How could anyone combine chocolate cake, cats, and animation and not have a winner? You’ll recognize Maneki Neko playing … Continue reading →

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Gotta Love A Good Guidebook

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Åvontuura publishes architecturally-focused city guides. They are beautifully-mapped, with wonderful illustrations of the various architectural landmarks you can visit, information about the buildings, QR codes linking to more data. The maps are attractive and detail focused. Titles blend contemporary, modern, … Continue reading →

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Cartography comes to Harlem (apologies to Chester Himes)

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Elmer Simms Campbell is famous for his decades of work as an illustrator for some of the most popular U.S. periodicals, such as Esquire, Playboy, and Cosmopolitan,  during the mid to late 20th century.  In 1939, Campbell became the first … Continue reading →

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“Practice resurrection. Part of who you are is who you will be.”

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell Berry Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready-made. Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die. And you will have a window in … Continue reading →

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There are certain books you’ll find you’re not ready for.

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Michael Silverblatt, the longtime host of LA’s KCRW radio show “Bookworm” — known for interviews of authors so in depth that they sometimes left his subjects astounded at his breadth of knowledge of their work — has died. He was … Continue reading →

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Abra Kadabra

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

For  more than a century folks around the world have watched magicians waves a wand and utters those mystical words, “Abra Kadabra,” before pulling a rabbit from a hat or some equally entertaining bit of prestidigitation. Little did they know, … Continue reading →

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Ride the Krill Wave

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

It has been ages since I visited the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. If you are ever in the region, do not miss an opportunity to see it. I recently stumbled on their YouTube channel and Krill Waves … Continue reading →

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