Monthly Archives: April 2026

What is done cannot be undone

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

 

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France and Canada share a border (really)

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

Canada and France share a maritime border, despite the ejection of France from North America in the Seven Years’ War. Article 6 of the 1763 Treaty of Paris allowed France to retain the tiny islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon in the … Continue reading →

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Why Do You Write

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

The late Robert Coover in answer to the question:”Why do you write ?” Because art blows life into the lifeless, death into the deathless. Because art’s life is preferable, in truth, to life’s beautiful terror. Because, as time does not … Continue reading →

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It Was Mine

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon the charming animated video below. It should appeal to all of you bibliophiles and bookstore denizens. The film was produced in 2015 by its Norwegian creator after a very successful crowdfunding campaign. It was adapted from … Continue reading →

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A rare literary find and more stuff you need to see

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

A papyrus of part of the Iliad has been discovered in a Roman-era tomb of mummies in Egypt. “The papyrus contains a passage from Book II of Homer’s Iliad, specifically the section known as the ‘Catalogue of Ships’…” from the … Continue reading →

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Eat Your Way Around the Globe

Posted on April 26, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

TasteBuds NYC is a wonderful online series about a guy and his bestie who have made it their mission to eat every type of food in the world without ever leaving New York City. They first choose a single cuisine … Continue reading →

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Caturday at the bodega

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

The Bodega Cats of New York project documents the working cats of NYC’s delis, bodegas, and corner stores. The cat at the local deli wasn’t a pet. She knew the regulars. She kept the mice out. She gave people a reason … Continue reading →

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Islands in your pocket

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

In the late 15th and mid-16th centuries, publishers in Venice produced a genre of small books called isolarii . The original publications can be thought of as an encyclopedia of islands containing maps along with text descriptions of significant history, … Continue reading →

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National Park Finder

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

The US National Park Finder filters all 63 U.S. national parks by their best months to visit, as well as listing their top activities and best spots for stargazing. After filtering, each park card gives you sample itineraries, fun facts, travel … Continue reading →

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Print vs Ebooks

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Brian D. Butler

A new paper released last week by the Pew Research Center found that print books continue to be American adults’ preferred reading format, though digital formats continue to make inroads. According to a survey of 8,046 U.S. adults conducted last year from … Continue reading →

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