Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Mid-Summer’s Eve or publication day

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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The water was black and warm

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Much has been written about the great American novelist Cormac McCarthy since his recent death. I have long admired his writing, but often found his books to be grim. Ironically, my favorite work is The Road, which is about a dark a … Continue reading →

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To My Enemies

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Watching the nonstop maddening show of U.S. politics and culture these days, I have been reminded of the poem “To My Enemies” by the under-appreciated American poet Bert Meyers. Meyers was born in Los Angeles on March 20, 1928. The son of … Continue reading →

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Cut & Run

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Most artists have an obsession that defines their work,” reads the message from Banksy on the wall of Glasgow’s GoMA gallery. “Monet had light, Hockney has colour, I’ve got police response time.” Everyone’s favorite graffiti artist just launched his first … Continue reading →

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Mind the Gap

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Transport for London (TfL) recently launched an updated Public Transport Safety campaign, developed in partnership with creative agency VCCP to remind travelers of its commitment to maintaining safe travel for all. Featuring vivid primary colors, the posters aim to cut … Continue reading →

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Passports Please

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In the waning days of the American Empire, our once powerful passport now lacks the cachet that it once possessed. Now it’s time for other nation’s passports to edge ours aside. The Passport Index is an interesting internet projects that … Continue reading →

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A Novel Library of America

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

1,001 Novels: A Library of America is a brilliant interactive literary map of the United States. The project maps more than 1,000 works of fiction and sets them based on the geographical “heart” of each story. 1,001 Novels: A Library … Continue reading →

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Guided by AI (and cats)

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon meoweler an AI-generated travel guide for cats -made by Vilem Ries. It’s not actually a travel site for cats, but it is heavily cat-oriented and cat themed. I’m still not sure what Zurich-based Google designer Ries … Continue reading →

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Back On Track

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to TBTP will be well aware of my fondness for train travel. Those of you who live in regions with comprehensive train services may take your public transit networks for granted, but here in North America the car … Continue reading →

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Train Time

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

The new website Chronotrains is a terrific mapping project visualising the question: ‘Where can you go by train in x hours?’ You can narrow your search from 8 down to 1 hour. Playing with the tool can really provide perspective … Continue reading →

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