Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

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 →

Posted in apps, Europe, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Air Travel, apps, Europe, Maps, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

A very special restaurant in Tokyo offers its customers an honest message. You may or may not get what you asked for, but you are guaranteed a delicious meal that brings a spark of humbleness and openness, which customers are … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Film, Restaurants, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Microfiction

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“A Continuity of Parks” by Julio Cortázar translated by Paul Blackburn He had begun to read the novel a few days before. He had put it down because of some urgent business conferences, opened it again on his way back … Continue reading →

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Not only Caturday, but Caturday nonetheless

Posted on June 10, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world, but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways … Continue reading →

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Writing is the greatest of human inventions

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumble upon is wonderful short video below of the late Carl Sagan talking about books. It’s worth a minute of your time. Please note, if the video fails to play in your browser click here.

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments