Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

The Sweetest Attraction In NYC

I love the internet for the surprising randomness of its gifts. The other day by chance I spotted the wonderful video below about a magical candy store on the Lower East Side of Manhattan that I haven’t visited since I … Continue reading

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Don’t Call It The Underground (but it is)

If you visit here on a regular basis, you are well aware that we at TBTP World HQ are big fans of urban transit networks. So we get preternaturally excited when a new service launches in one of our favorite … Continue reading

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World Poetry Day

Home by Warsan Shire no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark you only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well your neighbors running faster than you breath bloody in … Continue reading

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Experience Some Peace

It has been a difficult week for anyone who has been paying attention. Here’s a pleasant break from the depressing news of the world with some soothing,  bucolic scenes from the Lake District, a mountainous region in NW England that … Continue reading

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Everybody Loves a Good Book Hoax

When I was a young child growing up outside of New York City one of the most popular late-night radio personalitues was the wonderful raconteur Jean Shepard. Although he became better known for writing the classic holiday film A Christmas … Continue reading

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Art Against War

 The 4th Block is an association of Ukrainian artists and designers that is focused on social justice and environmental issues. It was founded in 1991 by graphic designer Oleg Veklenko  after his personal experience dealing with the Chernobyl nuclear plant … Continue reading

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Book the Vote

The group Writers for Democratic Action along with dozens of independent booksellers, librarians, and the student group Democracy Matters has launched a new project called  Book the Vote, with the aim of registering more voters, particularly in battleground states, before … Continue reading

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‘Theatrum orbis terrarum’

I have been fascinated by globes and atlases all of my life. When I was in 1st grade, I convinced my Mother to buy me a small spinning globe for my bedside table. When I was at university, I came … Continue reading

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“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”

Like many old codgers from my generation, the Beat writer Jack Kerouac had a tremendous influence on my adolescent world view. His seminal novel On The Road encouraged wanderlust for millions of young people, including yours truly. This week marked the centennial … Continue reading

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