Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

It is the small everyday deeds of folk that keep the darkness at bay

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

If you are a regular visitor to TBTP, you are well aware that I am a Tolkien aficionado. I imagine that many of you are also fans. Then you will be happy to learn that the Tolkien Estate has launched … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Libraries, Maps, movies, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Books for Ukrainian Kids

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay, N.Y., is hosting a drive to send children’s books to facilities in Europe being used by Ukrainian refugees. Former U.S, Congressman Steve Israel, Theodore’s owner, said, “As a Congressman, I was able to support funding … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How We Can Help

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I’m sure that most of you are following the horrible events unfolding in Ukraine. It has been an awful week for the people of the region and there doesn’t seem to be much to be hopeful about. However, instead of … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, History | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Bookcase of Tolerance

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam many times over the years and I’ve always been moved both by her family’s story and the Museum’s goal of promoting tolerance. The organization recently release an AR-based project called The Bookcase … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Architecture, Europe, History, Museums, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

February Midnight Moments

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Times Square in New York City has usually been considered a tawdry, tourist mecca, until now.  The full-on art installation, Continuum by Krista Kim  synchronizes across 90 electronic billboards, with a slowly shifting gradient of color washes over Times Square, … Continue reading →

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Who remembers that famous day and year

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

On this day in 1807, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine. During his lifetime, Longfellow’s poetry enjoyed extraordinary popularity at home and abroad. Many of his poems served as standard recitation pieces in American schools well … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I have been an avid student of World War II history all of my life. Over the years, I have read dozens of books on the period, but I only recently learned of the amazing story of the American citizen … Continue reading →

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Teleport me to Barcelona

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I have only been to Barcelona one time—actually twice on the same three week trip to Spain—and I fell deeply in love with the capital of Catalonia. You will see why after viewing this gorgeous hyperlapse video below by Kirill … Continue reading →

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Poetic Visions

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Dutch poet Monique Hendriks recently published her latest work in a completely unique way —as a Viewmaster reel. When you purchase her book you also receive a Viewmaster to read it. Hendriks is known for her impressive spoken word poetry … Continue reading →

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Get Ready To Waiver

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

U.S. citizens have enjoyed the ability to take spontaneous trips to Europe for decades, but soon there will be an extra step to take before leaving for Europe. Currently, a U.S. passport is suffient documentation to enter European Union  countries … Continue reading →

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