Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

A Yule Log for You Type Types

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Not in the holiday mood yet ? Try watching this four-hour Yule log video created using wooden type cutouts. Sharp Type recreates the Christmas video staple using one of its most beloved typefaces, Ogg (get it, Yule Ogg?). NB: If … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Art, Film | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Many prophets have failed

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A Merry Underground Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

For more than a century, London Transport has used posters to promote travel around the winter holidays. At Christmas, festive posters would appear on the network to encourage travelling via Underground for Christmas shopping or to get to winter sales, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Europe, History, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Winter With The Gulf Stream

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Winter with the Gulf Stream                                                                        … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

New York On Ice

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

One of the most popular diversions in New York City during the winter holiday season is ice skating in the world famous Central Park. The skating pond in Central Park first opened to the public on December 19, 1858 and … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, History, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Rise and Fall of the World’s First Social Network

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Up until quite recently, I was a habitual buyer of postcards during my travels. Mind you, I rarely ever sent the postcards to anyone, but rather keep them as reminders of the places that I had visited. When I was young, postcards … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Art, Books, Europe, History, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Library Evolution

Posted on December 18, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Libraries have always played an important role in my life. One of my happiest memories from childhood is the day that I received my very own library card. For the last two decades, I’ve had the good fortune to live … Continue reading →

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

The Floating Admiral and the Detection Club

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

First published in 1931, The Floating Admiral was a collaborative mystery novel with individual chapters written by the members of the Detection Club, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, Ronald Knox, Freeman Wills Crofts, Clemence Dane, and husband-and-wife … Continue reading →

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

Deadly Reads

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Some publisher could make a killing by reviving these hidden poison cabinets in the shape of books that were popular in the 17th century.  

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

Like a stock photo you can sleep in

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The pitch-perfect SNL commercial (below) featuring Kate McKinnon & Billie Eilish advertises the ubiquitous, bland, budget hotel that can be found all across North America. I’ve stayed in way too many over the years. Our rooms provide every comfort required … Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment