Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

A man like a city…

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

from Book I, Paterson William Carlos Williams Paterson lies in the valley under the Passaic Falls its spent waters forming the outline of his back. He lies on his right side, head near the thunder of the waters filling his … Continue reading →

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The Great Bibliohoax

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I love a good prank, especially if it is at the expense of the pretentious. While bibliophiles and antiquarian booksellers are not known for their hijinks, back in 1840 an infamous bibliohoax was perpetrated on wealthy collectors, librarians and booksellers … Continue reading →

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Book of Hours

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

In my ongoing deep-dive into obscure books, today we have the amazing 15th century Codex Rotundus.This medieval book of hour takes its contemporary name from its odd circular format. It was created in Flanders and is written in Latin as … Continue reading →

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A New Breath

Posted on September 4, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I continue to be blown away by the magnificent “land art” created by French-Swiss innovator Guillaume Legros (aka Saype). His latest work, “Un Nouveau Souffle” (A New Breath) was completed above the village of Moleson-sur-Gruyeres, Switzerland, not far from Montreux … Continue reading →

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“read some books, pay attention”

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

“The line in the song ‘feed your head’ is both about reading and psychedelics. I was talking about feeding your head by paying attention: read some books, pay attention.” Grace Slick explains what she meant. Still good advice after all these … Continue reading →

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Is it possible to love a vending machine

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

TBTP has featured all kinds of weird and wacky vending machines over the years, but I think that I’ve found the best ever. Portland, Oregon artist/entrpreneur Taylor Valdes has created a thriving business by stocking 18 repurposed vending machines around … Continue reading →

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Not Applicable To Anyone Here

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Chortle at some nonce words and neologisms

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Who knew that Dr.Seuss coined the term “nerd” way back in 1950 in his now canceled book If I Ran the Zoo. Well, it seems that Dr. Erica Brozovsky was aware of the origin of the now ubiquitous nonce word. In the … Continue reading →

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How Cool Is This

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

If you have ever visited southern Spain during warm weather months, you are well aware that the sun can be brutal and keeping cool can be a real challenge. Well, the pretty town of Alhaurin de la Torre near Torremolinos … Continue reading →

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Fairy Tales Warn You

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

AMOR FATI Jane Hirshfield Little soul, you have wandered lost a long time. The woods all dark now, birded and eyed. Then a light, a cabin, a fire, a door standing open. The fairy tales warn you: Do not go … Continue reading →

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