Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

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 →

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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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Art Bar

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I love this animated video (below) from Whitehouse Animation. The brilliant short features works by Edvard Munch, Henri Matisse, Yves Tanguy, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Jackson Pollock, Vincent Van Gogh, Norval Morriseau, Pablo Picasso, Hieronymus Bosch and George … Continue reading →

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Monday with Murakami

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to TBTP are well aware of my admiration for the Japanese author Haruki Murakami. I recently discovered this list of his five favorite books. Unsurprisingly, they are on my favorites list as well. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby … Continue reading →

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Censorship is as American as apple pie

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Although there is much ballyhoo and bluster in the United States about free speech, in reality censorship and book banning have been endemic since first European colonists arrived. The act of censorship, while theoretically limited by the First Amendment to … Continue reading →

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Stages of the Reader

Posted on February 19, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never ­being satisfied.

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon an interesting take on the “rules for writers” list from the great British author Zadie Smith. Her list offers an excellent balance of the practical, the philosophical, and the emotional. When still a child, make sure … Continue reading →

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