Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Literature Is An Invention

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Adagia Sara Nicholson Literature is an invention; it was Written by men to praise war. Economy is tragic; the economy Comedy. What the heart feigns The mind rehearses, circles A river on the map, as if to say “Voilà! Now the … Continue reading →

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From New Zealand With Love

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I’m currently in the middle of trip planning for a three week visit to New Zealand, so I have been reading lots of local media and blogs. In the process, I stumbled upon this heartwarming story about the generosity of … Continue reading →

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Writing Is Hard Work

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Every Man Dies Alone

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Until ten years ago Hans Fallada was a forgotten German novelist who had a moderately successful career until the rise of the Nazis. When he died in a sanatorium in 1947, Fallada was struggling with a long term addiction to … Continue reading →

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Bugging Out

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This summer the media in North America has been crawling with stories about bedbug infestations. The creepy little buggers have been making the news for turning up every where from the New York Times headquarters in Manhattan to tangerine Mussolini’s … Continue reading →

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Paris: Word on the Street

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Philipe Bouvier  

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It’s That Day Again

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

“The National Buy a Book Day Foundation’s primary activity is educating the American people on the importance of books to our culture and community by encouraging citizens to go to any bookstore on September 7th of each year, which we … Continue reading →

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Why Islandia

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I was recently asked (again) why I still encourage folks to visit Iceland even in this era of overtourism. I could reiterate all of the reasons to go, but this amazing short film by Moscow-based videographer Vadim Sherbakov explains it … Continue reading →

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Under the Martians

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

As a child, I was a big science fiction fan. I particularly enjoyed illustrated editions such as this great version from the short lived Looking Glass Library imprint. In 1960 artist Edward Gorey created the cover and pen and ink … Continue reading →

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This is the month

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and … Continue reading →

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