Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

What You Need To Keep Warm

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Neil Gaiman has composed his newest written work: a freeform poem to launch UNHCR’s Winter Emergency Appeal for refugees across the Middle East. What You Need to be Warm by Neil Gaiman A baked potato of a winter’s night to wrap … Continue reading →

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It’s Quicker By Rail

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Between 1920 and 1950, the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) was the second largest rail company in Britain. The railway commissioned a wonderful series of posters to advertise its passenger services and to encourage travel to vacation destinations around … Continue reading →

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Better News From Iran

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Before the U.S. media begins flooding the airwaves with propaganda about the Iranian “enemy”, I thought it would be a good time to share this story. Mahdieh Ahmadi is a 23 year-old woman from the city of Arak in the … Continue reading →

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Writing Styles

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Science Fiction Day

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Even if you are one of those readers who claim that they don’t like science fiction, it’s more than likely that there are some works in the genre that you have appreciated and enjoyed. When it comes to science fiction … Continue reading →

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Happy Public Domain Day

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

On January 1, 2020, works from 1924 will enter the US public domain, where they will be free for all to use and build upon, without permission or fee. These works include George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, silent films by … Continue reading →

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the days slip by

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ezra Pound, Venice  1971 And the days are not full enough And the nights are not full enough And life slips by like a field mouse Not shaking the grass. Ezra Pound, “And The days Are Not Full … Continue reading →

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Peter Pan was a meanie

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

A much darker side to the beloved character Peter Pan has been revealed with the publication this month of J. M. Barrie’s original manuscript, Peter Pan and Wendy. I never much liked the book growing up, but fans will be … Continue reading →

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Art House

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Spanish street artist known as Okuda San Miguel recently brought his signature style to a blighted neighborhood in Fort Smith, Arkansas . His project, “The Rainbow Embassy,” was organized by  Justkids for the Unexpected , a group trying to revitalize economically … Continue reading →

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No Losers In This War

Posted on December 28, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

In 1981 the Spanish town of Ibi revived the 200 year-old tradition of the Els Enfarinats Festival. On December 28th each year a mock war takes place around the town hall. A group of local married men, called “els Enfarinats,” … Continue reading →

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