Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Eat Across America

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The curious folks at The Pudding did a deep dive into data on U.S. restaurant visits. They then created some fascinating maps and charts exploring the geographic patterns and regional preferences across the states. There aren’t many surprises. But what’s … Continue reading →

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Literary Ecosystem

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Hope For All Of Us

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Bookseller has reported that Silence Under a Stone, by the 81-year-old Irish writer Norma MacMaster, has been shortlisted for the Society of Authors’ Awards. What is noteworthy is that it is also Norma’s debut novel. The book, which the Independent … Continue reading →

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Don’t be that tourist

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

In many cities in Europe it’s become an asinine tourist tradition for couples to purchase overpriced padlocks, scratch their initials in them, and then attach them to bridges. Not only does this annoying habit visually blight historic architecture,but many of … Continue reading →

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Global Dickens

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I’m hoping that I will be able to catch the just opened exhibition called Global Dickens: For Every Nation Upon Earth this Fall at London’s excellent Dickens Museum. The show runs from this week through November 3, 2019. Here’s what … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism: Manhattan

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

It seems that every week I read about the closing of another independent bookstore in New York City, so it’s a relief to discover a shop that’s thriving. Chartwell Booksellers is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year in its unique … Continue reading →

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Poetry Generator

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Last week, Google launched its AI poem generator, PoemPortraits.  How  does it work? It’s really quite simple. The generator asks you to input, or “donate,” a word to be produced into an algorithmic couplet, as lifted from millions of words … Continue reading →

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Used Book Simulation

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Tom Gauld

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Airport Security Woes

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I recently received an email from TPTP reader Martin from Spain who had some unpleasant experiences with the airport security procedures during a trip in the United States. Martin explained that on three different occasions he had been pulled aside … Continue reading →

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Ancient and Modern Meet in the Cyclades

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

A remarkable exhibition of contemporary sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley is on display from now through October 2019 at the extraordinary archaeological site of the Greek island of Delos. The non-profit organization NEON  is presenting the collection of anthropomorphic … Continue reading →

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