Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Coffee Makes The World Go Round

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Folks who know me will vouch for my life-long love of coffee. For the most part, I’m a coffee purist; I tend to stick with simple and direct caffeine delivery systems. Give me a doppio espresso, a Red-Eye, or just … Continue reading →

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The Matter of Jerusalem

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

During the last few days, Jerusalem has once again been at the top of the world news. The clever short film below, which was inspired by a new exhibition on medieval manuscripts at Oxford’s Bodleian Library, reminds us that the … Continue reading →

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A few fomas and some granfaloons

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

During my adolescence, I was strongly influenced by reading Kurt Vonnegut’s brilliant novels. His thoroughly original mash-up of science fiction, satire, dark humor, and political commentary resonated with my angsty teen self. Over the years, I’ve collected and sold a … Continue reading →

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Not Quite The New Yorker

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The Not Yorker is an unofficial, unaffiliated site that collects and curates rejected New Yorker magazine cover illustrations. The project is the work of three Brooklyn-based illustrators still aiming for their own covers.

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Winter Fountains

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

What happens to public fountains during the winter? In many cities they are simply turned off until spring. But this year Philadelphia has come up with an imaginative way of using the fountains to brighten-up the dark months. Running from … Continue reading →

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Book Lovers Never Go To Bed Alone

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

These fabulous letterpress prints made by printer Amos Kennedy would make great holiday gifts for the book lovers in your life. And 100% from the sale proceeds go to the Elmwood Park Library in Detroit. Each piece is hand-pressed and … Continue reading →

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December is the toughest month

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

“December is the toughest month of the year. Others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, October, August, and February.” Mark Twain

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Here Comes The Book Flood

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Iceland is known around the globe for its spectacular natural wonders, ultra clean environment, dynamic music scene, and hot springs skinny-dipping, but most folks are unaware that it’s one of the most literate nations in the world.Each year, more than … Continue reading →

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make a little birdhouse in your soul

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

For more than a decade, Thomas Dambo has been building birdhouses from recycled wood and installing them around Copenhagen. His Happy City Birds project is designed to bring attention to urban tree loss and to create habitats for city birds. The 3,500+ … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism Philadelphia

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

It’s always a happy occasion when a new indie bookstore café opens, but it’s even more exciting when one launches in an under served area.Last week, CNN political commentator and author Marc Lamont Hill opened Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books … Continue reading →

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