Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Helen Keller was an anti-fascist activist

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Somehow all of the films and plays about Helen Keller managed to leave out that she was a life-long Socialist and a rabid anti-fascist. She supported groups such as the ACLU and the NAACP. On May 9, 1933, disgusted by … Continue reading →

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Airbnb AMS

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year I rented a terrific Airbnb appartment in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood. Before I decided on the flat, I searched dozens of interesting options, but none were as unusual as the “Inkijkbnb”. This unique rental is … Continue reading →

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Chameleons of the Art World

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Director Aaron Christian made this hilarious double send-up of the art world and pretentious wildlife documentaries. All of you artists and gallery denizens will recognize the creatures prowling this year’s Frieze Art Fair in New York City.

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The Call of Cthulhu

Posted on May 20, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Many bibliophiles and fans of horror and fantasy writing believe that the birth of the modern horror story can be traced to the dark visions that sprang from the febrile imagination of H. P. Lovecraft at the beginning of the … Continue reading →

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NYC Is Hyper

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

It’s been a while since I posted a good hyperlapse video, so I thought that I’d share this amazing three minute homage to New York City. A Taste of New York, from Vienna-based FilmSpektakel, is a fun, frenetic visit to Manhattan that … Continue reading →

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Take A Hike

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Many years ago, I set off on a four month camping and hiking trip in Europe with ridiculously poor gear. To be fair, back then light weight equipment was virtually nonexistent. I lugged around a tent, sleeping bag, cooking and … Continue reading →

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Save The Libraries

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The Trump Administration recently released its proposed federal budget for FY2018. The Institute of Museum of Library Services (IMLS), the independent agency that administers the bulk of federal library funding under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), is included … Continue reading →

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Support Venice

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn has created an enormous pair of hands emerging from the Grand Canal in Venice. The surreal installation, titled “Support”, was built to raise awareness about climate change and rising waters that threat Venice and cities worldwide. … Continue reading →

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House of European History

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

After ten years of planning, and a €55 million investment, The House of European History has finally opened in Brussels, Belgium. The new museum hopes to provide visitors with an overview of the history of Europe since the French Revolution and … Continue reading →

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The Future of Travel

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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