Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

American Gods

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve long been an evangelist for Neil Gaiman’s outstanding 2001 novel American Gods and I’m looking forward to the TV adaptation this year. If you haven’t gotten around to reading the book, get on the stick; it’s great fun and surprisingly relevant … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam’s Primordial Soup

Posted on March 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

No matter how many times that I’ve visited Amsterdam, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Just recently the old Beurspassage between the Damrak and Nieuwendijk in the heart of the city underwent an extraordinary transformation. As part of … Continue reading →

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Faux Indies

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Apparently the bookselling behemoth Waterstones has tried to pull a fast one on the British book buying public. Without notice the retailer opened three small branches under bogus names—The Rye Bookshop in East Sussex, Southwold Books in Suffolk, and Harpenden … Continue reading →

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Libros Schmibros: Great Name, Great Concept

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Libros Schmibros is a community-based, not-for-profit bookstore/lending library located in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles. Run mainly by its dedicated founder and a team of volunteers, the project champions the pleasure of reading and its power to change lives. … Continue reading →

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the best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Eighty years ago this month, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men was first published. Based on Steinbeck’s own experiences as a bindlestiff – an impoverished migratory worker – in California during the 1920s, Of Mice and Men tells the story of George Milton and … Continue reading →

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Brussels Book Days

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Throughout the month of March, Belgium’s capital will be celebrating Brussels Book Days. The collaborative venture of the Foire du Livre de Bruxelles (Brussels Book Fair) and Passa Porta International Center for Literature celebrates the city’s passion for books and reading with … Continue reading →

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’60s Redux

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Inspired by the ongoing national crisis triggered by the election of a neo-Fascist national government, Chicago-based illustrators Clay Hickson and Liana Jegers have launched The Smudge . With its bubbled typeface masthead and old school feel, the new monthly paper aims to … Continue reading →

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How to get a free flight upgrade

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Thanks to the folks at the travel site Globe Hunters for this helpful infographic. I have had little luck getting upgraded until the past few years. I’m not sure what has helped, maybe it’s just sympathy for an old guy … Continue reading →

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Saint Petersburg Is Packed With Surprises

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

When I was in Saint Petersburg, Russia this Fall, I did my due diligence as a tourist and visited as many museums, palaces, cathedrals, and attractions as I could manage in a week. Unfortunately, I was a few months too … Continue reading →

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Iceland Is Calling

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I know that it may seem as though I am obsessed with Iceland; it’s just because I am. So, if you are not interested in magnificent scenery and natural wonders, look away now. Otherwise, watch this stunning short film titled … Continue reading →

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