Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Here Comes The Bloom

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

This week the Netherlands celebrated their annual Nationale Tulpendag, or Tulip Day. Every year, flower growers set up temporary gardens around the country and invite everyone to come and pick bags of tulips. The Tulpenpluktuin in Amsterdam’s Damrak Square offered … Continue reading →

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Taking It to the Streets

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Most tourists who visit Paris take some sort of souvenir home. Many choose the cliché mini Eiffel Tower or even spring for some gourmet treats from Fauchon. Now travelers truly smitten with France’s capital can own an actual piece of … Continue reading →

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Gimme Some Truth

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In this new bizarro world of “alternative facts” John Lennon is more relevant than ever. I’m sick and tired of hearing things from Uptight short sided narrow minded hypocritics All I want is the truth, just give me some truth … Continue reading →

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Here Comes The Boom

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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Down With Big Brother

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As millions of enraged U.S. citizens and supporters around the world take to the streets today—including me—to protest the ascension to the Presidency of the illegitimately elected tumefied, orange klepocrat, we are also ironically noting the anniversary of the death … Continue reading →

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Dear World, We Are Sorry

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Illustrator Robert Sikoryak has been trying to cope with our national tragedy by transforming Donald Trump quotes into cartoons in the style of famous comic books and graphic novels on his blog Unquotable Trump. The rest of us are just … Continue reading →

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Europe on $5 a Day

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The notion of traveling around Europe on $5 a day seems preposterous in 2017, but back in 1957 it was a reality for frugal savvy travelers. This year the guidebook, which came before Let’s Go Europe, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves Guides, is celebrating … Continue reading →

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Pure Aesthetic Enjoyment

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I have only visited Alaska during the early days of autumn, but after seeing this stunning video I’m reconsidering a winter time trip. Filmed by London-based cinematographer Tom Welsh during a week long visit this New Year by train, plane, … Continue reading →

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Sunshine Express

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The new Florida intercity passenger rail system is called the Brightline, but I would have called it the Sunshine Express. Just my opinion, however I did live in the Sunshine State for most of my 20s and I just don’t get “Brightline”; it sounds like a … Continue reading →

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No Porn Involved

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

When I was in Amsterdam a few months ago, I got to spend some time in the rapidly evolving NDSM-werf section of Noord Amsterdam. Not long ago, this area, which once was home to an enormous shipbuilding and warehousing complex, … Continue reading →

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