Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

the more noble instinct that aspires

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

I have been a fan of filmmaker and photographer Alex Soloviev ever since I stumbled upon his visual ode to Germany’s capital in Everyday Berlin. His new short film Highland Fairytale is an atmospheric and haunting visit to Catalunya’s most … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Film, History, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Bringing Back The Athenaeum

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Before there were free public libraries in North America, there were membership funded libraries. Often called Athenaeums, these literary associations were supported by dues paying members whose fees were used to buy books, pay librarians, and lease space. You probably … Continue reading →

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Guide to Tokyo

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Regular readers of TBTP have probably noticed that I have a fascination with travel guidebooks, both contemporary and antiquarian. If you saw my library, you might even call it an obsession. I’m always intrigued when I stumble upon a novel … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Asia, Books, Photography, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tunnel Vision

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

The Cuyperspassage is a 110-meter tunnel that runs under Amsterdam Central Station offering a connection from the front to the rear of the building for cyclists and pedestrians . Graphic designer Irma Boom created a fantastic Delft blue time mural … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Silmarillion with an accent

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

I was searching for an illustrated copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion for a client when I stumbled across this Russian language version with exceptional black and white drawings by artist Denis Gordeev. I don’t know anything about him, but he … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Who You Are

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Animation, Art, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A Cracking Good Idea

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

This week, the London street artist known as Furia ACK painted a large mural of the P.T. Barnum of American presidential politics on a wall in the East End Shoreditch neighborhood. As soon as the portrait was completed, Furia, along with friends … Continue reading →

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What Do All Cities Have In Common

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Does it sometimes seem like every city that you visit is pretty much the same? The run-of-the-mill shops, the stereotypical coffee bars, the standard hipster district, and the ubiquitous food trucks can be found every where you go. Well, London-based architect … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Maps, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Reading By The Numbers

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Airbnb for Bikes

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Copenhagen-based Donkey Republic has created what just may be a better alternative to city bike-sharing programs. AirDonkey users log-on with a simple app and reserve a bike within a chosen “hub” area. The app’s map guides the renter to a … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Europe, Public Transport, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment