Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Let There Be Light

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve visited Amsterdam. But some how I always seem to miss the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Illuminating the wintery gloom, this colorful event features dozens of light installations scattered throughout the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Europe, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

We’ll Always Have Paris

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

This wonderful compilation combines some of the oldest film footage shot in Paris between 1877 and 1900, with contemporary video. Created by Yestervid, it also places each location on a map of the city.

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Film, History, Maps, Photography | Tagged , | Leave a comment

No Re-Gifting

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

The German publishing house Bastei Lübbe and the bookstore chain Hugendubel have teamed up to create a unique way to end re-gifting of unwanted holiday presents. They have come up with a vending machine where booklovers can insert their disappointing … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Now free the prisoners!

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Winter Therapy

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

This time of the year, most folks in the northern hemisphere could do with a little “luminotherapie”; and none more than the residents of chilly Canada. Impulse is a fabulously fun interactive art installation in the heart of Montreal made … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Canada, Music, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Cold Read

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Paganella is a fairly typical ski resort in the Italian Dolomites, with one exception; it’s also the home of the Biblio Igloo. For the last two seasons, the Trentino Alto Adige resort has sponsored a pop-up library in a specially … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Libraries, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Remembrance

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Air Travel, Europe, History | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Christmas in ‘merica

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Award-winning American photographer Jesse Rieser has captured the quintessential tacky wonderland of Christmas in the U.S. heartland. Nothing says Happy Birthday Jesus like a nativity scene complete with Santa Claus or a holiday parade float decorated with armed troops. all … Continue reading →

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Flying is so much fun

Posted on December 19, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

If you are a New York Times reader, you have likely seen the brilliant work from artist and author Christoph Niemann. He recently documented a typically uncomfortable transatlantic flight from NYC to Berlin (with a layover at Heathrow) with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Art, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA | Tagged , | 1 Comment

One less thing

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

The 1 Hotel group has created a wonderful opportunity for its guests to donate gently used clothing to local charities. Every hotel room now has a simple cardboard box that discreetly suggests that travelers often bring extra clothing and donating … Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment