Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

The dumbest souvenir of the year

Posted on December 14, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

My favorite place to chill out in Italy is the little town of Varenna on Lake Como. The only souvenirs that I have of my time there are a few photos and some very fond memories. But apparently the region … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Bookstores are making a comeback in the U.S.

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

After more than a decade of bad news stories about the imminent demise of the American bookstore it seems that things are looking up for a change.  

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, USA | Tagged , | 3 Comments

I hang on the edge of this universe

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I hang on the edge of this universe singing off-key talking too loud embracing myself to cushion the fall I shall tumble into deep space never in this form or with this feeling to return to earth It is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Restaurants, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Traveling Light

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

In my planning for an upcoming trip to Japan, I stumbled upon a very clever service aimed at visitors. Any Wear, Anywhere is an inspired clothing rental plan that allows tourists to literally travel light. The negative environmental effects of flying were … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Asia, Tourism | Tagged | Leave a comment

Good News For Flyers

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Under consumer protection rules that the U.S. Transportation Department announced earlier this year, airlines may owe travelers money back when services that passengers paid for go awry. Some of those rules went into effect October. Here’s what air travelers in … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Public Transport, Tourism, USA | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Some Comic Relief

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Animation, Art, Books | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

All day the stars watch from long ago

Posted on December 8, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Books, Restaurants, Writing | Tagged | 1 Comment

Canada for free

Posted on December 7, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

It’s been a very stressful time for most folks in the U.S., but our neighbors to the north in Canada might have a timely gift. Destination Canada, the nation’s tourism board, is offering the chance to experience the joy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Canada, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Farewell to Arms (copyright)

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

It’s that wonderful time of the year when we anticipate all of the amazing works of art and literature that will lose their copyright protections. So, if you’ve been hankering to write that sequel to A Farewell to Arms or paint your … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Film, movies, Music, Photography, Restaurants, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Today is a fog bank in which I am hiding.

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

PENTATINA FOR FIVE VOWELS Campbell McGrath Today is a trumpet to set the hounds baying. The past is a fox the hunters are flaying. Nothing unspoken goes without saying. Love’s a casino where lovers risk playing. The future’s a marker … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Restaurants, USA, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment