Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Nous Sommes Dangereux (vraiment)

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Here in the United States we are accustomed to overwrought travel warnings issued by our State Department on foreign travel. To be fair, most of the governmental travel alerts and notices are based on some reasonable concerns. Now I hear … Continue reading →

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Virtual Venice

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

When it’s overrun by cruise ship passengers and daytrippers, Venice can seem more like an Italian Disney World than the true gem that it is to those who love the city. But if you visit out of season, or just … Continue reading →

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Paris is so cliche

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Designed by Paris-based illustrator Simon Sek of the design collective LesAnimals, Cliché-sun-Seine is a very clever series of twenty graphic works based one common clichéd element for each Paris arrondissement. Native Parisians, or even regular visitors may quibble with Sek’s … Continue reading →

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Not Just Hapsburgs

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

This Spring, I made it back to Vienna (Wien) after a very long absence and immediately wondered why it took me so long to return. It’s a stunningly beautiful and historic city that is well worth a visit. Whether you’ve … Continue reading →

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Books Not Blogs

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

According to the World Travel Market 2013 Industry Report, British travelers still prefer old-school print travel guide books to online sources for trip planning and vacation research. The report, based on a survey of 1001 travelers, showed that 59% of … Continue reading →

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F. Scott Redesigned

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

The release of Baz Luhrman’s bastardized film version of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s masterpiece The Great Gatsby this year stirred renewed interest in the iconic Jazz Age author’s novels. And, of course, we saw a number of new print editions of Fitzgerald’s … Continue reading →

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The 24 Hour Library Is Coming

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

The library system in Norman, Oklahoma has recently introduced a library vending machine that offers library patrons 24 hour access to a selection of books and other media. The machine allows library members to scan a card and choose from … Continue reading →

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The Art of Travel

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

The Setouchi Triennale is a three times per year (Spring, Summer, Fall) art festival that takes place each year around the twelve islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. This year’s Fall festival features a unique piece of art in motion … Continue reading →

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Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

I was happy to hear the news that the New York Public Library has partnered with the Grammy Museum in L.A. to stage a new multimedia exhibition called “Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles !” . Timed to commemorated the 50th anniversary … Continue reading →

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Europe, It’s Just Nextdoor

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

To promote its travel services, France’s rail company SNCF placed colorful, interactive doors around Paris that allow pedestrians to experience other European cities. When the doors are opened, screens display real-time happenings in cities around the continent. TBWA Paris, the … Continue reading →

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