Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Great Gatsby

Just two weeks after the release of the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby from director Baz Lurman, a first edition of the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald is to be sold by Sotheby’s, New York on June 11th … Continue reading

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Get Cranking

I wish that I had heard about this brilliant device before I started on this current trip. The Crankerator is just what it sounds like: a hand cranked charger for your smart phone, tablet or camera. You can also use it … Continue reading

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You can’t stop a booklover

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, History, Photography | Tagged | 3 Comments

Book Bench

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A Day In Vienna

I ran across this wonderful video of Tom Waits: A Day In Vienna on YouTube while looking for an entirely different video set in Vienna. But since I’m leaving Vienna today I thought I’d share. The 30 minute documentary was … Continue reading

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Yes, We Love A Great Map

Marcus Kirby’s London-based cartography firm The Future Mapping Company is developing an international reputation among map geeks and travelers for exceptional maps based on bold color palettes and cutting edge design. This all makes us eagerly await the release next … Continue reading

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Banned in America

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London 1927

Since nearly all of the movie footage that we see from the first half of the 20th century was shot in black and white, we miss out on the rich texture of those bye-gone years. So, this amazing film of … Continue reading

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Everyone Wants Free Books

Back in January, the historic,Baltic port city of Gdansk, Poland launched an admirable campaign to promote literacy among the citizenry by stocking thirty-five new local trams with a rolling library of 5,000 new books. Unfortunately, the campaign provide to be … Continue reading

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There’s No Place Like Home

New York City-based cinematographer Ryan Nethery has put together a disturbing little Tumblr that shows some dreadful rooms for rent in Brooklyn and Manhattan—and they’re not cheap. Called The Worst Room, the blog is a product of Nethery’s personal, painful … Continue reading

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