Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

When I Come to be Old

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

In 1699 when author Jonathan Swift was just 32 years old he created this list of personal resolutions that he titled When I come to be Old. Thanks to Lists of Note for the transcript. “When I come to be … Continue reading →

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Birth of a Medium

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Last year we posted a story about the first season of thePBS Arts web-original series Off Book, which explores avant-garde, experimental and cutting edge arts and culture. Now they’re back with a new series and the first episode is called … Continue reading →

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Never Mind the Hype

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

“Within the next generation I believe that the world’s rulers will discover that infant conditioning and narco-hypnosis are more efficient, as instruments of government, than clubs and prisons, and that the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied … Continue reading →

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Some Favorite Places

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

While we take a little travel break we thought that you might be distracted by some of our favorite bookshops. This sample is completely random and in no order whatsoever. People often ask me to choose a favorite bookstore, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mild, Mild West

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Next month’s issue of Budget Travel magazine (old-school version) will be featuring an excellent short article on Amsterdam’s West neighborhoods by Maria Robertson-Textor. The city’s former industrial area has been undergoing a slow, but inexorable gentrification for the last decade … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Hanging On

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Finnish conceptual artist Kaarina Kaikkonen creates her flowing, site-specific projects entirely from recycled clothes. Intially she worked only in men’s shirst, ties and jackets, but she has now expanded her work to incorpoated all types of clothing. The garments are … Continue reading →

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Play Literary Geography

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Created in 1933 by cartographer Paul M. Paine, The Booklovers Map of America Showing Certain Landmarks of Literary Geography is a charming guide to many of our favorite literary places. Working during the 1920s and 1930s, Paine designed or co-designed  … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, History, Maps, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Amsterdam DNA

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Amsterdam City Museum has partnered with PlusOne agency to develop a fascinating series of 3D videos for their department called Amsterdam DNA—a show that provides a journey through Amsterdam’s storied history. The short film below is the introduction to … Continue reading →

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Only in America

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Well, here’s an idea whose time has finally come: “Imagine navigating the waters of Lake Union with sweeping views of the Seattle skyline while lounging in a luxurious soaking tub. The boat can accomodate up to six persons…It is powered … Continue reading →

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Is it Das Slinky ?

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Slinky Springs Bridge in Oberhausen, Germany was completed in the summer of 2011. Based on designs by Frankfurt artist Tobias Rehberger, the funky bridge drew its inspiration from the iconic Slinky children’s toy. Rehberger captured the wild, fun qualities … Continue reading →

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