Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Too Literary

 

Posted in Art, Books | Tagged | 1 Comment

Oldest Map in the World

If you stop by TBTP on a regular basis, you are likely aware that I am a bit of a map geek. It all began with a small globe on my childhood nightstand. I don’t discriminate when it comes to … Continue reading

Posted in Europe, Film, History, Maps, Middle East, Museums | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Beautiful Bruges

I count my self lucky to have seen the beautiful Belgian town of Bruges nearly five decades ago before it became overtouristed and Disneyfied. Still, when I have return over the years, I still am enchanted. This charming tilt-shift video … Continue reading

Posted in Architecture, Europe, History, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Books Can Set Us Free

American Booksellers for Free Expression has launched a campaign for Banned Books Week 2024 centered on the theme Liberate Banned Books (#SetBooksFree). “Resisting book bans is about liberation,” ABFE noted. “It’s about liberation for schools and libraries from the rash of book challenges … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, ebooks, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Omnimappus Europeus

I’m always tickled when the wonderfully cheeky cartoon pops up on the net. The comic website about travel and language by filmmaker Malachi Rempen is still offering witty takes on modern life.  

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

Every morning a new arrival.

       The Guest House by Rumi This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“other peoples’ joy can be annoying”

I stumbled upon the moody short film below and can’t quite articulate why it resonated so much with me. So, as usual I thought that I’d share it here to see if it hit home with any of you. Daniel … Continue reading

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

Rare Book Discovery

I have a hazy recollection of a brief visit to Canterbury’s  The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge many decades ago on one of my first trips to England, but I was intrigued by a story about its current special … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Libraries, Museums, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

To leave the world a little better than you found it

Paul Auster // “That’s all I’ve ever dreamed of… To make the world a better place. To bring some beauty to the drab humdrum corners of the soul. You can do it with a toaster, you can do it with … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe, USA, Writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Ma maison à Paris

Whenever I am in Paris for more than a few days, I prefer to rent an apartment in my favorite district of the city. It may not be the in the hippest arrondissement, but I have always loved the vibe … Continue reading

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Film, Tourism | Tagged , | 2 Comments