Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Ne Vous Adore Dumbledore ?

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Warner Bros will open its “The Making of Harry Potter” walking tour at Leavesden, England, the production base of the Harry Potter films, in spring next year. The three-hour-long tour will give fans the chance to see sets, costumes, props … Continue reading →

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Can You Improve on Norway

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

In 2005, Norway launched a 15 year campaign to increase tourism. The government contracted with designers and architects to build tourist routes, reststops and scenic viewpoints. The project, dubbed The National Tourist Routes In Norway, forms a network that spans … Continue reading →

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Sunday Is Random

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Africa, Europe, Middle East, Photography, Tourism, USA | Tagged , | 1 Comment

All the museum that money can buy

Posted on March 5, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Carlos Slim could be the world’s richest person with an estimated wealth exceeding $53 billion. But on March 1st he was just another art patron unveiling his personal museum. The Museo Soumaya, named for Slim’s late wife, will open officially … Continue reading →

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One for the Books

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

This planetoid, made entirely of books, was created by artist John Marshall, and is prominently displayed at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts As the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind in the nation, Minnesota Center for Book … Continue reading →

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Staff Picks

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

This week, Melville House Publishing announced the inauguration of the Independent Booksellers Choice Awards — the first award for indie publishing judged by indie booksellers. Why yet another book award ? Because independent booksellers are the cognoscenti, who are hooked-in … Continue reading →

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Gotta Love Strand Books

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Did you ever wonder which books inspired your favorite writers and artists? Well, Strand Books has created Curated Collections, an intriguing selection of great reads by authors and artists promoted in their NYC store and on the Strand website. The … Continue reading →

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Dam Breathtaking

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Photographer James Stillings took these breathtaking shots during the construction of the new Hoover Dam Bridge. The Phoenix Art Museum will be presenting a solo show of his amazing work August through November 2011. All photos © James Stillings

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I Can See The Connection

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

This week the PBS show Independent Lens aired a fascinating documentary on William S. Burroughs that was directed by newcomer Yony Leyser. “William S. Burroughs: A Man Within” is a star-studdied portrait of the revolutionary writer, his eccentricities, and his … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Freedom of Speech, History, Music, Photography | Leave a comment

Find a Perfect Hotel Room ?

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Most regular travelers are familiar with the helpful site Seatguru.com. Although it still has some flaws, the site provides useful seating charts for most types of aircraft of the major air carriers. But when it comes to hotel rooms, however, … Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Tourism, Travel Writing | 1 Comment