Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

All Parts Matter

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon this excellent infographic from TheBookDesigner.com. As a collector and bookseller, it can be problematic at times describing the contents of a book. This is particularly the case when it comes to antiquarian titles. It’s essential to … Continue reading →

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Everybody Has A Podcast

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Maps.fm is a clever project that lets you use a world map to select podcast episodes that are about or related to a specific location on the map. Want to instantly be able to access every single podcast ever recorded … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Maps, Tech | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Before my recent trip to the Portuguese island of São Miguel, I checked out what typres of road signs I could expect to encounter. Still, I was surprised and confused by some of the traffic signs along the islands windy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Car rentals, Europe, Film, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Final Caturday of the Year

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Another Option For Booklovers

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

A few months back, I signed up for a trial membership to the online “co-op bookstore” Tertulia and then promptly forgot about it when its emails went straight to my junk mailbox. However, this week I saw two references to the … Continue reading →

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Slip on your museum shoes

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have visited hundreds of museums in dozens of countries, but I don’t recall ever being required to wear special footwear. However, I recently stumbled on this old New York Times story about the practice. From the New York Times: “Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Museums, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Sweden not Switzerland

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

​ Sweden Launches Campaign to Stop Tourists Confusing It With Switzerland – A funny video from Sweden’s tourist board to help people distinguish between the two countries. Yes, it’s hard to believe that people confuse the two European countries, but it’s … Continue reading →

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

Halloween Greetings

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

These days folks in North America go overboard with Halloween decorations, costumes, parties, candy, and spending, but in the early 20th century they celebrated in a less ostentatious way.  As the autumn festival began to emerge in its modern form picture … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, History, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

It’s all Greek to me

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have to admit that I geeked-out on this fascinating website devoted entirely to global writing systems. During my life I’ve actually learned four writing systems, but in my old age I’m only fluent in one of them. World Writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, Europe, History, South America | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe

Posted on October 29, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In keeping with the festive holiday season, I thought I would share this classic offering from the great thespian Vincent Price. Although he had a storied careen in theater and in cinema, Price has mainly been remembered for his work … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Film, Theater, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment