Category Archives: Books

An Alternative Christmas Carol

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Carol For Another Christmas was directed by Joseph L. Manckiewics for the United Nations and was written by the inimitable Rod Serling. The unusual 1964 television special was presented without commercial interruptions. It was the first of a series of … Continue reading →

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“Twas the night before Christmas”

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In 2006 Bob Dylan surprised the listeners to his satellite radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour, with a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem first appeared in print on December 23, 1823.  No author was cited for the work then called A … Continue reading →

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Gift Algorithm

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Is this one of the most beautiful books ever published

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful books ever published, the Kelmscott Chaucer is now available as an online resource allowing booklovers to digitally explore the iconic volume. Created by independent researcher, writer and educator Dr Michael John Goodman, … Continue reading →

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The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Much like his supernatural hero counterpart Superman, Santa Claus was discovered as an abandoned infant. That is, according to The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus by author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. With its elaborations and much added … Continue reading →

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Free Ebooks with a difference

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Like everything else the cost of ebooks has continued to rise. So, it’s a relief to find a website that offers new digital editions of public domain and out of print books for free. The volunteers at Standard Ebooks  reproduce well-formatted … Continue reading →

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Reading Goals

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Would you like to buy a bridge

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve recently been watching a period drama series set in New York City during the early 1880s. A number of episodes feature story lines about the building of the world famous Brooklyn Bridge which officially opened on May 24, 1883. … Continue reading →

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I think I could turn and live with animals

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Song of Myself, 32 Walt Whitman I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contain’d, I stand and look at them long and long. They do not sweat and whine about their condition, They … Continue reading →

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How Random Is That

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In 1927, the publisher of Paris-Soir  newspaper hired the prolific novelist Georges Simenon to become an advertising attraction. They had a glass booth constructed in the lobby of the newspaper where Simenon, under eyes of the public, was to write … Continue reading →

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