Category Archives: Europe

Who knew that we are climate heroes

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I have always contended that secondhand and antiquarian booksellers were the epitome of recyclers, but now we’re getting awards for our efforts. One of the most popular antiquarian and secondhand bookshop in the North East of England has won the … Continue reading →

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All eyes on Greenland

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Once again, Creamsicle Caligula has made headlines with his wacky claims about taking over Greenland and making it a U.S. territory. And again, the mainstream media has taken the bait and focused on his cockamamie pronouncements while ignoring his outrageous … Continue reading →

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Waiting for the Barbarians

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The great performance artist Laurie Anderson and company presented a concert of new works inspired by poet C. P. Cavafy. Filmed at the Saint Thomas Church in New York City, the performance is commissioned by the Onassis Foundation. About “Archive … Continue reading →

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“They’ve been going in and out of style”

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Continuing a tradition started in 2016, Chris the Barker has made another collage frequently updated and up to the last minute to eulogize Olivia Hussey and Jimmy Carter, in tribute to those passed away this year. The field more crowded than … Continue reading →

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There is no love of life without despair of life.

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Albert Camus died on this day in 1960. Many have wondered over the last 65 years at an odd bit of trivia about that day when he was killed in a car accident. Why did he have an unused train … Continue reading →

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Annus horribilis

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

It has been a horrible year for the world, for the U.S., and for me personally. But I would rather see 2024 out with something uplifting. I can’t think of anything more sublime and beautiful than this extraordinary video of … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism, Season Art, End of the Year Mischief

Posted on December 28, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

The Poetry Pharmacy is a new London bookshop, on Oxford Street, offering tonics for all sorts of emotional ailments. Calm, comfort, inspiration: whatever you’re searching for, there’s a book of poetry, philosophy or psychology to help you find it. “…because … Continue reading →

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Holly

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Holly by Seamus Heaney. It rained when it should have snowed. When we went to gather hollythe ditches were swimming, we were wet to the knees, our hands were all jags and water ran up our sleeves. There should have … Continue reading →

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Solstice Solace

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Here in North America we have such boring Winter Solstice traditions. However, in the Baltics many traditions survive from the ancient pagan celebrations of the winter solstice – the longest night of the year. Over the centuries these old pagan … Continue reading →

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Used Books and Stuff

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I wish that I had this sign years ago when I was selling used books and collectibles at a flea market. While I’m not hawking any secondhand books here, I do have some stuff to share as usual. Overall European rail operators do … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Asia, Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, Public Transport | Tagged , | 2 Comments