Category Archives: History

the best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Eighty years ago this month, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men was first published. Based on Steinbeck’s own experiences as a bindlestiff – an impoverished migratory worker – in California during the 1920s, Of Mice and Men tells the story of George Milton and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Freedom of Speech, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

’60s Redux

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Inspired by the ongoing national crisis triggered by the election of a neo-Fascist national government, Chicago-based illustrators Clay Hickson and Liana Jegers have launched The Smudge . With its bubbled typeface masthead and old school feel, the new monthly paper aims to … Continue reading →

Posted in Freedom of Speech, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More Than Half of The London Underground Is Above Ground

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Many years ago, I wrote a travel guidebook for London, so I like to think of myself as fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the British capital. But I was surprised by some of the bits of information in this … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, History, Maps, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Alternative Reality

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Since the depressing events of January 20th, I have been thinking of Philip Roth’s alternative history novel The Plot Against America. Our would be dictator’s references to “America First” reminded me of the anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, fascist movement championed by Nazi-loving Charles Lindbergh. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Freedom of Speech, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Be Like These Tourists (Warning: Intense Images)

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Many years ago, I chose to cut short my visit to the Terezín Concentration Camp in the Czech Republic due to the obnoxious behavior of groups of adolescents who laughed, joked, and generally clowned around with total disregard for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, History, Museums, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Taking It to the Streets

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Most tourists who visit Paris take some sort of souvenir home. Many choose the cliché mini Eiffel Tower or even spring for some gourmet treats from Fauchon. Now travelers truly smitten with France’s capital can own an actual piece of … Continue reading →

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

Gimme Some Truth

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In this new bizarro world of “alternative facts” John Lennon is more relevant than ever. I’m sick and tired of hearing things from Uptight short sided narrow minded hypocritics All I want is the truth, just give me some truth … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Music | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Down With Big Brother

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As millions of enraged U.S. citizens and supporters around the world take to the streets today—including me—to protest the ascension to the Presidency of the illegitimately elected tumefied, orange klepocrat, we are also ironically noting the anniversary of the death … Continue reading →

Posted in History, USA, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Europe on $5 a Day

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The notion of traveling around Europe on $5 a day seems preposterous in 2017, but back in 1957 it was a reality for frugal savvy travelers. This year the guidebook, which came before Let’s Go Europe, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves Guides, is celebrating … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Landmark Day For Landmarks

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

If you are the type of traveler who believes that visiting local historic sites offers unique and essential ways to experience and understand a place, then you will applaud this week’s announcement of the addition of twenty-four newly designated historic … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, History, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment