Category Archives: History

We All Come From Somewhere Else

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year, I shared a story on street artist JR’s documentary on Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Last week, the peripatetic French artist created this enormous installation on Franklin Street in Tribeca NYC. The piece, titled “Unframed, Ellis … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Film, History, Photography, USA | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Makes A Book A Book

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

This short animated film titled “The Evolution of the Book” by Patrick Smith is an enlightening TED-Ed video that demonstrates the elements that come together to make a book.

Posted in Books, Film, History, Tech | Tagged | 2 Comments

Happy 4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in History, USA | Tagged | Leave a comment

Je Suis Contre Tout et Tous

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

When I was young, I was fascinated by the early 20th century Dada Movement. I even sported a button with I.K. Bonset’s moto “Je suis contre tout et tous” . So, I was excited to discover that the Museum of Modern Art … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, History, Museums, Photography | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

And I Love The Licorice Too

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

OK, I admit it, I shop at IKEA. In fact, half of my house is furnished by the Swedish furniture giant. My office is lined by the famous Billy bookcases, my file cabinets are all IKEA, even the desk that … Continue reading →

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

Montreal in History

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Here in the New World we tend to forget that we too have a history. Montreal, one of my all time favorite North American cities, was founded in 1642. In the run-up to next year’s 375th anniversary celebrations, Montreal tourism folks … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Canada, History, Museums, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Dear George Orwell

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

The British Library has just released over 300 literary treasures relating to 20th century writers available online for the first time. The amazing collection includes literary drafts, rare first editions, notebooks, letters, diaries, newspapers and photographs from James Joyce, Virginia … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Libraries, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Geek Out Bibliophiles

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

This fascinating video from the Crandall Historical Printing Museum in Provo, Utah, demonstrates their rare functioning Gutenberg press.

Posted in Books, History, Museums, Tech, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Shakespeare Lives

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

The British Council commissioned a series of films to celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Director David Wilson’s contribution reinterprets Act 1, Scene V of Macbeth. The two-minute film starts with actress Vicky McClure as Lady Macbeth in … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Books, Europe, Film, History, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

It’s Museum Day

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Tomorrow is actually museum day. In fact May 18th is the 39th International Museum Day. More than 30,000 institutions in 120 countries around the world will be waiving admission fees and welcoming all comers for special events, shows and exhibitions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Architecture, Art, Asia, Europe, History, Middle East, Museums, Photography, South America, Tourism, USA | Tagged | Leave a comment