Category Archives: Music

A very special Christmas special

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Widely regarded by me as the best holiday special of all time (Cher, Oprah, Grace Jones, Frankie & Annette, Little Richard, KD Lang AND the New York Gay Men’s choir will be there to welcome you…on screen…!), nothing gets you … Continue reading →

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Cheap Flights

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

This hilarious video is not new, but I just discovered it and had to share it for a laugh.  

Posted in Air Travel, Europe, Film, Music, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , | 3 Comments

“I’ve been everywhere, man”

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I was recently killing time in an airport waiting for a flight and spent a fun time trading travel recommendations with another flyer. We had both seen lots of fabulous places, but neither one of us could compete with the … Continue reading →

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Lou Reed meets Edgar Allan Poe

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have long been a fan of the late great Lou Reed, but I only recently discovered that he created an updated version of the iconic poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. In 2003, he  set Poe’s most famous stories and … Continue reading →

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Summer reads and more

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

It’s that time of the year when former President Barack Obama releases his summer reading list. Since he has such impeccable and varied tastes, those of us who care about books take notice. While I usually have read at least … Continue reading →

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Almost worth the trip to Vegas

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have only been to Las Vegas once for a conference. Although I don’t gamble or drink, I actually had a great time. It’s worth a visit just to see the glitzy hotel and casino design and decor. Now it … Continue reading →

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Around Sounds

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

If you stop by TBTP regularly, you are likely aware that I am a sucker for clever interactive map projects. Musical Explorers Around the World Map from Carnegie Hall lets you discover and listen to folk music from around the globe. … Continue reading →

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Who the hell is Edgar ?

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Here in the former Colonies we rarely pay any attention to the annual Eurovision music contest. However, this year the spirit of the iconic 19th century American author Edgar Allan Poe appears to be the inspiration for Austria’s entry in … Continue reading →

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Picturing Maps

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have long been intrigued by old school pictoral maps. The exmples above and below are from the  University of Michigan’s Clark Library Maps collection, each shows the United States through a different cultural lens, covering everything from literary giants … Continue reading →

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Some Good Advice

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In 2006, Ms. Lockwood, an English teacher at Xavier High School in New York City, gave her students an assignment to write persuasive letters inviting their favorite authors to the school. Five students chose Kurt Vonnegut. Though 84-year-old Vonnegut couldn’t … Continue reading →

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