Category Archives: Uncategorized

Making me nostalgic for Autumn in Switzerland

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to TBTP know that I am a sucker for well produced tourist bureau travel ads. This one is a bit cringy, but hit home for me. Way back in the 20th century I spent most of a glorious … Continue reading →

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Navigating a city without an address

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I have been in some places that have confusing address systems, but nothing as baffling as Costa Rica. Direcciones is a short documentary about how giving directions works in Costa Rica, where “a centralized system for street addresses does not exist”. … Continue reading →

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Peek at Peak Color

Posted on September 13, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

While it may feel as though there is nothing positive to look forward to these days, at least we have the potential for another spectacular show of color this Autumn from Mother Nature. If you are planning any travel in … Continue reading →

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One of These Days

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“One of These Days” by Gabriel García Márquez translated by J.S. Bernstein Monday dawned warm and rainless. Aurelio Escovar, a dentist without a degree, and a very early riser, opened his office at six. He took some false teeth, still … Continue reading →

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History of the Book

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I had the good fortune to live near Princeton University during much of my adolescence and spent many hours lost in the treasures of the University’s Firestone Library. Over the years, the University began to limit access to students and … Continue reading →

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The world is no better than its places.

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

A Poem on Hope by Wendell Berry It is hard to have hope. It is harder as you grow old, for hope must not depend on feeling good and there is the dream of loneliness at absolute midnight. You also … Continue reading →

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open the window. I’ll take a chance

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

In 1931, 5-year-old Mel Brooks saw Frankenstein and refused open his window on a summer night. His mother talked to him: Let’s say you are right. That Frankenstein wants to come here and kill you and eat you. But let’s look at … Continue reading →

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Knock, Knock

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“Knocking” by Robert Walser translated by Tom Whalen and Carol Gehrig I am completely beat, this head hurts me. Yesterday, the day before yesterday, the day before the day before yesterday, my landlady knocked. “May I know why you are … Continue reading →

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The Relativity of Wrong

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

In the essay below from 1988, the iconic American writer, philosopher, and scientist Isaac Asimov addresses the comforting myth that being ‘wrong’ always means starting from zero, arguing instead that knowledge evolves in degrees rather than absolutes. A wonderful piece … Continue reading →

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Ghosts, Goblins and Samurai

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Here he goes again blathering on about Japan. Anyway, I ran across this marvelous title that is resplendent with a series of wonderful illustrations by the British artist Evelyn Paul . The impressive  Myths & Legends of Japan, a guide … Continue reading →

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