Category Archives: USA

Egypt and Its Monuments

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

A book buyer just requested some images from this fantastic 1908 edition of Egypt And Its Monuments by Robert Hichens with illustrations by Jules Guérin so I thought I’d share them here as well. Over the years, I’ve bought and … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Art, Books, History, Middle East, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Coffee & Comics

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

We have a thriving, diverse coffeehouse culture here in the Philadelphia area, but it just got even more interesting and diverse with the opening of Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in the Kensington section of Philly. Owned and managed by Ariell … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Restaurants, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Cold Toast & Stale Coffee

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Have you ever wondered what writers snack on while they’re working? Then check out this wonderful illustration by San Francisco-based artist Wendy MacNaughton, which appeared in the New York Times Book review earlier this year. You can see more of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How It’s Done

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a long time fan of writer George Saunders going back to his short story collections “CivilWar Land in Bad Decline” and “Pastoralia”. If you love great storytelling, whether you know Saunders’ work or not (but you should), this short … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Film, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Gotta Love Philly

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

There’s lots to love in Philadelphia; it has terrific restaurants, seminal historic sites, hip neighborhoods, and world class museums. The best museum in town is the extraordinary Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philly-based, award-winning videographer and journalist Cory J. Popp has … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Museums, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Now free the prisoners!

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

Christmas in ‘merica

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Award-winning American photographer Jesse Rieser has captured the quintessential tacky wonderland of Christmas in the U.S. heartland. Nothing says Happy Birthday Jesus like a nativity scene complete with Santa Claus or a holiday parade float decorated with armed troops. all … Continue reading →

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

Flying is so much fun

Posted on December 19, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

If you are a New York Times reader, you have likely seen the brilliant work from artist and author Christoph Niemann. He recently documented a typically uncomfortable transatlantic flight from NYC to Berlin (with a layover at Heathrow) with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Art, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA | Tagged , | 1 Comment

One less thing

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

The 1 Hotel group has created a wonderful opportunity for its guests to donate gently used clothing to local charities. Every hotel room now has a simple cardboard box that discreetly suggests that travelers often bring extra clothing and donating … Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Station to Station

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

It’s not easy to make the New York Subway system seem inviting, but director Roddy Hyduk and the Snowday team managed to pull it off in the charming short called “Stations”. Somehow they managed to visit 120 of the 469 … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Public Transport, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment