Category Archives: USA

Book reviews concise and to the point

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Lisa brown is a San Francisco-based author, cartoonist and illustrator who is probably best known for her art work in Lemony Snicket books. In her spare time, she creates the hilarious “Three Panel Book Review” comicfor the San Francisco Chronicle … Continue reading →

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A Portrait of the City (a little delayed)

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to TBTP know that I’m inordinately fond of  old travel guidebooks, whimsical book illustrations and tales of eastern European intrigue. Of course I couldn’t pass-up a crazy story that I ran across the other day that has all … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Freedom of Speech, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

We Know Nothing

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

I have been a big fan of Oakland, California-based artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon ever since I ran across some of her San Francisco travel illustrations. Now the self-taught prodigy has a wonderful book coming out on April 1st called … Continue reading →

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Best Books of the Century

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

It’s only just 2014 and we’re already seeing “best books of the century” lists coming out. Seems a bit premature to me, but this infographic from USC Rossier School of Education is interesting enough, though flawed. The choices were gleaned … Continue reading →

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If You’re Going To…

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Brian D. Butler
Posted in Art, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

12 Years a Slave

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this week, 12 Years a Slave was named Best Picture of the Year by the Academy Awards. The film also won the Oscar for the best adapted screenplay. If you were moved by Solomon Northrop’s heartbreaking story, you can … Continue reading →

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What About Staten Island

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this month we shared a very clever New York City coffee map based on subway stops. Now the creator, Android developer Nimal Banerjee, has expanded the original Manhattan- only map to include the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. But … Continue reading →

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Leave Your Heart, Take the Map

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

San Francisco is unquestionably one of North America’s favorite destinations for travelers. It is also well served by public transit and is quite easy to get around. But who doesn’t love a fun, practical and even whimsical navigational tool that … Continue reading →

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Stories for Strangers

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Calling himself “The Roving Typist”, C.D. Hermelin visits parks in New York City where he writes impromptu stories for strangers for a fee. Story patrons provide some ideas on what they’d like in a story and pay what they choose … Continue reading →

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

MTA NYC Goes Digital

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

New York City’s MTA has finally launched its much anticipated new digital, touch-point “MTA On the Go” kiosks. The units offer 47-inch screens providing real-time transit information, including visual station to station directions with transfers and line info, countdown to … Continue reading →

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