Category Archives: USA

The Unimaginable Future

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Alicia Eggert sculpts neon, steel, and time to make art that inspires reflection and wonder at the finite nature of human life within a seemingly infinite universe. In September 02022, Alicia brought “This Present Moment,” a sculpture adapting the words … Continue reading →

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Just Another Sundry Sunday

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Old internet hands may recollect the early days of the web when it all seemed so clever and exciting. One of those interesting 1990s projects has just been relaunched and is worth a look on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The … Continue reading →

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Going Underground in NYC

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Both sides of my family emigrated to New York City shortly before the city’s subway system was inaugurated in 1904. So, I literally rode New York’s underground trains before I was born. Like most residents of the world’s greatest city … Continue reading →

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Amor librorum nos unit

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I was non plussed to stumble upon this fantastic poster this week. The title, “Amor librorum nos unit,” which translates as “the love of books unites us,” is the longtime motto of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. The color … Continue reading →

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Spoiler Alert

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

These days it’s nearly impossible to avoid spoilers for films, television shows, or books. Fortunately, some folks have the good graces to warn us with a “spoiler alert.” But have you ever wondered where the term “spoilers” came from ? … Continue reading →

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Books and Music

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I continue to be amazed by the creativity of book artists. Two wizards of the genre, Peter and Donna Thomas, recently completed a pair of wonderful accordion books with fascinating musical connections. The first is an accordion-style artist’s book, commissioned … Continue reading →

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Stephen King Rules

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Stephen King is widely considered to be royalty when it comes to popular fiction writing. In recent years, he has also become a voice for political sanity in the U.S., as well. So when King shares writing tips, we all … Continue reading →

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Around the world in just 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

On this day in 1890, New York City police cleared a path through a cheering throng for reporter Nellie Bly as she stepped off a train just 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds after setting sail east … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

And so much satisfaction when a train goes by.

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Living at the End of Time –Robert Bly There is so much sweetness in children’s voices, And so much discontent at the end of day, And so much satisfaction when a train goes by. I don’t know why the rooster … Continue reading →

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Who reads what where

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a sucker for a clever infographic, especially if it pertains to books or reading. The graphic above shows which reading genres are most popular in 36 countries around the world. To collect the data, the folks at Study In … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, Books, ebooks, Europe, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments