Category Archives: USA

Another Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

On February 14, Americans celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February. Like so many holidays, … Continue reading →

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

Books Are The Muse

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Over the years, I’ve been intrigued by the renowned photographer Mary Ellen Bartley’s use of books and libraries in her work. Bartley is known for her photographs exploring the tactile and formal qualities of the printed book, and its potential … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Film, Libraries, movies, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

This is the feeling I get before I take a plane

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

HOW TO WRITE Anne Waldman Perhaps I’m kidding myself about the life I lead Sometimes I feel I’m dying like a lot of things I see around me Then I turn on the TV and understand that everything must still … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Transport, USA, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Literacy and Justice

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

It seems that every day brings another story of book banning or book burning in the United States. Anyone who believes in protecting freedom of the press should be terrified by the assaults on liberty from the Christo-Fascist rightwing mobs … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

John Steinbeck took the title of his 1937 novel “Of Mice and Men” from a line contained in the penultimate stanza of ” To a Mouse”, On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785. by Robert … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Please Close The Door

Posted on January 30, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I always enjoy a good Mark Twain anecdote and this one tickled my fancy. In 1908 burglars surreptiously entered his Hartford mansion and stole a set of silverware from the sideboard. In response, he posted this notice on the front … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Snowstorm of Rejections

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

All authors face rejection at some point in their writing careers. Some of us throw in the towel and are content with publishing blogs, but the greats always seem to persevere. Here are some suggestions from writers who knew how … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Readers Pick Best Book Of The Past 125 Years

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

The New York Times Book Review has celebrated 125th anniversary by asking readers to nominate the best book of the past 125 years. The reader submissions were wittled down to a list of 25, which were voted on by more … Continue reading →

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

Dream within a Dream

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Happy Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe A Dream Within A Dream   by Edgar Allan Poe (published 1850)    Take this kiss upon the brow! And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow — You are not wrong, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Some Habits Are Good for You

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Judging by the state of public discourse in the United States, these shocking statistics are not all that surprising.

Posted in Books, USA | Tagged , | Leave a comment