Category Archives: USA

Past Perfect

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I recently ran across the beautiful photochrome print from around 1900 of the Durango-Silverton Railway above the Animas River gorge in southwestern Colorado. It immediately reminded me of a trip that I took on the same railway line a few … Continue reading →

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Sounds of the City

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The wonderful video below was created by filmmakers Gilad Avnat and Stav Nahum of Bonamaze  to celebrate the re-opening of New York City. 900+ sounds sampled 6 days of shooting Countless days of editing Director, DP, Edit and Music: Gilad Avnat and Stav Nahum, Bonamaze … Continue reading →

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The sound of liberty

Posted on July 4, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The Memoirs and Poems of Phillis Wheatley celebrates the life and work of the first Black American poet to be published. Although she was an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. Educated … Continue reading →

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A Literary High

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Naked Lunch (David Cronenberg, 1991)  

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A Mind Needs Books

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

“A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That is why I read so much.” – George R.R. Martin  

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Writer’s Block

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

 

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We Lurk Late

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The paper-cut puppetry video below was commissioned by the Poetry Foundation and created by Manual Cinema in association with Crescendo Literary,  it animates a May 3, 1983 recording of Gwendolyn Brooks speaking during an Academy of American Poets reading series held at the Guggenheim Museum in … Continue reading →

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there is no happy ending

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since we lost one of its most entertaining, likable, and exasperating cultural personalities. Anthony Bourdain was one of those special people who found a way to engage folks from all walks … Continue reading →

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Ways to Disappear

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Ways to Disappear Camille Rankine In the dark Down a stairwell Through the doorway Gone west With a new wish In daylight Down the sidewalk In a wool coat In a white dress Without a name Without asking On your … Continue reading →

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I Got Up At

Posted on June 5, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

On Kawara was a 20th century Japanese conceptual artist who was influential in the New York art scene. Although he was widely know for his “Today” series or “Date Paintings,” many considered that the most personal and intimate of his … Continue reading →

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