Category Archives: USA

Sunday Plans

Posted on July 18, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

No one knows who the solitary man smoking a cigar in this paintings by Edward Hopper titled  “Sunday”  was, but for many viewers he embodies the ennui of a Sunday morning. Painted  in 1926, the work has often been seen … Continue reading →

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And the Moon Be Still as Bright

Posted on July 17, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to TBTP may recall my many posts about the novels and short stories by the great American writer Ray Bradbury. One of the first sci-fi gems of his that I remember reading as a young child is the … Continue reading →

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Freedom is a Fable

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Freedom, A Fable: A Curious Interpretation of the Wit of a Negress in Troubled Times.Illustrated book with offset lithographs on paper and laser-cut pop-up paper silhouettes, 1997. I have always been emotionally moved by Kara Walker’s powerful art work, especially … Continue reading →

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Summer Reading List

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Once again Barack Obama has released his summer reading list. On Facebook, he wrote, “Whether you’re camped out on the beach or curled up on the couch on a rainy day, there’s nothing quite like sitting down with a great book … Continue reading →

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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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