Category Archives: USA

Just One of the Reasons We Love Iceland

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Iceland is the most peaceful nation on the planet. Since 2008, the Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked Iceland first. This year, it is followed by New Zealand,  Austria, Portugal and Denmark on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Freedom of Speech, Tourism, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Notes on a native son

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The unfolding events of recent weeks in the United States have fostered a long overdue interest in the writings of many Black American authors. Few African American writers have had the deep and lasting impact on our culture that James … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

How You Can Help From Anywhere

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If you would like to help the Black Lives Matter movement but don’t know how, or are not able to contribute financially, a group of thoughtful YouTubers have created monetized videos that directly support affiliated organizations — all you need … Continue reading →

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Freedom Suite

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

This striking performance (below)of North Carolina-born drummer Max Roach’s “Freedom Now Suite,” a medley of “Tears for Johannesburg” and the triptych “PRAYER / PROTEST / PEACE,” was recorded by a television station in 1964—the same year the Civil Rights Act … Continue reading →

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Pin the tail on the devil

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“If My Enemy Is a Clown, a Natural Born Clown” by Ishmael Reed i tore down my thoughts roped in my nightmares remembered a thousand curses made blasphemous vows to demons choked on the blood of hosts ate my hat … Continue reading →

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To be named the Westeros Railway ?

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin is purchasing a historic railway in New Mexico along with two others in the hopes of revitalizing it with entertainment options and cultural events.The rail line currently runs from Santa Fe , New Mexico … Continue reading →

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How Book Lovers Can Help

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If you are anything like me, these days you are searching for positive things that can be done. One simple, concrete action is to support indie bookstores, and especially those stores owned by people of color. Most of these valuable … Continue reading →

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What happens to a dream deferred

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday Walt

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Good Companions

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Frank Morgan Good Companions  

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