Category Archives: USA

Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library opened in a donated storefront in the author’s hometown of Indianapolis in 2011. Over the years, the institution’s success as a tourist attraction and literary pilgrimage site made it obvious that the museum couldn’t … Continue reading →

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Secret Bookstores NYC

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

With iconic New York City booksellers seemingly disappearing every month, it’s a relief to find that venerable institutions are fighting the trend and thriving. It’s particularly surprising when it comes to obscure book shops such as the little-known James Cummins … Continue reading →

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Autumn in New York

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Ah, Autumn in New York City where even the trash cans sprout seasonal flower arrangements.  

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Your 2019 Leaf Peeping Guide

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Each year at this time, Smokeymountains.com posts a wonderful Fall foliage prediction map. This handy tool allows leaf peepers to plan their Autumn travels based on prime leaf colors. The site also offers some helpful information on the science of … Continue reading →

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A is for Anarchism

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I recently had the chance to finally watch the New American Masters PBS documentary on the late science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin. For the most part, it was a good exploration of her life and career. Maybe if … Continue reading →

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Literature Is An Invention

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Adagia Sara Nicholson Literature is an invention; it was Written by men to praise war. Economy is tragic; the economy Comedy. What the heart feigns The mind rehearses, circles A river on the map, as if to say “Voilà! Now the … Continue reading →

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Bugging Out

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This summer the media in North America has been crawling with stories about bedbug infestations. The creepy little buggers have been making the news for turning up every where from the New York Times headquarters in Manhattan to tangerine Mussolini’s … Continue reading →

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Fantastical Traveler

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

On August 22nd the Waukegan Public Library in Waukegan, Illinois, unveiled a 12-foot statue of Ray Bradbury on what would have been the late author’s 99th birthday. The stainless steel sculpture, titled “Fantastical Traveler,” features Bradbury riding a rocket ship … Continue reading →

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NYC: Poetry on the Street

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Nitzan Mintz  

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Parks and Recreation

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Jesse Reed and Hamish Smyth from the New York City-based indie publisher Standards Manual recently announced their new book project simply titled Parks. The book is entirely focused on art, typography, maps, and other printed materials from the U.S. National Parks system. From the … Continue reading →

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