Category Archives: USA

Nothing is harder on the soul

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

One of my happiest moments was finding one of my books for sale at the iconic City Lights in San Francisco many, many years ago. I am pleased to see that they continue to be a beacon for truth and … Continue reading →

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The Medium is the Message

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Book Guns is a powerful series of book sculptures created by New York City-based artist Robert The. “Obsession with the semiotic erosion of meaning and reality led me to create objects that evangelize their own relevance by a direct fusion of … Continue reading →

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Still Alarming

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I first discovered the science fiction novels by Ray Bradbury when I was 10 or 11 years old. In retrospect I’m certain that many of the themes of his books went way over my head. But when I read Fahrenheit 451 I … Continue reading →

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A Library is a time machine

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I am a huge fan of the Little Free Library movement and I am also a life-long Doctor Who devotee, so I couldn’t resist this amazing neighborhood library in Minneapolis.

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There are places I remember

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The magazine Vanity Fair commissioned the wonderful 12-minute video tour below of places mentioned in Beatles’ songs. The video trip from Liverpool to Moscow is a treat for Beatles fans even with some errors and misinterpretations.

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Meanwhile the world goes on

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Even if you are not a regular reader of poetry, it’s likely that you have run across the work of Mary Oliver. Her writing is so simple, straightforward and accessible that it has found its way onto posters, mugs, and … Continue reading →

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NYC: Underground Arts

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

All to often we see horror stories in the media about the terrible state of the New York City subway system. As someone who has traveled the MTA all of my life, I have to admit that it can be … Continue reading →

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In the vast abyss before time

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

HOW IT SEEMS TO ME by Ursula K. Le Guin In the vast abyss before time, self is not, and soul commingles with mist, and rock, and light. In time, soul brings the misty self to be. Then slow time … Continue reading →

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There and back again (again)

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Last year I posted a story about the Oxford Bodleian Library once-in-a-lifetime exhibition Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earth, which was the most extensive public display of original Tolkien materials ever gathered in one place. This week I was dead chuffed to discover … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Art, Books, Libraries, Maps, movies, Museums, Photography, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

In Case You Were Wondering

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Europe, Maps, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment