Category Archives: Writing

A few fomas and some granfaloons

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

During my adolescence, I was strongly influenced by reading Kurt Vonnegut’s brilliant novels. His thoroughly original mash-up of science fiction, satire, dark humor, and political commentary resonated with my angsty teen self. Over the years, I’ve collected and sold a … Continue reading →

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December is the toughest month

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

“December is the toughest month of the year. Others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, October, August, and February.” Mark Twain

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Here Comes The Book Flood

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Iceland is known around the globe for its spectacular natural wonders, ultra clean environment, dynamic music scene, and hot springs skinny-dipping, but most folks are unaware that it’s one of the most literate nations in the world.Each year, more than … Continue reading →

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Fillory and Further

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a big fan of author Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy. The brilliant and always entertaining fantasy series is like a rollicking mash-up of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia with sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The books come with some very cool Tolkien-like … Continue reading →

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They Promised Me Ponies

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I am not the least bit embarrassed to admit that I am a devoted fan of the Simpsons. The show often offers unparalleled insights into American culture and frequently functions as a guide to moral philosophy. From the first season, … Continue reading →

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Have a literary coffee

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I love this wonderful illustration by Italian artist and designer Gianluca Biscalchin.

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The Norway of the year

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Every year when November rolls around I am reminded of the quote above from the great American 19th century poet Emily Dickinson. I probably first read the line during high school when I was going through that adolescent poetry phase. … Continue reading →

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Dance Macabre

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

 La portentosa vida de la muerte (The Prodigious Life of Death) by Joaquín Bolaños, is a late 18th century Mexican novel that stars Death as a female protagonist ( la muerte in Spanish is a feminine noun).  The story begins in the Garden … Continue reading →

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Stephen King Inspired

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a huge fan of the always wacky art work by the brilliant Brazilian artist and illustrator who goes by the name Butcher Billy. These seasonally appropriate pulp fiction and horror inspired faux book covers are a treat. Here’s what … Continue reading →

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Monsters In Philadelphia

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

With Frankenstein and Dracula, Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker created two of history’s most memorable monsters. Two hundred years after Frankenstein was published, pages from Mary Shelley’s manuscript will make their only appearance in the United States, to be displayed for the first … Continue reading →

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