Category Archives: Writing

Are these really the best books of 2023

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Every year at this time we are inundated with “Best Books of the Year” lists. I’ll admit that I scroll through the lists in search of reading recommendations and guidance. So, here’s a long list of lists for our perusal … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What do Mickey Mouse and D.H. Lawrence have in common

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

On January 1, 2024, thousands of copyrighted works from 1928 will enter the US public domain, along with sound recordings from 1923. They will be free for all to copy, share, and build upon. This year’s highlights include Lady Chatterley’s Lover by … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Film, History, movies, Music, Theater, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

It was a strange time in America.

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

What are you going to do with 390 photographs of Christmas trees ? by Richard Brautigan I don’t know. But it seemed the thing to do in that first week in January 1964, and I got two other people to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Photography, USA, Writing | Tagged , | 3 Comments

“Twas the night before Christmas”

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

In 2006 Bob Dylan surprised the listeners to his satellite radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour, with a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem first appeared in print on December 23, 1823.  No author was cited for the work then called A … Continue reading →

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

Gift Algorithm

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Art, Books, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Is this one of the most beautiful books ever published

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful books ever published, the Kelmscott Chaucer is now available as an online resource allowing booklovers to digitally explore the iconic volume. Created by independent researcher, writer and educator Dr Michael John Goodman, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, History, Libraries, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Much like his supernatural hero counterpart Superman, Santa Claus was discovered as an abandoned infant. That is, according to The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus by author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. With its elaborations and much added … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Free Ebooks with a difference

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Like everything else the cost of ebooks has continued to rise. So, it’s a relief to find a website that offers new digital editions of public domain and out of print books for free. The volunteers at Standard Ebooks  reproduce well-formatted … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Books, Tech, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Would you like to buy a bridge

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve recently been watching a period drama series set in New York City during the early 1880s. A number of episodes feature story lines about the building of the world famous Brooklyn Bridge which officially opened on May 24, 1883. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, History, Photography, Public Transport, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I think I could turn and live with animals

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Song of Myself, 32 Walt Whitman I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contain’d, I stand and look at them long and long. They do not sweat and whine about their condition, They … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment