Category Archives: Writing

Change, but start slowly

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Change But start slowly, because direction is more important than speed. Sit in another chair, on the other side of the table. Later on, change tables. When you go out, try to walk on the other side of the street. … Continue reading →

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Dylan’s mind and other diversions

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Can AI tell us anything meaningful about Bob Dylan’s songs? What was uncovered when computer scientist Prashant Garg  fed Dylan’s official discography from 1962 to 2012 into a large language model (LLM), building a network of the concepts and connections … Continue reading →

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The problem with despair

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“It may just be a refusal to take the counsel of despair. I think to admit despair and to revel in it — as many 20th- and 21st-century writers do — is an easy way out. Whenever I get really … Continue reading →

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Do Halloween like it’s 1920

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon this fantastic vintage Halloween book filled with crafts, decoration ideas, DIY costumes, and more. The book is called Dennison’s Bogie Book for Halloween. It was written in 1920, but the activities and decorations inside can make … Continue reading →

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Short Story

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

 

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The First Day

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“On an otherwise unremarkable September morning, long before I learned to be ashamed of my mother, she takes my hand and we set off down New Jersey Avenue to begin my very first day of school.” –“The First Day” from Lost … Continue reading →

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Denmark is saving bookshops and inspiring readers

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I was recently shocked to see many news stories about the dramatic decline in literacy in Denmark. Surveys have shown that reading skills of the nation’s children were in a steep decline. According to the New York Times, the Denmark’s … Continue reading →

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Perfect Job

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

 

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How 19th century literature can help survive autocracy

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I must admit that I was never a big reader of 19th century French literature, other than Jules Verne. And, I somehow didn’t read Stendahl’s The Charterhouse of Parma. However, I was intrigued by a New York Times article that suggested … Continue reading →

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Oh Summer’s Day

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Emily Dickinson, “The Bee is not afraid of me”  

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