Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I recently had an email from a loyal TBTP reader who is planning an extensive trip around the U.S. and Canada. He was concerned about frequent media stories regarding the prevalence of dreaded bed bugs in hotels. While I assured him that I have never personally seen bed bugs while traveling in North America, the reality is that a growing problem does persist at all levels of accommodations. For what it’s worth, I was able to share the very helpful website The Bed Bug Registry, which has been tracking infestations for more than a decade. The crowd sourced database offers more than 20,000 reports on hotels and other rentals across the U.S. and Canada. There’s even a free iOS app you can download before you book your rentals.

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Just Saying

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

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See NYC from the sea

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

If you are one of the millions of folks who will be visiting New York City this summer, be sure to take advantage of the recently relaunched and expanded passenger ferry service between the boroughs. As you can see from the map below, it’s possible to travel from Manhattan to multiple spots in Brooklyn, Queens, and even to the beach in Rockaway.

For only $2.75 you can avoid the crowded, sweaty, and frequently delayed MTA subway trains and also get a waterfront tour of the city. If you visit the NYC Ferry website, you can download the app and purchase digital tickets in advance.

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Travel Light

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

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Tangerine Mussolini Is Scaring Away Tourists

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

You may know the tech company Foursquare from its popular City Guide travel app, but it’s also in the data crunching business. Based on the firm’s analysis, the United States’ share of the International tourism market has been steadily declining since October 2016. By March 2017, it dropped by 16% and there is no sign of recovery. This news is not surprising considering the xenophobic, racist behavior from our pathetic administration. Maybe when we lock-up the pig-in-chief, folks will want to visit us again?

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Reader’s Manifesto

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

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Up All Night

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Those of us who suffer with insomnia sometimes find that we do our best work while most of the world is fast asleep. New York photographer Michael Massaia finds inspiration during nocturnal strolls through Manhattan. His black and white series shot in and around Central Park is simply stunning.

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Helen Keller was an anti-fascist activist

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Somehow all of the films and plays about Helen Keller managed to leave out that she was a life-long Socialist and a rabid anti-fascist. She supported groups such as the ACLU and the NAACP. On May 9, 1933, disgusted by Nazi book burnings, she published this open letter in the New York Times dirceted at German students.

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Airbnb AMS

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year I rented a terrific Airbnb appartment in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood. Before I decided on the flat, I searched dozens of interesting options, but none were as unusual as the “Inkijkbnb”.

This unique rental is situated in the Wibautstraat Metro station in Amsterdam Oost not far from De Pijp. The bizarre room was created by artist Boudewijn Rückert, who equipped his “inn” and listed it on Airbnb to underscore the impact of the P2P accommodation platform on the Amsterdam rental market. Due to Airbnb more than 15,000 apartments are out of circulation for rental but local residents and leasing costs are soaring.

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Chameleons of the Art World

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Director Aaron Christian made this hilarious double send-up of the art world and pretentious wildlife documentaries. All of you artists and gallery denizens will recognize the creatures prowling this year’s Frieze Art Fair in New York City.

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