Game of Maps

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

What could be more fun for a map geek and GOT fan than a compilation of filming location maps and graphics. As the last episode of the season has just aired for the season, I’ll refrain from any spoilers, but what a thrill to see some of the fantastic shooting locales.

272A337700000578-3019329-image-a-45_1427803366242

The very cool graphic below was created by the travel firm Lawrence of Morocco , and shows highlights of the magnificent places that GOT is filmed. I’m ecstatic at the opportunity to get back to Iceland this summer and the chance to visit a few of the locations there, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Thingvellir and the cave at Grjotagja.

692129_2049_preview

Game_of_Thrones-Morocco_sjiab2e

Posted in Europe, Film, Maps, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Elves Do It

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

tumblr_np3kz48Yrf1rwkrdbo1_1280

h/t tom gauld

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

Globoscope

Posted on June 14, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Wtesaj2

Globoscope is an immersive traveling installation of sound actuated luminous spheres. Created by the Grenoble-based “artistic laboratory” of Collectif Coin, the peripatetic show originally launched in Lyon last year, moved to the Licht festival in Ghent, Belgium, and most recently surfaced in a park back in Grenoble, France. To discover more about the project, and to find out where it will appear next, check out the website.

ypr20kd

Posted in Art, Europe, Music, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Denali

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

I know that I post way too many videos, but this is one that you have to see. The story of adventure photographer Ben Moon and his dog Denali is stunning on so many levels. If it doesn’t move you, then you have no heart.

The beautiful video was written and directed by Ben Knight and supported by the outdoor apparel brand Patagonia.

Posted in Film, Photography, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Art of Public Transit

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Olimpia_Posters

During the last three decades, New York City’s Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) has commissioned hundreds of original art works for its far-flung network of stations. Now, the New York Society of Illustrators is celebrating some of the wonderful posters, mosaics, ceramics, and stained glass pieces from the collection in a show called “New York Views: MTA Arts & Design Illustrates the City”.

AFT7114-Poster-LowFPO

The show, at the Society gallery at 128 east 63rd Street in Manhattan, runs through August 15, 2015.

blackall_aftartcards2011_artcards2011_small_3_0

Each year the MTA purchases new public transit-related art for placement at bus stops, subway stations, on trains and buses, as well as large installations like Shinique Smith’s huge glass and mosaic mural for a bus terminal in Harlem (see below).

gregruthcatcharide1_0

AFTposter3_Posters

2008embrace_0

deszo_0

dsc_0213_0

art_card_peter_sis_0

 

Posted in Architecture, Art, Museums, Public Transport, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Saved by the bell

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

11196319_835865583161098_285942323954410649_n

In these difficult times for indie booksellers, and bookstores in general, it’s rare to hear unqualified good news stories about bookshops persevering and thriving. But I’m pleased to report that the word on the water floating book barge in London has gotten a reprieve. The Canal & River Trust has offered owners Paddy Screech and Jonathan Privett a permanent mooring at Granary Square in Kings Cross. So, when you’re in London, pop by and buy a book or two.

11391276_849542261793430_2449299218442147565_n

10414405_664900763590915_4424184814230683070_n

10343665_728204677260523_254607366229701860_n

 

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Street Art is a Public Service

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

ob_676fbf_service-public-3

The always entertaining French street artist known as Levalet is back at work in Paris this week. His new piece called “Service Public” can be found in the 11th arrondissement.

ob_3ba900_service-public-2

ob_39c14d_service-public-8

ob_2bdf8d_service-public-7

ob_77f10a_service-public-4

Posted in Art, Europe | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Third Man

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

JwN47ZRi4H5WwVHtwpDIdPzRBH_XIiJexd0RUc85Nqo

I’ve seen the noir thriller The Third Man so many times that when I walk the streets of Vienna I swear that I hear zither music. So I was thrilled to hear that Rialto Pictures is releasing a new 4K restoration of Carol Reed’s masterpiece. The film will tour select theaters around the U.S. this summer and hopefully get a wider international release later this year.

If you’ve seen the great film, I’m certain that you’ll want to see the new version on a big screen. If you have never seen this classic, don’t miss an opportunity to experience this masterful work. There’s complete information on the Rialto Pictures website.

third_man

Posted in Europe, Film, movies, Music | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

This Land Is Your Land

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Indecline-Mojave-Desert-2

The middle of the Mojave Desert in California seems an unlikely place for street art, but the anonymous collective known as Indecline tagged an abandoned military base there anyway. “This Land Was Our Land” is a half-mile wide tribute to the folksinger and activist Woody Guthrie.

images via Google Earth

Indecline-Mojave-Desert-4

Indecline-Mojave-Desert-11

 

Posted in Art, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Stare At The Naked People

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

how-not-to-behave-in-15-countries

Posted in Asia, Europe, South America, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment