Tag Archives: pirates

Performative reading and other leftover accretions

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

If all human activity can be measured on a spectrum of authenticity and performativity, what metrics can we use to weed out the genuine from the fabricated? Will we just know? And why do we care? If our culture of … Continue reading →

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Thank a pirate for guacamole

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Born in England in 1651, William Dampier embarked on a life of piracy in 1679 in Mexico’s Bay of Campeche after a number of unsuccessful early jobs. He changed his fortunes by joining the rapidly growing field of high seas … Continue reading →

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Piracy Rules

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I was today years old when I discovered that the Dread Pirate Roberts of Princess Bride book and movie fame was an actual person. Not only was Welsh pirate Bartholomew Roberts (1682-1722) a famous swashbuckler, he was the most successful … Continue reading →

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A Little Treasure (Island)

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

One of the very first “grown-up” books that I read as a child was a fabulous edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. I can’t be certain, but I believe that it was a well-worn copy with wonderful illustrations by … Continue reading →

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