iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 19/09/2026

Dealing with gout means not being able to wear shoes days at a time. I decided to take one of my “near death” pairs of slip-ons and cut out the backs so I could at least leave the house if I needed to.

A picture of janky old black & white checkerboard Vans slip-ons on grey tile. The shoes are dirty grey now, and have a blown-out toe on the left foot. The back half of the shoes have been cut away to make them “mules.”

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 14/09/2026

Nine years ago, I caught the most expensive mackerel in Ireland. Wonderful fishing trip, but the "included" "we'll cook this up for you" really meant £75 to make us an appetizer.

Myself, in a flatcap, red rain jacket and jeans standing on the deck of a fishing boat in Roundstone, County Galway holding a fishing rod with two mackerel hooked out at sea. I'm grinning like an idiot.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 05/09/2026

I know people go a bit nuts for “pumpkin spice season,” but is this even remotely necessary?

A cream colored stick of deodorant with orange lettering saying “Old Spice: Pumpking” “Scent of Pumpkin Spice” “Deodorant 3.0 OZ.” Graphically, there is a cartoon jack-o-lantern with a crown on its head. In its vine-like hands, it appears to be holding a sword that also seems to be a cinnamon stick, and in the other hand a drinking vessel with a head of cream. Behind the packaging is a pumpkin and some cinnamon sticks.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 10/03/2026

As someone who grew up in Southern New Mexico, this is the most New Mexican thing I have read in a long while.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 24/02/2026

The Best Maid Dill Relish conspiracy is 100% real! Best Maid is a company that is based a mere 40 miles from my house. Why can't Dallas have their dill relish?!?!?!?

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 03/02/2026

As a scooter enthusiast, this is one of my biggest pet peeves. And, no, Captcha did not think I was clever when I selected nothing.

Captcha grid with a photo of a rider on a black motorized scooter. Banner at top says "Select all squares with motorcycles."

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 09/12/2025

For beating the carp out of something.

An iron hammer where the head is actually an elaborately sculpted fish.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 23/10/2025

This is the most ironic thing that I have seen this morning. This is the footer message on an arts calendar website that is "AI-driven." Yep, the web-scraping clanker site says you can't scrape their site. Typical AI hypocrisy.

Website footer that says "Copyright 2025 | DMCA Copyright Policy, Scraping of this website is prohibited"

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 02/10/2025

This little guy will not let me get back to coding until I pay him fealty with wet food. I'm sure he learned his "Derpy eyes" powers from all of my K-Pop Demon Hunter viewings.

A black cat with striking yellow eyes, and striped by shadows coming from a mini-blind covered window sits between a computer keyboard and monitor on a desk.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 01/10/2025

Hoo boy. @wgbh.org out there hitting hard with the best slogan in Public Media history. Chef's kiss. That's the most Boston thing ever.

A billboard on the side of the GBH building in Boston, MA that says "Congress told us to 'Go Fund Yourself.' And with your help, we can"

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 27/09/2025

Ten years ago today, I brought this little hellion into my life. He has no clue how many times has saved it. Happy "gotcha" day, Killakee!

A small black kitten with very yellow eyes sitting in a white porcelain basin. His legs curled under him.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 21/08/2025

Soooo, $50 for a generic t-shirt. FIFA is out of their minds.

Instagram post from fifaworldcup (official) showing an olive green t-shirt that says "We are Dallas" in white and teal lettering on a white background. Caption says "2026 World Cup Dallas T-Shirt - Unisex - Green - S - $50. Your City. Your Colours.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 03/08/2025

Yesterday, my Mom gave me a first edition Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles cookbook that she found at an estate sale. She paid a whopping $8 for an edition I’ve been casually seeking for a few years. Very chuffed.

A copy of Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook on a wooden table. The cookbook has a brown paper cover with a slightly orange picture of Anthony Bourdain. The print on the cover is in white.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 18/06/2025

No gods, no masters, no pesky wrapper for that glizzy. Chaos reigns supreme.

A man with black slacks, black shoes and a blue striped shirt stands at the counter of a convenience store. Bags of snacks (seemingly candy) hang below the counter. On the counter sits a large fountain soda, and a hotdog with ketchup, directly on the counter. No wrapper.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 23/05/2025

IYKYK. Elated that @stmartinspress.bsky.social reached out to me to read & review this book that I’ve been waiting for since I finished the last page of Empire of the Damned. I’ve read all of his stuff, but this is the series that @misterkristoff.bsky.social made perfection.

An Amazon Fire Tablet sitting on a table showing the title page for Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Dawn, the third book in the Empire of the Vampire series.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 20/05/2025

These new premiums that we are getting at the station are getting a tad unhinged. #publicmedia #sesamestreet

A stuffed Elmo in a jar of pickling liquid with a label that says "Treasure 'Pickle Me Elmo' $10."

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 20/05/2025

For decades I have been a mismatched socks kind of guy. I just grab two out of the drawer in the morning on my way out of the house. Today I noticed that this one resembles a popular TV show. Can you guess what that show is?

Two socked feet standing on a wood floor. One sock has a green background with goat heads and the other is black with blue ones and zeroes.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 13/05/2025

Came across this scene on my morning walk today. The traumatized tabby came over and booped noses with the bobcat before retreating back and making that face. The bobcat scampered off after I passed.

A small bobcat crouching under the front of a Honda in a residential driveway. Sitting on the grass nearby is a chonky tabby cat with a "what the hell?" facial expression.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 20/03/2025

My addled brain read this as "Disturbing Local Shows Has Never Been Easier." Thanks for the unintentional laugh, PBS SPI.

Email notification alert:
PBS SPI
Distributing Locals Shows Has Never Been Easier
03/20/2025
View this email in your browser <http
10:04 AM

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 20/03/2025

The Des Moines Menace are definitely my team to watch for the 2025 Open Cup. I’m not sure what Sacha promised all of those old MLS alum (look at all that ex-FCD talent!) other than one hell of a good time, but it’s going to be awesome.

Open Cup roster for the Des Moines Menace featuring a picture of Sacha Kljestan in a red and black top pointing at the camera on a grey background. Starting 11 is as follows:

2 Lucas Rosa
4 Matt Hedges
6 Ozzie Alonso
8 Victor Ulloa
9 Justin Metal
10 Benny Feilhaber
13 Dax McCarty
16 Sacha Kljestan (C)
20 AJ Delagarza
26 Bradley Wright-Phillips
42 Enzo Carvalho

Subs:
3 Mikey Ambrose
5 Kyle Owen
11 Yoshi Okawa
12 Felipe Hernandez
14 Cade Hagan
19 Leroy Enzugusi
25 Donny Toia

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 05/03/2025

1970's playgrounds were an exercise in survival. I'm sure almost all of you Gen-X or older folks have some horror stories about setups like this.

An impossibly tall metal playground slide from a bygone era with one child sliding down it, and another climbing the stairs. The slide is situated on green grass with distant conifers in the background.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 26/02/2025

Saw this by the vegetable market this morning. It made me chuckle.

A telephone pole with “This pain will be useful one day.” Spray painted on it in white paint.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 19/02/2025

Apparently I have displeased the master of the house. I shall have to reflect on my wrongdoings.

Close up shot of a black cat with golden eyes biting the wrist of a tattooed arm with zeal.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 05/02/2025

Last night I whipped up a big ol' InstaPot of red beans & rice, and I'm inordinately happy to have the leftovers to graze on for the next couple of days.

a bowl of red beans and rice with sliced andouille sausage and diced ham. The bowl it is in has a black and white circular pattern, and sits on a blue placemat.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 01/02/2025

That’s because you have an invasion of The Littles

Cover image of “The Littles” an 80’s cartoon about small elf-like creatures that live in the walls. Four are portrayed here. Three males, one female. They have pointed ears and thin tails.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 31/01/2025

This is the funniest thing I've seen today. I lost it at "from jazz," and almost hit the floor with "what's up it's trane."

What appears to be a DM screen of a conversation between jazzdispensary and "Miles Davis." Here's the conversation.

Miles Davis: Hello, this is Miles Davis from jazz. I lost my credit card. Can you paypal me some money so I can make Kind of Blue 2. (followed by trumpet and 100% emojis)

jazzdispensary: OMG... Yes of course.

Miles Davis: I will bring John Coltrane.
Also Miles Davis: what's up it's trane

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 28/01/2025

Sunday, a friend's son made this masterpiece to bring to the pub: mostly because I often post wacky recipes on my social platforms. It was seriously delicious.

A dome of Spaghetti-O's aspic surrounded by tortilla strips, pepperoni, and lettuce. There is a sprig of rosemary on top, with a slice of lemon and a tiny bottle of Tabasco Sauce.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 23/01/2025

My supervisor is none too pleased with both my work setup, and my decision to not give him wet food this morning. Retribution will come shortly, and there will be blood. #blackcats #catsofbluesky #blackcatsofbluesky

A black cat with white whiskers and yellow eyes sitting on a table surrounded by the corner of a laptop, a vinyl cutter, and a partial view of an inactive iPad. Behind him is a brown, wooden door.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 17/01/2025

On random happenstance, I came across an article on the Bombay breed of cats. Immediately I recognized the traits of my beloved companion Killakee. For the past ten years I thought he was just a random generic stray. Turns out he’s a fancy generic stray. He’s still a turd.

A photo of a sleek black cat with white whiskers and yellow eyes standing on a medium brown stained hardwood floor, looking with disdain at the camera.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 15/01/2025

We are in the process of vacating our building (see my previous post). It's so nice of the folks here to put a dumpster right outside my office while I declutter.

The photograph shows a parallel parked Cybertruck parked on a downtown Dallas street. A grassy area, a fiberglass cow and several tall buildings are behind it.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 05/01/2025

This is what my mother considers a “stocking gift.” As a recovering candy fiend, I’m curious what her logic was.

A ziploc bag of skittles and starburst sitting on a kitchen counter

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 03/01/2025

I'm really really curious why OpenTable might think this. I don't think I've used the app in over a year. Mildly concerning.

An iPhone lock screen alert banner from OpenTable. It says "We've noticed you're really into Japanese cuisine. See all of the restaurants nearby where you can find your favorite foods. Let's go ->"

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 02/01/2025

Just a little reminder to be the chaos you want to see in the world.

Night photograph of a large group of raccoons with glowing eyes. Many more glowing eyes seen in the background. Caption on photo says "Death is coming. Eat trash. Be free"

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 26/12/2024

Definitely far fancier than Warby. KB's visor is rad, but I actually need new frames, lol.

Actor/musician Tunde Adebimpe playing Wendle in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 26/12/2024

I waited an hour and decided to make the damn soup I was craving. Chicken bone broth, ginger, garlic, bok choy, toasted sesame oil, and Trader Joe’s frozen wontons. I added some sriracha after this pic because I wanted a little kick. #souplife

A grey ceramic bowl containing wonton soup sitting on a rainbow multi-colored potholder (of my own making)

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 24/12/2024

"You'll be visited by three spirits." The three spirits:

A picture of the Warner Bros Animaniac cartoon characters: Yakko, Wakko and Dot.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 22/12/2024

It's almost as if my Sunday afternoons have an overarching common theme. #scooterclubrejects

Spotify screenshot that says:
Public Playlist
northern soul ska reggae sunday afternoon
You listened to ska reggae and two tone on Sundays in the afternoon. Here's some: northern soul, ska reggae, two tone, rocksteady, jukebox and mod revival

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 18/12/2024

Table 23 is definitely getting their food messed with by the kitchen. I used to hate tickets like this.

kitchen receipt for Table 23
Mains
1 Vegetarian Piz
- No Pumpkin
- No Onion
- Add Capsicum
1 Chick Carbonar
- No Chicken
- No Bacon
- No Garlic
- No Onion
- No Egg
- Make spicy if can
3 Chkn Schnitzel
- gravy
- chips
- no salad
- creamy garlic
- chips
- salad
1 M Garl Prawn

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 18/12/2024

Them: How's your December going? Me: I'm functioning.

A porcelain bathroom sink that has been broken away aside from the faucet and drain areas.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 17/12/2024

A while back I posted some stickers that I designed of my Hotdog Goblin. Today I got back my new design of the Glizzy Goblin on holographic vinyl with requisite Aladdin Sane face makeup. Super happy with how these turned out.

“Glizzy Goblin” stickers printed on holographic vinyl depicting a green goblin holding a dagger with two hotdogs impaled on it. The goblin has David Bowie-esque Aladdin Sane face makeup

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 16/12/2024

It is never a good sign when I walk into the kitchen to refresh my morning tea and find this plotting little monster. A sure sign I’m going to be giving some blood today.

A black cat sits with legs curled like a loaf next to a pair of ratty black & white checkered Vans slip-ons sitting on a grubby grey rug on a grey tiled floor

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 12/12/2024

Sharing this so I'm not the only one cursed by its existence.

A bizarrely sculpted toilet made to look like Lars Ulrich of Metallica.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 12/12/2024

I collect cursed objects. This is Gracie, a kneeling porcelain doll with a lamb’s head made by an amazing artist in town named Amanda Rambo. Funny thing about Gracie is that the cross on the rosary turns around every few days. Gracie is family.

A kneeling porcelain doll in a pink dress with lace trim with a lamb’s head in a prayer pose with a rosary intertwined in its hands.

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 10/12/2024

Thank you so much to @claymcleod.bsky.social for this gem. I can’t wait to dive into it.

The front cover of the novel Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman. It depicts a family sitting at a table for dinner (Black & white on a red background). The family’s faces have been replaced with static.

Personalized inscription on the title page of Wake Up and Open your Eyes. It says “Time to wake up, Justin. Time to open your eyes.”

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 07/12/2024

I’d hate to think what the alternative might be.

Package of flour tortillas that has a sticker on it stating “authentic flour.”

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Justin Bowers @aquaphase.23rdlegion.com · 07/12/2024

The only appropriate use of “Skeet.”

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