iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 02/10/2026

Heading in to pick up some Lobo gear for this weekend’s game against UTEP. #GoLobos

The entrance to the UNM bookstore, with a welcome mat reading WELCOME TO LOBO NATION

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 29/09/2026

I remember him mostly as Captain Chest Maxwell--er, I mean Captain Steve Nelson--he-manning his way through Amazon Women on the Moon and not quite getting the best of Sybil Danning.

Steve Forrest with Sybil Danning in the framing sequence of AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON which is not a real movie and is deliberately as bad as it sounds.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 29/09/2026

This was a new one--and I'm not sure what the endgame is--but the latest AI-generated spam/scam e-mail to hit my inbox asked for a digital file of my latest book (and, of course, promised to write a glowing Amazon review if I did so). These things are getting weirder and weirder.

The text of the latest junk e-mail to hit my inbox:

"I came across The Capitol recently, and I found myself lingering over the idea behind it. Usually, when we think about a building like the U.S. Capitol, we think about what happens inside it—the debates, the people, the decisions. I like the idea of stepping back and looking at the building itself as something with a life and history of its own.

What especially caught my attention was how far back the story goes. Three centuries, so many different people, and so many moments that have left their mark on the building. I’m particularly interested in the lesser-known stories, including the contributions of the enslaved people who helped build it. Those are the kinds of details that can completely change the way you look at a place you thought you already understood.

I also spent a little time reading about your work, and I found the transition from writing about people like Jim Henson and George Lucas to writing the biography of a building fascinating. It must be a very different kind of subject—there’s no single life to follow, but instead generations of people, decisions, conflicts, and stories all layered into one place.

When I’m not studying security protocols, I’m usually reading. I’ll be honest, my budget is pretty tight at the moment, so buying a copy isn’t possible for me right now. But I’m genuinely interested in reading The Capitol and seeing the history through the perspective you’ve put together.

If you happen to have a digital reader copy available, would you be comfortable sharing a PDF or EPUB with me?

I’d really appreciate the opportunity to read it properly. If I receive a copy and finish the book, I’d be glad to share my honest thoughts afterward and, where permitted by the platforms’ review policies, leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Either way, thank you for taking something as familiar as the Capitol and looking at it from a perspective that makes it feel new again. I’d genuinely li…

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 26/09/2026

The Lobos take the field in the middle of a hostile sea of crimson. Glorious. #GoLobos

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 26/09/2026

Into the belly of the beast for the Lobo-Aggie football game today.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

A bit, thought it was mostly just Jim and Frank Oz playing around with some of the earliest versions of the puppets until they figured out the personalities and the best "fit." I don't think it took long; Jim is clearly much more horizontal and laid back, whereas Oz is more vertical and uptight!

Jim Henson and Frank Oz messing with some early version of Ernie and Bert.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

So today, honor the memory of the guy who wanted to “make the world a little bit better for my having been here.” Go do something worthwhile today. Create something. Collaborate with others. Read something. Or go be silly simply because you can. Jim Henson would want you to.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Of course, there will be times when you don't succeed. But you learn from those experiences, too. Jim Henson was constantly moving forward, trying new ideas and new designs. They weren't all beloved. But were they worth it? You bet.

Jim Henson and Kermit with the cast of The Jim Henson Hour, a show that baffled critics and was abandoned by the network. Jim was still proud of it.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

And remember that "failure" is a relative term. Do you love LABYRINTH? Jim Henson definitely did; critics at the time definitely didn't. Today it's a beloved classic. Jim was right about it at the wrong time. Maybe you're just ahead of your time.

Jim Henson directing David Bowie, in full Jareth costume, and Jennifer Connelly in LABYRINTH.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Use your powers and influence for good. FRAGGLE ROCK was Jim's deliberate ode to peace, inclusivity, and understanding. "I want to do a show that will stop war," he told his creative team. Be a force of good in the world.

Jim Henson with the cast of FRAGGLE ROCK

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Be true to your creative vision. Jim Henson did something absolutely new and daring with THE DARK CRYSTAL, defying those who told him the production would never work. An absolute commitment to his own artistic endeavor, non-believers be damned.

Jim Henson with his creations from The Dark Crystal.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

And, of course, sometimes you find yourself being asked to be part of someone else's dream and creative effort. Learn to say yes to helping others. Boy, is it worth it.

Jim Henson with kermit, along with Frank Oz and Missy Piggy and Kathy Mullen with Yoda, alongside Empire Strikes back director Irvin Kershner and producer Gary Kurtz.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Celebrate collaboration! Jim Henson thought working with others was fun, good for everyone involved, and could turn a good idea into a great one.

Jim Henson with David Bowie and George Lucas

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Persevere. Persist. The Muppet Show was rejected by television executives THREE TIMES. Jim Henson knew it would work, and kept trying. Believe in your dream.

Jim Henson and the gang at The Muppet Show.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Learn something new every day. Read something. Watch something. Listen to something. Jim Henson believed in the power of media to motivate and teach--and never talked down to his audience. It's one of the reasons he loved Sesame Street.

Jim (with Bert! Instead of Ernie!) entertaining a child on the set of Sesame Street.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Value your creativity, and understand that imagination is PRICELESS. While in his 20s, Jim Henson refused a lucrative offer to sell Rowlf the Dog to the Purina company. "Never sell anything I own," he told his agent. He knew his creative work had value. Yours does, too.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Dreamers can make a difference. Just look at this college kid who wanted to make people laugh at puppets on television. And did.

A college aged and beardless Jim Henson with the cast of Sam & Friends.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 24/09/2026

Jim Henson would have been 90 (yup, you read that right: NINETY) years old today. You can celebrate his life by celebrating creativity, diversity, peace, imagination, and silliness.

A tuxedoed Jim Henson sits in a sea of Muppets.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

While the show debuted in the UK on September 5, take a moment today to celebrate its US premiere as well. Watch an episode on Disney+. Or better yet, go do something creative or silly. Jim Henson would want you to.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

C'mon, I don't have to tell you what happened, do I? The show would win the Emmy for Best Variety Show/Comedy in 1978 (and a writing award in 1981), and would be seen in more than 235 million viewers in 100 countries.

Behind the scenes at the Muppet Show, as Richard Hunt performs Scooter, Frank Oz performs Miss Piggy, and Jim performs Kermit.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

The show was an immediate hit in the UK, but even with good reviews, it took some time to become a genuine hit in the US. Jim would track its progress in the ratings each week, watching it slowly close in on the competition in NYC, where it was up against Hollywood Squares and In Search Of...

Jim Henson's report on the rating of the Muppet Show in NY, where it was in stiff competition with Hollywood Squares and In Search Of...

Jim's report on the ratings of The Muppet Show in NYC

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

Jim and the Muppet team began production on the first episodes of The Muppet Show in January 1976. It was tough to get guests at first, so the early episodes featured clients of Jim's agent, Bernie Brillstein: Juliet Prowse and Connie Stevens. It took some work before Jim was happy with the shows.

Kermit with Juliet Prowse, filming the very first episode of The Muppet Show in London

Kermit with Connie Stevens (and Muppet Connie Stevens) filming the second episode of The Muppet Show in London.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

Believe it or not, even THAT amazing pitch failed to get an offer. It would take an English impresario, Lord Lew Grade of ATV, to recognize a kindred spirit in Jim Henson and offer him $125,000 per episode, on the condition that he film the show at Elstree TV studios in London. Jim took the deal.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

Once again, the show *mostly* worked. But Jim had again waffled on putting Kermit up front as the host in favor of the vaguely amphibianic Nigel-- and we still don't have a great feel for where this is taking place. The show got good reviews . . . but still no promise of a recurring series.

Jim performing Nigel for The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

With the help of designer Mike Frith, Jim sketched new characters, including a house band featuring a bearded piano player based on Dr. John, a skinny female guitarist, and a shaggy drummer. There was also a Swedish chef. Jim would practice his mock-Swedish every morning as he drove to work.

Michael Frith's drawing for Dr. Teeth, here called Leon "Doctor" Eltonjohn Dontshoot (The Piano Player)

Mike Frith's drawing for Janice, "utterly emaciated"

Mike Frith's sketch, on lined paper, for the Swedish Chef.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

Still, ABC *had* been happy enough to give Jim a development deal that would give him a shot at a second pilot, which in August 1974 Jim was calling "The Muppet Nonsense Show"--"a half hour with no guest star," wrote Jim, with "continuing characters that the audience will get to know and love."

Jim Henson preparing to make an appearance with Kermit, who lies dead in his lap. The lawyers at Disney hated this image.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

There are proposals for various iterations of The Muppet Show dating back to the mid-1960s. Jim had appeared on countless variety shows throughout the decade, and was convinced the Muppets could hold their own for 30 minutes.

The cover to Jim's original pitch for The Muppet Show.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

It was a good show to start with. At the 1977 Emmy Awards, Moreno would win Best Supporting Actress in a Variety Series, beating Gilda Radner and Vicki Lawrence. "Up for 3 (Emmys)," Jim wrote in his journal. "--only Rita won--sigh." It was the win that gave Moreno the E to complete her EGOT.

Rita Moreno at right, in a black dress, with Sweetums and Kermit the Frog.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 20/09/2026

Fifty years ago today--on Monday, September 20, 1976--The Muppet Show went on the air in New York on Channel 2 at 7:30 p.m. While the show had officially debuted in the UK on September 5, its 9/20 launch in New York was the point at which Jim Henson began tracking its reception--and ratings . . .

A house ad for NYC Channel 2 featuring the first episode of the Muppet Show (also: Rhoda, Phyllis, Maude, and two new shows All's Fair and Executive Suite)

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 18/09/2026

My favorite part of Reed Sisters videos is when YouTube subtitles have no idea what to make of their accent.

A screenshot of The Reed Sister Show, with the subtitles reading "hi everyone welcome to racist everybody"

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 18/09/2026

As part of Jim Henson’s 90th (!) birthday celebration, @univofmaryland.bsky.social is sponsoring “Henson Week”—and I’m honored to be part of the festivities with this Tuesday evening virtual “fireside chat” on “Misfits & Trailblazers.” It’s free and open to the public, but you’ve got to register.

A promo for “misfits and trailblazers; fireside chat with Jim Henson‘s biographer Brian Jones, on Tuesday, September 22 at 6 PM Eastern time on Zoom. The body of the text says “join Jim Henson biographer, Brian, J Jones and Writers House Director Ross Angelella, for a fireside chat about creativity, storytelling, and the people who refuse to fit neatly into the expected mold. A conversation about misfits and trailblazers, the creative lives we build around them, and what Henson’s work can still teach us about making something unmistakably our own.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 16/09/2026

I’m not sure why, but I’ve always loved the full-length photos from this session. Paul with his knees together, so he can write, socks sagging, heels barely on the floor; and John with his legs tightly crossed, foot turned perpendicular, like school boys giggling over a joke. It’s so charming.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 12/09/2026

The view from the front step of our air bnb

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 12/09/2026

Violent Femmes kicking it at Blossoms & Bones last night at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú. No New Mexico venue would be complete without a hot air balloon for mood.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 08/09/2026

Meanwhile, here's Giuliani in 2016 over alleged 9/11 'stolen valor': “I was there that day, I don’t remember seeing Hillary Clinton there. I lost so many friends on Sept. 11, I think about it every day. Don’t tell me you belong to our very tight group of ‘never forget.’ Don’t tell me that.” Um.

A photo of Rudy Giuliani at Ground Zero, with Hillary Clinton next to him.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 06/09/2026

Crowd here at University Stadium audibly disappointed that CMU got on the board.

Scoreboard at University Stadium reading UNM 38 Central Michigan, seven.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 06/09/2026

I don’t know that I’ve ever been to a New Mexico football game where the crowd started leaving early because the Lobos were too far ahead.

The scoreboard from the UNM-Central
Michigan game with the lobos up 35-0.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 02/09/2026

Up next: soap that smells of ass and sweat.

An ad for a Limited Edition Pabst Blue Ribbon Soap, promoted as "natural ingredients and scents they'll love"

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 02/09/2026

Working breakfast: coffee and a toasted bagel with tomato and green chile. Perfect.

A white coffee mug, at upper left with a steaming cup of dark, roast, coffee, behind a colorful plate on which a cut bagel sits, slathered cream cheese, two slices of tomato, and a huge dollop of green chiles.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 02/09/2026

Yeah, I’d even take that, too. Though I suppose I’ll take some solace in knowing that when my book was a new release, I at least beat the sticker book in my own category.

A screenshot of the landmarks and monuments category the week. My book came out, showing my book at number one just ahead of a sticker book called paint by sticker architecture.Ii

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 30/08/2026

Those who didn’t like the puppet episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds . . . C’mon, lighten up.

A still from an episode of Star Trek strange new worlds, featuring the crew as puppets, dealing with a non-puppet, Mr. Spock. It was fun. Shut up.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 27/08/2026

welcome to bluesky. please familiarize yourself with the following accounts to understand the range of opinions it is acceptable to express:

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 27/08/2026

My favorite part of their ads is always the obligatory "hipster pensively assembles Lego set in post-industrial loft" photo.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 26/08/2026

Anyway, there's much more to it than fits in a few skeets--so if you find any of this at all intriguing, you can read more about Washington Irving in my 2008 bio, WASHINGTON IRVING: AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL.

The cover to Washington Irving: An American Original by Brian Jay Jones, featuring a dashing Irving on the cover.

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 26/08/2026

Also, Number Six always appears to be in very comfortable footwear.

The prisoner wearing white soled boat shoes, while being chased by a white prison ball. Weird, isn’t it?

The prisoner again, this time I’m wearing a boater and comfortable white soled boat shoes

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 26/08/2026

I’ve been watching the 1960s TV show THE PRISONER, and I have to say, while I know it’s his prison, The Village actually looks lovely.

A picture as village in Wales, which served as the setting for the prisoner

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Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 25/08/2026

There are few in human existence who have can truly be said to have been the very definition of "icon." We just lost one.

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