iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 17h

Just getting more and more bizarre, man.

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 22h

I love how he really thinks he's got Smith cornered only to see it all fall apart in real time. Glorious. And he couldn't run off fast enough to do a podcast where he continued to assert he was absolutely right.

010

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 23h

Waiting to see if Schmitt will eventually throw his own counsel under the bus. Likely not, as he's already doubled down and says he stands by his absolute bullshit accusation, which exploded in his face like an ACME cigar.

180

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 23h

The fact that Schmitt continues to proudly say that he stands by his remarks is just absolutely embarrassing.

010

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.

130

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

Dang, man, now I can't NOT hear that entire e-main in Worf's voice.

010

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

The "When I’m not studying security protocols, I’m usually reading..." made me laugh out loud as the laziest, most random segue ever.

130

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…

230

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

This is right up there with "Anne Frank is a fictional character." Just the dumbest people.

010

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

I was "too old" for Saved By The Bell, but that didn't mean that the TV in my Congressional office in the late '90s wasn't tuned to TBS every weekday during recess for reruns of both Saved by the Bell and California Dreams. Godspeed, Mr. Belding. I wish my principal had been as cool.

nytimes.com

Dennis Haskins, Mr. Belding on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ Dies at 75

He played the exasperated but well-meaning principal on the popular high school sitcom. He reprised the role in a long-running spinoff.

092

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 27/09/2026

George Martin: “John thought he was the bee’s knees because he would give John little toys.” Ugh.

121

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 27/09/2026

This “Once La’An a Time” episode of ST: Strange New Worlds is super goofy—but I swear, that dance scene was a deliberate nod to LABYRINTH.

160

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 27/09/2026

One episode in, and the @nigella.bsky.social era of GBBO is already a lot of fun. I love her enthusiasm and (if I may be so bold to say so) her gigantic bites of cake are absolutely adorable.

280

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

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

140

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

Beautiful in Las Cruces today, though when I left Albuquerque 3 hours and 200 miles ago, it was foggy and overcast.

010

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

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

151

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 25/09/2026

This is going really well for you.

010

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 25/09/2026

I’m speaking with their book club Saturday!

010

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

Spot on. He had a more interesting love life in that run than most characters see in their existence.

121

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

Robin. It's Kermit's' nephew.

120

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

The entire state of New Mexico is embarrassed. Sorry, folks.

010

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.

130

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.

534485

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.

11658

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.

11799

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

221715

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.

22068

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.

223018

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

222914

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

Never be afraid to be silly. Jim Henson took great delight in Muppets blowing up or devouring each other. There is beauty in absurdity and hilarity. Indulge it.

youtube.com

The Muppets "Glow-Worm" on The Ed Sullivan Show

YouTube video by The Ed Sullivan Show

120724

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.

223321

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

Look a child in the eye and treat them with respect when you talk with them. You might find they're wiser than you are. Teach them. Motivate them. And for god's sake, make them laugh. They need it. And you need it, too.

youtube.com

Sesame Street: Kermit and Joey Say the Alphabet

YouTube video by Sesame Street

527539

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.

126829

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.

132736

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.

134543

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.

212430956

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 23/09/2026

He always looks like a talking Q-Tip animated by Gerald Scarfe.

000

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 23/09/2026

The most fragile little boy is at it again.

0140

Brian Jay Jones @brianjayjones.com · 21/09/2026

As a fellow girl dad, can confirm.

010