iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Thanks to the wonders of AI, my various self-hosted websites have been in various states of offline for the past month. They all appear to be back up now. But at least I got a new (rare) blog post out of it, full of blogspots and cron jobs: #technology #FuckAI mynonurbanlife.com/tech-storm-2...

mynonurbanlife.com

Tech Storm 2025 – My Now-Urban Life

100

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

I tried bridging my Mastodon posts to this app, and apparently I succeeded, but it didn't work quite the way I expected – it posts to a separate profile, and a lot of you followed that. But I can't seem to follow from that one. So if I followed you from this profile today, that's why.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

Last night in the grocery store a kid was randomly calling out "hee haw!" as if she were Sam Wainright.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

My latest #LocalHistory post is essentially an excuse to look at a very, very pretty map – a 1910 Sanborn fire insurance map showing the confluence of the #MohawkRiver and #HudsonRiver at #cohoes #UpstateNewYork #UpstateNY #CohoesNY #map #maps #historicalMaps hoxsie.org/2025/08/10/the-co

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

I was about to not bother bringing #kayaks on our short weekend trip back to the old hometown, but then our grownkid said they wanted to paddle with us . . . and we had the most delightful afternoon on the #MohawkRiver in a section I didn't used to paddle that much.

130

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Waterford, NY: the 1893 Ormsby Textile mill. Underwear, lace trim, automobile fabrics, "mother of the bride" dresses. The history of Ursula of Switzerland and the Ormsby mill at my blog: hoxsie.org/2025/07/28/u... #Localhistory #UpstateNY #UpstateNewYork #waterfordNY #histodons #history

Photograph of a brick mill building, a five-story building with a series of windows on every floor, and a taller tower in the front of the building, capped by a delicate weathervane.

A black clothing tag, inside a black garment, for Ursula of Switzerland.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

What if Scotia, NY's Glen-Sanders Mansion had no Glens, no Sanderses? At the link, the history of the mansion – the very symbol of my hometown – from 1963 until today. #localhistory #scotiaNY #schenectady #SchenectadyHistory #ScotiaHistory hoxsie.org/2025/07/10/t...

1934 black and white photograph of Scotia, New York's Glen Sanders Mansion. It is an old house with an appearance of white stucco or plaster on the exterior. The lower story facing us shows two large windows (12 lites each), a narrower window next to a broad door that also appears to be glazed with 35 lites, and two more windows to the right of the door. All the windows on the lower story have shutters.Above this in iron are is the date "1713." Above that, four windows are spread acros the facade, with 25 lites each. A third story features a hipped roof and three dormers, and a decorative rail at the top of the roof. There is a light coating of snow all around the grounds, and several gnarled old trees in the foreground.

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Ohhhh . . . yesterday I paddled what I'm pretty sure is my new boat. Made by Melker of Sweden, committed to sustainability (it ain't easy), this baby is laid up with cork; the deck is made of flax. And resin that's at least partly plant-based. And it paddles like a dream. #paddling #kayak #kayaking

Photograph of a kayak on a dock. The kayak is light brown in color, made of cork and flax. There are three hatches, two in front of the cockpit and one aft, and the areas surrounding the hatches are bright white. The cockpit is shaped like a guitar pick. A white-bladed paddle rests on the back of the kayak.

050

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

After writing about #UpstateNewYork carpet heiress/big game hunter/POW in Germany, here's her famous polo player brother, once on the cover of Time Magazine, & once fined for bringing too many ducks into New York State: hoxsie.org/2025/04/28/p... #localhistory #AmsterdamNY #UpstateHistory

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

If I'd had to guess which member of an #AmsterdamNY family had ended up on the cover of Time Magazine, I would not have guessed Laddie Sanford.But I wouldn't have guessed he got fined for bringing too many dead ducks into New York, either. hoxsie.org/.../polo-pla... #upstateny #LocalHistory

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Fascinated to learn that a local heiress who had gone to work for the O.S.S. in WWII ended up as a POW in Nazi Germany in the closing months of the war – Story here: hoxsie.org/2025/04/24/a... #LocalHistory #AmsterdamNY #CapitalDistrict #history #WWII

Photograph of a woman, Gertrude Sanford Legendre, in a women's military uniform with jacket, shirt and tie, and skirt, standing next to a concrete post and in front of a building with shutters around its windows. She actually appears to be smiling at the camera, but this was taken while she was a prisoner of war in Germany in World War II.

021

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

New post up at VinylDistractions.com: Catching up with the six John Mayall albums I've collected since the last time I wrote about John Mayall, starting with the epic "The Turning Point." vinyldistractions.com/john-mayall-...

The Turning Point front cover – Underneath the title (in red type on blue background) is a stylized black and white mezzotint photograph that shows, in very abstract high contrast, a man holding a microphone cupped in his hands before his face. He appears to be surrounded by the folds of a curtain. This is probably from a photograph of John Mayall playing harmonica into a microphone, but the harmonica is not visible.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

youtu.be/q2pDzJy81h0 All the cool kids are singing Dylan again these days, right? Here's "Things Have Changed," which I seem to play differently every time I play it. #SundaySong #CoverSongs #DylanSongs

youtu.be

Things Have Changed 03-16-25

YouTube video by Carl Johnson

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Friday the 13th fell on a Thursday this month, but you can celebrate whatever the 14th is with me at 260 Bridge Cafe. New songs, old songs, tea and pastries! See you tomorrow night, 7 PM.

020

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Oops, I may have just bought another #fountainpen. I was just supposed to get ink cartridges ;) My return to fountain pen use has really helped me focus on both journalling and general scribbling/doodling. It's a very mindful practice when I can't be doing something physical. #fountainpens

040

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

While I generally love having a younger therapist, it does mean I had to spend an amount of time today explaining the movie "To Sir With Love" and why when I saw it recently, I was weeping throughout. #therapy #movies

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Once upon a time this was my blog's tag:

Text in a box that says
I can write better than anyone who can type faster.
I can type faster than anyone who can write better.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

youtu.be/6pb0OI367m8?... Maybe my little emotional crisis in a local grocery store will resonate beyond the bounds of Kimberton, PA. In any case, this is my own song about “Crying In the Kimberton Whole Foods" (no relation, I promise). #music #singersongwriter #originalsong #originalmusic #ukulele

youtu.be

Crying in the Kimberton Whole Foods

YouTube video by Carl Johnson

011

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

I’ve been reading this book for 40 years—like most of my favorites, hard to say why—but the paperback binding is finally coming apart. Technically, it’s still in print (more’s my surprise), though the demand has to pile up before they’ll actually produce a few. #literature #reading #books

Cover of Muriel Spark’s novella, “The Girls of Slender Means,” which is simply a black background, Sparks’s name in script in a silver band across the top, and beneath that the title in a green box in a very gentle deco font.

Title page of “The Girls of Slender Means,” with nothing but the title in a small capital font.

000

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Anna Spackman 🎶 @annaspackmanmusic.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Friday 3/21 - F**k the Patriarchy at Anno Artem. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/fk-the-pat... Saturday 3/29 - Sunlight Returning: Songs of Hope. Tickets: www.thegemspringcity.com/event-detail... 💕💕

eventbrite.com

F**k The Patriarchy - Exhibition Opening Event

Join us for a badass VIP preview of our "F**k The Patriarchy" exhibition!

011

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Bianca Muñiz @itsbiancamuniz.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

I finally did it—my YouTube intro video is live! 🎥 I’ll be sharing my journey with music, mental health, surviving cancer 3x, travel, art & just figuring life out. If that sounds like your vibe, come hang out.✨ Watch here👇🏼 youtu.be/wO0UpYv2Hgo #youtube #tp53 #cancersurvivor

youtu.be

Surviving Cancer 3 Times & Finding My True Path | My Story & What’s Next

YouTube video by Bianca Muñiz

152

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

I can report that there were some parts of today’s showing of “To Sir With Love” during which I was not weepy.

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Continuing thoughts on my own history – I came across an image from 1977 that represents a remarkable moment in time for me, as well as a challenge. I was never satisfied with how this printed – but times and technology have changed. So have I. mynonurbanlife.com/choices/ #memoir #essay

1977 black and white photograph. In a darkened room, nearly all the illumination appears to come from a row of vending machines – to the left can only be seen partially, but in the center is one labeled "candies," and the next one is labelled "cigarettes." The upper parts of the displays, panels hiding the actual products, have vertical stripes, with the "candies" machien showing a dish of candy in a circle, surrounded by bubbles. The cigarette machine shows cigarette cartons. Each machine has two rows of buttons or knobs for selections. Standing in front of the candy machine is a young black woman, wearing a white, lightweight formal-looking blouse with tight cuffs and slightly billowy sleeves, and a broad rectangular collar. Below she has on a trim skirt or perhaps pants. Her right hand is leaning on the machine as she studies her choices. He left arm holds notebooks and a newspaper to her body, and her hand clutches what is probably a backpack. The picture is highly contrasty, dark darks and bright lights.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

If an elected official deigns himself king, his supporters must resign their elected positions, join the regency, and we can elect people with loyalty to country over cult. This will be my message to my elected representatives, all sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Louis Garneau is selling 100 paintings to raise money for a documentary about Black #cycling legend Major Taylor, the Worcester Whirlwind, whose story has barely been told despite being a world champion #cyclist www.worcesterwhirlwind.com/resilience #cycling #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth

worcesterwhirlwind.com

LOUIS GARNEAU PAINTINGS

A creative fundraising initiative by Louis Garneau in support of the Major Taylor movie titled WHIRLWIND

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

This #SundaySong doesn't sound exactly right, but the point isn't to be perfect, just to do it. This is "Hospital" by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, dark af. #CoverSong #Coversongs #CoversongSinger #SundaySongs youtu.be/bRyrxR1UCps

youtu.be

Hospital – cover of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers

YouTube video by Carl Johnson

020

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Light challenges last night, but when Nervous Nikki took the front spot I was able to capture her in her retirement-home blazer splendor. Really fun show at Tuned Up in Spring City, PA.

Photograph of a female singer/guitar player, playing a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar (I believe), leaning into the microphone, her mouth wide as she sings. She is white, has long, wavy dark hair, parted on her right side and hanging long over her left shoulder. Her eyes are closed. She is wearing a light colored sweater with thin horizontal stripes, underneath a pink blazer she described as looking like something you'd see in a retirement home. Not wrong.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

My moment of hope for today, from John K. Samson: May the rope remember all the rhymes for knot To lift me up and lay me down Bear the swinging weight of love ... May we grow www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdBr...

youtube.com

John K. Samson - "Prayer For Ruby Elm" (May We Grow Film Version)

YouTube video by ANTI- Records

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

I checked my sources, meaning the two globes in my study. Google can, as the kids say, gargle my balls.

A section of a very old globe showing the label for the Gulf of Mexico.

010

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.

6064928511054

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

#AlbanyNY served up about 47 #historicalmarkers in 1886 to celebrate the city charter's bicentennial. Shocking/not shocking that only one never made it to its intended destination – the one honoring Black citizens. The full story is here: hoxsie.org/2020/10/01/w... #BlackHistoryMonth #AlbanyHistory

1891 map of Albany's Washington Park (from the Washington Park Conservancy website) with an overlay showing the approximate location of the old burial grounds. The trees that are subject of the linked post were likely planted just above and to the left of the oval where the King Memorial is now.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

These motherfuckers can't kowtow fast enough. It's one thing when a government takes illegitimate acts and forces you into a position – it's quite another to just say "yes, your majesty" before the question is even asked. www.ncaa.org/news/2025/2/...

ncaa.org

NCAA announces transgender student-athlete participation policy change - NCAA.org

Men's category open to all eligible student-athletes, women's category restricted to student-athletes assigned female at birth, schools directed to foster welcoming environments on all campuses.

000

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Thomas H. Sands Pennington was one of the first Black pharmacists, who practiced for many years in #Saratoga Springs just after the Civil War. Much more on this remarkable man, including some of his own words, at the blog: hoxsie.org/2020/08/17/t... #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #UpstateNY

Civil War photograph of Thomas H. Sands Pennington. He is a black man, seemingly small in stature, wearing a cloth coat of a hospital steward in the 20th United States Colored Infantry, with large buttons and a simple collar. His hair is fairly long, processed into waves and coiffed. He has a trimmed sideburns and neckbeard arrangement. He is looking into the distance, his left elbow posted on a newel post.

000

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Forever Changes Records @foreverchangespxv.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

oh boy! my little store is nom’d for Best of the Main Line! If you could take a moment to vote for Forever Changes, I’d be super grateful!! bestof.mainlinetoday.com/goods-and-se...

3142

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Looking at the Grammys lists reminds me of why I never pay attention to these things, as well as how out of touch I am. The Beatles? Best Rock Performance? I have other questions….

010

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Forever Changes Records @foreverchangespxv.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

when your family IS Black History: my dad James Cephas was the owner of King James Records, a Black-owned record store in West Philly from 1967-1997. Our first home was the apt above the OG store. I was raised there and learned everything behind that counter.

0275

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

This week's #SundaySong definitely challenged my limited piano and vocal abilities, but it's such a compelling, depressing song I went for it anyway. Recorded this in balmier weather, and decided it's good enough to post. Here's Amanda Palmer's "The Bed Song." #SundaySongs youtu.be/tjBnG4CvLUE

youtu.be

The Bed Song, Amanda Palmer

YouTube video by Carl Johnson

010

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

First ride of 2025 – January was cold, snowy and icy, as well as busy. Decided to get my old Bianchi out because it has snow tires that haven't been given anything to do in a few years. Felt good but that wind kicked up in the second half. #cycling #roadbike #roadcycling #cyclist #winter

Me, posed with an ice Schuylkill canal as a backdrop. I'm wearing a helmet with a cloth cover over it, dark sunglasses, a blue gaiter around my neck and a bright yellow jacket, with a rusty steel bridge rail between me and the icy depths of the canal.

Ice covering the Schuylkill Canal surrounded by bare trees and scrub.

Ice on the Schuylkill Canal, with the crushed stone towpath trail to the left.

My 22-year-old Bianchi Strada bicycle, a cumbersome weird upright that I've mostly used as a commuter. It's leaning against a picnic table.

050

cjonthehudson.bsky.social @cjonthehudson.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Erasing people from documents is the start of erasing people, period. These vicious monsters have made their intentions clear, now they are carrying them out. It was never about the bullshit economy nonsense or anything else. It was ALWAYS about the hate. wapo.st/3CjKc7G

wapo.st

CDC removes gender, equity references in public health material

Large sets of data are being scrubbed of references to transgender and LGBTQ+ people, among others, which could compromise their use in research.

030

Reposted by @cjonthehudson.bsky.social

Anna Spackman 🎶 @annaspackmanmusic.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Coming soon! Saturday 2/15 8-10 pm: Kings Tavern Saturday 3/29 7 pm: The Gem with Larkspur Gunther, Moweh + Queen Ebizmel Tickets: www.thegemspringcity.com/event-detail...

052