iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 25/09/2026

Off the top of my head... Victor Wooten Abraham Laboriel Larry Graham Rhonda Smith #bassplayers

picture of a woman holding a bass guitar.

Prince playing a guitar next to Larry GRaham (in white) playing a bass

Black and white photo of Abraham Laboriel playing a six string bass.

Mann with a red hat playing a bass guitar (the man is Victor Wooten)

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 27/07/2026

For me? The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

A carved wooden plaque featuring a stylized engraved portrait of Lauryn Hill’s face and hair. Above the portrait, the text reads “THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL.” The wood has a warm brown tone with visible grain and etched lines giving the artwork a textured, handcrafted look.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 14/07/2026

Birmingham City University (BCU) School of Art alumnus, Dion Kitson with a new mural featuring England footballers Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers eating battered chips a Black Country delicacy. Image credit: Dion Kitson Studio #itscominghome www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/...

A mural on a white wall shows two England soccer players. The player on the left, wearing jersey number 10, holds a piece of food. The player on the right, wearing jersey number 17, carries a large tray filled with fried chips. To the left of the mural is a brick wall with a black sign that reads “FISH & CHIPS” in red letters.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 11/07/2026

The Columbus book festival was packed. Picked up Sistah Samurai and some William Blake. A good day. #ohio #books

A book titled Sistah Samurai: A Champloo Novella rests on a surface. The cover shows a stylized figure in a red kimono holding a katana, with an afro and headband, painted in a bold brushstroke style of red and gray. A small pin featuring a cartoon character with an afro and glasses sits on top of the book. Handwritten text appears near the top edge.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 27/06/2026

Oil painting titled Woman (sometimes referred to as Head of a Woman) by Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012). Features her signature modernist style.

A medium-shot photograph taken inside an art gallery, displaying a framed painting on the left and a dark digital metadata overlay on the right.

The painting, rendered in a modernist style with soft, geometric planes and a muted color palette of blues, tans, and browns, depicts a person with brown skin wearing a brimmed straw hat and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt. The subject is seated and resting their chin thoughtfully on their right hand, with their elbow resting on a surface.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 17/06/2026

Spent an afternoon at the Columbus park of roses parkofroses.org #614

Four pale lavender roses in full bloom, clustered closely together among green leaves, with more softly blurred rose bushes in the sunlit background.

Light pink flowers with dark pink centers blooming on a garden shrub, sharply focused against a soft green background of grass and trees on a sunny day.

Deep pink roses in full bloom with layered petals, surrounded by green leaves, set against a softly blurred garden background.

White roses in the foreground with a long row of red roses behind them along a garden path, with a person standing on the walkway and trees and grass in the background.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 29/05/2026

My first sighting of an Indigo Bunting ever. He was singing his heart out for a while before we spotted him #birding #metroparks

An Indigo colored bird sitting on btanch contrasted against a blue sky

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 26/04/2026

Grabbed a couple of books this weekend. "Black in Blues" by @imanibarbarin.bsky.social and "The Edge of Space-Time" by @chanda.blacksky.app. The only question now is which one to start first. 🤔

A hand holds two books. The top book is Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My Body by Imani Perry, featuring an expressive painted portrait in blue and brown tones. Beneath it is The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie, a minimalist cover with black text and a circular graphic.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 20/04/2026

Didn’t expect to be saying goodbye to Tim Apple today.

A formal meeting in the Oval Office where four people in business attire stand around the Resolute Desk. One person opens a white Apple‑branded box while the others observe. The room’s gold curtains, military flags, and a portrait of Ronald Reagan are visible in the background.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 19/04/2026

One of my favorite spots in the #ColumbusMetroParks it features this gorgeous bridge over the Scioto River.

A view from a steel bridge overlooking a calm river lined with autumn trees, with sunlight reflecting on the water and a second bridge visible in the distance.

A long metal truss bridge with wooden railings stretches forward between autumn trees, its repeating steel beams forming a symmetrical tunnel under a bright blue sky.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 03/04/2026

"We see our home planet as a whole, lit up in spectacular blues and browns. A green aurora even lights up the atmosphere. That's us, together, watching as our astronauts make their journey to the Moon." - NASA #ArtemisII

A full disk image of Earth, as seen from the Orion capsule. The planet is a pale blue, swirling with white clouds and glowing slightly lighter blue in place from reflected light. From about 8 to 9 o'clock, a large brown landmass is Africa, with the Iberian peninsula twinkling with lights just where the planet curves. At the 1 o'clock spot, aurora glow in a thin green glow, just barely separated from the planet's surface. Earth is set against the black of space. Credit: NASA/Reid Weisman

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 28/03/2026

This gorgeous mural greets you as you enter the Budd Dairy Food Hall a curated, multi‑vendor dining hall in Columbus. Highly recommended! #614

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 22/03/2026

Stopped during my walk today and watched this great blue heron. We also saw an Osprey, Red shouldered hawk and a Bald Eagle. A great spring day! #columbusmetroparks

A large gray heron stands in shallow water near reeds and driftwood, its long neck extended and orange bill pointed forward as it watches the water.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 01/03/2026

Followed by a Red headed woodpecker. Today was a good day. #columbusmetroparks

A red headed wood pecker an a near vertical tree branch

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 01/03/2026

Saw what I believe to be a Red tailed hawk today #columbusmetroparks

A brown hawk sitting on a branch against a cloudless blue sky

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 17/02/2026

Saw Redhead and Bufflehead ducks along with a gorgeous Bald Eagle flying directly overhead. All at the @cbusmetroparks.bsky.social #614 #cbusmetroparks

Water fall surrounded by trees with some snow and ice on the ground.

Water fall surrounded by trees with some snow and ice on the ground. This view is elated.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 04/01/2026

I still do! Most days I am wearing a fitness tracker but Sundays I go analogue.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 01/01/2026

Not sure what to make of the fact that vinyl sales have long surpassed CD salez

A vinyl cover of the jazz album A kind of blue, by Miles Davis.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 25/12/2025

More books for Christmas! ❄️ I am fascinated by the idea that we have so conveniently frozen constitutional meaning, so my wife got me "The originalism trap" by @audrelawdamercy.bsky.social I was also blown away by the Elizabeth Catlett exhibit at the National Gallery of Art early this year!💗

A top-down view of three books stacked on a neutral-toned carpet. The primary book in the center is "The Originalism Trap" by Madiba K. Dennie, featuring a white cover with a large red "X" made of two quill pens. Partially tucked behind it to the right is "Fear of a Black Republic" by Leslie M. Alexander, showing a blue and red cover. In the background, a large black hardcover titled "Elizabeth & Margaret" by Andrew Morton is visible.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 24/12/2025

I was gifted a digital copy of "The Bright Ages" by @mekka.mekka-tech.com and I have not stopped talking about it. My wife got me physical copies for Christmas (in the hopes of shutting me up 🥰)! Love the work of @profgabriele.com and @lollardfish.bsky.social

Two books on medieval history lie side by side on a textured gray fabric. The left book, Oathbreakers by Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry, features a medieval sword hilt and subtitle about a fraternal war that reshaped Europe. The right book, The Bright Ages, has a blue and gold decorative cover and a glowing review quote from the Boston Globe.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 15/12/2025

The photography is by Arch-Exist.

A modern architectural structure with a sweeping arched roof and expansive glass facade, perched on a scenic hillside surrounded by greenery. The building features a curved outdoor deck supported by cylindrical columns and tiered wooden seating inside, where people are gathered in a relaxed, open setting.

An elevated wooden observation deck with a curved design, nestled into a lush green hillside. A person stands on the platform, gazing out over the dense vegetation, while the structure blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

A contemporary interior space with a sweeping arched wooden ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. The room features tiered seating with sculptural wooden tables and chairs arranged in a semi-circle, while sunlight casts dramatic shadows across the curved surfaces. Outside, a wooden deck extends toward the water, where two people enjoy the coastal view.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 09/12/2025

This is brutal. Not a single game. #wolves #premiership

Football league table showing statistics for West Ham United, Burnley, and Wolverhampton Wanderers after 15 games, including wins, draws, losses, goal difference, and points.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 22/11/2025

LIVE IN EACH SEASON AS IT PASSES BREATHE THE AIR DRINK THE DRINK AND RESIGN YOURSELF TO THE INFLUENCE OF THE EARTH. #columbusmetroparks

Exterior of a modern building featuring a stone wall engraved with a poetic quote in large capital letters: “LIVE IN EACH SEASON AS IT PASSES BREATHE THE AIR DRINK THE DRINK AND RESIGN YOURSELF TO THE INFLUENCE OF THE EARTH.” The inscription promotes mindfulness and connection to nature. Adjacent metal siding and glass doors reflect a passerby, with landscaped surroundings and contemporary architecture.

Modern building with olive-green horizontal siding and large black-framed glass windows reflecting nearby trees and structures. The architecture features sharp angles and clean lines, creating a sleek, contemporary appearance in an urban setting.

Autumn landscape featuring a lake surrounded by trees with vibrant fall foliage. In the foreground, large rocks and dry grass frame the scene, while a concrete structure appears on the right. The sky is mostly clear with wispy clouds, and reflections in the water hint at a peaceful, natural setting.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 16/11/2025

A beautiful autumn day in Columbus Metro Parks #quarrytrail

View of a river from a bridge. Trees on the banks of the river have autumnal hue. Sky is blue with a few wisps of clouds.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 14/11/2025

What's your display resolution? Mine looks like this at 1920x1080

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 03/10/2025

Architect Terry Farrell, best-known for the postmodern MI6, died recently. My favorite building is his KK100 skyscraper, which is the world's tallest building by a British #architect. [Photo by Carsten Schael]

Modern high-rise skyscraper with a twisting glass and metal facade, curving dramatically at the base. The building features a geometric canopy with lights, surrounded by trees, other buildings, and a paved street with road markings.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 09/09/2025

Visual Studio 2026 has just landed! #VisualStudio2026 review.learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visual...

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 27/08/2025

Why am I seeing a reference to a 9-year-old story on the front page of espn.com/nba. Slow period for the #nba I guess :) www.espn.com/olympics/bas...

A picture of a basketball player with USA on the front of his jersey. The printed text next to the picture reads "Melo: 'Would be very happy walking away from the game' with three golds Knicks star Carmelo Anthony said that if an NBA title continues to elude him, he "would be very happy walking..." "

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 27/08/2025

Watching John Wick and was reminded of the beauty of the Sacred Heart Basilica in #Paris during the closing scene.

White Gothic styled church from the side. Two people walking up the steps

Interior of a Gothic style church, an image the Christ on the ceiling with arms stretched open

A series of stone steps with an iron railing in the center. Trees lining the right side and buildings on the left

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 22/08/2025

Well, this was exactly why I prioritized going to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in DC this year. We all assumed it would come to this. #dc #museum

Low-angle view of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., showcasing its bronze-colored lattice facade inspired by historical ironwork. The cube-shaped building stands against a clear blue sky, with three birds in flight on the left side, adding motion to the serene scene.

Abstract portrait painting displayed on a white gallery wall, composed of vibrant dots, dashes, and splashes in blue, red, yellow, purple, and white. The face emerges from dense clusters of color, contrasted by blank areas in the background. A small placard with artwork details is mounted to the right of the painting.

Vintage Boeing Stearman PT-17 Kaydet biplane suspended from a museum ceiling, painted in blue and yellow with 'ARMY' lettering and U.S. military roundels on the wings. The open cockpit, radial engine, and black propeller with red and white tips are clearly visible. Background includes aviation history displays under dim lighting.

Museum exhibit panel titled 'THE PARADOX OF LIBERTY' in bold white capital letters on a black background. Above the title, a portrait of Thomas Jefferson in a yellow coat is displayed alongside text discussing the contradiction between America's founding principles of freedom and the reality of slavery. The exhibit is set in a dimly lit space with polished concrete flooring.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 16/07/2025

St Chappelle has some of the best examples of Gothic stained glass in the world #paris

A tall chapel with stained glass stretching to the ceiling.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 30/05/2025

Part of Elizabeth Catlett's exhibition in DC #art #dc

Painting of a black woman sitting at a table.

Three statues of woman. The one in the foreground is facing forward and has her head titled upwards and is hugging herself.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 26/05/2025

An exhibition of Elizabeth Catlett's work - A black revolutionary artist.

Crafted human Head made out of stone or ckay

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 23/05/2025

AI in Visual Studio (and even Notepad) is entirely optional. You are not obligated to use any of it, and you have the option to switch it off entirely👍🏾 #notepad #visualstudio learn.microsoft.com/visualstudio...

Settings page for Notepad. It shows Spell check, Autocorrect and Copilot switched off.

Settings page for Visual Studio installation with the Copilot option unselected.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 08/05/2025

Visited Quarry Trails Park today, the waterfall was in full flow after our recent rainfall. I even spotted a new bird!!! Orchard Orioles (not shown here) #columbusmetroparks

Side view of a waterfall, surrounded by trees.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 05/05/2025

The striking mosaic of Minerva in the Library of Congress. #dc

A mosaic of roman gidess in flowing blue robe. Bathed in sunlight and holding a scroll.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 05/05/2025

Loved the ceiling of the DC #Metro station. One of my favorite examples of Brutalist #architecture.

DC Metro concrete coffered waffle vault ceiling.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 05/05/2025

Yep! Admin Settings allows you to select from several editing options when you Create/Edit posts. I only really use Windows Live Writer though.

A drop down list with "Froala", "TinyMCE", "NicEdit" and "Text Area" options. "TinyMCE" is selected.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 27/04/2025

Got to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and it was amazing. My advice is to go now; we have to assume it will be ruined in the next few cycles. www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n... #nmaahc

corona-like shape rises dramatically, echoing the silhouette of a Yoruban sculpture.

A white wall with text on it: "Cultural Expression"

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 22/04/2025

This option on Copilot for "Think Deeper" makes a night and day difference in results, it is also substantially slower but in general very much worth it. #AI

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 19/04/2025

Has 3PT shooting actually improved in the #NBA or are just more teams and players more comfortable taking 3PT shots.

A table about 3PT % in the NBA by decade:

| **Decade** | **Top 10 Shooters' Avg. 3P%** | **League Avg. 3P%** |
|------------|-----------------------------|---------------------|
| **1980s** | ~45% | 28.9% |
| **1990s** | ~44% | 34.7% |
| **2000s** | ~43% | 35.6% |
| **2010s** | ~43% | 35.6% |
| **2020s** | ~42% | 36.1% |

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 06/04/2025

Watchtower Einderheide is a bat-friendly wooden lookout in the Netherlands with a curved cut-out that reveals a spiral staircase sits at its core. The studio decided to incorporate habitats for tree-dwelling bats into the structure. Photos by Karl Banski. #architecture

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 12/03/2025

Hey, it's ok to be the odd one out.

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Mark Downie @poppastring.com · 08/03/2025

Bald eagle nesting near downtown Columbus #614

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