iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Vic Thorstenson

Éireann @eireannmor.bsky.social · 15h

Seventy-six trombones led the big parade

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 16h

True sons and daughters of Wisconsin know what's happening here.

Beef chunks braising slowly in a garlic-laced broth, an early stage in the preparation of tavern-style hot beefs.

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Glam Slam: Chronicles @glamslam72.bsky.social · 22h

Mott The Hoople (September 30, 1972) – “Mott The Hoople” Advert - Melody Maker This full-page CBS Records advertisement promotes Mott The Hoople's newly released album All The Young Dudes.

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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It is a little Eastern European out this morning

Old backlit sign for EAST
EUROPEAN
Deli
KRAMARCZUK
With distant highrise seen thru fog and colorful awnings

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Storyboard art from Clash of the Titans (1981)

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David @archaeomather.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

“Perished by Freezing,” March 14(?), 1870 - fragmented tombstone of John Johnson and his son Lewis who died near Luverne, Minnesota. At the Rock County Historical Society. I don’t know why the stone is in this condition or what happened to the grave.

Fragmented and weathered tombstone reassembled in a wooden frame.

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#OnThisDay Sept 28 1955: The last baseball game is played at Nicollet Park, as the Minneapolis Millers win the Junior World Series 9-4 against the Rochester Redwings. Next season the Millers played at new Met Stadium in Bloomington, and Nicollet Park at 31st Street is demolished.

The front gate of Nicollet Park with crowds entering. Minnesota Historical Society.

spectators in packed stands. Hennepin County Library Collections

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Sam Bergman @violanorth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Hot take, ballparks should still look like this

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Catherine Partsch Conlan @catconlan.net · 28/09/2026

Honestly I'm here for it; Mary Poppins is a terror in the books and P.L. Travers cried with rage at the movie premiere because the adaptation was so saccharine.

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Incredible and wonderful words.

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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

One of my favorite headlines I ever wrote also involved beef

Southeast Angle newspaper
Dec. 2003
Fast Food Fight: Burger barn beef reheated
Film project documents 1970 Red Barn protest

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

#OnThisDay Sept 27 1935: Leonard Steuart, Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, presents a flag to honor the Minneapolis Shriner's Hospital on behalf of the president of the Pontiac Motor Company.

a group of men in suits and fezzes holding a flag while another group of men in suits and fezzes receives it.

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Fun Fact: I own a fez provided to me by @vthorstenson.bsky.social

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Gary Hornseth @garyhornseth.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Four trade catalog covers, 1913 Source: Catalogs Collection via @archive.org; archive.org/details/catalogs

Grandes Roseraies du val de la Loire
Orléans, France

A cover on yellow paper featuring three manicured rose topiaries. At the top, a dark green rectangular block contains the text "GRANDES ROSERAIES DU VAL DE LOIRE". Below and in the center, three slender topiaries with spherical green bushes are filled with small, bright pink roses. The bottom reads "CATALOGUE GÉNÉRAL 1913 1914" in simple, dark capital lettering.

Church Cushions
Ostermoor & Company
New York

A cover on dark tan paper. The top displays a dark rectangular block with the words "CHURCH CUSHIONS" in gold lettering surrounded by stylized leaf patterns. The center features an intricate illustration of hanging lantern-like elements and geometric symbols. The bottom reads "OSTERMOOR AND COMPANY NEW YORK"

Changeable Signs
C. M. Kinney Co.
New York

A cover featuring a large, ornate building directory board against a wall. A dark rectangular banner at the top, itself a changeable sign, reads "C. M. KINNEY CO., SUCCESSOR TO U.S. CHANGEABLE SIGN CO." with an address in New York. A hand is seen entering the frame from the right adding the final O. The center shows a changeable letter directory board filled with five text columns, supported by a decorative frame with claw-foot pedestal legs. A few pieces of yellowed tape around the edges.

Mirrors and Cabinets
Conant Bros. Co.
Somerville, Massachusetts

A cover on beige paper with the words "MIRRORS AND CABINETS" printed in large, brown, serif capital letters at the top. A single, elegant flourish line sweeps down from the letter "S" to the bottom-left corner. The company information, "CONANT BROS. CO. SOMERVILLE, MASS. U.S.A," is printed at the bottom. The entire design is enclosed within a thin, decorative border featuring geometric patterns.

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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

AREHOUSE / SPAGHETTI W \ ESTERN

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Discontinued Foods! @discontinuedfoods.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Sorry, Kellogg's, but this is the only "Printed Fun" I have ever cared about...

The yellow box, disk, and manual for The Print Shop from Broderbund Software

The black and white title screen for The Print Shop

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East Bank Neighborhoods @eastbankmpls.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Hey Stragglers — the next East Bank Bike Tour is tomorrow, Sat, Sept 26. Sign up to let us know you are coming* —>Meet @ Van Cleve Park (10-10:30am) —>Ride the Ride (10:30am) —>Return to Pard (~Noon) *Signing up allows us to contact you in case of rain out www.eastbankmpls.org/bike-tours

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"Father Hennepin Discovering the Falls of St. Anthony", by historicist Douglas Volk, a founder of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Specifically commissioned for the Minnesota State Capitol in 1905, the huge painting is so racist it was removed and put into a special timeout room in 2017.

painting of the father holding up a cross over the falls, while half naked native americans crowd around his feet. Minnesota Historical Society.

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Atlas Shvitzed @therafischwartz.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"ugh, this fuckin' guy"

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

In 2022 I had the great privilege being given a private tour of the State Capitol by @vthorstenson.bsky.social, tagging along with local luminaries @chrissteller.bsky.social and Penny Peterson. Here Vic gives this fine work of art the attention it truly deserves.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

When State Senator Twyla Ring died back in 2022, I had this photo that I wanted to post in tribute, but couldn't find the negative. Long story short - it turned up and here's the shot. Shot on a Rollei twin lens reflex back in 1999. Better late than never.

Shot in the North Senate corridor of the MN Capitol Left to tright Twyla Ring, unknown, Dennis Johnson.

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Gary Hornseth @garyhornseth.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Advertisement Northwest Radio and Electrical Show Minneapolis 1933 (Minneapolis Tribune, Sep. 24, 1933)

The ad features a photograph of a crowded auditorium with a stage at one end. Superimposed over the stage as if on a large screen: “Northwest Radio & Electrical Show featuring the latest in modern home conveniences”. At bottom, copy reads “Minneapolis Auditorium from September 25th to 30th inclusive”. On the auditorium floor, a grid, probably a floor plan, shows brands being featured at the show, including washers, appliances, radios, automatic heating, and refrigerators. Brands include Norge, Apex, Mayflower, Electrolux, Majestic, Crosley, Westinghouse, Frigidaire, Philco, Eureka, Singer, many others. The center of the display also highlights entertainment: "Dance to the music of Jack Crawford and his Hollywood Merrymakers.”

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#OnThisDay Sept 24 1904: Old Main on the University of Minnesota campus is consumed by a massive fire. Completed in 1875, the building also housed the English, German and Mathematics departments. No one was injured, though notably the 1800-volume German library was destroyed.

the handsome 4 story stone building in ruins, with passersby and a horse carriage. Hennepin County Library Digital Collections.

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David @archaeomather.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Minnesota State Capitol today

A large white dome in the distance behind trees.

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David @archaeomather.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Painted Lady butterfly and lots of happy bees on asters at the Minnesota State Capitol Mall.

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Stacey Burns @wentrogue.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

we live in the kind of neighborhood where some people just park all their vehicles in their front yard

a yard strewn with various children’s buggies, bikes, trikes, Big Wheels, etc

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

What was your first computer growing up? (I think I might be older than some of you guys.)

Cover to the 1887 edition of Ropp's Commercial Calculator. Black script lettering on red buckram.

Page open to a dense table labeled "Table Showing Value of Cattle, Hogs, and Flour Etc."

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Lisa @footenotes.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Bro we need your vote. I hate the war too. But the Democrats want to Trans your Substantiation

Stained glass window depicts grapes behind a goblet and a red plate of small round loaves of bread, the elements of communion

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David @archaeomather.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Good to see @vthorstenson.bsky.social at Capitol Barbers, now my haircut buddy.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Didn't get around to reading this version.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

From the File of Forgotten Fotos: (2004) Conservative education activists hold a press conference in support of embattled Minnesota Education Commissioner Cheri Yecke. The backdrop is "Attack on New Ulm" by Anton Gag. Yecke was ultimately rejected by the MN Senate.

The background painting by Anton Gag depicts the Dakota on New Ulm. A building can be seen on fire in the center left.

Standing in front is a group of about a dozen well-dressed people with one woman speaking into a microphone.

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#OnThisDay Sept 21 1967: First Lady Johnson and Muriel Humphrey dedicate the modernist Richardson Fountain on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. It and other famous public art were removed in subsequent redesigns. Today the same area is little more than a concrete slab for holding corporate events.

the first lady looks at the camera while she and mrs humphrey pull back a satin cloth covering a large granite sculptural fountain, as dignitaries look on. Minneapolis Star file photo

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East Bank Neighborhoods @eastbankmpls.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Dinkytown Block Party Friday, October 16, 4 - 7 pm 14th Avenue SE (between 4th + 5th Streets SE)

Dinkytown Block Party on Friday, October 16, from 4 - 7 pm. Outdoor activities, music, food.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I caught that place during a sudden evening thunderstorm in July 1999. I felt a certain presence - of wind, rain, and hail.

Devils Tower Wyoming during a thunderstorm. Dark clouds loom over the monument from a distance of about half a mile. Photo taken on Kodak TMax 100 on a Rolleiflex 2.8D TLR.

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Gary Hornseth @garyhornseth.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Fundraising ad, Guthrie Theatre Greater Minneapolis (Chamber of Commerce publication) August 1961 Image: Hennepin County Library Digital Collections; digitalcollections.hclib.org/digital/coll...

A black-and-white, full-page 1961 vs magazine ad for the Guthrie Theatre construction fund, featuring an upper photograph of five people seated in theatre chairs outdoors on a grassy lawn, seen from behind, looking out toward an open landscape. Below the image, large bold text reads, "2500 years of great theatre will come to life on this spot in 1963." The accompanying paragraphs outline a "Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Minnesotans" to support the new repertory company directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie at 725 Vineland Place in Minneapolis. The bottom portion of the flyer features a dashed-line cutout pledge card for donations to the Guthrie Theatre Construction Fund.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Took advantage of a free admission day to visit the National Railroad museum in Green Bay this week. I'm no expert on trains, but I do appreciate things that go clickety-clack. Hand-held red/blue #anaglyh photo, you need 3-D glasses to see the effect.

A long wooden walkway between two old steam engine locomotives and tenders and some cars inside a train shed. At the far end are people checking out the display.

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Vince Mpls @vincempls.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#OnThisDay Sept 17-18 1938: The Milwaukee Road puts its all new Twin Cities Hiawatha streamlined trainset on display at Minnehaha Depot in Minneapolis. The Class F7 "Baltic" steam locomotives routinely ran between 100 to 120 mph, making them among the fastest ever built.

black and white photo of a parked train with streamlined steam engine with a long consist of passenger cars, and groups of onlookers, some of which are on a ladder looking at the engine. Minneapolis Tribune via Hennepin County Library

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

There will not be an unboxing video. You already know what happens next.

The outside of a cardboard pie box from the Norske Nook in Osseo, WI.

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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

On the facing page (and on the same topic) it’s also confusing when a column by one of the opinion columnists who has been recrruited by the Strib is placed where the editorial board’s own columns usually go. It looks like it’s the opinion of the Strib editorial board, or at least one of its members

Full two page spread shown with opinion column circled

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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Good morning from Southeast Minneapolis

Decrepit grain silo, parked semi truck, sunrise

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I dunno, I think I could figger it out in a pinch.

Cab of the Union Pacific #4017 Big Boy steam locomotive at the National Train Museum in Green Bay.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The 1992 Super Bowl halftime show "Winter Magic" will no longer be opening for Ed Sheeran.

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Doug Mack @douglasmack.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It's small as landmark architecture goes, but Christ Church Lutheran in Minneapolis is *magnificent modernism.* So many perfect details—e.g. the slight curve of the front wall and the way natural light floods the altar. (Sanctuary by Eliel Saarinen, later addition by his son Eero.)

savingplaces.org

Photo Essay: Inside A Saarinen-Designed Church in Minneapolis | National Trust for Historic Preservation

A photo tour of a Modernist masterpiece in Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood.

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Vic Thorstenson @vthorstenson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A number of Wisconsin towns - Hayward, Tomahawk, Phillips, Marinette - claim to be the "Gateway to the North." Yet none of them has a sign on the other side of the post that says "Gateway to the South."

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