Kat Howard
@katwithsword.bsky.social
Writer of books, short stories, comics, and other things. Friend to cats and sometimes people. She/her. https://www.kathowardbooks.com/ and https://epigraphtoepilogue.substack.com/
Reposted by Kat Howard
Discovered today that Instagram had turned on (without my opt-in) automatic AUDIO translation of any reel that shows up in my feed not in English USING AI TO MIMIC THE SPEAKER’S VOICE and WOW it was creepy and upsetting.
You can turn it off in “Language & Translations” in Settings. 🙅🏻♀️
You can turn it off in “Language & Translations” in Settings. 🙅🏻♀️
February 17, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Discovered today that Instagram had turned on (without my opt-in) automatic AUDIO translation of any reel that shows up in my feed not in English USING AI TO MIMIC THE SPEAKER’S VOICE and WOW it was creepy and upsetting.
You can turn it off in “Language & Translations” in Settings. 🙅🏻♀️
You can turn it off in “Language & Translations” in Settings. 🙅🏻♀️
Well, this is just cool.
This duet cover of Radiohead's "Creep", between a son and his Shastriya Sangeet classically trained mother, is the mash-up I didn't know how much I needed in my life. Totally spontaneous sobbing may have taken place.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZoH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZoH...
Mom & I Cover Creep By Radiohead (she is a classical Indian singer 🕉️)
YouTube video by Avie Sheck
www.youtube.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:20 AM
Well, this is just cool.
Reposted by Kat Howard
I propose to make universal the old policy of the Blackfriars conference at the American Shakespeare Center:
If you do not end your paper on time, you will be forced to exit, pursued by a bear. Literally, a bear will come take your paper from you.
If you do not end your paper on time, you will be forced to exit, pursued by a bear. Literally, a bear will come take your paper from you.
February 16, 2026 at 1:14 AM
I propose to make universal the old policy of the Blackfriars conference at the American Shakespeare Center:
If you do not end your paper on time, you will be forced to exit, pursued by a bear. Literally, a bear will come take your paper from you.
If you do not end your paper on time, you will be forced to exit, pursued by a bear. Literally, a bear will come take your paper from you.
Reposted by Kat Howard
Appreciators of Sylvia Townsend Warner, take note: the Dorset Archives Trust is fundraising to create a digital catalog of Warner's archive (85 boxes of documents & items!), making the whole vastly more accessible to the world.
Info here: www.dorsetarchivestrust.org/project/sylv...
Info here: www.dorsetarchivestrust.org/project/sylv...
Sylvia Townsend Warner Fundraising Appeal | Dorset Archives Trust
Dorset Archives Trust isleading a fundraising appeal to bring the Archive of writer and LGBTQ+ pioneerSylvia Townsend Warner(1893-1978) into the public domain through the creation of a full catalogue....
www.dorsetarchivestrust.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Appreciators of Sylvia Townsend Warner, take note: the Dorset Archives Trust is fundraising to create a digital catalog of Warner's archive (85 boxes of documents & items!), making the whole vastly more accessible to the world.
Info here: www.dorsetarchivestrust.org/project/sylv...
Info here: www.dorsetarchivestrust.org/project/sylv...
This is well worth reading.
New from me, at @vqr.bsky.social: a few years ago two people contacted me about a TEDx talk I once gave, “The Art of Haunting.”
When I replied I’d never given a TEDx talk, things just got weirder.
On AI, ghosts, what it means to tell a story, and what Italo Calvino saw coming 60 years ago. Enjoy!
When I replied I’d never given a TEDx talk, things just got weirder.
On AI, ghosts, what it means to tell a story, and what Italo Calvino saw coming 60 years ago. Enjoy!
The Art of Haunting
The email was innocuous enough. A woman wrote to me explaining how her partner had been talking about my work and how much he’d enjoyed it—in particular, he’d remembered me giving a TEDx talk about gh...
www.vqronline.org
February 13, 2026 at 6:11 PM
This is well worth reading.
Reposted by Kat Howard
Tightrope walkers
https://botfrens.com/collections/69/contents/19158
https://botfrens.com/collections/69/contents/19158
February 13, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Tightrope walkers
https://botfrens.com/collections/69/contents/19158
https://botfrens.com/collections/69/contents/19158
Reposted by Kat Howard
God forbid women do anything
ICYMI: Fukushima's radioactive hybrid terror pig boom was driven by amorous mothers
Fukushima's radioactive hybrid terror pig boom was driven by amorous mothers
Genetic study finds domestic pigs’ year-round breeding sped gene flow into wild boar
Back in 2021, in the thick of pandemic mania, The Register gleefully reported that "radioactive hybrid terror pigs" were thriving in Japan's Fukushima exclusion zone.…
dlvr.it
February 13, 2026 at 1:07 PM
God forbid women do anything
Reposted by Kat Howard
My friend @palermo.bsky.social’s eight year old daughter Amelia died of Batten disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, this week.
The BDSRA (Batten Disease Support Research and Advocacy Foundation) has been nominated in the Project for Awesome charity event.
projectforawesome.com/videos/proje...
The BDSRA (Batten Disease Support Research and Advocacy Foundation) has been nominated in the Project for Awesome charity event.
projectforawesome.com/videos/proje...
Project for Awesome
Join the annual charity drive to decrease worldsuck.
projectforawesome.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:39 AM
My friend @palermo.bsky.social’s eight year old daughter Amelia died of Batten disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, this week.
The BDSRA (Batten Disease Support Research and Advocacy Foundation) has been nominated in the Project for Awesome charity event.
projectforawesome.com/videos/proje...
The BDSRA (Batten Disease Support Research and Advocacy Foundation) has been nominated in the Project for Awesome charity event.
projectforawesome.com/videos/proje...
Reposted by Kat Howard
This is just unconscionable man
February 13, 2026 at 1:43 AM
This is just unconscionable man
Reposted by Kat Howard
Still around 100 community reports of ICE activity around the Twin Cities today, the most of any state by far.
In case you’re wondering why so many of us aren’t quite taking Homan’s presser today at face value.
In case you’re wondering why so many of us aren’t quite taking Homan’s presser today at face value.
February 12, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Still around 100 community reports of ICE activity around the Twin Cities today, the most of any state by far.
In case you’re wondering why so many of us aren’t quite taking Homan’s presser today at face value.
In case you’re wondering why so many of us aren’t quite taking Homan’s presser today at face value.
Reposted by Kat Howard
The Pride flag at the Stonewall Monument is re-raised!
New Yorkers won’t let Donald Trump erase LGBTQ+ history, or trample the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
New Yorkers won’t let Donald Trump erase LGBTQ+ history, or trample the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
February 12, 2026 at 10:16 PM
The Pride flag at the Stonewall Monument is re-raised!
New Yorkers won’t let Donald Trump erase LGBTQ+ history, or trample the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
New Yorkers won’t let Donald Trump erase LGBTQ+ history, or trample the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
Reposted by Kat Howard
The list of signatories shows how it’s not just Minneapolis or Saint Paul suffering under this occupation. It’s the entire state!
Our little breweries, bookstores, garden centers, and gyms are showing more bravery standing up against ICE than the cowardly response of 3M, Target, Best Buy, etc.
Gift link: www.startribune.com/immigration-...
Gift link: www.startribune.com/immigration-...
February 12, 2026 at 1:11 PM
The list of signatories shows how it’s not just Minneapolis or Saint Paul suffering under this occupation. It’s the entire state!
Reposted by Kat Howard
In London 2009, Gary Numan made a surprise appearance with NIN to play Numan's "Metal" & "Cars." I filmed it in one unbroken shot from the middle of the stage with a handheld DSLR.
Here's the full video, savor the Dudes Rock energy of two legends doing a big mutual respect ("Cars" starts at 6:38):
Here's the full video, savor the Dudes Rock energy of two legends doing a big mutual respect ("Cars" starts at 6:38):
NIN + Gary Numan: "Metal" / "Cars" Live in London 2009, Single-Shot On-Stage Video by Rob Sheridan
YouTube video by Rob Sheridan
www.youtube.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:54 AM
In London 2009, Gary Numan made a surprise appearance with NIN to play Numan's "Metal" & "Cars." I filmed it in one unbroken shot from the middle of the stage with a handheld DSLR.
Here's the full video, savor the Dudes Rock energy of two legends doing a big mutual respect ("Cars" starts at 6:38):
Here's the full video, savor the Dudes Rock energy of two legends doing a big mutual respect ("Cars" starts at 6:38):
Today in Great Meanness to Cats, I did not allow Maeve to climb into the dishwasher, causing her to have Woe and also Lamentations.
February 11, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Today in Great Meanness to Cats, I did not allow Maeve to climb into the dishwasher, causing her to have Woe and also Lamentations.
Reposted by Kat Howard
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
February 11, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
Reposted by Kat Howard
Minneapolis is still occupied even if national media has looked away. Moon Palace is still running a book drive for Spanish language books. Help out by buying a few. (And skipping the coupon)
Moon Palace Books
Your neighborhood independent bookstore located in south Minneapolis. Selling new and used books since 2012.
share.google
February 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Minneapolis is still occupied even if national media has looked away. Moon Palace is still running a book drive for Spanish language books. Help out by buying a few. (And skipping the coupon)
Reposted by Kat Howard
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 PM
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
And everything there is delicious.
Habanero Tacos on Snelling is reopening this weekend.
February 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM
And everything there is delicious.
Reposted by Kat Howard
still looking!
is selling digital coloring pages a thing? do any rad artists you know have any available? wanting to color but yikes it’s an AI swamped field these days (unsurprisingly)
February 11, 2026 at 2:29 PM
still looking!
Reposted by Kat Howard
A mystery that begins with a seemingly simple question: “At what age do human children grow teeth?”
Imagine Miss Marple tackling mysterious babies left on doorsteps–in space! We're delighted to share an excerpt from @oliviawaite.com's Nobody's Baby, sequel to Murder By Memory!
Read an Excerpt From Nobody's Baby by Olivia Waite - Reactor
Becky Chambers meets Miss Marple in this cozy sci-fi mystery, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective.
reactormag.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:47 AM
A mystery that begins with a seemingly simple question: “At what age do human children grow teeth?”
Always fun when one of the cats makes such a ruckus being naughty that the other cat gets up to go see what the heck just happened.
February 11, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Always fun when one of the cats makes such a ruckus being naughty that the other cat gets up to go see what the heck just happened.
Reposted by Kat Howard
That's fucking right, go Team USA
Team USA Curler Rich Ruohonen:
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
"We'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention what's going on in Minnesota...I am a lawyer, as you know, and we have a constitution... and what's happening in Minnesota is wrong. There's no shades of gray. It's clear."
February 10, 2026 at 10:02 PM
That's fucking right, go Team USA
Reposted by Kat Howard
Police in Bloomington, MN just announced that one of the guys they arrested in an underage sex trafficking sting was a **background checker for ICE agents.**
He had a high security clearance in the Trump administration... and he was caught trying to abuse children. Sickening.
He had a high security clearance in the Trump administration... and he was caught trying to abuse children. Sickening.
February 10, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Police in Bloomington, MN just announced that one of the guys they arrested in an underage sex trafficking sting was a **background checker for ICE agents.**
He had a high security clearance in the Trump administration... and he was caught trying to abuse children. Sickening.
He had a high security clearance in the Trump administration... and he was caught trying to abuse children. Sickening.
Reposted by Kat Howard
Got hit with a $3000.00 vet bill yesterday. Still looking for work. So, uh, buy my books, maybe?
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/EC2/e...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/EC2/e...
Eric Carter
Buy books online and find book series such as Eric Carter written by Stephen Blackmoore from PenguinRandomHouse.com
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Got hit with a $3000.00 vet bill yesterday. Still looking for work. So, uh, buy my books, maybe?
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/EC2/e...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/EC2/e...
Reposted by Kat Howard
McIVER: Do you consider yourself a religious man?
LYONS: Yes mam
McIVER: How do you think judgment day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?
LYONS: I'm not going to entertain that question
McIVER: Do you think you're going to hell, Mr Lyons?
LYONS: Yes mam
McIVER: How do you think judgment day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?
LYONS: I'm not going to entertain that question
McIVER: Do you think you're going to hell, Mr Lyons?
February 10, 2026 at 5:34 PM
McIVER: Do you consider yourself a religious man?
LYONS: Yes mam
McIVER: How do you think judgment day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?
LYONS: I'm not going to entertain that question
McIVER: Do you think you're going to hell, Mr Lyons?
LYONS: Yes mam
McIVER: How do you think judgment day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?
LYONS: I'm not going to entertain that question
McIVER: Do you think you're going to hell, Mr Lyons?