Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
@kleonardphd.bsky.social
Librettist, lyricist, poet, scholar, teacher. Writing operas abt the Jane Collective, ending rape culture, & climate change. Runs the Silent Film Sound & Music Archive (sfsma.org). Autistic. Disabled. kendraprestonleonard.hcommons.org
Boosting the signal
I'm looking to get in touch with scientists in Minnesota. Best ways to reach me are here or LDattaro.73 on Signal. Thanks!
#chemsky #neuroskyence
#chemsky #neuroskyence
January 15, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Boosting the signal
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Today, @wikipedia.org turns 25 years old. It's never been more important — or under more attack from authoritarians. Here's what to know about how we got here, and what we can do to push for its future. There's no better example of the web we make together. www.anildash.com/2026/01/15/w...
Wikipedia at 25: What the web can be - Anil Dash
A blog about making culture. Since 1999.
www.anildash.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Today, @wikipedia.org turns 25 years old. It's never been more important — or under more attack from authoritarians. Here's what to know about how we got here, and what we can do to push for its future. There's no better example of the web we make together. www.anildash.com/2026/01/15/w...
This is great! If anyone wants a guest lecturer in musicology, let me know!
THREAD of offers of guest lectures (via Zoom) for Minneapolis-area classes so faculty can offer their students a top-quality education while dealing with other crises
Seeing tons of extremely generous offers. I'll try to post 'em all here--please add your own w topics you can cover & how to contact
Seeing tons of extremely generous offers. I'll try to post 'em all here--please add your own w topics you can cover & how to contact
Finally, a note to the many professors in my networks: One other specific, small thing you can do from outside of Minneapolis is reach out to colleagues who are heavily affected (because of their own or their family's risk, or because they're very busy protecting neighbors) and offer a guest lecture
January 15, 2026 at 8:38 PM
This is great! If anyone wants a guest lecturer in musicology, let me know!
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Since this is getting a lot of attention, please support public, independent and nonprofit media. Minnesota needs your support.
@mprnews.org
@minnpost.bsky.social
@minnesotareformer.com
@sahanjournal.bsky.social
@bringmethenews.bsky.social
@unicornriot.bsky.social
@racketmn.com
@mprnews.org
@minnpost.bsky.social
@minnesotareformer.com
@sahanjournal.bsky.social
@bringmethenews.bsky.social
@unicornriot.bsky.social
@racketmn.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Since this is getting a lot of attention, please support public, independent and nonprofit media. Minnesota needs your support.
@mprnews.org
@minnpost.bsky.social
@minnesotareformer.com
@sahanjournal.bsky.social
@bringmethenews.bsky.social
@unicornriot.bsky.social
@racketmn.com
@mprnews.org
@minnpost.bsky.social
@minnesotareformer.com
@sahanjournal.bsky.social
@bringmethenews.bsky.social
@unicornriot.bsky.social
@racketmn.com
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
It’s bacterial, so if identified quickly, can be treated with antibiotics, but can make humans pretty sick first. It’s much more dangerous for dogs (and sea lions). There’s a canine lepto vaccine (ask your vet), but it doesn’t protect against all strains of the bacteria. (2/2)
January 15, 2026 at 8:17 PM
It’s bacterial, so if identified quickly, can be treated with antibiotics, but can make humans pretty sick first. It’s much more dangerous for dogs (and sea lions). There’s a canine lepto vaccine (ask your vet), but it doesn’t protect against all strains of the bacteria. (2/2)
Because we all need a little something sweet today
A Taste Of Honey - Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
youtu.be/LGmQXuySF28?...
youtu.be/LGmQXuySF28?...
Herb Alpert The Tijuana Brass A Taste of Honey
YouTube video by AUGUSTUS66ful
youtu.be
January 15, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Because we all need a little something sweet today
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Gavin "I agree with Nazis" Newsom just had Ben Shapiro on his podcast, the same Ben Shapiro that was cited by a white supremist terrorist in a mass shooting.
Between this and being anti-wealth tax the time has never been more right to be #NeverNewsom @gavinnewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
Between this and being anti-wealth tax the time has never been more right to be #NeverNewsom @gavinnewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
January 15, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Gavin "I agree with Nazis" Newsom just had Ben Shapiro on his podcast, the same Ben Shapiro that was cited by a white supremist terrorist in a mass shooting.
Between this and being anti-wealth tax the time has never been more right to be #NeverNewsom @gavinnewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
Between this and being anti-wealth tax the time has never been more right to be #NeverNewsom @gavinnewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Something to look into...
Hey guys, just so you know there is an anti-Al writing tool, similar to MS Words or more like Google docs. It has all the basic functions for formatting, they don't scrape your writings, and pledged never to integrate Al
Oh and it's completely free
ellipsus.com
Oh and it's completely free
ellipsus.com
Ellipsus | Collaborative writing software
Write, edit, and collaborate on any device. Ellipsus is a principled alternative to Google Docs—built for writers, by writers. Sign up for free.
ellipsus.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Something to look into...
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Over 100 episodes of classic Sesame Street have arrived on YouTube
Over 100 episodes of classic Sesame Street have arrived on YouTube
Welcome (back) to the neighborhood.
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Over 100 episodes of classic Sesame Street have arrived on YouTube
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
GOOD
Bandcamp has banned AI music.
The company has released a statement which includes the following: "Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp."
stereogum.com/2485199/band...
The company has released a statement which includes the following: "Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp."
stereogum.com/2485199/band...
Bandcamp Bans AI Music
AI music has become a big problem on streaming services. Remember the AI-generated psych-rock band the Velvet Sundown and the AI-generated metalcore band Broken Avenue racking up streams on Spotify? R...
stereogum.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:41 PM
GOOD
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
ChatGPT does apparently have search now, so it is like paying someone a dollar to excitedly skim wikipedia for you and leave half the answer out
January 14, 2026 at 9:48 PM
ChatGPT does apparently have search now, so it is like paying someone a dollar to excitedly skim wikipedia for you and leave half the answer out
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
So appreciate this incredible, thoughtful review:
"a thought-provoking, polyphonic collage which manages to engage authentically with nuanced issues while also leaving the reader feeling optimistic and empowered." strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
"a thought-provoking, polyphonic collage which manages to engage authentically with nuanced issues while also leaving the reader feeling optimistic and empowered." strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
We Will Rise Again edited by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older
We Will Rise Again manages to hold many apparent contradictions within its pages.
strangehorizons.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:31 PM
So appreciate this incredible, thoughtful review:
"a thought-provoking, polyphonic collage which manages to engage authentically with nuanced issues while also leaving the reader feeling optimistic and empowered." strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
"a thought-provoking, polyphonic collage which manages to engage authentically with nuanced issues while also leaving the reader feeling optimistic and empowered." strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
January 14, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
THIS. Yes, things in the US are bad right now. But we also have to supportive and recognize what is happening in other places. Check in on your friends and colleagues and students and everyone you know who is being affected.
If you want to help Iranians in diaspora, the first step is acknowledgment.
We enter a gathering (w colleagues, classmates, friends) and no one even ACKNOWLEDGES the elephant in the room.
Say: It must be hard.This very first step gives us hope that there is still humanity left in this world #Iran
We enter a gathering (w colleagues, classmates, friends) and no one even ACKNOWLEDGES the elephant in the room.
Say: It must be hard.This very first step gives us hope that there is still humanity left in this world #Iran
January 14, 2026 at 9:08 PM
THIS. Yes, things in the US are bad right now. But we also have to supportive and recognize what is happening in other places. Check in on your friends and colleagues and students and everyone you know who is being affected.
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Oh to be a little Tardigrade walking across a microscope slide. 🫧🐻🧪
January 13, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Oh to be a little Tardigrade walking across a microscope slide. 🫧🐻🧪
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
But popularity is not the same as good.
Unpopular is not the same as bad.
And having moral clarity is good actually even if it means engaging in behaviors that are deeply unpopular.
Unpopular is not the same as bad.
And having moral clarity is good actually even if it means engaging in behaviors that are deeply unpopular.
January 14, 2026 at 5:20 PM
But popularity is not the same as good.
Unpopular is not the same as bad.
And having moral clarity is good actually even if it means engaging in behaviors that are deeply unpopular.
Unpopular is not the same as bad.
And having moral clarity is good actually even if it means engaging in behaviors that are deeply unpopular.
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Strange Horizons fiction submissions open next Monday!
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
January 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Strange Horizons fiction submissions open next Monday!
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
@karlajstrand.com's latest top books from MS magazine! msmagazine.com/2026/01/12/a...
Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2026
So, here are the top 94 feminist books we’re looking forward to in 2026—written by women, feminists, LGBTQ writers, writers of color, and more.
msmagazine.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:11 PM
@karlajstrand.com's latest top books from MS magazine! msmagazine.com/2026/01/12/a...
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Some people keep calling for a general strike. That's going to be hard to organize and take resources. But a local action like this can happen (and apparently is going to).
"Faith leaders, union representatives and community members are calling for a Day of Truth and Freedom on Friday, Jan. 23 — urging all Minnesotans not to go to work, school or go shopping"
Minnesota faith, union, community leaders call for economic blackout on Jan. 23
Faith leaders, union representatives and community members are calling for a Day of Truth and Freedom on Friday, Jan. 23 — urging all Minnesotans not to go to work, school or go shopping.
www.cbsnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Some people keep calling for a general strike. That's going to be hard to organize and take resources. But a local action like this can happen (and apparently is going to).
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
This is a stunning resource, beautifully presented - congratulations to Ros Smith Kathy Acheson and their team emwmlibrary.com
The Library of Early Modern Women's Marginalia
The Library of Early Modern Women's Marginalia.
emwmlibrary.com
January 11, 2026 at 11:03 AM
This is a stunning resource, beautifully presented - congratulations to Ros Smith Kathy Acheson and their team emwmlibrary.com
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
In a new video game, players can join a heist crew — consisting of hackers, acrobats, a museum insider, and even a grandma — to infiltrate museums and take back looted African artifacts.
A Video Game Lets You Take Back Looted Artifacts
An indie game studio in South Africa has developed a heist adventure that reframes play, memory, and repatriation.
hyperallergic.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:28 PM
In a new video game, players can join a heist crew — consisting of hackers, acrobats, a museum insider, and even a grandma — to infiltrate museums and take back looted African artifacts.
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
In case you are unaware that digital images are also being manipulated to depict women and children as victims of physical violence. It's not just about bikinis.
‘Add blood, forced smile’: how Grok’s nudification tool went viral
‘Add blood, forced smile’: how Grok’s nudification tool went viral
The ‘put her in a bikini’ trend rapidly evolved into hundreds of thousands of requests to strip clothes from photos of women, horrifying those targeted
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:23 AM
In case you are unaware that digital images are also being manipulated to depict women and children as victims of physical violence. It's not just about bikinis.
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
OpenAI is now rolling out "ChatGPT for Healthcare" - using a service well-known to nonsensically hallucinate, which OpenAI itself acknowledges. (Both these screenshots are from the OpenAI website.)
This seems ridiculously dangerous?
Meanwhile...
1/
This seems ridiculously dangerous?
Meanwhile...
1/
January 13, 2026 at 1:28 PM
OpenAI is now rolling out "ChatGPT for Healthcare" - using a service well-known to nonsensically hallucinate, which OpenAI itself acknowledges. (Both these screenshots are from the OpenAI website.)
This seems ridiculously dangerous?
Meanwhile...
1/
This seems ridiculously dangerous?
Meanwhile...
1/
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Have you ever thought to yourself, 'I wish I had a bibliography with 50 carefully arranged references, each one showing a different way AI is making everything worse, perhaps with selected quotations from each reference'? Do I have good news for you"
sharonkabel.com/genai-fraud
sharonkabel.com/genai-fraud
A bibliography of genAI-fueled research fraud from 2025 – Sharon Kabel
sharonkabel.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Have you ever thought to yourself, 'I wish I had a bibliography with 50 carefully arranged references, each one showing a different way AI is making everything worse, perhaps with selected quotations from each reference'? Do I have good news for you"
sharonkabel.com/genai-fraud
sharonkabel.com/genai-fraud
Reposted by Kendra Preston Leonard (she/her)
Spotted today
(New Orleans, Esplanade and Claiborne, headed toward City Park. Look right at the stoplight before the overpass)
(New Orleans, Esplanade and Claiborne, headed toward City Park. Look right at the stoplight before the overpass)
January 12, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Spotted today
(New Orleans, Esplanade and Claiborne, headed toward City Park. Look right at the stoplight before the overpass)
(New Orleans, Esplanade and Claiborne, headed toward City Park. Look right at the stoplight before the overpass)