Catherine Sharp
@csharpwords.bsky.social
Reader, writer, gamer, chill swimmer, rugby fan, SFF geek, conrunner (currently Chair of Octocon); back in Wales after many years in Ireland. She/her
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
NOT NOW, RADIOACTIVE HYBRID TERROR PIGS.
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 1:35 PM
NOT NOW, RADIOACTIVE HYBRID TERROR PIGS.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
This is absolutely INFURIATING because it is so relentless, and yet it's still... it's still KIND of funny because honestly who is out there trying to get money from WRITERS, that's like holding a cup underneath a Bigmouth Billy Bass and hoping for caviar to come out
The book club scam has taken an exciting new leap forward. I got one today from a "curated literary platform and newsletter" that, unusually, offered a link to its website. I'm in edits, so obviously I took the opportunity to procrastinate. /1
February 11, 2026 at 8:32 PM
This is absolutely INFURIATING because it is so relentless, and yet it's still... it's still KIND of funny because honestly who is out there trying to get money from WRITERS, that's like holding a cup underneath a Bigmouth Billy Bass and hoping for caviar to come out
A bit of google fu and some Reddit threads have finally led me to this comic - it was called The Mows, by Jay Dyke, and the cats were named Tigey (brown), Nonie (black) and Indy (grey) plus Minxy the girl-cat next door.
So that's a long-term mystery solved for me, hurrah.
So that's a long-term mystery solved for me, hurrah.
It's been a few years and a different platform since I last tried to find out.
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
February 11, 2026 at 5:25 PM
A bit of google fu and some Reddit threads have finally led me to this comic - it was called The Mows, by Jay Dyke, and the cats were named Tigey (brown), Nonie (black) and Indy (grey) plus Minxy the girl-cat next door.
So that's a long-term mystery solved for me, hurrah.
So that's a long-term mystery solved for me, hurrah.
Today I learned that the cafe I had breakfast in when visiting Bath last summer is also the Bridgertons' modiste. And I didn't recognise it at all. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bridgerton filming locations: Fans flock to Bath and Greenwich
Dive in to the Bridgerton corner of TikTok and you'll see fans posing in the show's real-life locations.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Today I learned that the cafe I had breakfast in when visiting Bath last summer is also the Bridgertons' modiste. And I didn't recognise it at all. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Getting a limited signed copy of a book from the public library feels weirdly transgressive, but at the same time like a source of almost secretive glee. 'Look what I found!'
I will have to give it back.
I will have to give it back.
February 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Getting a limited signed copy of a book from the public library feels weirdly transgressive, but at the same time like a source of almost secretive glee. 'Look what I found!'
I will have to give it back.
I will have to give it back.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Why does Wonderman work?
I recently finished watching the rather excellent Wonderman, the latest Marvel entry which sits in their 'Spotlight' space which focuses entire runs on a single hero. I had low hopes for Wonderman going in - it's been sat on a shelf at Disney for quite a long time and that…
I recently finished watching the rather excellent Wonderman, the latest Marvel entry which sits in their 'Spotlight' space which focuses entire runs on a single hero. I had low hopes for Wonderman going in - it's been sat on a shelf at Disney for quite a long time and that…
Why does Wonderman work?
I recently finished watching the rather excellent Wonderman, the latest Marvel entry which sits in their 'Spotlight' space which focuses entire runs on a single hero. I had low hopes for Wonderman going in - it's been sat on a shelf at Disney for quite a long time and that normally suggests a lack of confidence in the product. When the maker of the story doesn't believe in it...well, it doesn't bode well.
stewarthotston.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Why does Wonderman work?
I recently finished watching the rather excellent Wonderman, the latest Marvel entry which sits in their 'Spotlight' space which focuses entire runs on a single hero. I had low hopes for Wonderman going in - it's been sat on a shelf at Disney for quite a long time and that…
I recently finished watching the rather excellent Wonderman, the latest Marvel entry which sits in their 'Spotlight' space which focuses entire runs on a single hero. I had low hopes for Wonderman going in - it's been sat on a shelf at Disney for quite a long time and that…
You know a sports team has no hope when the commentator refers to their event as being 'a great experience for them'.
February 6, 2026 at 11:23 AM
You know a sports team has no hope when the commentator refers to their event as being 'a great experience for them'.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Anyone fancy a very special deal?
My entire Empire of Ruin Saga now comes in one collection... and this week it's just 2.99!
That's FOUR BOOKS containing 720k words of award-nominated epic fantasy.
Get it here: mybook.to/empireofruin...
My entire Empire of Ruin Saga now comes in one collection... and this week it's just 2.99!
That's FOUR BOOKS containing 720k words of award-nominated epic fantasy.
Get it here: mybook.to/empireofruin...
February 4, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Anyone fancy a very special deal?
My entire Empire of Ruin Saga now comes in one collection... and this week it's just 2.99!
That's FOUR BOOKS containing 720k words of award-nominated epic fantasy.
Get it here: mybook.to/empireofruin...
My entire Empire of Ruin Saga now comes in one collection... and this week it's just 2.99!
That's FOUR BOOKS containing 720k words of award-nominated epic fantasy.
Get it here: mybook.to/empireofruin...
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
I think people often wonder this, and it's a great question, so let me explain the advantages of 3D printing whistles. There are many.
The 3D printing effort started from one of our organizers who started by sourcing mass-produced whistles.
The 3D printing effort started from one of our organizers who started by sourcing mass-produced whistles.
I mean, are they really cheaper or easier to produce than just sourcing the right thing from a mass distributor? it's sweet but doesn't seem Pareto efficient, and I feel like that's important to the revolution
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 AM
I think people often wonder this, and it's a great question, so let me explain the advantages of 3D printing whistles. There are many.
The 3D printing effort started from one of our organizers who started by sourcing mass-produced whistles.
The 3D printing effort started from one of our organizers who started by sourcing mass-produced whistles.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
More clickbait Jira tickets
• You won’t BELIEVE what TESTERS FOUND in THIS RELEASE!
• This bug is BAFFLING users - can it be reproduced? CLICK HERE
• Does your team struggle with technical debt? Check this expert tip on what to plan for next!
• You’ll be SHOCKED at where we found ANOTHER DAMN TYPO
• You won’t BELIEVE what TESTERS FOUND in THIS RELEASE!
• This bug is BAFFLING users - can it be reproduced? CLICK HERE
• Does your team struggle with technical debt? Check this expert tip on what to plan for next!
• You’ll be SHOCKED at where we found ANOTHER DAMN TYPO
June 15, 2024 at 2:20 AM
More clickbait Jira tickets
• You won’t BELIEVE what TESTERS FOUND in THIS RELEASE!
• This bug is BAFFLING users - can it be reproduced? CLICK HERE
• Does your team struggle with technical debt? Check this expert tip on what to plan for next!
• You’ll be SHOCKED at where we found ANOTHER DAMN TYPO
• You won’t BELIEVE what TESTERS FOUND in THIS RELEASE!
• This bug is BAFFLING users - can it be reproduced? CLICK HERE
• Does your team struggle with technical debt? Check this expert tip on what to plan for next!
• You’ll be SHOCKED at where we found ANOTHER DAMN TYPO
I am trying to re-establish a habit of reading before bed. Just started Wildewood by @rflong.bsky.social (as Jessica Thorne) and I have already been both properly creeped out and also amused to the point of snorting laughing at the phrase 'potatoes in a GAA shirt'.
February 1, 2026 at 10:42 PM
I am trying to re-establish a habit of reading before bed. Just started Wildewood by @rflong.bsky.social (as Jessica Thorne) and I have already been both properly creeped out and also amused to the point of snorting laughing at the phrase 'potatoes in a GAA shirt'.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Did you know I wrote a whole (personal) essay on Murderbot and aspec representation in that series (with a brief detour into the show)? Now you do!
www.patreon.com/posts/new-es...
www.patreon.com/posts/new-es...
New Essay: Checking the Perimeter | S.L. Dove
Get more from S.L. Dove on Patreon
www.patreon.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Did you know I wrote a whole (personal) essay on Murderbot and aspec representation in that series (with a brief detour into the show)? Now you do!
www.patreon.com/posts/new-es...
www.patreon.com/posts/new-es...
Awww, that's sad - the Camden Street Zaytoon was the first I went to, back when @octocon.bsky.social used to be across the road in the Camden Court Hotel. I still love getting a Zaytoon kebab whenever I'm in Dublin so at least I can go to Parliament Street - which is handy for the Porterhouse!
Ah lads, that's the end of the Zaytoon to Zaytoon pub crawl.
Kebab shop Zaytoon says 'rising costs' mean it's closing its Camden Street branch
Its three other branches in Parliament Street, Sandyford and Swords will continue trading.
www.thejournal.ie
January 31, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Awww, that's sad - the Camden Street Zaytoon was the first I went to, back when @octocon.bsky.social used to be across the road in the Camden Court Hotel. I still love getting a Zaytoon kebab whenever I'm in Dublin so at least I can go to Parliament Street - which is handy for the Porterhouse!
It's been a few years and a different platform since I last tried to find out.
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
January 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
It's been a few years and a different platform since I last tried to find out.
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
So does anyone here recognise these three kitties from an early 00s webcomic, and can tell me what they and it were called? (I think the grey cat was Indy. And despite the Newkie Broon box, the comic was American.)
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
There's this one deer out there somewhere with all the knowledge of the universe, if you eat it you'll know everything. Unfortunately it is also armed with a death ray so it's up to you if you want to risk it
January 28, 2026 at 8:56 PM
There's this one deer out there somewhere with all the knowledge of the universe, if you eat it you'll know everything. Unfortunately it is also armed with a death ray so it's up to you if you want to risk it
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
*fully restores your HP as you scroll past*
January 27, 2026 at 4:20 AM
*fully restores your HP as you scroll past*
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
rightwingers see people caring about others in their community and instead of finding that inspiring they think it’s some sort of grand conspiracy because they don’t understand what it means to care for others you don’t personally know
January 25, 2026 at 7:57 PM
rightwingers see people caring about others in their community and instead of finding that inspiring they think it’s some sort of grand conspiracy because they don’t understand what it means to care for others you don’t personally know
My favourite podcast! If I don't get a ticket for this, I know I will deeply regret it. And I am not prepared to suffer that level of regret.
🎺 EXCITING NEWS!!!
BBC You’re Dead To Me podcast is going on our first live tour!
We’re bringing our historical comedy bandwagon to London, Cardiff, Manchester, and Edinburgh for this March & April
Tickets on sale on 27th January from www.YoureDeadToMeLive.com
BBC You’re Dead To Me podcast is going on our first live tour!
We’re bringing our historical comedy bandwagon to London, Cardiff, Manchester, and Edinburgh for this March & April
Tickets on sale on 27th January from www.YoureDeadToMeLive.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:03 PM
My favourite podcast! If I don't get a ticket for this, I know I will deeply regret it. And I am not prepared to suffer that level of regret.
Quote with a gif of where you're from.
January 23, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Quote with a gif of where you're from.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
There are many serious governments in the world.
The US is not one of them.
(There are no penguins in Greenland.)
The US is not one of them.
(There are no penguins in Greenland.)
January 23, 2026 at 11:12 PM
There are many serious governments in the world.
The US is not one of them.
(There are no penguins in Greenland.)
The US is not one of them.
(There are no penguins in Greenland.)
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
"Is it true you live backwards in time?" the queen asked.
"Not yet, but it will be," Merlin replied. "And then, I will have."
"You speak in riddles. But you have seen the future? What will it bring?"
"Fanfic."
"Is that a spell? What does it do?"
"It will give you Lancelot."
"What is that?"
"Not yet, but it will be," Merlin replied. "And then, I will have."
"You speak in riddles. But you have seen the future? What will it bring?"
"Fanfic."
"Is that a spell? What does it do?"
"It will give you Lancelot."
"What is that?"
January 22, 2026 at 11:15 AM
"Is it true you live backwards in time?" the queen asked.
"Not yet, but it will be," Merlin replied. "And then, I will have."
"You speak in riddles. But you have seen the future? What will it bring?"
"Fanfic."
"Is that a spell? What does it do?"
"It will give you Lancelot."
"What is that?"
"Not yet, but it will be," Merlin replied. "And then, I will have."
"You speak in riddles. But you have seen the future? What will it bring?"
"Fanfic."
"Is that a spell? What does it do?"
"It will give you Lancelot."
"What is that?"
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Yesterday it was cows using tools, today its penguins using satellite imagery.
January 20, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Yesterday it was cows using tools, today its penguins using satellite imagery.
Reposted by Catherine Sharp
Can we get this over the line? It was only on about 1600 signatures last week when I reposted it. Now it's over 80,000. Can we get it to 100,009?
January 21, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Can we get this over the line? It was only on about 1600 signatures last week when I reposted it. Now it's over 80,000. Can we get it to 100,009?