MyHappyScales
@lizardmomlife.bsky.social
Big time nerd, animal lover, science enthusiast, D&D chaotic everything, childfree auntie Z/she/they
Reposted by MyHappyScales
Every year around Thanksgiving, I see tons of grad students post heartbreaking messages on social media about how their loved ones don’t understand or support their decision to study what seems like something pointless or silly.
Perhaps my American Scientist essay can help!
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
Perhaps my American Scientist essay can help!
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
“Why Are We Funding This?”
Long-standing myths about “silly science” have contributed to the reckless slashing of government-supported research.
www.americanscientist.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Every year around Thanksgiving, I see tons of grad students post heartbreaking messages on social media about how their loved ones don’t understand or support their decision to study what seems like something pointless or silly.
Perhaps my American Scientist essay can help!
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
Perhaps my American Scientist essay can help!
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
I learned to read through phonics. When I trained to be a teacher I was surprised that phonics wasn't the standard. There were several practices in our training around reading that felt very off to me. I sure hope we correct this soon.
A few years old, but this is a fascinating article about how a well-debunked method to teach reading may be at the root of American’s poor reading comprehension
www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
November 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I learned to read through phonics. When I trained to be a teacher I was surprised that phonics wasn't the standard. There were several practices in our training around reading that felt very off to me. I sure hope we correct this soon.
Awww, they're doin a 'scope!
From this spring: what looks like the beginning of a garter snake breeding ball. 🐍
November 26, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Awww, they're doin a 'scope!
2 week update: She's found her favorite spots and is feeling as sleepy as I am as this cold weather sets in. The plants are getting their roots happy and the fungus gnats are out of control. #NewEnclosureProblems 😉
November 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
2 week update: She's found her favorite spots and is feeling as sleepy as I am as this cold weather sets in. The plants are getting their roots happy and the fungus gnats are out of control. #NewEnclosureProblems 😉
20 years ago I'd have zero clue what to do. Today the only thing I might've done differently is wrap a thin piece of gauze over the gloved finger to be 100% certain lizard wouldn't let go too soon. Because gloved finger in mouth is *shudder* to me, but probably not to a terrified lizard. 🧡Bowie🧡
Because people keep asking, the Story of The Lizard In That Dude's Leg. Some caveats:
1. This happened more than twenty years ago. There are no pictures. There was a small article in a local paper with, again, no pictures (I'm assuming that's what the producers of 9-1-1: LONE STAR found).
1. This happened more than twenty years ago. There are no pictures. There was a small article in a local paper with, again, no pictures (I'm assuming that's what the producers of 9-1-1: LONE STAR found).
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
20 years ago I'd have zero clue what to do. Today the only thing I might've done differently is wrap a thin piece of gauze over the gloved finger to be 100% certain lizard wouldn't let go too soon. Because gloved finger in mouth is *shudder* to me, but probably not to a terrified lizard. 🧡Bowie🧡
*sigh* yeahhhhh, it's that time of year
Hey! Northern hemisphere folks:
this is my annual reminder to myself and perhaps also to you that if you have the schedule autonomy to permit it, get out for a walk or whatever during daylight hours! It's important!
You can work more when it's dark but you need whatever sunlight is available!
this is my annual reminder to myself and perhaps also to you that if you have the schedule autonomy to permit it, get out for a walk or whatever during daylight hours! It's important!
You can work more when it's dark but you need whatever sunlight is available!
November 18, 2025 at 7:07 AM
*sigh* yeahhhhh, it's that time of year
Might need to report TJ Klune for a murder because I am laughing so hard I'm coughing and idk if I'll make it! 🤣 #TheExtraordinaries
November 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Might need to report TJ Klune for a murder because I am laughing so hard I'm coughing and idk if I'll make it! 🤣 #TheExtraordinaries
Reposted by MyHappyScales
No more excuses. No more of this censorship nonsense because crones want to control everyone.
stoponlineidchecks.org
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
noearnitact.org
stopkosa.com
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/soci...
Sign and fight back.
stoponlineidchecks.org
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
noearnitact.org
stopkosa.com
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/soci...
Sign and fight back.
Online resources are vital for queer and trans communities, especially youth.
Take action now at QueersAgainstCensorship.com to protect this access and crush online censorship bills like KOSA, ID checks and attempts to strip Section 230.
Take action now at QueersAgainstCensorship.com to protect this access and crush online censorship bills like KOSA, ID checks and attempts to strip Section 230.
November 14, 2025 at 3:33 AM
No more excuses. No more of this censorship nonsense because crones want to control everyone.
stoponlineidchecks.org
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
noearnitact.org
stopkosa.com
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/soci...
Sign and fight back.
stoponlineidchecks.org
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/stop...
noearnitact.org
stopkosa.com
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/soci...
Sign and fight back.
Reposted by MyHappyScales
I have the most wonderful story for you all today: baby alligator spotted in Charles River, then immediately rescued by local reptile enthusiast
November 14, 2025 at 4:10 AM
I have the most wonderful story for you all today: baby alligator spotted in Charles River, then immediately rescued by local reptile enthusiast
Reposted by MyHappyScales
Thread. Remember earlier today, when I celebrated being able to drink a specific tea blend again? Yeah. This is what I’ve got, and I got it from COVID. Mask up. PLEASE.
I'm resisting info dumping on a post that could be a person's vent on a situation where they are already know this. But many do not...Long Covid comes with a risk of "Mast Cell Activation Syndrome"
Do you like eating food? Do you like eating flavorful processed food? Then you do NOT want this.
Do you like eating food? Do you like eating flavorful processed food? Then you do NOT want this.
November 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Thread. Remember earlier today, when I celebrated being able to drink a specific tea blend again? Yeah. This is what I’ve got, and I got it from COVID. Mask up. PLEASE.
Reposted by MyHappyScales
I’ve seen a few folks go for the “if you simply must watch that new Harry Potter show just pirate it” and sorry. No. Just no. Just don’t watch it. At all. Ever. Break free of it. It’s time. You’ll be ok. I promise. I know it mattered to you as a kid. Find new things, it’s healthier. Just move on.
November 12, 2025 at 12:57 AM
I’ve seen a few folks go for the “if you simply must watch that new Harry Potter show just pirate it” and sorry. No. Just no. Just don’t watch it. At all. Ever. Break free of it. It’s time. You’ll be ok. I promise. I know it mattered to you as a kid. Find new things, it’s healthier. Just move on.
All vertebrates are out of 20gal tanks! Got D moved into E's old enclosure and she seems very happy with the move. I'm hoping it will encourage her to climb more like she does in the playpen. I got lots of new cork to be able to change things up over time, too.
November 12, 2025 at 2:28 AM
All vertebrates are out of 20gal tanks! Got D moved into E's old enclosure and she seems very happy with the move. I'm hoping it will encourage her to climb more like she does in the playpen. I got lots of new cork to be able to change things up over time, too.
People have some weird ideas of what 1.25x speed on an audiobook sounds like. Most narrators speak at a slower than conversational speed for audiobooks. 1.35x is my standard listening speed and even 3x speed sounds normal, just very fast. I'll go up to 2x if I'm in a hurry to finish a book.
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
People have some weird ideas of what 1.25x speed on an audiobook sounds like. Most narrators speak at a slower than conversational speed for audiobooks. 1.35x is my standard listening speed and even 3x speed sounds normal, just very fast. I'll go up to 2x if I'm in a hurry to finish a book.
Can't believe we TPK'ed tonight. Call yourselves the Plane Jumpers and apparently the DM MUST to send you all to Avernus. Well played! So curious to see what happens next session!
November 11, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Can't believe we TPK'ed tonight. Call yourselves the Plane Jumpers and apparently the DM MUST to send you all to Avernus. Well played! So curious to see what happens next session!
Reposted by MyHappyScales
The earlier in life you learn to kill your cringe, the better off you'll be, but this becomes REALLY apparent in middle age. "Oh but I can't do X!" Why the fuck not? If it's not hurting anybody, just go do it. Life is short enough. Be happy.
One thing people kind of tell you, but not really, about middle age:
One day you'll be like "oh [thing] looks fun but people will think I'm a loser" about a thing
And then you'll say. Wait a second.
Fuck 'em
One day you'll be like "oh [thing] looks fun but people will think I'm a loser" about a thing
And then you'll say. Wait a second.
Fuck 'em
Darn Tough turned me on to Cute Socks and I've never looked back
November 11, 2025 at 1:43 AM
The earlier in life you learn to kill your cringe, the better off you'll be, but this becomes REALLY apparent in middle age. "Oh but I can't do X!" Why the fuck not? If it's not hurting anybody, just go do it. Life is short enough. Be happy.
Reposted by MyHappyScales
Once again I'm begging people not to compare politicians to invertebrates. Inverts are cool and diverse and play an important ecological role. Politicians are the lower order.
November 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Once again I'm begging people not to compare politicians to invertebrates. Inverts are cool and diverse and play an important ecological role. Politicians are the lower order.
Reposted by MyHappyScales
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 9:23 AM
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
Reposted by MyHappyScales
I wasn't familiar with this piece, so I just watched the debut - love it! www.youtube.com/watch?v=faFR...
November 7, 2025 at 12:32 AM
I wasn't familiar with this piece, so I just watched the debut - love it! www.youtube.com/watch?v=faFR...
Reposted by MyHappyScales
Always here for a giant spider web story www.livescience.com/animals/spid...
World's biggest spiderweb discovered inside 'Sulfur Cave' with 111,000 arachnids living in pitch black
A giant colonial spiderweb in a sulfuric cave on the border between Greece and Albania may be the largest ever found — and it was built by spiders we didn't know liked the company of others.
www.livescience.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Always here for a giant spider web story www.livescience.com/animals/spid...
Reposted by MyHappyScales
THIS IS SO GOOD
November 6, 2025 at 4:42 AM
THIS IS SO GOOD
It's been one week now and the little spider is still around! The cork wall is likely a perfect place to live: lots of hiding spots, similar coloring, high vantage away from lizard and near the UVB. I believe all things that live above ground benefit from "sunlight."
November 5, 2025 at 10:13 PM
It's been one week now and the little spider is still around! The cork wall is likely a perfect place to live: lots of hiding spots, similar coloring, high vantage away from lizard and near the UVB. I believe all things that live above ground benefit from "sunlight."
Reposted by MyHappyScales
Boycott baby!!
Union baristas are calling on allies to STOP BUYING STARBUCKS if we go on ULP strike. If our communities stand with us in action, we can take back power from the billionaires & CEOs.
nocontractnocoffee.org
nocontractnocoffee.org
No Contract, No Coffee | Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks baristas brewing change. Join the movement for fair contracts, better wages, and worker protections.
nocontractnocoffee.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Boycott baby!!
Reposted by MyHappyScales
I don't drink coffee so not crossing this picket line won't be difficult for me, but the rest of you should probably be prepared to caffeinate in an alternate fashion
BREAKING: After months of stonewalling by Starbucks, unionized baristas just voted 92% to authorize a ULP strike unless Starbucks finalizes fair contracts & stops union busting.
If forced, our baristas will strike in dozens of cities on November 13 – the company's busiest sales day of the year.
If forced, our baristas will strike in dozens of cities on November 13 – the company's busiest sales day of the year.
Starbucks unionized workers say they'll strike on Nov. 13 if coffee giant doesn't finalize contract
Union members say they are ready to strike on the chain's Red Cup Day if Starbucks doesn't finalize a contract with their union by then.
www.cbsnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I don't drink coffee so not crossing this picket line won't be difficult for me, but the rest of you should probably be prepared to caffeinate in an alternate fashion
Reposted by MyHappyScales
The headline about Spanberger's blowout victory in VA--along with the Dems romping in the House of Delegates--is that transphobia really doesn't work as an electoral secret weapon. And this fact needs to set in, despite the dearest wishes of the most ossified members of the commentariat.
November 5, 2025 at 8:25 AM
The headline about Spanberger's blowout victory in VA--along with the Dems romping in the House of Delegates--is that transphobia really doesn't work as an electoral secret weapon. And this fact needs to set in, despite the dearest wishes of the most ossified members of the commentariat.
An adorable tiny spood fren was hanging out on my power strip so I moved them to the new enclosure. I'm hoping they're too small for lizard to notice or care but the right size to eat fungus gnats and springtails. I'll be watching for a spider hammock to know if they decided to stay.
November 2, 2025 at 10:30 PM
An adorable tiny spood fren was hanging out on my power strip so I moved them to the new enclosure. I'm hoping they're too small for lizard to notice or care but the right size to eat fungus gnats and springtails. I'll be watching for a spider hammock to know if they decided to stay.