Michael Romano
@michaelromano.bsky.social
Speculative fiction. Evidence-based well-being. Sometimes academic.
Reposted by Michael Romano
Yes, you can now do anything but reading! Why should we bother reading when we can just ask an AI chatbot what happens? Why bother living life at all if we can just ask an AI chatbot to make a video of yourself living the best life?
December 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Yes, you can now do anything but reading! Why should we bother reading when we can just ask an AI chatbot what happens? Why bother living life at all if we can just ask an AI chatbot to make a video of yourself living the best life?
Reposted by Michael Romano
This is such a compassionate & thoughtful thread. I quit teaching—something I genuinely love doing—in 2022 for several burnout-inducing reasons, but the constantly compounding nightmare I see former colleagues enduring is so much worse.
I have been reading all the "students these days" threads from various sides and I have an essay's worth of thoughts -- there's a lot of complexity and heterogeneity that is hard to communicate on social media. There are a couple of things I will say here though. 1/
November 30, 2025 at 4:51 PM
This is such a compassionate & thoughtful thread. I quit teaching—something I genuinely love doing—in 2022 for several burnout-inducing reasons, but the constantly compounding nightmare I see former colleagues enduring is so much worse.
Reposted by Michael Romano
As a confirmed Catholic, I’m immediately filing for an exemption from my university from any and all AI mandates on religious grounds.
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
Even God Is Worried About ChatGPT
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
www.vulture.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
As a confirmed Catholic, I’m immediately filing for an exemption from my university from any and all AI mandates on religious grounds.
Reposted by Michael Romano
The Eaton Symposium returns!
Join us on 01/08/26 for this free online event on speculative fiction and scholarship, feat. a keynote from author Ken Liu, and panels with incredible editors such as Sheree Renée Thomas, John Joseph Adams, and many others!
Sign up: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-virtu...
Join us on 01/08/26 for this free online event on speculative fiction and scholarship, feat. a keynote from author Ken Liu, and panels with incredible editors such as Sheree Renée Thomas, John Joseph Adams, and many others!
Sign up: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-virtu...
November 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The Eaton Symposium returns!
Join us on 01/08/26 for this free online event on speculative fiction and scholarship, feat. a keynote from author Ken Liu, and panels with incredible editors such as Sheree Renée Thomas, John Joseph Adams, and many others!
Sign up: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-virtu...
Join us on 01/08/26 for this free online event on speculative fiction and scholarship, feat. a keynote from author Ken Liu, and panels with incredible editors such as Sheree Renée Thomas, John Joseph Adams, and many others!
Sign up: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-virtu...
Reposted by Michael Romano
Timeline cleanse. Male Anna’s hummingbird showing off his gorgeous gorget. 🪶
October 19, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Timeline cleanse. Male Anna’s hummingbird showing off his gorgeous gorget. 🪶
Reposted by Michael Romano
I've received an 'exclusive' invite to try Nature's new 'research assistant', which will burn down a forest to provide a 'summary of the paper' I'm reading and I have SUCH exciting news for them, that's called an 'abstract' and the actual authors already wrote it for me, no forest-burning required.
October 17, 2025 at 2:10 PM
I've received an 'exclusive' invite to try Nature's new 'research assistant', which will burn down a forest to provide a 'summary of the paper' I'm reading and I have SUCH exciting news for them, that's called an 'abstract' and the actual authors already wrote it for me, no forest-burning required.
Reposted by Michael Romano
I see pieces like this a lot, often w/ a spin of lamenting cultural degeneration, but reading is a LABOR issue, it’s declined because so many people are working overtime or two jobs & employers expect after hours work. France has Earth’s highest reading rate b/c long lunch breaks & labor protections
October 7, 2025 at 12:25 AM
I see pieces like this a lot, often w/ a spin of lamenting cultural degeneration, but reading is a LABOR issue, it’s declined because so many people are working overtime or two jobs & employers expect after hours work. France has Earth’s highest reading rate b/c long lunch breaks & labor protections
Reposted by Michael Romano
Honeybee 🐝 on Mexican sage. 🌿
October 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Honeybee 🐝 on Mexican sage. 🌿
Reposted by Michael Romano
ah yes, academic papers being written by AI so that they can be sent to journals where they will be peer-reviewed by AI, and then published so they can be summarized by AI.
academia is doing just fine, why do you ask?
academia is doing just fine, why do you ask?
October 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
ah yes, academic papers being written by AI so that they can be sent to journals where they will be peer-reviewed by AI, and then published so they can be summarized by AI.
academia is doing just fine, why do you ask?
academia is doing just fine, why do you ask?
Reposted by Michael Romano
Reading Rainbow… is back! 🥹
This LeVar Burton/Reading Rainbow raised human is feeling all of the library joy. We hope your kids believe they belong in books, just like you ✨
Take a look, it’s in a book 📚🌈🦋🌌
youtu.be/gHAIjSkmnYI?...
This LeVar Burton/Reading Rainbow raised human is feeling all of the library joy. We hope your kids believe they belong in books, just like you ✨
Take a look, it’s in a book 📚🌈🦋🌌
youtu.be/gHAIjSkmnYI?...
No Cats In The Library 🐱📚 | Reading Rainbow 📖 🌈 | Full Episode | @Kidzuko
YouTube video by Kidzuko
youtu.be
October 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reading Rainbow… is back! 🥹
This LeVar Burton/Reading Rainbow raised human is feeling all of the library joy. We hope your kids believe they belong in books, just like you ✨
Take a look, it’s in a book 📚🌈🦋🌌
youtu.be/gHAIjSkmnYI?...
This LeVar Burton/Reading Rainbow raised human is feeling all of the library joy. We hope your kids believe they belong in books, just like you ✨
Take a look, it’s in a book 📚🌈🦋🌌
youtu.be/gHAIjSkmnYI?...
Reposted by Michael Romano
There are a few people that are inspirations to almost all scientists that I know, and Jane Goodall was one of them. RIP. 😢
Jane Goodall, the celebrated primatologist and conservationist, has died
Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91.
apnews.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:53 PM
There are a few people that are inspirations to almost all scientists that I know, and Jane Goodall was one of them. RIP. 😢
Reposted by Michael Romano
🎶 Take a look, it's in a book 🎶
🥹 After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈
#FollowTheRainbow
🥹 After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈
#FollowTheRainbow
September 29, 2025 at 3:06 PM
🎶 Take a look, it's in a book 🎶
🥹 After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈
#FollowTheRainbow
🥹 After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈
#FollowTheRainbow
”just as the ’slow food’ movement has changed our approach to eating, it is time to rethink the way we live. ’Promoting a slower lifestyle - be it in schools, workplaces, or through social campaigns - offers the opportunity for more niceness, better relationships, and improved well-being.’”
Rushing through life: The secret to being kind under pressure
Being in a rush makes us less kind, but mindfulness can help. New research shows how slowing down keeps everyday niceness alive.
www.earth.com
September 29, 2025 at 11:51 PM
”just as the ’slow food’ movement has changed our approach to eating, it is time to rethink the way we live. ’Promoting a slower lifestyle - be it in schools, workplaces, or through social campaigns - offers the opportunity for more niceness, better relationships, and improved well-being.’”
Reposted by Michael Romano
Guys, US per capita carbon emissions are down 30% from peak! 30%! We’re doing it! All the little steps (and big) are paying off!
🚉⚡️☀️💨🚲🌳🚶🌱🌎
🚉⚡️☀️💨🚲🌳🚶🌱🌎
Per capita CO₂ emissions have declined in every state in America. Between 2005 and 2023, energy-related CO₂ emissions per person declined in all 50 US states. The nationwide average drop was 29%, a major structural change in the world’s second-largest emitter. buff.ly/GOf44Ie
#ShareGoodNewsToo
#ShareGoodNewsToo
Per Capita Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Decreased in Every US State between 2005 & 2023 - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Per capita CO2 emissions from primary energy consumption decreased in every state from 2005 to 2023, according to recently…
buff.ly
September 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Guys, US per capita carbon emissions are down 30% from peak! 30%! We’re doing it! All the little steps (and big) are paying off!
🚉⚡️☀️💨🚲🌳🚶🌱🌎
🚉⚡️☀️💨🚲🌳🚶🌱🌎
“people who practice voluntary simplicity report higher levels of both happiness and life purpose. The study indicates that the benefits of this lifestyle are strongest when simplicity fosters a sense of social connection, personal growth, and community engagement.”
Living simply is positively associated with psychological flourishing and life satisfaction
Living simply may support psychological wellbeing, according to new research. The study finds that people who engage in voluntary simplicity tend to report higher life satisfaction and a stronger sens...
www.psypost.org
September 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM
“people who practice voluntary simplicity report higher levels of both happiness and life purpose. The study indicates that the benefits of this lifestyle are strongest when simplicity fosters a sense of social connection, personal growth, and community engagement.”
”Parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but… many struggle to live low‑carbon lives. Time pressures, lack of affordable options and structural barriers mean concern rarely translates into action.“
Parents want to act on climate change but struggle to model low-carbon lifestyles
Parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but a new University of Bath study shows many struggle to live low‑carbon lives. Time pressures, lack of affordable opt...
phys.org
September 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
”Parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but… many struggle to live low‑carbon lives. Time pressures, lack of affordable options and structural barriers mean concern rarely translates into action.“
“plastic packaging and kitchen gear can shed tiny particles into what we eat and drink…. There are simple changes you can make today. Choose tea that avoids plastic, pick glass or stainless for hot foods and long storage, and keep plastic surfaces smooth and unscored by replacing worn items.”
How to reduce microplastics in food by changing packaging and kitchen utensils
Everyday use of plastics in the kitchen releases microplastics into food and beverages, but there are practical solutions.
www.earth.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:01 PM
“plastic packaging and kitchen gear can shed tiny particles into what we eat and drink…. There are simple changes you can make today. Choose tea that avoids plastic, pick glass or stainless for hot foods and long storage, and keep plastic surfaces smooth and unscored by replacing worn items.”
”If we can manage our stress and monitor our reactions, our children will use it as a reference point…. By practicing calm, co-regulation, and consistent routines, parents can provide a foundation of safety and resilience that can help our children, teens, and young adults face stressful times.”
Co-Regulating With Your Anxious Child in the New School Year
New school year, new strategies to maintain regulation and decrease anxiety in your home.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
”If we can manage our stress and monitor our reactions, our children will use it as a reference point…. By practicing calm, co-regulation, and consistent routines, parents can provide a foundation of safety and resilience that can help our children, teens, and young adults face stressful times.”
Reposted by Michael Romano
They've lost the 9yos
September 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
They've lost the 9yos
“a mindful practice of physical etiquette involving slow and careful sitting, standing, and walking movements – can boost strength in the knees, potentially protecting seniors against falls and injuries. It's easy to do, requires no equipment, and takes just five minutes a day to see the effects.“
Daily Samurai Routine Could Reduce Risk of Falls in Seniors
Ancient Japanese samurai were warriors of distinction, with a reputation for discipline and mastery of precision.
www.sciencealert.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
“a mindful practice of physical etiquette involving slow and careful sitting, standing, and walking movements – can boost strength in the knees, potentially protecting seniors against falls and injuries. It's easy to do, requires no equipment, and takes just five minutes a day to see the effects.“
”People who drink less than the recommended daily fluid intake experience a greater stress hormone response, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression.”
How dehydration secretly fuels anxiety and health problems
Not drinking enough water could intensify stress responses. Researchers found that under-hydrated individuals had cortisol levels more than 50% higher during stressful situations. Poor hydration didn’...
www.sciencedaily.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:22 PM
”People who drink less than the recommended daily fluid intake experience a greater stress hormone response, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression.”
It’s that time of year again. Found a spider in the house. Take it outside or leave it as Halloween decor? 🎃
September 23, 2025 at 3:20 AM
It’s that time of year again. Found a spider in the house. Take it outside or leave it as Halloween decor? 🎃
Reposted by Michael Romano
come watch a bug breathe with me
September 21, 2025 at 11:51 PM
come watch a bug breathe with me
Reposted by Michael Romano
I think about this a lot.
September 21, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I think about this a lot.
Reposted by Michael Romano
It's a revelation to return to a text as a different person.
100% Plus, sometimes it's not for you right now. I've DNF'd books that weren't for me at the time, then read and enjoyed them later. It's fine! Books don't expire.
September 21, 2025 at 6:21 AM
It's a revelation to return to a text as a different person.