I really want to work for NASA but I do not have a background in science or engineering. Are there any career paths at NASA that I could still achieve?

Exciting news: my podcast is back!

In 2018, Gabriel Ugueto (well known palaeo-artist and former herpetologist), Ethan Kocak (New York Times best-selling cartoonist and herpetoculturist), and I (a talkative herpetologist) decided that the world needed a herpetology-focused podcast that featured the latest big news in herpetological research, and took some deep, jargon-heavy dives into the nitty gritty of it all. So we started the SquaMates podcast.

We had a great deal of fun making the podcast, but in the wake of the panini, we struggled to find time for the show and coordinate recording schedules, and the show had to go on hiatus.

But now, after nearly two and a half years, we're back, and I venture to say we're better than ever! Hiral Naik, a snake ecologist from South Africa, has now joined us as a permanent co-host. Moreover, we're now recording and releasing the show in video on YouTube, as well as over normal podcast streams!

Episode 22 will drop on YouTube and podcast apps on Monday 12 February at 10:00 EST, 16:00 CET!

You can listen to the backlog at squamatespod.com, or on apple podcasts and other podcast apps.

I hope you enjoy the show!

Hey - no need to reply to this - I just wanted to thank you for your posts with regards to antisemitism in pro-palestine spaces; you’ve helped me identify a number of ways I can do better and I’m grateful. I know I’m just some internet rando, but I know how hard it is to speak up the way you’ve been and I want you to know you’re reaching people

Thank you so much. I see so much antisemitism every day now. And I get one message like this for every 100 messages or screenshots or news stories of structural antisemitism or antisemitic violence.

But honestly? Knowing in reaching anyone outside of our own community means so much to me and makes all the rest of it worth it. Thanks for making the world a safer place for me and my family to inhabit, @noneedforbloodpressure 💜

It always surprises me that clips of opera arias posted online by major world opera houses rarely include captions or subtitles. Operas have had supertitles in the US since 1984.

The opera companies are clearly trying to do outreach with these postings. And they are surprisingly bad at it. I have a number of friends who are musical fiends, who love classical music in general, and were totally unaware that opera gives you the translations. We still get films where people go to see an opera and are moved by the music and don't understand what's being said. There are many operas that are more accessible (and less "operatic") than a number of musicals (e.g., Les Mis feels more like a stereotypical opera than the Magic Flute, which has spoken dialogue.) Operas are comparable to (and sometimes cheaper than) most musicals, but people still see them as expensive and inaccessible.

Opera companies could be doing better at this.

UPDATE: The United Nations passed a ceasefire resolution! However, It's incredibly temporary. So, on that note, here's 7 Things I've Learned While Doing Solo Outreach In Solidarity With A Ceasefire And Palestine because while that is progress, we are not there yet. The end goal is justice & there is much more work to be done. Since I finished setting up this outreach site, I've gone out and tried my hand at solo outreach three times. It's been a process and a lot of learning along the way. That said, these tips also work for small groups as well.

Related: It's important to know your rights. Laws can vary per state when it comes to protests. Know yours before you do outreach. 1.) Give yourself time and patience to find your groove. Things that may work with a larger group, may not necessarily work when you're doing outreach by yourself. I've found I just need to try things & see. It can feel a bit messy at first, but if you are aware and open to change, you will eventually find your groove. And once you do, doing solo outreach is a lot easier.

2.) It's okay if you feel self-conscious while doing solo outreach. I still feel that way at times when I begin doing outreach, but I find this phrase helps me get out of my head & into the zone. "There's a genocide happening. We all must take as much action as we can. This isn't about you." Deep breath. Okay. Let's do this. Another thing I think about is the Nazi holocaust (a genocide where a number of people in my family were killed.) And I think what would I have done during that time? While not the exact same thing, this is a genocide. Now is your time to do something, to be that person, and when I focus on that, that feeling is bigger than any self-conscious feelings that I might have.

3.) Find your local go-to outreach locations. Locations that are great for protests and group outreach are not necessarily the best for solo outreach.

For example, I recently stood on the corner by a small bodega (local store) and a college, which worked well. If I was in a group, that corner would've been too crowded.

Ideally, a good location will have a nice flow but not be overly packed with people. Also, the area shouldn't be where people are too much in a rush.

I initially tried doing outreach in midtown (New York City) during people's lunch breaks. Didn't plan it that way, but I had an eye doctor appointment in the area, got there too early and so while waiting outside, (my sign was in my bag), I thought "Well, let's give this a go." While some people were giving me signs of approval, they were too busy to stop and engage. Also, the area should not be too loud. Once I tried a spot where almost every time I tried to talk to people, a truck went by semi-drowning me out. but on a related note...

4.) Don't just hold up the sign and wait for people to take action. When I did this, I got plenty of thumbs up, but no one scanned the QR code on the outreach sign to fill out the petition. It wasn't until I started saying variations of "Take action for a ceasefire" that people started to engage. 5.) Keep the tone friendly/approachable. Yes, this genocide (like all genocides) is horrific and time-sensitive, but I've found if your tone is too stressed out, urgent, and/or outright chanting (as one might do in a group at a protest) it can turn people away. If you're chanting in a group, it's unity. People understand that. If you're chanting by yourself, you're just a random person on a street corner talking too loudly. That said, it also depends on how loud your location is. Go accordingly.

6.) Do self-care in-between outreach so you don't get burned out. Do not joy or rest shame yourself. We must be proactive in taking care of ourselves in these times, and to do so is not selfish. Imposing unnecessary suffering on yourself does not help the Palestinians or the cause.

While doing outreach I have gotten more positive responses than negative ones, but a couple times I have been called various and not very complimentary names. And I can kind of laugh at that now while typing this, but sometimes when I'm tired, it bothers me more than it would and I find my brain is focusing on the few negative reactions instead of the many positive ones.

When this happens, I know I need to do self-care and feed my soul. This is not only important for my emotional well-being, but it also allows me to do more effective outreach. There is a difference between taking action and taking effective action and it's easier to know the difference when you're not emotionally drained.

Sometimes you're going to take action and it's not going to be this big thing that goes viral, but that doesn't mean it's not making a difference. When I am burned out, I often feel impatient, and frustrated and even wonder what is the point? But when I care for myself, I am then in a place to remember that every action ripples, and when part of a collective effort (which this is), it can most definitely make big waves. So far 12 people scanned the QR code on the sign and that's 12 more than before.

7.) Never forget that everyone has something to contribute and remembering that can lead to new ways of participation.

I came across this lovely human who wanted to take action in solidarity but didn't have a cellphone to scan the QR code on the outreach sign. I asked him if he wouldn't mind having his photo taken with said sign, to be shared on social media, and he said yes.

And that's when I started taking photos of people, including those who could scan the QR code but wanted to do more.

The reason why this is useful is that when the photo is shared on social media, it's now one more image that's getting the word out, encouraging people to scan the QR code (which leads to the petition & thus take action.)

People can also take their own photo with the sign and post that on their social media, thus further getting the word out. This can be done digitally as well. (Tag me on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, and/or TikTok @ rebelwheelsnyc if you do.)

That said, I don't ask everyone I engage with if I can take their photo. You have to take it on a case-by-case basis. If a person is scanning the QR code but is giving off vibes that they are in a rush, I don't ask. But if they are casually chatting with me while filling out the petition, asking questions about the project, etc then I do.

GET INVOLVED! For further tips, free outreach graphics, a FAQ & more, kindly check out: WhyCeasefireFAQ.Tumblr.Com

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project via sharing, getting involved, and sending kind words. It was created with a lot of heart and solidarity, and I greatly appreciate people showing the project some love. [image description: There are four images at the top of the article, two in each row. Upper left: a bald man with a mustache and brown skin is wearing a black winter coat, smiling at the camera while holding up the outreach sign. Upper right: a thin-framed person with light skin and black hair that's slightly wavy and a thin mustache, is wearing artsy sunglasses a black winter coat a gray scarf, and is holding up the outreach sign. Bottom left: a petite senior woman is wearing an olive green winter coat, a beige scarf, and a black hat. She has small sunglasses and is holding up the outreach sign. Lastly, bottom right: a bald man with brown skin and a hint of a mustache and goatee, is wearing a black winter coat and is looking right at the camera while holding up the outreach sign. the outreach sign in question is as follows: Rectangle graphic. Black & white except for a watermelon illustration which is green, white, red, and black aka the colors of the Palestinian flag. Graphic is divided into three sections by thick black lines. Section 1: The text reads“Ceasefire now! “Stop the genocide in Palestine” “Sign the petition:” Section 2: “URL if not now movement .org / our - campaigns.” “Or scan code with your phone” “Jewish-led. Allies are welcome.” Section 3: “Questions? Concerns? Why ceasefire FAQ. tumblr. com.” Main font is a bold thick font except for “sign of petition” which is in a script font. Next to “scan code with your phone” is a QR code which is a bunch of random black shapes with a white background. “Ceasefire now” is the only text that is white with a black horizontal rectangle behind it. All other text is black on a white background. The text “sign the petition has a white rounded rectangle” behind it with a thin black border.]

How would people react if I added a wishlist to buy me hypmohorny/things I need but don't have the money for.

The larger things on the wishlist could become things funded as a larger goal, so no singular person is shelling out money for it all.

And, of course, those who buy me things will get a story/pic/edit of their specifications, with effort put in relating to the amount of money put forward (think a $1 every 100 words/30 mins of time put into something)

Terrace BC's Batman outside City Hall, supporting those advocating for affordable housing.

Urgent Community Aid Needed!!!

I know it risks accusations of piggying but I have 1.5k followers here so I cant not try.

Due to an exteme weather event I lost a week of income as did all my roommates. We have less than a week to make $300 or else they will shut off our electricity and add extremely high fees to our phone and internet. We have no savings and will not make it.

If you have the means to support a doll who has provided two years of free, pretty hot content, please consider donating to us so we dont lose power.

$mindlesswicker

You are supporting one trans woman on SSI, a Native American man who works two jobs, and me, the token able bodied white cis girl who also works two jobs.

I may open art commissions but my art isnt good.

RIP Brianna Ghey, a 16 year old trans girl who was brutally attacked and murdered in Warrington in the UK, whose death they're refusing to even consider as a hate crime even though she faced years of documented bullying and harassment from peers at school. She deserved better. She deserved to live 106 happy years of life and beyond.

Times have been really, really difficult, and this is only the latest piece of heartbreaking and devastating news on top of everything else.

Please, please know that if you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, someone to listen - I am here. I am happy to talk privately. I will probably not be able to respond immediately after a message is sent, but I will respond. I hear you. I see you. Y'all are important to me.

If you are in crisis and can do so, please reach out to a hotline like Trans Lifelife. Please be advised that crisis lines are legally obligated to call emergency services if you are considering or in the act of committing suicide, and if you're a minor, they are obligated to disclose your status to your parents. This can result in involuntary holds in psychiatric hospitals. I trust y'all to make the best decision for your own personal circumstances.

~Mod Pluto

Hi! A zoo near where I am has free roaming snakes in a big room you can visit, where a bunch of snakes (carpet pythons mostly) live. Is this ethical/ok for the snakes?

https://www.denlilledyrehage.no/opplevelser/slangejungelen

My opinion is that as long as the animals are being taken care of and carefully observed, then interactions with humans can be a source of enrichment for their day-to-day lives. The keepers will have to keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overly stressed, as overly stressed animals get defensive and irritable. But it can definitely be a good thing for the public to be able to interact with snakes, because it reduces fear of them, which in turn reduces human-wildlife conflict. Even though Norway only has three species, only one of which is venomous, and none of which gets particularly large, increasing people's awareness of, and sentiments towards, snakes is important. This kind of outreach is a net positive, in my view.

Curiosity launched the quest ✨

I just had an amazing time during an interview about fight against harmful bacteria, use of antibiotics in cancer treatment, how physics helps in biomedical research, and more. I cannot wait to read the final article!

I felt seen, welcome, and appreciated.

Philes/Mutuals/Others, I need Outside Opinions:

I love doing In-Depths; buuuuut they are time commitment pieces., so I want to know where everyone's interest lies~.

Truly I have "not yet begun to" meta on S8 (it's my passion, my life's blood, and the deciding reason why I sunk so much time into The X-Files... well, third after my interest in Jodie Foster and the episode Squeeze.) HOWEVER, I am willing to let my thoughts ~simmer~ for a bit longer if that's what it will take-- I don't care as long as you all have fun reading!

Everyone Has Something To Contribute! 🍉

Are you unable to attend your local protests in solidarity with Palestine? Do you live in an area where there are no protests to attend? Are you able to go to local protests, but want to take more action in between events? Do you want to take action, but find the topic of Israel & Palestine to be really confusing and/or overwhelming? Welcome! This project is for you! GET INVOLVED Simply click on Outreach Graphics, download & print out the image size that works best for you, and start handing them out in your community. This can be done by yourself or with a group. No need to wait for the next protest to take action. You can even print out the full-page version and hold it up as a sign, inviting people passing by to scan the QR code (which leads to a petition). DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO OUTREACH? Post them on a local bulletin board or utility poles. (Just make note of the laws in your area, unless you don't mind fees, etc as sometimes posting things on poles is illegal.) LACKING ACCESS TO A PRINTER? You can still do outreach by downloading the graphic to your phone or tablet and inviting others to take action. TAKE ACTION FROM HOME Not everyone can leave their home but that doesn't mean you can't participate in this project. Download the graphic and share it online or in an email. Another option is to print out the full-page graphic and put it in the main window of your home so people can see it. Lastly, please spread the word! https://whyceasefirefaq.tumblr.com/ FEELING CONFUSED ABOUT THE TOPIC? You're not alone. The topic comes with a lot of baggage, but checking out the Frequently Asked Questions will give you a better understanding of what is going on. It's also handy for when you're doing outreach and a person that you're talking to has questions about the issue. Have a question that is not listed in the FAQ? Click the contact link. Alternatively, you can email me at rebel wheels nyc @ gmail . com (but with no spaces.) Please do not send attachments. BEYOND OUTREACH Check out the Featured Activist Groups for ways to connect with others who are also involved in this cause. In the end, while not everyone can participate in the same way, everyone has something to contribute to the collective effort - and that includes you.

[VIDEO DESCRIPTION: A video from November 15th, 2023 where a massive amount of people have entered Grand Central Station (a train station in New York City), many of whom are wearing black t-shirts that have the text (in a bold, white font) "Not In My Name".]

[ outreach graphics | frequently asked questions | sign the petition | featured activist groups & actions | contact the project ]

Finally finished the presentation for Monday when I go and talk to some middle school students about getting interested in STEM fields and Geology. Now I just to finish writing up the hands on exercise, pack everything up, and cook before traveling tomorrow.