Mary Cooley

Transitioning from journalist to regular member of society; hardly ever swear anymore. Unabashed fan of scientists, gardens, books. I text in AP style. She/her

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

Came for the snark, stayed for the science.

[@hayesbrown.bsky.social @HayesBrown]

ugh I know that the General Hellscape is bad but I have learned so much from the very smart people on this stupid website?? the jokes are fun, the career boosting insanely useful, but it was the experts and academics actually engaging on here that really locked me in here

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@FrostyFeast @leah101015 @redditships For her sake, I hope he's more like my ex--desperately wanted divorce but too chickenshlt to pursue himself. Divorce was a relief, because the variations of mustard BS was never going to end.
Take care, OP. Proud of you!

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

I once got to see a Real Live In The Wild Alligator Gar -- and my overprotective and knowledgeable beloved would not let me pet as he released it from the trotline. Random acknowledgment by @OKWildlifeDept of my dismay might reduce my disappointment a little.

[Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation @OKWildlifeDept]

We're giving away over a hundred limited-edition stickers to randoms that tweet about gar today.

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

No, goddammit.

[Mini - News in 60 Words @MiniNewsapp]

Say goodbye to long news articles and read the top news in just 60 words

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@OKWildlifeDept Looking at it on a midrange phone, so forgive my needing a longer caption. So the little brown dots are baby spider bodies, and darker parts ... legs? What do they eat? How many? Do they fall off? Are they wiggly? Do the outer ones get too cold?
And where is the father?

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@ThatMarkElliott @henrymance I was well past 18 when I stopped, so quite a bit past that now too. But if I skip my dark green veg for a couple days, I'm feeling it. (Conversely, if I eat great, I feel great. Like everyone else.)
I'm completely out of shape but sincerely think I'm better off veg. :)

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@henrymance @altusda Change is scary. And it's easy to mock what one does not understand. (20 year vegetarian here.) "How do you get enough protein? Do you have to eat tofu?" Are still questions 1 and 2. (Easy; and I do but don't rely on it.)
(I'm always open to genuine, polite questions.)

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@ThatMarkElliott @henrymance May I add?
4. I feel physically better than I did as a carnivore.

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@carolpopegordon @CrawliesWithCri But you foolishly baked them on a baking sheet, negating the amazing experience of picking up bits of exploded potatoes from the oven floor and between the oven racks. You poor thing. ;)

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

Meet Buzzbert. He is my bedrooms guard-wasp and a great roommate. (For his comfort, I hope he finds his way out today.)

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

Unpopular position: I've purposely planted mint INTO THE GROUND. (I hate grass and will do nearly a anything to kill it--apparently previous owners felt same.) Bees and bugs love it. Bonus: I have a little giggle as it gets closer to my a$$hat neighbor's oveely manicured lawn. :D

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@TreeCanopy5 @KellerISD Hey Keller parents-if you need help getting a book into the hands of your child, I bet The Internet would be happy to help. I know I would be. #readbannedbooks Have a great school year!

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@MARspidermonkey I think I saw my first of the year--but it was small? But I'm seeing several big blue and black butterflies daily. (Should we report this somewhere?)

[Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation @OKWildlifeDept]

We need you to harness some self-control and stop trying to pick up wild skunks, this is a black and white issue with no gray area.

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@CorrieJN Your stress load is ridiculous, and must feel unbearable without sleep. I'm sorry to hear it.
(I'm not an academic, so... this is all just another woman whose to-do list is also within her abilities only with adequate rest and occasional assistance, both rare. Best wishes.)

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

I would have applauded that manager telling woman to leave. Please empower managers to boot horribly mean people from your stores.
I walked out w/o purchasing, your employees were too busy pacifying a horrible *** to attend anyone else.
Mean people suck.

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@beautybrands woman was unconscionable terrible to worker today at Edwardsville Il store, even questioning emp. mental health. Emp. had made easily fixed mistake, customer literally drove her to tears. Manager promised "a coaching".
I hope that coaching is "some customers suck."

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@ShearSkilz @michaelharriot Same. I read tons of books and also had very strict parents. (Climbing fences and trees both taboo.)
On one hand, no stitches, sprains or breaks. OTOH... no lesson learned the hard way and no great stories.

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

Meet Chirp. His Dad stopped by a bit ago with a chewed-up grub, and he was one happy little fledge.
My dogs are confused why we can't go out the door by this tree, but they'll adapt. (They're Labs. The walk pep talk is already full: "We are NOT chasing and eating toads, cats...")

[Mary Cooley @M_Mary_C]

@AITA_online Let's reframe the question: is it ever OK to mess with my neighbor's belongings without their OK?
No, it is not.
But what if...
Still no.