Author | Lightnews

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 13

Not noted above is that, “… ‘the extreme left and the extreme right were cognitively similar to each other. Both extremes struggled to adapt, to invent, to change mental schemas …’” Which is discussed here:

What the extreme left and far right have in common – and it’s all in the mind

We probably don’t think of it this way, but most of us have an ideology. Some think very deeply about their political views and are conscious of it. For the rest of us, ideology manifests itself as a ...

m.independent.ie

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 13

CC: @jayzissou.bsky.social and @nov8tive1.bsky.social, because I’ve had several related exchanges with each of you and I know you both also strive to understand wtf is happening. 😅

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 13

Welp, this explains a lot. “Is it that, if they already had a larger amygdala, that made them more attracted to ideologies that dealt with fear and threat and disgust …? Or maybe being immersed in a world that’s very focused on those negative feelings can actually change the brain.”

Why Our Brains Crave Ideology

A neuroscientist reveals how to nurture authentic and flexible thinking

nautil.us

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

Ha! Lucky for both of us, I am! 😂

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

Thank you for the kind words and the thoughtful response. I agree that sitting with a work and really tuning into whatever comes up is an important step in viewing art. Especially art that evokes a strong negative response. It’s worth it every time.

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

Cannot wait!

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

Thank you! 🥰

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

@nov8tive1.bsky.social I’d love to hear your thoughts on this if you have time to give it a read.

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 8

Satire, subversive art and protest art can inspire change within the viewer and and spur change within society. Often it is used on the signs and in the costumes of protestors. It was one such costume that inspired me to write this essay. Is it art or a nazi?

The Art of Protest

Often designed to shock and provoke, subversive and satirical art makes us think critically and forces us to confront our worst inclinations, much like the signs and costumes at protests and parades.

open.substack.com

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Apr 7

When it’s so bad I feel compelled to write about the economy, it is very bad indeed. If you want the price of your 401k to go up and coffee and eggs to go down, you’ll want to see … what’s written in this post.

Tree Branches

How you, me, nature, the economy, government institutions and global community are interconnected and interdependent, whether we like it or not

open.substack.com

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 19

“…Trump’s and Musk’s charges of improper judicial interference and some of their actions pose dangers to the rule of law and the US constitution.”

‘This is a coup’: Trump and Musk’s purge is cutting more than costs, say experts

In slashing staff and disabling entire agencies the administration is lacerating the structures of US democracy

www.theguardian.com

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 17

I’m on the The Clash to Public Enemy scale.

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 12

I would say the biggest hindrance is time whether it’s reverting back to maiden name or applying for a passport that matches your birth certificate. But it might be worthwhile to ask a lawyer.

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 12

Can I time machine for shenanigans instead?

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 12

Fyi #marriedwomen or anyone who changed their name. The bill also affects the elderly and a lot of other groups. Read on.

Married women could be stopped from voting under SAVE Act

The act could affect whether married women without passports are able to register to vote.

www.newsweek.com

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Feb 1

Dreaming big has no age limit. There are some dreams that are even sweeter when done later.

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 30

The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · Jan 30

“When you speed up the exchange of messages and information beyond a certain point, you actually overwhelm the mind’s ability to make sense of it all in a deep way,” Nicholas Carr tells Don Peck in Time-Travel Thursdays.

Nicholas Carr: Is the Internet Making Us Stupid?

A conversation about how online life has rewired our brains

www.theatlantic.com

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 26

Are you visiting New Orleans during carnival season? If so, check out my latest for Louisiana Life Magazine for things to do when you aren’t at a parade. (Written and photographed by moi.)

#neworleans #lousiana #mardigras #carnivalseason

Where to Stay, Eat and Drink When NOT at Carnival Parades - louisianalife.com

Tatlo in the French Quarter is the witchy absinthe bar of your dreams. Go for the vibes and stay to live deliciously through the enchanted cocktails and delectable food Normally, when friends say they...

www.louisianalife.com

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 26

Guuurl. This hellscape is worsening at an alarmingly high speed.

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 26

I do. I’m able to stop intrusive thoughts due to the work done via my meditation practice. The practice has taught me to note the intrusive thought, acknowledge and honor it, then redirect my attention rather than dwell on the thought. It’s one of the countless benefits of this practice.

Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 26

We celebrated my hubby’s 53rd yesterday. I finally got him to meditate. It was before he knew I was baking him this cake so I know he didn’t do it because of bribery. 🤣

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 19

Seriously. 🙄 I’m considering stocking up on Act floride mouthwash.

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 19

I’m still processing this information. It explains some things. Like why he never wanted pizza. (One of many childhood traumas.) But I’m still stunned.

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 19

I was today years old when I learned my dad doesn’t really like cheese and “doesn’t see the point of it.” I am SHOOK. I thought I knew this man. What’s something you learned about a parent that has stunned you?

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Melanie Warner Spencer @melaniespencer.bsky.social · Jan 19

I always knew stale baguettes were a real threat. Tots and pears.