I was listening to a podcast that featured an addiction researcher, and he was talking about how addiction manifests in the brain. He highlighted our learning method, which is something that has not evolved significantly since our ape ancestors: Trigger > Behavior > Reward My self-reward usually involves wine, books, and time to enjoy both. … Continue reading We do what we have been rewarded to do
This summer was weird and wonderful in its own ways. Kind of hard, but good?! I'm still processing some of it. I have some big decisions to make in my life that are scary because they feel final (though it doesn't have to be final, but of course my brain immediately goes to most extreme … Continue reading The best things I read in summer 2019
There's a tension between standing up for what is right, unapologetically and strongly, and the need to "meet people where they are" to have a productive dialogue and, frankly, to having the best chance to change their minds. The first works well for policy changes, the second better interpersonally. I don't have much to say … Continue reading Changing policies, changing minds
I just read that a majority of white women in Alabama voted for Roy Moore. White Women Keep F*cking Us Over (Apologies for the language.) I want to think through this more before saying anything definitive, but I do have some initial thoughts. I agree that white women are a problematic group in the US, … Continue reading Power addendum
The whole political scene in America has been downright depressing if not obscene lately. I just want to go to sleep and wake up when it's over, but also want to quit my job to spend a thousand hours a day fighting fascism, injustice, racism, sexism, and cruelty. Exhaustion and motivation make for a more … Continue reading Power
