A Short Lesson on Monoamine Neurotransmitters

Let’s talk about neurotransmitters. Monoamine transmitters to be specific: dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine. These monoamines are split into three categories of amines: catecholamines, indolamines, and ethylamines. Dopamine and norepinephrine are catecholamines, serotonin is an indolamine, and histamine is an ethylamine. All monoamine transmitters are similar in that they all contribute some level of response…

A Short Lesson on the Senses

There is definitely no shortage of information and vocabulary to unpack regarding the senses. Therefore, at the 50,000 foot level, this post will cover some basics info about three of the five major senses: auditory, somatosenses, and olfactory. In addition, I will briefly explore the idea of additional senses that don’t quite fit into the original…

The Scientific Approach to Understanding Personality

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear or see the word “personality”? Do you generally use the word to describe a person’s character traits and behaviors?  Do you refer to your best friend as a “good person”? Or perhaps you have a co-workers “with a lot of drama in her…

Test Drive

I “Life is about persuasion, Sal.  You’re either the persuader or the persuaded.”  Fenning McRand tossed a miniature basketball over to Salvatore Capelli, who caught it with one hand and twirled it on one finger before tossing it back.  “We’re the persuaders, amigo–that’s why we’re in this business.”  Fenning snatched the ball, trying to mimic…

To my father…

My father was my best friend. I learned from a young age not to cross him — ever. I grew to accept that over time, as he was a powerfully strong role model my life. Nobody is perfect — my father certainly made some big mistakes in his walk through life, but his great focus,…

Do we still care about friendships?

Here are some questions to ponder before and after you read the rest of this article: *Do you have a best friend? That is, a best friend who is truly a regular part of your life, who helps balance you out and keep you in check?  *Do you know at least one of your neighbors?…

Why moral thuggery IS the root of all evil

No matter your religious / spiritual views, no matter your political affiliation, no matter your cultural roots, no matter your location – a common thread exists through out the world: That common thread is the rampant problem of moral thuggery. What exactly is moral thuggery?  It is turning a blind-eye to tyranny, treachery, corruption –…

Why we ALL are to blame for *violence*

Riot violence. Gun violence. MMA violence.  Cinematic violence. Video game violence. Street fight violence. Violence, violence, violence. Everywhere, **everyday**. Aggression. Hostility. Anger. Rage. Hate. Dominance. These emotions are often linked to violence. They are embedded in our biological makeup. We are complex beings; we have a wide range of emotions, all of which have their…