Psychology and neuroscience are interesting topics for me. I’m by no means enmeshed in these fields, but I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and capability of the human mind. We are Paleolithic hunter-gatherer primates that managed to create a global civilization far beyond our simple beginnings. All because of the capacity and flexibility of our minds. Of course, it’s not all white magic and high art that we play with. Read more...

It starts simple enough. Maybe you lie in bed a few minutes after the 5:00 a.m. alarm goes off. Sleep last night was hard to find. Couldn’t get there, couldn’t stay there. At least you’re up. You find that you missed a step in last night’s routine that throws you off a bit this morning. Have to correct that. So you get to the gym already off your game. Workout has to be done. Read more...

This past weekend, my son and I saw the documentary ‘Free Solo’ at a theater in Knoxville. I’ve been looking forward to this film since I saw the preview months back. The fact that it was actually showing at a theater within thirty miles of me was surprising enough to make me consider that possibility that stars aligned. If you’re not into climbing, the term free solo means to climb alone and with no protective equipment. Read more...

There are a number of personality tests in the world. I’m not talking about the nonsense ones. All those Facebook quizzes that will tell you which Hogwart’s house you’d be in, which Sex in the City character you are, or which member of the Nazi high command you’re most like. Those are nonsense. I’m referring to the ones that have some measure of scientific basis. The Five Factor test, Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram and a number of others. Read more...

Everything political makes me angry. This is a thoroughly recent affliction. It happens whether the democrats or republicans have the edge in the halls of power. There’s no leadership, no compromise, no effective governance, no conversation, no understanding that the only viable long term outcomes must be win-win. There is none of the work that we the people need done. Just entitled, wealthy and disconnected power-seekers pandering to their audience. Loyalty to party is more important than what is actually good for the country. Read more...