Made With Molecules Newsletter - Dopamine Day 2009

[raven hanna]

Dear Made With Molecules friends and fans,

I'm continuing my mission (well, it's really more of a hobby) to
change the name of Valentine's Day to Dopamine Day. After all, that's
what we are really after. The romance, the thrills, the sex, the
chocolate - all ways to unlock the wonders of our dopamine pathway.

Mmmm, dopamine - love, pleasure, reward - without it what drive would
humans have to create love ballads or a perfect champagne? And while
we could probably live without poetry and gourmet experiences, it's
also fundamental to our most basic drives. Without a dopamine reward,
would we even eat? Would we have the passion and drive to do
anything? Not that dopamine is all honey and goodness - its powerful
pull is responsible for many a heartbreak, gambled fortunes, and
addiction.

Dopamine Day is about honoring, respecting, and satiating our pathways
of desire and reward. So to create the right dopamine-inspiring
atmosphere, grab a friend, go dancing, eat some chocolate, and drink
some wine. (See! Traditional Valentine's Day activities *are* dopamine-
enhancing activities.) Alternatively, and especially if you aren't
into that Valentine's stuff, get your dopamine flowing by doing
something new - travel in new places, sky dive, or tramp through
unexplored forest. And when you feel excited and in the moment, you
can pay tribute to our monoamine friend.

In this newsletter:

1. new! Dopamine Day jewelry
2. new shipping rates
3. molecules in the news: resveratrol, oxytocin/vasopressin, and
serotonin
4. February donation to Surfrider Foundation
5. I'm on Twitter
6. PMCA science+art exhibit


1. new! Dopamine Day jewelry

Each year I enjoy making some special pieces for Dopamine Day. This
year, I'm happy to offer three new dopamine items. (If you would like
your order before Valentine's Day and live in the US, please order by
February 9.)

Dopamine Keychain
Finally! A Dopamine Day item for men and women alike! A sterling
silver dopamine molecule keychain:
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/valentines09_1.html

Dopamine Heart Necklace
A dopamine pendant hangs on a heart-shaped bail and from a multi-
strand cord/ribbon:
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/valentines09_3.html

Dopamine Love Garnet Necklace
A fun and casual necklace with a dopamine charm, a charm that says
"love," and a faceted garnet drop:
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/valentines09_2.html


2. new shipping rates

On Feb 1, I changed my USA shipping rate to $5 flat rate or $22 for
Express Mail overnight. Shipments to Canada are now $5 or $20. Other
international orders will be sent registered mail for $25. This is a
decrease for US and Canada regular mail, but an increase for other
international mail. Due to lost packages which are disappointing to
both to customers and me, I've decided to send all non-Canada
international orders via registered mail. This will hopefully decrease
lost package issues. If you are an international customer who can't
afford the higher shipping, please let me know.


3. molecules in the news: resveratrol, oxytocin/vasopressin, and
serotonin

If you are interested in resveratrol, the molecule in red wind that
(in enormous amounts) makes mice live 50% longer, you might enjoy this
interesting 60 Minutes feature by Morley Safer:
http://tinyurl.com/c22b2r
A Feyman's Flower blog post about oxytocin, vasopressin, and the
potential of an anti-love potion:
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/blog/?p=74
Also, serotonin causes swarming in locusts, which is both pretty neato
and reminds us that evolution uses the (chemical) tools at hand when
inventing a new behavior:
http://tinyurl.com/bkgqgb


4. February donation to the Surfrider Foundation

MWM is committed to making our world a better place. This includes
donating at least 1% of proceeds to environmental and science
education non-profits. February's donation will be to the Surfrider
Foundation, which is a grassroots organization that keeps our beaches
and oceans healthy. Their crew of mainly surfer volunteers have a
integral desire to preserve our oceans and beaches. Their passion
translates into progress. Thank you, Surfrider!
http://www.surfrider.org


5. I'm on Twitter

Although I'm not quite sure what I'm *doing* there, yet. You can
follow my tweets here:
http://molecularmuse.twitter.com


6. PMCA science+art exhibit

If you are in or around the LA area, you might want to check out the
current exhibit at the Pasadena Museum of California Art called Data +
Art: Science and Art in the Age of Information. (Be sure to check out
the gift shop for Made With Molecules jewelry.)
http://www.pmcaonline.org/exhibits/35/index.html


Happy 2009! I wish you all much happiness in the new year!

.raven..

Raven Hanna
Made With Molecules
Art In Science
ra...@madewithmolecules.com