A lesson in neuropsychology

It's not always fun and games around here, you know; sometimes, you have to learn something. Oh, who am I kidding: learning IS fun and games and it's the best part of being alive! I have to read about at least one new thing a day (and why I keep trying to pick up new hobbies like some people pick up stray animals...it beats picking up bad habits).

So, today, I'm going to share a couple of interesting links with you. And I'm compelled to do it because people harbor false "facts," e.g. humans only use 10% of their brains (WRONG!).

Another myth that gets perpetuated is one about a person being either left-brain/right brain. So, if you're one of those who believe this, head over to NeuroLogica's blog and read why it's not true.

I guess part of the problem is that our brains aren't very reliable.

For a fun course about memory, what it is (and it's not a single, specific thing), what our misconceptions are about it, and how to improve it, I highly recommend The Great Course's series, "Memory and the Human Lifespan."

Okay, that's the lesson for the day; now go and have a great week! :)

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas Adams

Things I've learned

1) Events I dread almost always turn out much better than I anticipated. (I shouldn't say this one too soon; Thanksgiving this year has not yet come, and I face an invasion of relatives by marriage with nowhere to hide.)

2) Trust the kids, but only as far as I can throw a refrigerator (thanks to Stephen King for that clever phrase).

3) Trust my calendar more than my friends (but love them anyway).

4) Mumble, mumble, mumble...there are things that should not be put on my blog.

5) Say less, listen more. Things I hear can't bite me in the butt as much as things I say. Don't let warm, fuzzy feelings of comraderie squeeze words out of my mouth that I'll regret later.

More to add as I get wiser. Speaking of wiser, there's an interesting little display at National Geographic online on memory that you should check out.

"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge." ~ Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881)