More Reasons for Bad Memories
This is from an article on Wired about “Big Questions.”
Most brains can handle only five to nine short-term memories at once. Newer information - phone call! ice cream! - can bump a previous memory out of storage before it’s committed to long-term recall. Even worse, new memories tend to merge with permanent ones, muddying the recollection of ritual activities. Michael “Professor” Solomon, author of How to Find Lost Objects, says it’s easy to accidentally substitute one routine motion for another. So look for your keys where you normally put your wallet. If that fails, check the car, the sofa cushions, the door lock, and (duh) your pocket. You’re probably staring right at them.
Now, if only I could remember to remember.
February 16th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
In addition to “How to Find Lost Objects,” I have published the following books:
“Japan in a Nutshell” (1997)
“How to Make the Most of a Flying Saucer Experience” (1998)
“Coney Island” (1999)
“The Book of King Solomon” (2005)
“Japan in a Nutshell” and “Coney Island” are available as free PDF downloads.
For more information on these books, go to http://www.professorsolomon.com
Professor Solomon
Baltimore