- Popular Brain Games:
- Cube Field
- Bubble Hit
- Scrabble Sprint
- UNO Card Game
- NEW:
- Free Online Scrabble Dictionary Repaired
Memory Improvement Tips Blog
Welcome to my blog page at Memory-Improvement-Tips.com. Check below to see what's new on this site. From memory tips and free brain games to true stories of memory problems submitted by real visitors, I'm continually adding cool and useful content.
To subscribe to this blog, click on the feed reader you use (RSS, Feedly, My Yahoo!, My MSN, or Bloglines) in the box at left.
Feb 21, 2014
Free Online Scrabble Dictionary Repaired
Unbeknownst to me, it was broken for a short while. Nixie, a kind visitor, pointed it out to me.
The Scrabble word checker now works again. And I've improve the page with better descriptions of the available options.
This widget is useful for settling arguments when playing Scrabble against friends and family. Simply type in the word, click the CHECK button, and a message tells you whether the word is Allowed or Not Allowed.
Also, you can use this Scrabble Dictionary word checker when practicing your Scrabble word-making skills. The free Scrabble Sprint online game is great for training your brain to quickly analyze available letter combinations. The word checker keeps you honest.
Feb 19, 2014
More Free Online DAILY Crosswords
This free online crossword not only provides you with a fresh crossword puzzle every day, it also comes with a couple of powerful options you just won't see with a printed crossword puzzle.
The Reveal Letter button lets you get a free look at the correct letter for any cell in the crossword grid. And the Check Moves button is a lifesaver. Have you ever suddenly realized there must be a mistake somewhere among your entered answers? Well, click the Check Moves button and erroneous entries are highlighted in red automatically. Nifty!
Crossword puzzles are powerful brain games that help train verbal fluency and memory. For a quick brain power boost, solve a crossword at least once or twice a week. This new online daily crossword makes it super easy and convenient to fit puzzle time into your busy schedule.
Feb 12, 2014
To Form Stronger Memories of Events, Take Mental Snapshots
Some people have a naturally weak "episodic" memory. That's the memory for past events. In the brain, it's separate from general knowledge. A person could have a great memory for facts, but not remember details from last year's vacation. The reverse can also be true.
"To take a mental snapshot" means to bring the full force of your concentration to bear on a few representative moments during an event. At a friend's wedding, you might want to take a mental snapshot of the newlywed couple on the altar. Or you might want to snap a mental picture the next time you witness a beautiful rainbow or sunset.
This technique may be especially helpful if you have concentration difficulties, such as with ADHD or other reasons. The mental snapshots technique is easy to learn and requires no equipment. It's a simple way to create strong mental impressions during important scenes and special moments so you can recall them more easily later.
Continue reading "To Form Stronger Memories of Events, Take Mental Snapshots"
Feb 04, 2014
Multiply Aliens Attack - Free Online Math Game
Like all the brain games on my site, Multiply Aliens Attack is completely free to play. Just open the game, and start answering math facts!
This game is set up like Missile Command, the arcade classic where you defend a city against an aerial attack. Here you control a single ground-based laser, and your mission is to protect the city as alien ships descend and drop bombs on your buildings.
The laser aims automatically, but you must correctly answer the math expression on the side of the alien ship for it to fire. Answer correctly, and the alien ship is destroyed.
Multiply Aliens Attack includes both multiplication and division facts. You can select the level of difficulty, from Beginner to Impossible.
This is a great game for students learning basic multiplication and division. For the rest of us, the higher difficulty levels offer a fun challenge to test how quickly we can perform mental calculations. Enjoy!
Continue reading "Multiply Aliens Attack - Free Online Math Game"
Jan 22, 2014
Free Daily Crossword Puzzle - Play Online Free
To enter the answers, type the words right in the crossword grid. It's that simple. Across and Down clues display to the right of the puzzle.
This daily online crossword puzzle includes several helpful online features. By clicking buttons on the puzzle, you can show/hide errors, solve individual letters or words or the entire puzzle, or even restart the puzzle. This crossword puzzle even keeps score.
Crosswords are excellent brain games. These puzzles train memory and verbal fluency. That's why it's smart to work a crossword puzzle or two like this one every week. This well-designed free online daily crossword puzzle is good exercise for your brain.
Continue reading "Free Daily Crossword Puzzle - Play Online Free"
Jan 07, 2014
Spice It Up! The Indian Spice Turmeric May Help You Avoid Alzheimer's Dementia
India has the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease in the world. Some researchers think this may be due to widespread use of turmeric in traditional Indian cuisine. But what if you don't like the taste or don't want to cook with it?
You can now get your turmeric without eating massive amounts of this spice. Now available are tumeric supplements that combine commercial-grade turmeric with Biophene, a compound that increases absorption by 2,000%.
Turmeric gives curry is distinct flavor and orange-yellow color. Research over the last several years indicates curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can protect brain cells from death in the presence of Alzheimer's disease. By helping brain cells stay alive, memory loss may slowed or avoided.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Over time, brain cells become contaminated and killed by unwanted proteins that form damaging tangles and plaques in the brain. The more brain cells that die, the worse the person's memory gets. This memory loss is known as Alzheimer's dementia.
The curcumin found in turmeric may allow the brain cells to continue functioning normally even in the presence of these damaging plaques and tangles. Although the disease itself isn't cured, the person may be able to delay or avoid the devastating memory loss.
Research is ongoing, but if you're concerned about memory loss due to Alzheimer's you might not want to miss the chance to begin taking a turmeric supplement now.
Continue reading "Spice It Up! The Indian Spice Turmeric May Help You Avoid Alzheimer's Dementia"
Dec 28, 2013
Christmas Mahjong - Free Brain Game
Instead of the usual Chinese characters, the tiles in Christmas Mahjong show cheery Christmas figures like Santa, Rudolph, gingerbread men, mistletoe, and candy canes. There are lots of duplicate tiles in this mahjong game, making it easy to solve.
Tile games like Christmas Mahjong strengthen your concentration and accelerate your thinking speed. Give it a try!
Dec 19, 2013
Jewel Quest - Play Free Online
Jewel Quest includes multiple levels of jewel-matching fun. And it's challenging! I was only able to reach to Level 4 myself.
In addition to forming 3-of-a-kind with jewels and gold objects, you'll also have to deal with buried relics at higher levels of the game.
Jewel Quest strengthens brain skills like visual attention and pattern recognition. Enjoy!
Dec 05, 2013
Verbal Repetition, Lincoln's Go-To Memory Technique
In this article, guest author Whit McMahan describes how Lincoln used this method to memorize facts for political debates, for the law, and for his speeches.
As a part-time actor and Lincoln Presenter, Whit himself today uses the verbal repetition technique to memorize his scripts.
Verbal repetition is perhaps one of the easiest memory techniques to learn. Could it work as well for you as it did for President Lincoln?
There's one way to find out: try it for yourself!
Continue reading "Verbal Repetition, Lincoln's Go-To Memory Technique"
Dec 03, 2013
Deep Diver 2 - Play Free Online
In Deep Diver 2, you are the pilot of a submarine. Your job is to find and retrieve treasures from the ocean floor.
But watch out. Unless you manage your submarine well, you could run out of air, or your submarine could be crushed by the high pressures of the deep sea. You might even be caught in the grasp of a giant octopus!
Use cash earned during dive missions to upgrade your submarine. You can buy powerful engines, add larger air tanks, or install a stronger hull. Use your judgement (and budget) to decide when to purchase each upgrade.
Time management games like Deep Diver 2 are fun brain games. While playing them, you can almost forget you're training your brain at the same time.
Nov 21, 2013
Balance Quest - A New Type of Math Puzzle
Whit has allowed me to post over 20 Balance Quest puzzles on my site. They are in PDF format, and you can print them out for free.
Balance Quest puzzles come in two sizes and three levels of difficulty. I encourage you to give Whit's challenging math puzzle a try!
Continue reading "Balance Quest - A New Type of Math Puzzle"
Nov 05, 2013
Sim Taxi - Play Free Online
Drop off passengers at their destinations and collect the fares. You'll need to memorize the streets and locations of the city, though - there is no city map!
You can upgrade your taxi with a better engine, tires, bumpers, and other enhancements. Sim Taxi even includes a Save feature so you can save your progress.
If you enjoy time management games, you're sure to like Sim Taxi. Give this free brain game a try.
Oct 18, 2013
Girl with Memory Problems
I just found this site today and am so thankful for it! I have had memory problems since I was born, and this year have just began learning how to use
Oct 10, 2013
How to Play Flash Games on an iPad
Not only will my solution allow you to play the free brain games on my site on your iPad, you'll also open up access to a whole universe of internet-based Flash content previously not available on your Apple device.
All perfectly legal and above board, of course!
Oct 02, 2013
New Brain Game "Categories"
For example, want to play a board game like backgammon, checkers, chess, or mancala? Simply go to the new Board Games category page where you'll find them all together.
You can access the categories from any page on my site. Look in the right-hand column, where you'll see a "Free Brain Games" box. In that box are links to the game categories. The categories include:
Board Games. This page has games traditionally played on a board. Examples are chess, checkers, cribbage, backgammon, dominoes, mancala, minesweeper, and marble solitaire.
Card & Tile Games. This page has card games and mahjong tile games. Examples include variations of card solitaire, such as basic solitaire, castle solitaire, forty thieves solitaire, freecell solitaire, and pyramid solitaire.
You'll find mahjong solitaire games in this section, such as butterfly connect, Chinese mahjong, Nao's mahjong, and mahjong tower. It's also home to other card games like UNO, Speed Cards, Euchre, and Hearts.
Concentration Games. This section is where you'll find games that improve focus, attention span, and concentration. Examples include Aqua Bubble, Cube Field, Bloons, Gold Miner, Gyroball, Lost in Migration, Snake Game, Stackopolis, Very Simple Game, and more.
Math Games. Ready to work on basic math skills? This is the section for you. Included here are games such as Baseball Multiplication, Brain Racer, Equator Math, Kakuro math puzzle, Math Mountain, Nim Game, Pacman Math, Sudoku, and many others.
Memory Games. Visit this section if improving your short-term memory and working memory is your goal. Games in this section include Ben 10 Memory, Brain Power Zoo, Brain Safari, Lightning Librarian, Mario Memory, Glitter Memory, Pattern Memory, Trolley Dash, and more.
Puzzle Games. The largest brain game section, the puzzle games include 3D Logic, Bejeweled, Bloxorz, Demolition City, Harry the Hamster, Tetris, Scooby Doo's Creepy Castle, and the World's Hardest Game (it really is).
Word Games. If you like word games or if you're into typing games, you'll enjoy this section. These games include Scrabble Sprint, Air Typer, Bookworm, Crosswords, Hangman, Piano Bar, Typing Tidepool, and over a dozen word search puzzles.
Sep 30, 2013
Memory Loss: Is it just in my head????
I am a 52 year old woman. Something changed with my memory last December. It is like a light switch is sometimes half-way off or all the way off. I remember
Sep 22, 2013
Natural Treatment for Alzheimer's Symptoms
In Alzheimer's disease, brain cells lose the ability to absorb glucose, their usual source of energy. Lacking glucose, the brain cells weaken and die, resulting in memory loss and other cognitive problems, and eventually death.
It turns out the brain can run on ketones, which aren't blocked by Alzheimer's tangles and plaques. To learn more, check out my new page, Natural Treatment for Alzheimer's Dementia.
Continue reading "Natural Treatment for Alzheimer's Symptoms"
Aug 25, 2013
Butterfly Mahjong Connect - Play Free Now
But don't get distracted as gorgeous butterflies flit gracefully away. The timer is still counting down!
This game is also called Butterfly Kyodai. Games like mahjong connect train concentration and visual perception. Play this game often to strengthen your ability to quickly spot the visual details in any situation, and to increase your mental focus.
Continue reading "Butterfly Mahjong Connect - Play Free Now"
Aug 20, 2013
NPH Mimics Alzheimer's - But Is Treatable
I explain this strange condition on my new page, Misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is Treatable. NPH sufferers have trouble with balance and memory, which happen to also be cardinal signs of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
NPH is caused by a build up of fluid on the brain. That fluid, which presses on brain tissue, can be removed.
By some estimates over 300,000 people in the U.S. have NPH. For a variety of reasons, doctors miss the diagnosis. And this is a tragedy.
These people are told they have terminal, untreatable diseases like Alzheimer's, when in fact they don't. They lose years of their lives, when a simple surgical procedure could give their lives back.
Learn more about NPH now. You never know when you (or a family member) may find yourself confronted with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. If that happens, you want to be sure to rule out NPH which can be reversed with treatment.
Continue reading "NPH Mimics Alzheimer's - But Is Treatable"
Aug 15, 2013
Bookworm Word Game - Play Free
In this Bookworm game, you are presented with a board filled with random letter tiles. Your job is to find words hidden in the jumble of letters. To form a word, click the letters that make up the word.
The challenge is you can only use letters that are touching each other. But don't worry, there is a reshuffle feature in case you get stuck. Reshuffling deals you a new set of letter tiles, without any time or point penalty.
If you like Scrabble or other games where you use letter tiles to form words, you'll really enjoy the Bookworm word game. Give it a try!
Aug 05, 2013
How to Memorize Lists of Codes
On my new page, Memorize the US State Postal Codes, I walk you step-by-step through the memory techniques of pattern recognition and creating associations. State postal codes are two-character abbreviations used in US mailing addresses to identify the state (for example, "MT" for Montana).
It's easy to confuse these codes, because some don't follow patterns you'd expect. For example, you might assume "MA" is the postal code for Maine since those are the first two letters of that state's name. But MA is the postal code for Massachusetts. Maine's is "ME". Memory techniques help you keep the codes straight.
It's useful to know the state postal codes. But even if you don't care about this particular list, you can still use these methods for other code lists you do want to remember. Read this page carefully, and you'll have two powerful tools to add to your memory improvement tool box.
Jul 27, 2013
Problem with observation of common things
Hi! I'm a 22 yr male. I think I have poor observation, i.e., I don't observe things, even simple ones like my friend's spectacle design, his handwriting,
Continue reading "Problem with observation of common things"
Jul 23, 2013
Whole Eggs Can Boost Memory
Foods with the highest levels of choline include beef liver and eggs. To help improve your memory, include more of these in your diet. Especially the eggs!
For years we were advised to avoid whole eggs, because it was thought the yolk would raise our cholesterol. But the latest research shows that eating the yolk actually doesn't affect the level of bad cholesterol much.
A few whole eggs per week aren't going to hurt. In fact, eggs are full of good fats, protein, vitamins, and yes, memory-boosting choline.
For more tips on how to eat your way to a better memory, see my Diet & Memory page.
Jul 20, 2013
"Commutative Property" Multiplication Flash Cards
So, at the suggestion of a 3rd grade teacher named Kyla, I made a set of multiplication flash cards that shows both commutative expressions on each card. In other words, the front of the card has both "8 x 5" and "5 x 8".
Practicing with these flash cards should help children better understand the commutative nature of multiplication facts. With any luck, the light bulb will come on!
Like all math flash cards on my site, this set is free for personal and classroom use. You can share the pdf file with anyone. You can post it on your website, forum, or blog. The only restriction is you cannot sell it.
Continue reading ""Commutative Property" Multiplication Flash Cards"
Jul 15, 2013
Brain Safari - Free Brain Game
Most brain games train one or two mental skills. When you play Brain Safari, you can train up to four different intellectual abilities.
Research shows that online games train individual brain skills but not all areas of the brain at once. It's possible to train your entire brain, but you need to play a variety of games to accomplish it.
With Brain Safari, you can boost your logic skills, math ability, short-term memory, and visual perception. Brain Safari is divided into 8 "minigames" (2 minigames per brain skill). You can spend as much time working on a particular skill as you wish.
For example, to exercise your short-term memory, play the TV Memory and Bushy Memory minigames. To work on your visual skills, play Hut Parade and Jungle Puzzle.
Give Brain Safari a try! Your brain will thank you for it.
Jun 26, 2013
Free "Triple Yahtzee" Score Sheets
Triple Yahtzee follows the basic rules of Yahtzee but with two columns added. The total of the second column is doubled, while the total of the third column is tripled.
Suppose you roll three 5's. In regular Yahtzee, there is one space available in the Upper Section to put your 5's, and you could enter "15" (points) in that space for that roll.
In Triple Yahtzee, you could enter "15" in the single, double, or triple column for Upper Section 5's. If you enter "15" in the triples column, for example, you'd actually get 45 points for that entry once that column was totaled and multiplied by three.
Due to this doubling and tripling, an obvious strategy is to enter your higher rolls in the second and third columns when possible.
Jun 18, 2013
Memory Cartooning - Sketch Your Mental Images
Most people use only their left-brain language pathways when memorizing. But you can double your memory power by engaging right-brain creativity, imagination, and visualization pathways as well.
Memory cartooning allows even people who don't consider themselves visual learners to use right-brain memory pathways. Sketching on paper means not having to hold images solely in your mind's eye.
You don't need to be an artist to make memory cartoons. As long as you understand your sketches, your memory cartoons can greatly improve your memory of the material. For more information, see my Memory Cartooning page.
Continue reading "Memory Cartooning - Sketch Your Mental Images"
May 27, 2013
Free Majhong Solitaire Game
This mahjong game includes five different tile stacks: Classic, Pyramid, Columns, Aztec, and Cubic.
If you've ever played a mahjong solitaire game before, you know the rules are simple. Just remove tiles one pair at a time until the board is cleared. The only catch is that a tile can only be removed if it is unblocked by other tiles.
Mahjong games train concentration and visual perception skills. For those who enjoy puzzles, they're lots of fun to solve.
May 07, 2013
Candy Crush Speed Challenge - Free Brain Game
Make three-in-a-rows or higher to clear the screen of candy. Candy Crush trains concentration as well as thinking skills like spatial orientation.
This game is colorful and fun. You might not even realize that you're training your brain at the same time.
This version is timed. You've got 4 minutes to earn the highest score you can. Good luck!
Continue reading "Candy Crush Speed Challenge - Free Brain Game"
Apr 25, 2013
Squeeze Your Fists to Improve Your Memory
Participants were asked to memorize a list of 72 words. The group that remembered the most words first squeezed their right fist for 90 seconds before they started to memorize the list. Later they squeezed their left fist before trying to recall as many words from the list as they could.
Researchers guessed that squeezing the fists in that order changes the brain temporarily in a way that boosts memory.
So, squeeze your right fist for 90 seconds, then study for awhile; squeeze your left fist for 90 seconds when you're ready to recall the information.
I know, it sounds weird! But it might work for you.
For more unusual memory tricks, see my Quick Memory Tips page.
Apr 19, 2013
Gweneviere Mann Interviewed by NPR
I've added a link to her NPR audio interview to the Memory Problems Story invitation page (look for the yellow box). Now you can listen to Gwen's story in her own voice!
While searching the web for articles on memory, I was amazed to stumble across Gwen's interview in the NPR podcast directory. I hope you take a few moments to listen to her describe living with a short-term memory that is not very reliable, to say the least.
With humor and courage, Gwen speaks frankly about what it's like to not trust your own memory - and what she is doing to get the most out of life despite her challenges.
Others with memory problems have posted their stories on this site as well. Feel free to read through their stories. You can even post a supportive comment at the bottom of a story if you like.
Brain tumors, dementia, traumatic head injuries, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, electroshock treatments - the causes of memory loss are many and varied.
I hope more folks with memory problems will decide to come forward and share their stories. Doing so can help them connect with others who have similar problems, and even trade advice.
Mar 30, 2013
Lifelong Memory Problems, Possibly Due to Accident
I am now 76, but I think that it would be accurate for me to say that since puberty I have had a memory problem. Why do I claim that my memory problem
Continue reading "Lifelong Memory Problems, Possibly Due to Accident"
Mar 26, 2013
Free Printable Meditation Quotes
And if you don't meditate, you should consider taking it up!
Meditation has been shown by research to improve concentration and memory. Meditation also lowers stress, improves sleep, and strengthens the immune system.
But meditating takes time, and it's easy to allow hectic everyday life to interfere with your meditation practice. That's where these meditation quotations can help.
Print out my free Meditation Quotes PDF and hang it next to your computer or in another highly visible location. These quotes can help remind you of the reasons why you meditate and the benefits of doing so consistently.
Mar 17, 2013
Causes of Memory Loss
For instance, did you know that tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can cause memory loss? Or that smoking - and worse yet, second-hand smoking - also impairs the memory? Both are proven by research.
Other perhaps surprising causes of memory loss include heart coronary bypass surgery, full-mouth tooth extraction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of course, there are also obvious causes of memory problems such as brain injury, brain tumors, and stroke.
For some fascinating and useful information about forgetfulness and memory loss, see my new page, Causes of Memory Loss.
Mar 14, 2013
Free Classic Snake Game
Some people don't like snakes, but there's nothing slimy about this game (real snakes aren't slimy, by the way). The snake in this game is a string of small blocks. Nothing to worry about!
The goal is to feed your snake as many food pellets as possible while the snake roams around the screen. But don't let your snake touch the walls or its own tail - or it's game over.
This Classic Snake game is a remake of the version preloaded on older Nokia phones. If you had one of those phones, this game might bring back memories.
Mar 12, 2013
More Free Printable Word Search Puzzles
Word searches train attention and visual perception, two important brain skills. Plus they're just fun to solve.
The new word searches include Chemistry Word Search, Dog Word Search, Easter Word Search, St. Patrick's Day Word Search, Jupiter's Moons Word Search, and U.S. Presidents Word Search.
I also added a couple more word searches to the collection of free printable Bible word search puzzles.
You can distribute these word searches to whoever you want. Pass them out to your students, children, friends, and co-workers. This helps spread the word about Memory-Improvement-Tips.com, so I don't mind!
Are you a teacher? Then consider letting your students work on a word search for 5 minutes at the beginning of class. I taught a few classes at my old job. To get the students engaged, I used to hand out a puzzle page at the beginning of each class.
In my experience, a fun puzzle can help students get focused. It can put them in the mood to pay attention to the lesson. When the five minutes are up, ask them to put the puzzle away to finish at home.
If you need a word search other than the ones I've already made, send me an email. I might be able to make it for you, free of charge, of course.
Mar 04, 2013
A Perfect Memory, the Tibetan Way
The method is what might be described as a "Room of Drawers" mental imaging technique. I learned of it through a best-selling book by T. Lobsang Rampa called The Third Eye.
I'm quite curious to find out whether the Room of Drawers is a legitimate memory technique. Rampa claims it allows monks to memorize entire books with perfect accuracy.
Is the Room of Drawers technique legit? Let me know what you think.
Feb 26, 2013
New “18-20” Addition & Subtraction Flash Cards
Apparently some schools require younger students to recognize addition and subtraction facts all the way up to 20 by sight. I did not know that.
You can print the new 18-20 flash cards from my printable math flash cards page. Like all the flash card sets, the new cards are free for home or classroom use.
Reviewing flash cards is an effective way to memorize information by “rote” (that is, by repetition). With flash cards you can quickly review many items, spending extra time with the most difficult facts you've identified.
The math flash cards page includes Addition and Subtraction flash cards up to 20 plus Multiplication and Division facts up to 12. You can print the cards in either vertical or horizontal format.
At the bottom of that page, there are links to two of my favorite online math games, plus an online Multiplication Speed Test and printable multiplication chart. Enjoy!
Continue reading "New “18-20” Addition & Subtraction Flash Cards"
Feb 22, 2013
Brain Injury from Car Accident
Today John deals with the consequences. He has short-term memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Nevertheless he seems to have a positive attitude towards life, largely due to support from his family - his mother in particular.
John has decided to share his story with us. Read what he has to say about his injury and its aftermath.
Do you have experience with traumatic brain injury or know someone with TBI? Feel free to post words of support and encouragement for John on his thread.
Feb 13, 2013
Eat Foods High in Magnesium to Boost Memory & Fight Disease
Don't be one of those folks! All you may need to do is add foods high in magnesium to the diet you are already eating.
Fortunately, high-magnesium foods are quite healthy. Nuts, seeds, beans, spinach, and unrefined grains top the list. Other foods such as bananas, avocados, and halibut (the fish) contain a significant amount of magnesium.
Not only that, scientists have created a form of magnesium called Magtein that enters the brain directly. According to research, it boosts learning and memory, and staves off age-related memory loss. Magtein is now available as an over-the-counter vitamin.
Continue reading "Eat Foods High in Magnesium to Boost Memory & Fight Disease"
Feb 03, 2013
A Positive Mood Improves Working Memory
Learn ways to improve your own mood, AND download free background wallpaper to keep you feeling positive as you work on your computer.
(I made the free wallpaper myself, thank you very much.)
Jan 24, 2013
Difficulty Concentrating and Memorizing for Pharmacy Exams
Hello I am a pharmacy student. Finished my degree, and now I am giving my registration exams. I find it so difficult to concentrate and memorise my subject.
Continue reading "Difficulty Concentrating and Memorizing for Pharmacy Exams"
Jan 15, 2013
Recalling memorized material
Can you explain the following phenomena, and how I might take advantage of it? I have discovered that when I am learning a new physical skill, or memorizing
Jan 08, 2013
Euchre Card Game - Play Free Now
In euchre, you and a partner play against another team. The goal is to win 3 out of 5 tricks per round to score points, with the first team to earn 5 points being the winner. (I've included the rules for euchre on the game page.)
Card games like euchre train concentration, short-term memory, and logical thinking skills. If you've never played before, give it a try!
Dec 25, 2012
Secret to Winning at Hangman
Hangman is a letter-guessing game. The goal is to discover a hidden word or phrase in a limited number of turns.
The game is usually played on paper, but you can also play Hangman online right here on my site.
Without further ado, the secret word to winning at Hangman is (drum roll, please): ETAOINSHRDLU
To win at Hangman, simply guess the letters of this word in order. In other words, always guess "e" first. Guess "t" second. Guess "a" third. And so on.
Natural letter frequency is why this works. Each letter of the alphabet appears in the English language at a different rate compared to the other letters. There are a lot more words with "e" in them than the letter "z", for example.
Language experts long ago mapped the relative frequency of each letter. The most common letter is "e", followed by "t", then "a", then "o", and so on.
So ETAOINSHRDLU is actually a list of the 12 most common letters in the English language, from most to least common. I learned of it while reading "The Gold Bug" by Edgar Allan Poe, in which the protagonist uses ETAOINSHRDLU to decode an encrypted treasure map.
The simplest way to memorize ETAOINSHRDLU is with a memory technique called chunking. Break the word into pieces based on the *sound* of the syllables, like this: eetow - insure - deeloo.
Chunking lets you remember just 3 things (the three nonsense sounds, eetow - insure - deeloo) instead of 12 things (all the separate letters of the nonsense word).
Repeat "eetow - insure - deeloo" to yourself until it flows natually off your tongue. Then practice using ETAOINSHRDLU in this online hangman game. The next time you play hangman against a friend, you can amaze them with your superior brain power. 
ETAOINSHRDLU is my Christmas gift to you. You're welcome!
Dec 20, 2012
Another Foreign Language Example
Earlier today I was learning Spanish vocabulary words on MindSnacks, a language app on my iPhone. Below I explain how I used the keyword method to commit these words to memory.
Here I've drawn the mental image that I thought of for the Spanish word "las orejas", which means ears:
I noticed that orejas sounds a lot like "Oreo has". So I decided to use that in my memory trick.
All I needed to do was think of a silly image that links Oreos (those delicious cream-filled cookies) to someone's ears.
So I stuck some Oreos on this girl's head where real ears would normally be. Simple.
Now when I want to recall the Spanish word for ears, this image pops into my mind. The girl who has Oreo ears reminds my "true" memory that ears in Spanish is las orejas.
(That she's a girl is my clue that orejas is a feminine noun.)
Other Spanish words I was working on:
- Hands: las manos (man-ohs). Tiny men standing on a woman's hands.
- Neck: el cuello (quay-loh). A flock of quail pecking a man's neck.
- Fingernails: las unas (oon-ya-s). Onions on the tips of a girl's fingers in place of her fingernails
- Shoulders: los hombros (hoem-broes). A tiny house on a man's shoulder. Two brothers (bro's) are leaning out the window.
It doesn't take long to come up with mental images like these.
The key is to think about the *sound* of the syllables of the foreign word. Then imagine a silly image that connects those sounds using English words.
Review your image a few times, and you've got it!
For more examples, see my Memorizing Languages page.
Dec 17, 2012
Games Upgrade Complete
If you experience a problem loading a game, try refreshing the page. To do this, close the game pop-up window, then press the F5 key (or fn+F5 on some computers). This reloads the code on the game page.
On Apple/Mac computers, it's CMD+R (Apple+R) to refresh, I think.
Dec 16, 2012
Upgrade in Progress
A QUICK NOTE: I am in the middle of upgrading the brain games server. The upgrade should be finished within the next few hours.
Some brain games may be temporarily unavailable while the upgrade is in progress, but all should be well once it is complete.
Thanks for your patience.
Dec 09, 2012
Castle Solitaire - Play Free
Rather than sorting cards into foundation piles, in Castle Solitaire you sort high/low cards onto the face-up card in the Discard pile. Remove all the cards from the board to reveal a beautiful castle image.
This version of solitaire is easier to win compared to some of the others. That makes it perfect for younger players or for anyone new to playing solitaire.
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