Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Vacuuming in New York







Meeting new people and remembering their names can be tricky. C. revealed his particular 'trick' to remember P.'s wife's name by asking himself: what do you use to vacuum in New York?  Her name, Ahuva, is unusual compared to less exotic names like Sarah, Emily or Jessica. C. is one of the nicest people; his intention wasn't to deride, but to recall.

His approach is familiar and effective for participants in the annual U.S. Memory Championship, who can memorize entire decks of cards, complex strings of numbers, poems and new languages under intense time constraints.  Although some contestants are gifted with enhanced ability, a greater number of them train and practice using mnemonic tricks:  learning through connections, cultivating metaphors and visual associations.

Journalist Joshua Foer's book, Moonwalking With Einstein, describes the year he spent training for the championship and immersing himself in the art of remembering.



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