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1 comments about I Remember When: Activity Ideas to Help People Reminisce.

1. What an articulate, inclusive, and ground-breaking source is I Remember When! I gained insight into the benefits of effective communication skills and learned more about aging and story-sharing. I was also made aware of the the health benefits of reminiscing. Thorsheim and Roberts have produced an invaluable resource and activity guide for psychologists, reminiscence volunteers, and anyone else who is interested in increasing their self and other-awareness through reminiscence. It has my stamp of approval!

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2 comments about Supermemory: The Revolution.

1. I find this book similar to someone telling a person what it's like to do something really well by saying "You just have to feel it--I can't explain it." Plenty of examples of infant and child (as well as some adult) prodgies are given, but what would be more interesting is to find out how you could get the same results as these people did, but all you're left with is the feeling that you have to be "born with it". Don't waste your time or money.



2. Because of the previous review I must comment on this book and some of the information provided within. Supermemory -in some ways- is a how-to book for memory. What is available in this book is a rich depository of valuable theories, experiments, well-known scientists, and a rich bibliography. Also contained in this book is the explanation of Superlearning, which is a method of using music and specifically timed beats of which any persons may recite material to be learned.

   This book is very special because of the valuable resources, and of the specific material provided. I still look to this book as being a modest bible for human memory. This book is not particularly a "how-to" book on improving your memory, but is in most part a record of experiments, health, references, and valuable accounts of scientists and brain researchers.
   Scientists and brain researchers talked about in this book include:
   Dr. Bob Beck, Patrick Flanagan, Vladimir Raikov, Carl, Schroeder, Jack Schwartz, Georgi Lazanov, Rupert, Sheldrake, Hans Selye, Edgar Cayce, and many, many others.

   Some topics in this book include:
   Russian mind control, Neuroscience, ESP, Psychometry, Quantum Healing, Reincarnation, SALT, meditation, and a great deal more.

   This book does cover a wide range of topics regarding memory. I believe that if the information contained in this book is learned, utilized, and further studied, one can better improve memory and health. I believe that this was the main-focus of the authors. This book contains a lot of valuable information. One person cannot simply follow 3 easy steps in order to improve your memory, and I believe memory is a work in progress.

   One might realize, at this moment in time, many of the topics discussed in this book are very much being practiced, used, and theorized to this day. When written this book was leading the path for the new science of memory. Of course this new science of memory continues, and is very strong, to this very day. One of the finest books ever written on the subject of memory.

4 comments about How to Mind Map: Make the Most of Your Mind and Learn to Create, Organize and Plan.

1. The information in this book can be obtained online, and the preaching you can live without. Mind mapping is pretty intuitive. Once you see one you will say "I get it" and start using them. There is simply not enough information to go on and on about them in multiple books. I thought maybe I was missing something. Now I feel like I was snookered into paying for someone's info-mercial. The basic idea is good, and the binding is cute.



2. Mind mapping is a powerful tool. It has helped me in many ways, remembering material for exams, planning for future, preparing for presentation, or more. I do agree with the previous reviewer that most of the material on this book can be found on internet. I have downloaded much info for mind map myself. But which book is so original that you cannot find any piece (concrete of conceptional) of it from internet? Besides, excellently edited/organized color pages, like children's books, are always pleasant, isn't it?

   To promote the tool of mind map, a tiny book like this is an excellent gift idea. How many of you have friends who do not use internet? How many of you have friends who use internet, but cannot find the information he/she needs? How many of you have friends who simply do not believe what they see on the screen? How many of you read electric-shock-proof material in bathroom? How many of you want to give a gift that can ultimately change the recipient's life? This is it!!!

   You can carry it to work, baseball games, or picnic. This book can easily slip into your pocket and provide good reference to the methodology of mind map when needed. This book can also serve as an anchor on your book shelf to remind you constantly the value of mind map. I cannot see the reason why you should not have it as a gift...even if you know this method by heart like I do...

   Give this book to family members, co-workers, students, relatives, and any one you care about. The mind map methodology may be the one thing they need today to suceed!




3. This book is wrong about the brain, and is wrong to hype mind mapping into every task in the universe. The left/right brain info is just myth, the 1% brain use stuff is just myth. The newer stuff on multiple intelligences is just rhetoric (he keeps adding intelligences as he goes along, blowing with the wind).
   
   People have been using graphic organizers for centuries. Tony Buzan only originated the hype. Here is similar hype that led to some litigation (by a different author).
   
   http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/FTCActions/trudeau.html
   
   Best to stick with learning/communication methods that actually are appropriate for the task.
   
   JVogel



4. This book is about the most ridiculous sales hype I have read. I understand that some graphic devices can be useful at specific times and in specific tasks, but this book more or less preaches and preaches that it should be used to bring the galaxy together hand in hand in harmony.
   
   The "theory" used to explain its efficacy is both wrong and gives a wrong impression of this limited technique. The left right brain myths are used as a convenient concept that fits perfectly to market the mind map (there is an obvious left and right). It all falls to pieces when you realize the brain does not actually work like a mind map at all!
   
   But carrying the book about with you like a bible, in the delusion that "THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE" is probably less useful than carrying a sink plunger everywhere you go. If you have a strong faith in sink plungers, the effect will be even stronger. I mean, the book is written like evangelism, and only evangelists will enjoy it. Thinkers will not.
   
   This book is about getting more people to buy into the Buzan book series. Lots of promises that are not going to appear in reality, even when the last Buzan title is bought. Use the plunger and unblock that mental blockage.
   
   If you want to improve abilities, avoid hype, and go for a good study methods book that has a good wide range of strategies and well researched psychology, rather than spider diagramming yourself into left/right guru worship.
   
   Keep an open mind, and don't let the Buzan hype limit your options.
   
   Regards
   Reynal

4 comments about Photographic Mind: Holographic Memory System.

1. The title of this book may be a little misleading. If your goal is to attain perfect photographic recall, then you are looking at the wrong book.

   However, if your goal is to improve your memory, this book is an excellent choice. The exercises in the book are superb. They lead you very methodically through the usage of the link system, the loci system, the peg system, and the phonetic system. What sets the book apart is the quality of the exercises. You are carefully guided through the entire process with real examples.

   I have not decided whether the CD that is provided is helpful or not. There are two basic tracks. The first is baroque music for enhanced learning. It did provide a nice background while reading through the exercise. The second track is reported to help seal the learning into your brain. I used the track after each exercise but did not use it every day for the recommended 60 days. You be the judge.




2. First, I would like to comment on this particular book. Then I will comment on the Brain Supercharger CD contained with this book.

   The book Photographic Mind: Holographic Memory System, is almost entirely based on mnemonics for memory improvement. As the title of the book is deceptive, as there is an explanation of this is contained inside. Dane Spotts states "The Photographic Mind applies traditional time-honored memory systems with a new holistic approach based on the latest scientific findings that support the existence of not only an intellectual memory (of your left brain and right brain) but an emotional memory (of your body) as well."

   These time-honored memory systems are merely mnemonics. Dane Spotts does a fine job with some of the mnemonic systems provided. He does offer a fresh new look into them, also how to practice them. I wish to comment on them further, although briefly.

   Dane Spotts goes through the link system, loci, peg, and the phonetic system for memory improvement. If readers have read other memory books, they will recognize these memory systems. Let us not fool ourselves here, they work very well. Although, Dane uses the classic phonetic system for memorizing numbers. This method of memorizing numbers is archaic and outdated. I would like to refer anyone to my previously reviewed books such as The Memory Pack of Andi Bell or any of Dominic O'Brien's fabulous memory books (true memory champions). However, Dane Spotts shows good and novel ways in becoming acquainted with the loci, peg, or the link system for memorization. His methods work well. In the mnemonic sections, Dane Spotts does an adequate job in using loci, peg, and the link.

   Furthermore, a rather presumptuous statement from Dane: "There is a difference between a true photographic memory and the photographic mind you will be developing through the workshops of this book. A photographic mind is much more powerful than a photographic memory-a phenomenon which psychologists call "eidetic imagery."

   I would be very ecstatic to witness the proof of this statement. My personal statement is that one cannot fully quantify memory or its functions, or even to the extent of pure photographic memory, we have not the capabilities. A powerful form of photographic memory, photographic recall, as well as eidetic memory, is proven to exist, check literature or hypnosis studies! At this point, we are just throwing rocks, and I will be happy to give in.

   I was a little worried because of Dane's subchapter entitled "The Double Curse of Rote Memorization" pg. 36
   He does not give much attention to rote memory and its important uses. His point is well deserved of using better techniques such as visualization and emotion. If one were to read Memory Search by a Memorist by Charles Thompson, one would understand rote memory and its importance. Also check Kenneth Higbee's book "Your Memory How it Works and How to Improve it."

   This book does read of lecture material with very little references. No index or reference section or chapter notes.
   I could have picked this book to pieces in light of the heresy information contained within. Nonetheless, there are good sound applications in this book.
   In my view Dane Spotts, photographic mind is simply: high visualization with well practiced mnemonic techniques. Let us not confuse ourselves here, Dane Spotts Supercharged Brain CD is novel and useful. He briefly mentions "Georgi Lozanov." In the book, "Georgi Lozanov" is misspelled as "Georgi Lasonov" the popular Bulgarian scientist located in the books Supermemory, or Superlearning, or Superlearning 2000. He briefly comments on Georgi's work with learning improvement because this is the basis of track number two on his Brain Supercharger CD.
   The Brain Supercharger CD included with this book contains three tracks. Track number one is an explanation -by Dane Spotts- of the other two tracks on this CD.

   Track number two on this CD is the Accelerated Learning Music. I find this track pleasurable and useful. If anyone has listened to classical 40-60 beat music while studying, one will enjoy this track. A great addition to the CD.

   Track number three is the Super Memory Transformation track. On this track there is "Brain Supercharger Technology" which is simply is 3-D sound recording and what is called Neuro-Entrainment Matrix, which is very simply, sounds and tones for brain synchronization or entrainment. In addition, there are affirmations contained on this track. These affirmations are to enforce learning and memory.
   I am very impressed with the Super Memory Transformation track. This track is very relaxing, with a blend of running water and deep background base sound one feels relaxed in a short period of time. At this time, I have limited use of the CD but the results thus far are very encouraging.

   In conclusion, there is much more I could articulate. I did leave some minor points, but the major details are worked out above. For memory books I recommend "Awaken the Genius by Patrick Porter" or my previously reviewed books. Nevertheless, there is some good reading here and I do recommend this book as a later choice for a memory book.




3. $..and it contains what is covered in a paperback for less ... elsewhere. A CD with Baroque music is just to give it the 'whizz-bang' feel. More marketing than depth. Look for O'brien, Hancock etc or, for the good ol' days go for Harry Lorayne - one the very early popularisers and it has all the content of this for under half the price.



4. If you're considering buying this book, don't. Doing a quick web search of the author's name, I found the e-text of a complaint which the Federal Trade Commission brought against Dane Spotts for false advertising. Many of his other products, such as quick fat-burning pills and and quick mind enhancers, were in the complaint. Particularly of note is the complaint that his company has not, in the past, honored its 30 day money back guarantee. Spotts' products seem to be little more than present day snake oil: dangerously false get-rich-quick schemes trying to capitalize on current fads and the general public's ignorance with no concern for product effectiveness or the buyer's safety and well-being. Dane Spotts needs to put out of business, as he obviously is a career charlatan. He has made his money playing upon people's insecurities and weaknesses. Don't let him do the same to you.

1 comments about Toward a Rational Society: Student Protest, Science, and Politics.

1. For a long time, Towards a Rational Society topped my list of Desert Island Books, particularly the third chapter, Science and Technology as Rationality. As a social scientist, it encapsulated for me the whole problem with positivist science approaches, as well as making clear the fundamental distinction between purposive rationality and other less instrusive and more community-developing forms of communicative action. It is often seen as ironic that Habermas, a man with a cleft palate who writes in such a turgid and convoluted way, should be a premier exponent of the theory of communication, systemativally distorted or otherwise. Here is a book that shows why and how he is a genius, and in the clearest and most straightforward way. It also clearly shows his debts to Weber and Marx and the earlier critical theorists, while moving substantially on from all of them.

5 comments about Unchained Memories: True Stories of Traumatic Memories, Lost and Found.

1. I have written about the same subject, i.e. Traumatic experience in childhood and repression in my review on Lenore Terr's other book, " Too Scared to Cry ".

   Unchained Memories is a very important work, as it shows different real-life cases. After reading the book one can make their own judgement about whether repression is a real phenomenom. ( I know from first hand experience that it is real and that we can repress old petrifying experiences that are banished from everyday conciousness.) Please read this book and try and raise your awareness about what is real and what isn't real in the world. There are so many myths being promoted by those in positions of power that for many people it is hard to tell what is real and what isn't.

   If the world and it's peoples continue to drift into this anaethetized fog they will perish. Denial, Lies, Deceit, Manipulation of the Truth and Abuse of Power seem to be winning in the world, but the victory of those that keep pushing the suppression of the real root causes of society's problems will be a hollow one.

   One day, gentleness, honesty, loyalty, compassion and inner peace may transcend the " power " energies of the world.

   Awareness - Peace - Love - Unity in Diversity




2. I finished the book yesterday and my copy is now highlighted and bookmarked. This book is a compelling read on trauma and its effects on memory. Terr writes about her interviews and court cases with several adults abused/traumatized as children. The cases are fascinating and dispersed throughout the book are studies, findings, and a great deal of information about how the mind works and what happens to thoughts and memories when trauma surrounds them.



3. In 1990 Lenore Terr was a hero for helping Eileen Franklin uncover the repressed memories of her father killing her best friend. Terr's testimony was seen as a victory over "False Memory Advocate" Elizabeth Loftus who was an expert for the defense.
   
   George Franklin was convicted and sent to prison in 1990 due to the details of his daughter's "repressed memories." It is important to note however, that advances in DNA technology led to DNA tests in 1996 which cleared George Franklin, showing that he could not have been the murderer. He was released from prison.
   
   Today this book stands as a great example of the functions and dysfunctions of memory, and the incredible danger in putting faith in anything "retrieved" via hypnosis.
   
   The Terr vs Loftus battle has definitely shifted in the last decade. Terr's books are frequent finds on the shelves of used book stores, while the works of Loftus must be purchased new.



4. Terr's book is an astonishing look at the secret life we live inside our unconscious mind. Meticulously researched, thoroughly explained, this book should be required reading for every serious student of human motivation, psychology, criminology, and social science. I am both a therapist and a writer, and found high adventure and thought-provoking science in Terr's true-life accounts of traumatic memory. This is an invaluable resource, a unique contribution to the field of human understanding. Readable, engaging, and powerful!



5. I must say that this book is one of the most helpful, brilliant, and critical pieces of work, I have come across. To the survivor who had to repress or dissociate their trauma, Dr. Terr combines deep compassion with scientific evidence, to help the trauma survivor validate their unchained memories, when they come alive... If you are reading this, Dr. Terr: I salute your brilliant, compassionate work that has helped me on a very deep level. A MUST READ! -Rebecca

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