Human Memory

There are three basic activities associated with human memory viz. receiving new data from the environment followed by its processing and conversion into usable information within the brain; storing this information in the memory; and retrieving it as and when required.

Humans have three forms of memory. One is the immediate memory. Here one retains all details of an object or a scene or a picture for about 1/10th of a second like a batsman facing a ball. After that much is forgotten. Next is the short term memory where information is retained for a few minutes only. This memory is also known as working memory and has a limited capacity. It is also used for rehearsal, i.e. for mentally repeating the information over and over again so that it enters the long term memory.

The information which is stored in the long term memory can be broadly classified into four categories. First is the information related to specific tasks, which include riding a horse or a bicycle, driving a car, typing, painting, etc. These skills often require several years of experience to perfect. Secondly, the information related to fear-inspired actions like being bitten by a dog, getting hurt due to falling, getting a fire burn, etc. By proper training one can prepare oneself to take specific actions under difficult circumstances or emergency conditions. Third is ‘Episodic memory’, in which information regarding dated episodes or personal experiences is stored date-wise. Finally, the ‘Semantic memory’, relates to the use of words, grammar, metaphors, and all other details of language. However, these different groupings are conceptual in nature and no specific region of the brain as such is reserved for these categories.

Symbols and Signs

There are many ways of communicating without speech. Signals, signs, symbols and gestures may be found in every known culture. The basic function of a signal is to impinge upon the environment in such a way that it attracts attention, as for example, the dots and dashes of a telegraph circuit. While less acceptable to the codification of words, signs contain greater meaning in and of themselves. A stop sign or a barber pole conveys meaning quickly and conveniently. Symbols are more difficult to describe than either signals or signs because of their intricate relationship with the receiver’s cultural perceptions. In some cultures applauding in a theatre provides performers with an auditory symbol of approval. Gestures such as waving and hand shaking also communicate certain cultural messages.

Stretching

Before we begin to do some vigorous exercise we stretch our arms and legs to get some initial comfort. Stretching is recommended as part of warm-ups by most trainers. However, there have been some researches in recent years that claim that it’s a bad idea. It is found that stretching before training decreases the power and output. It does not relieve the muscles or help in hard training, they warn.

The effects of stretching lasting from 10 to 60 seconds on performance have been studied as early as the Greek researches itself. It is found out that stretching for 30 seconds decreases isometric strength by nine percent and stretching for 60 seconds reduces power by 16 percent. It is also observed stretching for 30 seconds or more has similar effects on decreasing muscle power.
It is therefore advised that static stretching be avoided before exercises that require maximum strength and power. Even scientists say that stretching a cold muscle may invite injury.

Efficient Kangaroos.

I want to share some nice information about kangaroos. These marsupials are more primitive than advanced mammals. Many people have been assuming that their way of getting around was not very efficient because of their heavy use of two legs. There are only a few rodents that use hopping as a form of traveling. And the mammals that use this type of traveling are very less. But a recent study has found kangaroos use less energy when hopping than other mammals use when running. But there is of course a limit to the size of any animal that moves in this way, which is the reason kangaroos never evolved.

“I love you” is better than “I love you so much”!

When we feel like expressing something true with sincerity, we use phrases like “I love you so much”, “I am very sorry”, “I really saw it”. But just “I love you” sounds awesome. Words like ‘very’, ‘really’, ‘quite’ and other such intensifiers do not add anything useful to a sentence. Also, in general conversation intense expressions might just make you look hyperactive. Try without these intensifiers and see the difference!

Words of Wisdom

Dale Carnegie was a master in personality development and public speaking. His book How to Win Friends and Influence People was an international best-seller. Through his books and lectures he showed many people, the path to success. There is a lot of wisdom that lies to be learnt from men like him. Here I share with you some of his words that I like the best.

You never achieve real success unless you like what you are doing.

Flattery is from the teeth out. Sincere appreciation is from the heart out.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.

If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive.

If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying.

The best things in life are yours if you can appreciate yourself.

The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from the shore.

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.

When You're afraid, keep your mind on what you have to do...if you have been thoroughly prepared, you will not be afraid.

We all have possibilities we don't know about. We can do things we don't even dream we can do.

The next generation city - Masdar

Hope by now you would have got wind of the new hi-tech eco-city that is coming up at Abu Dhabi. The project was initiated in 2006 and is scheduled to be completed in 2009. This will be a city without automobiles; only public mass transit and personal rapid transit systems will be allowed. The city will be walled to keep away hot desert winds. This US$22 billion project will cover 6 square kilometers. Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will be started in the city.
Solar energy to the extent of 130 megawatts can be tapped by means of photovoltaic modules that will be placed on roof tops. About 20 megawatt of wind energy can be tapped by means of wind mills that will be placed outside the city. The plan is to implement a huge hydrogen power plant and to tap geothermal energy as well. The city’s water needs will be 60 percent lesser than a conventional city, as it will use a solar powered desalination plant.