"want to remember everything you'll ever learn?"

I run across this very interesting article about SuperMemo, on lifehacker's blog. It's about a feature called super memo, that helps you 'not to forget'. It's proven to be very helpful in learning a language. So I started reading this wired article you can get here. I'm gonna put some interesting parts from this article, so you can have a brief view on what's it about...but I assure you it's worth reading!
"The problem of forgetting might not torment us so much if we could only convince ourselves that remembering isn't important. Perhaps the things we learn — words, dates, formulas, historical and biographical details — don't really matter. Facts can be looked up. That's what the Internet is for. When it comes to learning, what really matters is how things fit together. We master the stories, the schemas, the frameworks, the paradigms; we rehearse the lingo; we swim in the episteme.
The disadvantage of this comforting notion is that it's false.
"To this day,most people think about forgetting as decay, that memories are like footprints in the sand that gradually fade away. But that has been disproved by a lot of research. The memory appears to be gone because you can't recall it, but we can prove that it's still there. For instance, you can still recognize a 'forgotten' item in a group. Yes, without continued use, things become inaccessible. But they are not gone."
In other words, the harder you have to work to get the right answer, the more the answer is sealed in memory. Precisely those things that seem to signal we're learning well — easy performance on drills, fluency during a lesson, even the subjective feeling that we know something — are misleading when it comes to predicting whether we will remember it in the future. "The most motivated and innovative teachers, to the extent they take current performance as their guide, are going to do the wrong things," Robert Bjork says. "It's almost sinister."

The person responsible for making all this is Piotr Wozniak.
"Wozniak takes an almost physical pleasure in reason. He loves to discuss things with people, to get insight into their personalities, and to give them advice — especially in English. One of his most heartfelt wishes is that the world have one language and one currency so this could all be handled more efficiently. He's appalled that Poland is still not in the Eurozone. He's baffled that Americans do not use the metric system. For two years he kept a diary in Esperanto.
He doesn't own a phone. He ignores his email for months at a time. And though he holds a PhD and has published in academic journals, he never attends conferences or scientific meetings.
Instead, Wozniak has ridden SuperMemo into uncharted regions of self-experimentation. In 1999, he started making a detailed record of his hours of sleep, and now he's working to correlate that data with his daily performance on study repetitions. Psychologists have long believed there's a correlation between sleep and memory, but no mathematical law has been discovered. Wozniak has also invented a way to apply his learning system to his intake of unstructured information from books and articles, winnowing written material down to the type of discrete chunks that can be memorized, and then scheduling them for efficient learning. He selects a short section of what he's reading and copies it into the SuperMemo application, which predicts when he'll want to read it again so it sticks in his mind. He cuts and pastes completely unread material into the system, assigning it a priority. SuperMemo shuffles all his potential knowledge into a queue and presents it to him on a study screen when the time is right. Wozniak can look at a graph of what he's got lined up to learn and adjust the priority rankings if his goals change."

For the end a checklist Wozniak wrote on a question 'how to become a genius';
"You must clarify your goals, gain knowledge through spaced repetition, preserve health, work steadily, minimize stress, refuse interruption, and never resist sleep when tired. This should lead to radically improved intelligence and creativity. The only cost: turning your back on every convention of social life."

Brain

very interesting talk about our brain and what goes on in it... you should check it out!! you get a link for it here and it's been brought to my attention by Sasa

choices

I must say even with some amount of doubt in my decision of going to another college, I have to admit that I meet so many great individuals there that make it all worth awhile... ;) and even stuff like programing, operation system do make sense in a way...but don't think I like everything...some things are still a big WTF to me... but I'm getting there...;) I like the way some of our 'professors' teach... and tell us about stuff we wouldn't even know if they wouldn't be there to tell us... so, yes.. in a way I'm always wondering if my decisions are the right ones...but as I read once in this little book ''there are no wrong choices, every choice you make is the right one in that situation in that time, if there was another -better choice you would have chosen that one! '' something like that...(I'll write down the title of the book, when I remember it!! )
so, I guess when you look at life from this way...we spend most of it-if not all- learning stuff...so why not go and learn and gain knowledge...;) I still can't imagine myself in some office working from 7am - 3pm...and yes I'm getting older... by now I should be in one of those ''labels'' - mom, wife, ...but I guess I'm still to much of a child to be that person society expects me to be at this age...
ow, ya...I've added a new blog under the ones I visit...Luka - it belongs to this 'professor' that's trying to teach us about programing and lot more than that ;)

love visualDNA

click on the title or here
this is my way of looking at things...let's say I agree with it in most of the part...it's an interesting test about you...how you love... and how you feel about love... it does make sense...;)

....

picture

you know how sometimes... well most of the times... everything bad happens at once... and I kinda figured out that Febrary is my worst month... seems like in the past few years every bad thing happening happened in February...
and it's supposed to be a good month- my b-day and all...but I guess sometimes universe doesn't really give a shit what I think...
anyhow I need to learn to listen to myself...I keep forgetting that lately... but it's weird how everything bad that's about to happen I kinda know about it... it comes out as a known fact and not as a surprise... and I hate it sometimes...that everything I think just find it's way to happen...
does this make sense?
and all of my friends are sure my life will work out fine... this one friend wrote me the other day that she knows that my life will be good and that she doesn't worry for me cause I have (she says) this positive energy that wont let me fail...
and I don't know what to think...
I have so much doubt in my mind... I don't even know who I'm supposed to be... and they're all sure I'll be fine...
how can I be fine, when nothing I believe in works in this life... my best friend would probably say I should ''Practice what I preach'' but at the moment... I'm not sure I can preach...
I'm not turning into a negative person or whatsoever... people take too much positive energy away lately... maybe that's the problem... I let others hurt me...
It doesn't hurt when I bleed, but my memories... they eat me

Desiderata

I have first read this in Slovenian language...so I had to do some google search...;) to find this english version of it... I just love it.. and here it is for all of you... it's a text by an unknown author found in Old Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore in 1692.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

unconditional love

ya, I guess I had to learn it the hard way... but it's true... there is no unconditional love... it doesn't exist between a man and a woman - in a relationship... none what so ever... (ok, only in some rare cases...)
I am convinced now... there is love- the kind that gives you something... the kind you can be sure you can gain something from...
and there is no unconditional love in long distance relationships... well, in my case at least... actually no... I believe there is... but no one else does so it's kinda pointless to think that can work...if only one side is ready to do all that it takes...
anyhow... I'm posting a picture of my Bobi- little cactus... in some weird way it's growing... 2...
and yes, I realize this has no sense... just some words put out here... but so does nothing else right now....

patchwork

My first and only so far... I started making it years ago...but never really got to finish it... so today I decided it was about time I finish it... and here it is...my first patchwork... I love it...it's far from perfect...but it's made out of pieces of my favorite clothes -back from when I was a little child...so that makes it even more special for me...anyhow... I LOVE IT.

Saudade

I've heard this beautiful word on TV the other day... and it perfectly describes my feelings for the past (could even say) month....
Saudade (singular) pronounced [sawˈdadɨ] in European Portuguese and [sawˈdadʒi] or [sawˈdadi] in Brazilian Portuguese) is a Galician and Portuguese word for a feeling of longing for something that one is fond of, who is gone, but might return in a distant future. It often carries a fatalist tone and a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might really never return.

(picture)

mosaic

I've made this one for a great friend of mine... for her b-day... it was my first ever mosaic... made with pieces of broken cups... but I love how it turned out... I just loved making it!!! :)
anyhow...I've been away for awhile-not writing anything... kinda wrapped up in some strange emotions... I don't know where I stand... but things will work out fine... I hope... they have to...

Postojna

Today, well ok, tonight I'll post some photos of my home town Postojna, I can't help it... despite all that's wrong here I love this little town... I love this place I live in, I love the fact my parents choose this location for my arrival... ;) and I can't help not to enjoy this beautiful nature that's right under our nose... so here it is... my home town... I took these pictures of sunset today...and other just the other day...on my walk ... I can't help it...if I take my camera with me it seems to last for hours before I get home... I guess my way of hiding, escaping, ... kinda even my freedom... anyhow... I have a lot on my mind... lots of thoughts... can't get used to seeing every single emotion in person's eyes...

I hate the world today...

I had in mind of posting the more known Meredith Brooks - Bitch... but I found this one... although I could go for some lines from Meredith's lyrics as well... like:

''I hate the world today You're so good to me I know but I can't change tried to tell you but you look at me like maybe I'm an angel underneath innocent and sweet
Yesterday I cried You must have been relieved to see the softer side I can understand how you'd be so confused I don't envy you I'm a little bit of everything all rolled into one

...
So take me as I am This may mean you'll have to be a stronger man Rest assured that when I start to make you nervous and I'm going to extremes tomorrow I will change
and today won't mean a thing

...
Just when you think you've got me figured out the season's already changing I think it's cool you do what you do and don't try to save me ''


Starfield - hate the world today

As much as it thrills me I wanna get off this ride For gravity holds me Yet grace calls me to Your side As much as I trust You Though I know that hope will come with time Injustice prevails And truth lags behind

Looking for beauty Searching for sense in all the pain A note of redemption A break in the clouds to stop the rain Can You hear me calling? Have You been listening to my cry? Cause I can't carry on If I don't find out why

I hate the world today But I love this life you have given
I hate the world today But I love you and I need you here

Though stuck in this moment Everything good still comes from you As much as I don't know
I'm trusting that you will carry me through Though thousands are falling Though comfort and peace are beyond reach I'll offer my heart I'll try to believe

It's pulling me to pieces In a fight for my soul These two worlds are waging war The falling of humanity And the truth that although I can't see with my eyes I'm still trying to believe


ow ya...the reason: it doesn't really matter... WORLD...this world... or better some people on this world and this whole package of moral, truth, lies, materialism... as usual... silly I know... but I can't help it...I must have been made for some different world... because some things you might consider meaningless I found so important... and some simple things tend to hurt me so much...

:)

I think all in all I lack a bit more knowledge about everything there is to know about computers and I'll be an official computer geek... I spend most of my day on the internet... it's crazy... learning about Joomla, getting myself books- tutorials on how to build a website... spending too much time on the computer...but I guess the weather is to blame... all this gray, dark, not defined weather makes me stay home, in a warm house and spend (lose) time on my computer... BUT... ;) I'll be smarter than I am... it's pretty amazing hanging around people who know a lot about this... so much to learn!! and yes I have an idea to make myself a homepage, my very own... :) well that's about it... I miss sun, I miss snow...anything that would bring some color into this gray scale ...

2008

so here it is... new year... new choices... new hope... but it's all like it used to be... it's still up to us to make this year better than the last... I had a great time for this new year night... day...days... ;) here are some pic. from it all... I wasn't home but in this quiet little town called Lovran, near Opatija, Croatia... it's the simple things in life... that make it all worth awhile...;) so enjoy and make this new year the best for yourselves...;) I'll sure do my best...

elf yourself

me - as ELF

hahaha...I had to!!! so, friends, readers...HAVE A GREAT HOLLIDAY and lots of laughs...;)

snow :)

I LOVE IT!! Snow... walking on the road... because no one is driving... or those who are, are very slow... so, here are photos of my crazy little cat Macha... I took her out today when it was snowing... she's amazing...that enthusiasm and look of greatness and admiration is just unbelievable... I was just talking about it to a great friend of mine the other day... were we also like this when we first saw snow? ... we must have been...
and some photos from tonight when I was going back home from work... there was this strong wind-so ya, photos are windy...;) and it's cold, like -4 degrees... but I love it!!! I love this feeling... real winter... snow... cold...

art?

yes here it is...some new stuff... I just made today... opinions, criticism welcome! :) apart from that I must say this college is getting ahead of me... everything is going so fast!!! (and confusing at times...but ok) and I'm hungry... waiting for food... :) and busting my head with these database stuff and mysql ... but I'm into this new year mood... although I kinda have a feeling I might run myself out by the time new year comes! :)

tonight..

you know how sometimes you get that feeling ... like every time you do something... it's always wrong... and you get that from the people you love... from the people who mean something - not something- everything! ...to you... I hate that feeling that I'm doing things wrong and everyone else is doing it right... I thought people who love you should stick with you... no matter what... do you really need to be told you're wrong by the people that love you? ...well ok... yes... but this is not the case here... it's like no matter what... they always question my way... like I should be doing it differently...
enough of that... I had a perfect little plan tonight... I get home from work- arround 10pm... go wash my hair - because it needs water badly... and than make myself an egg sandwich... (and yes I am aware of how not healthy or whatever that is... but I don't care) ...
I'll just go enjoy it... ;)

back home...

missing Split already, actually I miss the people there... I miss him... damn... I hate leaving... it would be great if you could go traveling without leaving someone behind... I hate that part of traveling... (ok I also hate the fact I gotta pack my stuff in this always too small backpack...- I'm a backpacker yes...but I always end up with too much stuff...)
anyhow I'm back to this madhouse- you could call my life... I need to get my priorities in order, need to figure out what I want and soon!! because this can't go on like this.... I guess new year could be a good excuse to change some stuff in life :)
ow ya... I just remembered I miss this great - amazing place my boyfriend took me while I was in Split- they just opened it for St. Nicholas day... it's a chocolate shop...they make their own chocolate...delicious!!!! definitely worth a visit and a buy... my favorite store there...beside this amazing interior design store- I forgot the name...they have the most amazing candles there!! and this other place also...it's called HOME SWEET HOME - wow!! :) I love it... I think my boyfriend was not so happy about taking me to the shopping mall after all (sorry love)

anyhow... when I got home it was snowing... they told me it was raining in Split after I left... it's funny but it always rains there when I leave...;) I had a great time there... I love it so much... and I miss you- yes, you... but we'll see each other soon, right? :)

work free

I got myself all wrapped up in 'work' again...trying to write a paper about how to organize your work and time...;) anyhow... all the material I found on the net...amazing...now just gotta get myself to reading books about it all...to get a feel of some theoretical part... ;)
but apart from that I'm enjoying my work free time... I'm in Split, Croatia at the moment having a great time... I can't complain... and the weather is good now... so, what can I say got a few more days to enjoy this peace, no pressure, no obligations... and than I'm back to my usual busy day...;)
But it's interesting how much stuff you learn while looking for some material about this paper-organization of work and time... at the end it all comes back to that- it's all in your head...how you make it to be...;) that's about it ... my brief report... enjoy!