Flower Power

Brainpower Newsletter

Flower power, a luck test, a subliminal persuasion technique - this week's newsletter is packed full of interesting information. Enjoy!

A recent study showed that floral scents improve memory and the speed at which you learn by about 17%. The essential oils of many flowers, when inhaled, cause the release of norepinephrine and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These are hormones that increase concentration.

For example, in one study, bowlers were exposed to different scents. Those who inhaled the odor of jasmine knocked down more pins - 28% more. It is believed that this is due to better concentration and better hand-eye coordination.

A memory trick to try is to sniff a floral scent as you first learn something. This can help concentration initially, and so set the information more firmly in your mind. Then, when you need to recall the information in the future, sniff the same odor again. It should help with recalling it.

- The goldfish is the only animal that sees both infra-red and ultra-violet light.

- Once a coffee seed is planted, it takes five years before the first fruit is harvested.

- The only city name spelled completely with vowels is Aiea, Hawaii. It is about twelve miles west of Honolulu.

Are you a lucky person? Answer the following questions as honestly as you can, and then tally your score according to the simple directions at the bottom of the test.

>>> In general, do good things happen to you?

1. Almost never
2. Sometimes
3. Often
4. Very often

>>> Are you doing something you enjoy for a living?

1. No
2. Sort of
3. Yes

>>> Are you generally happy with...

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I am an insect, and the first half of my name is the name of another insect. What am I?

(The answer is at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Many people experience a general improvement in memory from studying a language. Studies also show that you can halt the age-related decline in mental function when you learn a new language. Don't have time? Just learn a few grammar rules and then look up a few words on the internet from time to time.

To create a particular state of mind in a person, you talk about that state, and invite the person to participate in the discussion. For example, if you want a friend to be excited, talk about how excited you get by whatever, and ask him what gets him excited. He will usually get excited as he explains.

You can also ask him to recall something from a time you know (or can assume) he was in the state you want him to be in. Of course, this could be whatever state you think will be useful. For example, suppose you want him to be angry. You remind him of some injustice, and have him recount it, and he will likely become angry all over again.

This was an excerpt from my e-book "You Aren't Supposed To Know - A Book Of Secrets." For more information, visit:

Add - Subtract - Change

The add-subtract-change problem solving technique is easy to use. It is particularly good for use in redesigning things, but can be used for any type of problem. You just start with the existing "solution" and ask what you can add, subtract or change. I'm going to use a bicycle for an example.

Using the "add-subtract-change" technique to come up with our new product, we would look at an existing bicycle and ask:

1. What could we add?

Maybe a radio could be built into the handle bars? Perhaps a map holder that attaches to the handle bars? A pet-carrier up front, so you can bring your cat along for the ride? (Okay, I'll stop looking at the handle bars as I write this.) A built-in retractable lock?

2. What could we subtract?

Take away some of the gears? I've always thought that for casual users, six speeds is enough. Subtract some of the weight? Lighter is better. Lower the price?

3. What could we change?

We could make the tires reflective for safety. We could put a hole in the seat for...

Continued here:
http://www.999ideas.com/add-subtract-change.html

Until next time,

Riddle Answer: I am a beetle (the other insect is "bee").

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