The Brain That Changes Itself!

Is the term "neuroplasticity" familiar to you?

Do you remember a few posts back I mentioned the book "The Brain That Changes Itself"?

Well the Canadian Documentary Canadian Broadcast Corporation program "The Nature of Things" with host David Suzuki has just aired a one hour segment on the topic.

Join us as we explore the revolutionary science of "neuroplasticity" - a concept that expands not just our knowledge of how our brains work, but how we use them.

For centuries the human brain has been thought of as incapable of fundamental change. People suffering from neurological defects, brain damage or strokes were usually written-off as hopeless cases. But recent and continuing research into the human brain is radically changing how we look at the potential for neurological recovery.

The human brain, as we are now quickly learning, has a remarkable ability to change itself - in fact, even to rewire itself.

The Brain that Changes Itself, based on the best-selling book by Toronto psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Norman Doidge, presents a strong case for reconsidering how we view the human mind.

In Canada you can watch the entire broadcast on line. If you are outside Canada check the website to see if you can order a DVD of the program.

Please do yourself a favour and check out this exceptional information and don't forget to read the book.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Dare I say Hello?

Well here goes...Hello!

I know it has been a while since I have posted and it seems like my world has just been turning a bit too fast for me to keep up the pace.

I finished reading the book "The Brain That Changes Itself". I would recommend it to be added to your books to read list. It is a fascinating read and I found some neat references that I am following up on and I will tell you more in future posts.

I still haven't gotten into the book "Midlife Man" yet but plan to start tomorrow. (I have two weeks to get it read) Then I can get back to "Brain Rules".

All of the heaters are in the hands of their new owners and the reports so far are all very positive. The amount of heat, the quality of heat and the cost of operating appears to be meeting and or exceeding expectations.

I have now talked to three more fellows that are very interested in ordering a heater for their home. (maybe they can order together and save a hundred dollars on the combined order) Since the exchange rate between the US $ and the Cdn $ has been increasing there no doubt will be a little more cost involved if they buy now.

One other tidbit of news:

I attended a local writer's guild meeting tonight it our local library. I guess there are about ten members of which seven were there tonight. Wendy Jones was the chair lady and we took turns reading a piece that we had written followed by a critiquing of our work by our peers

As I am by no means a writer, I found the meeting to be very interesting and a valuable learning tool. We meet again on the third Wednesday of November (19th)

Well that's all I have for you on this post.

Till next post

Smiles :o)

Gary

Pouring Rain and the Sun is Shining...

Are you familiar with the phrase "it never rains but it pours" yes, no, maybe? Well what I mean is this. I put my "Brain Rules" book on hold so that I could read the book "Midlife Man" and what do you think happens? The book "The Brain That Changes Itself" arrives at the library for me.

So since I have had this book on order for months and I really wanted to read it, I decided to fit it into my reading schedule as well. So to meet the challenge I will try to read two hours each day to get both books read in time for the library return date. Then I can go back to reading "Brain Rules" at the rate of one hour per day.

I am still getting two to three walks in a day. (about an hour each) and I get to mow grass again this week . (two hours on Friday) I already have a half day volunteer work and a full day of office work in so far this week. Today is my rest day. Tomorrow I have a road trip to Charlottetown (half a day) and on Saturday to Alberton. (a long day) Sounds like a busy week!

Heater update:

The guys have all picked up their heaters except one and he is picking it up this week. Everyone seems very happy with the quality of the heat provided and the fact that they are almost cool to the touch and are soooo quiet. The boys are now anxious to see just what the cost of electricity will be to run them. (reports from other users in our area tell us that the cost should run about 20 cents per hour or less. (by the way another coffee buddy just ordered two more heaters for his shop.... that makes ten now in the area and there are a few others just waiting to see how they preform before deciding to get one)

So even though it is raining books and heaters right now, all is good and the sun is still shining brightly here in paradise.

Till next post...Smiles :o)

Gary

p.s. Since all of the hoopla over the economic situation in the States (USA) over the past few days here is an article written by a friend of mine that you just may find interesting. "Economic Manifest" Wolfgang (Wolfie) is of Austrian decent and does put a very interesting spin on things. I hope that you enjoy reading what he has written.

GG