Monday, December 27, 2010

Superior Autobiographical Memory

by Anne K. Albert

December 27 is typically a quiet day at my house. We’ve opened the gifts, eaten what seems like pounds of turkey, savored the Christmas pudding, and cherished visits with friends and family. This year, I plan to spend the day a little differently. I’m taking my 87-year old mother and 27-year old daughter to a quaint little boutique restaurant for lunch. Just us. No one else allowed. Odds are that us being us, (three pretty amazing women if I have to say so myself!), we’ll say or do something to make today memorable and thereby provide each of us with a special memory of this day, however fleeting.

A recent “60 Minutes” television program featured individuals who possess what is called Superior Autobiographical Memory. Unlike the vast majority of people, they remember each and every day of their life. IN DETAIL. In fact, by just recalling a past event, they relive the exact emotions they felt that day. Again, they do so in vivid detail. Truth be told, I’m uncertain if I’d like to experience that. Still, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, via an Internet search, I’m able to select some pretty memorable events from December 27s of the past. For instance, did you know…

On December 27, 1845 in Jefferson, Georgia, ether was first used to ease the pain of childbirth.

December 27, 1871 marked the world’s first cat show held inside London, England’s Chrystal Palace.

The story of Sherlock Holmes “Adventure of Blue Carbuncle” takes place on December 27, 1887.

“Sweet Adeline”, always a barbershop quartet favorite, was first sung in public on December 27, 1903.
December 27, 1932 marked the opening of Radio City Music Hall. (insert pic of Radio City Music Hall)

On December 27, 1945 the International Monetary fund was established, as was the World Bank.

The “Howdy Doody Show” was telecast for the first time on NBC on December 27, 1947.

On this day in 1953 the Detroit Lions beat the Cleveland Browns 17-16 in NFL championship game.
And Apollo 8 returned safely to Earth on December 27, 1968.
On December 27, 1974 the Dear Abby show ends its run on CBS radio after eleven memorable years.

“Les Miserables” opens at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on December 27, 1989.
On December 27, 1993 the Dow-Jones hits a record 3792.93.
This day marks the death of Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated by a bomb blast in her native Pakistan on December 27, 2007.

Events, of course, need not be earth shattering to be memorable. They can be quiet. Reflective. Even somber.

So, enjoy this day. If possible, spend it with those who matter most in your life. I am.


I wish you and yours a very memorable December 27, 2010, along with a healthy, prosperous and happy new year. God bless.

~*~
Anne K. Albert writes romantic suspense stories that chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul...all with a delightful dash of humor. Her debut novel, DEFENDING GLORY, first of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series, is available now in e-book format and print. For more information or to contact Anne, visit her website or blog.

http://www.annekalbert.com/
http://anne-k-albert.blogspot.com/

DEFENDING GLORY
Suffering from survivor's guilt and unable to resume his career with the FBI, Mac McKeown moves to northern Minnesota to start over as a general contractor and forget that fateful day that changed everything. When he discovers the body of his nemesis on Glory Palmer's property, along with a warning for her to leave while she still can and abandon her dream of building a Christian retreat, Mac realizes his past has come back to haunt him and an innocent woman's life is in grave danger. He vows to keep her safe during construction of the retreat... but how will he protect his heart?

11 comments:

  1. Hi Anne,
    welcome to Inktropolis on this quiet day. I'm so glad I didn't have to go to work today but that's a long story. It's just nice to relax after such a busy week and weekend.

    I hope you have a wonderful time with your mom and daughter. Sounds like you will.

    I think having a super memory would have its downfalls, don't you?

    Please tell us more about your publisher and your trilogy!

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  2. I think having a good memory makes forgiving more of a challenge, especially when you experience emotions with the memories.

    We were going to have a memorable party tonight with old friends, but I think a record 14.5 inches of snow here in Southern VA means we will postpone for a day or two.

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  3. Dina, I've been thinking of so many who are dealing with this storm--it's beautiful but can be dangerous for translate.

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  4. I don't think I'd want a super-memory either. There are too many things I'd like to forget. And like Dina said, it seems like it would be difficult to forgive.

    Thanks for stopping by, Anne.

    Dina, I bet things have ground to a halt there for the most part. But I'm sure the kids will have fun.

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  5. Snow's awesome. Kids are loving it. Oldest daughter was learning to drive in it. I actually heard VA got it together and is plowing major roads, but the neighborhood is a giant sheet of ice. Mostly everyone just drives around 10 mph.

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  6. Anne,
    This was fun! Reminded me of the octogenarian I helped with her memoirs. She would write and write and write, and then stop and spend hours in that memory. It was great when it was good memories. Maybe if we could come up with a way to recall only the good things.
    Glad you came by on this quiet Monday!

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  7. Interesting, Anne. I would also like to hear about your books. The one in your bio sounds great. Niki, I tend to recall only the goods things. Somewhere along the way, I manage to block out the bad. Self-preservation, I guess. But it isn't always good when people wonder if you're crazy because you can't remember that really huge thing that happened just last year.

    Anne, I hope you had a super great lunch.

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  8. Hi Debra, Thanks for the wonderful welcome. Yesterday's luncheon with my mom and daughter was lovely, and yes, having such a flawless memory would definitely have its downfalls! I prefer my own version of what happened...when!

    I'm so fortunate to have received "the call" in September 2010 from Vanilla Heart Publishing. My editor is incredibly supportive, and released not only "Defending Glory", first of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series, but also "Frank, Incense & Muriel", first book in the Muriel Reeves Mysteries.

    It's been a great year for memories!

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  9. I agree with you, Dina. Forgiving is so much easier when one does not remember every detail!

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  10. Thanks Lisa, Niki and Suzi for the warm welcome. Info re my books is available on my website and blog. All the best to everyone in 2011!

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  11. Oooh! I love mysteries and I'm going to check out Vanilla Heart Publishing.

    We'll be watching for all your upcoming successes, Anne!

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