bp's science: rest = good memory (v.1)

Research shows that resting helps memory.  In a study done in Scotland, elderly women and men were told two stories.  After one, they were given a chance to rest and close their eyes for 10 minutes.  After the other, they were asked to do a different task.  When asked about the stories they were told, the women and men remembered details about the story they heard previous to the rest a lot better than the story they were told before they were asked to complete another task.

Sleep helps memory too.  The better rest you get, the better your mental and muscle memory work.

So remember to rest during the day and the night and it will do your memory good.

Good intentions gone bad

Have you seen this?  The BBC reports that an older woman in Spain took it upon herself to "restore" a 19th century fresco.  This is how it turned out.

I'm not sure how difficult it is to remove new but not old paint from an aged fresco, but it doesn't seem easy.  Art historians mentioned that if they cannot repair the painting, which is worth a lot sentimentally but not financially, they may just cover it with a photo of the original.

Drawing

Oliver went to a train activity at a local library the other week. He really took to the drawing part of the event. It was fun to watch.

bp's science: drink water (v.1)

Did you know that the Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink about 13 cups of water a day?  And that women should drink 9 cups?

Do you get there?  I don't.  I've got to get my water bottle out again.

The Secret Life of Bees: A Book Review

I was happy to pick up this recommended book, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, and find it to be quite delightful.  It's a story of a 14 year old girl who leaves her home to find a better place.  While there, she is able to learn and grow while letting go of the guilt she's felt over many years.

That's it in a nutshell.  It is a quick read and one that you'll enjoy.