Everyone knows that it is hard to find good things that are truly free. To find something that is free and could make you smarter at the same time, well, that’s a real trick. But don’t give up - there are a few websites out there that provide free mind games. Actual experts, who want to help boost your IQ and make you smarter, have designed these games. The science magazine Discover has a great site with three free brain building mini games.

The site behind these games is lumosity.com.  It claims to give your brain a workout in just 10 minutes a day.  However, the website also is quick to point out that our brains slow down as we grow older, the process that can start as early as the tender age of 30.

You can try three sample games that are really challenging.  One is Moneycomb, which forces players to remember where differently valued coins are placed on a grid game.  At the lower levels, it’s fairly easy. However, if you want a high score, this memory game becomes very demanding.

The second free game is called Speed Match and it is quite fun. In some ways the game couldn’t be any simpler: You watch different objects as they appear on the screen, and then answer one simple “yes” or “no” question. That question and the core of the game is this:- “is this object the same as the last one?” You are judged on accuracy and speed.  With some practice, it is possible to build up both.

The last game is Word Bubbles. It gives you three random letters and then awards points for the number of words you can spell in an allotted time using these letters. The concept behind these games is that of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself based on new experiences, bolstering the process of learning, memory, and adaptation of newly acquired knowledge.

At Lumosity.com, there are many other brain training games that are available for a nominal subscription of $6 per month. The additional categories include: attention, focus, language, visual perception, fluid intelligence, stress, reaction time, spatial reasoning, problem solving and “general health.” If the three free trial games that cover the categories of language, processing speed, and memory are any indication, then Lumosity might be worth playing – at any age.

During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama has been advocating increasing  art education. He  noted that children who are encouraged to study art in school perform at an overall higher academic level. “In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new  global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts education,” he said. “Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.”

Watch video link of Obama discussing arts education at a town meeting on April 2, 2008

Numerous extensive tests in recent decades have clearly shown that children who study arts when they are young become not only more creative and intelligent later in life, but they also have higher IQs.

In fact, a person’s creative ability is often a core component used in measuring IQ.  President Obama is advocating the creation of an “Artist Corps” that is sent into low-income schools to promote arts curriculum and education.

The President has pointed out that such programs require very little financial backing and will undoubtedly yield major long-term benefits. The relatively low cost of arts education is a major selling point and bodes well that these types of programs will be implemented, despite the current economic conditions.

The jury is still out on whether or not Omega-3 can make you smarter, but there does seem to be a great deal of research indicating that  this essential fatty acid protects your brain. On the other hand, rot getting the right foods in your diet might endanger your overall brain health.

Knowing that Omega-3 boosts the brain power, it’s only logical that eating more foods  rich in  this nutrient  could be beneficial to your cerebral health. Why not try to have an optimally functioning brain? It certainly can’t hurt.

Given Omega-3’s  brain-related benefits, doctors are using it to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. Some  physicians believe that the lack of  this fatty acid in our diet could be at the heart – no pun intended - of many psychiatric conditions.

So what foods are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids? Coldwater fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna all have Omega-3; the best pick is wild Alaskan salmon as it has lower levels of mercury than farm raised salmon or tuna.  Other sources of this healthful polyunsaturated nutrient include walnuts and flax seeds.  Flax seed oil is a particularly easy way to make sure you are getting your daily requirement of Omega-3. The bottom line is that balanced nutrition plays a key role in our physical and mental well-being.

Sirena Huang is now 12 years old; she probably loves what all 12 year old girls love: talking with her friends, school, books…but she is also a world-renowned concert violinist. Sirena began violin lessons at the age of 4 and made her professional debut with the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra at the ripe old age of 9! She is the recipient of numerous prizes, won in international competitions and has an amazing musical imagination. Being that she is only 12 years old, there is not much more information on her…but her mastery of the violin begins to write a biography that you already are looking forward to reading…

Click on the video to look and listen to Sirena:

Happy learning!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a highly regarded composer of music during the Classical era…and that is simplifying his contributions greatly. With over 600 compositions, Mozart is one of the most enduring and popular composers ever, and many of his works are still played worldwide today.

Baptized Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, he was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzberg. He generally went by the name “Wolfange Almadé Mozart” in his adult life, with many variations. He was introduced to music by his father, Leopold, and by the age of five, Mozart was himself composing little pieces that he played to his father. His father would write these down, and eventually gave up his own composing of music when he realized the genius he had in his son. Leopold was Mozart’s only teacher in his early years, and also taught his children (Mozart and his sister, Maria Anna) other subjects.

Mozart’s father began to take the children traveling, showcasing them as child prodigies. During a trip to Vienna in 1767, Mozart contracted small pox and his father refused to have him inoculated, saying that it was “God’s will” whether he survived or not. During these trips to Italy, Mozart composed the first of many operas, “Mitridate Rè di Ponto,” which led to other opera commissions: “Ascanio in Alba,” and “Lucio Silla.” During the time in Italy, Mozart heard and wrote out, in its entirety, Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere.” This was the first reproduced copy of the work, as it was closely guarded by the Vatican and illegal to copy.

In 1773, Mozart was employed as a court musician by Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, the ruler of Salzburg. He was unhappy with the position, even though he was considered one of the favorite sons of Salzburg. The pay was low and Mozart wanted to compose operas. He was fired from this position after he balked at the Archbishop’s treatment of him, and after he was forbidden to play for Emperor Joseph II. Mozart then moved to Vienna with his new wife, Constanze Weber.

It was in Vienna that Mozart composed two of his best known works: “The Marriage of Figaro,” and ”Don Giovanni.” He was at the height of his career, and often lent an ear to upcoming talent, such as Ludwig van Beethoven. In 1791, Mozart became very ill with fever. It isn’t known exactly what caused his illness, but he passed away at 1 in the morning on December 5, 1791.

There is so much more to learn about Mozart. Be sure to check out the interview with Robert Levin, and the 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mozart on the Simply Mozart site. And as always, be sure to visit the Simply Mozart Forum with your questions, and the Simply Mozart Store to build your Mozart library!

Happy Learning!

SIMPLY CHARLY, the renowned educational web portal, announces a new application for Apple’s popular iPhone that will bring  its wealth of information to users everywhere. 

Users have been making SIMPLY CHARLY one of the web’s top research sites since it debuted in 2007.

Now, with the launch of the  SIMPLY CHARLY IPHONE APPLICATION, 
subscribers can harness the website’s  extensive info base anywhere, anytime.

“We’re thrilled to make our huge  database available to mobile users on the go,” said Charles Carlini, president and CEO of SIMPLY CHARLY.  ”The marriage of SIMPLY CHARLY and the Apple iPhone 
makes it even easier for subscribers to just point, click and learn.  It’s an exciting combination!

”

Once installed, SIMPLY CHARLY’S new iPhone application will bring the website’s acclaimed interface to users across the street or around the globe. Subscribers can read news, the latest book reviews, search 
the site’s vast knowledge base of legendary artists, writers, scientists and thinkers, and shop for signature goods. All in the palms of their hands.

The new SIMPLY CHARLY IPHONE APPLICATION will be available as a free download beginning in late January . Simply click the ‘App Store’ widget on your iPhone, and search for SIMPLY CHARLY.

SIMPLY CHARLY
 Where Great Minds Think (and Learn) Online

SIMPLY CHARLY, the popular web portal known for its exclusive, indepth interviews with the world’s leading authors and scholars,  re-launches today with an updated look and a streamlined user interface.

Because of these compelling interviews and profiles of legendary writers, artists, scientists, and thinkers, the most current book reviews, news, podcasts, videos, and brain-teasing quizzes to test visitors’ knowledge, inquisitive web users have been making SIMPLY CHARLY their ‘go-to’ info hub since 2007.

Now, with the launch of the updated SIMPLY CHARLY,  learning about the great  historical figures of the world – like Einstein, Mozart, Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Freud, to name just a few - got even easier. Just point, click and learn!

“Our fun and engaging web site received more than a face-lift. We’ve improved our ability to serve our core audience,” said Charles Carlini, president and CEO of SIMPLY CHARLY.  ”In addition to providing visitors with useful, free information, Internet users can now read the latest news, book reviews, and so much more captivating content. We’ve also implemented an interactive web E-Store, so our subscribers can bring the learning home with just the click of a mouse.”

SIMPLY CHARLY goes live in its new format today at www.simplycharly.com. Log-on today to see what the buzz is about.

With the high cost of fuel these days, many students are forgoing enrolling at traditional colleges and universities and opting for another way to earn their degrees: online. According to an article in The New York Times, thousands of students have decided to cut costs caused by rising gas prices by taking one or more of their classes over the internet. With the vast majority of college students living off campus, commuting back and forth to campus can be a drain on their already minimal budgets. By enrolling in internet classes, students have found a way to stay in school and continue their education.

Although most large colleges and universities offer online courses, the largest increases in enrollment has been seen in two-year colleges during summer sessions, according to the NY Times article. But with the increase comes something else: waiting lists. There are still a maximum number of students allowed to enroll, even in online courses, and many students will run into waiting lists unless they enroll early.

Another downfall is the lack of interaction with others in a classroom setting. Sure the work can get done, but the face-to-face contact will be lost. Make sure all of this is taken into consideration before making the decision to enroll in an online course. Consider also that some students find online coursework harder than classroom study. And be aware that regular trips to the campus will still need to be made for some classes; not all of the courses will be available online.

Online courses present an option that can be beneficial and budget-friendly. Consider all of the pros and cons and make the decision that is right for you!

Happy learning!

Charles Robert Darwin (February 12, 1809 - April 19, 1882) is best remembered for proposing and providing evidence of “natural selection,” the idea that all species of life have evolved from common ancestors. Darwin’s scientific discoveries, in a modified form, remain the basis for the foundation of biology.

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England to Robert Darwin, a wealthy doctor and financier. His mother, Susannah, died when he was eight years old. During his teenage years, he worked alongside his father as an apprentice doctor, helping his father treat the poor of Shropshire. He enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study medicine, but was repulsed by the brutality of surgery and neglected his studies. He instead focused on natural history and geology, which displeased his father who thought this field held no financial security. His father enrolled him in Christ’s College in Cambridge in hopes of getting Darwin to qualify as a clergyman. Instead of landing a paying position, Darwin embarked on a two year voyage on the HMS Beagle as an unpaid companion.

Darwin’s expedition on the HMS Beagle was to be a two year stint; it turned into a five year study of the South American coastline. During his time there, Darwin kept a journal with his theories of evolution. He captured specimens of his findings and sent these, along with letters of explanation, back to Cambridge. All of this established his reputation as a naturalist. His copious notes showed his gift for theorizing and also formed the foundation for his later work. He published The Origin of Species in 1859 after years of work.

The Origin of Species basically argues that the development of species occurs primarily because among the set of heretable traits, the ones that most aid an organism in surviving and procreating become more common with each generation. Darwin’s second work was published in 1871. The Descent of Man addresses the role of evolutionary principles in the human species, rejecting the racist notion that different “races” of man were separate species (a popular idea among supporters of slavery and imperialism, who argued that blacks and American Indians were as different from “white humans” as sheep were from wolves), emphasizing the role of sex in natural selection (the more attractive you are to a potential partner, the better your chances of passing on your genes), and dealing extensively with what is now called evolutionary psychology: the role of evolution in the history and development of the human brain.

For more insight into the works of Darwin, read the exclusive interview with Michael Ruse on Charles Darwin: Evolution Is No Monkey Business. And as always, don’t forget to check out the Simply Darwin Writings and the Simply Darwin Store! If you have any questions that you need answers to, check out the Simply Darwin Forum. 

Happy learning!

This may be some bad news for our Simply Charly readers that are heading off to college in the fall…an article in the US News & World Report suggests that it may be best for your grades if you are an early bird and take your classes in the morning. According to research collected after surveying 824 psychology students about their sleep habits, those that were the better performers were the ones who had not stayed up until the early hours of the morning and slept until afternoon.

The article does provide tips to develop good sleeping habits for those of you who are simply not morning people:

• Be consistent - Make the attempt to go to bed and awake at the same time every day, even on weekends and in the summer. 
• Become a morning person - Two to three weeks before the semester starts, begin getting up and out of the house. Exposing yourself to the sunlight helps set your internal clock.
• Schedule your classes with care - Be aware that you are likely to turn into an evening person when you go to college. Don’t schedule 8am classes just because you are used to getting up early for high school…that will likely change. Give yourself time to get adjusted.
• Compensate - If you do have early classes, schedule some time in the afternoon to study, while you are still fully awake. Don’t wait until the evening, when you will likely be tired or have other activities scheduled. And avoid all night study sessions.

Being a freshman in college is very different from being a senior in high school. The freedom and independence may hit you all at once and can be overwhelming. The key is to be in control of the situation and arrange your schedule in the way that best fits you.

Happy learning!