[mrodock]

I certainly agree with what Denny is saying, but a few comments on memory . . .

I'm a firm believer we can memorize anything, it's simply a matter of consistent review. As Justin was saying if you start basic and lay a foundation you will be able to use it to link more specific information to. Like anything that feels overwhelming, it's important to start with baby steps.

There are many memory experts that say if you review on this schedule in less than 2 years you will own the information for life.

1. 1st review
2. 2nd review: within 24 hours
3. 3rd review: within 1 week
4. 4th review: within 1 month
5. 5th review: within 6 months
6. 6th review: within 1 year

Also, there are guys like Harry Lorayne that lay out various memory techniques in books. I've used some of this in memorizing German words. An example, I could not for the life of me remember what löschen meant (to extinguish/cancel). So it took me another 5 seconds to picture a "loser" getting nailed with a fire extinguisher. I'll probably remember what that word means for life now because it's just a vivid and odd visual. Interestingly, topics that are "not to be spoken about here by gentlemen" are the one's in which the visuals are most effective. As one memory expert puts it, feel free to use whatever images will work because know one is going to get into your mind, it's your own domain (or something like that).

I used to think using notecards was a waste of time, I am now a believer. When I would have to learn 150-200 German words in a couple of days (far from my expertise), notecards helped a helluva lot.

Matt