Description: Cross-Training for the Brain
General Nonfiction/Self-Improvement/Ages 14-&-Beyond
248 letter-size pages, perfect binding (lie-flat comb binding also available), CD of enhanced content included.

What is it to be smart? And how do we get there from here?

Cross-Training for the Brain offers methods that help reproduce expert performance. A companion CD book version contributes supplementary "notes," plus rapid navigation, search, view, and output capabilities. Together, the two media teach practical thinking that motivates and empowers users to better penetrate scholastic or real-world challenges. Here is a comprehensive set of troubleshooting principles upon which to base a lifetime of creative inquiry and effective thinking. The first time that one surmounts an otherwise resistant problem using this approach will prove its value, and explain its appeal.

The book ties together findings of relevant studies on cognitive abilities. It contains plans for applying the findings to everyday situations, be they diffuse obstacles or specific questions. The goal here is to augment reasoning ability, both special and general, emulating competence along the way. The operative sequence is systematic thinking, cogent reasons, judicious decisions. Ultimately, results are better, and quality of life is higher for the proactive practitioner. To that end, the author identifies general ability criteria with which to gage and reinforce specific performance. The reader learns to enhance competence with problem-cracking strategies and tactics. Devices exploited in this system make practical the distilled wisdom of fields such as heuristics, forced creativity, symbolic logic, and decision analysis.

Elements of the Plan
• Marshal mental resources by systematically refining psychological and physical dispositions.
• Adapt and adopt mental checklists to guide responses to uncertainties.
• Progressively cross-train the brain across the breadth of mental ability criteria.
• Assimilate a repertoire of reasoning techniques as a base for future insights.
There is a solution to every problem. This book uses solid methods that guide the reader through adaptive techniques to achieve greater competence in any field of interest.

About the Author
John Vickers received his B.S. degree from the University of Hawaii, and has a Master of Science in Agronomy from UMass, Amherst. The author's interests are also far-flung, having worked as a U.S.D.A. Research Scientist, a Dept. of the Army Land Manager, a livestock farmer, a renovator of antique houses, and a freelancer for printing, publishing, and marketing companies. He is also the author three amateur astronomy atlases.

An extremely well-written introduction into monopoly regulation both in theory and in practice. Armstrong et al. explain the relevant concepts without making use of mathematical models.

Actually it does say postcards above but I didn't notice when I bought it. Considering the price probably it couldn't have been anything else but just thought I'd point it out in case anyone else was going to miss it. Nice postcards of course, but only postcards.

This easy to read and understand book includes spectacular photographs and explanations of celestial sights and events. I flipped through it at Borders and bought it mainly for the pictures but it makes for good reading also. Malin takes you on a journey around the galaxy and to places further out, places like the galaxy M-83, which can be described in one word: incredible. He doesn't dazzle you with confusing technical terms. You almost feel like you're out on a clear, moonless, very dark night with a buddy who has a great telescope.

The photos in this book are positively stunning! This book is great for the price, and it might help to pique your curiosity about the universe. I would recommend it for the novice astronomer or astrophotographer, as it will give you a goal to strive for! (However, I am sure that seasoned veterans will enjoy it as well.)