We talk to a science-journalist turned U.S. National Memory Champion about how your memory works, why it sometimes doesn't and how you can make it better.

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PART TWO

Memory: Joshua Foer

We started this segment with a song. A song you may recognize. But can you remember the name of the man who sang it? Here's a clue -- he died in a plane crash in 1973 when he was 30. No? Okay, here's another. His biggest hit was Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Ringing a bell now?

The answer is Jim Croce. But here's another, much more important question. Why is it that some memories can be dragged back from the depths of our brains ... while others seem gone forever?

Joshua Foer has spent a lot of time thinking about that. He was the winner of the 2006 U.S. National Memory Championships. And he's the author of the book, Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything. Joshua Foer was in New York City. 

(* Photo in promo bar by Flickr user: Dierk Schaefer)

Related Links:

• Writer Joshua Foer recalls his battle to master memory techniques in 'Moonwalking With Einstein' By Sherryl Connelly - NY Daily News
• Remember How Important It Is Not to Forget By Michiko Kakutani - NYT
  
  

This Day in History

On this day in 2008 it's revealed that Governor of New York Eliot Spitzer had patronized a prostitution service. Facing impeachment, and public outrage he resigns from office days later.

Three years later, this process is NOW known as 'winning'.

Other segments from today's show:

• Libya No-Fly Zone
• Letters: Women & Work, Second Hand Goods & Sentences