Description: This article is a review of the book by Joshua Foer. It covers the history of memory techniques, the way a human brain organizes memory, and various problems and successes in memory recall. The author starts by interviewing memory savants, and learns from them that the ability to perform seemingly impossible memory tricks is simply a matter of studying and practicing proven techniques used for millennia. This review suggests that actuaries can benefit greatly from some of these techniques despite the availability of electronic hand-held devices to recall facts because the person who does not need to rely upon such devices can have a huge perceptual advantage in executive presentations.

Description: The author recounts his experience as a keynote speaker at the Actuarial Research Conference and provides advice to young actuaries to present complex subjects in an understandable manner.

Description: A first look, and actuarial review of an electronic book for actuaries who wish to learn Excel beyond the basics.

Description: Review of an excellent new guide to passing actuarial exams. It was written by Roy Ju, who became an FSA while still a Junior in university.

Description: The author provides an overview of terms that have gained favor in sociology, physics, engineering and anthropology that should be of interest to actuaries.

Description: The authors take a deeper look at the long-standing motto of the Society of Actuaries, from John Ruskin, “The work of science is to substitute facts for appearances and demonstrations for impressions.”

Description: Actuaries of the future have to embrace the ideas and technologies that lie ahead.

Description: Second article in a series on effective writing: focuses on writing for Chinese readers if English; and on writing for English readers if Chinese.

Description: Provides a simplified explanation of the modeling and statistical terms currently in use by the profession, and provides a list of publications worth reading in regards to complexity science plus a list of free software.

Description: A review of the book Abundance by Steven Kotler and Peter H. Diamandis.