Here is the fifth post on memorizing the US state capitals. The first twenty capitals, Alabama to Maryland, you can find under my May and June posts. Again, please take a moment to read the April post regarding how our memory tends to cling to the absurd and make sure you are reviewing the crazy images for the first twenty capitals.
OK, let’s memorize the next five capital cities for Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi and Missouri.
The capital of Massachusetts is Boston. I immediately conjure up a Church Mass, for Boston you can choose several references, perhaps everyone in church is eating beans, (Beantown) and they have gas! Or a large tin of beans is giving the sermon. How about everyone standing up with large teapots in their hands and pouring scalding tea on top of each other, (Boston Tea Party).
Michigan’s capital is Lancing, I simply see a Gun (MichiGUN) with a huge lance sticking out its barrel.
Minnesota’s capital is St. Paul. For Minnesota I see a large can of Soda, sitting on top of the can of Soda is a Ball with a Halo, Halo for Saint and Ball for Paul.
Mississippi’s capital is Jackson. I imagine Randy Jackson dancing on the American Idol stage with a Hippie. Or you can use a river for Mississippi and anything associated to Jack in the Box, perhaps its character floating down the river, or a huge burger. If you are not familiar with the chain, then see a toy Jack in the Box springing out of its box as it floats down the Mississippi river.
And finally.
Missouri’s capital is Jefferson City. I know someone named Jeff and I imagine him sitting at a table, head in hands crying with Misery. You can change Jefferson to Chef Son and see a Chef’s son crying.
So to review:
Tin of Beans giving a sermon
Boston/Massachusetts
357 Magnum with a huge knight’s Lance sticking out its barrel
Lancing/Michigan
Ball with a Halo balanced on top of a Soda
St. Paul/Minnesota
Randy Jackson dancing with a Hippie
Jackson/Mississippi
Jeff or a Chef’s Son crying
Jefferson City/Missouri
Here is my standard wrap up.
Again, make sure you review these images within 60-75 minutes from now, it takes less than 60 seconds but is critical for long term storage, then again within 24 hr’s, then 1 week later and then 1 month later.
I will continue to post state capitals and their crazy images in groups of five. We are half way. Before we know it you will have all 50 memorized and a great handle on how to visualize the ridiculous and absurd. This is essential for us to apply memory systems to more practical business applications like recalling Names and Faces, speeches and presentations, model numbers, prices, to-do lists etc.
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Bob Gray CSP HoF