Here is the sixth post on memorizing the US state capitals. The first twenty five capitals, Alabama to Missouri, 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 five capitals.
OK, let’s memorize the next five capital cities for Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
The capital of Montana is Helena. I immediately picture a mountain for Montana, sat on top of the mountain is Helen of Troy. If you know a Helen, see her sitting on top shouting AAAAHH… (Helen AAAH)
Nebraska’s capital is Lincoln. For Nebraska I see a huge wheat field. Picture Abe Lincoln giving a speech in the middle of this huge wheat field, perhaps his audience is a bunch of scarecrows. If you like, for an added association see a Lincoln car cutting donuts through the wheat field.
Nevada’s capital is Carson City. I simply see Johnny Carson playing slot machines (Las Vegas). Could use Carson Daly for you younger ones out there who are saying, “Johnny who?” If you don’t know a Carson, then break it into Car Son; see a car with a small boy sitting on top of the roof playing a slot machine.
New Hampshire’s capital is Concord. You can visualize a Hamster piloting the Concorde.
And finally the capital of New Jersey is Trenton. You could use a sweater for Jersey. There are Jersey cows, or the small island off the coast of mainland Britain. How about any of the characters from the TV series Jersey Shore, can’t say I know any as I haven’t seen the show, but know it’s popular. For Trenton I would change it to Train Ton. My personal image is of a Jersey Cow driving a Train that is pulling a Ton weight.
So to review:
Helen of Troy sitting on top of a Mountain
Montana/Helena
Abe Lincoln talking to a bunch of scarecrows in a wheat field
Nebraska/Lincoln
Johnny or Carson Daly playing the slots
Nevada/Carson City
A Hamster piloting the Concorde
New Hampshire/Concord
A Cow driving a Train
New Jersey/Trenton
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. 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.
Please share if you found this informative, thanks.
Bob Gray CSP HoF