UPDATE: There was some mixup in the submissions that actually hit my inbox, so six wonderful posts were left out of this edition of the brain fitness carnival. They have now been placed at the top under “Education and Professional Development”.
 
Alvaro from SharpBrains (who has a post in this carnival) has graciously let me host the August 2007 edition of the Brain Fitness Carnival. For those of you new to carnivals, this is simply a collection of links from around the web on topics related to brain fitness, neuroscience, mental development and a bit more. I hope you enjoy!
 
Education and Professional Development
 
Charles H. Green presents Deer in the Headlights Decison-Making, saying, “When faced with surprise sebacks the way most people react is to just do the same thing - they freeze, and can’t adapt. Some people, however, can. Why?” (posted at Trust Matters)
 
Brett presents When Traders Lose Confidence - Part Three: Structuring Your Experience; this advice on redefining ourselves is not only useful for traders, but for all of us (posted at TraderFeed).
 
Dr. Simon Evans presents Harry Potter and the Unfit Brain: some thoughts on various intelligences that even muggles can understand (posted at The Brain Code).
 
Anna Farmery discusses the positive effects of genuine acknowledgment in The Value of Recognition (posted at The Engaging Brand).
 
Charles H. Green presents Is Neuroleadership More Than Reinventing Wheels?, saying, “Is neuroleadership doing more than just codifying common sense? If not, how should it move forward?” (posted at Trust Matters)
 
Stephanie West Allen discusses the implications of neuroplasticity on self-motivated human potential in “There’s a great future in [neuroplasticity]. Think about it. Will you think about it?” (posted at Brains On Purpose™).
 
Brain and Personal Development
 
Vahid Chaychi shows us how we can Use Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Build Self-Esteem. Awareness of one’s self and reactions seems to be the pervading theme. (posted at Healthoma)
 
Alvaro posts a very well laid-out interview in Yaakov Stern: Build Your Cognitive Reserve. This neuroscientist reveals his thoughts on the causes and prevention of dementia. (posted at SharpBrains)
 
Andreas Engvig points out why moving our hips may be as helpful as it is entertaining in Judson Laipply’s Dancing Brain (posted at SharpBrains)
 
Greg presents What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment, And Why Should You Be Worried About It?, with plenty of links for the curious (posted at LifeTwo blogs).
 
MDB shows How to Increase Your Self Confidence in 3½ minutes, because we can all use a little pick-me-up at times (posted at the Million Dollar Blog)
 
Joshua discusses a seemingly unlikely relationship in Getting smarter through emotional mastery (posted at The Gravy Way)
 
Brain News
 
Sudip Ghosh discusses endocannbinoids (”the brain’s own marijuana”) in the long and hilariously entitled I grow my own in the brain, thank you. Endocannabinoids and marijuana. (posted at GNIF Brain Blogger)
 
Brain Foods
 
GrrlScientist discusses recent findings in JavaJive: The Older You Get, the More that Coffee Helps Your Brain. Much to the joy of coffee lovers everywhere. (posted at Living the Scientific Life)
 
Jeremy Burman continues on the subject of caffeine with a throwback to research from 1911, where motives and results were quite different in Caffeine and mental deficiency (posted at Advances in the History of Psychology)
 
Laura Milligan reveals an immense list of the Top 100 Foods to Improve Your Productivity (posted at Bootstrapper). Some of the items on the list might even surprise you.
 
Millionaire Mommy Next Door discusses a surprising link between credit cards and eating habits with Fast Food For Thought (posted at Millionaire Mommy Next Door).