Daniel Gilbert in Stumbling on Happiness makes the point that we make things up when we remember, we make things up when we observe the here and now and we make things up when we imagine the future.
He uses a version of a card trick in his book to illustrate a point about how we observe and remember. I tracked down an online version of it – look at this card trick and see if you can work out how its done.
Then when you’ve done that, watch this video of another card trick. The video also explains how the trick is done and the revelation really is a revelation. You’ll be amazed!
Heroes Not Zombies 
wahhhhh, i feel so vulnerable!
oops! sorry damewiggy! However, all this does is draw attention to how little attention we pay to things. Forewarned is forearmed! I think drawing is probably one good way to improve our observation skills (Ester, what do you think?) and I think slowing down is another (right, Christopher?). For me, carrying a digital camera in my pocket everywhere changes how I notice things.
Oh, and by the way, both of these tricks completely caught ME out!
Indeed, sir. And it left me wondering, is my brain slacking in one particular department (or two — or three.) Is it just a matter of concentration or multiple concentrations? Or, or, is it, is it … ummm, errr, what was i saying again?
Drain bamage.