I have trouble remembering the name of anybody. For a long time I ignored this handicap yet know it’s sloppy and disrespectful to humanity, who lives here just like I do. Lately, I am inspired to remember the name of everyone, from Medvedev in Russia, to Ari at the dry cleaners. However, I can’t recall Medvedev’s first name, nor Ari’s last name.

Success should be basic. Listen intently. Write down the name. If I am reading a name, say, Muammar Quaddafi, which I’d prefer NOT to read, say the name aloud. Repeat these steps more than once.

Results are mixed. Ultimately names remembered have one of three things in common. Either the name reminds me of something else: Mr.Riley is REALLY nice, for instance. Or the name is used so often it’s familiar: This would be true of our son’s name and a large percent of my blood relatives. Or, the name amuses in some inexplicable way: Gina Lollobrigida. Bullwinkle the Moose.

I had to look up “Quaddafi” and “Lollobrigida” and “Bullwinkle” to spell them correctly.