Archive for September, 2007
Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates, 6/2/2003
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
I still remember…why don’t you?
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
I have a gift for retaining random (mostly useless) information. My co-workers call me the database primarily based on my ability to name any actor* based on the vaguest of hints. My brain keeps detailed files on everyone I encounter and despite having consumed vast quantities of pot and alcohol over the past decade, I’m still able to recall specific details from random events that I experienced over 5, 10, even 20 years ago. Usually the response is along the lines of, How the fuck do you remember that shit?. I’m sure at least one person has falsely assumed I’ve been obsessing over them (not that I don’t obsess - I’d just never be that up front about it with the subjects of my obsessions).
*who appeared in anything decent between 1984 and 2001
I often use computer terms as metaphors for the human brain. It seems that most people max out their processors on a regular basis and suffer from insufficient RAM which in turn puts additional strain on the hard drive. There is so much information being forced on people from every angle that their brains can’t dedicate sufficient resources to sustaining long-term memories. Most people don’t archive their data, and once it gets overwritten it’s gone forever. My brain doesn’t even try to retain anything until it’s been inputted twice - hence I’m terrible at remembering names at parties.
When you’re telling these little stories, here’s a good idea - have a POINT. It makes it SO much more interesting for the listener!
So what is the point? I guess like everyone else I’m just trying to make sense of all this shit - only since I seem to be able to remember more shit than everyone else, I feel some obligation to explore why that is.
I have a gift for retaining random (mostly useless) information. My co-workers call me the database primarily based on my ability to name any actor* based on the vaguest of hints. My brain keeps detailed files on everyone I encounter and despite having consumed vast quantities of pot and alcohol over the past decade, I’m still able to recall specific details from random events that I experienced over 5, 10, even 20 years ago. Usually the response is along the lines of, How the fuck do you remember that shit?. I’m sure at least one person has falsely assumed I’ve been obsessing over them (not that I don’t obsess - I’d just never be that up front about it with the subjects of my obsessions).
*who appeared in anything decent between 1984 and 2001
I often use computer terms as metaphors for the human brain. It seems that most people max out their processors on a regular basis and suffer from insufficient RAM which in turn puts additional strain on the hard drive. There is so much information being forced on people from every angle that their brains can’t dedicate sufficient resources to sustaining long-term memories. Most people don’t archive their data, and once it gets overwritten it’s gone forever. My brain doesn’t even try to retain anything until it’s been inputted twice - hence I’m terrible at remembering names at parties.
When you’re telling these little stories, here’s a good idea - have a POINT. It makes it SO much more interesting for the listener!
So what is the point? I guess like everyone else I’m just trying to make sense of all this shit - only since I seem to be able to remember more shit than everyone else, I feel some obligation to explore why that is.
