The Lair

I’ve been following (with predominantly amusement) how it all began between loki and reg. Amusement isn’t quite the word I’m looking for.. it’s a mix of glee, enthusiasm and also a dash of aha moments as I recognize portions of the storyline from previous descriptions. One half of the story seems to be much terser than the other though. Be that as it may, it’s shaping up nicely and the synchronized storylines are a very neat touch… and it also serves to dovetail nicely with this post.

Memories. We all have them. But which ones are important ? Which processes decide the details in our existence worthy of being transferred from the short term electrical to the longer term chemical storage ?

The Beeb ran an article on this topic last week; the top ranked memories of 2000 Britons polled. Sporting events, generally understood milestones in one’s life (birth of a child, weddings), a concert by one’s favourite band. One thing about memory that is apparent, at least for the majority of these cases, is the ability to smooth over hardship and strife. To rose tint the memory sufficiently that only the benefit remains. To paper over the cracks.

And then, there is generational memory… the sort which leads to the impression that things are steadily going to the dogs; that the young whippersnappers these days don’t get it.. Sometimes this is true. In other times, just an anachronism. And from that same article, who knew that the Japanese had so few swear words in their language ? Sheesh.

And on the subject of memories, I’ll be watching the concluding half of the 100 greatest war films tonight. My money is on Casablanca, but the voting public of Channel 4 doesn’t produce the most predictable of results.