(Written and posted 11/6/07)
Northwest Passages
RVC Column for December Newsletters in Region 8
by John Recht, Region 8 RVC
rvc8@us.mensa.org
Yesterday I read a fascinating article. The gist of it was that researchers have found that people can and do divert brain activity away from visual areas in order to listen harder to music and complex sounds.
Sometimes when I am eating, I've been asked why I have my eyes closed. I have always thought the answer was that it helps me to focus on the taste of the food, but it seemed silly to say that. Now I have a reason to think that that is a reasonable reply. Of course, if I turn off my hearing also, I won't be worth much as a dinner companion, so I'll have to be somewhat discreet about that.
Now that the holiday season is upon us once again, many of us are thinking about our favorite foods that go along with the time of year. For my wife Linda, it means pumpkin pie a la mode ice cream, a treat that I have to hunt for, but well worth the effort in order to hear her exclamations of joy. For me...well, I used to eat a lot of sugary treats, but I can't do that any more. I look forward to my little piece of dark chocolate every day...and of course I close my eyes when I eat it.
Right about the time you read this column, Linda and I will be taking our honeymoon cruise. I understand that cruise ships are famous for encouraging overindulgence in food, but I don't really think that that will be the top priority for either of us. Whatever you do to enjoy this holiday season, I hope you do some of it with other Mensans, and that you all have a spectacular time doing it!
And as 2007 comes to a close, please don't forget about the good times coming up in 2008, including Mensa of Western Washington's Regional Gathering, EveRGreen 2008: Romp & Circumstances, on Feb. 15-17. Information and registration forms are available at www.mensaww.org/gather.htm. I also recommend Oregon Mensa's RG, which will be May 4-6; follow the links on the home page at www.oregon.us.mensa.org and you will find information and registration forms. And finally, it's definitely time to think about registering for the 2008 Annual Gathering In Denver from Jul. 2-6; you will find all the information you need at www.ag2008.us.mensa.org. Happy holidays, and I hope I see you soon! Yes, I'll keep my eyes open for you.
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