Re: memory and improvisation

["Dennis Leas" <dennis@mdbs.com>]

> My understanding of this metaphor is that the retrieval of memories
> is a distributed task. A number of semiautonomous mechanisms (dogs)
> are activated at once, but not all of them succeed in retrieving the
> desired information. This certainly seems like what my brain might be
> doing when I'm groping for stored information. I frequently put my
> brain on "dredge" when I can't think of something (such as someone's
> name) immediately. Most of the time it pops to the surface later on,
> after I've stopped consciously trying.

Yes, sometimes my "dogs" return after many days.  Sometimes, they return
when I least expect them, like during lunch or a meeting.

Kind of gives new interpretation to well-known phrases:
"This ... has gone to the dogs!"
"send out the dogs!"
"...puttin' on the dog."
"can't teach an old dog new tricks."
"barking up the wrong tree"
"a wolf at the door"

Dennis Leas
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dennis@mdbs.com