One of my greatest pleasures, all too infrequent as it may be, is to discover that something I really enjoy doing is also good for me. That, in a nutshell, is what this new group is all about. We are Gathered (a new verb!) together to explore how some of our most enjoyable activities -- specifically, games -- can help keep our brains firing on all cylinders now and in the years to come.I admit, it's no surprise that tennis and basketball strengthen and tune up the body, or that crossword puzzles and bridge are mentally stimulating, but of course that's not why we play. We're in it for the fun.
Now, along come the scientists with the news that games, physical and mental, can actually perform a vital role in sharpening and preserving our brainpower. Down there on the molecular level, new brain cells are created as we play, and existing cells function better. Montaigne had it right some five centuries ago: "It is good to rub and polish your mind against the minds of others."
So on in this group we will be sharing our love for all sorts of games and our endless curiosity about them. I'll be your sometime guide. As an inveterate games player, I'll be looking for what's new and different. As a longtime editor and author at The New York Times, I'll be writing some of the articles that result -- including this week's story about Will Shortz, the puzzle master, for example. I hope you'll stay in touch.
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Comments: 4
I am looking forward to a new challenge.