Magic Numbers

Magic Numbers

Why do some groups choose sets of five (as in Japan) or even numbers – usually (as in the United States?)

6 Glasses and Six Songs

Two books I have read in the past year use the number six.

Last year, one friend told me of A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage. I couldn’t get it in Merida but did read and enjoy it in Juneau. Beer, wine, liquor, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola formed the bases of the chapters. A quick read but fun.

This year, I discovered The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature by Daniel J. Levitin. I enjoyed reading his theories about how music has evolved with human nature over the course of centuries. The Merida English Library has this one and other surprises.

Merida is a mix of Mexican and American culture. The expat community is active, many events use both English and Spanish language songs, movies are often in English with Spanish subtitles, and DVD rentals offer a choice of languages and subtitles. It is a pleasant place to live or visit.

Living seven months in Alaska with five months in Merida gives me the best of both. Magic numbers?