I came back from my vacation, only to discover some sad news. Kim Peek, the savant who inspired the hit movie Rain Man, has died of a heart attack on December 19, 2009.
Kim Peek's savant condition allows him to remember everything he has ever read. In the following clip, Kim shows off this powerful ability at the first (and unfortunately only) meeting of the Athanasius Kircher Society.
Even more amazing than Kim's ability to remember everything he's ever read, is his approach to reading itself. Whenever he read, his left eyes reads the left page while his right eye reads the right page. There is more to his life, of course, than just his abilities. The documentary below, Kim Peek: The Real Rain Man, gives a more complete picture of his life. It's 46 minutes long, but it's well worth watching to better understand this very special individual.
Rest in peace, Kim. You will be missed.


I'll be on vacation through the end of the year. Don't worry, Grey Matters will return with new posts on January 3rd, 2010!
Greetings, memorized deck fans! Today, we have a new treat for you.
I recently sprained my arm, so I'm going to keep today's column short to minimize typing.


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