Multi Tasking

A recent Television News Show here in Middle Georgia discussed this topic. I think it was the topic selected as we all witness our peers, family and friends engage in the Annual Christmas Rush. As you can see in the image above, the young man appears to be writing out this Christmas Shopping List. Now I would like to refer you to the portion of an article I copied from a website:

Rule activation itself takes significant amounts of time, several tenths of a second -- which can add up when people switch back and forth repeatedly between tasks. Thus, multitasking may seem more efficient on the surface, but may actually take more time in the end. According to the authors, this insight into executive control may help people choose strategies that maximize their efficiency when multitasking. The insight may also weigh against multitasking. For example, Meyer points out, a mere half second of time lost to task switching can mean the difference between life and death for a driver using a cell phone, because during the time that the car is not totally under control, it can travel far enough to crash into obstacles the driver might have otherwise avoided.

The above information was copied from this site and the information was dated 5 August 2001:

http://www.apa.org/releases/multitasking.html

Here we are five years later and it is only now getting reported that Multi-Tasking may not be the answer to any of the problems in our lives. In fact there are those who even consider Multi-Tasking as the genesis of many Depressions that citizens suffer from. Admittedly, some of this depression is a seasonal situation, but I believe that far too many of my peers take life much too seriously and try to have everything totally under control each and every minute of their lives.

Recently my beloved spouse received this information from one of her peers on some Ways to Maintain Mental Health:

1. At Lunch time sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing traffic.
2. Every time soneone asks you to do something, ask them if they want fries with that.
3. When money comes out of the ATM, scream, "I Won, I Won!!!!"
4. Tell your children while at Dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.
5. Put mosquito netting over your cube at work and play tropical sounds all day.
6. Specify that your Drive-Through order is "To Go."
7. Finish all your sentences with the phrase: "In accordance with the Prophecy."
8. Put the trash can on your desk at work and label it: "IN"
9. Five days in advance, tell your Friends you can not make their party because you do not feel in the mood.

and Finally,

10. In the memo line of all of your checks enter: "For Sexual Favors"

The Disease of the Week

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Restless Leg Syndrome

In addition to the current fad of "Obesity News" there seems to be an abundance of information concerning Seasonal Affective Disorder and Restless Leg Syndrome. All of this coverage reminds me of a story that I heard from a real live person a few years ago.

This 74 year old woman made a life style choice to move from the Country to a High Rise Senior Citizen's Complex in a major Georgia city to be near here 94 year old Mother. Part of the process of obtaining an apartment in this progressive High Rise Senior Citizen's Complex was to obtain a complete physical. The Young Doctor ordered a "Cholesterol Check" for the 74 year old. This was done after it was ascertained that the potential resident discussed her normal morning breakfast of two fried eggs, a few strips of bacon and a couple of slices of toast with butter and orange marmalade. The young doctor was amazed that the woman was still alive. The woman was granted a waiver when she told the young doctor that she was born before they had invented Cholesterol.

To conclude this story, I found out last year that the 94 year old Mother passed away at the age of 97. The 74 year old woman is still alive in the Senior Citizen's High Rise Complex and she is still enjoying life and eating her normal breakfast.

While this may not always be the case for all peoples, I am confident that if we learn enough about all the diseases and read enough about them we can all begin to feel as if we have everything that comes along. I do believe that a lot of what we suffer from today is an over abundance of information. Admittedly there are those who do have real problems; however I am a fairly old person myself and I continue to enjoy life. Admittedly I do not dwell on what is wrong with me. Plenty of my peers tell me about my shortcomings!!! So I will leave my problems with them.

In the meantime, I think I will go outside and soak up some daylight to avoid the Seasonal Affective Disorder. From my research on Restless Leg Syndrome I have learned that exercise during the day can also help keep this problem at bay.

I realize that I am not a Medical Professional, but I drove by a Holiday Inn - Express just yesterday. Have a Great Day and as always, Enjoy Life. The alternative is not that nice!!!!

"Beauty Abounds"

A view of the North Gardens

Looking Out from the Upper Gallery

A Final Opportunity to enjoy the red dogwood leaves

Digital Photography certainly allows us all to enjoy the seasons and the pelthora of images in a cost effective manner. I do not even have to travel to the Georgia Mountains to enjoy the fine looking colors of Autumn.

Again, I urge you to take the time to step outside and enjoy the beauty around us all, here in Middle Georgia.

This is the Day that the Lord

Has Made!!!!!

A White Hydrangea prepares for Christmas

A Burning Bush with the final flush of red

As we begin the final days of preparation for Christmas 2006 may I encourage you to take the time to enjoy the beauty and abundance of our God's Creation.

Then to make the observance of Christmas even more complete, please, if you do not have a Church Home, consider visiting mine. You can find complete details here:

http://holytrinitymacon.org/

Thank You!!!!! and Please have a Beautiful and Blessed Christmas Season 2006!!!!!

"Yuletide 2006"

The 2006 Christmas Season has certainly arrived. The Yuletide Camellia that was planted in 1999 at my front door continues to be in bloom every November. It is the official Herald of Christmas here in West Bibb County, Georgia as we gather each year to celebrate the Christmas Season.

"Prays for Peace!!!!"

Today, as I observed Thanksgiving Day, I could not help but think of the following quote from Douglas MacArthur: "the soldier above all others prays for peace, for it's the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."

This is the reason that I have included the pictures that you have viewed above.

Thank You for Reading this Blog Today.

Thank You!!!!!!!

As we all prepare our Thanksgiving Dinners for the Family and Friends and finally gather around the table for Family Fellowship between the Parade and the Plethora of Football Games on November 23rd may I encourage you to take the time to Pause to Remember the gallant Men and Women who are now in Harms Way as they serve us all.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2006

Thanksgiving Day 1997: As one matures and also grows older they often reflect on the events of the past with very fond memories. What you are viewing above is the Thanksgiving Day Dinner with out food and participants in 1997. I had planned a large dinner for several weeks. Although I lived in Georgia at the time and could not anticipate any of my Family to attend, we had a bountiful supply of people. A total of 24 attended this Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Everyone was able to sit at the table and it is for this reason that I have fond memories of this event. The reason I am posting this today is to remind everyone that it is not the abundance of food you have for Thanksgiving, but the people. I could enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner which had Meat Loaf as the featured item. For that matter, I could also enjoy Ball Park Franks and a few chips. The most important item for a Thanksgiving Dinner, or any other Dinner for that matter is having People in attendance. I lament the fact that in today's rushed, always busy society attached to their cordless phones and cell phones - that people often do not take the time to even enjoy a Hot Dog with family members.

But then, I may not be important enough to think in the new modern mode. I do not have to be on a phone trying to impress anyone. The simple things of life like enjoying the opportunity to practice "Socialization Skills," with other people is always exciting and rewarding. As you enjoy the next few days rushing around planning and preparing for the perfect Dinner and then the opportunity to get a jump start on Christmas shopping this Friday, may I encourage you to take the time to be really "Thankful." If you are like me, you may not have much as far as gold and silver; but you can certainly take the time to reflect on the past and also appreciate the present.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!!!

The Media

The other day I briefly discussed "The Media" and how we allow our younger citizens to be exposed to same. It goes without saying that parents and all care givers/supervisors of children should know what the next generation of citizens is watching and even listening to. We can not do less. We need to be responsible adults and actually know what is going in the world around us if we even expect the next generation to have an idea of what the expectations are.

As I often typed in my High School Typing Class many years ago:

"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."

Greetings from Flower Child's Kingdom

Several times in recent months, I have posted about "Moral Clarity." Most recently we here in Middle Georgia have witnessed a concern regarding music performed by several High School Marching Bands during Foot Ball Games. What is wrong, is the question that everyone is asking.

May I suggest that maybe the adults in charge of our Society have given up. What a shame!!!! What do we expect for the future, if we simply disregard our moral duties at this time. In recent days we hear of our School Systems inability to monitor the behavior of the Students. Of course, if we are to be fair and also honest, we must also be ready to admit that the adult parents have also failed their own children. Again, what a shame. We all deserve better and may I suggest that we expect more from our Public Schools, as well as promote ethics in the media that we are all exposed to.

It all is a matter of choice!!!

Here is your opportunity to observe the ratio of home construction in Houston County, Georgia when compared to Bibb County, Georgia. Recent data indicates that for the last year with data available that over 1500 building permits were granted in Houston County.

Voting with Your Choice

For the same year that Houston County granted over 1500 building permits there were only a few more than 500 building permits were granted in Bibb County, Georgia

Yet we continue to hear that some of the duly elected officials in Bibb County do not think that we need to do something about our dwindling population. It would appear to me that people are voting with their Choices. Where they want to live!!!!

What is so difficult about this concept? If an area is losing population there must be something wrong!!! This concept sounds so simple. Why must we in Bibb County and the City of Macon continue to ignore the obvious? It would appear that something needs to be done!!

All of this stated to reinforce to each and every one of our duly elected leaders in the City of Macon and the County of Bibb that "We The People Look To You To Do Something Now." We need to Consolidate. There I said it. To some of you this is a nasty word. You might as well get used to the word "Consolidate" because as it now stands all the nice new roads that you are in charge of improving will only help the moving vans transport even more of the God Fearing, Tax Paying Citizens of Macon and Bibb to neighboring Counties and Cities.

A Learning Opportunity

Several years ago, a young man I know obtained employment at a small business. After several years he was offered a promotion to foreman. Of course he took the opportunity and proceeded to work out the day. The very next day his promotion was announced and he was presented to his former peers as their new boss. No problem, but as the day wore on there appeared to be a lack of respect for the new boss. Why just yesterday he worked alongside them and even played practical jokes on management with them.

But this could not go on. The second day as the new boss, this young man presented each of his workers a packet of Construction Paper and a Box of Crayons. When they asked him what these items were for, the reponse was: "If you want to act like children I thought I would provide you with age appropriate tools." End of Problem.

Oh, The Things We Can Learn, If We Will But Observe

What!!!! No Picture

I know that by now you are tired of viewing pictures on this Blog, so today I have decided to just post a few comments for the benefit of the Human Race and anyone else who visits here who can also read.

Most everyone know that I am interested in photography. I also enjoy reading quite a bit. Just the other day I read a real neat bumper sticker:

"Driver Carries No Cash. He is Married!!!!!"

I took this to mean that there really was no need to Car Jack this Guy.

"Better Things for Better Living Through Chemistry"

This was an advertising slogan adopted by the DuPont Chemical Corporation in 1939. During the 60s which was the golden era for the Flower Child it had a totally different meaning. Oh, for the good old days!!!!!!

"The greatest wealth is contentment with a little."

You can be confident that the above adage was not uttered by any politician.

"Some people say that I'm superficial, but that's just on the surface"

I am confident that I am a very serious, intense person dedicated to the liberation of all people kind. I can feel everyone's pain and I just wish there was something that I could do to help you. Or is the above statement a flash back to the 60s "Flower Child?"

Have a Great Day and Enjoy a Great Belly Laugh.

USS The Sullivans (DDG-68)

November 13, 1942: During the Naval Battle at Guadelcanel the U. S. lost six ships, including the USS Juneau (CL-52) a Light Cruiser. On board the USS Juneau all five of the Sullivan Brothers from Waterloo, Iowa perished. At this time the U. S. Navy has honored this tragic loss with one Destroyer which bore the Name Sullivan to the current Guided Missile Destroyer: The Sullivans (DDG-68) which is homeported in Mayport, Florida. The five Sullivan Brothers were:

George age 28

Francis age 27

Joseph age 24

Madison age 23

Albert age 20

For more information regarding the U. S. Navy Ship, The Sullivans please check the following link:

http://navysite.de/dd/ddg68.htm

Thank You!!!!!

Flower Child's Garden

Corneceae florida - Dogwood

Euonymus alatus - Burning Bush

I realize that my recent blogs have focused on some rather serious items that I felt were essential to share with you all. Today I would like to share with you some of the wonderful and beautiful Fall Foliage that is in abundance here in Middle Georgia. You can quickly ascertain that red must be one of my favorite colors. You are totally correct. Enjoy the images and remember that tomorrow morning you will most likely go outside and observe some of the wonderful creation that is in abundance here on our Earth. I realize that the adage "Take Time To Smell The Roses," may not be appropriate for many; but the basic concept of enjoying the beauty that we have around us still remains valid.

In Memory Of

Veteran's Day, 2006. As we all pause today to remember the Heroes of past Wars and Conflicts so that we in the United States of America can continue to enjoy our way of life, our freedoms granted to us in the U. S. Constitution, let us not forget the tragic events of October 12, 2000.

We have all seen the terrible hole in the side of the USS Cole (Guided Missile Destroyer) (DDG-67). Here you see this proud ship, which has been repaired and is currently defending our Country. Seventeen Heroes lost their lives that tragic day in 2000.

Veteran's Day 2006

This image was taken on Friday, November 10th as the Children of Vineville Academy, Macon, Georgia waved to passing motorist on Vineville Avenue. In addition to waving and displaying their patriotism they were also encouraging the passing motorist to attend the Annual Veteran's Day Program at their School. I took this picture and also attended the program. I was most impressed with the program. The highlight of the event for me was a Power Point Presentation developed and narrated by a ten year old Fourth Grade Student. Here presentation was about "Being a Soldier" and was dedicated to members of her family who are currently assigned to U. S. Army duty in Iraq. A very moving presentation and well done and it also displayed the pride of a ten year old citizen who was honoring her family members in the U. S. Army this Veteran's Day. Of course, there was a presentation by all the First Graders about American History, which was also well done. A fine Veteran's Day Tribute to all who have served this United States, all who are currently serving the United States and all who live in the U. S. A. The program by the First Graders was concluded by their version of "God Bless the U. S. A."

The entire event provided a very emotional high for "Flower Child" and was appreciated by all the Veterans and Students in attendance. Well Done to the Staff and especially the Students at Vineville Academy, Macon, Georgia.

In conclusion, A Thank You to all the Veterans who have served and all who serve today. Thank You!!!!

Photography Show and Sale

Opening Reception, Friday, November 10th, 2006

Imaging Technologies

555 Mulberry Street

Macon, Georgia

6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

This is your opportunity to view over seventy color images and twenty-five images presented by the Members of the Middle Georgia Camera Club. You will have the opportunity to view the images and also purchase images that are marked for sale from the respective photographers.

Imaging Technologies is located in downtown Macon at 555 Mulberry Street. This address is across the street from Christ Church. It is also in the building that was formerly Sears for those who have lived in Macon for a long period of time. The most direct directions to this Show is to travel toward Central City Park on Riverside Drive and make a right turn on Third Street. Then enter the parking lot to the immediate right and proceed through the parking lot until you reach Imaging Technologies.

If you can not attend the gala opening reception, the Show will be available during normal business hours of Imaging Technologies, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. until December 7th, 2006.

The opening night reception is an excellent opportunity to meet the photographers. This is also an excellent opportunity to purchase images for your Christmas Gift Giving either for yourself or family and friends. Most of the images are mounted and matted so you can have the frame of your choice by your local frame shop. A few of the images on display are already framed.

Things I Have Learned This Election Cycle!!

I have learned that if I had lived in the Atlanta Metro Area that I would not care about agriculture. Correct me if I am incorrect, I always thought that people in the Atlanta area enjoyed eating food as much as the rest of us.

After viewing a plethora of Television Commercials it would appear that if you want to be considered a conservative candidate that your commercial will sport an image of "The National Rifle Association," or even better, your campaign has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.

Now, if you really want to come across as a "Down Home" candidate driven by family values you will wear a Hat with the John Deere Logo. Even better, have your buddy in the commercial walking in a field or country lane and he sports a Hat with the familiar John Deere Logo. Of course you, the candidate must have an arm around the buddy as the commercial airs.

All of this stated because I enjoy this type of advertising. It sort of reminds me of the spot that I enjoy the most when NASCAR has a race day on Television. What does rookie Denny Hamlin do when he wins a race. Of course, He calls his Mom, and she is taking a tray of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. Now, you can not get more down home than that; unless it is taking a freshly baked meat loaf out of the oven before you make the cookies.

Maybe food will be the focus in the 2008 round of campaign commercials.

"Voters"

Conservatives or Liberals

In a little over twenty-four hours the count down will commence. The Voters will decide. It is readily apparent who the voter is in the above series of images. Now, can you pick out the liberal/s or conservative/s in the other two images?

At this time, all we the voter's have to rely on is our own observations. Some of these observations will be tainted by the plethora of campaign ads which have attempted to sway our minds. As I enter this blog I quickly think about the reality show "Survivor" where the contestants forged alliances to work against or for a certain individual.

Have we witnessed the forging of alliances in this election cycle? For certain, time will tell. But then again, I would encourage everyone to seriously consider the potential alliances that certain candidates will form or may now even be a part of.

Some of my more educated peers say "Follow the Money." Who has contributed to a certain candidates campaign? Then you can quickly ascertain where the potential alliances may be formed/forming!!!!

In Summary, I know that I have listened and observed as this campaign cycle evolved. I feel confident with my votes. I do not know who will win, nor will I have any regrets on who "We The People" elect. I do know that no matter who wins that I will readily and rapidly communicate my view points regarding any concern that I currently have or will develop in the future.

As a proud citizen of the United States of America, the State of Georgia, and the County of Bibb, I pledge to do my best. As a recent "Talk Back" on a local television station indicated: "What we need at this time is Service Leadership." Or Words to that effect. I take that to mean that we need to demand and require that our duly elected Leadership serve: "We The People."

Campaign coffers will always be filled with individuals courting favor with a certain candidate. It is our awesome responsibility to discern who will do the very best for "We The People!!!"

Thank You for taking the time to read my last three blogs concerning this important Election.

Name Calling

Soon the season of name calling will cease, at least for about eighteen months. What you are viewing here are "Lovers"/A Trained Killer/A Youthful Sailor/A Yellow Dog/A Blue Dog and one more Yellow Dog. During my life on this planet, I have often been called names. Most of that happened when I was in my youth. As we prepare for the election this Tuesday, let us cast aside the terms used by so many and vote for the person. Hopefully the winners will determine that they have been elected to serve the common good. I would also hope that they even refer to the Constitution of the United States of America. I know that when I was a tender young Sailor that I had to take an oath to defend the constitution and obey the orders of those who served over me. I would hope that each duly elected/re-elected citizen of this great nation, no matter what level, city, county, state or nation will take this opportunity to obey the laws of this land and actually serve for the good of the peoples. When I say "for the good of the peoples," I mean that they actually serve for the long term good of us all. There should never be any regard for serving for the good of the elected. We the electors are actually in charge. Unfortunately we have let that concept slip into the shadows of our history, as we also seek to elect those who can be of the greatest benefit to us for the short term.

"....but there's nothing going on behind their eyes,"

The above is a quote from S. Mann in a "The Telegraph" article today entitled Stage fight. It is my hope today, that as we who have not already participated in the Advance Voting, will not have this stated about us as we vote on Tuesday, November 7th, 2006. Only Time will tell!!!!!

2000 Visitors

What a milestone accomplishment. Thank You Everyone!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGbnOmOzW-o

I-75/I-16 Interchange

Semi-Directional T


Lacking the problem left exits, this design is a good choice for high traffic junctions. The ramps can be made two or three lanes wide for more capacity. It's semi-directional, meaning cars veer right before crossing both carriageways to the left, but the turns are gradual.

For additional information on the Semi-Directional T Interstate Highway Intersection please visit this link:

http://www.kurumi.com/roads/interchanges/trumpet.html

This information is provided today to assist the Georgia Department of Transportation and the local elected leaders in Bibb County and the City of Macon.

The diagram appears to meet all of our Transportation Needs to resolve the long standing stalemate concerning the design of the I-75/I-16 Interchange. Maybe it looks too simple. The interesting statement from the above information indicates that to insure high capacity, two or even three lanes may be used in each ramp to keep the traffic moving.

Just the Thoughts and Research by "Flower Child" on the World Wide Webb. In closing, I have an intense level of gratitude to Al Gore for inventing the Internet.

Macon's Urban Campers

In recent weeks the topic of "The Homeless" has received a fair amount of media attention. Recently Macon, Georgia was listed as the 40th most dangerous city to live in here in the United States of America. So the focus is now on the Homeless, more than ever before.

Where should we put them? The next question I have is: Are the Homeless responsible for the vast majority of criminal activity in Macon?

The most important question is: "Why do so many people opt to drop out of society and become homeless. It is true that some do not have adequate educational experiences; but a large number of these homeless are well educated. Some are victims of the wrong choices they made in their own lives. I do not have an answer to cure the problem.

Recent conversations in Macon's City Hall revolve around an option of establishing a panhandling district where these people can operate without hurting the tourism industry.

As silly as this may sound, may I suggest that we erect a Tent with appropriate sanitation facilities on the Parking Lot near the Macon-Bibb County Health Department off of Emery Highway. The organizations who provide food for the homeless could then deliver the food and the homeless could be better cared for.

As I discussed this idea with one of my peers today, it was suggested that this area could be called "The Corral." One thing is certain. If all the homeless were in a designated area, we could quickly ascertain if they were responsible for the high crime rate we have. If the crime rate continued and all the Homeless were in "The Corral" we could quickly supress the rumor/concept that "The Homeless" caused the high crime rate.

It is not the purpose of this blog to make fun of the homeless. We must realize that we have the problem and work on resolution of the problem. Just maybe my idea may help. Who knows, until we try.