The brain is adaptable. Television, computers, cell phones, and more constantly keep the mind working at near overload capacity. The brain can deal in varying degrees with the barrage of information and stimulation thrown at it every day, but it does not operate at its best. A typical child today spends less than 30 minutes a day playing outside in the fresh air and sunshine. On the other hand, they spend approximately seven hours a day watching TV and playing video games or using cellphones and computers. Adults spend even more time than children enmeshed in the electronic world. Emails, Twitter blasts, text messages, and Facebook updates constantly assault their

eyes and ears—the list is endless and growing. Modern media constantly vies for attention and the more it receives, the more it demands. Some have likened it to a technology addiction. When they unplug from all electronics, many people experience symptoms of withdrawal.

There is another thing that happened to people when they unplugged. Their creativity increased by approximately 50 percent. They became less distracted and more productive. They grew more contemplative, less aggressive and more social. Their mood improved and their interaction with others was more positive.

It is unrealistic to believe the bulk of humanity can totally cut off technology. There are only so many vacation days in which to enjoy freedom from the demands of a plugged-in society. However, it is possible to cut down the time spent interacting with electronics and add it to the time spent connecting with humans.

It is possible to limit a child’s screen time and engage them in creative or physical activities, but to do that parents also need to become more involved in the external world. It is difficult to carve out the time, but those who have done it have found it is well worth the effort.

No one has yet proclaimed from their deathbed that they wish they had spent more time on their computer and less time with family and friends.

From Ghosts to Gokey, Nashville’s two main performance venues delight every onstage interest, says Scott Sohr. Today, Scott Sohr, Nashville-based real estate developer and the mind behind some of Williamson County’s most luxurious communities, talks about why his roots remain firmly planted in Music City. ZRYLW: Good morning, thank you for being here today. Scott Sohr: No problem, I’m always happy to talk about my hometown.

ZRYLW: Let’s talk music. Nashville has it. Where can future Nashvillians find it?

Scott Sohr: All over really—a quick walk downtown will offer visitors a chance to sample the best of Nashville’s up-and-coming artists.

ZRYLW: What about big venues with big name headliners?

Scott Sohr: That’s easy: the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry.

ZRYLW: What kinds of events could one expect stumble upon at these two gems?

Scott Sohr: The Opry has shows every week. Everyone from industry veterans Crystal Gayle and Collin Raye to American Idol icons like Danny Gokey have marched their boots across this star-making stage.

ZRYLW: And the Ryman?

Scott Sohr: The Ryman isn’t called the Mother Church of Country Music for nothing! Greats like Merle Haggard and Trace Adkins regularly play here.

ZRYLW: The Ryman doesn’t just host country music, right?

Scott Sohr: No, the venue is popular with bands and audiences of all genres. Comedian Daniel Tosh and alternative band Primus have both graced the stage of the Ryman.

ZRYLW: And stage performances?

Scott Sohr: Soon, the Ryman will host a theatrical performance of the Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. The venue has also played home to the Academy of Country Music Honors Ceremony.

ZRYLW: Back to the Opry, we understand it has a pretty interesting history?

Scott Sohr: It does, yes. The Opry started out as an old time barn dance back in 1925. The current venue derives is moniker from a passing statement made on-air in 1927. That night, program director Judge Hay made the play on words following a musical selection of classical music from the Grand Opera.

ZRYLW: And thus was born the Opry.

Scott Sohr: That unintentional rebranding is perhaps the greatest accident in country music’s history.

ZRYLW: Agreed. What about the Ryman—how did it become a Nashville attraction?

Scott Sohr: Well, that’s an interesting story too. The “Mother Church” was actually a place of worship in the beginning. The Union Gospel Tabernacle was built in 1892 by a repenting riverboat captain, Thomas Ryman.

ZRYLW: The Opry and the Ryman are connected, aren’t they?

Scott Sohr: Yes, actually, the Opry is the reason the Ryman became such an iconic structure. The building was once the home of the Opry for more than three decades.

ZRYLW: The Ryman is an official landmark for Nashville, right?

Scott Sohr: Yes, it was labeled a National Historic Landmark in 2001, 30 years after being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

ZRYLW: That’s all the time we have for today. Thank you again for speaking with us, we hope our readers will take the time to visit your fair city.

Scott Sohr: We do love tourists, and I think they will find Nashville a hot spot for the entire family. I know I do and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

If you have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, consider having a garage sale prior to your next move. Getting rid of unnecessary items will help you earn some extra cash and save you time since you will have fewer items to pack. If you follow the tips below, you are bound to have a successful and fun garage sale.

Prepare

Give yourself one or two weeks to prepare and advertise. Most people hold their garage sales on Saturdays; however, some will continue until Sunday or even start as early as Friday. Make sure to pick a mild day, and check with your neighbors if you want to coordinate a block garage sale. The more people participate, the larger the draw.

Advertise

The key to any successful event is getting the word out. Place an ad in the local newspaper or on Craigslist. Signs are another great way to notify your community. Make sure you have permission to hang them or post them in the various places. Just make sure you print in big letters so people can read the information from their cars.

Organize tables

It’s important to be organized and make items accessible to customers. Folding tables are best to keep things off the ground. Having your items displayed so they are easy to find will increase sales.

Pricing

If you have a lot of stuff to sell, try to pre-price your items using stickers. Be realistic about pricing. The general rule of thumb is that if an item is still in its box or you still have the box and instructions, it’s fair to ask one-quarter of the original price. Clothes should be greatly reduced. If anything is left over at the end of the garage sale, consider donating them to charitable organizations.