Guest: One thing at a time  Last Modified: Wednesday, March 20,
2013 at 6:12 p.m.  Sydney Smith, 19th century British writer and
bon vivant, described a colleague as having "occasional flashes
of silence that make his conversation perfectly delightful." Do
we appreciate the "flashes of silence" so vital to our
creativity and concentration -- and to our sanity? And make for
delightful conversation?   Multitasking may be a way of life for
many stressed citizens, but it is a devious and dangerous devil.
Sarasota is currently debating the parameters of noise downtown,
where some claim "rattling rooms," "blasting" and electric bass
"booming" from car speakers and outdoor entertainment disturb
privacy. Supporters have lined up on both sides of the sound
fence. However, whether we like it or not, noise governs and
blasts into our ears in all contexts. Silence and privacy have
become the two most precious elements for modern man,
ingredients we take for granted -- unless they disappear or are
threatened. We must rig