The Brain

May 5

I am thankful for the brain. The brain is a glorious organ. It is responsible for maintaining basic bodily functions, such as the autonomitc system which controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. But it also is where the higher functions of the mind take place, ie., evaluation of peripheral sensory stimuli, thought processes, and the integration of all that to result in planning, evaluation, interacting, loving, calculating, dreaming, and remembering. Our brains are capable of miraculous things. Granted, man has designed amazing computers wihich are capable of the storage and analysis of immense amount of data at a rapid pace, however, as yet, man has not designed a computer which is capable of self-sustaining function our brains can perform, such as integrating input to come up with new ideas and imagination. Computers are electronically powered with on/off signals. The human brain is a combination of signals modulated by chemical neurotransmitters and electric potential, which are able to function beyond just on/off signals. Each circuit has uncountable other circuits going into it and each is capable of stimulating or inhibiting each other, ie. more than just on/off. Another interesting thing is that computers are generally obsolete in five or so years and must be fixed, upgraded, or replaced, whereas the human brain can function well for sometimes up to and over 100 years, sometimes with only moderate fixes. The circuits in the human bran can even sometimes circumvent damaged areas and re-direct tasks to different parts of the brain. Amazing design of the human brain!

I'm sure you have figured out today's photo. It is a scarecrow which stands guard over the Children's Garden at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge. Although it doesn't have a burlap face stuffed with straw, it reminds me of the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz movie who was seeking a brain from the Wizard of Oz. Of course, it turns out he receives a diploma which proves that he has a brain. Of course, we all know that his display of cunningness and intelligence proved he already had a brain from the beginning.

the brain

the brain is simply amazing

mine can come up with such useless trivia

when it is not called on to do just so

but when reaching inside for something important

it freezes and refuses to let go.

© rt tulley