performance is slow

Let me start by saying that I doubt it is a bug in psycopg, but I am
having problems with inserting data into my database. It is taking 4
seconds to insert 44 name-value (2 strings less than 10 characters each)
and then update 6 other tables with the new primary keys. I also have an
insert of an MD5 checksum and two blobs (1K and 50K bytes) that takes 3
seconds. Any suggestions on how to make these faster?

The main thing that I think I am doing wrong that I want to change is
that I am doing a commit after after insert. I am looking at changing
that to a bigger more "transactional" item. Not sure if this will
improve the overall time, but it seems like a more DB way of doing
things.

I can provide any information that you are curious about, but it may
take me a while. In case you have not guessed yet, this is my first DB
based product, which puts me somewhere at the bottom of the mountain of
things to know.

As always thank you in advance for any and all help as it is much
appreciated.

-- 
Al Niessner

I have never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.
- From Walden by Henry David Thoreau

The universe is indifferent, and life is brutal; however, it is man's
choice of behavior that makes them malevolent rather than benevolent.

Some will fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain.
- From the song Pepper by the Butthole Surfers