Did you know that audio speakers are made, in part, of paper? Once I heard this, at last I understood why I've blown out the speakers in every single vehicle I've owned. The materials just aren't up to the job. See, I like to drive around with the tunes loud (but not thumpy), so loud that I tend to not hear my cell phone. If I'm in a good mood, loud music in the car amplifies the mood. If I'm in a bad mood, appropriate dark music drowns out the angry voices in my head. Now I'm in the market for a new car stereo, one that's suited for my unique demands. Maybe I'll get crazy and upgrade to a CD car stereo.

Inside the house, music doesn't need to be loud, but it should be easilly accessible, especially while I'm sewing. Speaking of CD players, not only does the one in the sewing room suck (you have to put a heavy book on the top to keep the cd from popping out during play), one of the speakers went out the other night. I discovered this while listening to Jimi Hendrix. "The Wind Cries Mary" was missing lyrics - I knew that was wrong. Looks like I'll be going to Best Buy some time soon.

As I'm writing this, I'm listening to Squirrel Nut Zippers on headphones-and the right headphone just lost it. Another bizarre coincidence?