Marie: Do you ever put that thing down, or has it become a permanent attachment? Didier: By the end of this semester, I will have to have it surgically removed. You are just jealous anyway; you know you want one.

She said: You’re right, I do want an iPod … but you are a bit obsessive don’t you think? I mean, every time I see you there are white wires coming from your ears. I bet you even sleep with the thing.

He said: Actually I think that would violate some Louisiana state law, or did the Supreme Court throw that out? I love the damned thing, what can I say?

She said: Have you married it yet? How many songs do you have on that thing? I’ve seen you go from Britney Spears to Death Cab for Cutie in 0.25 seconds.

He said: Actually it goes Britney Spears to Brooks and Dunn that quickly, but let it be known there is only one Britney Spears song on my iPod, and at least 10 Death Cab for Cutie tunes. It rocks, man. I can listen to Wu Tang one moment and Killswitch Engage the next just by touching the controls.

She said: Why not just use a regular Walkman or a radio? With a radio the songs are free, and a mix is provided. Is there any way that you can listen to everything that is on that iPod? I mean, you probably have like 10 days worth of music to choose from.

He said: Commercial radio sucks, and this puppy has a solid-state hard drive in it. No moving parts, unlike a Walkman, which is too big to begin with and breaks the first time you drop it. I hate to tell you this, but you are right. It does hold 10 days of music.

She said: But when do you ever get the time to listen to all 10 days worth? Isn’t that just a waste? Why not just truck your favorite CDs around? Hey even burn a couple mix CDs with your favorite songs. That would work just as well, and there would not be wasted music. What exactly is the benefit?

He said: WRONG! For one thing, the iPod weighs less than two cds, so I can carry it around with me and listen to it between classes, while studying and even in my truck if I run it through my stereo. So, you can see there is ample opportunity to listen to my collection.

She said: You have a point. Now, just leave me alone and go play with your iPod.

He said: Actually, I am off to play with my X-Box. Now leave ME alone.