Objections to iPod and all it stands for

I know of one investment that I won't be buying into anytime soon: Apple's iconic iPod.

I say that because the "5,000-hit wonder" is as irritating to me as Subway's Jared and the Budweiser frogs.

Granted, I am comparing nondurable goods to the latest in digital technology, but it isn't just the over-used phrases or the "it's-oh-so-cool advertising" (why didn't anyone think of white earphones before this, or did they and nobody noticed?)

It's irritating because you can't get away from it. A recent "Wall Street Journal" article talked about how Americans are taking vacations with a bevy of digital devices - including the iPod. Other digital devices were thrown into that suitcase, not just the iPod, but what is it about this $300 digital music player? Why is it so cool? I thought my $30 Discman played music just as well, at least I did before I heard how bad it actually is and how much better the iPod must be.

I think the answer is found in the justification. Americans will spend $100 to $350 on an iPod because it's the best of the best. We want quality and we'll pay for it. What better incentive is that? And most experts say if you're going to buy an MP3 player you'd only buy an iPod.

I object because I am a young consumer and I know (like so many other people must) that in about six months some other product will have attracted our attention. And an item once revered because of its status will cost about half of what it does now.

I revolt against the erosion of the beauty of silence. I object to the elitist presentation of music.

I want to contemplate life without having to be plugged into something 24-7. And that's what the iPod represents to me.

So, I'm going on vacation next week, and I'm going old school.

RHP Mechanical Systems, a Reno heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing company, has recently received the 2004 American Standard "Outstanding Dealer of the Year" award. American Standard is a global producer of air conditioning and heating systems.

In April Dairy Queen will launch the DQ Crew Club and a new Web site, www.thedqlab.com/, for kids aged 3 to 12 featuring 3D Web games, a customized DQ e-newsletter, and the chance to earn Crew Coins redeemable for online prizes.

Nevada welcomed a record 50.5 million visitors in 2004, a milestone for the state's tourism industry that surpassed projections announced late last year, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Nevada Commission on Tourism chair, said this week.

Red's Old 395 Grill will open at 11 a.m. today with an Easter event. The patio will be transformed into an Easter wonderland with an Easter egg hunt and prizes. Candy-filled plastic eggs will be hidden throughout the patio. Children who find speckled eggs will win prizes, including an Easter basket, chocolate bunny and other holiday treats. Easter egg hunts will be at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m.

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The rankings were determined by 50 variables, including stress levels, new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, a greater focus on active lifestyle including an increased emphasis on the amount of wilderness nearby.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.