I agree that "monster speakers" in automobiles are a perfect example of the prevailing lack of respect and consideration in our society.

In my neighborhood we've agreed to take action to eliminate the problem and we plan on purchasing a few Lockheed-Martin Javelin missiles as soon as they go on sale at Target.

It's the American way.

I REALLY hate those car systems too - mostly 'cause they really sound terrible, especially when sitting in another car at a red light.

Here's a personal story about "a massive, sound-blaster speaker system."

A few years ago, I bought a pair of Klipsch Horns. They are "a massive, sound-blaster speaker system" (each the size of a short refrigerator), but also widely know as one of the better (if not the best) commercially made speakers.

This particular pair was made in 1968 using a rare African mohagany and over the years developed a quite beautiful glow.

So here's the story: On telling the wife, I said: Now when these arrive, you may say "Damm they are big", but only if you also say, "Wow are they beautiful".

They arrived, she said honestly: "Damm they are big, but wow they are beautiful". They sit handsomely in the the entertainment center I built for them - the main TV in between.

For the truly curious, they are powered to ample volume (& beyond) buy a mere 4 watts each from single ended 2A3 amps, and are so punchy your pant legs shimmer.

The last time my pants legs shimmered I ended up having to make an appointment with a urologist and get an MRI.

But it was worth it.

James is THE MAN.

"Is she unaware of that or does she simply condone him playing his system loud as long as he doesn't come into "their neighborhood"?"

Why didn't you ask her?

The only good thing about these speakers is it is really fun to turn them up to thump volume and watch the annoyed faces of the cellphone talkers.

When it comes to respect for others, I would much rather have to listen to someone else's music at a traffic light than to have to pick up dog sh*t in my yard that didn't come from my dog! That to me shows a total lack of consideration towards others!

Boy did this LTTE fins my pet peeve. I h.a.t.e pulling up to a light and having to listen to the familiar thump and usually the rattling trunk of someone elses car.

I also find that I have a distinct dislike for laws that are not enforced. What's the point? It's kind of like the leash law, good luck getting that one enforced.

I also find that business owners do not take this seriously enough. Here at my job (because I have a boss that agrees) I have told people in my lot numerous times, "turn it down, or leave". He (and I) do not care if it means looksing a customer, we think the ones that we are defending are the ones worth keeping. Quite usually I do not meet with much resistance. I have had maybe 2 out of 100 that have tried to push their luck, when the police arrived neither of them were ticketed (we were told that this is because they were on private property) they were just told by the officers to leave the lot. Again I say, what's the point?

I recently went to get a pizza. When I went to get out of my car the person next to me rolled down his windows, turned up his stereo, turned off his engine and left his car sitting there blasting music. We both went in the same place. I stood in line and waited to see if the manager was going to say anything. After he placed his order I walked up to the manager and told him that since he was not telling this person to turn down his radio ( that was rattling the windows) I would not be spending any money there today. He might not have cared, but I feel that I made a point.

This is just an issue of personal responsibility, like church bells, pile drivers and heavy equipment. What is noise to some is music to others. Since we've paved over most of the area, we need noise for accompaniment.

Destiny,

Agreed. I spent last night's dinner listening to the 3-year old, 5 year-old, and 7 year-old at the table across from me repeating "MOMMA, MOMMA, MOMMA" at ear-busting levels. I'd take the THUMP THUMP of the latest Nelly tune over that any day.