REGINA (CUP) -- I recently lent my car to a friend, and upon its return he recommended that I have the odd and somewhat worrying noise emitting from under the hood checked out by a mechanic. Noise? I hadn't noticed any noises.

He was quite adamant I must have heard it; he insisted it would be pretty difficult to miss.

As I continued defending the integrity of my beater, a realization dawned upon me: I hadn't driven my car without my iPod firmly in place for months. Or at least since my Dance Mix ‘95 tape became lodged within the tape deck ensuring it's always “Saturday Night” in my car. In the meantime, thanks to my iPod, I was oblivious to any sounds my car was making.

Ambulances and fire trucks speed by silently, greetings from friends in the hall go unnoticed, boarding calls at the airport are missed, and all because of this tiny bit of technology.

On the other hand, classes seem more interesting, grocery shopping tolerable and “family time” is fun again. Yes, the iPod is indeed a glorious thing.

But what about everyone else? They must think us ‘iPeople' are an entirely rude lot.

Thus, I'm proposing we adapt a new code of iPod ethics. Despite the incredibly polite nature of our society, proper behaviour concerning the use of iPods remains largely ambiguous.

Is it rude to listen to the Ying Yang Twins during a women's studies class? What about bopping your head along to the New Pornographers during your godson's baptism? These are probably not the best options to impress your friends and family.

Observe the following guidelines, however, and you'll soon become a reformed iPod user.

First off, learn how to control your iPod from within your pocket. This will save you much embarrassment if you are busted listening at an entirely inappropriate time.

Being able to discreetly lower the volume proves helpful for eavesdropping when people are convinced you aren't listening.

Wailing along to PJ Harvey in your car is one thing, but accidentally yelling out an answer in class is another matter entirely. Turn the volume down, or at least remember to adjust your vocal volume.

Remember, just because you can't hear yourself over the music, doesn't mean other people can't. I recommend using only one ear bud during class and try to be discreet. Using a black cord will camouflage a lot better than the dead giveaway of the standard white set.

The key to responsible iPod use is appropriateness. There is a time for both ear buds, a time for one sole ear bud and, although it may seem hard to fathom, there is a time when none at all is best.

If you find yourself getting dumped, being arrested for careless driving, or missing key information in class, it may be a good indication that you'd best give your iPod a day, or two, off.
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