I feel the same. BYO music (iPod) helps, but not completely. On this topic, there's sometimes a really annoying hum where I live. White noise solves it. In sum

I feel the same. BYO music (iPod) helps, but not completely. On this topic, there's sometimes a really annoying hum where I live. White noise solves it. In summer, I use a box fan. In winter, I used to use this: cat /dev/urandom > /dev/dsp And now use this, because it can be set with lower frequencies: http://freshmeat.net/projects/whitenoise/ http://freshmeat.net/projects/whitenoise/ But the best thing is to take a brisk walk in the fresh air, and notice nature. How fortunate to be prompted to do this beneficial thing! (a convenient rationalization that is also absolute truth.)