It started as a joke. I told my uncle, also a huge Mets fan, that if the Mets didn't make it to the playoffs, I'd get rid of my television. What would I need a television for anyway? All I ever watch are Mets games, and I can get my news from the internet or the radio. The idea became more attractive as I thought of how much easier it would be to swap audio components without an enormous, old 27" Sharp television set getting in the way. I might even be able to hock the television for a sweet pair of bongos, or something similarly musical and pretty. They've got some nice rhythm sticks over there at Jemma Loan on Newark Avenue. A trumpet? A few harmonicas? Who knows? Plus, without the easy distraction of television, I'd inevitably read and write more, listen to more music, maybe even exercise a bit. All good things.
I really should have a decent equipment rack, anyway. I've been using an unattractive, cheaply-constructed TV stand that I bought from K-Mart upon moving into my first apartment, over seven years ago. But what kind of rack would I get? I'm just not ready to build my own. I don't dig sawdust in my kitchen, and I'm not very crafty. So, I'd definitely be shelling out some cash for something. I wouldn't need anything really big or intense with pneumatic isolation and sand-filled damping platforms and whatnot. Just something simple that'll let me get at the cables easily, and would confidently support an integrated amp, CD player, and a future turntable. That's all.
Suddenly, without really trying, I kept hearing about Ikea's $13 Lack side table. Made of particleboard, fiberboard, and ABS plastic, these simple, attractive things are supposed to be quite sturdy, and at 21.6" W by 21.6" D and 17.75" H, they're pretty much perfect for audio gear. Plus, they come in eight different finishes so you can mix and match, and they're compatible with other items in the Lack series—coffee tables, bookcases, wall shelves, and, of course, TV stands—if you really want to get all Ikea'd-out.
So I'm wondering: Does Ikea know that their $13 side table is being applauded by all these mega-rich audiophiles? And so I'm thinking: Holy crap, I better go buy a few before they find out.
But then, has anybody noticed how awesome prime time television has gotten lately? Damn, yo, I can seriously watch me some "Beauty and the Geek," and I'm totally into "Reaper" and "Supernatural." Basically, anything on the WB is for me. "Gossip Girl"? You know it. And have you seen that "Pushing Daisies" show on ABC? My god, man. Colorful, charming, and fantastic like a Tom Robbins novel, it's seriously the best show on TV. Ever. I really hope the pie maker and the dead girl get to "get it on" because, if not, I might just die. For reals.
