ELECTRONICS THAT DON’T SUCK: Dr. Mercury emails:

I just read your “Keep It Quiet” article on TCS Daily. I wanted to buy a couple of backup power supplies a few months ago, did some research, and was amazed to find that the Geek Squad supplies from Best Buy actually (gasp!) have a button that lets you turn off the ultra-annoying beeper. If it’s daytime (and the room lights aren’t on) and my power goes off, I’d never know it except for the little ‘click’ the power supplies make as the relays engage. Very nice.

I’ll buy some as soon as the Christmas traffic disperses.

Plus, a look at the ever-shifting reasons for a “disappointing” shopping season. I’m playing it safe and blaming Dick Cheney.