MY “CULT OF THE IPOD” OBSERVATION is being echoed by USA Today:

With its high-tech decor and clubby feel, Apple’s flagship store here doesn’t look like a creepy cult headquarters. But there’s some kind of mind-noodling going on: Everyone exiting its glass doors is ready to spout the gospel of iPod. . . .

“With the iPod, the Buddha is in the details. The finish and feel are such that you want to caress it.

“And when you do, wonderful things happen.”

Well, yeah. What I’ve noticed — echoing an observation made in the article — is that when I listen in public places women often come up and ask what I’m listening to. I guess if I were single that would be a big selling point. But then, people often join a cult to meet women, right?