Give the CD a shot.

Well, as long as I have the disk, I suppose I ought to take a look at it. I actually wanted to take a shower, but all the stalls are busy, so I've got time to kill anyway. I insert the disk and install the program.

"Welcome, Sister," a programmed voice says aloud, "...to the National Organization of Women's 'Independence, Life, and Liberation' interactive information CD!"

That was quite a mouthful. I hope there isn't any more voicing like this one.

"This CD is fully voice-enhanced!"

Oh great. Rose'll kill me if I don't put on headphones.

"To fully enjoy this CD, NOW recommends that you use headphones, for the crystal clarity of our top-notch voice overs and ambient music."

My headphones on, I charge bravely into the labyrinthian world of digital women's lib. I'm not sure what this kind of program is supposed to be like, but it seems to me that the designers had an enormous lack of taste. Every page I peruse is chock-full of unnecessary voicing and music that makes elevators suddenly seem very hip. But I'll admit one thing though: they made a good choice of voice actress to play the narrator. Her tone is very warm and relaxing, like a gentle wave or a soft breeze, or a big, thick blanket fresh from the dryer. Of course, you could think of this another way and call it -boring.-

Someone's wiggling my shoulder.

"Hmm? Hey, what?!" I look up to see Rose, clad in just her bath towel.

"Alex? You fell asleep," she explains. "I just got out of the shower. You better hurry if you wanna get it...hey, what did you do today, falling asleep in your chair like that?"

"Huh? Oh..." I pull off the headphones and point to my computer screen, but it's blank-- turned off, in fact. Odd.

Rose arcs an eyebrow. "What did you say?"

"No, nothing," I reply, getting up to grab my towel and bath bucket. "I'm gonna run and grab that shower!"

"Seeya," shouts Rose as I exit the room.