Kinda off subject....yesterday I dropped by the RadShack in the Santa Anita mall and asked if they have the analog SPL meter in stock, after not finding it on the shelves. The sales kid (18yo?) gave a perplexed look and repeated "SPL meter??" and pondered for about 15sec and said they don't carry "that kinda stuff here" and I should go try BB or Frys'.

man...