I was at the Chicago Botanic Garden last week and mentioned to my friend that no matter how beautiful and serene the place you are, there’s no escaping the noise of car traffic if such place is anywhere near an urban area. We’re constantly exposed to traffic noise.

When I watched the Sherlock Holmes series with Jeremy Brett, I did realise that in a place like London, there would have been the sound of horses clomping as well.

But what made me start this post was the overly loud announcements on CTA buses and trains here in Chicago. I wear 33 db ear protection, am mildly and moderately/severely hearing impaired (left and right, respectively), and those announcements are still so loud they hurt. The announcements of upcoming stops was understandable, but then they added “Mom” reminders: “Standing customers: Please do not block the doors.” “Customers with backpacks: Please do not bump other customers,” etc. And then there are the commercial announcements: “Chicago Card Plus . . . yadda.”

But my favourite is: “Please be considerate when using your cell phone so as not to disturb other customers.” Ummm — nothing is as inconsiderate as 120 db nagging every five minutes.

I’m surprised there has not been a rebellion against this unnecessary, constant assault on our ears. With pitchforks.