I’m not someone who always has music playing. I don’t keep the tv on for background noise. I like quiet. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like music and tv. I do. I just don’t always think of turning them on, since quiet is my default setting.

Well, lately that’s been changing, at least in one room of my home. In there I have a Google Home device (I’m sure there’s an exact model name, but I don’t have a clue what it is). It was a gift from my sweetheart so I could have my favorite photos scrolling while I work, since my last two digital frames have given out on me. It’s a thoughtful gift, but really the photos don’t look that great, or at least I haven’t quite figured it out yet.

What I have figured out is that I can say, “Hey Google, play Bob Marley” and it does. “Fine Young Cannibals.” “Pretty in Pink Soundtrack.” “Grateful Dead.” “Drake White.” “Aretha Franklin.” They’re all in there. Well, not exactly in there, but available. Today I was in a Monkees mood. It lasted about three songs, but Google doesn’t care how frequently I change my mind. “Housemartins.” “Hoodoo Gurus.” “The Alarm.” Google has no problem reaching into my past and pulling up the soundtrack. Thanks, Google.