I know it's a little late to comment on the disappearing/reappearing iPod, but there is a pseudo-scientific rule about these occurrences - as well as a solution to the problem. I developed this theory and solution as a college student, many years ago, and it holds as true today.

The rule states :When an inanimate object disappears on its own from where it was placed, it is only hiding and watching your search for it. Stop searching and pretend that you have replaced the object with a suitable replacement and it will reappear.

Whether that replacement is similar in appearance or not (such as a piece of plastic wrap secured on the milk jug by a rubber band as a substitute for the lid that you just laid on the countertop). Act as if you are satisfied with the substitution, smiling and behaving in a pleased manner. Begin paying attention to anything else, acting absorbed in the new interest. When the lost object understands that you have replaced it, don't need it, and are happy without it, it will reappear. Ta-dah!

Try it. It will make you feel silly at first, but usually works like a charm.

Scary, but that's actually true!

Scary, but that's actually true!

It worked for me -- in a slightly different situation.

I wanted to see how long a set of ignition points would last on my 1960 Volkswagen Bug. I figured that the tungsten contacts would wear out first, but I kept them clean and adjusted, and as "insurance" (or a threat to the existing set of points) I put a new set of points in the glove box.

They lasted for 94 thousand miles. And surprisingly, there was still a little bit of tungsten left -- what finally went was the steel on the moving contact arm. It broke from metal fatigue.

And here's another one you'll get a laugh out of Peter: something happened with the electrical system on that same VW Bug. I never could figure out what caused it, but if I stepped on the brakes, the generator "discharge" light would go on . . . and when I honked the horn the light would go back off again.

The car did that for several months and it stopped just as suddenly as it started.

That car was definitely fun. It had only three controls on the dash board: (fascia) the ignition, the windshield wipers, and the lights. I took one of those embossing tape thingys and labeled them "Der Putter Sparken, Der Drizzle Flippen, and Das Glimmer Button."

(The car's name was Vernon.)

Ken V.

A prayer to Saint Anthony helps too. (For Catholics, anyway. I don't know about heathens.:yikes

A prayer to Saint Anthony helps too. (For Catholics, anyway. I don't know about heathens.:yikes

As a heathen I just blame whoever is available and close to me for something disappearing, they then usually get so upset they find the item for me.

As a heathen I just blame whoever is available and close to me for something disappearing, they then usually get so upset they find the item for me.

That can work!

It worked for me -- in a slightly different situation.

I wanted to see how long a set of ignition points would last on my 1960 Volkswagen Bug. I figured that the tungsten contacts would wear out first, but I kept them clean and adjusted, and as "insurance" (or a threat to the existing set of points) I put a new set of points in the glove box.

They lasted for 94 thousand miles. And surprisingly, there was still a little bit of tungsten left -- what finally went was the steel on the moving contact arm. It broke from metal fatigue.

Ken V.

I had a 67 bug. That same thing happened to me.

When things disappear around here, I blame Mollie or Trigger. If the item isn't in Mollies bed, it's in my closet with Trigger sitting on it.

Ha. I am kind of like Ace Ventura when it comes to inanimate objects(maybe its because I think like them)around our house and on those rare occasions I'm unable to locate the missing item what you say is exactly what happens. Sometimes it doesn't happen right away, but it usually happens eventually.

I know it's a little late to comment on the disappearing/reappearing iPod, but there is a pseudo-scientific rule about these occurrences - as well as a solution to the problem. I developed this theory and solution as a college student, many years ago, and it holds as true today.

The rule states :When an inanimate object disappears on its own from where it was placed, it is only hiding and watching your search for it. Stop searching and pretend that you have replaced the object with a suitable replacement and it will reappear.

Whether that replacement is similar in appearance or not (such as a piece of plastic wrap secured on the milk jug by a rubber band as a substitute for the lid that you just laid on the countertop). Act as if you are satisfied with the substitution, smiling and behaving in a pleased manner. Begin paying attention to anything else, acting absorbed in the new interest. When the lost object understands that you have replaced it, don't need it, and are happy without it, it will reappear. Ta-dah!

Try it. It will make you feel silly at first, but usually works like a charm.

I lost my iPod over a year ago. I think I shall have to try this.