Ten things that make 35 minutes on the elliptical trainer at the YMCA worth it:

1. 35 minutes of Putumayo's "Arabic Groove."

2. Filling in the thought bubble over the head of the kid in the faded Sonic Youth shirt who preens in front of the mirrors.

3. 35 minutes of Over The Rhine's "Eve."

4. Watching MSNBC without having to get cable for the apartment.

5. 35 minutes of Dream Theater's "Images and Words."

6. $210, 17 hours and nine pounds (things I no longer possess, thanks to two months at the Y)

7. 35 minutes of Rage Against The Machine's debut.

8. Working out all that daily stress.

9. 35 minutes of The Waco Brothers' "Electric Waco Chair."

10. Falling asleep before midnight.