Blocking

The loud talker. I can't block it out. I've tried. Maybe since I'm a "quiet talker" my hearing is bat like. Whatever. So here's the scene. Cubicle land, fluorescent lighting, a temp desk with a hodgepodge of borrowed office supplies, me, my ipod, and the loud talker. I can make out every word from across the office. Over the sound of the printers and other office chatter. Better yet, we share a cubicle wall. I think the quiet times are worse. Burping, sniffling, and constant use of 'dude' under his breath when he checks his voicemail. If I turn up the volume on my ipod any more I'm afraid my ears will bleed. Maybe the bleeding would help dampen the sound?