I got some new earbuds. They’re great for drowning out cube farm sounds.

Even before the last pair quit working, their labels indicating left and right had worn off. I learned to distinguish my buds by their slightly differing shapes (and the uncomfortable feeling I got when I guessed wrong).

Then I remembered LifeHacker’s tip: tie a loose knot in the cord near one of the buds. I used a figure-eight knot.

Success! Now I can ID my buds by sight and touch.