Dictionary.com says ESSENTIAL means absolutely necessary, indispensable. I usually like this word—breathing is “essential”—short, sweet and true; however, the “Essential” Home Theater (sorry, NYT, I adore you but I found this phrase in your magazine today—must be your lucky day!). What is “essential” about a home theater? Perhaps, the NYT writer was trying some “tongue-in-cheek” humor (tongue-in-cheek, another catchy phrase originated in 1845, fyi). Perhaps, one of the fortunate beings who own an “essential” home theater would donate a like amount to the poverty and AIDS ridden children in Africa. That, I think, would be ESSENTIAL!