My first work day with no news. The day started with another examination of what counted as news, brought on by my long commute. I listened to the classical station a bit, and then: NPR news break! It took a good ten seconds before I even realized I was listening to a news update--I heard a bit about the Taliban taking responsibility for something--and I switched the channel once my brain caught up with my ears. Music, for a few seconds, followed by the morning's headlines. I was quicker this time, switching immediately, to... more news headlines.
Okay, that was it. On went the iPod--no news updates there.
Once at work, I had my easiest choice of the day, removing the New York Times as a homepage from my browser. Not much ambiguity there.
On the way to the cafeteria for coffee, I found myself reflexively turning my gaze towards the newspaper vending machines in the entryway. Argh! Turn away! Luckily, there was only a bit of Academy Awards news on display, mostly one large picture, so I wasn't (consciously) tainted by that.
News is everywhere.
The rest of the day went pretty smoothly, as I was busy in meetings, so I didn't have a chance to consider checking headlines. I didn't even think about the stock market all day. (Great, now I want to know what the Dow did. Must... not... check.)
The commute home brought a tougher decision--Boston sports radio. I couldn't even keep a straight face in my own mind when trying to make the argument to myself that sports radio is entertainment, not news. I was not as forgiving as I was yesterday, when I allowed myself a few websites. No sports radio, not even a bit. iPod music for the entire way home.
I made it through the day. I made it! And then my wife turned on The Daily Show.
This is going to be hard.
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