As a matter of background information for those of you who don't know me, I'm kind of a "news hound".  On average, I check the headline national, international and financial news probably 10-20 times each day (excluding Saturday and Sunday - probably only 10 times a day on those days).  I also frequent the local and national news on the "telly".

Over the course of the last several months, I found myself in an increasing state of concern and agitation (will avoid the "W" word).  Between the economic mess that seems to be spiraling out of control coupled with the usual dosage of international goofs doing the incredibly stupid behaviors along with the constant spate of crooks and miscreants, the news is down right depressing.  All of this "bad news" coupled with the ongoing saga of my employer's constant financial difficulties leads to a rather remorse state of outlook on things.

For me the climax came the other day.  After wading through all of the negativity featured on both Google Financial, the BBC (a premier news source) and the mildly tolerable MSNBC, I couldn't find one thing that was positive.  Finally a light went on in my head.... continued bad news = rather sour outlook on things in general. 

So, the short term remedy proved to be really rather simple... swear off of the news for a bit until something redeeming happens.  As a result, I have disconnected from the nightly "national news" as well as accessing the various on-line news sources that I frequented probably too often each day.  I do allow myself one access each day to either the BBC or MSNBC.  I figure that if the world was going to end, I'd probably want to hear about that on a daily basis.  

My news withdrawl pains during the first couple of days was rather significant.  What I did find almost immediately upon quitting the news visits was that my internal stress level significantly reduced.  With each passing day now, I'm feeling better about the world about me.   

 I must admit quite frankly that I do intend to return to my news hound habits when the news is again sprinkled with something positive.  I only hope this happens in this lifetime!