Shhhhhhh!!!!!!

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In my youth (I sound ancient, don't I?), I always appreciated a good dose of background noise.  Whether a sitcom on TV or a Barry Manilow marathon on the radio (yes, I really do like Barry), my first reach was always to add some noise.  While I was cooking, something in the background always kept me company -- whether a movie or a playlist.

But that is all past tense now.  Instead of the relaxing distraction of my background noise, those additions to my day have become, well, actual noise.  I can now happily be found in a quiet car or quiet house -- no radio,  no ipod, no television.  I find myself turning the radio off when I get into the car. 

I started an informal survey and several friends of my generation are noticing the same phenomenon.  So, continuing my study, where do you come out on background noise?  And, if it is part of your world, what is your favorite type?

Comments

Fred Klein

Listening to you on the phone next door in the office.

Submitted by Donna_Levine on Mon, 01/14/2013 - 22:39

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Donna Levine

I had to use my sons car last weekend his radio didn't work I found myself talking to myself out loud. A bit unnerving i think. I also turn the tv on as soon as I get home even though I am not watching it. So the noise is still in my life and I find it helps to drown out the things I don't want to think about.

Submitted by Vincent_Serro on Mon, 01/14/2013 - 22:45

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Vincent Serro

Nancy,
How can you possibly work in the same office as Fred and not have constant background noise? I would think escape would be impossible.
Corey Bearak

Really depends. Because of my practice and much of the client base's relation to NYC/ NYS, I often leave NY1 on in the background. Depending on how my teams are going, I will stream the FAN or turn on the simulcasts of the afternoon (YES) and morning (MSG) drive shows.
It used to be almost exclusively WNEW-FM succeeded by 104.3 but WAXQ plays a lot of Classic Rock I opt not to own (so it becomes disappointing at times). I may play a longer YouTube of a concert or album or lay music in my iTunes (I need to get my ENTIRE vinyl library there eventually). It can be a nice process to select music for the day or a portion thereof.
Nancy Schess

I use the television at night to fall asleep. Same idea I think about drowning out the things I don't want to think about.
Nancy Schess

And now in our new space our offices are right next door to each other! There is no escape (but truth be told, I have a reputation for being the loud one in our office -- so picture what our corner of the world sounds like.
Nancy Schess

If I do indulge, it is definetly a playlist on my ipod, which interestingly notwithstanding my affection for Barry Manilow only includes a few songs.

Submitted by TheodoreLanzaro on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 01:25

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Theodore Lanzaro

I am usually listening to music (all kinds) while I work. It is definitely not on as loud as I used to like it. I find that it keeps me happy and energized all day. I definitely cannot work out without my ipod.

Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 02:09

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Erik Scheibe

Used to always listen to music when going to sleep. My wife can't sleep to it so, no more...but I miss it. I remember when I was younger and working constantly in various part time jobs, I would often sleep during the day. There was always something cool about putting on my Pink Floyd, "The Wall" CD and drifting off to sleep with the shades drawn.
Fred Klein

this post is Joanne's - We are not related.... but the pattern is the same. I always had music around - Vinyl albums, cassettes, CDs and Alex's band practiced in our basement for years. Now... I relish the quiet. I think that I am in the minority when I take a walk... no phone and no ear buds. It's a pleasure.
Riva Schwartz

did everyone notice the silence during the electrical outage caused by Hurricane Sandy?
Rona Gura

I used to love to work with music playing in the background. I can't anymore. Last week I had to go into the office next door because the gentleman whose office is behind me had his music turned up so loudly I couldn't work. (I had my secretary listen to confirm that I wasn't overreacting) His response when I asked him to turn it down, "Its my lunch hour." Some things you cannot make up!

Submitted by Erin_Ardleigh on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 05:08

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Erin Ardleigh

I usually play WQXR (classical station) in the office for relaxing background noise. When people stand outside my door talking loudly, I play various noises on my iphone (like lions roaring) ;)

Submitted by Laraine_Schwartz on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 06:13

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Laraine Schwartz

I always like the quiet on the walks and hikes and country rides. but I LOVE my Sirius radio, car, home and office, (coffeehouse in the office, lighter sound), rock n roll in the car. I never would have thought this to be relaxing, but maybe it is my Lynne connection that keeps me hopping.
Shelley Simpson

Nancy, I too have learned to appreciate the quiet. I don't think it's age. I think it has more to do with our need to decompress and have our brain be allowed to follow its own path. I remember loving the radio cranked up and the windows open when I drove - now I don't have a car. I used to love to crank up the country music when I ironed - I don't iron! I used to have c-span or CNN on 24-7 for work - thankfully that is no longer necessary! To sleep I have the sound of rainfall to block out the street noise. But the best for me is to run (or walk) in Central Park in the morning and listen to the trees, the birds, and the sound of my feet on the ground - no headset, just my senses freewheeling along.

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