I may be a News Junkie and, if so, I'd like to consider going on a twelve-step program.

I was raised listening to WCBS radio – "all news all the time" – while in the car. I now listen to NPR on both commutes to and from the office – generally when the news is on. My home feels like the periodicals room at the New York Public Library. I get news alerts on my iPhone and check the news on line a few times a day.

I am beginning to think that it is too much. The consensus among people I speak to about the news is that the news is simply upsetting. But is that reason to avoid the news?

And, what will I miss if I cut back on the news?

I'll start slowly and read a novel before going to sleep…rather than finish that day's newspaper.