We experiment with a news blackout, for mental health. No more articles on climate change, no updates on Gaza and Ukraine, not even a weather bulletin. After a few days of withdrawal, I sneak a look at the weather forecast.
This weakens me. Soon, I'm checking on Gaza and not long after that I'm in full binge.
News podcasts, newspaper apps, the full blowout catastrophe. Still, the break gives a taste, a little window on what it would be like.
Imagine disengaging from it all, not caring, going about life's daily tasks without hearing about the climate emergency and wars and dictators. No news, just beautiful, empty Northland beaches. It's the kind of bliss I can't achieve.
As things currently stand, the only source I've given up is the 1News weather man, or "Mother Nature" as he's known around here.
This story is from the January 27 - February 02, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 27 - February 02, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
