I’ve attempted this many times before. But in the days leading up to the pandemic I re-triggered my news addiction, which in recent weeks sped wildly out of control. Every twenty minutes I was checking infection counts, deaths rates, and the paralyzed response of the Japanese government. As it stands now, here in Sapporo, it’s business as usual, and I am set to return to work on April 16th. It’s out of my hands. So in order to maintain serenity I’ve instituted a news blackout. I won’t be completely in the dark. My wife will relay important information as needed. But from this morning on, I am going to be working on a variety of projects here in my apartment without the distraction, frustration, and panic of the relentless news onslaught.