Monday, November 4, 1996
Sick of CNBC
or
What Did Fred Flintstone Do When He Got a Fever?
By MF Runkle

Today I took a luxury I normally can't afford; I called in sick. Now, understand, I've called in sick before, but this time I am really sick. For some strange reason, I always get sick at the worst times, times when there are deadlines to meet, reports to get in, designs that have to be completed, and so on. Last night before leaving work, I realized I was caught up on just about everything. I have done almost all my employee evaluations; the one I have yet to get out is already written. All the other stuff is pretty well caught up, too. I had a meeting this morning, but like most meetings, it was unimportant.

So, last night I felt a fever coming on. Oh man, was I happy! Sick, and I could really stay home. With a little bit of guilt this morning, I called my boss, told him I wouldn't be in, and called my assistant and told him to go to the meeting I really was looking forward to. Now what do I do? Oh, I could watch the stock market on CNBC, read, chat with fellow Fools, and maybe relax a bit. What fun this would be.

Well, I watched CNBC. They have talked about AOL's new pricing policy ALL DAY. Now, I know this is important, but I am tired of hearing about it from every talking head in the United States. So, I checked out the chat rooms. They are talking about AOL's price policy, and Iomega's share price every 10 seconds or so. Did you know AOL is offering a $19.95 flat fee? Gee, I have that memorized.

I tried taking a nap (good if you have a fever, I understand). There is one eeensy weensy problem. My wife runs a daycare here in the house. Did you know that little kids that can't talk yet communicate in screams? Well, they do. Well maybe I'll try the new 25" stereo TV we bought the night before last. Oh, I forgot, it caught on fire last night. So much for Korean quality control. Well, CNBC is talking about AOL's new pricing policy on the little TV.

Maybe I could read a book. The problem is, well did you know that little kids who can't talk communicate by screaming? Well, they do. This isn't turning out to be as much fun as I thought it would be. What else can you do when you call in sick? I just checked the chat room; there are 27 people there, but they aren't talking about anything. Maybe they all called in sick like me, and are staring at their computers with glassy feverish eyes. Well, that doesn't make it. What will I do?

I know, I'll write a Fribble. What should I write about? Oh, I know. America Online has a new pricing policy, only $19.95 a month. I will really make difference. Oh, forget it; I'm going to turn on Cartoon Network. Next time I get sick, I'm going to work.

Transmitted: 11/4/96