Self-selected news sources
We all do it, of course. But you and your friend are aware the blogosphere sources extensively from a wide variety of mainstream media from all around the world, right? I frequently get exposed to commentaries, perspectives and analyses that go beyond "if it bleeds, it leads", questioning my assumptions, filling in the blanks, challenging me to think. Still, confining yourself mainly to NPR and NBC because that's where your bias-confirmation comfort level is at is your choice.