Lists have their place as guides, it's goofy to pretend otherwise. But institutionalizing categories makes them seem more "real." Working at a college radio station that forced me to play music I presumably hated opened up a whole new way of thinking about it. I not only rediscovered styles I had zero interest in before--hip hop, country, jazz, and noise--but learned to look for similarities (for segues) between various styles and appreciate them for what made them special (not just 'cause they're like what I liked before).
The very process of thinking for yourself involves exploring and experimenting. It involves discovering more than what you're already interested in, contradictory ideas, etc. The process of seeking out news, art, etc. can be as interesting/educational/entertaining as the news, art, etc. itself.
While it makes sense to avoid new age recipes, stock reports or whatever types of information you can live without, there are better ways to divide your time than by choosing topics... because there is no category for Entertaining-Challenging-Funny-Informative- and/or-Moving-Stuff-That-Carrie-McLaren-Would Like, and the day there is I might as well turn off my brain (or, as my boss suggested, cut it out and ship it to Firefly).
