to give a big middle finger to the media.

I've been pondering this for a while, but today, it finally got to me.

There are some big news stories, many of which are significant to the lives and livelihoods of many people:

• 27 killed, hundreds wounded in Istanbul blasts
• Bush protesters march in London
• U.S. kills 10 involved in Iraq convoy attack
• 530 hepatitis cases linked to single restaurant
• Police, protesters clash near Miami trade talks
• Prosecutors rest in sniper sentencing
• U.N.: Chemical attack by al Qaeda 'just a matter of time'

But what is the one thing that gets the cover of all of the news websites and news papers?

Michael Jackson

Now, I'm not saying that he's guilty or innocent, but he's coming in to face charges. He's not even on trial or sentenced yet. Already he has the country's attention.

It's not all the media's fault, the general public has a bit to do with it too but still. It just irks me at how our facination with celebrity overshadows other significant things happening in Real Life.