Minor rant . . . .

Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but the news here at home has become pure garbage. Have you seen some of the stuff gracing the homepage for cnn.com? Further, it's amazing - for example - how Varig Airlines went bankrupt, closed its doors, stranding tens of thousands of people throughout the world (especially during the World Cup) and didn't get a peep from U.S. news coverage. Instead, we learn Britney Spears poses nude on the cover of Harper's Bazaar.

Sorry to rant . . . . but the dumbing of America through "pop news" is deplorable. There's never any depth to stories and a tremendous amount of misinformation.

Through my law practice, I've had several bouts with the press. Let's just say that - good or bad for us - the story was written a long time prior to arriving at the scene.

A very good friend of mine produced news for NBC for 20+ years. "Wag the Dog" is definitely a real concept. You wouldn't believe how important stories get killed off on a whim.

Unfotunately - on the other hand - if our news doesn't have the network stamp of approval, no one pays attention to it.

It's a relevant conversation to what is discussed here. For scientists, I couldn't imagine the frustration in getting the correct message out when there's no depth to coverage.

Tony