why is a shark attack top headline news on msnbc.com? seriously?

[ORDagnabbit]

[stray cat]

1. One of only a few deaths due to shark attack near beaches

[liberal N proud]

2. Nothing to talk about on American Idol

[Birthmark]

3. Maybe it's symbolic? eom

[magellan]

4. I gather it's because there's nothing more important going on

...in their opinion. Which is a pretty damning statement on just how informed they keep us.

[Beaverhausen]

5. If it bleeds, it leads

ratings baby. follow the money.

[Squatch]

Unlike a black dude who was plugged 50 times by three cops

Kinda puts the "if it bleeds" theory into the pot.

[hatrack]

7. Ah, but there are always exceptions to the "bleeds-leads" theory, doncha know?

:puke: on cable news.

[Beaverhausen]

13. I remember that story being all over the news when it happened

[hatrack]

6. Because it was a SHARK!!!! And it ATTACKED!!!

Damn it all, it's a SHARK ATTACK!!!!!

:eyes:

[RufusTFirefly]

8. Americans need to be perpetually fearful and on edge

It keeps us from being too uppity.

Actual information, on the other hand, may run the risk of leaving us assertive and well informed. Great for democracy, but bad for bidness.

Besides, we're all at risk of being attacked by a shark. It could happen at any time, so don't make any plans too far into the future.

[yurbud]

9. was there a good pic?

[cbayer]

10. Well, a man was killed.

They have closed all the beaches.
It's highly unusual behavior.
Sea lions are coming onto the beach.
Maybe it's just an issue in Southern California, but it is a big story here. A lot of people take their kids to the beach.

[sammythecat]

11. panem et circenses, -- bread and circuses

"Bread and circuses became the method that the ruling class of ancient Rome used to maintain their power and control of the people. This method kept their sheep fat and happy."

Our attention is easily diverted by shiny things. I'm starting to think this is what most people really want. I'll bet if Jesus Christ appeared and had a televised debate with George Bush it might get the highest ratings of the evening, but you can be sure there would still be millions and millions tuned into "American Idol" instead.

[ORDagnabbit]

12. bing bing bing! I think we have a winner. :)

[wryter2000]

14. Because no blondes went missing today? n/t

:shrug: