Remember when the news was actually news? It seems to me that the word “newsworthy” means nothing today. It amazes me that there are some genuine news stories that need to be reported, but news outlets choose to offer nothing but “fluff.”

If they are not leading off with something geared toward scaring you to death (“Eating _____ could be killing you!”), they are reporting on a story that is days old (“Today we have a new development on the death of Gerald Ford…”). It always baffles me.

Every week I see on Facebook, MSN, or some other “news” outlet something about a new JFK conspiracy or a possible discovery of Amelia Earhart’s plane. If I could actually stomach it, I’d love to sit down and figure out how much time is spent on “fluff” during a 30 minute newscast.

Any time a story starts with, “A Florida man …” I tune out. It has become a joke really. Before writing this, I Googled “Florida man” and this is what came up:

• Florida man wearing Batman pajamas thwarts burglary
• Florida man stands trial for allegedly shooting date after arguing over dinner bill
• Half naked Florida man crashed car into a jail
• Florida man charged for attempting to cross Atlantic in giant hamster wheel

What is in the water down there in Florida!?

What brought about this rant? The fact that a restaurant logo and a celebrity engagement dominated every form of media over the last week or so.

How many times have companies changed logos in the past? Do a search on Burger King – there have been at least 4 logo changes that I remember. I doubt that hurt Whopper sales! I don’t care what the logo looks like. If the food still tastes the same, isn’t that what really matters? People are STILL talking about this … enough already!

Then there is travis and Taylor.

I’m glad that these two have found love together, but I don’t need to hear about it every day. Even before they got engaged, she was all over the TV and monopolizing the play by play of football games. This is NOT news. Way too much time is wasted discussing these two. The sad thing is that it will not stop any time soon. There will be stories about the centerpieces that they picked for the tables, her dress, what color the bridesmaid dresses are, and so on.

Even after the wedding it will continue. You and I will be subject to honeymoon pictures, what was in their hotel room fridge, and weekly updates on their life. Who sleeps on what side of the bed? Who gets to shower first in the morning? Blah Blah Blah!

It is SO annoying to me. What a society we’ve become …