Priorities in the local, national and international news in the past few days show a definite pattern in what people find important and feel a need to know.

The top nine out of 10 places in the press and on television have been taken up by Michael Jackson's death, both in the headlines and hours of live, repetitive coverage, including many sordid details better left in the dark.

Sharing last place, but worth noting in passing, seems to be news of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, U.S. health care and environmental bills, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's bombshell and, oh yes, Farrah Fawcett died, too.

Interesting, the tabloid mentality that prevails!