Sure, the devastation, the human tragedy, all of these things bother me. What bothers me more? Sitting through the coverage. I felt like there was something a little gonzo about watching Geraldo Rivera wander around looking for grief-stricken families to get on tape. Is it opportunistic? Or is it compassion? I don't know. I'm actually in awe of the guy regardless -- it takes a lot of energy to face that kind of devastation, and then constantly emote with interviewees. There could be a sociopathic quality to it, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

But is there anything redeeming about it? Sure, actually. Coverage like this enables people to feel bad enough to donate money or volunteer. Gonzo or not, these people will benefit from the coverage. So I guess it's not all bad.

But according to some reports I'm seeing, the fire may have been caused by illegal immigrants -- possibly ones who came to America in search of work. Then, I see this:



Hopped up on some kind of flower-based drug, Mario Mario, an Italian-born plumber of questionable legal status is a suspect in the arson investigation. And in one strange twist, Mario Mario is Geraldo Rivera's evil twin.

So one makes the news, the other one reports it. Coincidence? I think not.