Our plans to launch the new format for the blog today “gang(ed) aft a-gle to plagiarize Bobbie Burns. Our designer apparently overdid the holiday season, and has celebrated the New Year by spending most of 2010 ill in bed. We have reset the target for the first Wednesday in February (the 3^rd). At that time, you will find a new layout with a new masthead as the blog joins a forthcoming book on marketing and promotion and a brand new web site, both scheduled for launch at the end of February. All three are all part of the new Wise Writer program that I think you will find most beneficial. Thanks for your patience.

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NORTH AMERICA’S ECLECTIC TASTES 

Did you happen to see the list of the most popular stories carried by North America’s broadcast and print media? This was reported by the UK’s Press Gazette, but compiled a Canadian media company. 

Are you surprised by the fact that Paris Hilton and Madonna were among the “winners?” Although outpositioned by relatively minor issues like the Iraq War and the Presidential primaries, they both managed to make the top 15. What does that suggest about the public’s passions? 

1. The Iraqi War
2. The Presidential Primaries
3. Iran’s nuclear threat
4. War non the Taliban
5. Tony Blair’s resignation
6. Virginia Tech Shootings
7. Harry Potter
8. General elections in France
9. G8 Summit
10. Saddam Hussein’s execution
11. i{Phone launch
12. Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
13. Jailing of Paris Hilton
14. Toy recall by Mattel
15. Madonna’s adoption problems