NPR's Morning Edition today devoted to the new Pope no less than six stories for just under 21 minutes, if you include the 29-second "human interest" story of the Irish bookmaker who lost heavily when a favorite won the Papal horserace. With such intense coverage, there was little time to discuss other matters of vital interest, though they did manage to squeeze in two stories on the NFL draft.

The triviality of the coverage is exemplified in "Residents of Pope Benedict's Hometown Recall Softer Side," though just about any of the stories would serve.

Coverage such as this is important to note, as NPR is in the midst of its fund-raising campaign. If you're a contributor, you might let them know what other news might interest you.