Today I Googled “what is trending now.” I’m trying to “see what the kids are into,” and “learn more about social media and the computer internet machines.” Guess what I found? It’s pretty sad, are you sure you want to know? Okay, I’ll tell you, but you have been warned. First, is the weather. “Be careful out there, everybody!” was the headline. A bit insensitive? Maybe. In case you didn’t know, there is catastrophic flooding happening in South Carolina. People are without drinking water and electricity and most importantly, homes. I even heard that cemeteries were flooding and caskets were floating through the streets. I feel for the people of South Carolina. I can’t even imagine what that’s like. Losing everything and being displaced, or worse yet, being trapped somewhere for days without the basics most of us take for granted.

Oh, wait. What’s this? Cosmopolitan calls the Kardashians “America’s First Family.” Wow, neat. That’s story number 2, for those of you paying attention. Catastrophe for real people…new title for the Kardashians. Hmmm…well, I suppose congratulations are in order. Great job, Girls!

Things were getting a little heavy there, weren’t they? Whew! I’m so glad we got past that hump in the day. Does anyone else see a problem here? I’ve heard so many people complain about Kim Kardashian and Caitlyn Jenner and Donald Trump. Seems like a person can’t get away from hearing about them. For the record, I don’t have a problem with Kim or Caitlyn, but I don’t seek them out and I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of either. Why do we hear/read/see so much about these people? Because we keep reading it. We keep clicking on articles and videos to see what screwy thing Trump said today. We keep asking for it, so we keep getting it. Am I telling you to ignore politics? No, of course not. Did you know there are other candidates running for president? If you want him to go away, stop giving him your attention.

There’s a good lesson here, right? Ever heard the saying, “Garbage in, garbage out?” Well, I think this is true. If you keep absorbing all of the hate and stupidity that’s out there, that’s what your life will be. Constant anger and annoyance and trivialities. Let’s look at the bigger picture and focus on what’s really important. Our brothers and sisters suffering in South Carolina. Kids being shot at school. Those are things we should be trying to change. Let’s open a constructive and collaborative dialogue about those topics.

Another lesson to keep in mind: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” (Thanks Paul McCartney!) If we all cleared our heads of all the mindless drivel we encounter, just think of the all the room we’ll have in our heads and hearts to create great things. It’s astounding when you think about it.

Kim, Caitlyn, Don…best of luck to you. I’m out.