Sign of the Apocalypse #29: The rise of Ryan Seacrest

So Ryan Seacrest, he of American Idol fame/infamy, is the new Dick Clark. He's just signed what is reported to be a three-year, $21-million dollar deal to host and produce for the E! network, according to CNN.

It's not that I hate the guy, and it's not that I think he's completely without talent -- surely even vapid TV hosting requires some sort of "talent". But something's seriously wrong when Ryan Seacrest makes $7 million a year while millions of Americans live in poverty and, at best, struggle to make ends meet from paycheck to paycheck.

I can understand how and why a great actor or athlete makes millions to entertain us. But... the host of American Idol?

Please.