Jean Lesieur, who runs the news and talk shows at the cable channel France 24, says Sarkozy's vacation is just another way to show he is different.

NPR: Sarkozy Upsets French With U.S. Vacation

The proliferation of modern cable television and radio talk shows--not to mention things like Twitter and YouTube--provide forums for stars with wacky notions, says Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist who runs Quackwatch.org.

FORBES: Stars Vs. Science

The trial quickly snowballed into a made-for-the-tabloids drama, garnering daily coverage from cable news networks and spawning a virtual cottage industry for talk shows, legal experts and even Arias, who used her notoriety to sell artwork she made in jail.

NPR: Jodi Arias Convicted Of First-Degree Murder