An elderly agronomist doesn't make news, even when he is widely credited with saving the lives of 1 billion human beings worldwide, more than one in seven people on the planet.

Borlaug's success in feeding the world testifies to the difference a single person can make.

Great scientists and humanitarians were once heroes and cover boys. No more. For Borlaug, still vital at 93, to win more notice, he would have to make his next trip to Africa in the company of Angelina Jolie.

We can blame the mindless media for failing to keep us better informed about how $95 billion a year is hijacked by a few powerful corporate interests.

Sometimes it seems the more we've got at our fingertips, the less that sticks in our minds.