February 2008

February 29, 2008

Buzz Multiplex: Leaping into the Fray

Penelope

For the first time in Buzz Multiplex history, searches are coming up in a near three-way tie. The critically pooh-poohed films are stocked with A-list stars, with Will Ferrell mugging in one vehicle and a double dose of Scarlett and Natalie heavy breathing in another. But really, who can resist the yin-yang of Christina and Reese?

1. "The Other Boleyn Girl" (PG-13). Royal intrigue, sisterly rivalries, and acres of cleavage give a different kind of history lesson to Henry VIII's second wife. Rising to the top 5,000 searches this week, the film is especially popular with female history buffs. However, stars Natalie Portman (as the, er, headstrong Anne Boleyn) and Scarlett Johansson (as weak sister Mary) owe their online following to the men. Scarlett may not land Henry (Eric "can we see him shirtless" Bana), but she's 40% more popular than the adored Natalie, and has tenfold the searches of the movie.

2. "Semi-Pro" (R). Box office observers are looking for a Will Ferrell sweep. The moves look familiar: another decade (70s), a sport (basketball), and a mix of mostly minor-league SNL players with only Will Arnett and Kristen Wiig inspiring online lookups. The R rating shuts out possible fans (32% of the film's searches come from 17 and under), so expect the teen boys to sneak in when the lights are dimmed.

3. "Penelope" (PG). This dark horse of the three movies puts together the popular Christina Ricci and Reese Witherspoon in the same film, without imploding the universe as we know it. The mild-mannered fantasy follows Christina as a maiden with a porcine family curse, which might only be broken by marrying James McAvoy (a choice of which many searchers approve). Reese, the movie's producer, has a cameo as a bike messenger. Expect this to be the mother-daughter bonding movie of the week.

Filed under Buzz by

Permalink Print

Leap Day Hunger Pangs

McSkillet

On this Leap Day, reporters are staking out maternity wards, sly couples have been exchanging vows so no one can be blamed if an anniversary is forgotten three out of four years, and people are lining up for a free McDonalds hand-out.

Not exactly free: You still need to buy a drink. Still, the notion of saving $2.49 drove people online to assess the "mcskillet burrito," making the concoction one of the top search terms on Buzz. Who can't resist a deal? Males mostly, who make up 63% of the searches. States who love a McBargain? Montana, Arizona, and Utah lead a frugal nation.

While Pittsburgh Tribune-Review explains the origins of Leap Year, other reports focus on what's important: what else you can get for free today. So before you go into hibernation, stock up. 

Filed under Buzz by

Permalink Print

February 28, 2008

Three Legends Pass Away

Myron Cope

They say famous people die in threes. Sure enough, this past week, a trio of legendary figures past away. Though the departed men came from three very different fields, each man's death had a similar effect on the Buzz.

Conservative icon William F. Buckley was perhaps the most prominant of the three. Lookups on "william f. buckley essays," "who is william f. buckley," and "national review," the magazine Buckley founded, each made huge strides in Search.

Less political, though just as popular was Boyd Coddington. The car-building legend who hosted the reality show "American Hot Rod," passed away at the age of 63. Fans raced over to the Search box, redlining queries on "boyd coddington bio," "boyd coddington tv show," and, of course, "boyd coddington cars."

Finally, there's Myron Cope. The beloved ex-announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers died at the age of 79. Naturally, folks in the Steel City were most interested in his passing, but Mr. Cope had fans from all over. Cities from Los Angeles to Miami searched on the man, as well as his lasting contribution to American culture—the Terrible Towel.

Filed under Buzz by

Permalink Print
All trademarks and copyrights owned by their respective owners and are used for illustration only
Kokopelli Creative Web Design
Procrastination Blog | Poorly Made | Clearer Perspective | Aspectations | Year of the Blog | Taxidermy Blog | Sir Blog-a-Lot | Sicily Blog | Prime Minister Blog | Photographic Blog | Open Source This | Normandy Blog | Netizen | Motorbike Blog | Million Pixels Blog | King's Blog | Kill my mac | Interesting Blog | Hump Blog | Fund my Stuff | Flavor Blog | Fiscal Blog | Extensive News | Digitai | Dedicated Blog | Debt Management Blog | Current Events Blog | Comic Book Blog | Businessplan Blog | Blue-Ray Blog | Blog Towns | Blog Resell | Blog Moolah | Blogger Portal | blog APE | Anfractuous