Understanding Search

Today is Monday, January 14th (2008) and it’s nice to see some totally new searches hitting the radar (in other words, it’s not all politics and football…with the exception of people wanting to see Terrell Owens (aka T.O.) cry a little, and a few people crying because they can’t afford tickets to the Super Bowl).  The first searches that caught my eye were for a website at rottonneighbor.com (or rottoneighbor.com for those who struggled with the double n’s in the middle).  This site appears to be in beta, where you can post comments (good or bad) about your neighbors, with or without including your identity.  As is often the case for popular searches that lead to one URL, the site is pretty much down today…but give it a try in a day or two and say something nice about the person who shoveled your drive after the last snowfall (or something not so nice about the kid who rides his bike across your perfect lawn).

January 13, 2008 popular search results include The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Fox’s new show that is an extension off of The Terminator movies.  Sarah Connor is the mother of the boy who is targeted in the movie and is protected by Arnold Schwarzenneger’s famous character.  I guess Arnold wasn’t lying when he said that he will be back.

Over 25% of all searches today were in regards to the NFL Playoff games taking place.  The San Diego Chargers surpised the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts with a 28-24 victory in Indianapolis.  The New York Giants also surprised the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys with a 21-17 victory in Dallas.  Next Sunday we will see New York in action against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay and the Chargers against the New England Patriots in New England.

January 12, 2008 popular search results included inquiries regarding the results of the Maverick Surf Contest held in Half Moon Bay located near San Francisco, California.  Greg Long took the victory over a field containing the some of the best surfers in the world.  It was a beautiful day for surfing and a large number of waves exceeded 40 feet in height.

Deanna Favre, wife of Packers quarterback Brett Favre, was also a popular topic today in search.  Deanna is a breast cancer survivor who has been a vocal spokesperson in the battle to find the cure.  The Green Bay Packers handled the Seattle Seahawks 42-20 in yesterdays NFL Playoff game to advance to the NFC Championship game next week.

Say You, Say Me!  Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera are having babies today, as people and reporters are searching for the news and jockeying for the first photos of these celebrity babies.  Guessing new fathers - Jordan Bratman and Joel Madden will be exchanging cigars tonight, while Grandpa Lionel sings “Hello” and “All Night Long”.  It’s a girl, no…it’s a boy…wait, it’s twins!  Guess the news will be here soon.  Push ladies, push!

Search Update for January 10, 2008. The wacky weather patterns in the southeast and northwest are driving much of today’s search traffic.  Nashville appears to be taking the worst of a massive thunderstorm stretching across nearly three states.  A tornado touched down near Vancouver, WA earlier today during their nasty storm.  Over 35% percent of searches for the day involved the weather in these two areas.

Mackenzie Montgomery aka WWE’s Candice Michelle and also the model for last year’s controversial Go Daddy Super Bowl commercial had multiple searches today.  Montgomery, who has also appeared in Playboy on multiple occasions, apparently is featured on a foot fetish themed website.  So, if feet are your thing, check it out!

Leading headlines on national news and online search today included a huge accident in Florida, along a stretch of Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando.  Early reports are that more than 70 vehicles were involved in the pile-up, with 40 people injured and 4 people killed.  Authorities are blaming the crash on extremely poor visibility conditions, likely due to a combination of fog mixed with smoke from brush fires.  As many as 6 semis/tractor-trailers were burned completely in this massive pileup that occured early Wednesday morning, January 9th.

The number one search for today was the term “candidate calculator” which is a site that allows you answer a quick questionnaire and then tells you which candidate’s views are closest to your own.  The New Hampshire primary is obviously making people start to think about how they will vote next November.  It appears the site featuring the candidate calculator was not expecting this high amount of traffic as it down as we speak and not allowing visitors.  If you’re interested in finding out who you might be most interested in voting for…in case you’re unsure at this point…try checking it out tomorrow here.

It’s the day before the New Hampshire caucuses and guess what people are searching for?  The Hillary Clinton crying video, Hillary tears, and Hillary cries photos.  People are just plain mean, aren’t they?

Worse yet, now that Britney Spears is out of the hospital, she’s greeted with searches like “when is britney going to die?” and “britney death watch”.  I sure hope Dr. Phil or someone can help her…or maybe even Doctor Oz.

Today in search there is a quite a commotion regarding the late Ted Ammon’s will and estate. Ted Ammon, a Wall Street big businessman, was bludgeoned to death in his East Hamptons home in October of 2001. His ex-wife, Generosa Ammon, and her husband Daniel Pelosi were both found guilty of murder. See the full story here.  Murder in the Hamptons? Who killed Ted Ammon?

After three crazy days of people furiously searching for political news and college football bowls, things calmed down a little on January 5th.  The storms that pounded California and Nevada are still getting a good deal of attention, as are quite a few older movies (apparently on TV today), and some of their “then famous” actors.  For example, there’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Master of Disguise, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Doc Hollywood, etc.  A more recent movie related search today is for The Hulk (being filmed now for June release).