the buzz log

We're queasy just thinking about it, but Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is imminent. The contest has gobbled up more buzz in recent years and become a 4th of July staple in Search. However, this year's face-filling face-off will be different due to the absence of hot dog hero Takeru Kobayashi.

The king of competitive eating has won six hot dog eating titles in a row, but won't be able to defend his crown due to a jaw injury. News of Kobayashi's withdrawal sent searches on the dominant digester up 300%.

The gaping void left by Kobayashi will be filled by the gustatory prowess of Joey Chestnut. The American eater recently smashed the hot dog eating world record and was all set for a showdown on the national stage with his rapacious rival. Searches on odds-on favorite at Nathan's are up 71% over the last week.

As for the object of their affection—queries on "hot dogs" are up 40% over the last week and related queries on "hot dog eating contest" and "nathan's hot dogs" have also devoured their fair share of searches. While we don't have the stomach to mow through more than a couple of hot dogs, we can provide you with this week's top 20 hot dog searches...