the buzz log

In the Buzz this week, consumers continued to be nickeled-and-dimed, new price highs meant new lows, and a daytime talk show became an unlikely political battleground—with allies from unlikely places.

On 'Idol'
In a season beset with complaints, "American Idol" had the last laugh by putting on a smashing finale—as well as pulling in its third-highest ratings finale ever (or did it?) and dominating iTunes. After subjecting two nice boys to bad boxing analogies and some risky business, a well-paced Wednesday show brought in oodles of searches for celebrity guests like ZZ Top (+437%), Donna Summer (+534%), and George Michael (+1,826%). The David vs. David face-off hyped up the suspense, and many (like Buddy TV) assumed an Archuleta victory. They should have paid heed to the Buzz Log projection, which was posted nine days before the winner was announced. (The projection's secret formula: geography and gender. Or as one audience placard put it, "Cougars for Cook.") Yet the producers can't rest easy, because (as New York Magazine opines) a Cook win really means restless fans want change.

On Idle
As oil executives testified before Congress on why crude oil passed up $130 a barrel, American Airlines added a $15 fee for checking in the first piece of luggage. The Wall Street Journal predicted a future of higher fares and airlines liquidating. Perplexed lawmakers trying to get a straight answer about costs may want to check HowStuffWorks' piece on just what oil drilling entails.

On Idyll
May is the new June, with all the celebrity weddings and engagements going on this month. Promptly after the California Supreme Court struck down a ban against same-sex marriage, talk show host Ellen Degeneres announced her engagement to actress Portia de Rossi. A few days later, she interviewed Republican presidential candidate John McCain on the issue. While she didn't sway him from his civil-union stance, another interview with newlywed Jenna (Bush) Hager resulted in a casual thumbs-up for Degeneres to use the Bush ranch for her upcoming nuptials. That show is scheduled to air next Wednesday ... so far.

Also spiking in Buzz this week ...
•A fatal driveway accident killed Christian singer Stephen Curtis Chapman's 5-year-old daughter. Sympathy searches rose up more than 6,000% for the Grammy award-winning music artist.
•Crime-fighting pays off in a weak economy, according to the New York Times. Crime Stoppers have reported increased snitching so tipsters can pay their bills or buy groceries.
•Texas welfare authorities appealed a state supreme court ruling allowing the return of nearly 500 children to the Yearning for Zion compound. Among the reactions was that of the ex-wife of the alleged compound leader, who stated in a Houston Chronicle profile that the court ruling could mean "we have lost another generation."