the buzz log

Thirty days hath November, and every moment seemed fraught with anticipation. Who would win the election? Why did militants take Mumbai? Would the economy stumble even more? How much hope would be pinned on Black Friday? As 2008 approaches its end, review the historical dramas and prosaic concerns that rocked November searches on Yahoo!.

Hitting the Ground Running
And it all came down to this—it being the run to be the 44th president of the United States, and this being the Election Day victory for Democratic candidate Barack Obama. American citizens knew before midnight who would be the new White House tenant for the next four years. Before month's end, Obama unveiled bit by bit what the nation hoped will be his dream team—which includes many familiar faces. No word on the family dog yet. To review Nov. 4, see the day unfold in slices in this Buzz Log.

The Benefits of Carpooling
The benefits got extended for the unemployed, Secretary Treasurer Henry Paulson took a woman's prerogative and changed his mind about buying bad assets, and Big 3 automaker executives found that taking jets to ask for a bailout was a baaad public relations maneuver. As politicians and taxpayers split over whether GM, Ford and Chrysler deserved to be at the feeding trough, the three worked to improve their pitch and travel plans.

Thanks for this Bounty and Discounts
Not that there wasn't already plenty of distractions this month, but Thanksgiving coming a little later this year delayed celebrants' planning, at least online. Stories also reported higher food costs and less traveling. What didn't make America's holiday more low-key was retailer anticipation of whether Black Friday would be its financial savior. Good news and bad news: Sales proved 3% higher than 2007, but the rise was slower compared to last year's 8.3% jump and could portend a weak shopping season.

November 2008 Fastest Movers in Search
Search Terms with the Biggest Percentage Changes

1. Wal-Mart Black Friday 2008 (+20,775%. Many retailers slashed and burned to make post-Thanksgiving sales.)
2. CMA Awards 2008 (+61,253%. George Strait hit a record 22 trophies on the 42nd country music show.)
3. Michael Crichton (+60,183%. The author of science fiction thrillers like "Jurassic Park" died on Election Day.)
4. Obama Cabinet (+42,899%. See above)
5. Green Bean Casserole Recipe (+35,219%. See above)
6. Karolina Kurkova (+29,146%. The Victoria Secret model got the top vote for the world's Sexiest Woman.)
7. Tony Dow (+27,045%. The former "Leave it to Beaver" star sold sculptures and stirred up nostalgia.)
8. Minnesota Senate Race (+26,984%. Al Franken's senate challenge to Norm Coleman still remained unresolved.)
9. Cornbread Dressing (+24,024%. More Thanksgiving feast classics.)
10. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (+21,331%%. It must be Oscar season, as this Holocaust film joins many other critical plaudits.)

October 2008 Top 5 Events
Happenings with the Most Searches Overall

1. Black Friday (+1,068%)
2. Twilight (+208%)
3. Dancing with the Stars (+71%)
4. Thanksgiving (+158%)
5. Electoral Votes (+48%)

 

1. Barack Obama (+90%)
2. Britney Spears (-7%)
3. Beyonce (+95%)
4. Taylor Swift (+90%)
5. Jessica Alba (+88%)