the buzz log

It's been days since the New York Giants knocked the Dallas Cowboys out of the playoffs, and Dallas fans are still struggling to understand how the upset happened. Is the Curse of Jessica Simpson to blame?

For those who don't follow the revolving door of celebrity romance, Ms. Simpson is currently dating Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo. Ever since the two became a couple, Dallas fans have been worried that the curvaceous Jessica might distract Tony from throwing touchdowns. Anyone who's seen Jessica in a tight sweater knows this is a legitimate concern.

Following the Cowboys heartbreaking loss, in which Romo threw a last-minute interception that sealed his team's fate, Cowboy fanatics dialed up searches on "jessica simpson curse" and "tony romo cursed." Apparently, the only thing more satisfying than bragging when your team wins is finding a scapegoat when your team loses.

It's worth noting that Dallas fans aren't the only ones who believe in the hex. The New York Post, who wanted a victory for their hometown Giants, placed a Jessica look-alike in the crowd just in case the curse is real. Searches on Lynsey Nordstrom, the dead-ringer who wore a pink Romo jersey to the game, surged once her secret slipped. Of course, we doubt either Jessica or Lynsey "caused" the loss, but since when are football fans rational?

Filed under: NFL, Jessica Simpson, Curses

Sean Taylor was buried on December 3. In the 7 days before and since, queries for "sean taylor funeral" surged 10,021%. To say that searchers have responded strongly to the pro-athlete's death would be an understatement. The reaction has been crushing. And it's enveloped much more than his team, his biography, and his tragic end.

After the Washington Redskins star was shot, demand surged for his daughter and wife. Once news coverage made clear that Taylor wasn't married to his long-time partner, Jackie Garcia, buzz for "sean taylor girlfriend" spiked. Over the past week, queries for "jackie garcia sean taylor" rose nearly 960%.

When Garcia's uncle, the actor Andy Garcia, made a statement about his niece and her slain boyfriend, the Cuban performer was swept up in the maelstrom. Searches for "andy garcia niece" (+1,386%) and "jackie garcia andy garcia" (+1,460%) exploded. 

As news now surfaces about the alleged killers, searches have shifted to Miami's pre-trial detention center. Demand for more on Eric Rivera, the 17 year old suspected of pulling the trigger, has begun to lift. Interest also jumped for "suicide safety smocks," the vests worn by the gunmen in their video appearance in court. If those young men think the eyes of the nation aren't on them, they are sorely mistaken.

Filed under: NFL, Crime

We present the case of NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens and Randy Moss. Two fantastic football players with horrible reputations as me-first whiners who have divided locker rooms coast to coast. But as they say with the stock market, past performance may not be indicative of future results.

Both previously petulant players have scored big in the buzz thanks to inspired on-field efforts. Searches on newly humble Owens of the dynamite Dallas Cowboys jumped 171% after his four touchdown catch performance against the Redskins. Queries on reinvigorated Randy of the unbeaten New England Patriots leapt 287% after he caught four touchdowns in a single half against the Bills. But how do the formerly dour duo fare against each other in Buzz? We graphed their searches over the past month...

And... it's a dead heat. The star wideouts are tied! Moss held the lead for most of the past month, but Owens passed him last week (Moss had the week off) and now they're even in the minds of searchers. Who will be on top at the end of the season? Will they meet again in the Super Bowl? Most important, can they avoid distracting meltdowns? Time will tell and buzz will follow...

Filed under: Football, NFL