the buzz log

Let's start cheery: It's Cinco De Mayo, a recognition (albeit not formal) of an outnumbered Mexican army routing out the French about 157 years ago, a brief victory before Napoleon III got control over the nation for five years. Since then, it's become a Diaspora party of sorts embracing all things Mexican.

Now, let's get real. The celebration timing hasn't been the best, with the H1N1 panic that has made parts of Mexico look like ghost towns. This year, no re-enactment over the famous Battle of Puebla there, although at least businesses are opening again after a five-day shutdown.

And, as the New York Times reports, Mexicans have been feeling like pariahs these days, what with countries the world over canceling sporting events or herding them like, er, cattle into quarantine. The reaction has been less dire America, although the Mexican Embassy in Washington scaled back its fiesta, cutting back the twin staples of mariachis and the margaritas. Still, that fighting determination to parade and party persists in the U.S. There may be a little more handwashing than usual, but that's always a good thing.

Online, the interest is still strong, with the occasion popping up into the top 1,000 searches on Yahoo!. Austin, Cleveland, Tampa, Detroit and Sacramento lead the regions paying their Web respects, while states getting into the "cinco de mayo" spirit include Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, and California. Some searchers have haven't forgotten Benito Juarez, the president at the time of the battle and later the French takeover. Also, expect celebrants to wield maracas, apparently the instrument du jour even though its origins are reportedly Puerto Rican.

For those who be conservative about their health and stay homebound, Entertainment Weekly poses the perfect solution: Dip into Mexican cinema. Might as well mix yourself up a blood-orange margarita while you're at it.

Filed under: Holidays, History, Mexico, Cinco de Mayo, Festivals, Parties

Strap on your party hat and break out the noisemakers, 2008 is almost upon us. Spirited searchers are on the look out for ways to send 2007 out with a bang. Queries on "new years eve party ideas" are up 235% as folks figure out a way to pop the cork with style.

If you're headed out to get your groove on, you won't be alone. Searches on "new years eve hotel parties" are soaring with folks making their way to the ballroom to boogie the night away.

We've also seen a marked increase in general party searches. Queries on "party city stores" (+241%), "party supplies" (+121%), and "party favors" (+95%) are making a racket in Buzz.

Hearty partiers are also busy looking for the hottest cities for festivities. Recent interest has centered on "new years eve las vegas," "new years eve chicago," and "new years eve new york." Wherever you decide to dispatch with 2007, make sure you send it off with style. Party on!

Filed under: New Year, Holidays, Parties

Looking for love at your holiday office party is a lot like tossing a Hail Mary with two seconds left. You might get lucky, but the odds aren't good.

And that's OK. Despite this year's strict "no dirty dancing policy," we still love holiday shindigs. From the looks of Search, we're not alone. Queries on "office parties" are edging up, as are searches for "christmas party ideas" and "holiday party activities." Folks not wanting to repeat last year's clip-on tie blunder pushed queries on "office party dress code" upward. Nothing says "upper management" like a tie you tied all by yourself.

So whether you celebrate the holidays with friends and family or co-workers you secretly despise, have a good time. Just keep the party fouls to a minimum. You don't want to give anyone an excuse to throw eggnog in your face.

Filed under: Parties