the buzz log

In the last of our series, "A Searching Portrait: Barack Obama's 100 Days," here are the grumbles, economic obsessions, and stimulating controversies that dominated April 2009 searches. (Check for January, February and March posts on those past searches.)

Eruptions on the homefront
As people tried to understand the bloodshed from shoot-outs at home, attention would later shift to another national self-examination: the release of 2002 and 2005 CIA "torture memos," which outlined the legal argument for interrogations. Waterboarding remains the most scrutinized of these techniques. The turbulence of 100 days gets one more bump: Senator Arlen Specter squeezes in a high-profile defection from Republican Party to Democrat by day 100.

Overseas handshakes, domestic headaches
The Obama tour of Europe and the Mideast shows that diplomacy will be conducted very differently than the previous administration. At home, though, worries play out over the line between etiquette and subservience: Is "obamas gift to the queen" (also "obama ipod queen") consequential or silly? Could that 60-degree bend in presidential posture be interpreted as "obama bows to saudi king"? Even a basic greeting triggers a "chavez handshake debate" at the Americas Summit.

Taxing issues and a dogged solution
A famous colonial protest comes back in fashion with Tax Day Tea Protests, although a poll shows more Americans believe in paying their dues to Uncle Sam. So do Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who release their 1040s to a curious public.

But there is no protest when the First Dog position is finally filled with Bo, the Portuguese water dog...well, no protests except from disappointed Labradoodle boosters and rescue dog lovers. But 10-year-old Malia Obama delivers a resounding verdict about the long-awaited national treasure: "I love him, he's perfect." And so let us end with the wisdom of children.

Filed under: Politics, Taxes, Government, Pets, Presidents, Barack Obama

As the Westminster Dog Show once again pits 25,000 or so dogs against one another for best-in-breed and in-show, the dog-and-puppy show continues strong online ... especially now with the Oval Office at stake.

As canine admirers, the Buzz Log has looked over popular pooches for years, extending an occasional pat on the head for the most sought-after rescue dogs or the irresistible appeal of puppies in springtime. The Web can be fickle in judging who is man's best friend, but generally, portable pups lead the pack. However, a certain teacup breed did lose some ground in Search popularity this year. Canine trends past and present:

Standing Mighty Small
Never underestimate the Chihuahua. The quivering canine most suited to be stuffed into a purse boasted 2006 summer searches belying its size and scampered past bulldogs and rottweilers. By November 2006, the pipsqueak stood tall against the pug and the English bulldog, and faced down a double-team of American and English bulldogs in summer 2007. Its Web ranking has dipped since, coincidentally after the release of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." There can be such a thing as bad publicity.

Feeling Bullish or Bearish
Bulldogs dominated the dog days of summer 2008, as the English, American, and French breeds hogged the top 10 spots. In the past 30 days, though, only the French made the top 20 dog searches. Should there be a campaign to buy American? In this bearish market, though, look what made a 38% Search rise during the same time period — teddy bear puppies.

White House-Broken?
With the White House still bereft of a four-legged resident, possible candidates wandering through Search include the Peruvian hairless dog and goldendoodle, as well as the Portuguese water dog. The last still enjoys a healthy online vetting process, but the labradoodle currently has the vote for most online popular dog in the past 30 days.

Breeding Tells
After the spaniel and terrier domination at Westminster, winners like Rufus the bull terrier (2006) and Uno the beagle (2008) broke out of the pack as best-in-show. The New York Daily News seems to think the top dog may be a Dogue de Bordeaux (+136%), AKA the French mastiff breed (+85%), whose cuddly wrinkly visage could put Botox injections out of business once and for all. One betting Web site, however, puts the odds on continued beagle domination, with the Brussels Griffon reporting 10-1 odds.

Litters Underfoot
Other dogs to watch out for: Vizsla puppies have popped up 1,371%. Other pups in play: Shiba Inus, Siberian huskies, and Samoyeds. And, with the aforementioned labradoodle being so popular, other mixed-up breeds with Web appeal: puggles, Yorkie poos, Maltipoos, cockapoo, morkies, and a schnoodle. And you thought those were just embarrassing spousal terms of endearments.

Now, we open the gates and let the Search dogs out. (By the way, feel free to brag about your own best friend below in the comments.)

Filed under: Dogs, Pets

Kids love asking their parents "Why?" Searchers, it seems, are no different. Every week, we see dozens of queries on topics ranging from pet behavior to rock band comings and goings. Here are some of last week's most interesting "why" questions in no particular order...

• Why do cats purr? This is a riddle that has plagued humankind for centuries. And, according to the Library of Congress, vets are still somewhat baffled.

• Why do dogs eat grass? Searchers are likely to stumble across this USA Today article that explains that grass is a "normal part of their diet."

• Why are gas prices so high? Ask 100 different people and you're likely to get 100 different answers. Some say speculation, some say manipulation, some just shrug and pay up.

• Why did Steve Perry leave Journey? The iconic singer broke with his band years ago, but fans still wonder why. Wikipedia has an explanation.

Still thirsty for knowledge? Here are a few more random questions that folks are pondering...

• Why is the sky blue?
• Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?
• Why is my computer so slow?
• Why is Pluto not a planet anymore?
• Why is the ocean salty?
• Why isn't soccer popular in the US?
• Why are flamingos pink?
• Why did Kobe Bryant change his number?
• Why is proper grammar important?
• Why does your stomach growl?

Filed under: Pets