by Mike Krumboltz
The Nintendo Wii has earned a lot of good press for its ability to get gamers off the couch and exercising. Or, at least getting people to flail their arms to and fro. But the mighty Wii isn't the only gaming device to inspire some real life sweat. Behold, the PokeWalker!
The PokeWalker (a kind of pedometer) is a recently released peripheral that comes with two new Pokemon games for the Nintendo DS. The idea is for gamers to attach the PokeWalker to their clothing, get some exercise. When the gamer gets enough exercise, he or she is rewarded with new content for their Pokemon game. Provided you like Pokemon and need a little exercise, it's a win-win.
Searches on the PokeWalker, which comes with special editions of Pokemon SoulSilver and Pokemon HeartGold, are quite impressive. Despite being released in a month dominated by games like Final Fantasy XIII and God of War 3, Web lookups on the new Pokemon titles are up over 300%. Additionally, there are queries on "buy pokemon pokewalker." Music to Nintendo's ears, we're sure.
But not everybody is interested in getting exercise. Some gamers wanna have their cake and eat it, too. And thanks, but no thanks to this exercise bologna. To wit: There are a significant number of lookups on "how to cheat pokewalker." Maybe they should attach their PokeWalker to a dog collar? That way, at least Rex can feel good about himself.
by Claudine Zap
Step aside, Homer Simpson. This real-life Donna Simpson, of New Jersey, could eat circles around you. The 42-year-old already weighs 600 pounds but has a big goal: To be the fattest woman in the world by almost doubling her weight in the next two years. That's a lot of donuts.
With first lady Michelle Obama taking on the weighty topic of childhood obesity, it may come as a surprise that one woman would choose to be size very, very large.
Learn more about the first lady's anti-obesity campaign.
As described by the Telegraph, Simpson already holds the Guinness Book of World Records for world's largest mom: She gave birth to her daughter when she tipped the scales at 520 pounds. Which almost seems petite compared to what she wants to weigh next: 1,000 pounds. To further her goal, the mega mom gorges on entire cakes and bags of donuts to hit 12,000 calories a day. She also tries to maximize weight gain by moving as little as possible, which she admits is hard with a three year-old to run after.
Find easy ways to count calories.
Simpson says she's healthy: Her favorite food is sushi. She just eats 70 pieces at a sitting. If that sounds like an event worth watching, you're in luck: Simpson foots her $750-a-week food bill by broadcasting her jumbo meals on the Web—for a fee.
By the way, her svelte 150-pound boyfriend is totally behind her weight gain: He's a "belly man" according to Simpson, who thinks that bigger is better.
by Mike Krumboltz
Perhaps this announcement should have waited until April 20, but there was no holding back the news. Harold and Kumar are coming back for a third big screen adventure.
A buzzy blog from IGN explains that actor John Cho (aka "Harold") told Collider that "the film is moving forward and the plan is to shoot this June." The film is currently titled "A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas," and, yes, Neil Patrick Harris is expected to sign on. It wouldn't be the same without Doogie.
by Claudine Zap
Our top picks from the day's hottest searches.
- SXSW (Searches increased by +628%). The search engine Wolfram Alpha, which delivers actual answers instead of links to queries, won "best in show" at the South by Southwest awards ceremony.
- Jude Law (+558%). The "Hamlet" star hosted "SNL" for the second time, and mocked his role in the Shakespeare play.
- "Mission Impossible" (+396%). Peter Graves, who starred in the suspenseful TV show and the satiric "Airplane" movies, died at 83.
- Weekend box office (+342%). The 3-D "Alice in Wonderland" continued to lead at the box office the second week running.
- NCAA (+245%). March Madness has begun.
by Mike Krumboltz
What. A. Week. One of Hollywood's most famous starlets filed a lawsuit so bizarre, so unintentionally hilarious, laughter was the only suitable response. Elsewhere, Toyota continued to struggle with runaway cars, and a popular cable commentator was upstaged during a wacky interview. Read on for those stories and more with the Buzz Week in Review.
Runaway Prius alert
It was just another day for Toyota owner James Sikes when he took to the San Diego highway. Things quickly turned terrifying when he realized the gas pedal of his 2008 Prius was stuck and he had no way to slow down. Mr. Sikes called 911, and a member of the highway patrol was able to pull up alongside, told him to put the car in neutral, and then pulled in front of the Toyota to help slow it down. All things considered, the story had a happy ending. But much like the car itself, the searches were absolutely out of control. Immediately, lookups on "runaway prius" and "toyota with no brakes" both soared. But now, there are some rumblings about the runaway Prius being a hoax a la the "balloon boy." The company admitted to being "mystified" by the problem, and a writer for Forbes is highly suspicious. But law enforcement insists that "no evidence has emerged to suggest that Sikes was dishonest." The investigation will continue, but in the meantime Toyota put together a video to watch in the event that your car starts accelerating uncontrollably. Handy!
Glenn Beck: Speechless
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck isn't often upstaged. However, even the excitable Beck couldn't control disgraced Rep. Eric Massa from going on a strange, stream-of-conscious rant during an appearance this past week. Mr. Massa had recently resigned his post due to an ethics inquiry and allegations that he had harassed employees. During the interview with Beck, Massa admitted to "sexless groping and tickling of his staff, sending inappropriate text messages" as well as other personal failings. However, Massa contended, it was his "no" vote on health care reform that got him booted. During the interview, Beck often interrupted Massa, in an attempt to talk about his own problems. An article from Time magazine that broke down the odd exchange was one of our buzziest pieces of the week. Additionally, Web queries for "eric massa resigned" and "glenn beck interview" just wouldn't shut up in the Search box.
The law according to Lindsay
Actress and professional party girl Lindsay Lohan sued E-Trade for $100 million over a commercial that features a baby named Lindsay. Ms. Lohan contends that the ad, in which the baby Lindsay is referred to as a "milkaholic," capitalizes on her name and is clearly based on her. Ms. Lohan's lawyer contends that her client has "elevated 'Lindsay' to the same sort of one-off recognition status as 'Madonna' or 'Cher.'" Of course, that's debatable, and E-Trade has spoken out, saying it plans to defend itself "vigorously" and calling the lawsuit "without merit" (a nice way to put it, in our opinion). Regardless of (or more likely, due to) the apparent insanity of the lawsuit, searches on "lindsay lohan lawsuit" and "lindsay lohan etrade" both soared over 1,000% this past week. We can only assume amused law firms around the country forwarded articles about the story with record speed.
Also buzzing this week...
• Hollywood dreamboat Robert Pattinson has a new movie.
• Steve Jobs will gladly accept your money now.
• The ironically titled video game "Final Fantasy XIII" hit store shelves.
by Claudine Zap
Daylight Saving Time is coming, and with it, longer, more light-filled days are on the way. Some may be surprised that Daylight Saving Time is already here. But there's a reason for that. Below, your Buzz round up of searches on the time change.
When is it?
We spring ahead the second Sunday in March. This year it's Sunday, March 14. While the first day of spring isn't for another week, we've gotten a jump on the season since 2007. In fact, we now get four more weeks of longer days, since Daylight Saving now goes through the first Sunday of November. You're welcome. Not all states observe the time difference: Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out.
Why do we have daylight saving time?
The hope is that we save energy -- since there's less of a need to switch on the lights if natural light will do. Studies have shown the electricity conserved on the new schedule is actually pretty nominal. But look on the bright side. Literally. Those longer light-filled days are sure nice. Searches on the time switch have increased 100% in the last week. The sunlight-deprived would like to know "what is daylight saving time," "daylight saving time dates," and "origins of daylight saving time."
What is the history of daylight saving time?
Fun fact: The idea was first floated back in 1784 by one Benjamin Franklin. While minister of France he wrote the essay "An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light." The idea failed to, um, see the light of day until practically 100 years later, when the U.S. railroads instituted a standardized time for their train schedules. That time change was imposed nationally during the first World War to conserve energy, but was repealed after the war ended. It became the national time again during World War II. After that, it was a free-for-all of states deciding if they wanted it, and when it would start and end. Congress finally enacted the Uniform Time Act in 1966, which decreed that if a state chose to opt in to daylight saving, it had to be at the same time as everyone else.
Why does it start at 2 a.m.?
The website LiveScience explains that's it's pretty much the least disruptive time of day to make a switch. After all, most of us are asleep. Those who work on Sunday usually start later than 2 a.m. And fair warning for anyone planning on attending church services or brunch that day.
While the shift is only one hour, according to UPI, sleep disorder specialists say you should prepare yourself: You actually can lose sleep over the time change. Experts suggest going to bed 15 minutes earlier a few days before. Our unscientific suggestion: Sleep in on Sunday.
by Claudine Zap
Our top picks from the day's hottest searches.
- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (Searches increased by +20,422%). The former model/singer and first lady of France disputed rumors that both she and President Sarkozy are having extra-marital affairs.
- Conan O'Brien (+999%). The comedian who left his "Tonight Show" job has taken the show on the road.
- Sei whale (+645%). A restaurant and sushi chef were charged with illegally serving up the endangered whale meat.
- Harry Reid (+547%). The senate majority leader's wife and daughter were hospitalized from a car accident.
- Lady Gaga "Telephone" video (+526%). The just-released music video features Beyonce. Hott.
by Michael Krumboltz
Three new movies hit theaters this weekend, and they couldn't be more different. "Remember Me," a romantic drama, stars Hollywood "It Boy" Robert Pattinson. For action lovers who prefer to see buildings explode than lovers swoon, there's "Green Zone," starring Matt Damon. And if it's a comedy you want, "She's Out of My League" might do the job. What say those cranky critics?
Remember Me
Robert Pattinson rocketed to the top of Hollywood's A list after his breakout role as Edward Cullen, a vampire with a heart of gold, in the "Twilight" films. Fans (especially the ladies) love him, but the question remains: Can he carry a movie that doesn't feature bloodsucking studs? "Remember Me" is his chance.
Reviews are mixed-to-negative. Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter was clearly impressed with the film and with Pattinson's performance. Mr. Honeycutt calls the film "a strong romantic drama in which Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin really shine." Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times also gives the movie a favorable review. The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist gives the film three out of four stars, calling it "a well-made movie." Ebert continues, "I cared about the characters. I felt for them."
Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum would have to disagree with Ebert's assessment. Strongly disagree. Giving the movie a "D+," the critic calls "Remember Me" a "shameless contraption of ridiculously sad things befalling attractive people." Wesley Morris of The Boston Globe is even harsher. The movie, he argues, "crassly repurposes tragedy to excuse its clichés." Morris' ranking: half a star out of four.
Green Zone
Matt Damon reteams with director Paul Greengrass, who helmed two of the "Bourne" films, for this action flick with a political point of view. The film takes place during the quest for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq — a quest that, it turned out, was just a wild goose chase.
Mr. Ebert is a believer in the film's vision. Awarding it four out of four stars, Ebert remarks that it "looks at an American war in a way almost no Hollywood movie ever has." Online critic James Berardinelli was also impressed, giving "Green Zone" three and a half stars out of four. It's "a high energy thriller," he writes. The critic also compliments Damon: "Damon's prior appearances as Jason Bourne make him credible in this role. There's never a disconnect to see him in this heroic, action-oriented part."
Taking the praise down a couple of notches is Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly. She gives the movie a modest "C+" and describes it as "strangely dated" and "foolishly grandiose." She continues that Damon boasts an "understated efficiency and physical stolidity," but argues that the film feels like it should have come out two years ago.
She's Out of My League
What happens when a "hard 10" (the luminous Alice Eve) falls for a "5" (Jay Baruchel)? That's the question that "She's Out of My League" aims to answer. A male-insecurity comedy in the tradition of Judd Apatow's "40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up," the critics have this film closer to a 5 than a 10. Lucy Barber of The Boston Globe gives "League" two out of four stars, noting that while the movie's premise is "as tired as the Fray songs littering the soundtrack," snappy dialogue saves the movie.
Matt Pais of Metromix is less generous with his grade. Giving the flick just one and half stars out of five, Pais argues that the movie is "mean-spirited" and "unbelievable." Baruchel's character is just too pathetic, he argues. Nobody wants to date a "spineless dope," let alone a bona fide bombshell. Mr. Ebert concedes that the movie "is not a comedy classic," but it is better than average. Using the film's own scale of worthiness, he gives it a 6.5.
by Claudine Zap
Seems that some people can't stop talking about the Amanda Knox murder case. Even if those people are already in prison for murder.
Here's the quick recap: Known by the press as "Foxy Knoxy," the American study-abroad student and her then boyfriend, Italian Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted, along with local resident Rudy Guede, of the 2007 sexual assault and murder of college student Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy.
Learn more about the murder case.
End of story, right? Not even close. Knox and Sollecito have always maintained their innocence, and their lawyers are working to overturn the case. And now this: A prisoner, Mario Alessi, went on record to deliver new testimony that he says exonerates the two. But as always with this case, nothing about the information is clear-cut.
The convict is serving his own life sentence for a vicious crime. Alessi bunked with Rudy Guede, who was tried for Kercher's murder separately from Knox and Sollecito and supposedly confided in his cellmate.
The latest bombshell: Alessi says that Guede confessed to him that the other two were not present at the time of Kercher's murder. News of the taped testimony caused searches on "amanda knox" to immediately skyrocket.
Reactions predictably fell into Amanda or Meredith camps. Kercher's family called the claim "groundless," while Knox's mother said she was "encouraged" that her daughter's conviction could be overturned.
Meanwhile, Guede denies he ever spoke to Alessi about the case, saying his were the ramblings of a "sick and twisted mind." Stay tuned.
by Vera H-C Chan
Weak warbling has made the male competitors look like the weak sisters in this season's "American Idol." But in the anchor spot, Big Mike belted out a ballad that brought judge DioGuardi to tears and vaulted him as the man to beat. Check out how the boys' Buzz ranked on performance night.
- Michael Lynche. Last week we joked that he should put his baby girl on stage to get the female vote. The savvy new daddy metaphorically put parenthood front and center with "This Woman's Work." The ballad—and that range of falsetto to big notes—got plaudits and tears. Big Mike went from likable to formidable, and leapfrogged all other male contenders to the top.
- Casey James. The pretty boy tied his hair back and stripped down to musical basics with a gee-tar and Keith Urban. His "honesty" got him some relieved compliments — but really, with his blond tresses and that audition striptease, he could sit on his haunches, howling at the spotlights and still get a pass. And probably a "Twilight" cameo.
- Tim Urban. The baby-faced Texan took on "Hallelujah" (which, as Time rightly and rioteously points out, "has become 'And I Am Telling You' for the boys"), and the "Idol" judicial chorus saw the light. Sure, they were grading against his own curve, but a puppy dog who rescues himself is hard to resist.
- Alex Lambert. A natural talent but achingly petrified, Lambert delivered a decent rendition of "Trouble" underneath all that stiffness. The performance, though, made the panel feel so tense that judge Cowell suggested imagining Jackson in a bikini, thereby ruining the appetites of "Idol" watchers everywhere.
- Andrew Garcia. Can someone really peak during Hollywood week? That's what the judges fear for this musician. If you add in searches for "andrew garcia straight up," his cumulative Buzz number would be higher than Casey James. But his "Genie in a Bottle" was no savior, so his chances for a Top 12 spot rides on past glory... and the benevolent spirit of Paula Abdul.
- Lee Dewyze. The second-best performance started off the night. His "Fireflies" didn't set off any sparklers, but it was enough for the panel to declare him a strong contender. Then again, his weekend-construction-job look of plaids and light blue jeans does cry out for a little makeover. His searches may be lower because people aren't that worried about him — but he may not be wowing audiences either.
- Aaron Kelly. Arguably among the most assured of the males, the 16-year-old has been cursed with making bad choices. He too went for a parenthood theme with "I'm Already There" (actually a fascinating choice given his childhood problems), but judge DioGuardi felt a big disconnect. Despite his boy-band potential, he's in the danger zone.
- Todrick Hall. Run for cover—in this case, a cover of Queen's "Somebody to Love," a move so bold, so out-of-whack, that Hall knows it's his make-or-break moment. He wrung out the rock and shoved the song up to the rafters for a soaring Broadway gospel number. He got kudos for bravery and Judge Cowell commended him for revealing his aspirations (the stage). Looks like the move got Hall some decent Buzz compared to previous weeks — but he's still dead last.
by Claudine Zap
Our top picks from the day's hottest searches.
- Marion Jones (Searches increased by +9,079%). The former track star, stripped of her Olympic medals for steroid use, has a new career with the WNBA.
- Tasmanian Devil (+2,527%). A colony of the species that is immune to a contagious cancer could save the population.
- Botox (+2,476%). Really, we get the treatment for medical purposes.
- "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" (+1,958%). The movie isn't out till June, but the trailer is here.
- Soda tax (+1,947%). The latest theory on how to slim people's waist lines: Go through their wallets.
by Claudine Zap
Just in time for the next season of the hit AMC show, it's "Mad Men" Ken and Barbie. That's right, you can play out all your favorite scenes: Break down the picture-perfect marriage of Don and Betty Draper, or reimagine the workplace flirtation of ad man Roger Sterling and the curvy office manager, Joan Holloway. Martinis and cigarettes not included. What are: girdles, pearls, and overcoats.
The collectors' items are clearly not for the tweener set, who would probably find all that adult stuff boring in the soap opera of a show. The '60s-era drama covers issues like divorce, adultery, drinking, and sexual harassment — and that's just a typical episode. As the New York Times reports, the toy line is part of the premium-priced "Barbie Fashion Model Collection." With a suggested retail price of $74.95 each, you can practically see the unopened toys tucked out of a child's reach.
The dolls' launch will be timed with the premiere of the show's fourth season in July. Fans are already looking on the Web for when to watch. Increases on "mad men tv series" are up 500% in the last week. People want to know about the "mad men season 4 premiere," "mad men's red-headed actress" (that would be Christina Hendricks), "cast of mad men," and "mad men merchandise." Aside from playing with the coolly iconic figures, you yourself can dress the part in a Brooks Brothers "Mad Men" edition suit.
The toy company Mattel said the appeal for a "Mad Men" collection was the carefully constructed time-capsule of the early 1960s, also the time when Barbie was first introduced to the world. We can admit that Betty Draper is a ringer for Barbie but also represents, as one culture professor notes, "the wife who lives in her dream house whose soul is eaten away." And scene.
by Mike Krumboltz
Toyota's ongoing safety troubles with its vehicles have led to deaths, injuries, and an incalculable amount of bad press. Now, it looks like the embattled car company will be facing class action lawsuits that could cost the company a staggering $3 billion.
These lawsuits aren't from those who were injured or from the relatives of drivers who lost their lives. Rather they come from Toyota owners whose cars have lost a significant amount of value due to the company's high profile problems.
In the past Toyotas were known for their high resale-value. Nowadays, not so much. A buzzy article from Yahoo! News explains that at least 89 class-action lawsuits have been filed. Toyota drivers have contended that the company knew about the safety issues but "concealed them from buyers."
Kelley Blue Book, a guide that lists values for new and used cars, has listed the resale value for recalled Toyotas "by an average of 3.5%." If every Toyota owner was able to sue the company for this decrease in value, well, Toyota could be looking at a serious problem.
by Vera H-C Chan
Was there a calculated generational appeal happening on "American Idol" during the ladies' round? Tuesday night's repertoire included crusty classics from the Animals, Fleetwood Mac, Carole Bayer Sager, Patsy Cline, and even one Charlie Chaplin-penned ditty.
The strategy's not necessarily bad, aside from the risk of being compared to the original. After all, the "Idol" core Search audience are ladies in their late 20s through the 50s. As we've seen in tracking the numbers, whoever the ladies like usually wins the season.
Below, we list the top 8 ladies according to their performance in Yahoo! search.
- Crystal Bowersox. The sympathy vote and her assured performance of "Give Me One Reason" (1988) continue to put the dreadlocked mom in the lead. But as "Idol" trackers know (and judge Cowell keeps forgetting), being dubbed the frontrunner can be a curse. (Recall the premature love showered on Danny Gokey, Michael Johns and Melinda Doolittle.)
- Siobhan Magnus. If the note heard 'round the reality TV world didn't do it, then her acappella lead-in to "House of the Rising Sun" (1964) cemented the Massachusetts contender as the "unique" and "unlikely" one to look out for (except for judge Cowell, who longed for another glass-shattering "moment").
- Didi Benami. Trembling at the precipice two weeks in a row, she improved this week with the Fleetwood Mac number "Rhiannon" (1976). Sticking with Stevie Nicks (a la "Landslide" from Top 20 week) can eventually pay off.
- Lacey Brown. Working the Betty-Boop eyes, Brown pumped some vim and vigor into "The Story" (2007), which Judge Randy dubbed a "boring" song (but not Brown's rendition). Her improvement and her underdog status may have helped boost Brown's following.
- Katelyn Epperly. Her keyboard shrunk from grand to stand-up, but her plastic take on "I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet" (1971) left the panel unmoved. However, never underestimate an Iowa girl's Midwestern appeal.
- Katie Stevens. The full-throated 17-year-old had the most youthful song with "Breakaway" (2004), and a tune from Idol alum Kelly Clarkson at that. Still, regretful judges saw an identity crisis.
- Lilly Scott. Among the panelists' favorite, she updated "I Fall to Pieces" (1961) but judge Cowell worried about her risk. Another thing to worry about: For voters who rely on Tivo, her telephone code was cut off at the highlight recap.
- Paige Miles. The singer went somber with "Smile" (1936) and got a universal kiss of death from the judges. Once again dead-last in Web curiosity, the Florida girl may be singing the classic as her encore song.
by Claudine Zap
Our top picks from the day's hottest searches.
- Census jobs (Searches increased by +655%). Out of work? The government is hiring 700,000 door-to-door census takers this summer.
- Gabourey Sidibe (+264%). The Oscar-nominated actress has a new job: A recurring role on the new show "The Big C," starring Laura Linney.
- Vote for the Worst (+256%). A new season of "American Idol" means strategies to game the system have begun.
- Asperger's Syndrome (+233%). The drama "Parenthood" featured a 13-year-old character with the symdrome.
- Michelle Obama (+219%). The first lady's inaugural ball gown made its museum debut.
