Jan 18th 2008 12:20PM

Farewell ...

Yes, this is officially my last blog post. After over a year of writing about what's hot, I have decided to move on. From Britney to Vick to all things 'Idol,' writing this blog has been fun and informative. I may never have known about the colossal squid last February or what the gay bomb really was or who Steve Martin married in a secret ceremony this spring.

Even though some people have disagreed on my opinions on such controversial topics as toe rings and Jodie Sweetin, I have appreciated all of the comments (the good and the bad!). The avid readers of this blog are what makes it so great. So, thank you AOL Searchers for reading and also for searching for fun and interesting topics. Without you, what would I have written about?

So read on! I am sure that Heidi will keep you informed on the hottest topics on AOL Search.

Let's leave on a happy note. As a parting gift I leave to you this excellent video that one of my co-workers shared with me yesterday. It's quite comical! Please note my favorite part: The random cat that one of the backup dancers is holding.

Happy Searching and farewell!

Jan 16th 2008 5:21PM

Looking for Love??

OK kids, Valentine's Day is right around the corner ... again. This is the time of year when people begin to think about finding someone special. It also seems like every year people begin to ramp up their online dating searches in a rush to find a Valentine's Day date.

But where do you find love online? In my opinion, it can be kind of sketchy. You do not know who you are really talking to! But I have lots of friends of all ages who have had really great online dating experiences (... and some not so great).

Out of curiosity I decided to check out what the hottest online dating searches were doing to get ready for the big day. People are searching for all kinds of ways to meet a new significant other. From free dating sites to local personals, people are really trying to find out what is out there. I have heard interesting things about dating services lately -- if you are too busy, they set you up! Even though it is really not my style, gothic dating adds an interesting twist to our list.

Have you found love online? You can check out AOL Personals and see if your match is waiting. Or you can also try searching for dating on AOL Search.

Top Dating Searches on AOL Search:

1. Classified personals
2. Free dating sites
3. Local personals
4. Dating services
5. Free personals
6. Speed dating
7. BBW personals
8. Interracial dating
9. Gothic dating
10. Gay dating

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Jan 16th 2008 2:58PM

Keep Your Home Safe

Home safety is incredibly important, yet it seems to be something that people tend to overlook. Shouldn't it be at the top of our priority lists? After all, what's more important than keeping our homes and families safe?

A little over six months ago I purchased my first home. Home security was never something I had really thought about until then. But what if something happened? Now that I am completely settled into my new place, I thought it would be a good time to invest in a home security system. But where do I start?

I decided to check out which home security options people were searching for on AOL Search. Clearly home security systems are the No. 1 search followed by safes (definitely need to get one of these). A security camera seems a little out of control, but a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector are must-haves.

What kind of security system do you have in your house? Check out AOL Shopping to see what solutions are out there. Or you can search for home security on AOL Search.

Top Searched Home Security Items on AOL Search:
1. Home security systems
2. Safes
3. Security camera
4. Smoke detectors
5. Fire extinguishers
6. Alarm systems
7. Wireless security system
8. Carbon monoxide detectors
9. Fire alarm
10. Motion detectors

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Jan 15th 2008 3:30PM

Princess Diana's Secret Lover

Who is Hasnat Khan? If it wasn't for Princess Diana's butler Paul Burrell, we would never know. Recently Burrell was forced to divulge secret information about the princess. This included information about her secret lover, Hasnat Khan. Hasnat is a Pakistani heart surgeon who swept Diana off her feet and referred to him as her "soul mate". The two supposedly had a two-year relationship.

Princess Diana asked her former butler to arrange a secret wedding for the two love birds, although Khan was not on board. If Diana was so in love with Khan, then why was she with Fayed the night of the car crash?

Rumor has it that the relationship with Dodi Fayed was only a rebound from Khan's break up two months earlier. Diana tried to make Khan jealous by dating Fayed and hoping he would see the light that she was much more important than his career. Khan unfortunately never wanted to become a public figure and after the car crash never even got the chance. Who knew even princesses had such drama in their lives?

Hot Searches from January 14, 2008:
1. Kim Kardashian -- Trying to steal Lindsay's man?
2. Boston Red Sox -- Fight to get Santana
3. Summer Glau -- Check out 'The Sarah Connor Chronicles' hottie
4. Hasnat Khan -- Did Diana plan to marry her secret lover?
5. Zetia -- Will it help you lower your cholesterol?
6. Vytorin -- Questioned in a controversial study
7. Kimora Lee Simmons -- Poses for PETA
8. NOAA -- Declares white marlins are not endangered
9. Daniel Radcliffe -- Will 'Deathly Hallows' be two moives?
10. 'Good Morning America' -- Sawyer talks to Katie Holmes
11. 'Today Show' -- See what Matt and Meredith are up to today
12. Lindsay Lohan -- Is she fighting Kim for Grenier?
13. Dallas Cowboys --T.O. cries and Simpson doesn't show
14. Oprah Winfrey -- Polls show 'Ellen' might be hotter
15. 'Young and the Restless' -- Brad follows Sharon to Chicago
16. Paris Hilton -- Poses for Fila
17. Fibromyalgia -- Lyrica is approved to treat the pain
18. New York Yankees -- Have they dropped out of Santana talks?
19. Gold prices -- Hit a new high
20. Gold -- Prices at an all time high

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Jan 14th 2008 4:06PM

Lindsay's New Man

So the rumors about Lilo are flying again. No, she is not back in rehab (or jail for that matter) but she has found another new man. Rumor has it that Lindsay is dating Paris' ex, Adrian Grenier.

Apparently this is not the first time that Lindsay and Paris have overlapped. Both have dated Brody Jenner and oil heir Brandon Davis. Lohan denies that she is exclusive with the 'Entourage' cutie. But the question remains: Does it make Paris mad?

It seemed to me that Lindsay and Paris had reconciled their differences after their 2006 that involved Davis. Rumor has it that Lindsay has been seeing Grenier for over a month now. This comes after rumors that she was seeing Spencer Guilbert and her breakup from rehab hookup, Riley Giles. Lilo's rep claims that they are trying to keep things quiet. Maybe this one will last for her? Somehow I would not count on it.

Hot Searches from January 13, 2008:

1. Usher -- Gets ready for his new album
2. 'Comanche Moon' -- Mini series premieres tonight on CBS
3. David Beckham -- Will Capello let him be the new captain?
4. Tony Romo – loses to the Giants in the playoffs
5. Weather – See what it will be like in your area
6. San Diego Chargers – Beat the Colts
7. Lindsay Lohan – Spotted with her new man
8. Pamela Anderson – Talks about her relationship with Rick
9. Detroit Auto Show – Hybrids have a large presence
10. New York Giants – Beat the Cowboys
11. Paris Hilton – Gets honored by Harvard
12. New York Yankees – Pull out of Santana negotiations
13. Low Airfares – Check out the best prices for your next trip
14. Gerard Butler – Admits he loves karaoke
15. Jessica Simpson – Doesn't show up at the Cowboys game
16. Wedding dresses – Find the perfect dress for your big day
17. Ashley Tisdale – Films new movie in New Zealand
18. BMI – Start your year off healthy
19. Victoria Beckham – At Fashion Week in Milan
20. Angelina Jolie – Does not win at the Golden Globes

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Jan 11th 2008 12:32PM

Tata Nano Released in India

When I first saw Tata Nano in our top searches for the day, I was not really sure what would come up. I cautiously entered the term into the search box and was pleasantly surprised that it was not a form of anime or something naughty. It is actually a new car that was released in India this week.

The Nano is not just your regular sedan though. It is actually a minicar that was released on Thursday and has been dubbed "the people's car." Not only is it super small, it is also super cheap. The cost to a family is only $2,500! That is amazing. This is about half the price of the next cheapest car in India.

Tata Motors launched their new vehicle at the New Delhi Auto Expo yesterday. Hundreds of people looked on as they uncovered the car for the first time. The launch of this vehicle will certainly drop off the sales of the two-wheeler in India which is the most commonly used mode of transportation. Will this cause some rift in the Indian community?

Hot Searches from January 10, 2008:

1. Michael Vick – Gets transferred to Kansas
2. Tata Nano – World's cheapest car introduced
3. Nano car – Introduced by Tata Motors
4. Billy Bush – Golden Globes special could be a PR stunt
5. Justin Timberlake – May star with Biel in a movie
6. Hilary Duff – Goes out in L.A.
7. 'Grey's Anatomy' – Bailey's son gets injured
8. New York Yankees – Gossage in Hall of Fame
9. 'Smallville' – What will happen in season 7?
10. Serena Williams – Has a broken heart
11. Brad Pitt – Looking for child #5 in 2008?
12. Mariah Carey – Denies fued with J. Lo
13. Crocs – Ugly ... but comfy
14. Hillary Clinton – Comes out on top in N.H.
15. Rihanna – Joins AIDs campaign with H&M
16. Kitchen cabinets – Revamp your kitchen
17. Breast cancer – Could saliva help diagnose it?
18. Ashley Tisdale – To make her big screen debut
19. Nicole Richie – Countdown to baby
20. Kat Von D – Is she preggerz?

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Jan 10th 2008 2:43PM

Time to Gossip!

I like to think that I am pretty in tune when it comes to pop culture. In between reading 'People' and 'In Touch,' I also find time to check out my favorite gossip blogs. I guess you can say that since these topics come up so frequently in our top searches, celebrity gossip is kind of my thing.

Britney, Lilo and Paris are all names that come up in our top searches all the time. But I thought it would be fun to see who the top celeb searches were for this week. The list is kind of surprising! Our #1 search is Kiss front man, Gene Simmons. I guess that his antics on 'The Apprentice' caused quite a stir. He is followed by the always hot Nicole Richie as people are watching her ever growing baby bump.

There are a few other anomalies that show up on our top list. Billy Zane is the #3 search (a name that I only knew from a brief 'Zoolander' appearance until this week). But people want to check out his beach pics with fiancé, Kelly Brook. The always classy Amy Fisher also makes an appearance since the release party for her personal sex tape -- at which she was the deejay. Good job, Amy!

Nicole Kidman
makes our top list due to the official announcement that she is pregnant. And lastly, I have to comment on Britney. I know she is always in the top searches, but things just keep getting worse for the girl. Just when you think that she has probably hit rock bottom she surprises you. Between ambulances and restraining orders this has to be the worst, right? Even Dr. Phil canceled his show with her! Somehow I think Brit will still shock us with something even worse ... hopefully I am wrong.

Did your favorite celeb make our list? Get more news by searching for celebrity gossip on AOL Search. Or you can check out TMZ.com to keep up with all the celebrity trends.

Top Searched Celebrities on AOL Search:
1. Gene Simmons
2. Nicole Richie
3. Billy Zane
4. Amy Fisher
5. Britney Spears
6. Kim Kardashian
7. Carla Bruni
8. Dr. Phil
9. Oprah
10. Nicole Kidman

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Jan 10th 2008 1:43PM

Get a Job

Any time that I am seeking a new place of employment, I know that this means that I have to do a ton of research. In every job search I have ever done the Internet has been my biggest tool. It is really the best place to find out what is available!

After the first of the year it seems like people begin to look for new jobs. It is only natural, for most people a new year means a new beginning. This can also mean a new job. To me, job searching can be kind of fun. Who knows? You may find your dream job!

Checking out what job searches people are doing on AOL Search, it seems like a lot of people are actively looking. Government jobs topped off our list. This was followed Work from Home jobs (how nice would that be?) and online jobs. People are also looking into post office jobs and trucking diving gigs. I have always thought that it would be secretly fun to be a flight attendant ... you would get to travel everywhere!

Are you looking to expand your resume? Try searching for jobs on AOL Search. Or you can always check out AOL Jobs to see what you can find.

1. Government jobs
2. Work from home jobs
3. Truck driving jobs
4. UPS jobs
5. Post office jobs
6. Fedex jobs
7. Walmart jobs
8. Construction jobs
9. Nursing jobs
10. Flight attendant jobs

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Jan 10th 2008 12:26PM

Bringing the Gym Home

Now that it is January, it is time for a new year. It is also time to reflect on all of the eating that was done during the holidays. Yuck! But what better time to get things into gear and really start getting into shape but the beginning of 2008?

I have been looking into getting some kind of home gym equipment for my place. That way there is no excuse to not work out. And I figure if it is at my house I wont ever have to "go to the gym" ... the gym will come to me! What a great idea. I know that searches have been up for home gym equipment with the New Year so I decided to see what people were looking for on AOL Search.

Naturally the first search on our list is for treadmills. This could be a good option but I kind of prefer the elliptical or a stepper. People are also searching for the Bosu which seems pretty fun and for different kinds of weights to get themselves in shape.

Planning on getting a home gym this year? Try searching for gym equipment on AOL Search or you can check out AOL Shopping to see what deals you can find.

Top Searched Gym Equipment on AOL Search:
1. Treadmill
2. Elliptical
3. Exercise ball
4. Rowing machines
5. Stepper
6. Weight bench
7. Bosu
8. Dumbbells
9. Free weights
10. Yoga mats

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Jan 10th 2008 12:15PM

Lose That Cellulite

Cellulite ... it is like a four letter word to most women. If you have it, you don't want it. If you are lucky enough to not have it, you want to be able to avoid it. This is such a hot topic that I knew that people had to be coming up with crazy ideas about how to get rid of those unwanted dimples.

Now I knew that there were creams and I thought that in extreme cases lipo would probably get rid of cellulite, but there is so much more than I imagined. Since I know little about the subject, I thought it would be a good idea to see what cellulite removal options people were looking for on AOL Search.

The first search on our list is for "detox for cellulite." Can you really get cellulite detox? There are also treatments as benign as cellulite soap and range to a cellulite patch. What could possibly be in that? And I have never heard of a cellulite machine ... but maybe it works?

Have you found any good treatments out there? Try searching for cellulite treatments on AOL Search or you can check out AOL Body for more info.

Top Searched Cellulite Treatments on AOL Search:
1. Detox for cellulite
2. Cellulite cream
3. Cellulite patch
4. Cellulite exercises
5. Cellulite shorts
6. Cellulite removal natural
7. Cellulite reducing soap
8. Cellulite machine
9. Nivea Good Bye cellulite
10. Steam bath cellulite treatment

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Jan 10th 2008 12:03PM

Top Men's Health Searches

I am kind of a perpetual hypochondriac. My friends make fun of me because I'm constantly looking up symptoms for things online. After over a year of blogging about what people search for, I know I am not the only one who does this. People are constantly going online to learn more about health topics.

Last month I did a post on women's health topics so I thought that it would only be fair to talk about the health topics that men are searching for as well. There are some interesting things that came up in our results. Since I am not a man, I was not really versed in what a lot of these topics are. I have definitely learned a lot today!

The #1 search that came up was for prostate cancer. I know that this is a really big health issue. Men are searching for everything from ulcerative colitis to prostatitis to hair loss. They also want to learn more about vasectomies and indigestion.

Is there a health topic that you go online to learn more about? If you think that you are experiencing any of these health issues you should go see your doctor. You can also learn more by searching for men's health on AOL Search or going to AOL Health for information.

Top Searched Men's Health Topics on AOL Search:
1. Prostate cancer
2. Urinary tract infection
3. Ulcerative colitis
4. Hair loss
5. Vasectomy
6. Premature ejaculation
7. Insomnia
8. Impotence
9. Prostatitis
10. Indigestion

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Jan 9th 2008 4:09PM

Love, Love, Love

Valentine's Day. It is a day to celebrate your love and be with the person that means the most to you. In my opinion, you are either completely pro-Valentines Day or you are quasi-anti. Sometimes it just seems like it has become such a commercial holiday. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for people celebrating their love. But some of the things that people buy these days to celebrate are out of control.

Since some people are really into Valentine's Day, I thought it would be a good idea to see what searches people were doing on AOL Search about the holiday to prepare. Valentine crafts top off our list followed by Valentine decorations. People are also looking to deck out their MySpace page with Valentine décor and are looking for Valentine cards. Aw and red Valentine teddy bears, how cute!

What kind of things do you search for on Valentine's Day? Try searching for Valentine's on AOL Search and send an online message to the one that you love.

Happy Valentine's Day :)

Top Valentine's Day Searches on AOL Search:

1. Valentine crafts
2. Valentine decorations
3. Valentine coloring pages
4. Valentine wallpaper
5. Valentine gifts
6. Valentine bear
7. Valentine pictures
8. Valentines Day MySpace layouts
9. Valentine hearts
10. Valentine clipart
11. Valentine cards
12. Valentine s dance flyer
13. Cupid and Valentines Day
14. Red Valentine teddy bears

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Jan 9th 2008 3:08PM

Think Before You Act

When I was a little girl my mother always told me "Think before you act." I can honestly say that this was some of the best advice that my mother gave me (this includes "Don't touch the walls, it's an international law" – I believed this until I was 12 when I found out it was NOT an international law of any kind). But I honestly feel that the advice to "think before you act" should be followed by everyone. This thought especially applied today when I heard about Kelly Tilghman.

I had never heard the name Kelly Tilghman until this morning. This is probably because I do not have any interest in watching golf. But after a little research I found out that Tilghman is an anchor on the Golf Channel (which I am sure is very thrilling to watch). In a conversation that Tilghman was having with a co-anchor about Tiger Woods she made the comment that young players should "lynch Tiger in a back alley." This did not go over well.

Tilghman clearly did not think before she spoke. She has apologized directly to Tiger, who she has known for over 12 years. She is also apologizing to her viewers for her remarks. The Golf Channel has also stated that there will be disciplinary actions for Kelly's words ... I wonder if it will be a Don Imus situation?

My parting words of wisdom: Think before you act ;)

Hot Searches from January 8, 2008:

1. Kelly Tilghman -- Apologizes to Tiger
2. Bitten -- Check out SJP's new line
3. N.H. primary -- Turnout sets a record
4. Keith Urban -- Going to be a daddy
5. Kelly Clarkson -- Makes the worst dressed list
6. Computers -- Find a new one
7. Lil' Wayne -- Writing for Dre
8. 'One Tree Hill' -- What will happen next?
9. Megan Fox -- New series gets a director
10. Angelina Jolie -- Gets an '08 makeover
11. New Hampshire -- Has a huge primary turnout
12. Carrie Underwood -- In 'Women's Health'
13. Rihanna -- Wins People's Choice Award
14. Kenny Chesney -- Top 2007 songwriter
15. Ashley Tisdale -- Gets a nose job
16. Weather -- What is it like in your area?
17. Michael Vick -- In rehab?
18. Pamela Anderson -- Goes to Australia
19. Bikinis -- Start shopping ... summer will be here before you know it
20. NFL -- Who will make the Super Bowl?

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Jan 8th 2008 12:42PM

Stop It, Amy Fisher

Amy Fisher ... the name just exudes class. From her wife shooting ways to her current antics, you always know that she is up to something good. This time is no different. Our favorite name from '90s household scandal is back in the news ... and still keeping it classy.

So, you ask what the Long Island Lolita could possibly be doing these days? Why, she was the DJ at a party this past weekend. Now this was not just any party ... it was a release party for her very own sex tape. Fisher was seen living it up at ReTox Rock Bar as people came out to celebrate her new found "success."

But how would people get a copy of this tape? It was "leaked" by her husband and co-star, Louis Bellera. This convenient leak happened when Fisher was contemplating divorce from Louis and also resulted in a six figure monetary gain for Amy and her man. How nice for them?

Clearly Amy has no shame since she is out celebrating the defamation of her own character. But then again, what were we to expect. Way to keep it classy, Amy.

Hot Searches from January 7, 2008:
1. Miley Cyrus – Makes the big bucks
2. Wii – Outsells PS3
3. Amy Fisher – Has a naughty tape
4. Neti pot – Can help your sinuses
5. Vivica A. Fox – Denies sex tape
6. 'The View' – Hasselbeck brings her son to the show
7. 'Today Show' – Man who turned blue appears on show
8. Angelina Jolie – Arrives late with Brad to Critics' Choice
9. Nicole Kidman – Confirms pregnancy
10. BCS – LSU wins title
11. Jessica Biel – Keepin' it clean with Justin
12. Louisiana State University – Wins the BCS title
13. Weather – See what it will be like in your area
14. Lindsay Lohan – Another lover dishes
15. Student loans – Find one to suit your needs
16. Hotels – Find deals online
17. Jennifer Love Hewitt – Says her feelings were hurt
18. Crocs – Ugly ... but comfy
19. Bipolar disorder – Learn more about the symptoms
20. Paris Hilton – Loves ... the ladies

Jan 7th 2008 3:35PM

Did Scientolgists Bribe Nicole?

It is not often that the names Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise appear together in the news. Even when they both came up in today's list of hot searches, I not think that the two were related. It turns out that I was wrong. People were searching for both members of the former Hollywood power couple because of a biography that was released about Tom.

The book claims that Nicole Kidman was blackmailed by Scientologists after her divorce from Tom. Kidman had to keep her mouth shut about the "hatred" that she had allegedly developed for Scientology during her marriage. If she didn't, the group would divulge intimate details about her sex life.

The Scientologists deny these rumors and Cruise is seriously mad about the book. He is threatening to sue the biographer, Andrew Morton for his accusations. The craziest one is that Tom Cruise is not Suri's father. Rumor has it that the real father of the youngest of the Cruise clan was really fathered by a sperm donation from L. Ron Hubbard, the deceased founder of Scientology.

OK, when I first read about all of these outlandish accusations my thought was that they had to be made up. First off, why would the Church of Scientology know anything about Kidman's sex life to blackmail? If they did, that is just creepy. And the dead sperm donor! Ew – that is even more creepy. Then I got to thinking about Tomkat and how crazy they seem and maybe it is not that far fetched?

Maybe people were also searching for Nicole because of the tragic outfit that she wore to the Australian premiere of 'The Golden Compass'? Note: A metallic silver suit does not look good on anyone, even you Nicole.

Hot Searches from January 6, 2008:
1. Corey Feldman – Talks of 'Lost Boys 3'?
2. Michael Vick – Could he get an early release
3. Carla Bruni – To marry Sarkozy
4. Mass Effect – A popular game
5. 'L.A. Ink' – Is Kat pregnant?
6. Hilary Duff – Is her new role based on Brit?
7. Oakland Raiders – Hold on to Ryan
8. Kat Von D – Rumors that she is preggerz
9. Nicole Kidman – In scientology scandal
10. 'American Gladiators' – Comes to a regular time slot
11. Reggie Bush – Not engaged to Kim
12. Lindsay Lohan – Italian lover speaks out
13. Avril Lavigne – Throws a New Years hissy fit
14. Benazir Bhutto – Can Musharraf survive?
15. San Diego Chargers – Stay in the playoffs
16. OK! Magazine – Questions Brit's sexual preference
17. Airline tickets – Get them at the best rate you can find
18. Tom Cruise – Is Suri not his child?
19. Jessica Alba – Thinks Efron looks like a child
20. Japanese animation - Check out what is hot

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