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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
3

Google Taps Zeitgeist, Finds Palin a Winner

Alaska governor went zooming up search charts in '08

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(Newser) – Every year, Google releases its analysis of the global zeitgeist based on billions of searches around the world. Newsweek reports the highlights:

  • Sarah Palin: "Obama" was the most searched for term overall, but the Alaska governor grabbed the top spot on the fastest-rising list.
  • Beijing 2008: The world was understandably electrified by the spectacle of the Olympics in China.

  • Facebook login: #3 on the fastest-rising list; apparently, the world really wants to log in to Facebook.
  • Tuenti, Nasza Klasa, and Wer Kennt Wen: Social-networking sites from Spain, Poland, and Germany gained on the global leader.
  • Heath Ledger: News of the actor's untimely death sent searches for his name skyrocketing in 2008.
  • The Jonas Brothers: 10th on the fastest-rising list, but hey, if only tweens used Google ...
For a complete list, and other analysis, click the links below.

China's gymnast gold medal winner He Kexin, left, and China's bronze medalist Yang Yilin are shown during the medal ceremony for the uneven bars.
China's gymnast gold medal winner He Kexin, left, and China's bronze medalist Yang Yilin are shown during the medal ceremony for the uneven bars.   (AP Photo)
Google signs shown inside Google headquarters.
Google signs shown inside Google headquarters.   (AP Photo)
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.   (AP Photo)
The Jonas Brothers.
The Jonas Brothers.   (AP Photo)
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.   (AP Photo)
The late Heath Ledger.
The late Heath Ledger.   (AP Photo)
Women's high jump gold medalist Belgium's Tia Hellebaut.
Women's high jump gold medalist Belgium's Tia Hellebaut.   (AP Photo)
President-elect Barack Obama.
President-elect Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
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jaguarj
Dec 11, 08 6:13 PM CST
YA VIVA THE PIG IN LIPSTICK!!!! SHE MADE THE FASTEST RISING LIST???? OF WHAT..BOZO OF THE YEAR???
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Lula
Dec 11, 08 4:52 PM CST
Crazy Nut. Reply
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maevealleine
Dec 11, 08 8:29 PM CST
Impeach Obama for...? Reply
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Another most popular list, from Lycos
Lycos

A deeper look at Google's lists
TechCrunch

Google's analysis of Chinese searches looks a little different
The Standard

Most popular online music choices of 2008
Mashable


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