Top New Phrases of 2008

Alaska governor went zooming up search charts in '08

(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.

A look at President Obama's kiss list

(NEWSER) - When you're the president of the United States, a kiss, apparently, is never just a kiss. Yesterday, the president pecked Diane Sawyer on the cheek before an interview. "It was like a current events-themed Harlequin novel," writes Gawker's Adrian Chen. And it wasn't the first time! A brief history of the president's "public smooching rampage:"

• The "Accidental" Kiss: During the presidential campaign an enthusiastic Obama "accidentally" kissed Jill Biden on the lips. "This can make for a very awkward situation," the Frisky notes.

2009 list also includes sports figures, politicians, royalty, entertainers, artists

(NEWSER) - Vanity Fair’s 2009 International Best-Dressed List is as glamorous as ever, but the magazine didn’t ignore the global pinch of the recession. A sampling of the honorees, along with their favorite recession-friendly bargain-hunting locale or item:

• Michelle Obama: J. Crew
• Barack Obama: Secret Service employees’ store
• Alicia Keys: Barneys warehouse sale
• Brad Pitt: Make It Right Foundation T-shirts

President and first lady turn down dinner invitation from French hosts

(NEWSER) - The Obamas arrive in Paris tonight, but the president and the first lady have told the Sarkozys that they'll need a little time alone. Barack and Michelle declined a dinner invitation from the French president and wife Carla Bruni, even though they are staying at the American ambassador's residence—right next door to couple's Elysée apartment. More»

'Maverick,' 'staycation,' and 'game-changer' also make appearances

(NEWSER) - Did you get your fill of mavericks this year? Or companies claiming to go green? Those words made Lake Superior State University’s list of the most overused words and phrases of 2008, the AP reports. Other annoying winners:

• Carbon footprint
• First dude
• Bailout
• Wall Street, in comparison with Main Street