Pixar, Poor Grades, and a Lost Sense: Buzz Week In Review
by Mike KrumboltzJun 19, 2009
Some weeks in the Buzz are thrilling. Others are inspiring. However, this past week was filled with some sad and discouraging news. Some of the noteworthy stories you may have missed: A child dying of cancer asked for (and received) a private screening of Pixar's "Up." A Chicago school announced that 44 of its 77 students won't graduate. Oh, and you know that nasal spray you've been using to help cure your cold? Turns out it might have taken away your sense of smell.
A child's last wish
10-year-old Colby Curtin died of cancer this week, but before she passed away, her final wish was fulfilled. The child had desperately wanted to see the new Pixar movie, "Up." Unfortunately, she was too ill to go to the theater. According to various articles within the Buzz, Pixar was told of Colby's illness. The company sent a representative to deliver a DVD for Colby to watch in her room. Though she could no longer see, her mother narrated the action. Colby died several hours after the movie ended, and searches on "up movie make a wish" and "colby curtin up" both soared.
Tough times at South Side school
A Chicago school made an alarming announcement this week. Close to 60% of its students won't graduate from the eighth grade. The startling figure sent lookups on "Myra Bradwell Elementary School" spiking. An article from CBS 2 Chicago explains that many in the community are wondering who to blame for the students' failure. Some are pointing fingers at the parents, while those same parents are claiming they didn't receive any notice that their children were struggling (the school board claims that written notices were sent).
What's that smell?
When will companies learn to stop trying to cure the common cold? Perhaps now, after the FDA charged Matrixx, the makers of Zicam, with selling a product that robbed people of their sense of smell. Matrixx called the claim "unwarranted." Still, the news caused a shockwave in Search as lookups roared on "zicam side effects," "zicam recall," and "loss of smell zicam." An article from CNN Money explains that because Zicam was classified as a homeopathic remedy, it was able to be marketed without "government oversight." Perhaps that loophole will soon be closed?
Also buzzing this week...
• Al Roker took it to the Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag on "The Today Show."
• The highly anticipated, if awkwardly named, iPhone 3G S hit store shelves.
• A rash of alleged UFO abductions struck our friends Down Under.