America Online Unveils Hottest Searches for Spring 2005

Business Wire, April 12, 2005

DULLES, Va. -- America Online, Inc.

The Season's Most Popular Queries on AOL(R) Search Offer Indicator
            to What's Top-Of-Mind for Consumers this Spring

     Derek Jeter Comes Out Swinging As Most-Searched-For Baseball
Player; Weight Watchers Is Hot Among Dieters and Travelers Hope to Win
                           Big in Las Vegas

What's captivating consumers this spring? AOL(R) Search today revealed the top searches as Americans get ready for everything from baseball and bikinis to education and easy tax tips. As baseball season gets underway, Derek Jeter ranked as the most searched for baseball player on AOL Search this spring. The scales also tipped in favor of Weight Watchers, which beat out the South Beach diet among those looking ahead to bathing suit season. Duke University topped the list of college searches, and the 1040 EZ was the most popular tax form as the season's deadlines draw to a close.

The results are based on the people and topics that received the highest volume of online queries nationally on AOL Search from January 1 to March 21, 2005.

"Looking at search terms seasonally and seeing what's gaining in popularity on AOL Search can reveal a lot about emerging trends and what's hot with consumers," said Jim Riesenbach, Senior Vice President, AOL Search and Navigation. "Whether they're planning an important event like a wedding or simply making vacation plans, more and more consumers are getting the information they need with they help of AOL Search."

Spring's Hottest Searches from AOL Search include:

Baseball players: Derek Jeter's batting 1000 as the top-searched baseball player this spring. Other popular players include: 2) Barry Bonds; 3) Sammy Sosa; 4) Alex Rodriguez; 5) Mike Piazza; 6) Carlos Beltran; 7) Randy Johnson; 8) Pedro Martinez; 9) Jason Giambi; and 10) Johnny Damon.

Weight Loss: 2004 was all about South Beach but now we're counting points as Weight Watchers ranks top among dieters. Other weight loss methods include: 2) South Beach; 3) Atkins; 4) Diet Pills; 5) Gastric Bypass Surgery; 6) Cabbage Soup Diet; 7) Jenny Craig; 8) Body for Life; 9) LA Weight Loss; 10) Diabetic Diets.

Destinations: Americans are hoping to hit the jackpot as Las Vegas ranked #1 among destinations for travelers. Other hot spots include: 2) Hawaii; 3) Myrtle Beach, SC; 4) Cancun, Mexico; 5) Key West, FL; 6) Newport News, VA.; 7) New Orleans, LA; 8) New York.; 9) Bahamas; and 10) Atlantic City, NJ.

Weddings: Love is in the air, and those planning their big day are focused on finding unforgettable "wedding gowns," which came in at #1. Other hot topics among brides-to-be include: 2) wedding invitations; 3) wedding cakes; 4) bridal showers; 5) engagement rings; 6) bridesmaid dresses; 7) mother-of-the-bride dresses; 8) wedding favors; 9) wedding songs; and 10) wedding bands.

Spring cleaning: Time to rid the house of its cobwebs and dust bunnies and enjoy some fresh air. "Vacuum cleaners" ranked #1 for those ready to get down and dirty. Other top-of-mind products include: 2) air purifiers; 3) steam cleaners; 4) carpet cleaners; 5) air cleaners; 6) house cleaners; 7) mops; 8) window cleaners; 9) water purifiers and 10) pool cleaners.

Colleges and universities: Textbooks, homework and parties, oh my. Duke took the top spot for most-searched university, but other top schools include: 2) New York University; 3) University of Florida; 4) Ohio State University; 5) University of South Florida; 6) Florida State University 7) University of North Carolina; 8) Penn State University; 9) UCLA; and 10) University of Maryland.

Tax forms: As online filing grows in popularity and the deadline for filing is just around the corner, many are searching for all the right forms, and the 1040EZ ranked #1. Other important documents include: 2) 1040; 3) W-4; 4) W-2; 5) 1099; 6) 1040A; 7) W-9; 8) 1040X; 9) 8812; and 10) 940. In addition, searches for IRS form 4868 - the application for an automatic filing extension - and "tax extensions" have greatly increased in volume with only days before the deadline.

Proms: As millions of teens prepared for a night they'll never forget, most sought for "prom dresses" that hopefully they won't come to regret. Other hot teen prom topics include: 2) prom hairstyles; 3) prom shoes; 4) discount prom dresses; 5) plus-size prom dresses; 6) sexy prom dresses; 7) designer prom dresses; 8) prom themes; 9) prom jewelry; and 10) short prom dresses.

Flowers: April showers bring May flowers, but what will be in bloom this spring? "Roses" are a classic favorite and take the top spot for most-searched flower. Other blooming beauties include: 2) orchids; 3) tulips; 4) hibiscuses; 5) sunflowers; 6) hydrangeas; 7) daisies; 8) magnolias; 9) irises; and 10) lilies.

While Weight Watchers was the most searched for diet nationally, searchers in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Cleveland are showing greater interest in the South Beach diet's low-carb approach. Also, sunny climates such as Hawaii, Aruba and Costa Rica are top of mind for consumers in San Francisco, Boston and Miami planning upcoming vacations, while searchers in Philadelphia, Dallas, and Seattle are placing their bets on Las Vegas.