Searches for Virginia Tech, including the related search terms for Virginia Tech shooting and Virginia Tech massacre, gained 7433% this week. The shooter Seung-Hui Cho also showed a significant gain in search interest of 4800%. Searches encompassed both the names Seung-Hui Cho and Cho Seung-Hui as both variations have been used in the media. Because the incident at Virginia Tech was sadly reminiscent of past school shootings, searches for Columbine went up 444%. The shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado occured eight years ago on April 20, 1999 and is now the third deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Many media outlets have linked the incidents, with Cho compared to Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Cho even likened himself to Klebold and Harris in the video he sent NBC News.

In lighter news, searches for the World Cup have increased 750%. The women's World Cup is taking place this year in Wuhan, China. The United States team is entering with a #1 ranking. The American ladies have received a very difficult draw, having to face Sweden, North Korea, and Nigeria. The draw took place on Sunday, April 22 and the World Cup will run in September. Let's go, ladies!

Other notable increases include pilates. Perhaps web users are trying to get their stomachs toned for beach season. When I tried pilates, I felt as if another lifeform was trying to escape my body via my abs. Also, "Ugly Betty" which finally returned for new episodes last Thursday night increased 300%.

The most popular search movers and shakers for the week ending December 30, 2006:

1. Virginia Tech Up 7433%
2. Seung-Hui Cho Up 4800%
3. World Cup Up 750%
4. ColumbineUp 744%
5. "Ugly Betty"Up 300%
6. Lance Bass Up 300%
7. Tom Cruise Up 300%
8. Pilates Up 117%
9. Jessica Simpson Up 61%
10. Father's Day Up 50%