If we are what we Google, then Google Hot Trends —an hourly rundown of search terms “that experience sudden surges in popularity”—is the Web’s best cultural barometer. Here’s a sampling of today’s top searches. (Rankings on Hot Trends list current as of 10 a.m.):
No. 6: “Vj Day.” Today is Victory over Japan Day , or V-J Day for short. On this day in 1945, at a little after noon Japan standard time, Emperor Hirohito announced his acceptance of the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, marking the official end to World War II. President Truman cautioned that “the proclamation of V-J Day must wait upon the formal signing of the surrender terms by Japan” which happened on Sept. 2, 1945— the day Truman actually declared to be “V-J Day.” The day is celebrated as a holiday only in Rhode Island — if you live there, enjoy the day off!
No. 8: “Damon Weaver.” In November, then-10-year-old Damon Weaver sent a message to President Obama on YouTube asking for an interview. Yesterday, he got his wish. Weaver grilled the President on how to improve education in poor communities, if it was possible for him to improve school lunches, what to do if you get bullied, and whether or not the president could dunk. He also played his sources off each other, asking the president: “When I interviewed Vice President Joe Biden, he became my homeboy. Would you like to become my homeboy?” Watch the video and read the transcript at ABC .
No. 60 “Chris Brown Changed Man.” Tracks from Chris Brown’s upcoming album, Graffiti , were leaked to the Internet yesterday . The biggest news is the title of the first single: “Changed Man.” In the chorus, Brown promises, “I’m a make it up to you and show the world I’m a changed man/ Cuz you mean that much to me.” No word yet on whether the track is dedicated to Rihanna, but Brown’s public apology on July 21 and Rihanna’s recent statements protesting the court’s restrictive restraining order hint at a reconciliation. A low-quality version of the single is here .
Photograph of Chris Brown courtesy of Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.
