The A-list Files: Archive

Long Legs & Cancer Risk

Mon, 12 May 2008 03:25:20 GMT

What secrets does your body hold? Long legs can signal cancer risk, for one. And low testosterone may up your chances of a stroke.

The Web is a great source for deciphering other physical characteristics, too. Search reveals that red hair is linked to endometriosis; long ring fingers can point to arthritis; and if you pack on the weight in midlife, you could be at risk for this.

The plight of the human body has inspired many celebs and artists to offer sound bites. Guess:

"The body says what words cannot." (Who said it?)

"I finally realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving more love to myself." (Who said it?)

"When it comes to females, Cosmo ain't got nothin' to do with my selection." (Who sang it?)

Related Searches

Lie Detector No. 1: Touching This …
... is a dead giveaway you're lying. Think back to when former president Bill Clinton touched his nose after being asked about Monica Lewinsky.

No. 2: Crossing These …
... is perceived as a defensive, nervous gesture.

No. 3: Shifting This …
... suggests you are not in agreement with something being said to you.

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The Curse of King Tut

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:58:54 GMT

You enter, you die. Or so goes the legend of King Tut's tomb, discovered in 1922. Call it excitement over the King Tut exhibit, but search has spiked around the story of the tomb's curse. We did our own digging:

In search, "curse" outperforms "hex" and "black magic." And Romania is the country that generates the most searches for "curse." After all, it's the home of this blood-sucking count.

Curses come in many forms. Now let's see how well-versed you are in the study of "hexology."

What are curse tablets? (Answer.)

What is the evil eye? (Answer.)

What exactly is voodoo? (Answer.)

What is the curse of the Billy Goat? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Beware the Devil's Triangle
This "graveyard of the Atlantic" is synonymous with a history of disappearing ships.

Beware the Blue Diamond
Legend says this famous jewel was plucked from the statue of a Hindu goddess centuries ago. The thief was ripped apart by wild dogs.

Beware the 'Madden NFL' Cover
When athletes, such as Shaun Alexander, have been on this video game cover, things have not always gone so well afterward.

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Jenna Bush

Fri, 09 May 2008 04:02:54 GMT

Dad's approval numbers are tanking, but Jenna Bush is seeing love in search. Hot topics: her impending wedding, her betrothed and why the ceremony isn't at the White House. Instead it's here.

This party girl has been hot in search before: when she was caught with a fake ID and during her misadventure in Argentina. And when she called home from the "Ellen" show.

Presidential progeny always intrigues. Guess these other notable former first kids:

This first daughter moved into the White House at age 9. As a college student she was arrested for protesting apartheid, but today she's a mom who shuns the spotlight. (Who is she?)

This one wrote about her famous Republican family in her biography, "The Way I See It," and took it all off for Playboy in 1994. (Who is she?)

The oldest living presidential child, this military historian and son of a Republican voted Democratic for the first time in 2004. (Who is he?)

Related Searches

A Domineering Figure
Known by his initials, this gruff leader remains popular in Web searches.

Jefferson's Pen Pal
Thanks to a recent TV miniseries, this grumpy but brilliant president is hot in search.

An Influential & Well-Connected Man
Some historians argue that this president — through either bloodlines or marriage — has a family link to nearly a dozen other presidents. Another family link was to Laura Ingalls Wilder.

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Suri Cruise

Fri, 09 May 2008 04:02:07 GMT

Dad and Oprah are chatting again. Mom's cut keeps hairdressers busy. Even big brother Connor saw a search spike when his own new movie deal was announced recently.

But when we're searching, the Cruise we want is Suri. We want to know about her extravagant birthday party, her favorite designer and even her sandals. Not bad for a 2-year-old.

Fluffy stuff to be discussing? Maybe. But a star-studded family has ushered several of today's hot celebs into the golden circle.

After starring as a baby boy in "The Godfather," what director followed in Dad's footsteps with a 2004 Oscar for screenwriting? (Answer.)

Dad is as famous as a musician can get, but who stepped out of his shadow by becoming a respected fashion designer? (Answer.)

She may not speak to him anymore, but what international jet-setter won an Oscar, just as Dad did in his day? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Dad Won Olympic Gold
This MTV reality star is the son of a decathlon champion.

Mom Needs Only One Name

On the red carpet, this preteen has already shown surprising grace.

Dad Made the Family Famous
With her corporate title and no-nonsense air, this upstart bears more than a passing resemblance to her larger-than-life father.

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Freak Accidents

Mon, 05 May 2008 04:07:58 GMT

An umpire takes a fastball to the jaw; a deadly midair dolphin collision takes center stage at SeaWorld; a "Hills" star opens up about the death of her stepbrother — and so we hit up Web search to give us the details on these freak accidents.

We also turn to search for information on a freak occurrence with a good outcome: six Virginia tornadoes but not one death.

These people, however, weren't so lucky. They all died in unusual ways.

In 2005, Lee Seung Seop of Korea died after two days of doing this. Official cause of death: dehydration and heart failure. (How did he die?)

In 2006, the 5-month-old son of Australian model Kerry Lucas died when she forgot to apply the brakes on his stroller. (How did he die?)

In 2008, Judy Kay Zagorski died when one of these flew out of the water and struck her in the face. Official cause of death: severe head trauma from falling backward. (How did she die?)

Related Searches

Leading Cause of Death: For Ages 5 to 14
More than half of these are caused by motor vehicles.

For Empty Nesters (Ages 45 to 64)
Vitamin D may help prevent certain types of this, according to new research.

For Silver Foxes (Ages 65 & Up)
Effective ways to prevent this: Eating a healthy diet and getting off the couch once in a while.

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The Worm in the Bottle

Sat, 03 May 2008 06:32:27 GMT

We were looking for some Cinco de Mayo fun and found this: tequila worm lollipops. Then we discovered that people search for tequila worm more than mezcal worm — even though the worm is specific to mezcal only.

Yes, the worm stumps many. Top worm-related searches seek answers, like why is there a worm in a tequila bottle? And what's the story behind the worm?

We created a worm quiz to help you prepare for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations. For the record, we never said to take a shot before you answer. Guess:

There are two types of "worms" in mezcal. What's the one that grows into a butterfly? (Answer.)

And the other type of mezcal worm is? (Answer.)

C'mon. Do people really eat the worm? (Some answer.)

If you eat the worm, what will it give you? (Answer.)

What poisonous arachnid can also be found in a mezcal bottle? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Which Is Stronger: Mezcal or Tequila?
It's pretty close between these two alcohol relatives, but one of them packs a bigger punch.

What Is a Sasser Worm?
Also called "the Big One," this threatens many of us, especially office workers.

Who Wrote 'The Conqueror Worm'?
The writer of "The Raven" also penned this poem about mortality and impending death.

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Creeps

Fri, 02 May 2008 05:31:05 GMT

We may not want to admit it, but when it comes to creeps, Web search reveals that we want to know more. Undoubtedly against our better judgment.

What gets people searching for creeps? Sect beliefs and underage marriage, for one. The alleged "smiley-face killer" and creepy stalkers, like the one who harassed Uma Thurman.

And then there's the father, profiled on "Tyra," who drove his daughter to her new job as a prostitute.

Or this Australian man, who allegedly had a child with his own daughter.

Finally, another popular search: "The Billy Letters," which includes correspondence both to and from Charles Manson. Definitely creepy.

Related Searches

Calling All Weirdos
This 1993 hit made this U.K. band very famous.

And Urban-Myth Fans
This tiny terror is said to be frightening locals in General Guemes, Argentina.

And, of Course, Stephen King
This 1982 movie has five creepy stories, starring Hal Holbrook, Ed Harris and Ted Danson.

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'Conceptionmoons'

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:32:59 GMT

What do you call a romantic getaway with the goal of conception? A conceptionmoon. And we find more weirdly coined travel packages on the Web.

Expectant baby mama Amy Poehler and her hubby might want to take a babymoon. For soon-to-be Mr. Jenna Bush Henry Hager? A mancation. For those who want to de-stress without leaving home: a staycation.

And if you like to shed clothes with your stress, you might want to consider a nakation.

According to SpaFinder.com, searches for "nudist spa vacations" have beat out "waxing services" and this type of spa.

Several mainstream hotels are offering topless pools — including this popular Las Vegas resort.

This "American Idol" winner recently said she likes to walk around her house naked, even when her home is filled with strangers.

Related Searches

Smart Vacation No. 1: The King & I
According to Forbes, a weeklong tour of this city will make you smarter. How so? With discussions of the legend of King Arthur and visits to his rumored birthplace, Tintagel Castle.

No. 2: Word Play
A weeklong educational tour of this city includes a study of the French Resistance and seminal French books.

No. 3: Street Kids
A daylong tour of this city caters to teens interested in Wall Street. The itinerary includes a "power breakfast" and a visit to the Nasdaq floor.

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Black Widows

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:50:02 GMT

Why do some women kill? Some do it for money, like the stripper-turned-soccer-mom Mechele Linehan. Some, to exit a bad marriage, like Mary Winkler, who shot her husband, claimed abuse and then went on "Oprah."

In more "black widow" news, this woman was exonerated after 876 days in jail. But in search, we seek black widow spiders and black widow bites. The "Black Widower" "Simpsons" episode is popular too.

The term "black widow" comes from the female spider of the same name that supposedly eats the male after mating. In truth, it rarely happens. Here's more black widow trivia:

What kind of cannibalism is associated with a certain black widow? (Answer.)

What is a popular motive among black widows in film plots? (Answer.)

What's a black widow pearl? (Answer.)

Related Searches

'A Brilliant Killer'
This movie featured a femme fatale who wrote mysteries and was tied to a trail of murdered men. Think ice pick.

'Love & Murder at First Sight'
This classic 1944 Billy Wilder movie had an old-fashioned classic motive: money.

'Only One Woman Can Stop Her'
Theresa Russell and Debra Winger duked it out in this 1987 murder thriller.

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Ichiro

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:21:20 GMT

When it comes to this baseball star, Web searchers want to know the basics first: who he plays for, what his contract's like and how his stats are shaping up.

But fascination about this Japanese-born player runs deep. When it comes to his biography, Web search reveals that we want info about his batting stance, his rookie season and even his fashion sense.

You may be a baseball fan, but do you know these Ichiro facts?

How old is he? (Answer.)

What does his name mean? (Answer.)

What Safeco Field snack bears his name? (Answer.)

And what loyal friend did he thank for advising him during his contract negotiations? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Name That Team
This Western Division team has started off this year with a bang. Hint: It's not the Mariners.

Name That Game
This rough-and-tumble game is being considered for the 2016 Olympics.

Name That Song
Paste Magazine recently picked 10 alternative, baseball-themed songs to replace this John Fogerty hit as the sport's top tune.

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Girl Scout Cookie Trouble

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:07:40 GMT

The Web loves a controversy — even when it involves our beloved Girl Scout cookies. We're sinking our search teeth into the story of two girls refusing to sell the cookies because of an ingredient that is endangering orangutans.

But Girl Scout cookies are earning their Web badge in other ways, too. We search for trans-fat-free cookies and cookies being sent to Iraq. For a quick sugar fix, we ask: Can I buy them online?

How well do you know your Samoas from your Do-Si-Dos? Guess which has more fat:

Lemon Chalet Cremes or Lemonades? (Answer.)

Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip or Shortbread? (Answer.)

Thin Mints or Thanks-A-Lots? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Deforestation + Giant Frog = ?
It's the largest of its species, and is rapidly disappearing as more rain forests in Western Africa are destroyed to make room for agriculture.

Deforestation + Smart Primate = ?
Considered one of the most intelligent of its species, this animal is near extinction due to massive deforestation in South America.

Deforestation + Feathered Friends = ?
Scientists say as many as 1,250 species of this animal may be extinct by the year 2100 due to deforestation.

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Slasher Films

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:37:40 GMT

Last week's premiere of the gruesome high school horror tale "Prom Night" had us wondering: What other movies do we watch to get our fright on?

Search says we love the classics — and their, er, leading men: Michael Myers from "Halloween" kills in search, beating out Jason Voorhees of "Friday the 13th" fame and even — gasp!— Norman Bates ("Psycho," of course). Now that's a bloody crime.

During the scary parts, were you watching or hiding under a blanket? Watching, you say? Let's prove it. Do you know these characters from this blood-and-guts genre?

Final girl;

Pinhead;

Leatherface; and

Dr. Loomis.

Related Searches

Terror-Inspiring Taglines: Name That Film
"All aboard … If you dare!"

This Film's Tagline Should Get Detention
"Killer to the left ... Killer to the right ... Stand up ... Sit down ... FRIGHT! FRIGHT! FRIGHT!"

Think Psycho Santa Without the Suit
"He knows when you're sleeping; he knows if you're awake; he KNOWS ..."

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Great Quote, Shakespeare!

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:44:13 GMT

Today's a double-whammy anniversary for our favorite bard. While there's debate about his exact birth date, we celebrate William Shakespeare's birthday on April 23, the same day he died 52 years later. (His cause of death in 1616 is also a bit of a mystery.)
In Shakespeare's honor, we look at some of his enduring lines — ones you may have used without knowing their origin.

Click the quote below to see which Shakespeare work it came from.

"All the world's a stage."

"… love is blind."

" … eaten me out of house and home."

"For ever and a day."

"… the world's mine oyster."

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on."

"'Tis neither here nor there."

"… it was Greek to me."

"… let's kill all the lawyers."

"Off with his head!"

Related Searches

Who Was Mrs. Shakespeare?
Not much is known about the Bard's significant other, but Germaine Greer's book "Shakespeare's Wife" reconstructs this mystery woman's life as well as the world of Elizabethan women.

Did Shakespeare Have Children?
We've never heard of a Shakespeare Jr. following in Daddy's genius footsteps. Nor have we read any sonnets on fatherhood.

Did He Really Write It All?
A school of suspicious scholars believes that this 16th-century writer faked his death and went on to write under the name of William Shakespeare. Because really, how could just one man write such a body of work?

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Freaks of Nature

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:16:51 GMT

A cat-sized rodent, a hairless bird and a giant turtle: Nothing drives search results like freaks of nature. And this past week was no exception.

We searched the Web to find the new approach to protect wildlife and the near-extinct turtle found in Vietnam. Not to be outdone, Oscar the naked cockatoo became an Internet hit. And did you hear about this wandering the streets of Oregon?

We humans can be unusual, too. Look at these folks:

The world's oldest known woman celebrated a birthday on Sunday. (How old is she?)

He's just 2 feet 9 inches tall, but Aditya Dev is all muscle. (What sport does he compete in?)

At 7 feet 9 inches tall, the world's tallest man recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary. (How tall is his wife?)

The world's heaviest athlete is a sumo wrestler. (At what weight did he tip the scales?)

Related Searches

What Lies Beneath
The discovery of this unusual fish in Maryland was the basis for the 2004 movie "Frankenfish."

Green Ham & Eggs
Taiwan researchers bred several of these glow-in-the-dark animals to aid in stem cell research.

Here's Lookin' at You, Kitten
The animal's name is Cyclops, of course.

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Botox Backlash

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:20:20 GMT

Has youth fallen out of fashion in Hollywood? OK, we can't go that far, but there's growing evidence that a Botox backlash is brewing.

First, a buzzed-about article calls Botox the "new — and wrinkle-free! — elephant in the living room." Then there's the news that non-Botoxed British actresses are in vogue and a recent study that shows that Botox may move to the brain.

Given that, it's not shocking that in Web searches, "Botox deaths" is tops. (It's even more popular than "Botox cosmetics.")

Still, people are curious. Other top Botox-related searches include "Botox before and after" and "Botox and New York." However, the cities that spawn the most Botox searches: Los Angeles and Phoenix. No surprise.

We can't help pondering: How will "Joker face" hold up? As with beehive hairdos and other fashion don'ts, will women look back and wonder: What was I thinking?

Related Searches

The New Face of Botox
This 40-something actress admitted to using the stuff last year. She recently inked a deal to be Botox's spokeswoman.

A Little Too Smooth
TMZ reported that this "Dancing With the Stars" celeb had injections with industrial silicone, not Botox.

She Loves the Stuff
Like the character she plays on "Ugly Betty," this actress is unapologetic about her love of Botox.

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'I Am Not a Paper Cup'

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:23:09 GMT

"I Am Not a Plastic Bag" was a chic way to reduce ecological footprints. But now "I Am Not a Paper Cup" is reducing daily latte waste — in style. Search shows us how we're doing in the waste-reduction race.

The ranking of "carbon footprint" searches among countries goes like this: the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and then the U.S. We have a ways to go.

We leave behind harmful footprints in ways we may never imagine. Here's a heads-up on how to tread more carefully:

Do you have your biodegradable doggy poop bags?

Do you know what to do with old cell phones?

What about recyclable toothbrushes?

Did you know that your Christmas meal left a carbon footprint?

Do you recycle your old computers?

Related Searches

What Size Is Your Carbon Footprint?
See what kind of legacy you're leaving behind.

Your Weight in Garbage
The U.S. is the No. 1 trash-generating country. Each American produces more than four pounds of garbage per day.

Unplug
Did you know that 10 to 15 percent of your TV's energy is used when it's off? See what other appliances you can unplug to save money and reduce your footprint.

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Too Skinny

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:10:46 GMT

Madrid Fashion Week banned too-skinny models. So did New York Fashion Week. And now, France wants to ban promoting extreme thinness. Ultrathin models, it seems, have fallen out of style.

But the Web loves a skinny search. We go online to find BMI calculators, skinny celebs and answers to questions like "Am I too skinny?" and "How can I put on weight without getting fat?"

Gaining a few extra pounds may be better for you than you think. According to experts:

Curvy women are more intelligent;

They give birth to smarter children; and

They live longer.

Related Searches

The Domestic Goddess
This curvaceous English cook brings sizzle to the stove — and the TV screen.

You Call This Fat?
This model-turned-TV host appeared on the cover of "People" magazine in a swimsuit after being mocked for gaining 30 pounds.

A 'Monster' Beauty
The curvy physique of this 5-foot-10 actress helped land her the title of Esquire's "Sexiest Woman Alive" in 2007.

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"Harry Potter" Scandals

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:23:54 GMT

When it comes to scandals involving a certain boy wizard, book-burning is so 2001. Web searchers want to know more about author J.K. Rowling's court case and this week's attention-grabbing testimony, where one witness cried on the stand.

Also topping the list this week? Recent tabloid rumors about Emma "Hermione" Watson's iffy new paramour.

Now, see if you know the answer to these other "Potter" scandal questions:

Which of the book's characters did Rowling announce was gay — to both the shock and delight of fans? (Answer.)

What play will Daniel "Harry" Radcliffe bring to Broadway this fall, complete with his onstage full-frontal nudity? (Answer.)

In her 2003 essay titled "Harry Potter and the Childish Adult," what writer sparked outrage with her critique of Rowling — and her fans? (Answer.)

Related Searches

Harry's Favorite Bands?
This subgenre of indie rock includes the groups Harry & the Potters and the Remus Lupins.

Harry's Hangout?
This weekend, two die-hard fans will get married in this castle, where scenes from the movies were filmed.

Harry's YouTube Fave?
Clearly a labor of love, this "Potter"-themed song/film won acclaim at the 2007 YouTube Awards.

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Your Car Personality

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:58:40 GMT

Does this convertible make my thighs look big? Chevy's new drive-in fitting room allows shoppers to "try on" a car before buying it, and so we ask: What do our cars say about us?

A Web search reveals personality based on car color (black = aggressive), news of a concept car for women, and a claim that men who drive luxury cars are "porcupines." So what do you think this says about the pope?

Do we drive what we are? Or are we what we drive? According to Forbes:

You're narcissistic if you drive this SUV.

You're self-made if you drive this sports car.

You're likely to have a tech job if you drive this sedan.

You're adventurous if you drive this off-road vehicle.

Related Searches

Guess the Movie Car: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT
"Whatever miles we put on, we'll take off. We'll drive home backwards."

1983 Ford LTD Country Squire
"If you're thinking of taking the whole tribe cross-country, this is your automobile."

Jaguar E-Type
Also known as the XK8 "Shaguar" in this 2002 flick.

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Losing It

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:37:47 GMT

When celebrities lose their cool, we eat it up. There's Howard Stern's sidekick brouhaha, Heather Mills' antics and Naomi Campbell's legendary bad behavior. No wonder "anger management" yields such rich search results.

And get this: Michigan leads the states with the most searches on anger management; among cities, it's San Diego. So sunny weather doesn't make everyone happy.

There are no easy explanations or quick fixes to remedy anger explosions. But we can start here:

Take deep breaths, count to 10 and get plenty of this. (Answer.)

Ask yourself if this is part of the problem. (Answer.)

Anger and out-of-control behavior can be symptoms of this. (Answer.)

Lastly, get rid of as much of this as you can. (Answer.)

Related Searches

Hollywood Heckler on the Loose
This actress made news for harassing the presenters at an awards show and then going straight to rehab.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde for Prez?
In 2004 this hot-headed presidential hopeful came under fire for his temperamental behavior. And a Democrat!

'Thoughtless Little Pig'
This actor made a news splash when he left a scathing message on his daughter's answering machine.

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Chris Matthews

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:06:10 GMT

Political truth teller, biased hack or somewhere in between? When it comes to Chris Matthews, just as with his "Hardball" guests, everyone has an opinion.

His TV star rose when he covered (and commented on) Bill's White House, so it only makes sense that "Chris Matthews and Hillary Clinton" ranks high in search. Worth noting: "Chris Matthews apology" also tops the list.

But it's not just politics that has people talking about Chris Matthews.

We're also searching for his dance routine with Ellen DeGeneres;

What his e-mail address is;

And, on the eve of the influential Pennsylvania primary, more about his biography, to get a glimpse of the story behind this Philly native son.

Related Searches

Matthews' Doppelgänger?
Don't tell either of them, but some of us confuse these two NBC newsmen.

Who Got His Vote?
On the air, Matthews said he voted for this presidential candidate in 2000.

Not a Matthews Fan?
This cable comedian turned the tables on the talk-show host during a memorable (if painful to watch) interview.

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Adam Carolla

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:13:12 GMT

Farewell to the funnyman. His off-color remarks, his paso doble with a unicycle and his other moves didn't endear him to the judges on "Dancing With the Stars." Alas.

Good thing this carpenter-turned-comedian kept his day job. Still, fans seem more interested in Carolla's comely radio co-host than in his latest project: Searches on Teresa Strasser surpass those for the Ace Man's new movie.

Think you know the man behind the voice? Try these trivia teasers. Can you name:
The asteroid named for Adam;

The restaurant where he was once denied employment; and

The character he voices on "Drawn Together"?

Related Searches

An Addictive Personality
Name Carolla's old co-host on "Loveline" who now helps D-list celebs get clean — as the camera rolls.

A Tough Act to Follow
When this radio host left terrestrial radio for Sirius, Carolla took over the mic.

A Bosom Buddy
This late-night host discovered Carolla. Their "bromance" continues to thrive.

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