I always thought there was something really strange about the WHOIS searches done at Registrars. Specifically the searches would have to be done on their website, a normal "whois" lookup through Linux wouldn't show up registered the next day.

A story is developing regarding domain name registrar Network Solutions front running domains. According to multiple sources on DomainState.com, it appears that domains searched via NSI are being purchased by the registrar thereby preventing a registrant from purchasing it at any other registrar other than NSI. As an example, a random domain which DNN searches such as HowDoesThisDomainTasteTaste.com can be seen in this whois search to now be unavailable to register at other registrars but at NSI it can be purchased

Full article at domainnamenews.com