The search is on. It is that time of year that everybody is looking for Black Friday sales ads. Not surprisingly, the most sought after ads are from the world’s largest retailer, WalMart. Black Friday WalMart sales are searched more than ten times the next leading retailer, Target.

WalMart down played the importance of Black Friday sales in 2004, despite the importance most retailers put on the day. It is called Black Friday because it’s when most retailers are said to finally move out of the red (representing losses) and into the black (profits).

In 2003, Black Friday shopping generated $7.2 billion dollars, topping even Christmas Eve. WalMart was unmoved to the point of not releasing their Black Friday sales figures in 2004 because “more than ever our customers are doing their holiday shopping closer and closer to Christmas,” Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sharon Webber stated to CNN/Money. “One sales day is not an indicator for the entire holiday period.”

How big a deal is Black Friday to WalMart in 2005? They have pre-released their sales items online. Here is the complete list of deals you will find at WalMart’s Black Friday sale.

Read the rest of this entry »

Ah, stocking stuffers. Here it is again. Next Friday will be the biggest shopping day of the year, and everybody is searching for Christmas stocking stuffer ideas. Searches for “stocking stuffers” has risen nearly 2000% in the last two days.

So what are the most popular types of stocking stuffer ideas people are looking for? “Free” and “Cheap” stocking stuffers top the list. The cheapies are followed by “stocking stuffers for men”, “adult stocking stuffers”, “fun stocking stuffers” and romantic. Some might argue that there is a common theme there.

In an attempt to make your stocking shopping simpler, I have created Tom’s list of 101 Easy Christmas Stocking Stuffers. Note: I was originally going to divide them into adults and kids, but then I realized for us guys the kids list is still applicable. (Oh, I hope I get some Legos this Christmas)

101 Easy Stocking Stuffers

Read the rest of this entry »

A new virus called the Stinx-E Trojan Virus is the first to exploit Sony / BMG’s new CD copy-protection software. The controversial digital rights management software has already generated negative press but the launch of the Sony / BMG virus has got the web flaming mad.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Carolina Panthers are currently 63 on the hottest search list. Two of the Panther cheerleaders, Renee Thomas and Angela Keathley are in the top 200. Not because the Panthers are 6-2 after defeating Tampa Bay but because Renee is 1-0 after her first amateur bout.

The old adage any PR is good PR is a real stretch on this one.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dog breeds have always been a popular Internet search. A new breed, the Puggle, has recently become the breakout top dog. A ‘Puggle’ is the newest fad of designer dog breeds sweeping the nation. How popular are Puggles? The term Puggle is searched more than all other dog breeds combined.

Puggles are a hybrid breed between a pug and beagle. Hybrid breeds like Puggles are coined designer mutts, a trend that started with the Australian Labradoodle over ten years ago. Puggles account for over 50% of all mix breed dogs sales. Money Magazine listed it as the most popular and expensive dog in the U.S.

Read the rest of this entry »