According to Google Trends, the phrase "Best Cyber Monday Deals" is a pretty hot search phrase right now.

Wonder why.

Today is what someone a few years back decided to dub "Cyber Monday," instead of "the day after Thanksgiving when a lot of people are recovering from the holiday and really don't want to do work and are also stressed about holiday shopping and decide to make some online purchases to pass the time."

It's a bit long-winded.

Jokes aside, the day has become a minor big deal mostly because online retailers decided to jump on it and start offering bargains, and retail organizations promoted it like it was the second coming of Santa Claus. Online business can't do the same type of deal-busters/early-bird/be-there-when-doors-open-or-lose specials that the brick and mortar stores offer on Black Friday, but it can be just as good. (And unfortunately, more safe than venturing out the day after Thanksgiving this year.)

Over at ZDNET, Between the Lines asks a question I've been wondering already: Does Cyber Monday really matter this year in such a crappy economy?

Another point of interest, at the Christian Science Monitor's Horizons Blog, they also offer up an idea - you really don't need "Cyber Monday" to find online shopping deals.

It's expected that even with a slight bump in sales on Black Friday, "Cyber Monday" could see modest or better sales for online retailers today.

(Quick Question - Isn't this made-up shopping bonanza basically an invitation to slack off at work> It's like online retailers are saying "We both know you really weren't going to do any work today. And if you were, so what? No one else is going to. Come on...do it.")

Here's something interesting to note, according to Tech Crunch, Walmart.com and Amazon.com lead other retail sites in traffic on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's likely that could continue today. It's also important to heed this warning - while today could offer some serious deals online, it's important to know you could be more susceptible to scams and potential identity theft.

Finally, here's a round-up of deals and news:

Gizmodo offers a look at some of the best Cyber Monday deals in electronics, gadgets and computers.

Also, they've got a list of supposed Cyber Monday deals on eBay starting at $1. That list includes a Corvette and a one-person mini-sauna.

Engadget spies a $99 Nintendo DS at Amazon.

Mac Rumors says third party Apple sellers are extending their Black Friday sales to today.

PC World takes a look at some of the best deals on computers and laptops available.

When you're online today (you know, doing "research") send any deals you find our way and post it in the comments. Then again, if you've got a few theories of your own on "Cyber Monday," feel free to share.

(Note: If anyone finds me a deal on a Wii, I will be very grateful.)

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