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The Internet's shopping list

The arrival of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book means it's time for many of us to start making a list. And while NM's fantasy gifts may be a bit too pricey, you can still Web-window shop at a terrific online version of what used to be called The Book.

A shopping resource for the rest of us is at Shopping.com, where Ipod, Sony and IRiver PMP 120 were the most popular searches in the last two weeks. "Star Wars" was #4, coincidental with the DVD release of its trilogy of films.

The profitable comparison-shopping site is preparing for an initial stock offering, but recently reduced the size of its expected offering.

Cendant's positive thinking

Word of Cendant's bid for Orbitz should occasion a huge pat on the back for its chairman, Henry Silverman. Especially when you consider that seven years ago, he got snookered into another deal that almost killed the travel-and-hotel-franchising company. That's when he merged with CUC International, run by Walter Forbes, a corporate pretty boy who (like me) graduated from Northwestern University.

Tuesday, while Silverman was putting together terms for Orbitz deal, Forbes was in a New York City criminal court defending himself from charges he fraudulently puffed up CUC's accounting.

Silverman probably wishes he'd never met Forbes. The accounting scandal coldcocked Cendant, a company he built, deal by deal. To his credit, he put his head down, and did it again.

Silverman's move also is putting some life back into the Internet sector. Next deal?

Way to go Henry!

Not available in stores

There's a reason!

Overstock.com said it will be the exclusive distributor of FarenHYPE 9/11, a documentary film which contests the arguments of Michael Moore's $100-million dollar theatrical hit. The retailer says it will sell copies of the DVD to a handful of retailers, but after its Oct. 5 release date the Internet will be the primary distribution channel.

The film is taking this route because brick and mortar retailers don't want to sink inventory dollars in product that hasn't been in theaters, that won't turn fast. When merchants have to choose between commerce and controversey, they'll go for the sure thing. Moore's film is also being released into home video next Tuesday.