Monday, July 09, 2007
In this show. . .
Iraq showdown at the authorization bill
A $650 billion defense authorization bill tops the Senate's agenda -- the largest such authorization since World War II. And Democrats will try to use it to hasten the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. John Dimsdale reports.
In Pennsylvania, gambling's 'essential'
Faced with a budget impasse, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell sent home state employees, except for "essential" public servants such as police, firefighters, and lottery and gaming workers. Alisa Roth reports.
Corporate blogs have their own rules
A Google employee learned an important lesson after she posted comments on a company blog that were critical of Michael Moore's new film "Sicko." Bob Moon talked about blog do's and don'ts with Debbie Weil, author of "The Corporate Blogging Book."
Broker complaint? Who ya gonna call?
The SEC is expected to sign off soon on a merger of the NASD and the NYSE. Critics fear combining the two self-regulatory groups will make it even harder for investors to get action on their complaints. Amy Scott reports.
From big boxes to small niches
Tom Stemberg, founder of office-supply giant Staples, unveiled today a new venture capital fund. It will focus on retail start-ups that are just about the opposite of the type of store he pioneered. Steve Tripoli reports.
Let's return rewards to risk takers
Tougher U.S. bankruptcy rules now make it more difficult for entrepreneurs to shield personal assets when their businesses fail. As a result, says commentator Aparna Mathur, business start-ups are declining.
Online 'gold farming' more than a game
Online gamers known as "gold farmers" harvest virtual items like magic swords and potions and sell them to other players for real money. South Korea has adopted laws restricting the practice. Rico Gagliano reports.
Bob Moon's final note . . .
Looks like the oldest futures exchange is now the biggest. The Chicago Board of Trade was established in 1848. In a deal announced today, it'll be acquired by its long-time rival, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The deal was sealed after C-BOT investors were offered a price they could live with: almost $12 billion. That price beat out an $11.8 billion offer from the InterContinental Exchange.
The bids were close. But ICE's numbers just weren't enough to compete with the $1 billion in cash the Merc had on hand to sweeten the deal.
Marketplace datebook for Tuesday, July 10, 2007
- In Washington, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee convenes a hearing on the role of the surgeon general. Three former surgeons general are scheduled to join the discussion.
- The National Alliance to End Homelessness continues its annual conference.
- And San Francisco hosts Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.
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Music From This Show
Marketplace Confessional
"I disagree with Diana Nyad, who told Bob Moon today that Americans are not interested in Wimbledon because there are so few Americans playing. I love watching tennis, no matter who is playing. I have watched tennis for years, but the networks toy with us, creating drama rather than showing the match. Oftentimes, televised matches end precisely when the allotted time expires, even if they have to cut and splice. When they don't, as happened in a Nadal match last weekend, we were left hanging at the end of two sets, as NBC switched to women's golf. I don't have cable TV, so I couldn't switch to MSNBC as was suggested. It's enough to make me turn off the TV and read about the matches online."
Your Host
Kai Ryssdal took the reins as host of Marketplace in August 2005 after hosting the Marketplace Morning Report for more than four years. Before joining Marketplace, Kai was … Full bio
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