Dec 20, 2007

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, December 20, 2007

Segments From this episode

A Christmas tree you don't have to kill

by Rachel Dornhelm

Dec 20, 2007

A three-year-old program in San Francisco lets customers pay $90 for a living tree that will later be replanted in an urban area that could use the green. Rachel Dornhelm reports this option is becoming more popular.

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Book a suite deal during the holidays

by Jill Barshay

Dec 20, 2007

Now that the business travelers and foreign tourists are going home for the holidays, you can fetch a steal for that luxury suite you always wanted to book. Jill Barshay explores how cheap you can get a room.

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More write-downs to come

by Janet Babin

Dec 20, 2007

Hit hard by the credit crisis, Bear Stearns and many other banks have taken huge write-downs. Janet Babin reports that with about 150 billion more of them to go, some large firms are seeking a cash infusion from overseas.

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High-def differences highly confusing

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 20, 2007

With cheaper high-definition TVs on the market, consumers now just have to decide which DVD format is better. Doug Krizner explores the differences with Andrew Edgecliffe Johnson of The Financial Times in London.

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Central banks pump cash for cheap

by Jill Barshay

Dec 20, 2007

Central banks around the world are pumping money into the global financial system to help ease the credit crunch. Jill Barshay also reports that instead of issuing penalty rates, they're lending money at a bargain.

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One stamp good for 24 E.U. countries

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 20, 2007

A new agreement allows visitors to 24 E.U. countries to put their passport away after the first time they enter. Megan Williams reports Europe expects it'll help tourism, but some Western European countries aren't happy.

Irish eyes are smiling on the U.S.

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 20, 2007

Irish tourism to the U.S. is thriving, thanks to a weak dollar and Ireland's fast-growing economy. Don Duncan reports from New York City, where many of the 300,000 Irish have come around the holidays for just one thing.

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No more parties inside the House

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Dec 20, 2007

New ethics rules are forbidding members of Congress to participate in any event that would honor them. But congressional watchdogs don't trust the restrictions as the House finds loopholes. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.

Just kidding about that 'recession' thing

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Dec 20, 2007

The final GDP numbers are in, and the economy grew 4.9 percent in the third quarter, despite the looming threat of recession. Nancy Marshall Genzer looks into why, and reports some economists are still cautious.

FTC OKs Google-DoubleClick deal

by Lisa Napoli

Dec 20, 2007

The Federal Trade Commission this morning gave Google the OK to take over online ad company DoubleClick. Digital privacy advocates who fought the merger think this is very bad news. Lisa Napoli reports.