Week of February 6th, 2006

The toy industry's big trade show gets down to business in New York this weekend. Meanwhile, in our new series "Conversations from the Corner Office," Kai talks with Mattel's CEO Bob Eckert about the perks and responsibilities of running the world's biggest toymaker.

The FCC says giving viewers a choice of what channels to include in their cable TV packages is cheaper than provider-selected bundles. Eric Niiler has more.

Student activists no longer rely on rallies in the quad to pressure investors to pull out of areas of the world they consider repressive. They're using video games to get their point across. And as Jeff Tyler reports, they're coming through loud and clear.

The list of Western states suing the Bush administration over plans to open roadless areas in national forests to logging grew to four yesterday when Washington State joined the fray. Sam Eaton looks at what's at stake for the timber and eco-tourism industries.

Business of sports commentator Diana Nyad looks at which athletes are likely to get big endorsement deals out of this year's Winter Games with Scott Jagow.

Marketplace Money for February 10, 2006

There's been a boom in infrastructure construction in developing countries like China and India of late. Personal finance expert Chris Farrell tells Scott Jagow that the US needs to look after its own infrastructure if it wants to stay competitive.

The Spanish-language TV network is for sale, and as Jeff Tyler reports, it's not just the small-screen cachet Univision has with Latinos that makes it attractive to buyers.

Lawmakers get their first chance today to query Department of Energy officials about President Bush's plan to wean America from Middle Eastern oil and develop alternative energy sources. Sam Eaton reports.

The Internet telephone service is set to embark on a new venture, looking to raise $250 million in an initial public offering. As Janet Babin reports, the company's hoping to corner the Internet-based phone market.

The luxury homebuilder predicts orders for new homes will fall by almost 30% this quarter. With this and other glum real estate predictions recently, what's the outlook for home prices? Alisa Roth takes a look.

A national retail group has challenged a new Maryland law that requires large employers like Wal-Mart to provide health coverage for workers. Jeff Tyler has more.

The online auction service has set its sights on Europe. But as Janet Babin reports, the Old World has some obstacles that might limit eBay's growth there.

Royal Caribbean International has ordered up the world's largest ocean liner. Stacey Vanek-Smith looks at what's behind the move.

Commentator Vijay Vaitheeswaran argues that President Bush's call to end America's addiction to oil is a good start… but much more needs to be done.

The World Trade Organization is expected to rule today on a dispute between Europe and the US over genetically modified foods. Helen Palmer looks at what's at stake.

Today, President Bush's budget proposal lands in Congress, where both the House and Senate have scheduled committee hearings to consider it. Eric Niiler has more on how the debate over the President's spending priorities is shaping up.

Later this week, the federal government will sell 30-year treasury bonds for the first time since 2001.Back then, the U.S. had a budget surplus, and had the money to pay off some of its $8 trillion dollar debt.But now, the deficit is mounting and the money's not there. Newsweek's Alan Sloan looks into whether investors are clamoring to buy the long bond.

India has a growing appetite for oil. To feed that need India's state energy company is close to buying a 30% stake in a Brazilian oil field known as Project Sugar Loaf. Dan Grech reports from the America's Desk.

In his State of Union address, President Bush said he'd offer a budget that would cut funding for 140 domestic programs. Today, the President sends that budget request to Capitol Hill, but some wonder if it'll even make a dent in the deficit. Hilary Wicai reports.

Wendy's has seen some frosty sales numbers lately. Today, the fast food company meets with analysts – to try to convince them things are turning around. Marketplace's Janet Babin reports.

Max Barry got quite a shock when he went to work in sales at Hewlett Packard after college. He found the business world daunting… and inspirational. He's just written the ultimate satire of life in the corporation. It's called "Company", and it begins with the theft of a donut.