Marketplace for Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Segments From This Episode

• Brazil beefs up on U.S. companies

  by Dan Grech

  Brazil's JBS, the world's biggest beef producer, is looking to buy two U.S. beef companies: Smithfield Beef Group and National Beef Packing Co. The move would make the Brazilian company the largest beef producer in America. Dan Grech reports.

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• Law firms cash in on bankruptcies

  by John Dimsdale

  As the credit crunch continues, many businesses have to file for bankruptcy. That means that one area of business is booming: bankruptcy services firms. John Dimsdale reports on how they are staffing up.

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• Expensive placebos work better

  by Jeff Tyler

  According to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, more expensive medications relieve pain better, even when they're placebos. Jeff Tyler reports sometimes perception is reality.

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• Wal-Mart revamps charitable giving

  by Tess Vigeland

  

  Wal-Mart, one of the biggest corporate charitable donors in the U.S., is changing the focus of its philanthropic efforts to target education, job training and health care. Tess Vigeland speaks with Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.

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• Xerox shows off new logo

  by Marketplace Staff

  Xerox has unveiled its new brand logo on racing superbikes as part of a multimillion-dollar rebranding campaign. But how much can a new logo really convey? Jennifer Collins reports.

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• China vows to fight bureaucracy

  by Bob Moon

  Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to fight inflation and government bureaucracy, which have been pushing the cost of living up for the Chinese working class. Bob Moon reports on whether his words will result in real reforms.

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• Government is unlearning from the past

  by Marketplace Staff

  Commentator David Frum says that instead of repeating mistakes in response to economic slowdowns and high oil prices, we should be trying new solutions.

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• Minding your own business in Israel

  by Marketplace Staff

  Cross-border violence in and around Israel's Gaza Strip makes it difficult for both Israeli and Palestinian business owners to keep their doors open. Daniel Estrin reports how Israeli shop owners are coping.

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