Marketplace for Thursday, November 2, 2010

With the rumors that Google is looking to buy two-year-old online company Groupon for $6 billion, it's time to take a look at other e-companies being valued in the billion dollar range. Tech bubble, anyone?

Although the U.K. doesn't use the Euro, it has taken in action in trying to help Ireland's current financial crisis. Kai Ryssdal talks to British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald about the U.K.'s role in Europe and the world right now.

Is it the manufacturers or retailers? The SEC is tackling that question as they draft "conflict minerals" law. Another challenge is that it's hard to verify if minerals in your laptop are truly conflict-free.

The Federal Reserve released a load of documents that revealed the names and numbers involved in the emergency bailout. Janet Babin reports on what all these new details mean.

With plastic cards and e-banking, paper checks are going the way of the dinosaurs. Reporter Sally Herships takes a look at the rise and fall of checks.

Deals are easy to find online, but you miss out on actually seeing the item and having your questions answered quickly by sales people. So customers are increasingly using both: Go to the store to check the item out and find the deal online.

From individuals to cities, people are trying to "green" themselves on their own, instead of waiting for legislation. Marketplace's Adriene Hill reports.