Thursday December 31, 2009

Happy New Year - There will be no Exchange Morning Post on January 1, 2010
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Ted Talks

John La Grou plugs smart power outlets

John La Grou unveils an ingenious new technology that will smarten up the electrical outlets in our homes, using microprocessors and RFID tags. The invention, Safeplug, promises to prevent deadly accidents like house fires -- and to conserve energy.

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Financial Bailout

US Treasury to dole out $3.8 billion to GMAC, raise stake
Karey Wutkowski and Corbett Daly

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. is injecting another $3.8 billion into GMAC Financial Services to help cover mortgage losses, in a bailout that makes the government the majority owner of the auto and home finance company.

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Environment

Ottawa and Provinces Failing on Green Buildings

Report Card highlights major gaps in provincial and federal building codes and programs

TORONTO - Governments across Canada received poor grades for their policies to promote green buildings in a report released yesterday by Environmental Defence. The report, Greening Canada's Buildings: Report Card.

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Art & Culture

WATERLOO LIBRARY SHOWCASES LOCAL ARTWORK

Waterloo - The Waterloo Public Library has partnered with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery on the installation of four ceramic sculptures at the Main Library on Albert Street, showcasing the work of young people in Waterloo Region who have creative talent and aspirations to pursue art-related careers.

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Global Stocks

For stocks, the best of years follows the worst
Jeremy Gaunt, European Investment Correspondent

LONDON (Reuters) - World stocks headed toward their best annual performance on record on Thursday, albeit a year after suffering their worst.

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Credit

CFIB and Canada On Same Page for Credit Card Industry Code of Conduct

Canada - On December 30, 2009 the CFIB reported to members that the Federal government is on board with CFIB's proposed voluntary Code of Conduct for the credit and debit card industry.

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Commodities

2009, the year of commodities, ends with a bang
Nick Trevethan

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Commodity markets are on course for their strongest year since 1973, lifted by oil's biggest annual gains in a decade and a 140 percent surge in copper prices.

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Appointments

GM Names New Public Policy Leadership

-- John T. Montford named senior advisor for Government Relations and Global Public Policy
-- Robert E. Ferguson joins GM as vice president, Government Relations
-- Ken W. Cole to remain with GM until later in 2010

DETROIT - General Motors has realigned its government relations and public policy team with the appointment of John T. Montford as a senior advisor to GM Chairman and CEO Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., and Robert E. Ferguson, vice president of Government Relations.

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Best Employer

A Better Place for You: The Co-operators Ranks Among Canada's 50 Best Employers

GUELPH - The 2010 "50 Best Employers in Canada" list was released today, and for the seventh consecutive year The Co-operators is well represented.

*Note: To review previous days go to Weekday tab at top of page.