It may have LOOKED like a busy boxing day season here in Toronto, judging by the all the sale signs in store windows, but it hasn't been a jolly retail season for all. We spoke with a local bookstore owner and a retail analyst to find out just how good - or bad - the season has been for retailers in this city.

2008 was a year of historic highs AND lows in the global economy... From oil breaking the 140 dollar-a-barrel mark then dipping down below $40, to unprecedented daily gains AND losses on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For a look back at the year of "global recession" and what 2009 may have in store, we spoke with Toronto economists Fred Ketchen and Greg Guichon.

For most of us, technology played a role as we were getting ready for the holidays. Whether it was shopping online or texting a lost family member at the mall... but it's not easy keeping up with the latest trends. We spoke with our weekly tech columnist Jesse Hirsh for a look back at some of the technolocgy stories that affected us the most in 2008.

Two Toronto sisters are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime... And they'll be doing it in a vehicle that has three wheels and a two-stroke engine! Patty Clune and Beth McIllroy are headed to India to criss-cross the country in an auto rickshaw. They joined us to tell us more about their upcoming adventure.

2009 could be the year the West comes to power... at least according to Toronto business writer, Gordon Pitts. "Stampede! The Rise of the West and Canada's New Power Elite" paints a picture of a Canada where there are no more auto plants in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador have left Confederation and Alberta is loaning money to other provinces to pay for failing infrastructure. We spoke with Gordon Pitts to find out more about this country of the future and how it could become a reality.

A partnership between the University of Toronto and the department of psychiatry at Addis Ababa University has more than doubled the number of psychiatrists in Ethiopia. Guest Host Jane Hawtin speaks with a doctor from Toronto who started the program.

Technology columnist Jesse Hirsh explains why a computer glitch forced the Toronto Stock Exchange to shut down for an entire business day.

The Canadian Bankers' Association is calling on the Ontario government to reduce corporate taxes in order to stimulate industry and save jobs.

Ottawa and Queen's Park say they'll come up with 20 percent of Washington's expected 14 billion- dollar bailout package for the Big 3 automakers, but will it be enough to save the industry in Canada. GM's v-p, David Paterson, and industry analyst, Dennis Desrosiers, comment.

A Toronto car dealer and former Tory candidate says business continues, despite the current malaise affecting the automobile industry.

Reaction to the rejection by the U.S. Senate of a automakers' bailout plan from auto journalist Eric Mayne, Brampton Board of Trade President, Carman McLelland and The Canadian Auto Workers' Oshawa president, Chris Buckley.

Toronto's first Africentric school program faces major challenges to early enrollment for startup next fall.

Liberal Senator and Ignatieff supporter, David Smith, discusses the future of his party, following the decision by Bob Rae to withdraw from the leadership race.

A new film documents the challenges facing parents whose children die as infants.