"Space-time tells matter how to move; matter tells space-time how to curve" -- John Archibald Wheeler

On this day in 1915,  Albert Einstein presented his legendary field equations  to the Prussian Academy of Sciences. As the BBC puts it, they demonstrated that “instead of massive objects exerting a pull on other objects, they distort space and time around them.” Our own Greg Bonnell welcomes tweets and emails from viewers who desire a more technical and formula-based discussion.

BLACK FRIDAY

The U.S. economy is so vast that it stimulates and slows growth around the world. This morning we’re tracking consumers’ behaviour across America as millions shuffle into the stores, clutching smart phones to check prices, as retailers offer bargains they hope are sweet enough to fend off competition from online giant Amazon.com (AMZN.O).

TOP-SELLING HOLIDAY TOYS 

Some frazzled parents are pursuing  Hatchimals - furry creatures that emerge from an egg - which have turned into a massive hit for maker Spin Master (TOY.TO).

At 10:15 a.m. ET, we get a roundup of this year’s top-selling kids’ items from Michelle Liem, toy guru at market researcher NPD Group.

And then around 12:30 pm. ET, we take a broad look at Canadian retailing with Brynn Winegard, a corporate adviser who blends neuroscience and management theory.

She tells segment producer Michelle Zadikian that Canadians are enthusiastic online buyers, which means that  Web-based “retailers who are better equipped (usually American) are snagging more Canadian consumer dollars.”

For those venturing out to the stores we have Black Friday shopping tips at 2:45 p.m. ET from Sandra Hanna of Smart Cookies, which bills itself as “the online destination for women who want to feel amazing about their finances.”

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THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE FOR FOR FOOD MARKETERS 

At 11:30 a.m. ET on Commodities, we look at the changing landscape for food marketers with Michael Barrett, president and CEO of giant Ontario dairy co-op Gay Lea Foods (Dark Chocolate Caramel Whipped Cream, anyone?) Brands include Nordica, Black River and Salerno.

The dairy player is investing $140 million over four years in projects that include ramping up production of  concentrated milk protein for use in cheese, an ingredient that has been flooding in from the United States.

Gay Lea is also a force in goat milk after its takeover of Hewitt’s Dairy in 2014. And it wagered this year on the “artisanal butter” market with the purchase of Stirling Creamery from Michigan-based butter producer Butterball Farms.

Finally, we’re grateful to fark.com for bringing us the elegant opening to this report in the Illawarra Mercury in New South Wales:

“On the evening of August 13, Martin Wanat had a two-course meal consisting of chicken and chocolate, then settled down on some fresh pillows for a nap. Unfortunately, he was at Woolworths at the time.

Can’t a fellow have a moment’s peace?

Every morning Commodities host Andrew Bell writes a ‘chase note’ to BNN's editorial staff listing the stories and events that will be in the spotlight that day. Have it delivered to your inbox before the trading day begins by heading to www.bnn.ca/subscribe.