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Marketplace for Friday, August 31, 2012
Aug 31, 2012

Marketplace for Friday, August 31, 2012

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One new report finds that one way to define ourselves as "middle class" is simply having a job. We look at the economic advantages of being a presidential nominee -- even if you don't win. Lego's choice to start marketing directly to girls was criticized for reinforcing gender stereotypes, but company sales have gone up. Kai Ryssdal checks in with two small businessowners in Louisiana and Missouri to see how they're faring after Hurricane Isaac. Queena Kim reports on the viral success of "Gangnam Style." And we hear from an owner of a furniture company about all the empty-chair hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood's speech at the RNC.

Segments From this episode

Working your way into the middle class

Aug 31, 2012
A new study says that the most important ticket to the middle class is a secure job.

Weekly Wrap: Bernanke speaks in Wyoming

Aug 31, 2012
Reviewing the week's headlines on Wall Street and beyond. This week: Fed chairman Ben Bernanke speaks at a meeting in Wyoming.

Will Clint Eastwood's RNC speech cause a boom in chair sales?

Aug 31, 2012
A furniture maker talks about the empty-chair hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention.

Do presidential nominees get an economic bump?

Aug 31, 2012
For some candidates and their staff, the nomination is lucrative -- even if they don't win.

Gulf oysters in short supply after Isaac

Aug 31, 2012
Sal Sunseri, the owner of P&J Oyster company in New Orleans, explains how the oyster business has been affected by hurricane Isaac.

Isaac brings rain to Missouri cattle ranchers

Aug 31, 2012
Missouri cattle rancher Ken Lenox is happy for several inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac.

Decoding the money message of Psy's 'Gangnam Style'

Aug 31, 2012
A silly video masks a satire on conspicuous consumption and income inequality in Korea.

Lego builds big profits on new girls' toys line

Aug 31, 2012
Despite criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes, the Danish toy maker's first half-year sales were up 24 percent.

One new report finds that one way to define ourselves as “middle class” is simply having a job. We look at the economic advantages of being a presidential nominee — even if you don’t win. Lego’s choice to start marketing directly to girls was criticized for reinforcing gender stereotypes, but company sales have gone up. Kai Ryssdal checks in with two small businessowners in Louisiana and Missouri to see how they’re faring after Hurricane Isaac. Queena Kim reports on the viral success of “Gangnam Style.” And we hear from an owner of a furniture company about all the empty-chair hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood’s speech at the RNC.

Music from the episode

Out Of My Head (feat. Trey Songz) Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz