Marketplace for Friday, August 31, 2012

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Episode Description: 
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.

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1

Lego builds big profits on new girls' toys line

Despite criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes, the Danish toy maker's first half-year sales were up 24 percent.
Posted In: lego, marketing
8

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

A silly video masks a satire on conspicuous consumption and income inequality in Korea.
Posted In: Korea, Korean pop, K-Pop, Music, Gangnam Style, Psy
0

Isaac brings rain to Missouri cattle ranchers

Missouri cattle rancher Ken Lenox is happy for several inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac.
Posted In: cattle, drought, Hurricane Isaac, missouri
0

Gulf oysters in short supply after Isaac

Sal Sunseri, the owner of P&J Oyster company in New Orleans, explains how the oyster business has been affected by hurricane Isaac.
Posted In: oysters, Hurricane Isaac, Isaac, New Orleans
0

Do presidential nominees get an economic bump?

For some candidates and their staff, the nomination is lucrative -- even if they don't win.
Posted In: 2012 campaign
2

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

A furniture maker talks about the empty-chair hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention.
Posted In: Clint Eastwood, chairs, furniture, Party Conventions
1

Weekly Wrap: Bernanke speaks in Wyoming

Reviewing the week's headlines on Wall Street and beyond. This week: Fed chairman Ben Bernanke speaks at a meeting in Wyoming.
Posted In: Weekly Wrap
1

Working your way into the middle class

A new study says that the most important ticket to the middle class is a secure job.
Posted In: middle class

Music from this show

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Out Of My Head (Feat. Trey Songz)
Lupe Fiasco
Camphor [Explicit]
MF Doom
Four N Twenty
Cookin' on 3 Burners
Misunderstood
Carolyn Wonderland
10ft, 5ft, Bag 'em
Dispatch

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