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Marketplace for Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Jul 4, 2012

Marketplace for Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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Former Barclays CEO Bob Diamond testified to British lawmakers today. Sarah Gardner talks to two American ex-pats in Europe about what they are seeing and hearing on the streets of their adopted homes. The FDA in U.S. has approved distribution for the first ever over-the-counter rapid HIV test. Is produce from the farmers market really what's best for our health and the environment? Hard cider sales have increased more than 20 percent nationwide, while beer sales have dropped.  And reporter Mitchell Hartman looks into what a songs need in order to become a summer hit.

Segments From this episode

These fireworks are brought to you by Bacardi

Jul 4, 2012
Thanks to corporate sponsors, Coral Gables, Fla., gets its fireworks show back after budget woes axed it six years ago.

What's behind a no. 1 summer hit

Jul 4, 2012
An up-tempo pop dance beat can't hurt, and neither can a star's viral video.

The curse of the skyscraper strikes again

Jul 4, 2012
Tomorrow, The Shard will officially open in London. It's the tallest building in Europe at over a thousand feet high. Meanwhile, Britain's economy isn't looking so good.

The 8% pension plan solution

Jul 4, 2012
Public pension funds are resorting to riskier investments in a bid to score returns high enough to give retirees their guaranteed payments.

FDA approves at-home HIV test

Jul 4, 2012
But some worry the cost could scare away people most at risk of infection.

Hard cider makes a comeback

Jul 4, 2012
Even beermakers like Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors are ramping up hard cider production.

Locavorism is not good for you

Jul 4, 2012
Commentator Pierre Desrochers offers the contrarian view that buying food locally is good for your health and the environment.

What's up, Europe? Ex-pats in the U.K.

Jul 4, 2012
For Americans abroad, this 4th of July is spent talking about Barclays and David Beckham -- all while knocking back a few at the pub.

Ex-Barclays CEO Bob Diamond testifies about LIBOR

Jul 4, 2012
Diamond testified before a committee of the British parliament today about charges Barclays manipulated a key interest rate called the LIBOR. The bank's already been fined over $450 million, but it could be just the beginning of the fallout.

Former Barclays CEO Bob Diamond testified to British lawmakers today. Sarah Gardner talks to two American ex-pats in Europe about what they are seeing and hearing on the streets of their adopted homes. The FDA in U.S. has approved distribution for the first ever over-the-counter rapid HIV test. Is produce from the farmers market really what’s best for our health and the environment? Hard cider sales have increased more than 20 percent nationwide, while beer sales have dropped.  And reporter Mitchell Hartman looks into what a songs need in order to become a summer hit.

Music from the episode

American X Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This American Life (Instrumental) - Instrumental THE NEXT, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique
This American Life (Instrumental) - Instrumental THE NEXT, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique