Ridding ourselves of foreign energy sources is nothing but a myth according to "Gusher of Lies" author Robert Bryce. Host Bob Moon talks with Bryce about setting realistic energy goals for the U.S.
Some economists believe we can innovate our way out of the global problem of carbon emissions, but Boston College professor Juliet Schor says what we really need to do is go on a consumer diet.
With landfill space at a premium, a machine that vaporizes trash into seems like a miracle. But does it send the wrong message in our disposable-loving economy? Janet Babin reports.
A team of Japanese doctors say they have perfected a technique that could make conventional implants obsolete. But as Lucy Craft reports from Tokyo, beauty comes at a cost.
The roads may be a little less clogged over the holiday weekend, as AAA expects about 400,000 fewer drivers. This takes an obvious toll on roadside services like motels and gas stations. Jeremy Hobson has more
Don't take the fireworks you have this year for granted. Your local seller may have paid 40 percent more than last year. Scott Tong reports why there are around 20 million pounds of fireworks sitting in warehouses in China.
Second quarter earnings season starts next week and the next set of numbers from Swiss banking giant UBS may not be as bad as expected. But Stephen Beard reports a massive tax credit is to blame, and no one's celebrating yet.
Looking for a big vacation adventure, but can't afford to take the family to a big theme park? Dan Grech has this story from a little attraction in Florida that's been diving into family fun for generations.
The sluggish economy has cities across the country blowing out the fuse on their annual fireworks show. Jean-Luc Renault has this story about what one California town is doing to keep things booming.
Troubled Wall Street investment bank Lehman Brothers is paying out 2008 bonuses this month — even though Lehman's stock is down 65 percent since January. Jill Barshay reports the company's hoping to reverse that slide.
How much of our desire to spend, spend, spend is willpower and how much is hardwired? Tess submits herself to scientists at Stanford to try to discover the answer.
Most people are aware of the challenges troops face in combat, but what about their struggles with managing their finances? That often puts them in a whole different battle. Jeff Tyler reports.
Dubai aims to be the biggest and the best in every way, but as Sean Cole reports, there's debate as to whether the reality of Dubai lives up to the dream.
With loans harder to come by, more Americans have resorted to raiding their 401(k)s, but as Josephine Bennett reports, borrowing early can have big consequences.
Chris Farrell delivers his commencement address to new graduates as he sets the story straight on setting out on your own and declaring financial independence.
In this edition of Getting Personal, Chris and Tess talk about negotiating with collection agencies, comparing mutual fund fees, lazy investing and an offer too good to be true.
The unemployment rate held steady in June at 5.5 percent, but the last two months have seen 124,000 jobs come off the payroll. Host Bob Moon looks at the latest numbers.
Rising prices and stricter export controls are forcing many small towns to canceling or cutting back on their fireworks displays this year. Mitchell Hartman reports.
China's new Olympic security rules are proving such a hassle to foreign companies that some are looking to take their business elsewhere. Host Bob Moon asks Marketplace's Scott Tong about the new hassles.
Drawing power from the ocean could meet as much as 10 percent of the U.S.'s power needs, but some who make their living on the water worry harnessing it will leave them high and dry. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports.
With no American in the men's quarterfinals at Wimbledon, viewers in the U.S. are passing on TV coverage of this year's championships. Host Bob Moon asks commentator Diana Nyad if tennis has an image problem?
U.S. exports are up and imports are down as a result of the dollar losing so much of its value against the euro. Who comes out ahead and who falls behind? Jeremy Hobson reports.
A federal judge has ordered Google to disclose users' viewing histories on YouTube, including usernames and IP addresses. Stacey Vanek-Smith looks into the privacy concerns the ruling raises.
Most industries experienced job cuts last month, and the rise in energy prices has yet to fully factor into the big economic picture. Amy Scott reports it could be worse — and probably will become worse.
Energy prices are one of the major factors dragging down the Asian market. Scott Jagow talks to Scott Tong in Shanghai about Japanese and Chinese stocks and why China's market is down 60 percent from last year.
The National Wildlife Federation says climate change is making flooding far more likely and wants Congress to mandate that houses be built on safe terrain. Nancy Marshall Genzer has more on a flood insurance bill.
Despite pressure from the U.S. Treasury and European politicians, the European Central Bank seems intent on raising interest rates. Stephen Beard reports the bank's objective is to use higher rates to curb inflation.
Organic food producers are feeling the pinch of surging grain prices, and some are predicting an all-out contraction. Sam Eaton hangs out with one dairy farmer who has gone into the red to feed his cows.
An employment survey found starting salaries among recent college grads are up across the board on average of 7 percent over last year. Jeremy Hobson reports which saw the biggest income increase.
Chrysler wants to boost weak sales by offering a gas incentive: $3 a gallon for three years. But with gas prices only rising, is that a smart move? Rico Gagliano looks into how much money customers would save with the deal.
With consumer confidence at an all-time low, it's time to get used to the status quo. Host Bob Moon talks to author Barbara Ehrenreich about preparing for the realities of the current economy.
The economic stimulus was just a drop in the bucket. If Congress really wants to get the economy back on its feet, commentator Robert Reich has some summer homework for them.
Financial regulators are proposing stricter capital guidelines for banks to prevent risky investments from causing another meltdown. Amy Scott reports.
People aren't the only ones hurt by the weak economy. As finances get tighter, animal shelters are filling up with the pets that owners can't afford to take care. Jeremy Hobson reports.
The mega-retailer is set to become the nation's largest buyer of locally grown produce with a promise to purchase $400 million worth of crops from local farmers. Sam Eaton reports.
Apparently, Microsoft's not used to rejection. Despite being rebuffed, the computer giant is still looking for a way to get a piece of Yahoo's search market. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
With billions more in writedowns expected from Merrill Lynch and other financial firms, analysts are beginning to agree we may have a long way to go before we're clear of the shadow of the credit crisis. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Blockbuster has taken back its billion-dollar bid for electronics chain Circuit City. Weak sales and stiff competition are partially to blame. Amy Scott reports Circuit City may still be looking for a buyer.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain is in Colombia today in support of a free trade deal. Democratic candidate Barack Obama does not support the deal. Dan Grech has more on the specifics of the proposed agreement.
Afghanistan has an age-old reputation as an exporter of high quality nuts and dried fruits, but many orchards and a great deal of knowledge were lost in wartime. Gregory Warner explores the country's seeds of regrowth.
The Commerce Department releases numbers on factory orders this morning, following yesterday's manufacturing survey. But Ashley Milne-Tyte market volatility means these reports aren't always what they appear.
Stella Artois parent InBev is warning Anheuser-Busch that it could get hostile. Stephen Beard reports InBev is prepared to make an appeal directly to shareholders, some who are receptive to the company's bid.
An exploration company has discovered a huge gold mine in Ireland which could be the biggest ever found in the British Isles. Joe Zefran reports the mine will create 600 new jobs and take three to four years to open.
A Minnesota judge ordered Wal-Mart to pay $6.5 million yesterday for labor law violations. But Jeremy Hobson reports the case is just one in 70 lawsuits around the country alleging the same issues.
In a new report, the United Nations points out that governments need to take more action against economic inequality. But commentator Will Wilkinson says the government plays a big role in maintaining that disparity.
Host Bob Moon reads listener comments on a few of our recent stories. This week: the future of food, artificial lawns, Medicare costs and a defense of disco
A growing number of consumers are saying bye-bye to their landline phones in favor of the portability and convenience of cell phones. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
To find the real reason for low economic confidence, follow the money. Commentator Jared Bernstein says a lack of pay increases is keeping workers struggling.
Tomato growers have millions and consumers are shaken, but there are still no answers. Host Bob Moon asks analyst J.D. Hanson why there's been no word on the source of the outbreak.
Countrywide is officially part of Bank of America, but in the six months since B of A agreed to buy the mortgage company, Countrywide's losses continued to build up. Jill Barshay reports.
Just like teacher said, we use a lot of math in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to finance. Tess asks Jean Chatzky how people can cope with math anxiety.
Oil prices have doubled in the last year because demand is growing and supplies are tight, according to the International Energy Agency. But a report out says there's little evidence that speculation is to blame. Amy Scott has more.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is in Europe this week, where the European Central Bank will decide whether to raise rates on Thursday. Scott Jagow talks to Stephen Beard about how raised rates might affect the Fed.
Some retailers looking for an edge are starting to focus special products for niche markets. Nancy Marshall Genzer has more on exclusive lines, signature celebrity products and products geared towards yogis.
Many inner-city commuters are moving to scooters as a cost-effective alternative to big gas guzzlers. Andrea Mustain reports from New York City, where sales of scooters are up dramatically over the past year.
Cell phone while driving bans go into effect today in California and Washington state, and companies that manufacture cell phone ear pieces are thriving. Stacey Vanek-Smith tells us about her initial resistance to the technology.
The U.S. military is a big customer for oil companies, and the price hike per barrel means a much higher bill this year. Jeremy Hobson reports how fuel could factor in and change the budget.
In dangerous areas like Beirut, residents hope for the best, but transform their homes into fortresses in preparation for the worst. Ben Gilbert reports.
The bidding is on for access to Iraq's oil fields and U.S. companies seem likely to profit. Host Bob Moon talks with the Brookings Institute's Mike O'Hanlon about the impact the contracts will have.
Students borrowing money from the federal government will soon be able to slash their interest rates. Host Bob Moon asks Marketplace's Tess Vigeland how to take advantage of the rate change.
A new generation is hitting the workforce — and steering clear of jobs in the federal government. But don't blame them, says commentator Paul Light; blame the bureaucracy.
A French court ordered eBay to pay millions for allowing knock-offs on its site, a decision that could have an impact on the auctioneer's business worldwide. Jill Barshay reports.
Extreme weather has driven insurance claims way up in 2008, but the insurance companies have plenty of capital to weather the storm. Dan Grech reports.
Inflation is prompting European regulators to start raising interest rates, a move some worry could send the global economy into an even sharper downturn. Stephen Beard reports.
With analysts expecting weak numbers at the end of June, will July start off any better? Amy Scott reports many investors are moving away from stocks, and whether or not it's officially a bear market is irrelevant.
The contract between the Screen Actor's Guild and the studios expires tonight, and a major sticking point is how to pay actors for work on the Internet. But Stacey Vanek-Smith reports why they probably won't vote to strike.
Gas prices are making many home care workers with severe patient commutes consider a new line of work. Michael Caputo looks into the collective number of miles these workers drive and what could be a possible solution.
Before the corn fields flooded, a lot of farmers decided to forgo planting a massive amount of corn to make room for other commodities. Alisa Roth reports many agricultural businesses are in trouble.
A report out from The Bank for International Settlement is drawing parallels between the current economic crisis and severe slowdowns like the Great Depression. Stephen Beard looks into more specifics of the problem.
When Phyllis Allen has seen her business dwindle to half the size of about a decade ago. In our latest in a series on people affected by the credit crunch, Kate Archer Kent looks at how Allen has curbed her spending to cope.
Microsoft is removing Windows XP from stores in an effort to hook users onto Vista. But many users are still attached to the old program, and Janet Babin reports problems with Vista mean XP might still be around for awhile.
African leaders are meeting to consider how economic sanctions will affect the people of Zimbabwe. Some human rights groups warn sanctions risk making conditions for average Zimbabweans even worse. Gretchen Wilson reports.
