Week of March 2nd, 2009

Just wanted to let you know that I've started a blog roll, which you can find on the Scratch Pad page. It's a list of some places around the web…

Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell give advice to listeners on how to use first-time homebuyer credit and what to do about credit card rate increases.

One of the biggest complaints people have about our bailout-stricken economy is — where's the love for the entrepreneur? In one survey of voters…

As the boom in Dubai has fizzled out, many South Asian men who have built the city are bearing the brunt of the downturn and losing their jobs. But they can't go home. Stephen Beard reports.

What should we try next to stabilize the financial services industry? Economist and commentator Todd Buchholz suggests the answer might be letting a new player into the game.

Andy Brooks, chief trader at T. Rowe Price and Megan McCardle, editor for The Atlantic's Business Channel, join Bob Moon to see if they can find some meaning in another rough week on Wall Street.

For some workers, the recession has brought their first reversal of fortune. But zigging in and out of jobs is becoming an all too familiar game of financial musical chairs for a lot of us. Jeff Tyler reports.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is looking at becoming the nation's first metro newspaper to go Web-only next week. Its journalists are facing lower salaries and benefit cuts. Could this be a model for newspapers' survival? Mitchell Hartman reports.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is asking Congress for a $500 billion line of credit with the U.S. Treasury. This enormous new request could signal a change in strategy in the banking bailout. Steve Henn reports.

Some 12.5 million Americans are now looking for work, as unemployment hit a 25-year high last month. Millions more are underemployed. But some experts see signs the job market may be about to turn around. John Dimsdale reports.

Hot dog sales were up 2 percent in 2008, despite the economic downturn in almost every industry. So what makes the American favorite such a recession-proof meal? Chicago Public Radio's Adriene Hill finds out why from the epicentre of hot dog culture.

The economic downturn is causing some retirees to pick up and move out of the United States in search of a lower cost of living. Reporter Karen Weise journeyed to Panama where she met a retired parole officer originally from Detroit.

One year ago this week, Marketplace was reporting on The Middle East at Work. I was in Cairo with one crew. Some of my colleagues were in Dubai. …

The average American has more than $9,000 in credit card debt and often fail to realize that the interest rates change often. Marketplace's Mitchell Hartman reports on how to decipher the fine print and hot to get a handle on debt.

Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell give advice to listeners about prioritizing and paying down debt, and where the average person can save on bills.

Economist Bryan Caplan at the Econolog blog highlights a new paper by Theda Skocpol of Harvard University and Suzanne Mettler at Cornell. It's a…

First-time homebuyers are entitled to an $8,000 tax credit this year, but how do you qualify? It's not as easy as you may think. Marketplace's Rico Gagliano explains who qualifies in our latest Marketplace Decoder.

The federal unemployment rate shot up to a 25-year high of 8.1 percent this year. With millions of people out of work, unemployment offices have been overwhelmed with people seeking benefits. Jeff Tyler reports on how the safety net is being stretched to its limit.

Hoping that the housing market was going to be the last bubble to burst? Economics editor Chris Farrell warns that the Treasury Market is next and offers advice on how to weather the storm.

The financial crisis is causing investors to rethink everything they know about investing. Tess Vigeland talks to Jason Zweig, the author of "Your Money & Your Brain," and Richard Peterson, author of Inside the "Investor's Brain," about what we're learning from the fallout.

Thanks to Mickey Kaus at Slate I saw this shocking number. The median sales price in the city of Detroit for the three months ending in January was…

Unemployment is affecting people from all walks of life. As Dan Grech reports, things could even get worse.

Question: My wife and I have transitioned to using cash to pay for daily expenses versus a credit card. As a result of this transition, we have are…

Barbie's turning 50. But she has bigger problems than just getting older. Sales of the iconic doll are down 21%. So parent company Mattel is hoping for a sales boost as it opens its first-ever Barbie megastore in China. Scott Tong reports.

The Labor Department says the nation's unemployment rate soared to 8.1 percent in February, its highest level since 1983. Steve Chiotakis breaks down what the numbers mean with James Angel, finance professor at Georgetown University.

The economy is sinking fast. The nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 651,000 in February and the unemoployment rate jumped to 8.1%. Since the…

As we spring forward for daylight saving, the sunshine may be just what the doctor ordered. Bill Radke speaks with Dr. Louis Krahn about how light therapy can help with the economic and winter blues.

A few weeks ago, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner unveiled the Financial Stability plan, the next phase of government intervention into the…

Alright, it's time to channel your inner poet. I thought we'd try a little poetry slam about the economy. A couple things prompted this idea. …

Struggling automaker GM has been approaching individual European governments for help. Now the European Union is calling for a crisis meeting with countries that have GM factories. Christopher Werth reports.

The U.S. government is developing a plan to give wealthy investors the chance to buy securities that finance consumer lending, without the risk of massive losses. Dan Grech breaks down how the plan could work.

Almost 60 percent of Americans use a professional for their tax needs. But as people simplify their financial portfolios and the popularity of online tax preparation grows, will tax professionals still be in demand? Jeremy Hobson reports.

After being laid off from her job, Rachel Steinberg headed to camp. But she wasn't roasting marshmallows. She was attending a camp that teaches the jobless how to cope. Steve Chiotakis speaks with the San Francisco resident about what she learned.

Unemployment numbers are expected to soar, making it a high priority at a Congressional economic committee hearing today. As the Obama administration works on economic recovery, will the unemployment rates improve? Ronni Radbill reports.

The Iditarod, a 1,100-mile dog-sled race across Alaska, is hurting in this recession. Prize money is down and costs are up. Mitchell Hartman reports.

In the past, finding people to fill census jobs wasn't easy. But with millions of people out of work, many qualified candidates are heading to the U.S. Census Bureau seeking a job. Alex Cohen reports.

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, March 6, 2009

Another good picture from dshort.com .

This chart put the current market in perspective. Thanks to Calculated Risk and dshort.com. .

I'm catching up on my reading, and I just looked at the recent Census Bureau numbers on new residential sales. Can this be right? The median new…

Dubai's opulence and wealth attracted a lot of foreigners for much of the last decade. But in an economic downturn, many expatriates are leaving the city, which could spell trouble. Stephen Beard reports.

In these tough economic times, salaries for college sports coaches have come under fire. Tess Vigeland speaks with sports journalist Diana Nyad about whether those salaries are inflated or a necessary part of school budgets.

I just got a chance to watch Jon Stewart's rant against CNBC from last night. It's an instant classic. Stewart was supposed to have CNBC analyst…

China's steps to stimulate its economy are different from the U.S. Instead of relying so much on giving consumers money to spend, China's efforts are more… concrete. Scott Tong reports.

At a forum, President Obama discussed reforming the health care system with leaders in the field. Aetna CEO Ronald Williams speaks with Kai Ryssdal about some of the things Obama will have to consider to fix the system.

President Obama wants to stem the skyrocketing cost of health care and fix the system. But what might a new health care system look like? Steve Henn reports.

General Electric's stock recently dropped to a nearly two-decade low. Some analysts say investors are worried about GE's financial division. Why? Bob Moon reports.

Auditors are telling General Motors it might not survive unless it files for bankruptcy. What's next for the struggling automaker? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

This picture powerfully illustrates the situation we confront. It comes from Paul Krugman's blog on the New York Times.

GM finally acknowledged today in its annual report that its survival is in "substantial doubt." GM said it could be forced to file for bankruptcy…

Question: I'll be starting veterinary school in the fall, which means that over the next four years I'll take on something like $150,000 in debt….

Though not one for the way of material things, the few possessions Mahatma Gandhi left behind are being auctioned off today in New York. This has drawn strong protest from India. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers taught kids in the early 90's that they had the power to save the Earth. And an environmental Web site is aiming to introduce the animated series to a new eco-conscious generation. Jennifer Collins reports.

The Obama administration wants to phase out private subsidies in student loans, leading the college-bound to borrow directly from the Department of Education. Bill Radke discusses the idea with economics correspondent Chris Farrell.

There's a lot of buzz about General Electric this morning. And none of it's good. GE's stock is down 26% over the past four days and 59% for the…

In an SEC filing, General Motors said this morning that bankruptcy is a real possibility if it cannot stop the financial bleeding and generate some cash. Bill Radke discusses what else GM fears with TheDetroitBureau.com's Paul Eisenstein

Until recently, Dubai had been famous for its luxurious properties and man-made islands. But some property owners in the city now consider themselves ruined. Stephen Beard reports what's been causing Dubai to fall.

A business plan competition in San Francisco will award $25,000 in prize money and professional coaching to the entrepreneur with the winning idea. And with new venture capital in short supply, competition is fierce. Bob Moon reports.

Economists are expecting the Bank of England to cut its interest rates by a half of a percent today, and will also likely announce its intention towards quantitative easing. Christopher Werth explains what that means for the bank.

Many bloggers are expressing anger over the bailout of AIG and the vague consequences foreboding if taxpayers don't help. Bill Radke checks in with Marketplace online host Scott Jagow, who has gotten a bit angry about it himself.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seized control yesterday of a factory owned by U.S. agriculture giant Cargill. The nationalization move was an attempt to control skyrocketing food prices in the country. Dan Grech reports.

Hiring a private jet is generally looked down upon as bad form for companies who have received a buyout. Ronni Radbill explores the fine line between what's considered frivolous business travel when it comes to taxpayer money.

Marketplace for Thursday, March 5, 2009

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, March 5, 2009

Question: We've heard about the $13 a paycheck 'tax credit'. What exactly is a 'tax credit' as opposed to the 'tax rebate'? Will we have to pay the…

Question: I'm 50 yrs old and have been thinking about downsizing and relocating for a few years now. I am self-employed and can take my work with…

Yesterday, I mentioned a book coming out next week called "House of Cards." It's about the collapse of Bear Stearns. Another excerpt was…

I did, just now, sitting at my desk. I wrote the script, cast it and directed it. And you can make one too at the site xtranormal.com. Their…

Thousands of foreclosed properties are sitting on the market and driving home values down. But one federal program is aimed at helping people who don't own homes buy foreclosed properties to get them off the market. Tamara Keith reports.

New York Times columnist David Leonhardt talks with Kai Ryssdal about who's getting hit the hardest by job losses and why.

Renovations to a New Jersey town's boardwalk are having ramifications on the rainforests in Brazil. Joe Rose reports on the controversy over U.S. beach towns using Brazilian hardwood.

Recession dressing? Sounds more like a cheap way to top a salad than a clothing-design movement. Kai Ryssdal speaks with fashion editor Kate Betts about how you might have to work a little harder to look good during the downturn.

The White House is banking on government spending to stimulate economic activity. Commentator David Frum says even if the plan might be good on paper, the execution is the problem.

Reports say that China may announce a new stimulus package soon. What will it look like and how might it impact the U.S. and world markets? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

The Treasury Department released more details about its mortgage restructuring plan for 9 million homeowners. What does the plan include and who gets the help? Steve Henn reports.

Attendance is up at museums and cinemas in France. Experts attribute the rise in cultural interest to the financial crisis. Anita Elash explores the trend of cultural escapism through a rough economic climate.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses Congress today on the U.S.'s need to work with the international community on the crisis. Financial Times columnist Philip Stephens tells Steve Chiotakis how President Obama could be more involved.

General Motor's European division is threatening to cut jobs if one of several countries doesn't step up with a bailout. Layoffs would be centered around Opel, GM's German division. Christopher Werth reports.

A study out this morning shows that 1 in 5 U.S. homeowners owe more to their mortgage lenders than their homes are worth. Jennifer Collins crunches numbers on "underwater" mortgages and where most of them are.

There seem to be signs this morning that Chinese manufacturing is coming back to life. Bill Radke talks to Marketplace's Scott Tong in Shanghai about why things might be picking up and more about the China's stimulus plan.

A Virginia-based advertising firm is paying $4,000 to companies that hire one of the two dozen workers it just laid off. The incentive has been working. Stacey Vanek-Smith explores how there's money in it for prospective employers.

The federal government is planning to expand its staff, creating thousands of new jobs within several agencies. Some estimates put the exact number as high as a quarter of a million. Ronni Radbill reports.

The more I read and think about AIG, the closer I get to having a conniption. Even Bernanke said it yesterday: nothing makes him angrier than the…

The House is weighing a bill that would give bankruptcy judges the ability to modify mortgages. They could force lenders to cut the principal on a loan, lower the interest rate, or even extend the life of the loan. Dan Grech reports.

After living more than a quarter century under the trickle-down philosophy of Reaganomics, Obama's economic plan is a clear departure. Commentator Robert Reich explores how and why Obamanomics can work.

A Senate committee is holding a hearing on whether Swiss bank UBS's adherence to international bank secrecy is helping wealthy U.S. citizens avoid income tax. Mitchell Hartman reports what Swiss defenders are saying.

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, March 4, 2009

It seems each day brings more bad news about the economy. But commentator Brad DeLong says this is what was expected, so you shouldn't be surprised.

The American Trucking Association is pushing an initiative to allow bigger trucks on the road. They say it's good for the planet, but opponents argue it'll hurt independent truckers. Sadie Babits reports.

Americans are taking fewer vacation days and clocking in more hours just to stay employed. Kai Ryssdal talks to sociologist Dalton Conley about the fading separation between work and life.

A Pew Center report shows that one of the fastest-growing spending areas for states is criminal correction. But as states struggle with their budgets, is the price of spending on the penitentiary system worth it? Rico Gagliano reports.

Investors are looking for signs of life in the market as the Dow continues to fall. Has the market finally hit the bottom so it can rebound? Jeremy Hobson reports.

The government may partner with private investors to create new funds to buy up bad assets from the troubled banks. Steve Henn reports.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says that all U.S. banks are viable and lending. But with the banking system limping along, are there really no "zombie banks" in the U.S.? John Dimsdale reports.