Week of November 14th, 2011

It's a frustrating gamble many travelers make: buy now or hope for a lower ticket price later? Annoying as it is, dynamic pricing is spreading to everything from electronics and concert tickets. Learn more about the practice.

The super committee has five days to come up with a deficit-cutting plan — will they reach an agreement? Commentator Gary Hirshberg says energy efficiency needs to be considered in the plan. Meanwhile, high-end brands are considering ways to profit environmentally. Author Jim Rickards talks about the currency wars and their role in a global crisis. And “Occupy” is becoming much more than a movement — it’s now a cultural meme.

A new type of scam fills Facebook feeds with images of porn, gore and violence.

It’s less than a week before the super committee must reach a deal to cut at least $1.2 trillion from the U.S. deficit. Both sides say they know the clock is ticking, but they’re not getting closer to agreement.

President Barack Obama is in Indonesia today, and will attend the signing of a deal that could bring 110,000 jobs to the U.S. Reporter Scott Tong concludes his three-part series from the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, in the ongoing European debt crisis, Spain is the latest hot-button country. And store employees fight back against Black Thursday openings.

Social media have changed the way we do pretty much everything, including spending money. We’ll hear about the birth of “cash mobs” in Cleveland. And, forget those daily deals and sales. There’s another way to get a bargain on that thing you want. Turning old into gold. Plus, if only you could go online and get help finding a parking space before you arrive. Also, we learn how to test whether you can handle using a credit card or not.

Big chain stores like Best Buy, Walmart and Target have plans to open on 'Black Thursday' this year, which has drawn backlash from workers.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron meet today to discuss a possible Robin Hood tax in Europe.

There are five days until the super committee's intended deadline to make big budget cuts for the U.S. If they fail, more ratings agencies could downgrade the country's debt.

We speak to David Kelly of JP Morgan Funds about what he thinks the possible outcome of the super committee stand-off could be.

We speak to Jill Schlesinger of CBS/Money watch about what the ratings agencies are expecting from the government's finances in the coming year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting this morning that teenage girls in the U.S. are having fewer babies than ever before.

Marketplace Money host Tess Vigeland and David Lazarus, consumer columnist for The Los Angeles Times answer listener questions.

From Norway to the U.S., systems are vulnerable…

The movement that started in a park jumps into your computer…

New A.I. technology could be faster than you think…

Citizen journalists and their "community generated content" are hitting traditional newsrooms where it hurts, the payroll. CNN journalists become the latest victims of digital disruption.

NCAA President Mark Emmert has announced that an investigation into the Penn State scandal would start immediately.

Reviewing the week's headlines on Wall Street. This week: The odds of a solution by the super committee, and what might happen if they don't agree on anything.

How to take down an exchange 101…

A number of outcomes are possible when the super committee hits up against their deadline next week. Many are hoping that they will at least do the bare minimum to avoid another downgrade.

Don't get sacked in the end zone. A good play from an actual play book and a good strategy to co-opt for your pre-dawn shopping.

The deadline for the super committee looms. Could the U.S.'s problem be compared to the eurozone's?

The parent company of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent plans to track the profit and loss associated with the environment impacts of its luxury brands.

Going over listeners' responses to past broadcasts. This week: considering wealth distribution and the Occupy movement.

Should the government invest more in energy efficiency programs? Creating more jobs depends on that answer.

After being forced to flee their homeland, refugees set up at camps in Kenya have continued on with life, including starting up businesses.

Sxt U ltr…

Faster than Speed Racer's Mach 5

Say it with me: AmaPhone

A new type of scam fills Facebook feeds with images of porn, gore and violence.

Violence sells. But you knew that, right?

The debate over credit versus debit has been raging for years. Guest blogger Gerri Detweiler gives three reasons on each side of the argument.

Spain is the latest European country to be hit by difficultly in the bond market. Can a shake-up in political power help change that?

Author Jim Rickards discusses how currency wars affect everyday Americans and why intentionally lowering the value of currencies doesn't work.

A report out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we can expect hotter summers and more extreme weather events in the coming years.

I have a student loan that is on an extended payment plan with a variable rate that is tied to prime. Currently, the rate is 2.11%. I have money available that I could put toward the loan, but at this interest rate, it seems advisable to invest the money. However, at some point down the road when the rates go back up, I may wish that I had paid off the loan early. Do you have any advice as to the best approach for paying off such a variable rate loan? Wendell, Rochester, NY

Reporter Amy Scott discusses how the FDA's ruling will affect overall sales of the drug.

The SFpark app will help drivers find parking in a city where spots can be hard to come by.

With just five days left before the Wednesday deadline to figure out how to cut the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion, the super committee hasn't been able to agree on where to get the $1.2 trillion. Some say all they've come up with so far is gimmicks offering no real solutions.

It's less than a week before the super committee must reach a deal to cut at least $1.2 trillion from the U.S. deficit. Both sides say they know the clock is ticking, but they're not getting closer to agreement.

On today’s show, we looked at how one might brand Occupy Wall Street. Some retailers are gearing up for Christmas early, while others are sticking to one holiday at a time. You may be charged more for health care if you smoke or are overweight. And we also heard about the history of skyscrapers, and the latest on the NBA lockout.

On this Thursday morning, the credit rating agency Fitch says the U.S. should be worried about exposure to the European debt crisis. We look at whether Angie’s List is ready for an IPO, and why more American elderly are being pushed towards poverty. In Washington, John Dimsdale looks at the insider trading rules that apply — or don’t apply — to Congressmen.

A new report sheds light on who is downloading or streaming unlicensed content.

A big afternoon drop in the markets on concerns that the congressional super committee is deadlocked and the yield on Spanish bonds neared a disturbingly high 7 percent.

Higher health care costs could be what's pushing more of the elderly into poverty.

Pressure is mounting against the Syrian government to stop violent protests in the country. If they continue past the three day deadline, economic sanctions are the next step.

A new report sheds light on who is downloading or streaming unlicensed content.

Diane Swonk, chief economist with Mesirow Financial, explains why the super committee might not reach a deal by its deadline.

I have some money that I would like to place in a certificate of deposit to improve my return. Most of the U.S. banks I've looked at are offering 1.00% or less. However, some international banks — most notably, Indian banks — are offering around 9.00%. Is there a reason not to invest my money in an overseas institution when the payback looks so much better? Mark, Portland, OR

Now that the Occupy Wall Street protests have been uprooted, protesters are taking to the streets. But what are the next steps the movement should take?

The state of California is receiving much less in revenue this year than it projected.

The threat of a European contagion is far from over, and U.S. banks could be hit by their exposure to France and other countries.

Whoa, see how I swerved you there? Still: yikes!

The super committee in Washington must reach a deal by next week, but that is looking increasingly unlikely.

More employers are charging overweight workers or those who smoke more for health insurance.

Join us for a week long commentary series asking that question. We'll hear from economists, academics, and the public.

The popular website has more than a million paying subscribers, but it's still in a hole.

Somali refugees in Kenya are using cell phones for a number of monetary transactions.

For commentator Jen Miller marathon training is totally worth the sweat, blood and tears — and the money. She says it's a different kind of investment.

Apple has remained relatively quiet on accusations of unsafe working conditions and environmental concerns in China. But they have hired an outside company to look into the problems.

There's a bear for that.

Kate Ascher's new book takes a closer look at the history behind the buildings the make the skylines of the world.

Okay. I’m going to try to tell you about the Knights Corners chip without confusing you or me. I probably won’t make it. Tell my family I loved them.

NCAA President Mark Emmert discusses whether there is room for sanctions against Penn State and the difficulty of managing a college institution while keeping a big-time football program in check.

Marketplace's Nancy Marshall-Genzer looks at the pros and cons of buying refurbished items, as she shops for a new (or refurbished) phone.

Things are heating up.

Some stores have resisted the trend to start Christmas before Thanksgiving. Retailer Nordstrom won't even put up decorations until the day after Thanksgiving and is emphatically closed on Thanksgiving Day.

President Obama will be at a signing ceremony Friday in Indonesia for the purchase of more than 200 Boeing planes by Indonesian airline Lion Air. The $22 billion deal could mean more than 110,000 jobs here at home.

Okay, you can breathe now.

A big afternoon drop in the markets on concerns that the congressional super committee is deadlocked and the yield on Spanish bonds neared a disturbingly high 7 percent.

Last night, the winners of this year's National Book Awards were announced.

Pedro Passos de Coelho is in Portugal today asking investors in the economically-robust former colony to invest in cash-strapped Portugal.

The credit rating agency Fitch says U.S. banks could be hit hard by the turmoil in Europe. The warning came late yesterday and sent bank shares tumbling.

The beta tag has been lifted, money is changing hands, Busta Rhymes makes an appearance (because when you want to appear hip and current, you go with Busta Rhymes, especially if Gin Blossoms were already booked).

Finds oversight lackin'?

More 200,000 people around the world took part in attempts to break or make records.

Yeah, not a shocker, but the average online video user watches four hours and 38 minutes per month.

Several new bills to stop insider trading by Congressmen are gaining momentum on Capitol Hill.

On today’s show, Freakonomics Radio’s Stephen Dubner discussed the hidden side of Thanksgiving dinner. We contemplated the possibility of a eurozone breakup. The price of oil is skyrocketing. Robert Reich argued a healthy economy is not about re-distributing wealth. And NBA players have filed an anti-trust lawsuit.

The teachable moment out of the European financial mess today involves creeping contagion in unlikely places.

The House Judiciary Committee holds a hearing today on the Stop Online Piracy Act. Supporters say it’s a strong measure against crime. Opponents say it will destroy the Internet as we know it.

On this Wednesday morning, the fear of contagion in Europe might finally be coming true. Economy 4.0’s David Brancaccio explains the current state of the manufacturing industry in the United States. Reporter Scott Tong takes a closer look at piracy in Somalia, and Nancy Marshall-Genzer reports on piracy as well — of the online variety.

For all its woes, the 17-member single currency zone is an feat of European cooperation. A breakup would have consequences in Europe and beyond.

Inflation isn't causing most Americans a problem at this point, but the prices of rental homes and apartments has risen in recent months.

The price of crude oil has jumped to more than $100 a barrel. Many analyst blame "speculators." But it turns out, these days "speculators" are often pensions and mutual funds, not just traditional traders.

The Chinese economy is continuing to grow, but venture capitalists in that country are investing less and less with the onset of the global economic crisis.