Week of January 23rd, 2012

Mitt Romney brushed aside Newt Gingrich’s idea of establishing a colony on the moon as pandering during the Florida Republican debate. But how viable would this idea be? Reporter Nancy Marshall-Genzer reports on work-study programs and how they fit into President Obama’s economic plans. Stephen Beard continues his One Year On series with a story on the crisis of youth unemployment in Egypt. And we hear about the underground bike economy.

At this point in the election cycle we pretty much know where things stand with the candidates. But where do things stand with the people who will do the voting? We’ll have an on-the-ground look from our reporters in Nevada and Nebraska. In Wisconsin, sand fracking is dividing a small town. And the lunar new year is upon us, have you burned money to honor the dead? We’ll explore the role of money in Chinese traditions. Plus, we look into what makes many in the Asian community such great savers.  

Social networking site Twitter has announced that it can now censor certain messages based on a country’s policies. In Western China, Tibetans are once again stepping up their protests in the quest to gain more independence. And what is the role of airports in a city’s, or nation’s, economy? Happy Earned Income Tax Credit Day!

The Pentagon aims to cut $487 billion from its budget over the next 10 years. That means a reduction of 100,000 troops, base closures, and cutting back on ships and aircraft. One area that is not slated for reduction, however, is the UAV program. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, are going to see a 30 percent increase under the new plan. Also in this program, Motorola has filed a patent infringement suit against Apple, charging that Apple has violated patents belonging to Motorola. It seeks the remedy of banning the sale of the iPhone.

We all hear about economic indicators all the time, but perhaps we don’t question them as much as we should. Take gross domestic product (GDP), which measures the growth of the economy. After a number of incremental but positive indicators that have come out in the past couple of months — the so-called “green shoots” — today’s fourth quarter GDP was a reminder that our economy is still very fragile. And on the Marketplace Daily Pulse, union membership in the U.S. has plateaued.

How the discovery of a valuable commodity under the rolling hills of a rural Wisconsin community has pitted neighbor against neighbor.

90's Billy Ray Cyrus seen jumping for joy

Grandmaster Flash mistakes white space for "White Lines" and says "don't do it!"

Auto makers tout gas mileage and safety to sell cars. But a big reason most buyers choose one model over another is reputation and perception.

Pentagon indicates unmanned aircraft are the future.

We all hear about economic indicators all the time, but perhaps we don’t question them as much as we should.

Going over listeners' responses to past broadcasts. This week: Saul Alinsky, Apple's supply chain and Jan and Dean's 1960s hit.

Marketplace reporters Sarah Gardner and David Gura discuss their recent reporting trips to Nevada and Nebraska as they take the pulse of the nation ahead of the presidential election.

Will the cost of returning to the moon reap benefits in scientific and technological breakthroughs? Past experience offers a mixed verdict.

Not your run-of-the-mill Boggle Battle

The government said this morning that the U.S. economy grew at a rate of 2.8 percent in the last three months of 2011. What does this say about our recovery?

The social networking site has just announced it will block tweets in certain countries that violate laws or bans on speech in certain countries.

A review of the week's biggest business headlines including: GDP growth, Europe and news from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The health insurer WellPoint today announced a plan to pay primary care doctors as much as 10 percent more, with the hope of reducing the overall cost of health care.

If the United States wants to continue to be the major player in the global economy, it needs an efficient, robust aviation system.

Tess Vigeland and Kathy Kristof of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and CBS MoneyWatch answer listeners' personal finance questions.

By Monday, states are supposed to start gathering proof that interstate truck drivers are healthy enough to drive and send that information to a national database. But the Monday deadline ain’t working out so well.

I have recently started purging old files of financial information (statements, bills, receipts, etc.). I have heard that I should keep credit card statements for 7 years, but I was wondering: If the accounts are closed and there are no discrepancies on the credit reports, do I really need to hang on to these statements? Thanks for your insight. Alicia, Indianapolis, IN

Journalist Patrick Symmes had a bicycle. Then it got stolen. So he got another bike, and that got stolen, too. He discusses his journey delving into the underground economy of stolen bikes.

A year after Egypt's revolution toppled the old political elite, many young people complain there's democracy but still no work.

In a speech at the University of Michigan, President Obama calls for rewarding colleges that do best at keeping tuition under control and graduating students. Those who do not perform well could see funding cut.

Up next: crackerjackers

Will smash or trash?

Barack Obama's rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" has boosted sales for the 1972 hit.

Federal spending on defense could soon be drawn back, and private companies that make military equipment will have to look elsewhere for customers.

The nation's gross domestic product — the value of all goods and services produced — grew at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace since the second quarter of 2010.

The social media company says the technology will help individual countries block tweets that might go against local laws.

Lunar New Year isn't just a Chinese celebration — how a Vietnamese-American family marks the season.

For a year, protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square have demanded freedom and economic opportunity. Some say it’s time now to stop the protests.

Commentator Reza Aslan says the outcome of Egypt's experiment with democracy has implications for the region as a whole.

Hashtag blackout

Stars for cash

How can ordinary Americans can get a tax rate like Mitt Romney's?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 11.8 percent of workers counted themselves amongst the ranks of organized labor in 2011, almost half the number recorded in 1983 — the first year that data was available.

GDP growth is getting stronger each quarter. But why was the growth slower than we expected at the end of 2011?

Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Day, which highlights the benefit for low- and moderate-wage earners.

A gut-punch to the FCC

Traditionally, Google has had separate privacy policies and separate terms of service for each site it operates. YouTube has one agreement, Google News might use another, Google+ something else. The idea behind the new privacy policy is that it will cover all of Google. That will mean the different parts of Google will be free to use information about you with each other. Also in this program, thoughts on why everything has to be so complicated on sites that are supposed to be so simple (i.e. Facebook).

The Federal Reserve pledged to keep interest rates near zero until 2014. After a subscriber revolt, Netflix rebounded with huge fourth quarter earnings. The New York Times’ Charles Duhigg discusses the unknown truths about Apple’s supply chain in China. Commentator Robert Reich says the U.S. government needs to take a more active role if it truly wants to make America globally competitive. And we hear about the current state of the Sundance Film Festival.

Durable good purchases are a sign that businesses are getting ready to grow. Those orders were up three percent in December, beating analysts expectations. We’re seeing other economic “green shoots” as well, including falling unemployment, rising consumer sentiment and increases in manufacturing. Some would say you have all the makings of a country on a path to recovery. Really? Doug Roberts from Channel Capital Research tells us how he distinguishes the truth from the hype. And the Daily Pulse was down today on news that only 23 percent of Americans say they trust the U.S. financial system.

Netflix is bouncing back, gaining subscribers after a rough 2011 full of price increases and botched plans to separate its mail order service from the rest of the business. Economy 4.0’s David Brancaccio explains the new Leading Economic Index. And in this year’s presidential debates, the audience has played a bigger role than ever before.

Big changes on the way unless they're not!

The flap over debate audience reactions raises questions about who picks them, who is really in control of them and whether they can affect voters' choices at the polls.

Nokia reported poor earnings today, losing over $1 billion at the end of 2011 — but it still hopes to turn things around with its Microsoft partnership.

The chairman of the Federal Reserve will be leading an undergraduate course on the Fed and its role in the economy. How are students reacting?

Retirees see less return on savings; some businesses invest in tech, not workers.

The New York Times' Charles Duhigg discusses the harsh working conditions at Apple's manufacturers in China, and what can be done to enact change.

World all askew!

But at least you get some control of your profile.

But what's Wikipedia's position?

Good luck with that, Motorola.

How Egyptians are fairing economically one year after the end of ruler Hosni Mubarak's reign.

The annual Sundance Film Festival runs through Sunday. While Sundance has evolved beyond film and into a cultural phenomenon over the years, independent film producers now have more outlets than ever at the festival.

Durable goods purchases were up in December, reinforcing the feeling that the economy is making a recovery. Should we believe the hype?

Climate zones are shifting, says the USDA, so sure, grow bananas in Ohio.

Protests in largely Tibetan areas of Western China turn violent as frustration over Chinese policies grows. Tibetans want more say.

The World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, is underway. What is the atmosphere like there, and what about global economy are attendees most worried about?

Congress is still allowing French fries and pizza to count as vegetables, but what else is about to change on school lunch trays across America?

My son is 7 (will be 8 soon) and I need to start saving for his college — fast. I know I should have started sooner but here we are now with fewer than 10 years to go. What are some avenues to saving for college and get a good return? DoVeanna, Tuscaloosa, AL

Netflix says it's on the way

Announcement coming today

The former head of the company PIP has been arrested for creating breast implants out of non-medical grade silicone.

Netflix also announced yesterday it's backing away from plans to rent video games. And that wasn't the only video game news making headlines.

As the risk of Greece defaulting continues to be a threat, we can look to AIG as a warning.

Netflix announced hundreds of thousands of new subscribers during the last months of 2011. But are they all in it for the long haul?

New security warnings.

The Conference Board is making changes to its leading economic index, taking into account the complexities of the financial marketplace.

Facing nearly half a trillion dollars in mandated budget cuts over the next 10 years, the U.S. Defense Department will spend more on technology like robots and drones — and less on soldiers, ships, fighter planes and other conventional weapons.

Bain Capital may sell companies years after buying them, then partners get their share of profits.

The video service has lured hundreds of thousands of new subscribers with free trials. Converting them to paying customers will be much harder.

Commentator Robert Reich says multinational companies based in the U.S. look out for their own interests, not American workers.

A failed attempt to split Netflix into separate streaming and DVD-by-mail businesses meant a loss of tons of subscribers. Now the company is gaining them back.

According to the Financial Trust Index, Americans have little faith in their investment options.

France, where today authorities arrested the founder of a company that sold faulty breast implants to women all over the world.

Taxing the rich has once again become a hot button issue. How do Americans feel about the amount they are handing over to Uncle Sam each year?

But can I get directions to that tornado? On the bus?

President Obama’s State of the Union speech put a spotlight on American manufacturing and job growth. We take a closer look at the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, and how the process affects people across the country. Today marks the one year anniversary of the uprising in Egypt. And is it possible to trademark the color red?

The President’s annual State of the Union address touched on a lot of tenets that are central to his administration and his campaign for re-election. President Obama talked about how the tax laws should be adjusted so that Warren Buffett doesn’t pay a lower tax rate than his secretary. Mr. Obama called for more control over interest rates for student loans and breaks for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages. He stressed the need for investment in renewable energy sources.

President Obama’s State of the Union address last night made one thing clear: the financial sector has been a pretty severe disappointment to the American economy. The President said, “No bailouts, no handouts, no cop-outs,” aimed, in part, at banks. He praised companies like General Motors and Master Lock as examples of the country’s potential. Memo received, Mr. President: Manufacturing is going to get us out of the economic hole the banks dug for us. The Daily Pulse is up today on news that U.S. students will be eating healthier school lunches moving forward. The USDA announced new menu guidelines today that include more fruit, veggies and whole grains.

Last night, President Obama addressed the nation, stressing job creation, tax rates and environment. But have we heard this before? Kai Ryssdal rewinds the tape and takes us back to the voices of Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and George H. W. Bush. One year after the Mubarak regime was toppled, Egypt’s economy isn’t doing so great. But did the Egyptian protests inspire demonstrations around the world? And in the latest installment of Freakonomics, Stephen Dubner debunks some Super Bowl myths.

A year after protests that toppled Egypt’s long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has more democracy but many worried businesspeople.

In last night's speech, President Obama proposed more incentives for U.S. manufacturing, better training for workers and relief for struggling homeowners.

It's all about printing stuff

Apple posted record earnings for the last quarter, and the only company to make more is in a whole different industry.

Now there's less of it.

This week, a federal appellate court will hear arguments over whether fashion designer Christian Louboutin’s signature red-soled shoes are actually something he can trademark.