Week of February 11th, 2013

Russian corruption has forced many people to install dashboard cameras to protect themselves against false charges or claims of liability. All those cameras have an unforeseen side effect — they've helped create some incredible viral videos.

"XOXO" has long been the symbol for a kiss and a hug, but a pair of writers say that it's commonly becoming used as a way to sign-off an email message — even at the workplace. How does your digital sign-off affect how others perceive you at the office?

Asteroids like the one that flew by Earth on Friday could hold a treasure trove of precious metals.

The Federal Trade Commission says more than a quarter of credit card-carrying Americans have at least one “potentially material error” in their credit report data. Speaking of errors, some con artists are taking advantage of all the vacant homes out there that are caught in limbo. Also, we take a look at the housing market in Las Vegas. Plus, should seniors stop getting discounts? And the art of the sign-off. What “XO,” “Sincerely,” or “Regards” says about you. – All the best, your team at Marketplace Money

A look at America's debt and deficit trouble through the lens of European economic standards.

On Thursday, American Airlines and US Airways officially announced their long-rumored merger. And Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway said it made a match with Ketchup giant Heinz, in a deal worth billions.

A meteor strikes Russia and shakes the economy. A team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore builds the ICU of the future. Now facing murder charges, Oscar Pistorius joins a long list of professional athletes in legal jeopardy, moral trouble or both. Mark Garrison takes a look at how corporate sponsors like Nike respond. Meanwhile, we wonder if applying for EU membership would help the U.S. government figure out how to manage its debt. After all, in order to be admitted to the eurozone, countries had to get their deficits and long term debt way down. And reporter and commentator Julia Angwin defriended all of her friends on Facebook this week because she is worried about privacy. But will her friends defriend her in real life because of it?  

Senior citizens get to purchase a host of goods and services at prices 10-20 percent lower than their under-5o counterparts. But commentator Lorie Eber says it's time for senior citizens give up their discounts.

Commentator Julia Angwin says erosion of privacy on Facebook left her little choice.

The Federal Trade Commission released a report saying that 42 million consumers have at least one "potentially material error" in their credit reports.

Why Carnival Cruise passengers may have a tough time suing the company, a makeover for Under Armour, and does the language you speak affect your savings?

Many colleges now offer student loans and grants on debit cards, without disclosing their agreements with banks. That's caught the federal government's attention.

The company that was founded by a former football player and is known for its hard-core, performance sportswear is testing a new branding strategy geared towards women.

Athletes are no strangers to controversy, posing dilemmas for corporate sponsors. Pistorius is the latest challenge for Nike, whose problem children have included Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and NFL quarterback Michael Vick.

The Federal Reserve said this morning that production at U.S. factories declined last month after two months of gains. Industrial production fell by 0.4 percent.

More than 5 million homes have been lost to foreclosure since 2006. That's a lot of real estate, and con artists are determined to put it to good use.

A major scandal in Europe over horsemeat is having an unexpected consequence in Britain: A surge in sales of horseburgers.

An economics professor at Yale has found the way a speaker uses the future tense can affect their likelihood of saving.

Residents in a town in Northern England who couldn’t get high-speed Internet decided to put in their own.

The Group of 20 major world economies are meeting in Moscow today, and the biggest item on the agenda is global monetary policy with some countries complaining about a 'currency war.'

Campus Progress wants students to be able to take advantage of low interest rates available for mortgages and car loans.

The battle between Elon Musk of Tesla and the New York Times in the wake of a bad review for a test drive of the company’s car continues. But what is the real takeaway from the flap?

Probably not, say lawyers, unless you've suffered physical injury. As a gesture of goodwill, Carnival is offerering a full refund, a voucher for a future trip, and $500.

While the Dow has been inching toward a record high, Apple’s stock has taken a significant dive. But Allan Sloan, senior editor at large at Fortune Magazine, says that has more to do with investment managers on Wall Street than with what’s going on in Cupertino. The Group of 20 major world economies are meeting in Moscow today, and the biggest item on the agenda is global monetary policy with some countries complaining about a currency war. And you can refinance your mortgage, but what about your student loan?

The battle between Elon Musk of Tesla and the New York Times in the wake of a bad review for a test drive of the company’s car continues. But what is the real takeaway from the flap? Will Oremus of Slate says we’re all focusing on the wrong facts. Also, the town in Northern England where residents who couldn’t get high-speed Internet decided to put in their own.

While the Dow has been inching toward a record high, Apple's stock has taken a significant dive.

Last month, Las Vegas dropped to No. 6 on RealtyTrac's list of cities burdened by foreclosures. What's behind the shifting market in Sin City?

Bob and Kristy Walker, co-authors of a personal finance textbook, answer listeners' questions about money — including how to create a budget on a fluctuating income, how to make ends meet when an unexpected tax bill comes your way and how you can build an emergency fund even with unsteady employment.

Chinese New Year is a time when most Chinese return home to celebrate with their families. We meet one homeless man who spends his New Year begging for change on the Street of Eternal Happiness.

President Obama’s executive order for increased sharing between government agencies and large infrastructure companies endeavors to help bypass Congress in a fast-moving Internet attack. And mass texting among teenagers is a growing problem — as Janell Burley Hofmann can attest. Her son woke up the other morning with 0ver 600 missed texts from the night beore. 

Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is pioneering the ICU of the future to help keep the sickest patients from getting sicker.

It might be Oscar season, but there's always a few big blockbuster movies on the block. Today, the latest 'Die Hard' movie is released.

Berkshire Hathaway and partners make a $28 Billion deal for H.J. Heinz.

Tesla founder and chief executive Elon Musk is challenging a recent New York Times article that says the latest Tesla model failed a test drive from Washington, D.C., to Boston.

A handful of gun manufacturers have reacted to strict gun laws by refusing to do business with the police in those jurisdictions.

Time Warner and Meredith may combine their women-oriented titles, which have held up as print editions.

Valentine’s Day aside, the price of a rose hasn’t increased in decades. We take a look at what’s behind the floral price fixing. Meanwhile, Robert Schmitz reports on spending the Chinese New Year on the  Street of Eternal Happiness with Zhang Naisun, one of the more than 300 million Chinese who live on less than two dollars a day. And Die Hard 5 is out today. Grantland’s Wesley Morris talks about why Die Hard is such an endless franchise, and why action heroes are so geriatric this season.

Rose prices haven’t risen for years, thanks to low-cost growers abroad and discount flowers at retailers. But Valentines Day is a different story.

Authorities in Spain have busted a ring of computer criminals. Their speciality: Ransomware, an infuriating kind of computer attack where a virus gets introduced that locks up the computer system and demands a cash ransom.

A merger between American Airlines and US Airways, Warren Buffet to enter the ketchup business, the creative and risky financing being used by public school districts around the country, and the most common business passwords.

Roses sold in the U.S. mostly come from abroad. In fact, any roses you may have been lucky enough to receive today, or kind enough to give, probably came from South America.

Legendary investor Warren Buffet announced Thursday morning that his company, Berkshire Hathaway, will team up with a Brazilian-backed investment firm to buy H. J. Heinz, the ketchup maker. The price tag? Just over $23 billion.

Robert Isom, the COO of US Airways and John Snook, the Senior Vice Presdeint of Customer Service at American Airlines share their thoughts on the challenges of the coming merger and their hopes for the future airline.

Investors are digesting a mega airlines merger and major ketchup acquisition this morning. Is the activity a coincidence or part of a larger trend?

Janell Burley Hofmann, one of our resident tech etiquette gurus, is a Cape Cod Mother of five with strong opinions about how to behave with technology. Today's topic: Group text messages.

American Airlines and US Airways have officially announced their long-suspected merger. Together the companies will become the largest airline in the world, but the consolidation process won’t be without its challenges.

To celebrate this day of wine and roses, Marketplace Tech wants to know the most romantic — or least romantic — text, tweet or social media message you've ever received.

A slew of GDP numbers out of Europe and Asia today paint a gory picture of the global economy.

President Obama's executive order for increased sharing between government agencies and large infrastructure companies endeavors to help bypass Congress in a fast-moving Internet attack.

Many school districts around the country are making use of capital appreciation bonds, long-term bonds that can put them into debt for far more than they initially borrowed.

Bob Crandall, the former CEO of American Airlines, joins us to discuss the path to the US Airways merger and what's next for the new airliner.

Atlanta's unemployment rate still tops the national percentage, but city residents hope the worst is finally behind them.

On this Valentine’s Day, American Airlines and US Airways are making a wedding announcement as the boards of both carriers have approved a merger. Bob Crandall, the former CEO of American Airlines, joins us to discuss what’s ahead for what will be the world’s largest airline. Is a new global recession on the way? And, despite advice to the contrary, work colleagues frequently date each other. That can give HR a headache and lead to corporate policies barring office romance.

The trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union mentioned in President Obama's State of the Union speech could be profitable for both parties. It may be hard to achieve because of differences in outlook.

See if you can tell which piece of tape was from President Obama's State of the Union this year, and which one was from last year.

Ten states raised their minimum wage this year. Now, President Obama wants to increase it nationwide. Commentator Robert Reich says the federal government needs to separate investments in the economy from discretionary spending. Meanwhile, the European Union and the U.S. plan to work on what would be a gigantic trade agreement, but an equally large cultural clash threatens to quickly dash hopes of a deal. Intel says it will sell TVs directly to consumers this year. We hear about a program in Chicago giving out rent vouchers so people can move into neighborhoods with better economic opportunities. And The New York Times’ David Leonhardt talks about his new e-book, the economy and the president’s State of the Union address.

"The Americans" is set in the 1980s and revolves around two Russian sleeper agents living in the U.S.

The New York Times Washington bureau chief talks about the choices we have to make with respect to our debt and the national deficit.

The giant computer chip maker says it will develop a set-top box for Internet TV, that includes facial recognition.

President Obama proposed a minimum wage increase to help the lowest-paid workers. Opponents say businesses will just eliminate jobs. We go to a restaurant to talk to an employee and employer.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 50 most generous donors from 2012 list shows that there are more donors under 40 giving away more than ever before. Here are five you should pay attention to.

Spending on infrastructure and education can help fuel future growth.

Helping poor families relocate to safer neighborhoods with better schools shown to improve mobility for children.

Obama's plans for education from pre-school to college. Will an increase in minimum wage help or hurt workers? And in a twist, some former employees who'd been duped out of overtime pay are becoming part-owners of a Harvard Square pizzeria they used to work for.

What are President Obama's plans for universal pre-school access, high-school funding, and higher education?

In last night's State of the Union address, President Obama proposed new trade talks with the EU. How are leaders in Europe reacting?

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During his State of the Union address last night, President Obama proposed to raise the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour.

How does today's news compare to the information technology that was around when the last Pope resigned in 1415?

Apple is to respond to a lawsuit claiming it should distribute more cash to shareholders. CEO Tim Cook calls the suit a “silly sideshow.”

In a twist, former employees who'd been duped out of overtime pay become part-owners of a Harvard Square pizzeria.

President Obama called for stronger gun control laws last night in his State of the Union address — and one of the big ideas being talked about is closing what’s called the “gun show loophole.” But is it really about gun shows and is it really a loophole? Leaders in Europe react to Obama’s call for new EU-US trade talks. This week, Netflix announced its teaming up with Dreamworks to create its first original cartoon series for kids.

Apple’s stock has been drooping since its maps fail in September — but are things getting serious? Tim Cook may have been sitting with the First Lady during the State of the Union Tuesday, but he was also making speeches to Wall Street at Goldman Sachs’ Internet and Technology conference, trying to convince shareholders that all is well. Some shareholders don’t think that’s true — and are suing to get Apple to start delivering on its mountain of cash in hand. And, however you heard about the Pope’s retirement this week, the technology bringing you the news was very different than the last time a pope retired, in the 15th century. 

We read between the lines of President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address in this annotated transcript

President Obama will give his State of the Union speech tonight. North Korea tests another nuclear weapon, but how can the impoverished country afford to be a nuclear state? Leaders of the International Olympic Committee have dropped wrestling from the 2020 games. Dan Gorenstein takes a look into the profits made by stores that cater to doomsday preppers and bad weather survivalists. Author Jess Walters talks about his new series of stories that delves into the recession-era America. And Sylvester Monroe reports from Chicago, on the eruption of violence in the city.

Wrestling, whose Olympic roots date from ancient Greece, will be dropped after the 2016 games. What ripple effects will that have on the sport?

Thanks to the sale of underground goods, the country can devote a third of its resources to developing its military and weapons programs.

With the world looking a lot more fragile, more people are taking their survival into their own hands — and garages.

Commentator Beth Teitell on the new era of wedding wed-sites.

Netflix hopes new animated series will tap into the lucrative market for children's shows…and merchandizing.

Jess Walter's new book of short stories "We Live in Water" chronicles those who are down on their luck.

Most vendors at gun shows are federally licensed dealers, who are required to do background checks on buyers. It's gun collectors and private sellers that aren't federally licensed.

President Obama called for investing more in the nation's infrastructure, but some projects take a long time to start and others are blocked by Congress.

Experts say public housing policy is just one factor in the violence that troubles Chicago's poor neighborhoods.

Spice up your speech-watching with a game of Bingo. Print out one (or all) of our bingo cards and check off what the President calls out.

Betting wrong on gentrification in Chicago, the safest year for air travel since 1945, and looking back at the president's first term, where have the jobs actually come from?

Juli Niemann, an analyst with Smith Moore & Company, shares her thoughts on what Obama will highlight and the state of jobs and the economy.

Starting Wednesday, American Express customers who link their cards to their Twitter accounts will be able to make purchases with a tweet.

While wearable electronics seem to be the next must-have gadget, it's not clear whether consumers are ready to compromise style for function.

Alex Moazed, CEO of Applico, says companies need that companies need to think beyond just a mobile app and rethink their business.

Today marks four years to the day since the last fatal crash of a commercial airliner in the U.S. In addition, the New York Times points out that last year was the safest for global air travel since 1945.

Who's that sitting near the first lady at the president State of the Union address? Word is it's going to be Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The test is the country's third and is being condemned by the United States and other countries in the region.

Gov. John Kasich's budget proposal cuts income taxes and it lowers the sales tax, but there's a catch. It levies sales taxes on a big list of services for the first time.

During the bubble, many snapped up properties in neighborhoods they thought were going to become more affluent. But instead of moving up, Chicago's Englewood neighborhood has been spiraling down.

Perhaps every successful politician promises employment. But looking back at the president's first term, where have the jobs actually come from?

"It's like Prozac or something," the Apple CEO said today at a Goldman Sachs technology conference.

As North Korea conducts another nuclear test, its neighbors weigh more sanctions. Publishing company McGraw-Hill, which owns the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s that is the target of a $5 billion lawsuit by the Justice Department, reports earnings today. Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s (R) budget proposal cuts income taxes and it lowers the sales tax. But there’s the catch: It levies sales taxes on a big list of services for the first time.