Week of February 16th, 2015

Marc Goodman's book "Future Crimes" is about what's coming. And it ain't pretty.

A bartender spills your secrets.

How did you get where you are?

Inside the business of government transparency

How a single mom in Los Angeles makes her finances work with a side gig…or two.

This weekend, we’re talking about secrets, side gigs, and growing economies. In part two of “Six Routes to Riches,” our co-production with the BBC, we travel to Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Later, Lizzie discusses the business of unveiling government secrets with MuckRock co-founder Michael Morisy, and a bartender tells all…about the people who tell him everything. 

When the global economy collides with real life, what happens?

Sysco announced it will merge with US Foods, but antitrust law could prevent the move.

You'll have to get your Michael Bublé and Jack Johnson albums somewhere else.

Catherine Rampell from The Washington Post and Sudeep Reddy of the Wall Street Journal wrap up the week in news. But, what else did we learn this week?

The Baker Hughes Rig Count gets much attention. Does it still reflect oil production?

There are reports that Apple is gearing up to build a car. Ok, we'll bite.

25 years into the Photoshop era, we know that what we see… could be a fake.

Airing on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015: Okay, we’re gonna take the rumors seriously and ask, “If Apple is getting into the car business, what does that look like?” Plus, the Baker Hughes Rigs Counts are out today. They’re considered an important indicator of the health of the energy and drilling industries. But some question whether they’re as indicative or relevant as they once were. We investigate. Also, we dive into the belly of the nationwide food supplier, Sysco. They are the biggest distributor of foods in the country and are looking to expand, joining yet another company. But the Federal Trade Commission is not having it and filed a lawsuit to stop the merger. We take a look at the surprising reach of Sysco.  

New federal school-nutrition rules took effect this school year.

Back up plans for Greece, American architects in China, and documentaries with a business angle.

Airing on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015: Cyber crime has been in the news a lot lately. It’s become a big enough problem that the White House is hosting summits on it, and even establishing a brand new agency to fight it. Today, we speak with Maria Tcherni, assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven, about the rise of cybercrime compared to other types of property theft. Next up is our segment from our series on Hollywood vs Silicon Valley – we talk with Todd Wagner, co-founder of Broadcast.com and co-owner of 2929 Entertainment, about rethinking the Hollywood distribution model. For this week’s Silicon Tally, we have Janet Vertesi, a sociologist and historian of science and technology at Princeton.     

Airing on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015: As part of its wage initiative, Wal-Mart is giving more of its workers fixed schedules. Having a fixed schedule, rather than being on call, has many advantages for low-wage workers. Like, you can schedule a second job. Plus, with the Oscars coming up this weekend, we take a look at the economy of the red carpet.

From mani cams to brand partnerships, the red carpet can be a moneymaker for all.

Some view China as an opportunity to be bold.

Like many retailers, Wal-Mart had a system where employee hours constantly changed.

How well have you kept up with the week in tech news?

The crew for Two and a Half Men are entering a very different Hollywood landscape.

Here are the numbers we're reading and watching for Friday.

Casting directors shape films by giving them their stars

Turning your 5 to 9 job into a global business, the Nigerian way.

Wal-Mart announced a mass raise today to some 500,000 employees.

Higher wages means rising costs. How will shareholders react to this new paradigm?

Snowy upstate New York town tells visitors to check out Florida instead.

Airing on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015: Walmart announced a mass raise today to some 500,000 employees. By April, these workers will make $9 an hour and by next year this time, it will go up to $10. We speak to two workers to find out what difference this will make in their lives. These higher wages also mean rising costs. So how will Walmart shareholders react to this new paradigm in their operating trajectory? This and more!

Researchers estimate that two-thirds of community college students would qualify for federal grants, but not all of them apply.

Walmart is the world's largest retailer, but what are its paths to growth?

Germany rejects an extension, when to raise interest rates, and promoting diversity in sports.

Officials signal they want continued flexibility as they raise interest rates.

A conversation with economist Elena Panaritis, advisor to the Greek government.

Airing on Thursday, February 19, 2015: The Apple Watch is almost here. It’s expected to be released in April. We speak with Ryan Martin, a wearable technology analyst for 451 Research, on the watch’s looming launch. Today, on our Hollywood vs Silicon Valley coverage – we talk with Charles Forman, co-founder of the gaming company OMGPOP, about bringing tech to the screenwriting process and whether or not the balance is tipping in favor of Silicon Valley, and we also talk with VidCon founder and YouTube star Hank Green about the difference between being Internet-famous and Hollywood-famous. 

Airing on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015: As retail giant Walmart reports its latest quarterly earnings, we look at possible growth areas for the company. Plus, you’ve heard that quote “Whiskey’s for drinkin’, water’s for fightin”? That’s been true in California for well over a century and the current drought has only intensified conflict over who should get how much water and from where in this thirsty state. As part of our series “Water: The High Price of Cheap,” we look at how echoes of past water wars still reverberate today.

In the future of cinema, the box office may no longer be king.

…in California, that is.

Here are the numbers we're reading and watching for Thursday.

The app's value went from $10 billion to $19 billion in a year. What changed?

Agriculture uses 80 percent of the water in California

Organ donation saves lives and money — unless you’re the organ donor.

Airing on Wednesday Feb. 18, 2015: Today, Swiss prosecutors raided the Geneva office of the second largest bank in the world, HSBC. The allegations are described as “aggravated money laundering.” More on that. Plus, we look at the situation this morning with Greece and debt relief with the possibility of global financial instability if Greece has to switch from the euro back to the drachma. Regardless of whether Greece stays in the eurozone or leaves, a key challenge will be collecting taxes, with some Greeks raising tax avoidance to a high art. And the postal delivery van, that boxy fixture of the American landscape, is going to get a makeover. The vehicles guzzle fuel and cost thousands of dollars a year per truck in maintenance. Representatives from car companies are meeting with the post office today to talk over what the next mail truck might look like. 

The Federal Communications Commission just wrapped up a public comment period on 5G

Meet Vince Palmo, the unsung hero of the Oscar-nominated film.

If you didn't think Janet Yellen does anything with her time, well, now you know.

PPI, industrial production and housing starts numbers for January are okay, and they paint a picture of a still-struggling economy.

A Texas College that is revamping itself to be staffed by students.

Airing on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015: A year ago, the teen-fad social-media company Snapchat was valued at $10 billion. Its latest investors value it at $19 billion. We look at what’s happened in that time. Is the doubling in valuation due to the discovery of a business model, potential, or momentum among investors? We explore. Plus, we report on a Texas College that is revamping itself as a place where students work their way through four years. This is not just a few hours in the library, rather a significant job at the school— work that will reduce their tuition. Also, the Producer Price Index has released its industrial production and housing starts numbers for January. They’re okay… They’re not great. And in aggregate they paint a picture of a still-struggling economy.   

Teens have been losing sleep for two decades.

Eric Holder is acting lawman one final time.

Attorney General Eric Holder's last act, a good time for air freight industry, and fair trade heads to retailers.

Airing on Wednesday, February 18, 2015: A Russian cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky Lab, accused the United States on Monday of embedding surveillance tools in computers in China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and others. According to the lab, these alleged implants, which target firmware, might be connected to the NSA. On today’s show, we speak with Chester Wisniewski, senior security advisor at Sophos, about Kapersky’s findings. Plus, for today’s segment on Hollywood vs Silicon Valley, we speak with Senator Wyden on the difference between the two industries’ lobbyists, and we also have Mike Robinson, from the MPAA, talking about internet piracy and whether or not tech companies are doing enough to stop illegal movie downloads.     

Big American retailers are looking to sell more traditional, hand-made items.

The boxy trucks we see every day are headed for retirement.

In the battle against illegal downloads, defining the enemy is the first step.

A lot of travel, a lot of babies, a lot of lobster.

Security experts say the scope of the hack suggests a state actor.

Many Greeks leaving the eurozone as a huge waste of time and money.

Airing on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015: Negotiations for a new bailout arrangement for Greece collapsed last night. After an election last month, Greece has been pushing to ease its debt burden. It’s no secret that African-Americans may face bias — either conscious or unconscious — when it comes to being hired and promoted. But some worrying new research shows that bias may be exacerbated for job candidates who self-identify as ‘Black’ rather than ‘African-American’. Plus, a lot of people, as they get closer to retirement, consider this move: not taking their social security payments when they’re first eligible, instead waiting until 70 when you could get more, if fate smiles on you and you live long enough. But there are thousands of rules governing social security and to some this spells “opportunity.” We talk to Laurence Kotlikoff, professor of Econ at Boston University and co-author of “Get What’s Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security.”

Alex Hillkurtz's storyboards have shaped movies like "Argo" and "Unbroken."

Low apartment vacancy rates mean renters are often at the mercy of landlords

…if you have at least $150,000 to spare

A Texas judge has stayed President Obama’s executive action to stop millions of undocumented immigrants from facing deportation.

…but dealing with backlog at West Coast docks could take weeks

Airing on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015: Word is that the labor dispute is close to a resolution, so what happens now? We’ll look at how we unwind this beast, including what happens to all the perishable stuff. Plus, a recent ruling by a Texas judge stayed President Obama’s executive action to prevent millions of undocumented immigrants from facing deportation. We look at the ruling’s economic impact. Then, hard drives have been compromised by agencies — possibly governmental — that have embedded malware in the systems. How will these hard drive manufacturers respond to this story? And how will the computer manufacturers that buy these hard drives respond? How can you assure security and reassure consumers? We investigate.

The federal School Breakfast Program fed more low-income student students than ever before in the 2013 school year.

Negotiations in Greece, the government addresses untested rape kits, and Etsy's competitors

Airing on Tuesday, February 17, 2015: First up on today’s show, we’ll talk to Lindsey Turrentine, Editor-in-Chief of CNET.com, about the FAA’s proposed drone regulations and the privacy issues that go with them. Plus, the Internet has made crafting a lucrative business-and not just for selling goods. We look at a company that is attracting big money to the online world of crafting education. We’ll also talk to Issa Rae, who created and stars in The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, about making the transition from a web series to broadcast television.

Issa Rae talks about how her online success got her to HBO.

Vice President Joe Biden promotes funding to help clear backlog of untested kits.

A website offering crafting tutorials is attracting students and venture capital.

Here are the numbers we're watching and reading for Tuesday.

A look at the hidden politics behind emoji

An international hacking ring took millions from dozens of banks over a year.

The FAA recommends restrictions aimed at safety for people who aren't flying drones

For years, China shipped manufactured goods to the rest of the world. Now, Chinese companies are sitting on big cash reserves, and they’re looking to invest.

Rogerson's Book of Numbers explores the cultural meaning of every-day numbers.

It costs extra. And mostly, you don't need an advance ticket to get in.

President's day was once recognized as a day when people sold bikes.

Airing on Monday, Feb. 16, 2015: The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a set of regulations regarding the use of drones, Sunday. We look at what commercial uses are possible under the FAA’s proposed rules, and how the rules would have to change to accommodate the largest proposed use, delivery. Plus, the cyber hackers who stole millions from banks over the past two years are …bank robbers! These hackers stole money digitally by doing many of the same things that bank robbers do. We look at what this means for banks. Also, Egypt is stepping away from the U.S. being its sole supplier of military weaponry. Why did Egypt decide to break the U.S. monopoly and what does it say about the U.S.’s influence in the region. We investigate.

Hackers seem to have taken up to $1 billion over a year.

Here are the stories we're reading and numbers we're watching this Presidents Day.

The Labor Department wants companies to train students for jobs that pay well.

Artists hope the signs spur conversations about social and political issues.

AmEx is out of the picture, but partnering with Costco is still alluring

Airing on Monday, Feb. 16, 2015: It’s crunch time for Greece to try and strike a deal. The Greeks want to restructure and reexamine their bailout structure, whereas Germany and others are pushing back, saying Athens must honor old commitments. The change of government in Greece, widely-supported, is hanging over those talks. Meanwhile, CostCo and American Express are breaking up their exclusive arrangement at the end of March, in which AmEx was the only credit card accepted at Costco’s stores. We take a look at the value of being CostCo’s exclusive credit card and why other credit card companies are likely to want to vie for the ‘co-branded’ relationship. Finally, we take a look at a very specific use of billboards in Missouri: Outdoor advertising used to comment on typical billboard tactics and spur conversation.

First up, we look at the state of modern apprenticeships, as the Department of Labor prepares a series of grants to push forward “the other college, but without the debt” in the tech sector. Then, Tesla’s earnings call last week wasn’t stellar, but it came with this nugget: Elon Musk says the company is working on batteries that could power your home. Turns out the company is well-placed to innovate outside of electric cars if it can cut costs. Finally: We start our series on the tension between Hollywood and Silicon Valley by looking at “Black Mirror.” 

Why Hollywood has a hard time making technology sexy.