Marketplace for Monday, March 12, 2012

Segments From This Episode

• Mortgage settlement to be closely policed

  by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

  The $25 billion settlement announced last month finally details all the different types of relief for borrowers. But it sure took a long time.

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• How much productivity will be lost during March Madness?

  by Kai Ryssdal

  It's a pretty big number, but it also won't matter much in the grand scheme of things.

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• France accused of fostering market in hostages

  by John Laurenson

  Despite official denials, France is accused of being too ready to pay ransoms for hostages — and so encouraging kidnappers to abduct its citizens.

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• The dirty business of consulting in ‘House of Lies’

  by Kai Ryssdal

  Actor Don Cheadle and writer Matthew Carnahan talk about their new Showtime comedy series, "House of Lies," which follows the lives and business of management consultants.

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• Deficit cutting vs. social spending: Finding a balance

  by Liz Herman

  Commentator Liz Herman says we need to find a way to both reduce the deficit and spend the right amount on social services.

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• For-profit schools try to talk a better game

  by Amy Scott

  They're looking into trading their business-y jargon for education speak in hopes of taking the "for-profit" perception out of for-profit colleges and universities.

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• ‘Homeless Hotspots’ program sparks debate

  by Kai Ryssdal

  A controversial new experiment at South by Southwest puts Wi-Fi units in the hands of the homeless. Accused of condescension and exploitation, "Homeless Hotspots" creators hope the debate will encourage entrepreneurship and visibility.

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• Disney digests a movie bomb with ‘John Carter’

  by Jennifer Collins

  After a lackluster opening weekend, "John Carter" is on track to be a huge money loser. Disney could be facing a loss of $100 million or more.

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