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Latest Stories

Latest Stories

A car wash for the history books

Apr 29, 2008
In our story about a book on BS, the author, while making a point, said that no one in the history of the world had ever washed a rental car. Well, listener Brad Brooks-Rubin wrote in to correct that statement.

New Chinese aphrodisiac: real estate

Apr 28, 2008
In big cities in China, single women may still be looking for men with charm, wit, intelligence and good looks. But what really makes them swoon is a man who owns a home. Lisa Chow reports.

Rising food prices leave millions hungry

Apr 28, 2008
Hundreds of millions of the world's poorest consumers are suffering greatly as the global cost of food has soared. Washington Post reporter Anthony Faioloa met some of them recently in western Africa. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about what he saw.

Workers' new worry: 'Reclassification'

Apr 28, 2008
IBM employees on Tuesday plan to protest the company's practice of "reclassification," or changing salaried workers to hourly ones. It's a word that's getting a lot of play in corporate America these days. Lisa Napoli reports.

Overseas airmail policy just doesn't fly

Apr 28, 2008
Almost a year ago the United States Postal Service stopped sending letters and packages by sea. It's airmail only now for most international postage. Commentator Robert Lyle wonders whether the change has been worth it.

'Forever' stamp being bought posthaste

Apr 28, 2008
Two weeks from today the cost of mailing a first-class letter goes up a penny, from 41 to 42 cents. Unless you've bought some of theose "forever" stamps, which are being bought at a rate of 30 million a day. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Troubled borrowers focus of BofA deal

Apr 28, 2008
The Federal Reserve is holding hearings in L.A. on Bank of America's planned acquisition of troubled mortgage company Countrywide. Fair-lending advocates say the acquisition should include an obligation to help clients avoid foreclosure. Jeff Tyler reports.

For public good, not for profit.

Labor disputes push oil prices higher

Apr 28, 2008
Oil nudged closer to $120 a barrel today. Two theoretically unrelated labor disputes -- in Nigeria and Britain -- were largely to blame. Stephen Beard reports.

Billionaires do some bargain hunting

Apr 28, 2008
The Mars candy company is teaming up with Warren Buffet to buy Wrigleys for $23 billion. Meanwhile, Kirk Kerkorian is buying more shares in Ford Motor Co. If you've got billions, is now the time for bargains? Jill Barshay reports.

Blending Finances

Apr 28, 2008
Question: Hi Chris, My girlfriend and I will be graduating from Cal's City and Regional Planning Master's program next month. We will also be...