12/21/2017: History repeats itself, and so will the ads
Dec 21, 2017

12/21/2017: History repeats itself, and so will the ads

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The tax debate in Congress may be over for now, but the ad war to win over the public is just beginning. Learning from Democrats’ struggle to shape the narrative for Obamacare, tax ads from both sides of the aisle are being rolled out in anticipation of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, President Donald Trump outlined a national security plan earlier this week labeling China and Russia “rival powers” to the U.S. One area where that rivalry is prominent is in the race for the world’s fastest computer. And what’s it like to be a part of CamperForce, a seasonal swarm of mostly retired folks who live on campsites paid for by Amazon and pack and ship holiday orders at its fulfillment center in Kentucky.

Segments From this episode

China makes big strides over the U.S. in supercomputers

Dec 20, 2017
The machines are vital for strategic industries and economic growth. Businesses rely on them, too.
The Sunway TaihuLight is the first fully designed and made-in-China supercomputer that is also the fastest in the world.
Courtesy of the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi

The power behind the scenes at Congressional hearings

Dec 21, 2017
Congress holds hundreds of hearings a year. Most are webcast. So why go?
Chairman of the Federal Reserve nominee Jerome Powell testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Nov. 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. 
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Holiday season fills campgrounds with Amazon workers

Dec 21, 2017
The retailer's CamperForce program recruits RV travelers for seasonal work.
The Sweazeas' camper, decked out for Christmas.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

Bitcoin miners are optimistic about the future

Dec 21, 2017
There’s been a little dip in the bitcoin market this week. The cryptocurrency has dropped about 10 percent against the dollar. Of course, that’s in the face of a 1,700 percent rise in the past year, so those tulip bulb analogies still apply. Speculators, however, (investors, if you prefer) are just one side of the […]

Here comes the tax bill marketing

Dec 21, 2017
The tax bill is passed; it just needs to be signed by the president. However, the ads, public relations stunts and campaigns in support of and against the tax bill are not over. Not even remotely. Expect to hear a lot more about taxes in the next year. Click the audio player above to hear […]

Nestle will ditch its U.S. candy business next year

Dec 21, 2017
If you’re a fan of Butterfinger or Crunch bar or Raisinets or any of the dozens of candies that Nestle makes, your sweet tooth may soon be beholden to a new owner. Swiss food giant Nestle is getting out of the U.S. candy business by the first quarter of next year, selling its confectionery holdings […]

The tax debate in Congress may be over for now, but the ad war to win over the public is just beginning. Learning from Democrats’ struggle to shape the narrative for Obamacare, tax ads from both sides of the aisle are being rolled out in anticipation of next year’s midterm elections. Plus, President Donald Trump outlined a national security plan earlier this week labeling China and Russia “rival powers” to the U.S. One area where that rivalry is prominent is in the race for the world’s fastest computer. And what’s it like to be a part of CamperForce, a seasonal swarm of mostly retired folks who live on campsites paid for by Amazon and pack and ship holiday orders at its fulfillment center in Kentucky.