Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted long ago that new technologies would by now allow people to work only 15-hour work weeks. But are we closer to that than we think? Meanwhile, we look into whether bookshelf makers have been hurt by the shrinking publishing industry. In an effort to affect climate change, a California businessman dumped 100 tons of iron dust into the Pacific Ocean. On the 25th anniversary of Black Monday, we explore the chances of it happening again. And China bureau chief Rob Schmitz looks back into history of the trade relationship between the U.S. and China.
Segments From this episode
Final Note
Minnesota cracks down on free online education
by Kai Ryssdal
Oct 19, 2012
Minnesota officials have told online learning companies they're not allowed to teach state residents unless they get a license.
Disappointing earnings reports lead to a drop in the Dow
by Kai Ryssdal
Oct 19, 2012
Time for the Weekly Wrap. This week: The Dow suffers a 200-point drop, tech companies see lower-than-expected earnings reports.
Freelance geo-engineering feat alarms scientists
by Adriene Hill
Oct 19, 2012
An entrepreneur under contract with a native village in Canada dumped tons of iron in the Pacific to spark a plankton bloom that would capture carbon dioxide. That violated ocean treaties, and angered scientists who are studying that kind of geo-engineering.
The Street of Eternal Happiness
The Street of Eternal Happiness: Mr. Qiu meets the President
by Rob Schmitz
Oct 19, 2012
In this latest installment of a monthly series about the people who make their living along Changle Road in Shanghai, Qiu Huanxi remembers the week President Richard Nixon came to the Street of Eternal Happiness to change history.
As publishing declines, bookshelves evolve
by Mark Garrison
Oct 19, 2012
The long decline of the physical book is affecting how bookcases are marketed and used in homes.
Is the 15-hour work week closer than we think?
by Kai Ryssdal
Oct 19, 2012
John Quiggin takes a look at why the 15-hour work week predicted by economist John Maynard Keynes hasn't come to pass -- yet.
25 years after Black Monday, what lessons are learned
by Dan Bobkoff
Oct 19, 2012
The markets tumbled Friday, but the declines were nothing compared to the Black Monday crash of Oct. 19, 1987. The Dow Jones shed 22 percent -- the equivalent of a 3,000-point drop today.