Jan 4, 2012

Marketplace for Wednesday, January 4, 2012

President Obama appointed Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Yahoo has a new CEO. Scott Tong's series on famine and aid in Africa explains the complications of getting aid in the hands of those who need it. A commentary asks, what's next for the Arab Spring? London correspondent Stephen Beard examines the history of currency unions. Martha Stewart's empire struggles, while the Broadway musical "Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark" breaks sales records.

Segments From this episode

European Debt Crisis

Eurozone may end up failed currency union

by Stephen Beard

Jan 4, 2012

The 17 nations sharing the euro as a common currency struggle to keep the eurozone together. Historically, currency unions have a poor track record.

Famine in Africa

Was the world late to Somalia's famine?

by Scott Tong

Jan 4, 2012

Many experts suggest the global aid community – including the largest donor, the United States – responded too late to the famine in the Horn of Africa.

Spider-Man, the musical, sets sales record

by Heidi Moore

Jan 4, 2012

Once mocked by critics and racked by delays, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has set a record for Broadway ticket sales.

Final Note

Tax deadline for 2012 moved to April 17

by Tess Vigeland

Jan 4, 2012

Procrastinators, rejoice!

Many small business owners rely on the Postal Service to communicate with clients and complete transactions.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

Martha Stewart TV show to end this summer

by Sally Herships

Jan 4, 2012

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Hallmark Channel said the lifestyle show will end. It's the latest challenge for Martha Stewart.

Yahoo hires a new CEO to fix the troubled company

by Bob Moon

Jan 4, 2012

Scott Thompson, former president of eBay's PayPal division, is charged with increasing the online company's advertising. His advertising background? None.

Richard Cordray to head consumer protection bureau

by Tess Vigeland

Jan 4, 2012

President Obama bypassed the Senate and appointed Cordray as the head of the CFPB. Yet, legal challenges will likely follow.

Commentary

The future of the Arab Spring in 2012

by Reza Aslan

Jan 4, 2012

Last year, revolutions led to political changes in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. So what's next for the Middle East in 2012?

President Obama appointed Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Yahoo has a new CEO. Scott Tong’s series on famine and aid in Africa explains the complications of getting aid in the hands of those who need it. A commentary asks, what’s next for the Arab Spring? London correspondent Stephen Beard examines the history of currency unions. Martha Stewart’s empire struggles, while the Broadway musical “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark” breaks sales records.

Music from the episode

Hear My Dear Oddisee

A Day at the Carnival - Benedek's Freak Show Mix Dâm-Funk

Selfish Slum Village, John Legend, Kanye West

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