Posted by Daryl Paranada

For Marketplace Morning Report, Monday, August 16, 2010

Today’s big news: China overtakes Japan to become the world’s second-largest economy. And the Asian nation is buying more European bonds. Since we’re speaking globally, we interviewed Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s executive editor to find out what the world’s most popular things are. Here’s a hint: One of the things is edible. More locally, the FDA may revoke a breast cancer drug, Harley-Davidson could leave Milwaukee, and some U.S. colleges aren’t providing a good general education. Our musical choices, we like to think, are worldly. Or at least nice to listen to. Check them out.

• Open Heart Surgery — The Brian Jonestown Massacre Buy

• Fear of a Blank Planet — Porcupine Tree Buy

• End of the Day — Al Stewart Buy