Friday, August 03, 2007
In this show. . .
New owners, same issues for Chrysler
Chrysler began another chapter in its 82-year history today. Private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management officially took over as new owner. But the same executives will tackle the same problems as before.
Bear hit raises fears of debt crisis
Wall Street is hoping the subprime mortgage crisis won't spread. But Bear Sterns' debt rating got downrated today, and some economists aren't sure the problem has been contained. Steve Henn reports.
Chip fab shutdowns rock whole industry
A power outage in South Korea shut down factories that make memory chips essential to a whole range of electronic devices. As Lisa Napoli reports, the timing of the shutdown echoes through the industry.
A Swiss Army Knife, made in China?
There's a good chance a new version of the venerable brand might carry a "made in China" label. It's a case of national identity vs. production costs. Janet Babin reports on the uproar over a pocket knife.
Tough new regs target SSN fraud
A crackdown on fraudulent Social Security numbers could be costly to illegal immigrants and employers who don't bother to verify documents. As Dan Grech reports, as many as four million workers risk getting fired.
Y'all come back now, amigos
Texas attracts more visitors from Mexico than from any other country. And with tourism down due in part to heavy rains, cities like San Antonio are doing all they can to get a piece of the action. Joy Diaz reports.
The week on Wall Street
Bob Moon talks to analyst David Johnson about what happened on Wall Street this week.
Big loophole in the lobbyist bill
Tough new regulations on lobbyists might help clean up Congress. But commentator Jeff Birnbaum found a loophole in the bill that might mean the only way a lobbyist can pay for dinner is if they contribute to a campaign...
Wingwomen get conversation started
For a single man on the dating scene, the best way to break the ice -- other than a cute puppy -- is a woman friend doing the talking. Now a growing service is helping shy guys meet Ms. Right, or Ms. Right Now.
Bob Moon's final note . . .
Nissan is unveiling technology that will watch over the drivers who imbibe and drive. The Japanese carmaker has unveiled a concept car that detects the smell of booze on the breath or in the sweat. And if the driver's tipsy, the car won't start.
The technology hasn't been fine-tuned enough to measure the level of alcohol in the system. And as for calling a cab, you'll have to take care of that yourself. And it may not hit the market for another couple of years. So for, now drive safely.
Marketplace Datebook for Monday, August 6, 2007
- President Bush hosts Afghan President Hamid Karzai at Camp David.
- In an effort to get red light runners to hit the brakes, organizers convene at the National Press Club to kick off the 2007 observance of National Stop on Red Week.
- And the man who brought Campbell’s Soup to a whole new level of fame was born on August 6. Were he alive today, pop artist Andy Warhol would be 79.
Most popular stories online
sponsor
Music From This Show
Marketplace Confessional
"I disagree with Diana Nyad, who told Bob Moon today that Americans are not interested in Wimbledon because there are so few Americans playing. I love watching tennis, no matter who is playing. I have watched tennis for years, but the networks toy with us, creating drama rather than showing the match. Oftentimes, televised matches end precisely when the allotted time expires, even if they have to cut and splice. When they don't, as happened in a Nadal match last weekend, we were left hanging at the end of two sets, as NBC switched to women's golf. I don't have cable TV, so I couldn't switch to MSNBC as was suggested. It's enough to make me turn off the TV and read about the matches online."
Your Host
Kai Ryssdal took the reins as host of Marketplace in August 2005 after hosting the Marketplace Morning Report for more than four years. Before joining Marketplace, Kai was … Full bio
sponsor
