Future Of Retail May Involve Personalized Shopping
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Thursday, December 13, 2012
HSBC Critic: Too Big To Indict May Mean Too Big To Exist
December 13, 2012 The accusations against HSBC were harsh — that the bank laundered money for Mexican drug cartels and conducted transactions on behalf of Iran and other states tied to terrorism. So, why did federal authorities fine HSBC rather than pursue criminal charges?
Planet Money
Why Legos Are So Expensive — And So Popular
December 13, 2012 Legos often cost twice as much as similar blocks from a rival toymaker. So why are Legos so much more popular than other brands?
It's All Politics
For Business Owners, Higher Taxes Could Mean Fewer New Hires — Or More
December 13, 2012 If the tax rate rises for the top 2 percent of wage earners, business owners would generally react by hiring fewer new workers, according to a fundamental Republican argument. But the actual outcome might be a bit murkier, and — in some instances — counterintuitive.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Fell Sharply Last Week, Wholesale Prices Dropped In November
December 13, 2012 The pace of applications for unemployment insurance had accelerated after Superstorm Sandy, which threw many out of work. Now, the trend is back to a rate that signals a slowly improving labor market.
Politics
Most Of Congress In The Dark On 'Fiscal Cliff' Talks
December 13, 2012 Of the 535 members of Congress, not many are in the loop about negotiations to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases in the new year. Lawmakers are waiting to see what President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner come up with — and some are nervous about having to quickly vote on a bill despite misgivings.
Planet Money
Will A $1.9 Billion Settlement Change Banks' Behavior?
December 13, 2012 For punishments to work, they need to be both swift and meaningful. The HSBC settlement may be neither.
Etsy Crafts A Strategy For Staying Handmade And Profitable
December 13, 2012 Etsy began as a place for home crafters and small businesses to sell their goods, but it has experienced growing pains as it surpasses 800,000 sellers. Some sellers are actually fronts for factories, while other sellers have left because the site isn't designed to handle volume.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Salt
From Belgium To Piggly Wiggly: U.S. Beer Fans Snatch Up Elusive Ale
December 12, 2012 To many beer fans, the arrival of the elusive Westvleteren 12 Trappist ale in American shops today is a chance to try a beer they've only read about on beer-geek blogs and sites. But finding the beer can be tricky, and some stores sold out of their allotment within hours of opening Wednesday.
Superstorm Sandy: Before, During And Beyond
Post-Sandy, Newly Unemployed Struggle To Stay Afloat
December 12, 2012 While the storm did not influence the nation's jobless figures as much as expected, there are still thousands of people who are unemployed in Sandy's wake. Many businesses on the East Coast are still making repairs or have closed entirely, leaving many families in limbo.
All Tech Considered
Who Needs College? Young Entrepreneuer Bets On Bright Idea For Solar Energy
December 12, 2012 Eden Full dropped out of Princeton to found a startup company that brings the solar panel technology she invented to developing countries as part of a fellowship. The unusual program, funded by tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, gives young people $100,000 to skip college and focus on their work and research instead.
