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Marketplace for Thursday August 14, 2014
Aug 14, 2014

Marketplace for Thursday August 14, 2014

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Among the many striking images from the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, are those of local and state police using military-style weapons and gear. But it’s not unique to this St. Louis suburb. It’s part of a trend among local law enforcement since the 1990’s. We explain what’s behind it. Plus, Walmart has invited dozens of small and medium sized companies to a junket in Denver. It wants to convince them to do business with the retailer. But small firms are often reluctant to get into bed with Wal-Mart, as the retailer’s demands are often so overwhelming that they can end up smothering its smaller partners. Also, German car maker Daimler is offering its staff the option of turning off email while on vacation. All employees can now switch their mailbox off altogether, have all messages deleted, and send an auto-reply offering an alternative contact. Will employees return to work refreshed from a break with no office-related hassles? Are they more productive if they don’t have to wade through thousands of emails when they get back? Or will they stress out over what they missed?

Segments From this episode

Building a school with a future

Aug 14, 2014
How to design a school that will still be functional in 30 years.

Ski bums priced out of resort towns

Aug 14, 2014
The high cost of housing means those who usually work there are priced out.

Daimler and the disappearing emails

Aug 14, 2014
Employees now have the option to delete all email that arrives during vacation.

Headlines that make you go, 'Wait... what?'

Aug 14, 2014
Kai's idea for a new Marketplace segment.

Porsche designs new model to woo women

Aug 14, 2014
Porsche hopes their new Macan will diversify their nearly all-male customer base.

Why Ferguson's police department uses military weapons

Aug 14, 2014
The federal government helps local law enforcement acquire military equipment.

Why won't small firms work with Wal-Mart?

Aug 14, 2014
Some small firms find their deals with Wal-Mart more valuable than their worth.

Among the many striking images from the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, are those of local and state police using military-style weapons and gear. But it’s not unique to this St. Louis suburb. It’s part of a trend among local law enforcement since the 1990’s. We explain what’s behind it. Plus, Walmart has invited dozens of small and medium sized companies to a junket in Denver. It wants to convince them to do business with the retailer. But small firms are often reluctant to get into bed with Wal-Mart, as the retailer’s demands are often so overwhelming that they can end up smothering its smaller partners. Also, German car maker Daimler is offering its staff the option of turning off email while on vacation. All employees can now switch their mailbox off altogether, have all messages deleted, and send an auto-reply offering an alternative contact. Will employees return to work refreshed from a break with no office-related hassles? Are they more productive if they don’t have to wade through thousands of emails when they get back? Or will they stress out over what they missed?

Music from the episode

Dig A Little Deeper Peter Bjorn and John
Dig A Little Deeper Peter Bjorn and John
Lost Frank Ocean
Lost Frank Ocean
Moonshine Matlock
Moonshine Matlock
Babylon of the Occident - Instrumental The Shanghai Restoration Project
Babylon of the Occident - Instrumental The Shanghai Restoration Project