All Tech Considered
4:19 am
Fri October 28, 2011

Mobile Payment Apps Put Wallets In Phones, Not Pockets

Credit Google

A screengrab shows the Google Wallet app being used to pay for items at a CVS store.

Originally published on Fri October 28, 2011 7:48 am

The use of smartphones as e-wallets has caught on elsewhere; now it's spreading in America.

The new Google Wallet app lets shoppers who own Android smartphones pay at the counter with a mere wave at the cash register and without a pocketful of change in return.

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Business
4:04 am
Fri October 28, 2011

In Europe's Crisis, U.S. Mostly An Observer

When Columbus sailed west in the late 15th century, he launched a long and lucrative relationship between Europe and the Americas. Family ties, economic bonds and shared military goals continue to knit us together.

But as the European debt crisis has deepened, it has highlighted this early 21st century shift: The United States is becoming more of a Pacific Rim country and less of a North Atlantic partner.

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Asia
4:00 am
Fri October 28, 2011

In India, Once-Marginalized Now Memorialized

Originally published on Fri October 28, 2011 7:48 am

In India, a land of ancient monuments, people are talking about a newly built monument for the nation's most marginalized people.

It's a memorial to India's Dalits, the people once called "untouchables," and it was built by the country's most powerful Dalit politician.

The Indian monument best known to Westerners is the Taj Mahal, but the country is bejeweled with magnificent temples and palaces, built by whoever happened to be ruling India at any given time.

This latest monument continues that tradition: It's a colossal domed building carved from pink sandstone.

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Herman Cain
3:43 am
Fri October 28, 2011

Herman Cain's Ads Unconventional If Not Effective

Credit YouTube

A screen grab from Herman Cain's campaign ad.

Economy
3:34 am
Fri October 28, 2011

The Rising Cost Of Doing Business With Greece

Credit Helga Csenki / iStockphoto.com

Greek's economic problems work their way down the supply chain to people like Kosta Bouyoukas, who imports olives and other foods from Greece. He says suppliers are changing the terms of contracts, and sometimes products don't show up at all.

As details of the Greek debt deal passed by the European Union Wednesday are worked out, some businesses in the U.S. continue to grapple with the ripple effects of the prolonged debt crisis.

The EU hopes the debt deal will contain Europe's debt problems, and the problem countries will now start their work of implementing fiscal reforms — which has proved troublesome, especially in Greece.

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Politics
3:20 am
Fri October 28, 2011

New York Wrestles Over Extending Millionaires Tax

The so-called millionaires tax on New York's top wage earners is set to expire at the end of the year, even as the state struggles to balance its books. A poll released Thursday shows that New Yorkers favor extending the tax by more than 2 to 1.

But the millionaires tax also has its opponents, including the state's popular and powerful governor, Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

John Samuelsen, president of New York City's transit workers union, called on lawmakers to extend the millionaires tax during a rally this week outside City Hall in Manhattan.

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U.S.
3:00 am
Fri October 28, 2011

Occupy Violence Reignites Criticism Of Oakland Police

Transcript

ARI SHAPIRO, host: This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Ari Shapiro. Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep are away. In Oakland, California, protestors with the Occupy Wall Street movement continue to stand vigil in a downtown plaza in front of City Hall. This week, police fired teargas and bean bags at protestors. The incident is under investigation, and NPR's Carrie Kahn reports that the confrontation has reignited criticism of the Oakland police.

CARRIE KAHN: In the downtown park in front of City Hall, the protestors have changed their tune.

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Europe
3:00 am
Fri October 28, 2011

Sarkozy Warns France Of More Belt-Tightening Ahead

Originally published on Fri October 28, 2011 7:48 am

Transcript

ARI SHAPIRO, host: And, of course, this crisis stretches far beyond Greece. French President Nicolas Sarkozy went on national television last night to explain his country's part of the deal. He said the French people must expect further belt-tightening measures. Eleanor Beardsley reports that it was a chance for Sarkozy to assert control just six months ahead of a presidential election.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

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World
3:00 am
Fri October 28, 2011

Global Markets Rally After EU Leaders Set Debt Plan

U.S. stocks had one of their best days in weeks Thursday: The Dow jumped nearly 3 percent and prices in Europe went through the roof. The surge came after the announcement that European leaders finally agreed on a comprehensive plan to tackle their debt problems. Does the rally mean investors think the crisis is over?

Blog
10:44 pm
Thu October 27, 2011

Lions After Dark: Top Halloween Candies!

1. Snickers -- A candy bar with substance. These peanut-filled chocolate bars are filling enough that kids may only be able to eat a few of them. Then again, you shouldn't underestimate the appetite of Halloween-crazed kids.

2. Nerds -- Basically, they are pure sugar coated with sugar. Nerds can be both fun and annoying due to the obnoxious rattling sound made by shaking the box. The best are the standard strawberry flavor.

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