Posted by Chau Tu

For Marketplace, Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Federal money topped today’s show, with stories on whether the Pentagon may ask for some emergency funding to cover Libya costs, and how the U.S. Treasury is selling off $142 million worth of mortgage-backed securities. Tourism in Japan is taking a hit, as expected, while radiation fears in the food market might lead the Japanese to import more American meats and vegetables.

Freakonomics Radio’s Stephen Dubner spoke about a new sort of cigarette that could save lives. Commentator Ben Wildavsky weighed in on why U.S. students’ test scores are lower than other countries’. And finally, we heard about how state-controlled television and media in the Middle East has been affecting the situations there. Here are the songs we played:

• Frank – Matt & KimBuy

• Seeing Hands – Dengue FeverBuy

• Ghost Clock – Lymbyc SystymBuy

• Harder Better Faster Stronger – Daft PunkBuy

• Breakfast Enthusiast – Mux MoolBuy