What better place to turn to for news and understanding surrounding the economy than Ira Glass and This American Life? (I’m personally reading HDT’s “Walden” and hoping for some insight). In this episode, Alex Blumberg and NPR’s Adam Davidson (they were on previously with the Giant Pool of Money episode) discuss the current economic outlook with a focus on what regulators could have done to help avoid this and also help explain what exactly happened.

My favorite past is when Ira Glass opens the program standing in Union Square and he comments on the disconnect that is happening.   He sees people coming in and out of the Virgin Megastore, people shopping at the Farmer’s Market and all kind of seems well. This is something I can’t help but feel myself.   On the same note though, I have a pal who sells art in Union Square and she has definitely noticed that people aren’t spending as much money.

Also of interest is the fact that the folks who make Thomas the Tank Engine (whom I’ve always kind of loved) can’t borrow money they need.   On a positive note however, McDonalds also can’t get their latte machines (maybe this means we won’t have to see any more of these commercials).

But go ahead and takepart to listen to the entire episode, you’ll be glad you did.

Read on:

Nobody Likes Paying Taxes. But Everybody Enjoys Their Benefits

Bailout Package Passed, Signed Into Law

Renewable Energy Incentives Included in Bailout: ITOTD