To the Point

Guest host Conan Nolan takes a critical look at how Wall Street is operating these days and profits being made from financial “innovations” while credit remains tight and unemployment high. We also look at the tax-cut deal between Congressional Republicans and the White House. Also, Julian Assange goes to jail, and students from Shanghai blow away the competition in an international test of math and science skills.

Wall Street executives are getting bonuses, giving parties and renting summer homes in the Hamptons again, but the rest of the economy is growing a lot more slowly.  What are the early indicators from holiday shopping?  What do shopping habits in China have to do with US recovery? Also, the GOP's winning on tax-cut deal and blocking everything else. On Reporter's Notebook, the Utah Compact, a new approach to illegal immigration.

Cyber attacks can't keep WikiLeaks from continuing to pump out government secrets. Is it journalism? What's the lesson about the power of the Internet to shape society in the future? Also, President Obama in Afghanistan, and a progress report on the Climate Change summit in Cancun.

The Pew Research Center says 58% of Americans favor repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  The Pentagon says almost 70% of active duty troops and their families agree, but combat soldiers don't see it that way, and that could mean the 17-year old measure stays on the books. Also, two more conservatives announce support for Fiscal Commission plan, and big surprises today in world soccer.

WikiLeaks is said to be starting an age of "involuntary transparency." But as governments and businesses struggle to beef up cyber-security, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says they’re not dealing with hackers, but leakers.  Also, the White House’s debt commission on “The Moment of Truth.” On Reporter's Notebook, bipartisanship -- in Washington.?

The President and Republican leaders concede their differences but promise a working relationship. Also, more from WikiLeaks on North Korea, South Korea and China.

President Obama wants the new START treaty ratified by the Senate during the lame-duck session. We hear about nuclear weapons, missile defense and Republican opposition. Also, WikiLeaks rips the lid off US diplomacy.

When it comes to communications, the biggest thing since the printing press is the Internet, but it turns out that some of the electronic gadgets being given as holiday presents are altering the way the human brain functions. Neuroscientists are trying to figure out how that's happening. In this discussion, which originally aired in June, we debate whether the outcome is good or bad. Also, a still-reeling Haiti prepares for elections, and the changing concept of marriage.

When Americans sit down to Thanksgiving feasts, many of us eat until we're long past the point of full. Why do we eat what we eat? How do we stop eating too much and start enjoying more of the foods that are good for us? And how do the joys of cooking and sharing meals shape our memories and sense of family? Also, a reality check on Thanksgiving history.

Yesterday's North Korean attack on South Korea was one of the most provocative since the Korean War.  Does it leave the US with any good options? Also, unemployment and the economic rebound, and a progress report on "National Opt-Out Day."