Power Outage

A decade into the 21st century, the United States is operating with an energy in the model of the second half of the 20th. Old-style power grids and power sources still keep the lights on in the U.S. And fossil fuels still keep our commerce moving on the road, rails and air.

Spencer Abraham was America's longest serving Secretary of Energy, holding the post from 2001-2005. As a cabinet member Abraham saw looming problems for the nation's energy future but also saw limited progress.

With growing industrial powers in Asia creating an increased demand for power, Abraham says that it is time to get moving on solving our long term energy needs. But the former Republican senator doesn't think there is a "silver bullet" alternative energy solution.

LISTEN: SPENCER ABRAHAM - LIGHTS OUT

Life In Cars

From dangerous behavior (like texting and steering) to intimate displays (like nose grooming), most Americans seem to act differently while in the comfort of their vehicle than they might otherwise act in a public space.

Tom Vanderbilt, author of TRAFFIC: Why We Drive The Way We Do (and What It Says About Us), discusses misconceptions and misbehaviors we engage in behind the wheel.

LISTEN: TOM VANDERBILT on TRAFFIC