Brandon Ballenger

I'm a freelance journalist living in South Florida. If I'm not writing, I'm playing video games or at the beach. My favorite spice is oregano, and I thought you should know. I got my bachelor's degree in English and public communication from Florida Atlantic University in 2008.

Food Packaging Influences How Much We Eat
Food Packaging Influences How Much We Eat

on April 24, 2013

Research shows package size and how food is wrapped can affect how much people eat.

$80 Tablet Good for Entry-Level Use
$80 Tablet Good for Entry-Level Use

on April 23, 2013

Not sure you need or want a tablet? Reviews suggest this is one of the best economy options so far.

Hands-Free Texting Is Dangerous Too
Hands-Free Texting Is Dangerous Too

on April 23, 2013

We know that texting while driving isn’t safe. But neither is using a voice-to-text app, new research says.

Study: Richest People Are the Smartest
Study: Richest People Are the Smartest

on April 23, 2013

A new study finds that almost half of billionaires are among the smartest one percent.

Did You Notice the Online Protest Against CISPA?
Did You Notice the Online Protest Against CISPA?

on April 22, 2013

Online protesters forced Congress to back down from the Stop Online Piracy Act, a bill they said would invade user privacy. Now Congress is proposing something some say is even worse.

Apple Agrees to $53M Settlement over Water Damage Claims
Apple Agrees to $53M Settlement over Water Damage Claims

on April 22, 2013

Has Apple ever voided your warranty by claiming that you got an iPhone or iPod wet? You may be able to get some of this money.

Hotel Cancellation Policies Getting More Strict
Hotel Cancellation Policies Getting More Strict

on April 22, 2013

At some hotels, it may be impossible to get a refund at the last minute, no matter what the circumstances are.

Study: Even a Taste Excites Beer Drinkers’ Brains
Study: Even a Taste Excites Beer Drinkers’ Brains

on April 19, 2013

Researchers have found evidence that a mere sip of beer is enough to trigger a rewarding response in some men’s brains.

Here’s How Your Taxes Will Be Spent
Here’s How Your Taxes Will Be Spent

on April 19, 2013

Find out how much you’re contributing to various government priorities this year.

Men’s Underwear Sales Predict the Economy?
Men’s Underwear Sales Predict the Economy?

on April 19, 2013

Some experts say they can measure economic performance by the purchase of briefs, boxers and men’s socks.

Your Clothes Could Soon Generate Electricity
Your Clothes Could Soon Generate Electricity

on April 18, 2013

Not static electricity. This is power we could actually use every day from a new thermoelectric fabric technology that’s incredibly cheap to make.

The Cost of Living Went Down in March
The Cost of Living Went Down in March

on April 18, 2013

Falling prices for gasoline and clothing were the main reason for the dip, which was the first this year.

Ready for Motion-Controlled Computers?
Ready for Motion-Controlled Computers?

on April 18, 2013

An affordable new technology might turn you into a computer wizard — maybe not an expert, but you’ll be able to control things with your hands.

Cellphone Networks Fail in Emergencies: Here’s What to Do
Cellphone Networks Fail in Emergencies: Here’s What to Do

on April 17, 2013

It’s natural to call loved ones in a panicked moment — but what happens when everybody’s trying at the same time?

Report: Corporate Tax Breaks Cost U.S. $180 Billion
Report: Corporate Tax Breaks Cost U.S. $180 Billion

on April 17, 2013

Every year, tax loopholes spare big business lots of cash. The amount has doubled over the past 25 years.

Watch for Boston Marathon Charity Scams
Watch for Boston Marathon Charity Scams

on April 17, 2013

Most people want to help — but some want to take advantage. Here’s what to look for.

Beware of Unwanted Rental Car Insurance Charges
Beware of Unwanted Rental Car Insurance Charges

on April 16, 2013

Even if you say you don’t need rental car insurance, the extra charges may be applied anyway. You can avoid them with a careful eye.

‘Booty Cams’ and Other Weird Ways Stores Spy on Us
‘Booty Cams’ and Other Weird Ways Stores Spy on Us

on April 16, 2013

Malls and retailers are watching us in ways you might not believe.

IRS: We Do Get Warrants Before Reading Your Email
IRS: We Do Get Warrants Before Reading Your Email

on April 16, 2013

The IRS denies spying on taxpayer emails without a warrant, after a copy of its procedures handbook that suggested the opposite was published online.

5 Free, Handy Price Comparison Apps
5 Free, Handy Price Comparison Apps

on April 15, 2013

If you have a smartphone, there’s no reason not to make sure you get the best deal.

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