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.

When an Associate Degree Outpays a Bachelor’s
When an Associate Degree Outpays a Bachelor’s

on February 27, 2013

Some people graduate with a 2-year degree into $50,000-a-year jobs. And some with 4-year degrees make $10 an hour.

Congress’ Pay Immune to Sequestration, Budget Cuts
Congress’ Pay Immune to Sequestration, Budget Cuts

on February 27, 2013

While most of the federal budget will get slashed in some way Friday, the people responsible won’t be affected.

Can Women Be Drafted?
Can Women Be Drafted?

on February 27, 2013

Not yet. But they could soon be required to sign up for selective military service like guys. Then again, selective service may disappear altogether.

Cablevision Adds Sports Programming Fee
Cablevision Adds Sports Programming Fee

on February 26, 2013

Whether they actually watch sports or not, Cablevision customers are going to pay for the privilege.

Failed Budget Deal May Mean Slower Air Travel
Failed Budget Deal May Mean Slower Air Travel

on February 26, 2013

Automatic cuts that take effect next week mean more flights will probably be cancelled, and security lines will be far longer.

Pirates May Lose Their Internet Connection
Pirates May Lose Their Internet Connection

on February 26, 2013

A new “six strikes” copyright alert system is now in place through the major Internet providers. Illegal downloads could shut you out.

Your Smartphone Might Cause a Wreck
Your Smartphone Might Cause a Wreck

on February 25, 2013

Not from texting: Because of poor government planning in the quest for smarter cars.

Flu Vaccine Worked Only Half the Time This Year
Flu Vaccine Worked Only Half the Time This Year

on February 25, 2013

A government report says vaccinations were less effective than usual, and significantly less among the elderly.

Report: Seafood Fraud is Widespread
Report: Seafood Fraud is Widespread

on February 25, 2013

Up to a third of fish sold in the country may be mislabeled. It’s especially bad at sushi restaurants.

How Google Searches Get Criminals Caught
How Google Searches Get Criminals Caught

on February 22, 2013

Law enforcement can scour search histories to find clues. You can’t stop them, but you can at least stop other people who might come across your data.

Young Adults Dealing With Debt Better Than Their Parents
Young Adults Dealing With Debt Better Than Their Parents

on February 22, 2013

Young adults have been quicker to tackle debt during and after the recession than their elders.

How the Fiscal Cliff Is Still Hurting the Economy
How the Fiscal Cliff Is Still Hurting the Economy

on February 22, 2013

Even though we didn’t go over it, the alternative Congress came up with was pretty lousy and will slow the country’s recovery.

12 Common Tax Mistakes That Waste Time and Money
12 Common Tax Mistakes That Waste Time and Money

on February 22, 2013

We all want to keep taxes short and sweet, but don’t rush – or you may be bitter later. You can maximize your refund and minimize the wait by avoiding these errors.

Home Sales Are Picking Up
Home Sales Are Picking Up

on February 21, 2013

In January they hit the second-highest stride seen in the last three years.

Oscar Losers Get $45,000 Gift Bags
Oscar Losers Get $45,000 Gift Bags

on February 21, 2013

Don’t feel bad for the actors and actresses who don’t win golden statues. They still get free trips, cosmetic surgery, and other goodies.

Facebook Forces 104-Year-Old To Lie About Her Age
Facebook Forces 104-Year-Old To Lie About Her Age

on February 21, 2013

The site won’t let a woman born in 1908 list that as her birth year. After some publicity, Facebook said they’ll fix it.

Wanted: People to Work in Paradise
Wanted: People to Work in Paradise

on February 20, 2013

There are well-paying jobs – some that might start as hobbies – always needed in resort towns.

New Website Helps Identify Scams
New Website Helps Identify Scams

on February 20, 2013

Not sure if somebody’s trying to con you? Here’s a place for help.

Five-Minute Jewel Heist Nets $50 Million
Five-Minute Jewel Heist Nets $50 Million

on February 20, 2013

Here’s how diamond thieves robbed a plane just before it took off – it’s like something out of a movie.

10 Tips to Avoid an Audit
10 Tips to Avoid an Audit

on February 20, 2013

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid the nightmare millions of taxpayers fear: an IRS audit. But there are at least 10 ways to reduce the risk.

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