Brandon Ballenger Writer

I'm a freelance writer based in Pompano Beach, Fla. who's done work for The South Florida Business Journal and BusinessMiami, covering real estate, health care, and franchising. I received a bachelor's degree in English and public communication from Florida Atlantic University in 2008, and am currently pursuing a master's degree in communication there. In my free time, I read fantasy novels, plays video games, and take advantage of South Florida's perennial summer at the beach.

Posts by Brandon Ballenger

Top 10 Worst Cities for Traffic

Apr 25, 2013 - Drivers in these cities wasted an average of 42 hours in traffic last year, new research says. On the worst roads, it was 62 hours.

Here’s What the New $100 Bill Looks Like

Apr 25, 2013 - A redesigned Benjamin will be coming to banks near you Oct. 8. It's a little more colorful and has improved security features.

The Rich Get Richer While Everyone Else Gets Poorer

Apr 25, 2013 - It's not just the poor getting poorer: 93 percent of American households became worse off as the economic recovery began.

Hacked Twitter Account Moved Stock Market $136B

Apr 24, 2013 - The Dow dropped about 150 points in 2 minutes on Tuesday when a hacked news service Twitter account warned of explosions at the White House.

Is It Illegal for Employers to Demand Your Facebook Password?

Apr 24, 2013 - An amendment that would have banned the practice failed in the U.S. House, but 6 states have laws to prevent it from happening.

Food Packaging Influences How Much We Eat

Apr 24, 2013 - Research shows package size and how food is wrapped can affect how much people eat.

$80 Tablet Good for Entry-Level Use

Apr 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

Apr 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

Apr 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?

Apr 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

Apr 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

Apr 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

Apr 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

Apr 19, 2013 - Find out how much you're contributing to various government priorities this year.

Men’s Underwear Sales Predict the Economy?

Apr 19, 2013 - Some experts say they can measure economic performance by the purchase of briefs, boxers and men's socks.