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.

We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again
We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again

on January 2, 2013

America owes $16.394 trillion. And yes, that probably means another big, expensive fight in Congress.

How Billionaires Got Richer in 2012
How Billionaires Got Richer in 2012

on January 2, 2013

The world’s richest people added $241 billion more to their net worth last year. Here’s how, and by how much.

Obama’s Debt Commission Chairs Diss Fiscal Cliff Fix
Obama’s Debt Commission Chairs Diss Fiscal Cliff Fix

on January 2, 2013

Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson are not impressed with Congress’ past-the-last-minute tax shenanigans. Here’s what they said.

Study: Being Overweight Is Not Necessarily Unhealthy
Study: Being Overweight Is Not Necessarily Unhealthy

on January 1, 2013

Research suggests the death risk for overweight people is lower than many believe.

2012 Had Highest Ever Average Gas Price
2012 Had Highest Ever Average Gas Price

on January 1, 2013

It wasn’t your imagination. Gas prices overall were worse than even 2008’s.

An iPhone Gift with Conditions
An iPhone Gift with Conditions

on January 1, 2013

Read what one mother made her 13-year-old son agree to for his Christmas present.

How Accurate Are Food Labels?
How Accurate Are Food Labels?

on January 1, 2013

Tests on over 600 products show nutrition info is often well off the mark about the amount of fats, sugars, and nutrients.

What’s In the Fiscal Cliff Deal
What’s In the Fiscal Cliff Deal

on January 1, 2013

Technically we’re already over the cliff. But here’s what will happen if the House of Representatives passes the Senate’s New Year’s Eve deal.

An App That Tells You Who’s In a Bar
An App That Tells You Who’s In a Bar

on December 31, 2012

It can tell you how many men and women are inside and their average age. But does it invade your privacy?

Google Voice Extends Free Calling to 2013
Google Voice Extends Free Calling to 2013

on December 31, 2012

Did you know your email can make free domestic calls or cheap international ones?

Canned Food: More Food or Water?
Canned Food: More Food or Water?

on December 31, 2012

If you think potato chip bags are bad, wait until you see this.

10 Ways to Improve Cell Phone Service
10 Ways to Improve Cell Phone Service

on December 31, 2012

Phone seem slower, or the battery dying fast? These tricks might get it running smoothly again.

Why Airfare Comparisons Are Getting Harder
Why Airfare Comparisons Are Getting Harder

on December 31, 2012

Sick of finding your air travel costs more than you paid up front? The government may soon do something about it.

The Year’s Most Visited Wikipedia Pages
The Year’s Most Visited Wikipedia Pages

on December 28, 2012

The difference between which pages people in various countries frequently visit is fascinating.

Gift Card Sales Keep Climbing
Gift Card Sales Keep Climbing

on December 28, 2012

Estimates say more than four in five Americans bought a gift card this year and over $110 billion was spent on them.

Dolphins Give Christmas Gifts Too
Dolphins Give Christmas Gifts Too

on December 28, 2012

New research reveals wild dolphins bring people all kinds of seafood as gifts.

Smoked Salmon Recalled in 42 States
Smoked Salmon Recalled in 42 States

on December 28, 2012

Fish sold at Sam’s Club nationwide is being recalled because of listeria risks.

Woman Faked Relation to Shooting Victim for Donations?
Woman Faked Relation to Shooting Victim for Donations?

on December 28, 2012

The FBI says a New York woman pretended to be the aunt of a child killed in the Newtown mass school shooting.

Hacked Email Costs Film Producer $8,600
Hacked Email Costs Film Producer $8,600

on December 27, 2012

Your finances are only as safe as your email password.

The Secrets of Negotiating
The Secrets of Negotiating

on December 27, 2012

Find out how a former FBI hostage negotiator buys a car.

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