Author: 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.
The Best Fast Food Restaurants
Brandon Ballenger on September 28, 2012
Who do consumers think have the best burgers, fries and shakes? What about value, service and decor? Zagat’s ranked it all.
Hiring Managers Prefer Ex-Criminals to Unemployed?
Brandon Ballenger on September 28, 2012
A new survey of hiring managers has bad news for the long-term unemployed: After two years, they’d rather hire a small-time thief.
Where People Spend Time Online
Brandon Ballenger on September 28, 2012
Americans spend an average of 29 hours a month online. Where, besides Money Talks News, do they usually go?
How Crazy Are the New Apple Maps?
Brandon Ballenger on September 28, 2012
Crazy enough for Apple CEO Tim Cook to apologize and tell you to use competitors’ apps.
Robotic Job Creators
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2012
Can machines create American jobs instead of taking them away? Sure, Time magazine says – if they prevent outsourcing.
More Jobs Than We Thought
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2012
A revision to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March jobs report says the economy gained 386,000 more jobs than previously believed.
Fake FDA Agents Scam Consumers
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2012
The FDA warns consumers about imitators threatening $250,000 fines and jail time.
Don’t Panic About Bacon
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2012
Bacon is not flying off the shelves, but its price will probably rise somewhat in the next few months.
A New Zit Zapper
Brandon Ballenger on September 27, 2012
Researchers have discovered a virus that destroys acne-causing bacteria without side effects.
More Peanut Butter Recalls
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2012
Alerts from three more companies warn about the risk of salmonella in their products.
Cocktail Pouches Gaining Popularity
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2012
They’re sort of like Capri Sun, except with booze. And Nielsen says business is booming.
Your Credit Score Could be Wrong
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2012
The U.S. government says your credit score significantly differs from what lenders see 20 percent of the time.
Google Maps Goes Underwater
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2012
Ever get lost in the Great Barrier Reef? Great news: Street View now has panoramic maps under the sea in some locations.
Rent-to-Own Laptops Spied on Consumers
Brandon Ballenger on September 26, 2012
A Federal Trade Commission complaint says rental laptops from seven businesses secretly stole personal data and photographed users.
More Die From Suicide Than Wrecks
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2012
According to new research, suicide became the leading cause of injury-related death in 2009 and it’s probably underreported.
Do Copyright Exceptions Help or Hurt?
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2012
A new Australian study suggests gentler copyright laws could boost the economy there. The Electronic Frontier Foundation argues that’s true in the U.S., too.
Toys “R” Us is Hiring
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2012
The toy chain will add 45,000 seasonal workers at stores and distribution centers nationwide.
It’s National Voter Registration Day
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2012
Are you registered to vote? What about everyone you know? This is the easiest way to do it, and get your friends and family to.
Discover to Refund $200 Million
Brandon Ballenger on September 25, 2012
Have you purchased Discover credit card protection or credit monitoring since December 2007? You might be getting some money back.
Consumer Alert: Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter
Brandon Ballenger on September 24, 2012
The FDA warns Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter may cause a salmonella infection.
1,461 - 1,480 of 1,926