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.

Lawsuit Says Woman Died Because Walmart Didn’t Double-Bag Her Groceries
Lawsuit Says Woman Died Because Walmart Didn’t Double-Bag Her Groceries

on September 2, 2013

A plastic grocery bag broke, setting off a chain of events that led to the woman’s death, her husband’s lawsuit says.

Hey, Tooth Fairy: What Do You Pay These Days?
Hey, Tooth Fairy: What Do You Pay These Days?

on September 2, 2013

We want the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth — so help your dentist.

Are Some C-sections Financially Motivated?
Are Some C-sections Financially Motivated?

on September 2, 2013

The financial incentive to perform the more profitable procedure is likely very subtle but it’s still there, new research suggests.

Facebook Is Changing the Rules So It Can Keep Selling Your Face
Facebook Is Changing the Rules So It Can Keep Selling Your Face

on August 30, 2013

Facebook is proposing a policy update that will ensure its right to keep sticking your name and photo next to advertisements sent to your friends without compensating you.

Are Top CEOs Overpaid for Their Performance?
Are Top CEOs Overpaid for Their Performance?

on August 30, 2013

CEOs are paid so handsomely because they bring something important to the company, right? Like bankruptcy, or a bailout?

How New IRS Rules Affect Married Same-Sex Couples
How New IRS Rules Affect Married Same-Sex Couples

on August 30, 2013

Ah, the freedom to give money to the government — together. New IRS rules apply to all married same-sex couples, no matter where they live.

Do You Support the Fast-Food Workers’ Strike?
Do You Support the Fast-Food Workers’ Strike?

on August 29, 2013

Across the country, fast-food employees are demanding $15-an-hour pay. Do they deserve it? Would you help pay for it?

Would You Prefer a Credit Score Based on Your Facebook Friends?
Would You Prefer a Credit Score Based on Your Facebook Friends?

on August 29, 2013

Some nontraditional lenders use your history on social networks and online payment sites to determine creditworthiness. Is that better or worse than the way credit scores usually work?

1 Out of 4 Antibiotic Prescriptions Are Useless
1 Out of 4 Antibiotic Prescriptions Are Useless

on August 29, 2013

Physicians often prescribe antibiotics when they’re unnecessary, and that practice could backfire.

Here’s What to Buy at Warehouse Stores
Here’s What to Buy at Warehouse Stores

on August 28, 2013

Not everything at Costco or BJ’s is a bargain. Find out which items you can score the biggest savings on and decide if the trip is worth it.

How 6 Liters of Salt Water Can Cost $546
How 6 Liters of Salt Water Can Cost $546

on August 28, 2013

A newspaper tried to figure out why IV bags of saline cost so much at hospitals. Here’s what it found.

Starbucks Won’t Cut Workers’ Hours to Dodge Obamacare
Starbucks Won’t Cut Workers’ Hours to Dodge Obamacare

on August 28, 2013

While some businesses have complained about the requirements of health care reform and threatened to scale back full-time workers to part time, Starbucks made a point of saying it won’t.

Beware the Priceline Hotels Pro App
Beware the Priceline Hotels Pro App

on August 27, 2013

This Priceline app isn’t quite the same as the free one offered by the company.

Could Batman Budget Better?
Could Batman Budget Better?

on August 27, 2013

Holy inflation, Batman! Check out the difference between the caped crusader’s spending in 1939 and today.

Walmart Will Offer Benefits to Same-Sex Partners
Walmart Will Offer Benefits to Same-Sex Partners

on August 27, 2013

Starting next year, full-time Walmart employees can acquire health coverage for their same-sex partners.

New York Sues Donald Trump Over Real Estate ‘University’
New York Sues Donald Trump Over Real Estate ‘University’

on August 26, 2013

Students paid anywhere from $1,495 to $35,000 for lessons, and didn’t get what they expected, the New York Attorney General’s Office claims.

$106,000 in Unpaid Parking Tickets Settled for $4,500
$106,000 in Unpaid Parking Tickets Settled for $4,500

on August 26, 2013

An abandoned car was reportedly ticketed 678 times over 3 years without ever being towed.

Our Genes Reward Self-Sacrificing Behavior
Our Genes Reward Self-Sacrificing Behavior

on August 26, 2013

Research suggests our genes don’t work as effectively to protect us from disease when we derive our happiness from consuming things.

Are Pets Ready for Apps of Their Own?
Are Pets Ready for Apps of Their Own?

on August 23, 2013

Can dogs and cats enjoy iPads? Some people think so.

The Advertised Price for Gas May Not Be What You Pay
The Advertised Price for Gas May Not Be What You Pay

on August 23, 2013

Some gas stations are advertising prices based on a cash discount — something that’s not obvious to credit card users.

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