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.
3 Free Ways to Block Numbers on Android Smartphones
Brandon Ballenger on July 1, 2013
Tired of being harassed by unwanted calls and texts? You can block people for free with any of these options.
Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier
Brandon Ballenger on July 1, 2013
Research has shown that some of the simplest things in life really are the best at making us happy. And some of them cost nothing.
Furniture Buyers Beware: Bonded Leather Isn’t Actually Leather
Brandon Ballenger on July 1, 2013
Bonded leather furniture may look and even smell like real leather at a fraction of the price — but it may have very little real leather in it.
Study: Minds Focused on Money Are Less Ethical
Brandon Ballenger on June 28, 2013
Is money really the root of all evil? New research suggests just talking or thinking about money pushes us toward unethical decisions.
You May Be Eating Counterfeit Food
Brandon Ballenger on June 28, 2013
As much as 10 percent of everything from vodka to chocolate may be tainted with fake, substitute or filler ingredients to boost profits.
Congress to College Students: Take on Some Extra Debt
Brandon Ballenger on June 28, 2013
Interest rates on new federal Stafford loans will double on July 1, because Congress did nothing.
Unbelievable Treasure Trove of Classic Cars Discovered, Going to Auction
Brandon Ballenger on June 27, 2013
More than 500 cars from the ’50s to the ’80s, with virtually no mileage, will be auctioned off in late September.
What’s Your Gmail Account Worth to Hackers?
Brandon Ballenger on June 27, 2013
A new tool can tell you how much your Google email account would go for on the black market — and how to make it less of a target.
7 Foods That Reduce Stress and Improve Health
Brandon Ballenger on June 27, 2013
Feeling stressed? Try these — they’re healthy and calming.
Study: Wealthy People More Likely to Lie, Cheat and Take Candy From Kids
Brandon Ballenger on June 26, 2013
There are behavior differences between haves and have-nots, research shows. Even imaginary wealth (or poverty) in a board game can temporarily influence attitudes and behavior.
Feds Warn Google, Bing and Yahoo About Tricking Consumers
Brandon Ballenger on June 26, 2013
The federal government says search engines need to be clearer about identifying advertising and paid results.
Worst Thing to Order at 5 Fast-Food Restaurants
Brandon Ballenger on June 26, 2013
These items have the highest calorie counts on fast-food menus — and they might surprise you.
Being a Night Owl Might Influence Your Career Choice
Brandon Ballenger on June 25, 2013
New research shows a link between late risers, the classes they pick in college, and the career they end up with. It’s true for morning people, too.
Expert Wine Tasters Often Don’t Get It Right
Brandon Ballenger on June 25, 2013
Experts couldn’t recognize a wine that was served to them 3 times from the same bottle, giving it different scores each time.
New Alzheimer’s Treatment Shows Promise in Animal Tests
Brandon Ballenger on June 25, 2013
Nitroglycerin combined with an Alzheimer’s drug has been shown to reverse brain damage caused by the disease in mice. It’s still a long way from being tested on people.
Katy Perry Will Sing at Your Wedding for Less Than $1.9 Million
Brandon Ballenger on June 24, 2013
Want a celebrity performance at your wedding? Popular artists have no problem doing private shows — for a million dollars or more.
Twinkies Returning to Shelves Next Month
Brandon Ballenger on June 24, 2013
Hostess products are coming back with the same branding and same prices under new ownership.
Latest Trend in Bed: Keeping Your Cool
Brandon Ballenger on June 24, 2013
Would a cooler bed improve your sleep? Mattress makers are dreaming up all kinds of new technology to keep beds from getting too hot, and the prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Not Hired? Your Credit Report May Be to Blame
Brandon Ballenger on June 21, 2013
Surveys show that nearly half of employers conduct credit checks on job candidates, and that one in seven applicants have missed a job opportunity because of the results.
Faster, Better Wi-Fi Coming Soon
Brandon Ballenger on June 21, 2013
Top speeds will double, streaming will be smoother, and batteries may last longer under a newly approved wireless standard.
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