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.
Hormel Buys Skippy Brand
Brandon Ballenger on January 3, 2013
You probably wouldn’t put peanut butter on your pepperoni, but the brand’s apparently worth $700 million to its new owner.
Fiscal Cliff Deal May Boost Home Sales
Brandon Ballenger on January 2, 2013
One measure in the agreement extends a tax break for underwater homeowners.
Study: Sugar Makes You Overeat
Brandon Ballenger on January 2, 2013
We already know sugary drinks contribute to obesity. But researchers have discovered they actually change how the brain works.
We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on January 1, 2013
Research suggests the death risk for overweight people is lower than many believe.
2012 Had Highest Ever Average Gas Price
Brandon Ballenger on January 1, 2013
It wasn’t your imagination. Gas prices overall were worse than even 2008’s.
An iPhone Gift with Conditions
Brandon Ballenger 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?
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 31, 2012
Did you know your email can make free domestic calls or cheap international ones?
Canned Food: More Food or Water?
Brandon Ballenger on December 31, 2012
If you think potato chip bags are bad, wait until you see this.
10 Ways to Improve Cell Phone Service
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 28, 2012
The difference between which pages people in various countries frequently visit is fascinating.
Gift Card Sales Keep Climbing
Brandon Ballenger 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
Brandon Ballenger on December 28, 2012
New research reveals wild dolphins bring people all kinds of seafood as gifts.
Smoked Salmon Recalled in 42 States
Brandon Ballenger on December 28, 2012
Fish sold at Sam’s Club nationwide is being recalled because of listeria risks.
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