Battle in Congress could have a dramatic effect on food staple
government
Save Big Bird! Will Romney’s Threats Wind Up Boosting PBS Fundraising?
Mitt Romney’s comment directed at PBS during a presidential debate could present an opportunity for public broadcast to reach out to donors
Next Item on Agenda to Freak Out About: Milk Prices Could Double
Your may still be trying to calm down after news spread of a looming “unavoidable bacon shortage” (which isn’t really going to happen). But don’t get too comfortable. Now we’re supposed to panic about the possibility of milk …
Why Don’t More People Use These Free Services?
If you take advantage of your local library’s e-book lending services, or make use of your cable company’s “TV Everywhere” option that allows you to access shows on the web at no extra charge, you’re in the minority. In fact, …
Sometimes There’s a Reward for Not Paying Off Parking & Traffic Tickets
Your mother was wrong about procrastination and irresponsibility. They can, in fact, pay off in a good way down the line. Amnesty programs have been popping up around the country, allowing drivers with outstanding parking and …
Self-Serve Revolution: How Touchscreens Are Replacing Human Customer Service
Back in the day, screens allowed you to do one thing: Sit down with popcorn and watch Blade Runner. Today, they can do things that even go beyond what last generation’s science fiction could imagine. Those old sci-fi writers did …
Chicago’s Parking Meter Debacle: The Check Is Not in the Mail
Sounding a bit like an angry motorist who’s just gotten what he considers an unfair parking ticket, Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last week that he wasn’t going to pay a $14 million bill sent to the city by the company …
Introducing the $60 Light Bulb
The Associated Press reports that the Phillips LED light bulb that won the government’s L Prize—a $10 million contest to replace the traditional incandescent bulb—will go on sale as of Earth Day with a full retail price of …
Why Millions Won’t Be Able to Afford Cars in the Future
By 2025, the government will require an average fuel economy of 54.5 m.p.g. for cars and trucks sold in the U.S. To meet that requirement, automakers must focus on more efficient, technologically sophisticated cars that cost more upfront to build — and whose costs are ultimately passed along to consumers. How much more will these cars …
24 Hours Until Tax Day: 7 Reasons We Procrastinate (and How It Costs Us)
While it’s possible to file your taxes months in advance, it’s commonplace to procrastinate and not get to the task until the last minute—increasing the chances of making mistakes and overpaying while you’re at it. According to …
Why It’s So Hard to Make a Living as a Snake Charmer Nowadays
New regulations, government bureaucracy, political connections and changing cultural tastes can affect any career path — and that includes that of a traditional snake charmer in India.
Post Office Wants to Raise Prices 11%, to 50¢ per Stamp
By 2015, the U.S. Postal Service says it could be losing $18.2 billion annually. To stop the bleeding, it has proposed several money-saving strategies, including closing hundreds of post offices and processing facilities, …