Two-thirds of our economy is in the service sector. So why is service so bad?
Odd Spending
No Escaping Ads: They’re Under Your Shoes, On the Back of Your Legs, Where You Pee
Most people aren’t exactly overjoyed that their lives are flooded with ads. Whereas the average consumer may find the creep of advertising to be, well, creepy, advertising insiders see unexpected brand and product placements not as intrusive, but as innovative, often brilliant.
Cheap Eats: Surprising Advice on Dining Out — From An Economist
Tyler Cowen is an economist who teaches at George Mason University. He has written economics columns for the New York Times, published what the Economist called “the most talked-about economics book of the year” in 2011, and was …
Millennials Are Biggest Suckers for Selfish Impulse Buys
Members of Gen Y—the “millennials” born roughly between 1980 and 1995—are perhaps the most studied demographic in history. We know everything from how often they post on Facebook and Twitter, to what degree they really want to be able to wear jeans at work. Here’s one more factoid about this group that retailers are sure to take note …
$9 Per Gallon? Where Gas Prices Remain Absurdly Expensive
Despite earlier forecasts anticipating steadily rising gas prices well past Memorial Day, prices at the pump began declining in April and are now cheaper than they were a year ago at this time. That’s not to say prices are …
Condimania! The ‘New Ketchup’ and Other Hot Condiment Trends
If your refrigerator door is stocked with just two bottles of condiments—one Crayola yellow, the other Crayola red—and you use them only in strict traditional fashion (mustard on hot dogs, ketchup on French fries), then your …
Would You Buy Health Insurance at Costco?
Sure, warehouse clubs are great for picking up pallets of bottled water and giant tubs of ranch dressing. But would you turn to one for your health insurance? Costco just announced a partnership with insurer Aetna that will let …
Feeling Old? 6 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy
Here are six low-tech healthcare services readily available to seniors and which will vastly improve their quality of life, according to the Hartford Foundation. Did you know that Medicare pays the full cost of one wellness checkup each year?
Get an Edge on Razor Manufacturers: 8 Strategies to Save on Shaving
Most men take little joy in shaving. Keeping a clean-shaven face is an obligation — a chore that’s necessary for maintaining a professional appearance on the job, and perhaps to maintain some semblance of attractiveness to …
Guy Sues Apple and Wins — but Here’s Why His Victory Is a Bummer
A Seattle blogger who goes by the handle Rex won a small-claims lawsuit he filed against Apple after it reneged on a promise to fix his defective computer. This kind of man-bites-dog moment is rare, but in the wake of legislation …
Poll: Consumers Care Less About the Environment Now. Happy Earth Day!
So much for saving the planet. A recent survey reveals that over the past few years, Americans have become less likely to say they care a great deal about the current and future state of the environment. Similarly, we’re also …
What’s Hot, New, Weird, Delicious, Refreshing, and Exciting in Pizza and Beer
Two classic staples for Friday night, or any night really, are getting makeovers. Among the newest options for consumers are beer that doesn’t taste like beer, frozen pizza that doesn’t taste like cardboard, and gas stations that …