Recent Articles

    By Meg Massie

    | 4:00 PM 1/10/2009
    As Americans look for ways to cut costs wherever possible, doctors worry that the changes we make to our food purchases will lead to an even worse obesity crisis than we're already facing.There's a definite link between income and obesity, as numerous studies have shown that lower-income Americans...

    By Meg Massie

    | 2:30 PM 1/8/2009
    If you've ever measured your own carbon footprint, you know that frequent flying really takes a toll on the environment. And if you've bought plane tickets recently, you know that fuel costs are a huge part of the price you'll pay. Yesterday, Continental Airlines became the first major American...

    By Meg Massie

    | 1:00 PM 12/23/2008
    Retailers across the board are reporting weaker sales this holiday season as shoppers have less money to spend on gifts and on themselves in this ugly economy. There is one exception, though. Craft sales are much stronger this year, as folks turn to do-it-yourself projects and handmade goods to...

    By Meg Massie

    | 4:00 PM 12/22/2008
    When you think about getting a pet, the number one consideration is probably time. Do you have the energy to walk a dog several times a day? Do you have someone in your neighborhood who can feed the cats while you're traveling? Usually, if a person can handle the time commitment of pet ownership,...

    By Meg Massie

    | 2:00 PM 12/18/2008
    Who here is NOT done with holiday gift shopping yet? There are lots of us, hmm? May I suggest a gift that doesn't require a trip to the mall or expensive last-minute shipping costs? Charitable donations are a stress-free Christmas gift, perfect for givers who hate to shop and recipients who already...

    By Meg Massie

    | 4:00 PM 12/17/2008
    Jewelry stores around the country will do the majority of their annual business between now and Valentine's Day. If you're buying bling for your special someone this year, good for you. Surely you've researched all the four C's, you know all about gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and you know...

    By Meg Massie

    | 4:00 PM 12/16/2008
    Your college education may well be the largest investment you ever make. Tuition costs are up again this year, as they have been every year in recent memory, and four years of higher education will run up a bill in excess of six figures for many students. Most will take out loans, and many will...

    By Meg Massie

    | 6:00 PM 12/15/2008
    It turns out that the idea that gambling is a recession-proof industry is just another myth. Of course, casino insiders already knew this -- just ask them how business was following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It took a while, but most casinos had pretty much recovered by the time the credit crisis...

    By Meg Massie

    | 1:00 PM 12/15/2008
    As the New Year looms and people start thinking about weight-related resolutions, the Jenny Craig weight loss program is taking on a new celebrity spokeswoman -- again. Phylicia Rashad, best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, will take over the reins from Queen Latifah, the...

    By Meg Massie

    | 5:00 PM 12/12/2008
    From the Who Thinks This Stuff Up? files, there's a new pencil on the market, designed to help your kids concentrate in school. The British company Concentrate recently launched a pre-chewed pencil design. It's not really pre-chewed, it only looks like someone's been gnawing on it. The company...