     1-on-1 with The Professor of Street Ball Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2005 If you had mentioned Grayson Boucher among basketball circles three years ago, no one would have had any idea who you were speaking of. Mention his name today and chances are a few will recognize it. Mention Grayson Boucher's street name, "The Professor," and almost anyone with an interest in the game of basketball will know exactly who you are referring to, and almost all of them will have a stor ... By Bernadette Houston and Bryan Sims | Staff 10 Companies You'd Love to Work For Channel: brass Ten Date: 8/1/2006 1. Google Team players wanted to enjoy free lunches, on-site doctor/dentist, massage, yoga, free shuttles to San Francisco, on-site dry cleaning and a free laundry room. Headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with locations around the world. Google google.com/jobs/ 2. Patagonia Desires casual dressers who don't mind leaving work early to ride the waves, earn a paycheck for volunteering, and receive a ... By brass Staff 10 Resolutions for 2004 Channel: brass Ten Date: 2/1/2004 GET A CREDIT CARD (AFTER DOING MY DUE DILIGENCE). Having a credit card establishes credit in your name even if you never use it. Having a good credit history will help you with borrowing and obtaining loans. PAY OFF MY CREDIT CARD DEBT EVERY MONTH. Credit card debt is bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. DRINK TAP WATER WHEN I GO OUT TO EAT. 2 drinks a week x $2 each =$4 a week x 52 wks/yr = $208 a year [Whic ... By Jennifer Gerwick - University of Oregon 10 Things to Do Under $10 Channel: brass Ten Date: 5/1/2006 Stay true to your inner-Van Wilder - high school events, from sports to theatre, can have you in the door for under ten bucks. Call a couple of friends for a game night and order pizza (just make sure they bring their ten bucks). NBA hoops bring the fun faster than you can say, "alley-oop!" Break out the paint from Art 101, buy a brush and get busy on a wall mural. (If you don't own the wall, you ... By Casey Bishopp | Mooresville, NC & Nick Hagen | Beloit, WI 100 Life Goals Channel: Online Date: You get it - goals are important. They get you thinking, get you going, and hopefully, get you where you want to go. Try writing down 100 things you want to accomplish over the course of your life. It's harder than you might think. But by writing down 25 life goals in each of the following areas: personal, career, money, and relationships, you can keep your list focused and manageable. Remember th ... By Katie Mattson | Charlotte, NC 20th Century Pirate Scams From the Rich Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2004 Millions and millions of dollars flowed into his coffers. The press called him America's savior and seventy thousand Americans proclaimed his genius. He dressed in Savile Rowe finery and carried himself high and proud, like a peacock preening. In one hand he held a silver cane, in the other a thick brown Cuban cigar. Oscar Hartzel was bringing the Drake fortune in gold and silver from England to A ... By Eddie Somerville - Cornell University 20th Century Pirate Scams From the Rich, Part. 2 Channel: Managing It Date: With new recruits to carry out his scam, Oscar went big time. He hit every town, church, and bar east and west of the Mississippi. Millions of dollars lined his pockets and it was then that he remembered a key lesson that had originally led him to realize Sudie was a con--she didn't remain in contact with her victims. Oscar decided to take the opposite approach. Not only did Oscar remain in contac ... By Eddie Somerville - Cornell University 360 Degrees of Fun Channel: Managing It Date: 11/1/2007 Remember that time you tried to let your sister's pet hamster out of his cage, only to be thanked with a couple of teeth marks on your finger? Well, here's your chance to get even by beating that hamster at his own game (and I don't mean biting people). While hamsters may have had the first plastic balls to run around in, humans now have the coolest ones thanks to a couple of thrill-seeking New Ze ... By Jack Johnson - University of Nevada A Different Breed of Business Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 2/1/2006 Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes. They are old and young, male and female, black and white. They are raised wealthy and poor, obtain advanced degrees or drop out of school. Studies have been unable to pinpoint any type of consistent similarity among these people except for one common characteristic – each and every one thinks they are different from everyone else. So what makes entrepren ... By Bryan Sims, CEO A Top Rated School For $13,000? Consider a State School Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2003 College is expensive. Everybody knows that, especially those looking for a top-notch education from one of the more prestigious private schools. Here's a simple pricing guide for an Ivy League school: take the cost of the ridiculously expensive car of your choice, add a little for taxes and insurance, and multiply by four. If you have that much money, you might be able to afford an undergraduate d ... By Kyle Huth - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo After Debt Channel: Online Date: Congratulations! You're finally free of your credit card and other nasty forms of debt. But before you go shopping, check out these strategies to make sure you can enjoy your new-found freedom from unhealthy debt for longer than just the weekend. 1. Keep your focus. If you've managed to pull yourself completely out of debt, chances are you probably already know how to follow through with a budget. ... By Kristen Buford - Lawrence, KS Alison Kelly Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2007 In Alison Kelly's world, not everything is as it seems. Her dress designs, fit for a tea party or an after-hours jam session, exude a punk vibe with a proper Victorian twist. In the fashion business, where well-known designers can still be scraping by after ten years, this 26- year-old just made a small profit on her first collection for her company, Dahl. She walked away from Heidi Klum's reality ... By Sarah Higginbothom All that Glitters is Gold Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2004 Whether it is luck, hard work, good timing, or a combination of all three, successful entrepreneurs often stumble across new and innovative ideas that quickly become the hottest thing. But how do you know when a product is hot? When you have celebrities like Christina Augilera, Ali Landry, Kelly Osbourne, and Paris and Nikki Hilton all using your product, that's when you know. Girlactik Beauty is ... By Kristine Capalla - University of California, Riverside Amped-up Interest Channel: Multiplying It Date: 8/1/2007 amped-up interest the sweet sound of money CDs Finally! You've got a little extra cash and it's headed straight for your savings account. But before you add more to that pile, consider a CD--otherwise known as a certificate of deposit. While this kind of CD won't make you dance, it can make you money and just might be the perfect companion to your savings account. the non-music CDs CDs are short-t ... By Verna M. Starling - Pflugerville, TX An Outback Education - Lesson 1: Money Talks Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2004 As I packed for my upcoming journey into the unknown outback of Australia, my head was filled with images of white sand beaches, blue water, kangaroos and, of course, the tanned surfers. The last thing on my mind was how I was going to see everything in this imaginary Kodak moment. Now that I'm in Australia, it's quickly become apparent that money needs to be my main concern. Through my experience ... By Jennifer Gerwick Are You Game? Channel: Take 2 Date: 5/1/2006 Heather M.Roberts Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), more commonly known as EA, is the world's largest developer/publisher/distributor of video games in all formats, from PC to console to handheld. Despite a tough fourth quarter for the industry, EA is gaining in market share... but is it enough to gain your investment? Likes [#1] The average price of a game rose 7 percent to $32.65 when retailers ch ... By Heather M. Roberts | Redmond, WA; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA Are You Sirius? Channel: Take 2 Date: 8/1/2007 heather Lackmeyer Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is one of two main providers of satellite radio in the U.S., competing with XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: XMSR). With a merger pending, they could become the only satellite radio provider in the U.S. and Canada. Should Sirius be the newest holding in your portfolio? Likes [#1] Sirius has content that other radio companies onl ... By Heather M. Lackmeyer | Redmond, WA; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 11/1/2005 Q: My friend was recently the victim of identity theft. Now she is faced with the overwhelming task of cleaning up her damaged credit. How can I prevent the same from happening to me? A: The Federal Trade Commission estimates that the average victim of identity theft is unaware of the problem for 12 months. A lot of damage can be done in 12 months, costing a substantial amount of time and money to ... By brass Staff Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 8/1/2005 Q: I have been on my parents' cell phone plan the last few years but am moving away from home soon and need to get an individual plan. What should I consider when choosing a plan? A: The following considerations will help you determine what kind of plan and options best meet your needs and budget. Communicate your needs clearly with the cell phone carrier you choose and read all terms and conditio ... By brass Staff Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 5/1/2005 Q: I'm graduating from college in June and have been hearing a lot about loan consolidation. What is student loan consolidation and how does it work? Do you recommend this method of repayment for student loans? A: Essentially, you can consolidate multiple federal student loans with variable interest rates into one fixed-rate loan and extend your repayment period from 10 years up to 30 years, depen ... By Bernadette Houston Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 2/1/2005 Q: The other day I was trying to book an airline ticket online but there were so many sites to choose from. What sites do you recommend and how do I go about getting the best deal? A: With so many travel sites out there, planning a trip can be very confusing. Some of the best values can be found on websites that specialize in finding low fares, but it pays to do your homework. Consumer Reports rec ... By Jennifer Gerwick - University of Oregon Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 11/1/2006 Q. What does the "variable interest rate" on my credit card bill mean? Why can they raise my interest rate? A. Credit cards have an annual percentage rate (APR), which can be fixed or variable. -Variable rate: Allows the lender to change your APR based on external influences such as the Prime Rate (the rate credit unions give to their best members). Variable rates can change without prior notifica ... By brass Staff Ask brass Channel: Ask brass Date: 5/1/2005 Q. I'm graduating from college in June and have been hearing a lot about loan consolidation. What is student loan consolidation and how does it work? Do you recommend this method of repayment for student loans? A. Essentially, you can consolidate multiple federal student loans with variable interest rates into one fixed-rate loan and extend your repayment period from 10 years up to 30 years, depen ... By Staff Ask Brass: August 2004 Channel: Ask brass Date: 8/1/2004 I'm in over my head with my credit card bills. I'm slowly paying them off, but I don't know how I will ever regain good credit. How can I rebuild my damaged credit? You're not alone in your credit problems. It is easy to get carried away with credit cards and loans. First, it's good to know what your standing credit is. You can do this by entering "online credit report" into a search engine, such ... By Jennifer Gerwick Ask brass: November 2004 Channel: Ask brass Date: 11/1/2004 I'm looking to buy a new car and I want one with an unusual color. My dad has told me that this will affect the resale value. Does the color of my car really matter? Your dad is right; studies show that the color of your car can affect its resale value. If you plan to drive it until it dies, then go ahead and pick neon orange... if that's your thing. However, choosing a more popular car color can ... By Jennifer Gerwick - University of Oregon At Your Service Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2008 Every 19 seconds a bell rings somewhere in the U.S. And tonight when that happens in a fire station down the street and in stations all over the country, thousands of men and women will wake up and step into boots and pants placed bedside in anticipation. Rushing down stairwells or sliding down poles to meet their crews below, they will grab their gear and climb into trucks. They'll hunker down an ... By Sarah Higginbotham Aug '08 Crossword Solution Channel: brass Distractions Date: 8/1/2008 Scroll down to see the solution to the August 2008 crossword puzzle. ... By Myles Mellor - Lake View Terrace, CA Aussie Down Unda Channel: Managing It Date: 8/1/2004 Everyone said this trip would be a life-altering experience. As much as I hate to admit it, and as cliche as it sounds, it's true. Getting out and seeing the world is something everyone should do for himself or herself at some point in life. When you go, be sure to take these tips (which I gathered from a few mistakes I made along the way)with you: 1. Do not be fooled by phone cards that offer rid ... By Jennifer Gerwick Avoid a Taxing Situation Channel: Starting Line Date: 2/1/2005 When it comes to taxes, it often seems that paying through the nose is a necessary evil and customary right of passage for young adults. However, there are clever tricks of the trade to help you avoid getting punked by "The Man." Here are a few tips to help you understand the ABC's of taxes, and perhaps hang on to more of your C-notes. [1] Time to pay up If you work it's time to start filing taxes ... By Conor Bradley | Medford, Oregon Backing Basics Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2008 A big part of your school experience happens outside the classroom--you might be a member of a Red Cross student organization, a dance team, a rocket club or the rugby team. Unfortunately, money never has grown on trees. So how do you gain the green to keep your group from fizzling due to rising costs? One option is to get a sponsor. Here's how to do it. locate prospects Sponsorship is when a busi ... By Kayla Martin - Philomath High School, Philomath, OR Bankin' on Your Body Channel: Ridiculous Date: 2/1/2005 Bruce Springsteen has a six million dollar insurance policy on his voice. Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance' legs are insured for a cool forty million. By definition, insurance is "Coverage by a contract binding a party to indemnify another against specified loss in return for premiums paid." Such a loss would normally include damage done by disasters such as fires, flooding, and major accident ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Bare Bones of a Business Plan Channel: Online Date: 1/1/2007 Everyone wants to start a business. A recent poll conducted by Junior Achievement Worldwide, an organization that teaches students about entrepreneurship, found that out of 1,155 teens, 69 percent wanted to start their own company. And a lot them actually do. When Harvard Business School surveyed MBA students in its business-plan competition, they found that 67 percent of them went on to open thei ... By Amy Clark | Bend, Oregon Biz in the Blogosphere Channel: Online Date: Blogging used to be just entertainment for family and friends. Not so anymore. That's because business owners have discovered something we already knew: the power of blogging to create buzz, promote products, and generate cash. Once people start reading your blog, it pays dividends, sometimes in surprising ways. Blogging buzz Creating a weekly blog on your company website is an excellent way to bu ... By Tara Rodden Robinson - Corvallis, OR Blogging Blunders Channel: Online Date: 12/1/2007 Bloggers beware: students get kicked out of school and professionals get fired or sued because of their online rants. Protest all you want, but the question remains: how much could a bad-mouthing blog cost you? The answer is a lot, if you don't take a few precautions. You can be sued and required to pay damages for saying something false about someone else, even if it was just a casual comment on ... By brass Staff Book It Channel: brass Ten Date: 8/1/2008 Haven't gotten around to a summer reading list yet? There's still time. Whether you're looking for advanced insight on investing or just the basics on budgeting, this book list has options for various levels of money know-how. (We weren't paid to plug these--instead we read a lot and picked a mix of entertaining, useful, and relevant titles to get you going.) On My Own Two Feet, Manisha Thakor and ... By Staff brass Roots Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 8/1/2006 While I typically reserve talking about brass until the end of the year, this issue warranted an exception for two special reasons. This August, brass will reach 300,000 people between the ages of 16 and 25 all across the United States - 10 times the number of people from our first issue just two and a half years ago. Some of you have been reading since we launched the first issue out of a dorm ro ... By Bryan Sims, CEO Budget Building Channel: Starting Line Date: 11/1/2007 Creating a budget doesn't mean you can't spend money, so don't stop reading yet. Most people cringe at the word "budget," but it really can be a comforting tool to ensure your money is in order. Essentially, a budget is a plan for how you will spend your cash. It can help you understand where your money goes--not to mention how to streamline your spending to save a little extra. STEP ONE: Income T ... By Amy E. Stanton Budgets in Flux Channel: Online Date: Last week you worked 80 hours, but this month you only got 10. How are you supposed to make and follow a budget when you're rich this week but poor the next? Don't worry, we've put together some useful tips to help you make a budget, whether you get paid or not. Plot your income When mapping your monthly income, account for possible fluctuations. Whether your boss decides to cut your hours or midt ... By Jordon Frauen - Corvallis, OR Bullets in the Hood Channel: Making It Date: 8/1/2005 Sundance Film Festival award winners Daniel Howard and Terrence Fisher They were the youngest ever to win an award at sundance film festival. Two New York City teenagers from Brooklyn's projects decided they were going to make their voices heard about gun violence. This is their story. It is a hot, hazy summer day in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The air is particularly dense in the stairwell wher ... By Bernadette Houston Bumming It Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2008 Are you ready for a change? About to burn out on school or your current job? It could be time for you to consider bumming around for a bit. No, that's not sitting around on your bum all day--it's getting a seasonal job and a welcome change from the daily grind of typical jobs. Try something new, pursue a passion and build your resume. You could: Serve beach-lounging visitors,instruct newbies in th ... By Catherine Seiwert - Garden Plain, KS Business Blueprints Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2008 Think your creative biz idea packs all the rocket-fueled ingredients necessary for that edge in the market? If your dream business seems to have all the right refinements, then it's time to take the next step and get your idle idea in motion with a business plan. Blueprint basics A business plan is a written proposal that blueprints the function and goals of your business. It allows you to propose ... By Sandra Peoples-Gates - Flint, MI Buy Instead of Rent and Pay Yourself, Not a Landlord Channel: Multiplying It Date: 11/1/2003 Looking for housing is a fate everyone eventually faces. Usually this starts with looking for a place to rent-an apartment or a house-and sharing it with roommates. But is renting really the best option? Renting can be easier and requires less risk, but for those willing to look into buying their own house, the rewards can be significant. Let's say you are moving in with two friends and want to li ... By Robert Morgan - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill Buy! Sell! Channel: Making It Date: 8/1/2008 There's nothing worse than looking around your already compact living quarters and seeing a closet full of has-been trends, shoeboxes of conquered video games, and stacks of textbooks the bookstore wouldn't buy back. Since the creation of eBay, you can quickly sell your stuff--no garage sale required. Who knows? With an estimated 547,000 eBay stores worldwide as of March 2008, you too could make a ... By Meredee Switzer - Eugene, OR BYOB: Be Your Own Boss Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2005 You've eaten at least a few hundred french fries at McDonald's, sipped Slurpees from 7-Eleven and maybe even worked at a Subway or Quiznos making more than your share of foot-long subs. But did you ever stop to think that you could work and own one of these prominent franchises simultaneously? Many entrepreneurial people interested in starting their own business often overlook franchise ownership ... By Heather Levin - Ann Arbor, Michigan Calculating the Love Connection Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2005 Dating often evokes excitement, anxiety and for some, nausea. Don't we have enough to worry about without having to analyze mixed signals and endure agonizing dates that never seem to end? We've all been there and realize that there is no end in sight. Ultimately this process proves necessary if companionship is something we desire, so back to the battlefield we go. Take comfort in knowing that yo ... By Justin Powlison - Cal State, Los Angeles Carlos Andres Gomez Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2007 Carlos Andres Gomez has a way with words. He's been called a prophet, praised for his powerful message on and off stage. The 25-year-old award-winning poet and actor has made it to the National Poetry Slam Championships twice, performed on HBO's Def Poetry Jam and grabbed a leading role in Spike Lee's block- buster, Inside Man. If you haven't heard this "spoken-word" artist on Telemundo or the MTV ... By Sarah Higginbotham Cash-Conscious Party Themes Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2004 The Progressive Party: Ease the financial burden of throwing a party by collaborating with others by throwing a progressive party. This works well if you live in a small town or have a bunch of friends who live nearby (apartment complex, anyone?). You go in with about 5 or 6 friends, and each of you hosts a different portion of the party at his or her respective home. In essence, the party moves t ... By Chris Walker - Sacremento, California Celebrity Trash Means Cash Channel: Ridiculous Date: 11/1/2005 We all make unwise purchases. You know, those things that you probably cannot afford or don't necessarily need: $200 jeans, a trip to Cabo for spring break, or even a must-have "As Seen on TV" gadget or two. Very few people go a lifetime without purchasing a couple items that are to say the least, stupid. In the past, these purchases were less flagrant, somewhere along the lines of a compelling Ch ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Cheap Retreats Channel: Managing It Date: 8/1/2008 Long hours and countless responsibilities may have you frazzled and longing for a weekend away. Whether you prefer roaming the city streets or roasting marshmallllows, a weekend retreat gets you recharged. Best of allll, we can help you have more fun for less money. urban jungle Concrete adventures You can visit even the largest of nearby cities for less. Most cities offer, on certain days, free p ... By Lauren Henry Chew On This Channel: Take 2 Date: 5/1/2008 Charles Worthman William Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE: WWY) is usually known simply as "Wrigley's." The company is practically the gum king of the world, But does a stick of Wrigley's stock pack long-lasting flavor or is it just a shiny wrapper? Likes [#1] With a total debt over EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of only 0.8, the company could be considered under- ... By Charles Worthman | Brooklyn, NY; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA City Inc. Channel: Ridiculous Date: 5/1/2006 American small-town charm is fostered by small businesses. Mom-and-pop shops and corner stores, along with a post office and maybe even a stoplight, are a piece of Americana some might call priceless. But the small towns of Halfway, Oregon; Clark, Texas; and Hot Springs, New Mexico sold out to some big business charm of their own - corporate sponsorship. It all began in 1950 when Hot Springs, New ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Cleaning House Channel: Multiplying It Date: 2/1/2005 Barry Minkow wants the story of his roller coaster life to be an example to ambitious young people out there. Don't get carried away with success, and never sacrifice your values. At the age of twenty-one he owned a mansion in Southern California, drove a red Ferrari, employed over 1,400 people and was the youngest CEO of a publicly traded company in United States history, valued in the hundreds o ... By brass Staff Cleaning Up Channel: Multiplying It Date: 2/1/2005 Excerpted from P. 101 As I sat there and scanned the documents, I recalled what one of the lawyers had told me about lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission: "You'll go to jail for a long time if you defraud the SEC." His words haunted me. It's not too late, I reasoned silently. I can stop the public offering now and minimize my potential punishment. Until this deal becomes effective and t ... By Staff - Corvallis, Oregon College Remixed Channel: brass Ten Date: 2/1/2008 Can't find a program that gets you running to the lecture hall? We found ten modern majors to get your future going--so fresh they aren't even shaving yet. Website wizard Degree: Bachelor of Science in Web Architecture School: University of Advancing Technology CSI sleuth Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer & Digital Forensics School: Champlain College Protection pro Degree: Bachelor of Scienc ... By Staff Common Cents Channel: Online Date: 10/1/2007 You might be performing a magic trick without even realizing it. Ever wonder where all your money has gone at the end of the month? Here are eight ways to break that nasty spell. Believe it or not, you can actually save cash without giving up your coffee shop stops or eliminating all forms of entertainment. Set aside a certain amount for non-essentials. If you use all of this cash, then you have t ... By Sarah Kyo - San Jose State University Cool Tech Stuff Channel: brass Ten Date: 11/1/2007 Ever think, "There's got to be a better way to do this?" Now there is. All you have to do is find the right gizmos. We put together a day in the life of a techie to show you that the future is here--for a price. Batteries and endorsement from brass not included (we just thought they were cool). 6:30 AM Before you reach out to hit snooze a second time, your alarm clock, Clocky, loudly rolls away to ... By Staff Crash Test Genius Channel: Online Date: You listened to every word your driver's education teacher said and you may even have a few years of driving under your seat belt, but accidents still happen. Don't let inexperience drive up the cost and hassle of a car accident. Here are key tips from a police officer, an insurance agent, and a body shop mechanic who have seen it all before. Tips from the officers in blue 1. Call for help--Whethe ... By Katrina Myers - Portland, OR Credit Card Perks Channel: Managing It Date: 2/1/2004 Like many young adults, you have a credit card. To your parents surprise, you're not yet living in a cardboard box. Nope, you've got a handle on that card. Now get ready for the next level - mastering the art of rewards. WHAT ARE REWARDS? Rewards give credit card holders an incentive to use your credit card. It's simple: the more you charge, the more you get. Why do card companies offer rewards? M ... By Jeff Stephens Credit Cards Backstage Channel: Starting Line Date: 8/1/2008 A credit card is like an amp for your wallet. It gives you the volume, but screw ups are magnified too. So before plugging in, you should know how to play. We'll help you with the basics, the pitfalls and the advantages so you can maximize your chances of rocking a credit card without it rocking you. Find the basic beat We've all seen credit cards in action. But really, what is a credit card? Basi ... By Tina Dressel - Chicago, IL Cutthroat Check Cashers Channel: Fundamentals Date: 11/1/2007 You just received your paycheck and you're in a hurry. You stop at a check cashing store to get green fast, but before make that a habit, you should know how much check cashers are costing you. Check Cashers A typical check cashing store is a business that allows customers to quickly get cash from a payroll, personal, or government check--for a fee, of course. Grocery stores and mini-marts may als ... By Jennifer Linne - Budd Lake, NJ Cyber Commerce Channel: Ridiculous Date: 2/1/2007 In the past, playing video games meant mastering Tetris on a long car ride, wasting hours slaying a poorly animated lizard, or playing Madden for bragging rights. But ever since video games began steamrolling allowances, the industry has kept players coming back with new technology. The most addictive and lucrative games of late? Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG's) like World ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Dealing with Car Dealers Channel: Online Date: Let's face it, walking into a car dealership with the intent to buy is intimidating. Here are a few ways to tip the scale in your favor when you're negotiating for a car. 1. Do Your Homework. Know which vehicle you want first and understand how you're going to pay for it. Check out Wheeling and Dealing: How auto financing rolls. If you don't have a thorough understanding of how cars are financed, ... By Rebecca Styn Debt Double-Take Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2008 E conomists, parents, business people and newscasters throw out the word "debt" like it's the boogey man of our generation, But what exactly is debt? Technically, debt is something--usually money--owed by one party to another. Whether it is by charging a credit card, taking out a loan, or asking your buddy to spot you five bucks for a burger, it's all debt. What you might not know is there are act ... By Reese Haydon - Hidden Valley HS, Grants Pass, OR Debtless Global Travel Channel: Online Date: Instead of accruing debt on a vacation abroad, go where your money is strong. With the declining value of the dollar, visiting countries with favorable currency exchange rates lets your money stretch further. In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (a tiny country at the western border of China), I could have an extravagant dinner for $10. Scope out how much some items cost in other countries at how ... By Michael Cook - Baltimore, MD Defining Rich Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 8/1/2005 If you look up the word rich in a dictionary, one definition reads: "having great worth or value." Unfortunately, the word rich is most commonly associated with money, financial success and material wealth. While we appreciate that money can come with success, being rich is more than the size of your savings account, the car you drive or the brand of clothing you wear. To us, the word rich is a wa ... By Bryan Sims Destination Debt Free Channel: Starting Line Date: 8/1/2007 Your heart skips a beat.. you feel faint... panic sets in... In your hands is yet another bill, another overdraft notice, or another letter from a creditor demanding payment. Anyone who has ever found themselves with growing debt knows that out- of-control feeling. In 2005, low- to middle-income 18- to 34-year-olds reported an average credit card debt of $8,182. Add another $20,000 in average stud ... By Katrina Myers - Portland, OR Direct Deposit Channel: Online Date: 9/1/2007 How would you like to have your earnings automatically deposited into your account on payday without any of the usual hassles? It's called direct deposit, and you may have access to this convenient service through your employer. There are a few things to consider before signing up for direct deposit. The Upside Here are some of the perks of getting paid via direct deposit: You don't have to worry ... By Jennifer Linne - Budd Lake, NJ Do You Aspire to Greatness? Get Off Your Butt & Make it Happen!
Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2003 While we here at brass | MEDIA celebrate publishing our inaugural issue, I think it's appropriate to begin with the question, "What separates the successful from the unsuccessful?" As much as we might wish otherwise, hard work seems to be the common denominator. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out: those who get off their butts and make it happen end up with the life we all d ... By Chuck Slothower - University of Oregon Does My Wallet Look Fat In These Pants? Channel: Managing It Date: 2/1/2004 Let's face it, the cheese-stain-covered khakis and the Dave Matthews T-shirt are just not going to do for the big event. Whether it's for a critical interview, an important party, or a big date, dressing your best is always important. Unfortunately, looking your best isn't easy when you're on a budget. It's no secret that the nicer the look, the more the cost. There are, however, many things you c ... By Eddie Somerville & Aidan Ryan Dollar Dating Channel: Online Date: Dates can be nerve-wracking. Once you've worked up the courage to ask out the guy or girl of your dreams, next comes planning what to do on your excursion. While it would be pretty sweet, most of us can't afford five star restaurants or a limo. But there is plenty to do that will keep you busy without breaking the bank. These ideas will help make your date special without having to cash in the sav ... By Nicole Darvirris - Bentley College, MA eBaysics 101 Channel: Making It Date: 8/1/2008 Need some new stuff for school this year? The average spent on back-to- school shopping was $563 in 2007. So, why not save money buying and selling online with eBay? From pens and Abercrombie jeans to iPods and textbooks, you can first sell what you no longer need and then find new gear at the online auction giant. Are you eBay material? You can start an eBay account if you are 18 and have a valid ... By Casey Muir - Hayden High School, Hayden, AL Elevator Talk Channel: Online Date: You've heard the saying: "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." But what if that "first" chance only lasts a minute? Will you be ready? You never know when or where you might meet someone who can help you, and with a little practice, you can leave a memorable first impression and earn an invitation to meet again. You need an "elevator speech." The idea is to say what you ... By Amy K. Drew | Portland, OR Eviction Rules & Debt Tools Channel: Ask brass Date: 11/1/2008 Renter Rights Q. A friend of mine just got an eviction notice but didn't violate her lease. Is the landlord allowed to evict her? A. It depends. No one can be evicted without due process or notification. Tell your friend about these contingencies: Month-to-month agreement: The landlord can usually ask you to leave for any reason, as long as they provide enough notice (30 days in most states).Fixed ... By Staff Extra Credit Channel: Starting Line Date: 11/1/2005 Credit is an unavoidable part of society, affecting every major buying decision in our lives. Your credit report determines whether or not you can secure reasonable interest rates on things such as a car loan, credit card or home mortgage. A good credit score can mean buying a bigger house at a lower price. It can even influence your ability to enter into an apartment lease agreement or get a job. ... By Staff Face Lift Channel: Fundamentals Date: 8/1/2008 Imagine someone falsely impersonating you--another evil "you" running around, renting an apartment, draining your accounts, even signing up for and maxing out credit cards in your name. This isn't some cheesy sci-fi thriller. This is identity theft, and there are scores of thieves out there who can't wait to live your life to the fullest. Your identity is your treasure--a handful of key pieces of ... By Heather M. Lackmeyer - Kirkland, WA Fall Into The Gap Channel: Take 2 Date: 11/1/2007 Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) has been struggling in the last few years, fading in popularity since its heyday in the nineties. The company is almost 40-years-old, and with proper management, it could be headed back to the top. Is Gap a fit for your portfolio? Likes [#1] Gap management recently declared a quarterly DIVIDEND of eight cents per share, the second dividend payable this year. [#2] Gap is a spon ... By Victoria Erhart | Strayer University Online; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA Fast Cash Channel: Fundamentals Date: 5/1/2008 Ma king purchases of any kind is ofte n as simple as a single swipe or the click of a mouse . But what really goes on beyond that flick of the wrist or finger tap? EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) is the system behind credit cards, debit cards, and online financial transactions, among others. You may already be an avid user and not even know it! Here's how to stay safe and take advantage of EFT. EF ... By Nick Hagen - Beloit, WI Fast Track to Fired Channel: Online Date: Finding a job with no experience is difficult, but once you've got the gig, there is a whole new set of obstacles. As a newbie in the working world, not screwing up while on the job is, well, a full-time job. Steve Sack, a labor and employment attorney for the last twenty-six years and author of "Getting Fired," shared his expertise with brass. Here are five of the most common mistakes you and you ... By Wafa R. Mustief | Philadelphia, PA February '08 Crossword Solution Channel: brass Distractions Date: 2/1/2008 Scroll down to see the solution to the February 2008 crossword puzzle. ... By Myles Mellor Fee-free Clicks Channel: brass Ten Date: 2/1/2007 Think you are Internet savvy? Think again. We've found the coolest sites for stuff you do every day. SOFTWARE tucows.com what's free? Thousands of software programs are available for download, including freeware (totally free), shareware and demos (free for a while), games, themes, skins, and utilities. MUSIC pandora.com what's free? A no-talk customizable music service that plays anything you wan ... By Staff Feeding a Need Channel: Managing It Date: 8/1/2006 Living paycheck to paycheck is rough. You sweat it out at the end of every month and hope you get it all covered. Whether your budget is tight because you are working a first job, paying tuition or starting a business, there could be extra help you are missing out on - and it's not that birthday check from your Aunt Cathy. This one's from Uncle Sam. Every year the government allocates tax dollars ... By Natalie J. Newman - Oakland, CA Fender Spenders Channel: Starting Line Date: 2/1/2008 You're driving home, thinking about what you want for dinner, when suddenly you hear a crunching sound and your car fills with smoke-- you've just had an accident. You wiggle every body part from your toes on up, discover you're okay, and groan, "This is going to be expensive." Not necessarily. Many of the costs caused by a car accident can be minimized, managed, or prevented by knowing what to do ... By Christine Musson - Baltimore, MD Fired Up Channel: Managing It Date: 11/1/2006 Losing your job can feel like you've lost it all - there goes your income and your dignity. But at the end of the day, there could be good news hiding behind that pink slip. You just joined the ranks of some very successful people who have also lost their jobs. Before earning two Academy Awards, Robert Redford was canned from his gig bagging groceries. When Kwame Jackson was fired in front of mill ... By Katie Mattson | Charlotte, NC First Accounts & Last Wishes Channel: Ask brass Date: 11/1/2007 Q. I need to start my first account. What's the difference between a checking and savings account? A. A checking or savings account is great for beginners. Here are some of the differences: basic checking account n Use for everyday transactions n Access your money with checks or a debit card n Free checking, which has no fees or required minimum balance, is sometimes available basic savings accoun ... By Staff First-Class Funerals Channel: Ridiculous Date: 5/1/2007 Death is inevitable, and so is our fondness for exorbitantly priced funerals. Today, the barbaric medieval pull carts of Monty Python fame have given way to a $15 billion industry. From the entombment of ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the modern hearse-and-casket service, we're all about sending off our loved ones in style. The hottest funeral service in the U.S. is cremation. It's also one of the m ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Five For Filing Channel: Online Date: You know that leaving important documents lying around is just not smart, largely because your info could get jacked. We got up close and personal with five kinds of documents we found on our coffee tables at home to let you know when, how and if you should throw them away. It might also be time to invest in your own shredder; you can pick one up at most office supply or department stores. Car Ins ... By Michelle Garcia - North Hollywood, CA Fly Me to the Moon Channel: Ridiculous Date: 2/1/2006 To some, a spectacular vacation means living it up in Las Vegas, a cruise in the Caribbean or just a weekend exfoliating at the spa. But for some of us, such destinations are blast and the restorative getaway of the common man lacks a certain luster. Soon the pickiest of vacationers will have access to a vacation destination so exotic and rare that the next visitor will be the thirteenth person in ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Foolproof Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 8/1/2007 Foolproof credit card caution Let's get one thing straight: I don't think you're an idiot, but a lot of credit card companies out there do. They know there is a high probability that you will mismanage money and consequently go into debt--ultimately netting them more money and making it impossible for you to get ahead. Credit card companies are betting you're too young to understand this rule of t ... By Bryan Sims, CEO For Love or Money Channel: brass Ten Date: 11/1/2006 J.K. Rowling Wrote the Harry Potter books, becoming the first billion-dollar author and one of only five entirely self-made female billionaires. "It was my life's ambition to see a book I had written on a shelf in a bookshop ... the mere fact of being able to say I was a published author was the fulfillment of a dream." Oprah Winfrey The only female African American billionaire on Forbes list, tur ... By brass Staff Foreign Travel Tips Channel: Online Date: Camera, sunscreen, underwear--you've got everything you need for your trip abroad, right? Not quite. Who's going to pay your bills while you are gone? What happens if your place gets burglarized while you're away or if a meteor annihilates your car? Before you leave, these pre-trip planning tips could end up saving you time, money and hassle during and when you return from your international jaunt ... By Jeremy Da Rosa - Oregon State University Four Wheels, No Regrets Channel: Starting Line Date: 2/1/2004 Most people know choosing a car is a big decision, full of boring considerations like mileage, insurance and repair costs. That's why it is easy to get swept up in the fun stuff like styles, stereos and sunroofs. But remember, this is much more complicated than choosing your favorite color. For many, money is an issue (if it wasn't would you honestly be reading this?). So, the key word to buying i ... By Stacey Mitchell - Oregon State University Fueling the Fast and the Furious Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2004 Street races busted by police, helicopter rides across the city, and exclusive club parties - all while negotiating multi-million dollar deals and running his companies. Listen to Sam Chae talk and you'd think he stepped right out of a movie. At the ripe old age of twenty, Chae owns interests in a variety of businesses under his main company Chae Corporation. These businesses range from stakes in ... By Jennifer Gerwick | University of Oregon and Bryan Sims | Oregon State University Funding Foreign Fun Channel: Online Date: Paying for study overseas can be a daunting task: tuition, fees, plane tickets, expenses, food, housing, and all those kitschy souvenirs to buy. But don't decide to stay home just yet. There are plenty of ways to make your travel experience a reality. Some of them are so simple, you'll wonder what you're still doing stateside. 1. Current Financial Aid In compliance with Title IV of the Higher Educ ... By Kate Esposito - Crofton, MD Garage Band Economics Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2004 It starts with an idea, a passion. It's this passion for what they're doing that drives them. Spending countless hours in the garage, they work relentlessly towards perfection. Constantly barraged by obstacles, they always seem to find a way around the brick wall, striving to achieve their goal. Passion for Perfection could be used to describe a great number of entrepreneurial success stories. How ... By Bryan Sims - Corvallis, Oregon and Kelsea Jene Michael - University of Oregon Get Heard Channel: Online Date: Ever wonder how two companies selling the exact same product end up with sales margins across the spectrum? The success or failure of a business, organization, or event can largely depend on its public relations. A well-written press release can be one of the communication pros' most successful tools, and though writing a press release isn't difficult, writing one the press will actually read and ... By Lauren Henry - Shoreline, WA Get It Right Channel: Managing It Date: 11/1/2006 As young Americans, we have a wide array of freedoms and rights, but a disturbing number of us don't even know the basics. While over half of Americans can name at least two cartoon characters from The Simpsons, only 28 percent can name more than one of their First Amendment freedoms. (That's the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.) Knowing your rights and how to exercise t ... By Natalie J. Newman | San Francisco, CA Get Real Channel: Multiplying It Date: 8/1/2006 Chances are, many of you just walked in the door of your rented apartment or house after finding this magazine in the mail. Take a look around at what you are paying off for someone else. Wouldn't you like to be on the receiving end instead? Most of us imagine owning our own home, but just like a game of real life Monopoly, it doesn't have to end there. Owning multiple properties can provide just ... By Jack Johnson - University of Nevada, Las Vegas Getting Lucky Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 5/1/2007 I often get the question: "How did you start brass?" Typically, I'll say it all came down to hard work, a lot of supporters and a lot of luck. Recently someone responded back: "Don't you think it's funny that the harder someone works, the luckier they seem to get?" It was a good point that got me wondering. Are there actually "lucky people?" Do the people we read about on a daily basis--be they at ... By Bryan Sims, CEO Going Underground Channel: Ridiculous Date: 8/1/2004 Secret passageways, revolving fireplaces, and sliding bookcases are all fantasies implanted in our minds by movies such as Indiana Jones or the tales of King Arthur. Even for the exceedingly wealthy, building one's own castle, complete with such trickery, seems out of reach. Dreams, however, often die hard and the dream of Mr. Edward Peden is no different. Peden converted an old missile silo that ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Gold-Plated Grub Channel: Ridiculous Date: 2/1/2008 Americ a adores food. Our love affair with food takes the form of buffets, chain restaurants and drive-thrus. The numbers are staggering: Americans spent about $500 billion eating out last year. While, in total, Americans spend roughly the same amount eating out as they do eating in, a select few with big stomachs and bottomless pockets spend more on dining in a week than the rest of us spend in a ... By Stephen Ullmer - UC Berkeley Gone in Six Figures Channel: brass Ten Date: 5/1/2005 $1 million 2006 Bugatti 16.4 Veyron 8.0L W16 1001 hp 14 seconds to 186 mph 252 mph top speed 300 cars produced $659,430 2004 Ferrari Enzo 6.0L V12 650 hp 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds 209 mph top speed 399 cars produced $452,750 2005 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 5.4L AMG V8 617 hp 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds 3500 cars to be produced $440,795 2005 Porsche Carrera GT 5.7L V10 605 hp 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds 205 mph ... By brass Staff Gone to the Dogs Channel: Ridiculous Date: 8/1/2006 Americans like things big. We drive big trucks, eat big meals, and watch big TV's. And once upon a time, the American pet of choice was a big dog. The popular dogs could hunt, catch a Frisbee, or fetch the paper for you in the morning. But recently the trendiest animals in America are barely even the size of a Frisbee, let alone able to catch one. Tragically, the popular dogs of the past have been ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Good Ol' Boys Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 11/1/2006 One of the interesting aspects of my job as a young CEO is getting the opportunity to meet a lot of other CEOs and business people. I have grown up in an entirely different generation than the other execs around me, and it's remarkable to notice how the world has changed. Most moms go to work, over 28 million Americans speak Spanish, and politicians are blogging. However, even with all these chang ... By Bryan Sims Good Service Channel: Making It Date: 8/1/2007 Once you're out of high school or college, it can be hard to decide what direction to go. Are you out looking for a job, a career, or a little adventure? Inspired to make a difference far and wide? What about across town? Programs like the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America each provide a unique opportunity to travel, work, and volunteer around the world or in your own backyard. Check ... By Kate Esposito - Crofton, MD Got it Covered? Channel: Online Date: If getting your license was exciting, driving your own car meant you were really on your way. The first speed bump isn't that far down the road though, and it can quickly let the air out of your tires: car insurance. Two little words with the power to make us grab our wallets and run for the hills. While we may begrudge every dollar poured down the insurance hole, even minor injuries from an accid ... By Heather Levin - Asheville, North Carolina Habitat Hunting Channel: Online Date: So you want to jump on the right opportunity in real estate? First you have to be able to find it. Whether you are hunting for a quad, duplex, or house, make these 5 tips a habit. Start a routine even if you are not ready for a new place, and you will find a better piece of property much faster when you are ready to buy. 1. Work the web. Zillow.com, biggerpockets.com, trulia.com, zipreality.com, a ... By Mark Loika | Corvallis, Oregon Happy Trails: Affordable Road Trips Channel: Managing It Date: 5/1/2004 Imagine music you want to listen to, sights you want to see and friends you want to be with. Freedom begins with the open road and a full tank of gas. Who cares if you're living off of tortilla chips and coffee and showering in the sink at diners? Loosen up; this is an adventure. If you've never been on a road trip, don't worry; it's basically impossible to screw up. All you need is a car. Althoug ... By Kyle Huth - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Have Degree, Will Work Channel: Online Date: Getting that first career-oriented job in the months after graduating from college can be a real challenge. But, don't give up hope-- something will turn up. Don't believe me? Here is my post-graduation timeline: Months 1 and 2: It's my party Finally, I graduated college! And I only "redirected" my degree three times... okay, five. Regardless, I was proud to say I earned a degree in marketing. By ... By Danielle Brand - Derby, KS High-Priced CEOs Channel: Ridiculous Date: 11/1/2007 Biggie Smalls once said, "The more money we come across, the more problems we see." Today that mid-nineties rap hit would require a serious rewrite, as powerful CEOs that make millions of dollars in salary also score expensive gifts and perks. From multi-million-dollar bonuses to private-plane access and interest-free loans, it seems the impressive perks of being a big-time CEO far outweigh the pe ... By Stephen Ullmer - UC Berkeley Higher Ed Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2007 Not all great minds think alike - especially when it comes to choosing a college. Whether you're just out of high school or looking to hit the books after a break, the most worthwhile route to your degree isn't always the most traditional. It took me a long time to figure out all of this college stuff, but four schools, two states, and two degrees later, I finally have it down. I'll let you in on ... By Dustin Hawkins - Florida Atlantic University Hip-Hop Heavies Channel: Multiplying It Date: 5/1/2004 Over the past decade, the entrepreneurial spirit in hip-hop has taken off, with the industry grossing more than $10 billion per year. Hip-hop artists from the projects have gone from broke hustlers to millionaire moguls as the CEOs and founders of hip- hop empires. Now more than ever before, entrepreneurship has become one of the most defining strengths within the music industry, particularly in h ... By Mike Vitellaro - University of Oregon Homesick Channel: Starting Line Date: 11/1/2004 You're tired of trying to sleep while the herd of horses living upstairs gallops across your ceiling. You're done waiting for the maintenance man to show up so you can finally wash the dishes and you can no longer look at the mysterious purple stain on the bedroom carpet. Renting gets old. But what else is there? Is buying a home out of your reach? Doesn't it require large sums of money, stable em ... By Heather Levin | Ann Arbor & Jason Ramage | University of Louisville House Deals and Cell Phone Steals Channel: Ask brass Date: 8/1/2007 HOUSE DEALS AND CELL PHONE STEALS HOUSE HUNTING Q. I'm trying to buy a house for the first time, but everything in my city is too expensive. Is there anything I can do? A. If real estate in your city is expensive, here are some hints to help you find a house for less: Try the 'burbs: You might find undervalued real estate in smaller towns as opposed to urban centers. Zillow.com compares home value ... By Staff How 'Bout Them Apples Channel: Take 2 Date: 11/1/2004 Charles Jones Apple has certainly had some success lately with two big hits: iMac and iPod. Could this company, once a laughing stock for their blunders, be a good buy now? likes 1] Earnings expectations have increased due to higher sales of iPods and iMacs. These great products have renewed interest in Apple and its stock. 2] Apple has extremely minimal debt and $12.8 per share in cash. Since the ... By Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica College; Charles Jones | Washington D.C. Hybrids and Radios Channel: Ask brass Date: 8/1/2006 Q. I am about to buy my first car and I think a hybrid is a good idea considering the high cost of gas. Is it really more cost-efficient? A. There's little doubt that the hybrid is more environmentally friendly, but consider the following before deciding it is the most economical choice: Higher sticker price--anywhere from $4,000 to $8,800 more than their all-gasoline powered equivalent. The gas m ... By brass Staff I Quit! Channel: Online Date: Quitting your job professionally is all about leaving behind a positive image. Leave on a good note and you are more likely to get a good reference (or another job with the same company in the future). Whether you are leaving your summer job selling soft-serve ice cream or your first foray in your chosen profession, follow these guidelines when it's time to make your exit. The first steps: -If you ... By Anchen Texter | Corvallis, OR I'm Young, Not Dumb Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 2/1/2007 Doing something different from the status quo is difficult. Doing something different when you are young is very difficult. From my experiences as a young entrepreneur, I have faced some very ironic challenges. I am sure I am not alone. These are the kind of ironies that make you appreciate getting where you want to be: When I applied for "independent study" credit for running my own business, I w ... By Bryan Sims, CEO Ice Hotels Channel: Ridiculous Date: 11/1/2006 Every year, millions of people stay at hotels throughout the world. While some pay for trashy $30 rooms and others splurge on billion dollar resorts, a surprising number are coughing up cash for the chillingly unique experience of an ice hotel. In spectacular fashion, ice hotels are created every year in the Scandinavian Lapland and Quebec, Canada. Each winter, the Ice Hotel Quebec takes 11,000 to ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Icing Basics Channel: Online Date: Are you ready to pop the question? Going big on a birthday gift? Whatever the occasion, diamonds are seriously spendy and buying one can be stressful. Here's how to find a rock with all of the gain and none of the pain. 1. Buy from a legitimate broker Buying a diamond is a big investment, so you don't want to get hosed. To avoid getting stuck with an under-qualified salesperson, go to a jeweler wh ... By Nick Hagen - Beloit, WI In Good Company Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 5/1/2008 Surround yourself with good people--people who inspire you, people you believe in, and people who believe in you. If you look at successful individuals, you'll often find that they've surrounded themselves with people who do just that. It isn't chance that when you look at the upper echelons of our society, everyone seems to know each other--and not just in passing. They have known each other for ... By Bryan Sims, CEO Intern Intellect: Get In, Get Ahead Channel: Starting Line Date: 5/1/2006 As intimidating as the real world may seem, it is first experiences that will eventually help soften the blow. Experience is valuable at any age, and that is exactly what you get from a good internship. Not just for recent grads, internships are for anyone who wants to gain experience in an industry, whether you are still in high school or 10 years out. INVESTIGATE * Use the many career sites avai ... By Kristine Capalla | Rialto, California Intrepid Investing Channel: Multiplying It Date: 11/1/2008 Investing: We've all heard of it, but we rarely decide to go ahead and actually do it. Let's say your investing limit is $200. You'll find yourself asking questions such as: Where do I begin? What investment vehicles should I start with? Will I need a broker? These are not easy questions to answer, but the good news is that everything is up to you. The first thing you should consider is diversific ... By Brandon McGarry - Woodbury High School, Woodbury, MN Inventing Opportunity Channel: Multiplying It Date: 2/1/2006 Where would we be without cell phones? How about cars, satellite radios or email? Our inventions drive society in the modern world and every year inventors of all ages are helping to push the envelope a little further. The total number of United States patents for inventions in 2004 was over 94,000. With such a wealth of creative spirit, what's keeping you from cashing in on your ideas? Inventing ... By Nick Hagen | Beloit, Wisconsin & Sarah E. Williams | Randolph-Macon College Investing in Stocks Channel: Starting Line Date: 5/1/2004 So, you want to get in on the action. Wall Street used to be a place where only the rich got richer. That's changed. Whether you're looking for a way to pay for college, buy a new car, or even save for retirement, investing can help you to achieve your goals. But, before you get started, there are some things you should know. STEP ONE: IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY How much money will you need? Man ... By Chris Stallman - University of Michigan Is ChevronTexaco Stock Out of Gas? Channel: Take 2 Date: 8/1/2004 Take 2 is usually written by two 20-year-olds named Chris. Chris Lahiji is the youngest mutual fund manager in U.S. History. Chris Stallman is currently working on an investment book for young adults and teenagers while he operates www.teenanalyst.com. However, this summer, Stallman was recuited to do an internship at Morningstar, which rates mutual funds, such as the one Lahiji runs. Due to the p ... By Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica College; Jason Stock | Washington D.C. Isn't Love Grand? Channel: Ridiculous Date: 8/1/2005 Love sure is grand, especially when you're a celebrity. With multi-million dollar weddings followed by multi-million dollar divorce settlements, each new wife of Donald Trump becomes one expensive accessory. But allowing for the possibility that celebrities are in fact human and experience love just like the rest of us, you can't help but feel for someone like The Donald or Jennifer Lopez. After a ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University It Pays to Care Channel: Multiplying It Date: 8/1/2004 By Definition The definition of a socially conscious investment varies from person to person, depending on that person's ideals. Socially conscious companies tend to spend a large amount of time and money promoting employee benefits and satisfaction, diversity in the workplace, human rights, a healthy environment and a vibrant community. Companies that promote alliances with non-profit organizatio ... By Tina Dressel - Indiana University It's not what you know, It's WHO you know Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 5/1/2004 networking--the key to success in one word. We've all heard, "It's not what you know, it's who you know. Whether your definition of success is millionaire, musician, or movie star, all require the help of other people. Creating a network of contacts is not easy. If it were, everyone would be successful. So how does one network?. CONQUER YOUR FEAR. It is not easy to approach strangers. You will fee ... By Bryan Sims - Corvallis, Oregon Jennifer Corriero Walks the Walk Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2005 While visiting the TIG headquarters in Toronto, we had a conversation with Jennifer Corriero, TIG's Executive Director and Co-Founder, to learn more about TIG and ask what it's like to lead a global initiative. BRYAN: Why do you think getting young adults involved in different projects & the community is so important? JENNIFER: Whether you realize it or not, or whether you're impacted directly or ... By Bryan Sims - Corvallis, Oregon Just the FAQs Channel: Ask brass Date: 2/1/2006 Q. I've recently had several financial problems and had to take on a significant amount of debt. I know some people who filed for bankruptcy, and wanted to get some more information about it. What do I need to know about bankruptcy laws? A. Debt is at an all-time high for young adults and the options can seem limited. No matter what you do, you will need a realistic spending/repayment plan and you ... By brass Staff Keeping 'Em Honest Channel: Online Date: In the world of credit, there are some vicious, unscrupulous lenders. What should you do while wandering this scary wilderness? For once, The Man has your back. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) should arm and protect you against the beasts of the finance forest. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA), also known as Regulation Z, was enacted by the government in 1968 and became effective in July 1969. Sinc ... By Michael Cook - Baltimore, MD Keeping it Green Channel: brass Ten Date: 5/1/2007 We've only got one planet, but you've only got one wallet. Here are ten ways for you to keep both of them a little greener. Bring a mug Save money: Find a cafe that gives a discount for bringing a mug. Ten cents off each of your five drinks per week saves you $26 a year. Save the planet: 14.4 billion coffee cups were thrown away in the U.S. in 2005. At five lattes a week, you can save 260 cups fro ... By brass Staff Kick-Start Your Heart Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2008 Are you desperate to do something worthwhile some weekends? Racing for charity may be just what the doctor ordered. Charity races allow you to do something active while giving back to the community. Read on to find out what these are all about, how to get involved, and how to raise the most support for your race. Warming up Charity racing is a simple concept. You sign up to participate in a charit ... By Helen Porter - Los Angeles, CA Kreme of the Crop Channel: Take 2 Date: 5/1/2004 THEY'RE BOTH 20. THEY'RE BOTH NAMED CHRIS. Chris Lahiji is the youngest Mutual Fund Manager in U.S. history. Chris Stallman is currently working on an investment book for young adults and teenagers while he operates www.teenanalyst.com. Between the two of them, they have been featured in many media spots including The Wall Street Journal and CNN. We decided to give them a whack at sharing their op ... By Chris Lahiji, Santa Monica College; Chris Stallman, University of Michigan LeBron James Channel: Ridiculous Date: 11/1/2003 LeBron James signed a shoe contract with Oregon-based shoe giant Nike that is reportedly worth over $90 million. If you don't know who LeBron is, then climb out of your bomb cellar, sign up with your cable company, and turn on ESPN, because LeBron James is the most hyped NBA player and former high- school phenomenon in the history of modern sport. Some people will see the $90 million just to wear ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Letters to brass Channel: brass Off Date: 11/1/2005 A great thing going... I just wanted to let you know that you have a great thing going with the magazine. I am currently a Marketing Assistant and also a recent college grad. People our age need to know that this magazine exists, as we all have similar money issues, concerns, and wants. Keep up the awesome work - it will pay off in the end and you will make a difference in people's lives. Jennifer ... By Readers Letters to brass Channel: brass Off Date: 8/1/2005 Right On I have just received, through the grapevine, a copy of your magazine. I am very impressed! This is a great idea and I have not seen anything like it. I myself am 25 and thought the content of the magazine was right on! Great work. Jennifer, 25 | Williamsville, NY Jennifer: Thanks for writing in and letting us know we have some fans out there. Hard Luck for Irresponsible Whiners? Note: the ... By Readers Letters to brass Channel: brass Off Date: 5/1/2005 Bigger, Better, and Richer I love how you listed the top and bottom ten money making jobs in your last issue. I think it would be great if you also wrote about working your way up to those positions. I'm interested in doing something in the fashion and beauty field like a designer or stylist, but I want to be BIG. How do I get to where I want to be? Where do I meet good contacts? There are so many ... By Readers Letters to brass Channel: brass Off Date: 2/1/2005 Sam Chae - An inspiration I would just like to say that your article in brass has inspired me. I am an 18-year-old internet entrepreneur and directly relate to your article on SpeedStash. I have also initiated the start of an aftermarket car company and plan on making it a multi-million dollar company. I have been doing this since I was fifteen, and people are always skeptical to get involved with ... By Readers Life in the Fast Lane Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2004 BRYAN: What can you tell me about the whole street racing culture? SAM: I can tell you it's a $25 billion market. Street racing is hands-down one of the most popular sports, in some cases more than baseball, basketball and golf. BRYAN: Do you think The Fast and The Furious had a lot to do with that? SAM: Yeah, but I mean street racing has always been there. It's huge. If you go to the right spots ... By Bryan Sims Life In Translation Channel: Online Date: How would you like to set your own daily work schedule, teach lessons you designed, enjoy cultural cuisine, and spend the afternoon learning kung fu? Now imagine getting paid for all of it. Back-flips and tuna rolls could be in your future if you head abroad to teach. Every year, thousands of recent college graduates pack their bags and head out across the globe to teach English. If you're still i ... By Dave Kiyvyra - Corvallis, OR Lights! Camera! Action! Channel: Take 2 Date: 2/1/2006 Heather M.Roberts NetFlix (NYSE: NFLX) is the world's largest online DVD movie rental service. It promises to eliminate the hassle involved in renting movies, and if you're busy like I am, this could be the perfect arrangement. The question is--should you invest in it? Likes [#1] Netflix hit the one million customer mark even faster than industry giant AOL, adding nearly a million customers and 15 ... By Heather M. Roberts | Ohio State University; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica College Loan Tricks and Lotto Picks Channel: Ask brass Date: 2/1/2008 Cash Crunch Q. I recently graduated college and my grace period for loan repayment is up. I haven't been able to find a job yet. How can I postpone my loan payments? A. According to studentaid.ed.gov, the three most common reasons that loan payments are lowered or postponed are: n Enrollment in school (at least part-time). n Inability to find full-time employment. n Economic hardship (cant afford ... By Staff Make the Smart Move Channel: Multiplying It Date: 11/1/2003 How cool would it be if you were a millionaire when you retired? It can happen! As a young adult with a lot of time before retirement, you have the ability to get an early start toward saving for that Malibu beach home where you'll be kickin' back in a few years. By taking advantage of something called an IRA, you can make yourself a millionaire by the time you retire. An IRA is short for Individu ... By Chris Stallman - University Of Michigan Making Noise Channel: brass Off Date: 2/1/2006 Our November 2005 cover story Miri Ben-Ari: The Hip-Hop Violinist inspired our biggest response yet. To read the full cover story, visit www.brassmagazine.com. Below is a small sampling of the letters we received. COVER-TO-COVER I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your mag...it's probably the only magazine I'll read through entirely. Thumbs up for starting something that's compl ... By Readers May '08 Crossword Solution Channel: brass Distractions Date: 5/1/2008 Scroll down to see the solution to the May 2008 crossword puzzle. ... By E.J. Stephens - Canyon Country, CA Meet the ProduCEOr Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2004 I spent a couple of hours with Joshua Newman, the 24 year old CEO of Cyan Pictures, pouring through his experiences in filmmaking, starting companies and life in general. Josh's most recent adventure is his own movie production company but he has started other companies, including a venture capital fund to invest in student businesses. Josh just finished his first feature film and he shared not on ... By Bryan Sims - University of Oregon Meg & Dia Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2006 I hit play. I turn it up. I have to hear it live. When these two sisters from Utah take the stage, it rocks. One of Alternative Press magazine's 100 Bands You Need To Know in 2006, Meg & Dia is accelerating as fast in the music world as their highly charged rock tunes. With a summer on the Warped Tour, a music video on MTV, and a live performance on Carson Daly's Last Call, founders Meg and Dia Fr ... By Sarah Higginbotham Mega Marvel Channel: Take 2 Date: 8/1/2008 jennie bartlemay Everyone's talking about Marvel Entertainment Inc. (NYS E: MVL ) these days. The films are big buzz generators, and Marvel has been expanding its digital em pire. They've got 5,000 high-profile characters that have defended the planet for more than sixty years, but the real question is whether Marvel's stock is a friend or foe. Likes [#1] In 2004, Marvel authorized $1 billion for ... By Jennie Bartlemay | Corvallis, OR; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA Military Dudes & Smart Moves Channel: Ask brass Date: 5/1/2007 Q. I just turned 18 and someone mentioned I needed to register for the draft. What is it? Do I have to register? A. The Selective Service System is an independent federal agency that exists in case the U.S. military needs emergency manpower and needs to reinstate a "draft." Here is how this affects you: Registering for Selective Service is not volunteering for military service. It is acknowledging ... By brass Staff Mind Your Own Business Channel: Starting Line Date: 8/1/2006 Whether it's the need to be your own boss or an idea that will change the world, starting your own business requires persistence to pull it off. To get on the right path and ahead of the competition, you need a good plan. Be the Expert A good rule of thumb for would-be CEOs is to "do what you know." Bill Bowerman, a college track coach, and Phil Knight, one of his athletes, turned their passion fo ... By Anchen Texter - Corvallis, Oregon Miri Ben-Ari - The Hip Hop Violinist Channel: Making It Date: 11/1/2005 The paradox is undeniable--a classically trained, Israeli-born violinist tearing it up with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Scarface, and Lil' Wayne. Never before and never so powerfully has a classical instrument and hip hop come together to form such a perfect union. The result is mind-blowing, extending the cultural parameters of what we know as hip hop and all thanks to the Hip Hop Violinist. ... By Bernadette Houston Money in the Bag? Channel: Take 2 Date: 8/1/2005 Chris Lahiji As a man, I cannot conceive paying $200-$400 for something that will hold my money, cell phone and a few personal items. However, many women (my girlfriend included) love to accessorize themselves to death and at no small cost. This is why Coach (NYSE: COH) is more of a phenomenon than a company in my eyes. [likes] 1. Coach is arguably one of America's few venerated lines of luxury. 2 ... By Koushi Sunder | University of Oregon; Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica College Moving Up or Just Moving Out? Channel: Managing It Date: 11/1/2003 If you're a typical college student, you've probably experienced life in a dorm hall - the 2:00 am hallway soccer games, Eminem songs blasting from two floors up, and a damn washing machine that costs you 75 cents a load. You live in a space the size of a prison cell, you have to walk to a cafeteria whenever you want food, and you share a bathroom with 72 other people. If you don't mind any of the ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University New or Used? Channel: Online Date: Let's be honest with ourselves. Unless you recently signed a $90,000,000 contract to represent Nike in one of the biggest sporting sponsorships of all time, chances are your mom won't be buying you a Hummer. Most of us young adults who are looking to purchase our first car have loans, debt, more schooling or other things to pay for before deciding to spend $40,000 on a vehicle. We want to get the ... By Stacey Mitchell - Oregon State University New York City On The Cheap Channel: Online Date: After spending an amazing summer interning in New York City last year, I'm moving back for good in a few months and wanted to share my knowledge. While New York can certainly drain your paycheck, experiencing the city for a weekend can be done under $100--as an unpaid intern I learned plenty of tricks for making cash last! FRIDAY Getting there For those of you coming to NYC from farther than New J ... By Susie Bafico Night Chill, More Thrill Channel: Online Date: Skiing and snowboarding are supposed to be all about relaxing and having a good time. But, it's hard to chill out when you know that you just spent between $30 and $80 for a ticket to ski or board at the mountain. With that kind of money you could buy food for a week or two, Rock Band 2 could be yours, or you could save for something bigger and better down the road. But don't get too stressed out ... By Jens Odegaard - Corvallis, OR No Sweat Channel: Take 2 Date: 8/1/2006 Chris lahiji In 1996, former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank decided to create a shirt that absorbed sweat, but stayed dry and light. Today Under Armour (Nasdaq: UARM) supplies athletic apparel to the National Hockey League, national lacrosse league, usa rugby, and the US Ski Team, to name a few. But can the rookie compete with the big boys of the athletic apparel industry? Like ... By Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA; Tina Dressel | Bloomington, IN No-Spin Votes & MMA Notes Channel: Ask brass Date: 8/1/2008 Ballot Biases Q. The presidential election is coming up, and I don't know who or what I should vote for. Where can I get unbiased info on the issues and candidates? A. It's difficult to find information that doesn't have some spin on it, but these resources should help with your research. No matter what, it's usually smart to take every "fact" with a grain of salt. Ontheissues.org supplies quotes ... By Staff Nokia Calling Channel: Take 2 Date: 11/1/2005 Chris Lahiji Do you know anything that comes out of Finland? With the exception of the mobile phone powerhouse Nokia (NYSE: NOK), I don't. The company, which amazingly enough started as a wooden pulp mill, is one of the world's largest telecom companies, selling more cell phones than any other entity on the globe. Likes 1. Wireless sales are booming. Momentum in the global handset market is expect ... By Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica College; Charles Worthman | Washington, DC Nov. '08 Crossword Solution Channel: brass Distractions Date: 11/1/2008 Scroll down to see the solution to the November 2008 crossword puzzle. ... By E.J. Stephens - Canyon Country, CA November '07 Crossword Solution Channel: brass Distractions Date: 11/1/2007 By Myles Mellor - Lake View Terrace, CA On the Books Channel: Take 2 Date: 2/1/2007 Take 2 On the books: Will Barnes & Noble stack up? Chris LAHIJI Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS) is where I like to chill on the weekends, but I'm not the only one. Baby Boomers and the elderly have voracious appetites for all things literary, helping to make this company the powerhouse it is today. But will it be enough to keep the stock on the shelf or is the industry's next chapter all about competit ... By Chris Lahiji | Santa Monica, CA; Victoria Erhart | Strayer University On Your Own Channel: Online Date: So you've decided to find yourself and strike out on your own--an independent person alone in a wide, wild world. You've moved out. While you may not actually be alone and your neck of the woods may not be that wild, you may still have some stuff to learn while living on your own. For renters, mastering moving essentials from the start can save you serious coin in the long run. Renting If you have ... By Christal S. Bunch - George Mason University Operating Tables or Waiting Tables? Channel: brass Ten Date: 2/1/2005 Rolling in the big bucks? You're probably not working a McJob. The US Department of Labor's 2002 statistics show which occupations have the highest and lowest average annual salary. THE HIGHS The best-paying jobs in America 1. Surgeons $189,590 = 63 hrs per week 2. Anesthesiologists $181,420 = 60 hrs per week 3. Obstetricians, gynecologists $179,640 = 57 hrs per week 4. Internists, general $158,35 ... By Staff Out-Of-The-Park Prices Channel: Ridiculous Date: 8/1/2008 when we were growing up, many of us spent our allowances and lawn-mowing money on sports cards, posters and other sports memorabilia. At the lunch tables and during recess, groups of kids in their favorite team jerseys and hats argued over card-trading possibilities, hoping to find a hidden gem. The most dedicated grew up to become fanatical fans, their inner child urging them to spend big on spor ... By Stephen Ullmer - UC Berkeley Overdraft Intervention Channel: Fundamentals Date: 5/1/2007 Don't count on your debit card or check being rejected at the register when you don't have enough money to cover your purchase. Quite frequently, you can walk out of the store with not only your purchase, but an account that's now in the red and an overdraft fee from your financial institution. As long as you can afford to pay the overdraft fee, it's no problem, right? Wrong. If you consistently o ... By Nick Hagen - Beloit, WI Paper Free Channel: Fundamentals Date: 8/1/2007 Paper free Digitizing your dollars Millions of us use online services like Netflix, iTunes and eBay to satisfy our need for fast and easy service. However, people are also using the web for something a little less entertaining, but just as useful: managing their money. According to Pew Internet, 43 percent of Internet users used online financial services in 2005. Consider this: open 24 hours Today ... By Karen Myers - Shelby Township, MI Paradise For Sale Channel: Ridiculous Date: 11/1/2004 We've all seen tabloid pictures of L.A. mansions, New York penthouses, and gargantuan lakeside cottages. Referring to such properties as "luxurious" would be like calling Carrot Top a comedian. It's hard to top some of the homes built by the biggest celebrities, money moguls and sports stars... unless, of course, you've got your own private island. Yes it's true; many notable celebrities have splu ... By Stephen Ullmer - Oregon State University Pastime Cash Line Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2008 A daily nine-to-five only leaves us so much time to do the things we love. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty in the garden now and then, great. However, if your office cubical fills up with eight different species of flora, all of which you can name, you've got a potentially profitable passion on your hands. Consider Emerson Spartz, who took his passion for Harry Potter and converted it into a ... By Katie Mattson - Chralotte, NC Pay Faster in the Future Channel: Online Date: In the world of technology, payment options are becoming increasingly futuristic. If you're looking for ways to cut down on time (at least a few nano-seconds off your wait in line), the new tech wave of payment options may be your answer. These three payment systems are currently in circulation and may soon be available to you. Wave smart Unlike normal credit cards, smart cards are embedded with a ... By Rebecca Styn - Erie, PA Pay It Forward Channel: Publisher's 2 Cents Date: 11/1/2007 Today I want to make one request of you: please do something give back. This issue of brass will be distributed to over 450,000 young adults across the country. Among you are future doctors, teachers, actors, lawyers, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and hundreds, if not thousands, of other careers and futures. It is crucial that the people who will lead our generation give back and help othe ... By Bryan Sims, CEO Paying for College 101 Channel: Starting Line Date: 8/1/2004 For some people, paying for college is easy. I'm not one of those people, and chances are, neither are you. Getting a college degree is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Paying for it is a close second. Universities can cost upwards of $40,000 a year: a hefty price tag. Fortunately, the government as well as private organizations are here to help you in your educational pursuits. The ... By Eddie Somerville - Cornell University Phishy Email Channel: Online Date: If you think phishing is something you do with your grandfather, you'd better pay attention. Ever since email became a common communication tool, people have found ways to abuse it, largely by phishing for your personal info with fake emails. Falling for this kind of email bait can allow ID thieves to easily steal your money. Don't take the hook. It is easy to identify and avoid phishy email. Bait ... By Tom Boyer - Fort Wayne, IN Photos Pay the Rent Channel: Making It Date: 5/1/2005 Heartwarming close-ups of your dog. Breathtaking views of the valley. Your digital camera is turning snapshots into priceless works of art. It could also be paying your rent and giving you a valuable tax write- off. The digital camera boom has not only allowed budding photographers to chronicle their pets, families and vacations but has also allowed these same hobbyists to go into business as stoc ... By Tim Donahue - Davis, CA Plan On It Channel: Managing It Date: 8/1/2006 How often do we stop amidst the chaos to plan past our morning latte? With only 20 percent of Americans feeling "very passionate" about their jobs, getting as specific about our lives as we are about our cup o' joe could make a big difference. Whether you want to direct a film, start a franchise, or pay off loans, use this guide to keep your goals within your grasp. Set 100 life goals Some will be ... By Katie Mattson - Charlotte, North Carolina Planning for the Future Channel: Starting Line Date: 5/1/2005 As young adults, we tend to operate on a pretty tight budget. Whether we are working full-time in an entry-level career or a student working part-time, money is definitely hard earned and easily spent. With monthly expenses sucking up most of our income, it is difficult to think about investing in the future. Besides, we have plenty of time to think about things like retirement when we're older, r ... By Charles Worthman | Washington, D.C. & Jason Ramage | University of Louisville Ponzi's Pyramid - How a Scam Artist Made Millions and Lost it All! Channel: Multiplying It Date: 11/1/2003 He was more interested in instant gratification. Ponzi was the son of a fruit vendor and learned early that when someone put their nose to the grindstone, all they got was a bloody nose. In 1920, Ponzi devised a plan to make a fortune on "postal-union reply coupons." He discovered he could buy these coupons at depressed rates in foreign countries and sell them in the United States for a 50 percent ... By Staff PR Power Channel: Multiplying It Date: 11/1/2007 Are you in the business of promoting? Got any PR skills? I bet you're more of a promoter than you might think. You may not know what PR stands for (public relations), but have you ever started a business, played in a band, raised money for a charity, or planned a party? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you should take note of these relatively inexpensive (or free) tactics to help you wit ... By Rebecca Styn - Erie, PA Project Prom Channel: Managing It Date: 2/1/2008 Prom is just around the corner and you want to avoid spending the $1,048, that according to the 2006 Your Prom survey, is the average cost per couple. Is it possible to have a red-carpet night without spending more than $100 per person? You bet. Get ready to break tradition, not your budget. Duds for studs Guys, don't rent a tux for prom if you can't afford it. A good deal is usually about $99.99 ... By Michael Tarng - Plano Senior High School, Plano, TX Pursued & Interviewed Channel: Ask brass Date: 2/1/2007 Q. A representative from a collection agency won't stop calling. I'm not even sure I actually owe anything. What do I do? A. Collection agencies recover debts from delinquent accounts. They can be intimidating, but don't panic. Here's what to do: n First verify the credentials and authenticity of the collection company. Check consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau and the Ass ... By Staff Put a little Hollywood in your portfolio Channel: Making It Date: 2/1/2004 There are few industries in America quite as exclusive, elitist, and members-only than the film industry. In Hollywood, wealthy producers meet with acclaimed directors over coffee to discuss the offering of one or more movie projects to a couple of A-list actors. Despite this system of insider relationships, thousands of people flock to Los Angeles every year in hopes of pursuing their dream of be ... By Justin Powlison - Cal State, Los Angeles Quarter Life Crisis Channel: Managing It Date: 11/1/2005 Like the midlife crisis, the quarter life crisis brings on questions about life and our purpose in it. Whether you are facing life after college or have chosen to forgo college and jump right into the workforce, transitioning to the "real world" requires adjustments. Very few people hit pay dirt with their first job, securing a fulfilling career while simultaneously managing a meaningful personal ... By Jason Ramage - University of Louisville Race to Raise Channel: Online Date: Bake sales, car washes, and raffles are all great fundraisers, but you need something bigger to draw a crowd and generate excitement. Hosting a race could be a great way to get the whole community involved and raise a bundle of cash! On Your Mark You can use a race where people walk, run, bicycle, relay, or any combination of them all to fundraise for a charity, school or community group, local or ... By Karen Myers - Shelby Township, MI Reality or Really Too Much? Channel: Ridiculous Date: 5/1/2005 In this modern world of instant gratification, it would be nice to see people take the advice "you get what you pay for" a little less optimistically. For the mere price of $4859, not only can you get butt implants, but seemingly, an amazing new confidence that mirrors J-Lo's. Cosmetic surgery seems to be less about improving upon one or two genetic imperfections and more about trying to drastical ... By Steph |
Stay in touch, grab our RSS feed