archives: Money and Labor
Is the Pound Headed for Parity with the Euro?
Well, it sure looks that way. One tourist-hungry British village is already accepting the currencies at par, hoping to attract for Irish and contine [...]
Now Hiring Travelers: U.S. Foreign Service
Well, tough economic times may be upon us, but at least one large-scale employer is looking for fresh blood — and travel experience is a plus. [...]
How The US Prison System Has Become a Big Business
Photo by Still Burning Guest Post by Sascha Matuszak The last time private prisons were in vogue in the US, the Civil War had just ended and the Sout [...]
Why the Economic Crisis May Be an Opportunity for Travelers and Travel Writers
Everyone I know is worried about the economic crisis. And with reason. 401(k) values are plummeting. The safety net—if there ever was one—is f [...]
What’s $15 Billion? Putting Exxon Mobil’s Record-Breaking Profits Into Perspective
In a time when many Americans are losing their homes, their jobs, and their retirement savings, Exxon’s quarterly earnings of almost $15 billion se [...]
From Bling to Broke: Iceland Going Bankrupt?
Last night, the Associated Press reported that Iceland–yes, the country–is “teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.” I’ll [...]
This Just In: “Hot Girls Make Great Clothes”
Ecko’s latest marketing campaign: Because as everybody knows, there’s nothing sexier than exploited female sweatshop laborers. Kelsey at [...]
Minimum Wage on the Rise
A wage increase goes into effect today for American workers who get paid the hourly minimum. Up 70 cents to $6.55, the two percent of Americans who [...]
“Effective Charity”: Begging for Problems?
Every traveler has encountered the dilemma: To give or not to give when confronted by someone asking for money in the street or on public transport? [...]
Consumerism with a Conscience
I’m recently back from a trip to New Orleans, and what impressed me as much as anything was the level of local entrepreneurial spirit and robus [...]
Four Steps to Becoming a More Engaged Consumer
Photo by Wm Jas (Creative Commons) Not so long ago, travel writer Kelsey Timmerman asked himself, Where am I wearing? Or in other words: where, exa [...]
A Different Sort of Exchange Rate
Ever thought you'd pay for something with blood, drugs, or garbage? Some people do. [...]
