It's better to give than to receive. What retailer made that line up? Before you get too cynical about the perils of holiday shopping, pack up some coffee and doughnuts and get out there with the other 5 a.m. shoppers before these hot gifts are gone. See more »

The relationship between taxes and social welfare programs drives the argument that taxes are essentially socialist, but is that really the case? What does it mean to be socialist -- and how does that definition change once one leaves the U.S.? See more »

If you've got at least one kidney, a company called Biogen owns the patent for at least one of your genes. Find about about the contoversial "life patent" trend and what it could mean to the future of medical research. See more »

You just got your tax refund, and you want to do the right thing and eliminate debt. But why doesn't your credit card company want you to pay down your balance? See more »

If you've picked up a newspaper lately, then you're aware of the economic troubles raging on Wall Street. But the culprit may very well be in your own neighborhood: Are mortgage-backed securities to blame for the mess? See more »

It's pretty trendy to buy and eat organic and sustainable foods, and chances are the swanky coffee shop you frequent proffers some fair trade beans. But what does the label "fair trade" mean? See more »

Freegans live off the grid, refusing to buy, work or rent. How do they do it? Dumpster diving. Why do they do it? That's a little more complicated. See more »

Corporations, businesses and even governments spend a lot of money to make themselves appear greener in the public eye. But when environmental claims are false or deceptive, it's considered greenwashing. How do you spot the six sins of greenwashing? See more »

Capitalism revolves around the entrepreneurial spirit: Anyone willing to work hard enough to succeed will do so. However, that's easier said than done, especially in the developing world. That's where microlending comes in. See more »

How do illegal drugs reach consumers without detection? There are points -- known as narco states -- along the world's drug supply chain where illegal substances are bought and sold with governmental approval. See more »