Economics

Millions of people trade billions of shares of stock every day on a collection of computer systems that are incredibly reliable and, very nearly, inerrant. Learn about the complex world of electronic trading.

By Marshall Brain

The opening cross is NASDAQ’s current technique for setting opening prices. Learn about NASDAQ's opening and closing cross.

By Marshall Brain

Proponents of a "fat tax" claim it would help combat obesity. Are they right, or would we still buy just as much junk food as before?

By Jacob Silverman

The Peace Corps provides foreign aid to developing nations in the form of expertise, education and training. Learn what the Peace Corps does, how you can join and where it might take you.

By Ed Grabianowski

They may seem "old school," but labor unions still play a large role in many professions. Learn about the history and current state of labor unions.

By Jacob Silverman

The BRICK Awards honor young people for public service work in the areas of community building, education and environment, health and global impact. Meet the 2007 winners.

A summer job changed not only 2007 BRICK Award winner Jennifer Staple's life, but also the lives of 400,000 people around the world. Her organization, Unite for Sight, is a global eye care provider.

A survivor of Liberia's civil war, 2007 BRICK Award Winner Kimmie Weeks vowed to help other children caught in war-torn countries.

What problem in the world really stinks? What can you do to change it? For many, the first question is easy to answer, but the second one is difficult. Learn how Do Something inspires and helps young people make a difference.

We hope you'll never need to know the ins-and-outs of getting out of jail. Bail allows people to leave jail and continue their lives while awaiting trial. How does the bail system work?

By Jacob Silverman

In a move that has shaken up online-gaming profiteers everywhere, eBay has decided to ban the sale of virtual assets in its marketplace. eBay says it is acting to protect its users and maintain the integrity of the marketplace. But is there a bigger

By Julia Layton

What causes gas prices to fluctuate? We know that an increase in oil prices causes an increase in gas prices, but what exactly causes gas prices to decline?

By Julia Layton

Have you ever gotten a chain e-mail that promised riches if you just sent $5 to everybody on the list? The person who began that e-mail is a con artist -- someone who lies, cheats and fool people into thinking they've happened onto a great deal. Learn about basic cons, how to avoid being conned and what to do if you're a victim.

By Ed Grabianowski

Copyrights are the one of the only forms of intellectual property that have historical basis in the Constitution. All other forms rely on common or statutory law for enforcement. Learn how they work.

By Thomas L. Peterson

A trademark is concerned with a company's need to identify its goods or services among its customers and potential customers. Trademarks, such as Nike or Coca Cola, are known throughout the world.

By Thomas L. Peterson

The phrase intellectual property (IP) refers to the bundle of legal rights that arise from the creative genius of the human mind. Intellectual property has become an issue as the digital music market expands. Learn how it works.

By Thomas L. Peterson

Money laundering is a crime that disguises where money came from — usually because its source was illegal. How can money start out dirty and wind up clean?

By Julia Layton & Oisin Curran

While the reasons behind strikes can be complex, they all boil down to two key elements: money and power. In this article, we'll explain labor unions' role in worker strikes, investigate U.S. labor laws and more.

By Ed Grabianowski

Learn why Lincoln and Jefferson don't face left like all the other presidents on U.S. coins.

The Freecycle Network hopes to encourage a "worldwide gift economy” by connecting individuals locally who want to exchange goods. Explore how the Freecycle network aims to reduce landfill waste and decrease consumerism.

By Julia Layton

After Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, most of us saw what the Red Cross can do -- and what it cannot do. Learn about the functions and history of the American Red Cross.

By Ed Grabianowski

Mergers and acquisitions: These two words represent how companies buy, sell and recombine businesses. Not all M&As are peaceful, however. Sometimes, a company can take over another one against its will -- a hostile takeover.

By Ed Grabianowski

Several groups are providing direct aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, including the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Guard. There are also many ways that you can bring relief to those in need. Learn exactly what these organizations are doing and how you can help.

By Dave Coustan

Smell that? It's the waft of smoldering company documents: a product of 'cooking the books.' Turns out, this isn't a filling meal, though. Find out why companies inflate their profits and what can happen as a result.

By Lee Ann Obringer

You can trade your dollars in for gold bullion from Fort Knox whenever you want -- right? Maybe not.

By Ed Grabianowski