The Overworked American

America's economy has grown 60 percent in the past two decades. Workers' salaries have not kept pace. We could all use a nice long summer vacation—too bad the U.S. doesn't guarantee it.

Are Facebook Users More Trusting?

New research from Pew shows that people who use social networking sites are more likely to make connections with others. Do you buy it?

How Small and Midsize Businesses Are Key to Growing the Economy

It's easy to get caught up in the exciting new ideas behind start-ups, and big businesses attract attention because their size makes their impact impossible to ignore. But it might surprise you to know that the businesses that fall between those two categories—especially younger companies who are transitioning from start-up to major enterprise—play a key role in the economy.

Data on small-and-medium size businesses show that they drive economic growth and job expansion as they grow, and as they challenge larger competitors, they rely on innovation and technology to gain an advantage. Understanding the challenges that these firms face will be important rebuilding our economy after three years of recession and high unemployment.

We'll be looking within this universe to find the finalists for our new business index, the GOOD Company Project, based on the criteria for creativity, innovation and sustainability that we'll develop here at over the next few months. Stay tuned.

Tracking iPad Price

Here is a great info-graphic based around the iPad sales rush since the iPad 2 came out.

Consumers comparison shopping for many things – but not their mortgage

Consumers may like to find the best deals out there, but they don’t always approach their mortgages with the same zeal. In fact, people are more diligent about shopping around for a home computer than for a home loan quote, according to a new LendingTree survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. The survey, released today, found that consumers research an average of 3.1 computer models, compared to an average of 2.4 loan quotes. Amazingly, 39 percent of those who said they were at least “somewhat involved” with shopping for their mortgage said they received only one loan quote. Other interesting facts: 10 percent of people said they spent the same amount of time mortgage shopping as brushing their teeth, and 11 percent likened mortgage shopping to the amount of time it takes to walk a dog.