Market still sweet for sellers, but slowing
Two years ago, the real estate market was sweet and hugely profitable for sellers. Record-low interest rates made buying homes attractive, but there…
Author: Rick Good
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader's money, real estate, and business coverage.
Capture those fleeting ideas
People get new ideas in common settings. For some, the three Bs are especially productive: Bed, Bath and Bus. Others have reported that the three Ss…
It’s a thing: Look up your name
The bucket test and the soap pods have faded into history, but a new craze is sweeping social media. Everyone is looking up the definition of their name…
The mysterious history of ambergris
Pretend that you’re a fisherman of modest means, scraping by on a boat in the Indian Ocean. One day, as you empty the anchovies and barramundi from your…
The brief history of the telephone conversation
Odds are pretty good that when you answer the phone, “hello” is the first thing out of your mouth. But have you considered taking “ahoy” for a spin…
The lion’s roar and other cat facts
House cats can’t roar. They can be plenty loud when they feel like it, but they can’t actually roar. On the other hand, their cousin the lion can’t purr….
Wacky fruits that might tickle your taste buds (or put you in a coma)
Apples. Oranges. Bananas. In any given year, about 65 percent of Americans will eat at least one banana. Sixty-three percent will have had apples and 51…
Shoplifting goes online
Google shoplifting, then read past the first page of results. You’ll see stories about shoplifting gangs targeting stores all over the country, and nobody…
Choose the perfect area rug
If your living room or bedroom are looking a little tired these days, don’t start planning to redecorate just yet — an area rug might be a quick and much…
Bread in a bag: An edible at-home science experiment
If you’re looking for a fun, educational, kid-friendly activity to absorb the kids on a dreary winter afternoon, bread might be the answer. With just a…