Nov 19th, 2007 · A year ago, the online movie rental company Netflix offered $1 million to anyone who could come up with a way to improve its movie recommendations by 10 percent. Nobody has earned the money, but a team from AT&T Labs came close.
Aug 3rd, 2007 · Congress is trying to finish a surveillance bill, an energy bill, emergency funds for Minnesota, Iraq war amendments and a defense spending bill before leaving town this weekend for a monthlong recess. Meanwhile, about 100 House Republicans walked off the floor late Thursday night in protest over a controversial vote on denying rental assistance and other benefits to illegal immigrants. Andrea Seabrook, who is at the Capitol, talks with Michele Norris.
Jun 20th, 2007 · A number of people devote more than half of their income to housing costs, and the average rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment is almost out of range for anyone making minimum wage. A Chicago group has launched what's being called one of the country's most comprehensive preservation programs. It plans to preserve 75,000 units of affordable rental housing in Cook County between now and 2020. A number of other cities and states are beginning to save existing housing stock as an infrastructure asset on par with highways and rail lines.
May 1st, 2007 · Homeowners who can't sell in a stagnant market may consider renting out their homes, at least in the short run. A Wall Street Journal study finds that nearly one of five landlords did not intend to rent when they bought their properties. Fortunately for them, rents are now on the rise.
Apr 25th, 2007 · Warren Avis, the founder of Avis Rent-A-Car, died Tuesday at 92. Avis, who started the first business to rent cars from airports in 1946, got the idea when he was a pilot and was frustrated by the lack of ground transportation at airports. Melissa Block talks with Trish Kalmbach, president of Avis Enterprises, Inc., who worked with Warren Avis for almost 26 years.
Apr 25th, 2007 · Warren Avis, who founded Avis Rent-a-Car in 1946, has died at 92. Avis was the first car rental business to be located at an airport. Warren Avis, a pilot, came up with the idea when he couldn't find ground transportation once he landed. He sold the business in 1954 for $8 million.
Mar 27th, 2007 · Blockbuster mounts a challenge to the DVD-rental company Netflix. The key: Customers can get DVDs from Blockbuster through the mail, but with Blockbuster, have the option of using brick-and-mortar stores, too. The company is battling back from financial loses and the resignation of its CEO.
Feb 6th, 2007 · Home ownership isn't always the smart option; sometimes, renting makes sense. Consider these money-smart tips for people who live in rental housing.