30 fastest cities, bottled water phenomenon & the non-iPhones - Today in Money & Finance - 7/2

The Non-iPhones
You don't want an iPhone or AT&T? There are other phones out there that can play music and perform mobile tricks -- most at a much lower price.
iPhone Wannabes - BusinessWeek


30 Fastest Cities to Work, Live & Play
From Chicago to Shanghai -- These cities are shaping our future. What makes a city fast? It starts with opportunity -- a culture that nurtures creative action and game-changing enterprise. It's where the number of patents filed is high, or where the high-tech sector is expanding. These cities invest in physical, cultural, and intellectual infrastructure that will sustain growth. Finally, fast cities are full of highly creative people. Here are the 30 fastest cities that are shaping the future of the world.
Fast Cities 2007 - Fast Company


Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Bottled Water
Americans spent more money last year on bottled water than on ipods, dry cleaning or movie tickets: $15 Billion. A journey into the economics--and psychology--of an unlikely business boom. And what it says about our culture of indulgence.
Message in a Bottle - Bottled Water - FastCompany
Quiz: Do You Really Know Your Bottled Water? Test Your Knowledge


5 Tips to Protect Your Kids When They're Online
It's easy for your kids to chat online. And it's just as easy for predators to chat with your children. On top of concerns about criminal conduct and adult content, children can also be exposed to cyber bullying and trash talk. But the Internet is here to stay. So experts say it's more important than ever for parents and other adults to take responsibility and make sure that youngsters are protected.
Five tips to protect children from unsavory online content - MarketWatch


Private I
More people are conducting background checks online to get the lowdown on lovers, caregivers -- even themselves. Here's how to do the job right.
What you should know about the jump in online background checks - MarketWatch


Top 5 Ways to Save for College
Don't despair! From student loans to college grants, there are many options for paying for an education.
Special Report: Saving for College - Bankrate.com


Al Gore's $100 Million Makeover
Not long ago, he was the butt of jokes--lockbox, earth tones, a postelection beard. Then he dusted off an old slide show and jumped with both feet into the private sector. The untold story of how an epic loser engineered what may be the greatest brand makeover of our time.
Al Gore's $100 Million Makeover - Fast Company