All Blog Posts from Couric & Co.

In 1901, a man named T. Robinson sent a letter to The New York Times. His complaint? There were too many school holidays. "Enforced idleness," he called it.

More than a century later, the debate continues.

American children spend far less time in school than kids do in China or India -- and a full month less than the kids in South Korea. In Japan, the school year lasts 250 days. Here, it's just 185.

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Christina Ruffini is a CBS News broadcast associate based in Washington.In the aftermath of the holidays, I have been left with more than a few things that I would like to give back.

First there was the collection of bargain impostor perfumes I received from my anosmatic aunt, which exploded in the mail and arrived at my door smelling like a French brothel.

Then, there was the half-empty bottle of liqueur I got from a friend who simply shrugged and said, "Sorry, I had unexpected company."

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Christina Ruffini is a CBS News broadcast associate based in Washington.
In the aftermath of the holidays, I have been left with more than a few things that I would like to give back.

First there was the collection of bargain impostor perfumes I received from my anosmatic aunt, which exploded in the mail and arrived at my door smelling like a French brothel.

Then, there was the half-empty bottle of liqueur I got from a friend who simply shrugged and said, "Sorry, I had unexpected company."

Read full post…

Conspicuous Consumption is so 2007, even if you have the extra cash to spend. This year, consider giving and giving back all at the same time - with socially conscious gifts.

If you've got champagne taste, check out a jewelry designer named Joan Hornig. She donates all the profits from sales of her beautiful baubles to the charity of your choice.

Global Goods Partners dot org was co-founded by my pal Catherine Schimony. The site sells unique and affordable gifts made by women from some of the poorest communities in the world. The purchase helps them create a sustainable livelihood.

And there's no better way to say "thinking of you" than with a greeting card from UNICEF. You'll not only brighten a loved ones day - you'll be making a contribution to help children in need.

You've heard of re-gifting? Well this is double gifting. And generosity never goes out of style.

Christina Ruffini is a CBS News broadcast associate based in Washington.

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Step away from the lights; back off from the ribbons; put down the hot cocoa.

Even though there is still more than a month left until the big guy in red makes his rounds, Christmas is breaking out all over. I haven't even gotten one bite of Thanksgiving Turkey, yet I am already being force-fed sugar plums and candy canes at every turn.

The local mall has been smothered in sprigs of holly. Downtown is plastered with industrial-strength garland. Bell ringers are out in force, trying to guilt me out of my hard-earned change. I can't even hear Jingle Bells - which has already started playing at every big-box retailer - without feeling compelled to reach into my pocket and dig around for a donation.

Everywhere I go, it seems like people are trying to jump-start the joy. Maybe it's because we've had such a rough year. Perhaps the theory is that by nudging up the noel, we can put the mortgage meltdowns, gargantuan gas prices, epic election and, of course, that Phillies win at the World Series, behind us that much faster. But gingerbread glee is not ...

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For some, the holidays mean giving to charity. But experts advise that before you give, it’s best to check out the charity you’re helping. See exactly how much of your donation will go to those in need.

For more on wise giving this holiday season, just click on the monitor.

You know how the song goes: "There's no place like home for the holidays." But for an increasing number of Americans, home can be a lonely place this time of year. That's because about 30 million Americans live alone.

But maybe you can brighten someone's "home alone" holidays. Click the monitor at left for more.