Topic: Teflon

The 20 most fascinating accidental inventions

Most inventors strive for weeks, months, or years to perfect their products. (Thomas Edison tried thousands of different light bulb filaments before arriving at the ideal mixture of tungsten.) But sometimes, brilliance strikes by accident. Here's a salute to the scientists, chefs, and everyday folk who stumbled upon greatness – and, more important, shared their mistakes with the world.UPDATE: After great reader feedback, we've added five additional accidental inventions: Stainless steel, plastic, ice cream cones, Post-it Notes, and matches.

Brazil targets corruption in 'trial of the century'

Thirty-six political players are on trial in Brazil, facing charges from money laundering to organized crime. The trial is seen as a landmark case in a country where corruption rarely leads to criminal prosecution.

Latin America Monitor Historic corruption trial begins in Brazil

Some 38 people are accused of buying political favors under former President Lula - whose future career could hinge on the trial.

The Simple Dollar For extra savings, look in your trash

Finding sensible ways to minimize your trash will leave you with extra money in your pocket.

The Simple Dollar Cost per use: The concept that will save your checkbook

'Cost per use' is the idea that the value of an item is directly related to how much use you get out of it. The more use you get from an item, the more you should expect to pay for it. The 'sweet spot' of a purchase, then, is the one that has the most uses for the cost.

How NASA's Curiosity rover could 'discover' Teflon on Mars (+video)

Teflon from the drill on NASA's Curiosity rover could contaminate Martian soil, say scientists, creating misleading evidence of an ancient alien civilization that had developed nonstick cookware.

Opinion: From a ride in Ronald Reagan's limo, lessons on authenticity

On my first limousine ride alone with Ronald Reagan as a senior aide, he told me how much his mother shaped his beliefs. One thing about President Reagan, you knew what he believed in. Many voters may have a difficult time finding such rock-solid conviction in Romney or Obama.

Rebekah Brooks arrest: phone-hacking scandal isn't going to fade

Many media observers predicted that the News Corp. phone-hacking scandal would peter out. But Rebekah Brooks's arrest today indicate the inquiry is still very much alive.

The Simple Dollar A reliable purchase is a smart purchase

From washing machines to televisions, from kitchen knives to media players, reliability is an incredibly valuable feature

Could Indonesia's democracy be Egypt's model?

Abu Bakar Bashir's trial demonstrates the struggles Indonesia faces a decade after transitioning from authoritarian rule to the world's largest Muslim democracy.

The Monitor's View: Sen. Scott Brown's revelation of physical and sexual abuse can help others

In a book and '60 Minutes' interview, Sen. Scott Brown says he has 'knit back stronger' after being abused as a boy.

Mafia arrests: Four of the most famous mob busts in history

The FBI announced the biggest anti-Mafia operation in its history Thursday. In all, 127 people allegedly linked to the mob were arrested. Here are the stories of four of the biggest mobsters ever arrested.

Vikings' Metrodome roof collapses for the fifth time

The Vikings-Giants game was postponed to Monday night and moved to Detroit Ford Field after the Metrodome roof collapsed for the fifth time since opening in 1982.

Cyberattacks persist as MasterCard slogs through WikiLeaks protest

Cyberattacks sent MasterCard's website into a tailspin. The page has been up-again, down-again as hackers stage a cyberattack protest in support of WikiLeaks.

Review: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family

Every Sunday, The Simple Dollar reviews a personal finance book or other book of interest.

Chile mine rescue: 5 final steps to freedom

It took 33 days to drill a 622-meter shaft down to the 33 trapped miners, completed Monday. Several steps remain before freedom comes to the men who have lived a half-mile under the Atacama Desert since a mine collapse on Aug. 5.

Tour de France: Can Lance Armstrong keep his Teflon image?

As the Tour de France gets under way, defrocked 2006 winner Floyd Landis has put forward fresh, detailed doping allegations against Lance Armstrong. But Armstrong has become as famous for deflecting scandal as for leading the peloton.

15 websites that saved me money in 2010

These 15 websites saved money for our guest blogger so far this year.

When you should replace that Teflon pan?

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without," goes the Great Depression-borne mantra of frugality. But in some cases, you're better off replacing things on a regular schedule or at the first sign of wear.

Weathering the Olympics: how science and sport meet on the bottom of a ski

Rain and slush are testing Olympic skiers as well as their technical gurus, whose choices of skis and wax can help make the difference between gold and anonymity.

Olympics curling begins with support from Google Doodle and Simpsons

Ahead of curling competition today in Vancouver at 9 am (12 pm EST), Google offered the sport a Doodle and The Simpsons featured an episode wherein Homer curls in the Vancouver Games.

Silvio Berlusconi loses immunity. Can Italy's government survive?

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was stripped of his immunity from prosecution by the country's highest court Wednesday. His government may not last long without it.

Gadgets for the bicycle commuter

Noteworthy CD releases

Metallica, The Verve, and David Byrne and Brian Eno regroup for three new albums that reprise some old themes and play with some new.