Google, Microsoft and Facebook are calling on the U.S. government to reveal how often they get national security requests for information. The Internet companies are fighting the perception they were willing participants in the National Security Agency’s widespread monitoring of electronic communications. Also, Pandora buys a small radio station South Dakota for what it hopes are big savings. And our “Consumed” series continues, as we delve deeper into the half-life of the consumer economy.

We continue our special “Consumed” series from the Sustainability Desk, exploring whether we can really afford all the things we’re buying. Today we focus on the technique of ‘upselling’ — companies getting you to buy something you don’t actually want. Also, we look at how much a secret security clearance is worth to your career … And the cost of the immigration debate.

Can we really afford all the things we’re buying? We explore the consumer economy in our new series “Consumed.” First up: how we’re pushing our kids to get ahead in the consumer arms race. Plus, Google is buying crowd-traffic-mapping app Waze. In light of the whole PRISM deal, how does voluntary data compare? Also, business bankruptcies are way down.  We take a look at who is still going bankrupt and why.

PRISM is no longer about rainbows any more. The government is listening, at least somewhat. We look at what we can do as consumers to pressure internet and telecommunications companies to fight back against government surveillance of personal  data. Plus, Grumpy Cat has taken the Internet by storm. So much so that the frowny kitty has a movie deal. We talk to the feline agent who represents Grumpy.

Today we head to a graduation, but not just any graduation. It’s Oyler School’s graduation — the school we’ve been following for a year. In the news, Verizon is handing over telephone data, but for what? And how is the government going about finding its needles on the digital haystack? Plus, all of the junk in the ocean, documented. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been doing so for 23 years. Our story is on the cost of the junk: what we paid to get it and what we’ll pay to get rid of it.

Team-building isn’t just for the IRS. How big is the workplace teambuilding business, and is it a scam or a smart way to create an engaged and productive workforce? In the private sector, the NHTSA asked for a recall on 2.7 million Jeeps. Chrysler Group said, “No.”  How much of a risk is that? Plus, we talk to the CEO of Whole Foods about plans to expand into Detroit.

That ad said what? Today, we look at the rise of swearing in advertisements, despite FCC fines. Why are those four-letter words worth it? Also, a profile of a patent troll. You may be surprised to hear that some of America’s biggest companies are part of the crowd. Plus, over 500 Zynga employees were let go yesterday as the mobile gaming company struggles. Don’t worry, recruiters are already on the prowl.

Advertisers are starting to toe the line. They’re putting up ads with swear words, FCC rules be … you get the idea. Why are those four-letter words worth the price? In Moore, Okla., we take a look at how recovery works differently depending on your income. Plus, Apple is set to start a music streaming service. What’s the future for the Spotifys of the world?

Social Security funds will dry up in 2033. So what does this mean for the chronically unworried, like say, Alfred E. Neuman of Mad Magazine fame? He debuted in 1954, will turn 59 in November. Seven years shy of retirement age, Neuman can still expect to collect his full social security payments for 13 years, but what happens after that? You might not know it, but an estimated 8 in 10 woman wear the wrong bra size. So underwear stalwart Jockey spent eight years developing the solution: a $60 bra that comes in 55 sizes. On the coasts, we find out how hurrican season will affect your morning orange juice.