The XX Factor

Recession Briefing 8.17

Brian Redzikowski, executive chef at Bond Street Beverly Hills serves up a blueberry cocktail these days called “Is the Recession Over?” Here’s the recipe. ( Vanity Fair )

The recession, tight job market, depressed stock portfolios and mounting bills have prompted a growing pool of new game show hopefuls: unemployed white-collar professionals seeking quick-fix stimulus packages to keep afloat in turbulent times. ( USA Today )

How has the recession been affecting one affluent Westchester suburb? One resident describes how she’s now “squeaking by” on just $300,000-a-year . ( Washington Post )

The world may be slowly emerging out of recession, but the global financial crisis appears to have gone unnoticed to a whole swath of people: teenagers. ( Reuters )

Emily Bazelon asked readers what they definitely wouldn’t give up, despite the downturn. “I’m not giving up my Corvette or selling my diamond,” writes Susan, who is suffering with her husband through a three-year drought of underemployment. ( Slate )

Japan has joined the growing number of major economies that are back in black. Japan’s economy grew 3.7 percent on an annualized basis from April to June this year. ( CNN )

Asian economies, increasingly decoupled from Western shopping habits, are growing fast. ( Economist )

There has been some muted - albeit exhausted - cheering from homeowners in recent weeks. But before we break out the champagne, look out for further potential problems just down the road. ( Wall Street Journal )

According to a new poll, 57% of Americans think the avalanche of new federal aid has cost too much and done too little to end the recession. ( USA Today )

Kimberley Palmer has some ideas for coming up with a “post-recession prosperity plan.” ( Chicago Tribune )