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Recession Briefing 6.22

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

More women are turning to sex work in the bad economy. Strip clubs, X-rated Web cam companies and escort managers across the country have reported an increase in job applications in the last several months — ironically, at the same time that business is largely going down. (Salon)

Healthcare without insurance is like construction without power tools. It can be done, but it will take longer and require a lot more effort. And at times you’ll feel like you’re hammering your thumb. (Los Angeles Times)

Despite signs that the recession  may be easing, the unemployment rate is projected to continue rising for another year before topping out in double digits, a prospect that threatens to slow growth and increase poverty. (Washington Post)

The recession is taking a bite out of national brand loyalty in products ranging from Advil pain reliever and Green Giant frozen vegetables to Jif peanut butter. (Reuters)

Could the recession result in a baby boom? Nielsen is reporting double-digit growth in ovulation-predictor kits and pregnancy tests across Canada. (Calgary Herald) But some people are also debating whether they can afford children now. (Recessionwire)

Some people are handing over vintage toys, sets of dishes, baseball cards, furniture and clothes to auction houses and online auction sites hoping to generate cash. (New York Daily News)

State governments are reeling from the recession and are beginning to make deep budget cuts to stanch the bleeding. (New York Times)

Welfare roles are seeing a sharp increase. Twenty-three of the 30 largest states, which account for more than 88% of the nation’s total population, see welfare caseloads above year-ago levels. (Wall Street Journal)

Deborah Siegel uses the experience of her laid-off husband to speculate on some of the changes men undergo after losing their jobs as a result of the recession. (The Big Money)

Use of antidepressant medications has soared in the U.K. during the recession. (Guardian)

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