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Recession Briefing 7.7

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

Sperm banks and donor agencies say the recession is prompting a surge in calls from people who hope to make money by donating their sperm or eggs. (USA Today)

Pamplona, Spain, is known for daredevils sprinting with one-ton fighting bulls. But a new brand of jitters has set in at one of the world’s great fiestas as businesses ponder the partypooping impact of economic woes. (Associated Press)

A group of the biggest U.S. banks said they would stop accepting California’s IOUs on Friday. (Wall Street Journal)

Campgrounds are filling with permanent residents seeking a less-expensive lifestyle. Campground operators say it’s an enticing option for both retired people and younger adults who have fallen on hard times. (Associated Press via FoxNews)

A company called the Real Estate Disposition Corporation has held more than 400 events since May of 2007, putting up for auction more than 50,000 foreclosed houses and condominiums. (New York Times)

The economy faces a climb to get back to full employment, but the worst job losses may now be in the rearview mirror. One indicator to watch for: a bump in average hours worked. (Christian Science Monitor)

Time spent playing video games and used game purchases are up, and in fact way up over the past several months. (PC World)

Spas across the United States appear recession-proof as record numbers of Americans pay for treatments from massages to manicures to deal with stress amid the global financial crisis. (Reuters)

With the luxury industry reeling from the global financial crisis, the future of haute couture — and its $28,000-plus dresses — looks anything but certain. (Associated Press)

U.S. cities are looking for novel solutions to fill the empty parcels of land that are slated for development but left undeveloped due to the recession. (United Press International)

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Tags: budgets, family, layoffs, real estate, shopping, tech, travel, Wall Street