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Recession Briefing 9.9: Downturn Unleashes Strays

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

The number of stray and abandoned dogs in the U.K. jumped 11 percent in the past year — the biggest surge in a decade — possibly because of the financial crisis. (CNN)

Haunted by fewer job offers this season, recent graduates with jobs took a hit to their salaries. Those who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 2009 received a $48,633 average starting salary offer, down 1.2% from last year. (Wall Street Journal)

Unless real reform happens soon, we face the prospect of another bubble-bust-bailout cycle that will be even more dangerous than the one we’ve just been through. (The New Republic)

Parents are struggling to find extra cash for clothes and school supplies as their kids head back to school. (New York Daily News)

New figures show that spa treatments are still in demand despite the recession — even if it means opting for a cheaper experience and fewer treatments. (AP)

One year after the near collapse of the global financial system, this much is clear: The financial world as we knew it is over, and something new is rising from its ashes. (McClatchy)

After more than a year of recession, sex isn’t selling any better than anything else. From Internet pornography to strip-club lap dances to Playboy magazines, business is hurting. (Boston Herald)

Sure, the recession has had a devastating effect on some. But for others, it has provided a chance to slim down inventories, attract superior talent, and soak up government largesse. (BusinessWeek)

With many homes under water, many interest-only mortgages will soon become unaffordable, as the homeowners have to actually start paying principal. Monthly payments can jump by as much as 75 percent. (New York Times)

Candidates for city office usually scrape by with traditional sorts of volunteers: college students, retirees, the occasional neighborhood activist. But this year, a different crowd is landing on their doorsteps: bankers, lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers and other highly credentialed professionals, all of whom have been laid off. (New York Times)

There have been 89 bank closures across the U.S. in 2009. This chart breaks them down by state. (Ritholtz)

(If you come across a good article or blog post about the recession pass it on. To receive Recession Briefing in your inbox, subscribe to our daily email.)

Tags: bailout, economy, education, family, jobs, pets, politics, real estate