Signs of the Recession: Mystery 101

Everyone is wondering who is behind the billboards that are popping up all over the country, from Times Square to I95 in Providence. Well, we’re not telling.

The campaign, which is oh so Upside of the Downturn, features slogans like, “”Self worth is greater than net worth” and “Stop obsessing about economy, you’re scaring the children.” The Associated Press says some mysterious and deep-pocketed East Coaster is to thank for the Recession 101 PSAs. They started appearing in June and are in 1,000 spots around the U.S.

We have some ideas…

Signs of the Recession: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ TARP Money!

In the Gem State, they’re proud not to be using billions in taxpayer dollars to fix their financial bunglings. What a concept. A couple of weeks ago, Tim Oren spotted this ad in Pocatello, Idaho, and posted it on his Due Diligence blog…

Signs of the Recession: The Two-Word Resume

The feds say that 7 million people have lost their jobs in the recession—which means a hell of a lot of people cussing under their breath as they wrestle with their resumes. Should it be one page? Two? Chronological? Functional? Serif or sans serif?

Signs of the Recession: Safe Bet

Can Bernie Madoff and the Lehman Brothers meltdown be good for business?

Basics Plus, a chain of housewares stores in New York, is making the (tongue in cheek) pitch that your money is safer in a big metal box than in a bank. We could argue with that, but we’re too busy avoiding looking at our 401(k) statements.