The 99-cent iPhone Case

How the Gizmodo did we miss this one?

During the boom, there were a few too many smartphones riding around in Louis Vuitton cases. Well, tough times call for cheap cases. Case-Mate has a “recession” iPhone case made from cardboard for just 99 cents, including shipping…

Recession Briefing 7.16

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

To deal with its recession tourism slump, Hawaii is considering the construction of a galactic etherport to fly tourists through space. (The Atlantic)

The recession has failed to dampen philanthropic spirit, with many rich people increasing their charitable giving, according to a new report. (Economist)

New York and California are usually the leaders in producing and losing millionaires. But a new study suggests that on a percentage basis, some smaller cities were hit harder in 2008. (Wall Street Journal/Wealth Report)

Recession Briefing 7.14

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

In Japan, even robots are starting to feel the effects of the recession. (New York Times)

Is the recession bad for your health? A recent study from Yale University found that job losses can make the fat fatter and the drinkers drunkards. (Wall Street Journal)

U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says that the American and world economies will be out of the recession in a matter of months. (Telegraph)

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)

How to Buy Tech on the Cheap

For years, I covered tech. But it’s still not the same as knowing how to shop smartly for my next laptop (I can’t wean myself off of the pricier Macs) or figure out what to do about my ancient TV that pulled broadcasts out of the air via rabbit ears.

CNET has a nice package on shopping for tech on a budget that I’m finding useful and maybe you will, too. Their pieces don’t just list what to buy, but help you to understand the products and trends around them. The point is to shop smarter so that you spend your money wisely on products that will serve all your needs, and will last. Some highlights:

Laptops — Try a Netbook. If your computing needs are low, or even basic (web browsing, office doc work, and not too much need for heavy-duty graphics or HD video), Netbooks offer a great package for very little money. Mainly equipped with Intel Atom processors and running Windows XP, they’re not so great a multitasking, but they’ll do the work that most computers handled five years ago with ease…

Screwed: 8,700 at UBS

A daily review of the employment fallout around the country and the world.

Swiss bank UBS will cut 8,700 jobs by 2010… KLM airlines plans to let go of up to 3,000 employees by 2011… Yahoo prepares to fire at least 500 employees by June… Russell Investments is laying off 400 employees from Tacoma, Washington…