At any point during an economic downturn, there are always obvious signs of the recession. But during these times, there are less-noticed but totally bizarre indicators that things are bad.

Read More On cracked.com ›

Hallmark is taking a cue from the unemployment rate. They are now offering condolence cards made especially for someone who just lost their job.

Via: redlasso.com

What this trader had to say made jaws drop at the BBC.

Via: dailymail.co.uk

View Entire List ›

Source: brokershandsontheirfacesblog  /  via: brokershandsontheirfacesblog

Via: someecards.com

An epic Irishman has a few thoughts about the financial crisis and Michael Flatley. The language is quite salty, so NSFW ahoy.

Everyone's getting off on how the wealthy are slummin' it these days due to the economy.

Read More On money.blogs.time.com ›

1. Crocs

   

   Say goodbye to Crocs! Last year the company lost $185.1 million, slashed roughly 2,000 jobs and scrambled to find money to pay down millions in debt. Now it's stuck with a surplus of shoes, and its auditors have wondered if it can stay afloat. It has until the end of September to pay off its debt. "The company's toast," said Damon Vickers, who manages an investment fund at Nine Points Capital Partners in Seattle. via .

2. 2. Deal Or No Deal

   

   Unfortunately, the show will continue in a syndicated version, but will now be shot in Connecticut due to a 30% tax cut incentive. Currently it's filmed in Culver City, California, and is cheap enough to produce because few big cash prizes have ever had to paid out so far. It is a little surprising to see this cheaply produced show get the ax by NBC. It could be because of ratings, but either way, say goodbye! via .

3. 3. Life & Style Weekly

   

   Sales of the celeb gossip magazine are down 44.1% . We don't need anymore celebrity gossip magazines!

4. 4. Porn on DVD

   

   Porn was thought to be a recession proof industry. Not so much. Sales of porn on DVD are down. Vivid Entertainment founder Steven Hirsch, a longtime porn heavyweight, say the company's DVD sales have dropped 30 percent in the past year. Why? Because you can find it online for free!! Porn DVD's are totally necessary. via .

5. 5. The New Kids On The Block

   

   NKOTB had to cancel their tour in Australia due to the recession. Donnie Wahlberg said, "We are, in fact, in the middle of a worldwide recession and we just cannot make it work." No complaints here. via .

6. 6. Hummers

   

   Weighing in at 2.6 tonnes, a typical Hummer can only do between 10 and 15 miles on a gallon of fuel. It's no surprise that GM is desperately trying to sell off the Hummer.

7. 7. Condos

   

   New condo construction has stalled in most cities. Maybe that's because we've finally learned that condos are ugly.

8. 8. Sharper Image

   

   While I love going into the Sharper Image store I can't really say I've ever really seen anyone buy anything. It's just a bunch of overpriced massage chairs, anyways. In 2008 the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

9. 9. Club Libby Lu

   

   This store always creeped me out. The San Francisco Chronicle criticized Club Libby Lu for having a negative effect on its preteen shoppers as well as on society because of the gender roles it promotes through its merchandise and philosophy. It was also creepy to see a bunch of little girls covered in glitter and tiaras. Next.

10. 10. Mall Kiosks

    

    Do people actually buy things from these? I can't say I've ever seen anyone try on a wig at the wig stand, and who still collects Pokemon cards? Hit hardest are actually the piercing pagodas. According to Zales’ public filings, its mall kiosk business has been steadily declining over the past 3 years. One possible explanation for the decline is an overall decrease in mall traffic.

11. 11. The Atkins Diet

    

    America's unhealthiest diet may finally be on the outs, completely. In 2005 they filed for bankruptcy but it's looking like this recession will eliminate the diet forever. More people are concerned about saving money than losing weight.

12. 12. Energy Drinks

    

    It's looking like people are getting tired of paying $3 for an energy drink. "Energy drinks are premium priced," said John Sicher, editor of Beverage Digest. "Some consumers are trading down. Others are buying them less frequently." via .

13. 13. Ridiculous Pet Fashions

    

    While animals dressed in clothes is kinda cute, it's totally unnecessary and a little too Paris Hilton. The recession ended plans for a spring version of Pet Fashion Week on February 8th and 9th in NYC. The fall event has been running every August since 2004. via .

14. 14. Starbucks

    

    The recession has effectively stalled Starbucks run. They've closed 600 stores, which will hopefully open the market up to more competition. via.

Lex Luthor (or Don Draper in a bald cap) would really like your help in the fight against Good. Recessions affect evil people, too.

Those smug bastards over at Time magazine have drawn up a list of the ten major newspapers most likely to go under or go digital very soon. Topping the list is the Philadelphia Daily News , which nobody reads anyway (I'm from Philly), but some non-second-rate papers included on the list are the Chicago Sun-Times and the Boston Globe , which is reportedly losing $1 million each week.

Read More On time.com ›

Recession Beards are the newest and most fashionable way to express yourself after a recent round of lay-offs.

The Best Links:

1. Facial Hair in a Recession
2. Hairy Economy Trend: Beards Are Back
3. Out of a Job and Happy to Retire the Razor
4. Hair they are!

We may not be in a Great Depression, but who says recession cuisine has to be just boxed mac & cheese? 93-year old Clara Cannucciari (who knows a thing or two about the Great Depression) recounts her childhood while she prepares meals from the era.

Microsoft Songsmith can turn anything into music genius, including the downward spiral of the global economy.

A new Twitter feed is tracking the multitudes of media layoffs in one big, happy place.

The Best Links:

1. The Media is Dying
2. Media Obituaries Reduced To Twitter Length
3. A Twitter’s Worth a Thousand Words, And a Couple People’s Jobs
4. Who’s behind the Twitter feed The Media Is Dying?
5. News About News, in 140 Characters