Recession Stories

They only come in short bursts for now. Hope you enjoy them anyway.

This is about the economic crash of 2020 and a coronavirus update. It goes into a lot of detail.

A vision of what is "normality"

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community tells the story of how the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan have changed the way the world sees their community and how the community sees itself. It was a scramble. Everyone was scared to death Grand Rapids would be the next Detroit, and like the Motor City, would be crushed under the rubble of the Great Recession. Did it work? To answer that would be a spoiler and to give a “yes” or “no” answer would be unfair because the struggle continues. However, it is safe to say, this is not the Grand Rapids that I moved into in 1990. Or is it? Again, just as the struggle continues, so does the debate. Let’s get started. —Rod

On the crime ridden streets of Old London Town the law has been subcontracted and justice awarded to the highest bidder. But from the dark depths of despair and chaos, a hero is born. A murder in the town of Ostere isn't headline news A vagrant running from conscription is common place But this vagrant knew the deceased and was witnessed fighting with the deceased So now the police want a word As do the killers Ben Jackman, vagrant by day, hunter of road kill by night, isn't the man to take the fall Proving his innocence is obvious Finding the killer is crucial But Ben needs a gun, a big gun with lots of bullets, because the seedy streets of Ostere have a new breed of criminal and they aren't looking to take prisoners

Almost everyone on the planet is five times wealthier than their ancestors only 50 years ago. This astonishing phenomenon has also improved health, education, and longevity. The average life span increased from about 40 years to more than 80 and the average world income from less than $3 to more than $33 per person per day (and to $140 per day in some countries). The cause; an explosive growth in ideas and productivity. Of all work in 1850, 80% no longer exists. Think of electricity, railways, automobiles, aircraft, satellites, radio, telephones, cell (mobile) phones, TV, computers, the Internet and nuclear power. Today, each farmer in the USA feeds 300 people whereas 200 years ago 4 out of 5 Americans worked in agriculture. In 1900 farm workers were still 40% of the work force; while in 2016 they were less than 2%. Bill Gates and Paul Allen started the Microsoft Corporation in 1975 thereby creating three billionaires and about 12,000 millionaires among Microsoft employees. $1000 worth of Microsoft (MSFT) shares in 1986 were worth $2,800,000 in 2025. In 2016, shares of Nvidia (NVDA) were $1.32 adjusted for stock splits. In 2025 one share could be sold for $170. A $1000 investment in 2016 would have returned about $129,000 in 2025. Okay, so how do you start GETTING RICH? It is very simple. Few of us have the talent or tenacity to start a new business, but now it is easy to buy publicly traded shares of businesses that grow steadily and create wealth in the process. You might as well buy a small share and watch it grow. Get rich slowly by investing a regular amount of your income in a diverse range of companies and re-investing all interest, dividends and capital gains and holding for many years. You will first need to choose an on-line stock broker and set up an account. They all operate much like banks as they are legally required to know their clients and must report to government tax collectors on any income to your account.

Achieving a healthy, confident smile often requires more than basic dental care. Many individuals struggle with cosmetic imperfections such as stained or uneven teeth, while others face functional and aesthetic concerns caused by receding gums. In Philadelphia, patients looking for comprehensive smile solutions increasingly turn to providers that combine advanced cosmetic dentistry with effective periodontal care.

This story follows the day in the life of three teenagers from a small rural Irish town that was bypassed by the motorway system and bypassed by the Celtic tiger. With no hope of them going to college and there being no jobs in the town they were forced to turn to a life of crime to get by and support their families.

All ends mark a beginning. When Nathaniel Remington is forced to begin riding the bus home during the 2009 recession in the deeply southern city of Mobile, Alabama, what will he make of the blonde-haired boy sitting across from him?

"Navigating the Storm: How South Africans Can Weather a Recession" provides a timely and insightful guide for South Africans facing the challenges of a recession. Just as a storm can be daunting, economic downturns can bring uncertainty and hardship. The book draws parallels between these experiences, offering practical strategies to navigate the financial turbulence. The book addresses key issues faced by South Africans during a recession, such as rising inflation and interest rates. It highlights ways to mitigate the impact, including cutting back on non-essential spending, which is likened to adjusting a ship's sails to reduce wind resistance. Readers are encouraged to make cost-conscious choices, seek deals, and explore more affordable alternatives to preserve their resources. Furthermore, the book delves into the topic of managing debt during tough economic times. It advises caution in taking on more debt, drawing a parallel with hoisting more sails to propel a ship forward. While this may be necessary for some, professional advice is emphasized to ensure financial stability. Readers are also encouraged to seek assistance from qualified professionals, equating it to having an experienced captain guiding a ship through rough waters. Financial advisors play a vital role in creating budgets, managing debt, and planning for the future. Negotiating payment plans and seeking relief from creditors are also presented as viable options. The book acknowledges the importance of government assistance programs, likened to lifeboats during the storm. These programs offer food stamps, housing assistance, and other forms of support for those in financial distress. This is a forerunner for a book that is to come. Professor Obee

1. Couplet: Welcome 2. Sonnet: Working 3. Rondeau 4. Acrostic 5. Triolet 6. Ballad: Albert 7. Haiku: Crane 8. Tanka: Growth 9. Tyburn: Willis 10. Free Verse: Rise

Kaiba goes to New York City to chat with Donald Trump, and meets his daughters. He is also intrigued by Donald's daughter Tiffany. Prompts: money, budget, recession

~Chicklit short story contest finalist~ For Chloe Mills, her life starts to go pear-shaped when she turns thirty. Her boyfriend has just left her and soon even her job as a personal shopper at a department store is threatened by recession. Can Chloe get her life back on track with the help of her crazy pal Bianca and her hunky boss Mark?