• Traditional thinking has been that Hollywood is recession-proof because consumers will continue to go to the movies in lieu of more expensive entertainment. A recent study has caused some doubt about whether this remains true for today's economy — it found that going to the movies may actually be one of the first activities cut by cash-strapped consumers. — The Wall Street Journal [1]
• Bummer for bank employees: Compensation consultancy firm Johnson Associates has projected some bankers' bonuses will be about half of last year's payouts, and most can expect a 15 percent to 25 percent reduction. Other employees could see their bonuses go down as much as 30 percent. — CNN Money [2]
• Are you an ex-urban? You might know the answer by asking yourself if you spend half your housing expenses on gas. Ex-urbans, country-dwellers with city jobs, are being crushed more than most by relentless gas prices. — ABC News [3]

Source [4]