Tag: economy woes

The barter system makes a comeback

Like every other major media outlet, SG has been bringing you the hard-hitting economy coverage you depend on. But much of our examination of the current economic crisis has been focused on its impact on Wall Street. Let’s head over to Main Street and see how things are there. (Stop after that: Sesame Street.)

In California, it’s getting so bad that stoners can’t even afford the triple bacon cheeseburgers they crave. Authorities arrested Shawn Alexander Pannullo, 27, after a McDonald’s employee complained that he tried to pay for his food with marijuana. Despite being a fast food worker, the employee declined the offer.

The re-emergence of the barter system, whether successfully implemented or not, is a sign of this nation’s struggling economy. It was commonplace during the Great Depression, and it even came back with Tears for Fears after the 1982 mini-crash.

SG Explains: The economic crisis

You may have heard recently about some hubbub with the economy and stocks and stuff. Recently, Warren “Jimmy” Buffett called the current crisis an “economic Pearl Harbor.” While this may not make sense to some of our readers, we are here to explain.

Let’s use Buffett’s analogy.

It’s the morning of December 7, 1941. The U.S., still reeling from the Great Depression, has not entered World War II, thanks mostly to isolationist policies. In come Japanese fighter and torpedo planes. Suddenly the U.S. is caught off guard and war begins a new era of the 20th century.

But first we need to back up. Let’s say the U.S. credit and loan debt is the Japanese Empire. For years prior to the war, the U.S. debt was building up its forces, offering really good deals and raping Nanking. We knew about it but chose to turn a blind eye to it, hoping the problem would resolve itself.

Hit the jump for the sneak attack. Continue reading SG Explains: The economic crisis

How To: Lay off an employee

Chances are that, if you’re reading this Web site, then you are a big shot. We like to think we cater SeriouslyGuys to all you captains (and captainesses) of industry with our extravagant Google Ads and polo shirts.

But you’ve been collecting a lot of chickens the past ten years, so they’re about set to roost. We’re not going to say any dirty bourgeoisie words like “recession.” We’ll just say times will be tough for people not as skilled as you. When that time comes, you will need to know how to lay off an employee. Continue reading How To: Lay off an employee