An eye on recession

An article entitled "Bar mitzvahs trim down amid recession" by Adam Sosnik, reports on bar mitvah festivities undergoing recession-era adaptation.
He reports that some families are holding joint celebrations.
A caterer said that average spending has dropped over the past few years.
"The last time we did a full weekend event with kiddush meals, breakfast, luncheons and dinner buffets was a year-and-a-half ago,” said the caterer, who asked not to be identified. “Most families are looking for simplicity."
Read more: http://jta.org/news/article/2009/10/21/1008642/bar-mitzvahs-trim-down-amid-recession

It is being reported that an OB-GYN who helped deliver hundreds of babies in Brooklyn has decided to throw in the towel after a 12 year career. While her income has dropped by 20 percent, her malpractice insurance has skyrocketed to approximately $160,000.
“I've decided to retire from obstetrics,” said Perlman, 42. "It breaks my heart. Malpractice costs are a big part of it. It's a very sad story.
http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=21910

Speaking of bar mitzvahs, I caught this video clip about preparations for a bar mitzvah on the cooljew . For those of you who missed it, here goes.