Amidst staggering unemployment, researchers take the pulse of the employed {Thanks, AP}

On Friday, the latest unemployment numbers are expected to be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The statistics will tell us how many jobs were gained and loss in December. Even before the numbers are made public, a survey may show us how the gainfully employed feel about their jobs.

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Letterman controversy prompts discussions of workplace relationships {Thanks, AP}

David Letterman’s candid discussion of an extortion attempt, due to sexual relationships with female staffers, will certainly prompt discussions about workplace relationships. This issue reminded me of a recent conversation I had with one of my best friends. It was about not getting too close to the people you work with.

It all began when I admitted I have a work spouse.

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The coolest business card I’ve seen in a while, looks like a credit card

Last weekend I was out at a club, seeing friends I hadn’t seen in ages, trying to make new friends. You know how it is, but what didn’t I have was business cards.

What to do, what to do?

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Oprah Winfrey

Graduation season is definitely upon us as we fast forward through May.

Yesterday media mogul and talk show host Oprah Winfrey gave the commencement speech at Duke University.

As part of her speech, Winfrey encouraged grads to think about how they could improve their lives and elevate themselves by improving the lives of and elevating others.

It’s an easy task to ask people to look beyond themselves to be selfless and not selfish but is it realistic in this day and age?

If the students are anything like me they were wondering if  instead of giving a speech at their graduation, the billionaire could cut them a check.

One can dream right, just last week Winfrey was giving out free chicken? whodathunkit?

Is a check really therefore that outlandish?

According to The Wall Street Journal, new graduates stand to earn a lot less money than those who came before.

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Chung Yi in his Baltimore row house, which is furnished with recycled and second-hand furniture, such as a blemished coffee table from the Restoration Hardware outlet store {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

Myron Murray has exchanged nights sipping expensive cocktails in bars and restaurants for get-togethers with friends at home. He eats out less, saves more and thinks much harder about what he buys.

The 34-year-old manager of an Annapolis Sam’s Club isn’t afraid of losing his job and hasn’t seen a drop in his income. But the recession has prompted Murray to be more responsible about his money — a change that could last a lifetime for him and other consumers.

“I think I need to plan a little better now for the future,” Murray said. “The current economy caught a lot of people by surprise. If we build better habits now it won’t shock a lot of people if [a downturn] happens again.”

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{thanks, Lisa Despres}

Lisa Despres, 29, lives in Columbia and works as a Slumber Parties distributor. She talked to b about her work for the “My job” feature.

Time in position: I started in June of 2004.

What does your job consist of: I educate and empower women in every aspect of their sensual relationships through in-home parties. Women are able to touch, smell and taste our products and ask questions. I also have a Web site, www.slumberpartiesbylisad.com, where women can learn more about slumber parties.

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President Obama at 100 days: sitting pretty? {thanks, AP}

The last Friday in March, President Obama summoned leaders of the banking industry to the White House, where they gathered around a mahogany table in the State Dining Room, site of many a feast. On this day there was not a piece of fruit nor can of soda in sight. At each place was a glass of water. No ice. No refills.

The president’s message was hard as a slab of day-old bread.

He urged the bankers to view corporate excess through the eyes of Americans who are belt-tightening their way through the recession. Obama mentioned the carpet stains in the Oval Office, to make a frugal comparison with $1 million suites decorated with $8,000 trash cans.

The corporate chieftains protested, citing the specialization of their field and the need to pay handsomely to avoid a brain drain. Obama cut them off: “Be careful how you make those statements, gentlemen. The public isn’t buying that. My administration is the only thing between you and the pitchforks.”

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Anyone that’s seen the movie, “The Player’s Club” knows the line, “Make the money; don’t let the money make you.”

It’s not the only place I’m sure you’ve heard it, but that’s at least where I know the line from.

As B an BTheSite.com are helping you ride out the recession find out about a job fair happening today which may help you jump from the unemployment line to the check cashing line.

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{bthesite illustration}

The recession’s putting a nasty half-nelson us working class folks.  No need to belabor the point.  But with an economy shakier than Jim Cramer’s defense of the people who killed it, everyone’s looking for ways to trim the fat.  Problem is, a lot of us are cutting into muscle now.  I’ve seen a lot of media outlets providing economic survival advice to help us common folks weather this storm.

While I can’t speak to the validity of them, I can guarantee that most of them are not as easy or as ethically flexible as mine.  So, because I’m not getting paid by the word, I’ll get right to it.  Here are a few tips for eating cheap - or more specifically, eating free - while you’re at work.  Assuming you’re fortunate enough to still have a gray, grinding job to schlep to every day.

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Since 75% of my billable day is spent playing on Twitter, watching YouTube, and reading blogs (jealous much?), I come across burgeoning Internet sensations all the time.  This latest satirical site (video above) may not end up in the Internet meme timeline, but its wry message embodies the state of our economy while imparting a special Christmas lesson.

It’s also a bittersweet reminder that, as we punch another hole in the leather to tighten our belts, some of business’ biggest pillars of greed and excess are getting the Bob Cratchit treatment, too.

Yes, Virginia, that’s the kind of schadenfreude money just can’t buy.

When he’s not here, M.M. McDermott is here.  Email him at mmcdermott@getrenegade.com or follow him on Twitter.