We hear the reports every day. We know we may be headed for even more trouble. Gas is up. The dollar is down. (But slowly gaining on the euro.) Home sales are slumping. People you know are getting laid off. But that’s no reason to panic. Yet.

Thanks to a couple of wars on the other side of the world and some super greedy business leaders, we’re all left to suffer the consequences. But that doesn’t mean we have to be filled with gloom and doom. You have options, whether you’re just entering the work force or you’ve been in it for years.

In this issue, we look at some of the faster-growing industries to get into now—and yes, many of them involve going green—and how Chicago is holding up among the rest of the country as we hear that scary word: recession. Other jobs allow you to have fun—like interior design, culinary arts or digital media. People always need to eat, and god knows computers aren’t going anywhere. Even if you set down a path 15 years ago in a field that now leaves you feeling dead inside, you can make substantial changes, but not without being cautious. Feel like leaving the finance world for the fashion world? What about getting into the wellness field? You can. And it’s easier than you think. Sure, you might have to make some financial sacrifices, but if you get canned from your investment-banking job, that $50,000 bonus just flew out the window, too.

If you do happen to lose your job, don’t worry. Start drinking! We show off some great new accessories to help you drown your sorrows—or just enjoy life even more. And while Budweiser took off for a long trip to Belgium, there are still plenty of home-owned brews left in America. Our beverage columnist Ben Madeska talks about some of the bigger U.S.-based breweries still here, so you can still feel patriotic while imbibing.

Sadly, summer came and went way too fast. And you likely spent a lot of time outside enjoying the sun, sand and water, which has probably taken a toll on your skin. There are remedies—for guys and girls. Check out Amy Kite’s round-up of great products to help refresh your skin to seal in the moisture for fall.

And of course, we have music. Boy, do we have music. Can you say Tricky? Dandy Warhols? Juliana Hatfield? Yeah, it seems like this could be the mid-’90s, but all these artists have just put out some great new albums and some are bringing their tours to Chicago. We chatted with them all—and also review new CDs from Brian Wilson, Cold War Kids, Kings of Leon, Thievery Corporation, Raphael Saadiq and—gasp!—NKOTB, along with many others.

So hunker down. Take it all in. And then get back outside. It’s only going to be warm for another few minutes. Enjoy it while you can.

Ari Bendersky
Editor in Chief

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REVERB: Chapter Two Tricky’s latest album reveals a new, more hopeful outlook for the musician read more...

CLEAR CONSCIENCE: Urban Escapes On its centennial celebration, the Garfield Park Conservatory connects with the city read more...