Joe Sixpack Cringes, Billionaires Go On Binges

As Economy Slips, Yacht Sales Skyrocket

"On board is every luxury you could ever imagine. You can lounge in a Jacuzzi on the top deck while you or your crew barbecue. Prefer something less casual? No problem, a deck or two down is your formal dinning room with a table that seats 12."



"Your master suite is large enough to accommodate a king-size bed, walk-in closet and of course your own private bathroom with another Jacuzzi. Fine marble and woodworking adorn every corner of the yacht."



"That's right, while the U.S. economy slows — if not enters a recession — the demand for these toys for the ultrarich has never been stronger."

Quite the club.

Countrywide Treats Bankers to Ski-Resort Trip
"The U.S. home-mortgage industry is in the dumps. That doesn't mean the party is over for mortgage bankers.
"The first items on the agenda for guests arriving Monday evening: Cocktails and ski fittings. Next is dinner at the Spago restaurant, whose menu includes Kobe steak with wasabi potato puree for $105. (For the budget-minded, pan-roasted buffalo filet with Kabocha pumpkin flan is $54.) "