Then and now

North American governments plan to spend hundreds of billions on infrastructure to stimulate the economy. Here are some Depression-era public works projects for comparison:

The ultimate currency hedge

Citizens of the Berkshire region of Massachusetts have found a new way to protect themselves from a flagging U.S. dollar: they’ve minted their own currency. Launched in 2006, there are now more than two million “BerkShares” in circulation, with each paper note bearing the likeness of a local hero, such as Herman Melville and Norman Rockwell. About 350 businesses now accept the currency, and five banks have signed on to act as exchange stations (one BerkShare will cost you 95 cents). See www.berkshares.org for more information.

Evolution of a brand

Coca-Cola has featured more than 70 taglines in its 122-year history as one of the world’s leading brands. Here are a dozen of the most memorable: