AROUND THE RECESSION IN 100 DAYS - DAY 20

Shark attacks on humans dropped worldwide in 2008 to their lowest level in five years, apparently because the recession has curtailed seaside vacations. University of Florida researchers recently confirmed 59 shark attacks on humans in 2008, down from 71 the previous year and the fewest since 2003.

“Fewer people enjoyed the sand & surf for economic reasons.” said George Burgess, head of the International Shark Attack File. “The only ones at the beach are those dweebs with the metal detectors, and who wants to eat them?”

A shark spokesperson exclaimed, “We’re definitely encountering fewer flailing bodies in the water and it’s had a noticeable effect on our consumption. Long term, seals and tuna remain our main focus, but in anticipation of this continuing trend, we’re experimenting with kelp, surimi, whole grains and other heart-friendly diet alternatives.”

In a related story, sand castle starts were down 19% for the year.