Slowdown No Problem for Luxury Goods

But most remain upbeat about their future: Pew survey

(NEWSER) - The economy is doing a number on those aged 18 to 34, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center :

• Half say they have taken a job they didn't want.
• More than a third have gone back to school because of the job market.
• Nearly a quarter have taken unpaid work to gain experience.
• About a quarter have moved back in with the folks.
• More than 1 in 5 have postponed having a baby, and about the same number have put off getting married.

And how you can at least attempt to get a reservation

(NEWSER) - If you fancy yourself a gastronome, you have surely heard of these celebrated restaurants where masters engage in the high art of cooking. But getting into them is another thing entirely. Eater.com has compiled a list of 11 restaurants around the world where it is virtually impossible to snag a table. The US entries: More»

The McLaren officially arrives this week

(NEWSER) - Car lovers in Miami with cash to burn have a choice new item on the menu, reports the Miami Herald : the Brit import McLaren, which starts at $229,000. A local dealer formally opens its showroom tomorrow, adding to South Florida's reputation as "one of the hottest markets for luxury cars," notes the Herald. The Florida dealer will be one of only 10 in North America to sell the sports car, which goes from 0 to 200mph in 20 seconds. And forget about the recession slowing sales: 200 already are on order. More»

It neared its post-recession peak this month

(NEWSER) - Are American shoppers at last stepping back from the ledge? The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index shot up 10 points in December to 64.5, the AP reports. That's its highest reading since April and closing in on its post-recession peak of 72, which was achieved in February. Consumers were somewhat more upbeat in their view of the economy, with that metric bumping from 38.3 to 46.7, and significantly more upbeat about their own prospects for the next six months, which rose from 66.4 to 76.4. More»

Crystal-covered commode ideal for those flush with cash

(NEWSER) - Some people can't help pissing away money. And for them, a Japanese company has introduced a $130,000, crystal-covered toilet, reports CNET . Called the Satis, this luxury commode is covered with 72,000 Swarovski crystals, and is on display at the company's Tokyo showroom. "2011 was a really tough year for Japan, with the earthquake and tsunami disasters," says a rep for Lixil, the brand behind the crystal throne. "We wanted to do this to cheer everybody up just before Christmas." More»