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MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

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Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic

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Ikea’s billionaire founder was so frugal that he bought clothes from flea markets and took free salt and pepper from restaurants

1

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

2

Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic

3

Ikea’s billionaire founder was so frugal that he bought clothes from flea markets and took free salt and pepper from restaurants
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Anatomy of a soft economy

By
Katie Benner
Katie Benner
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By
Katie Benner
Katie Benner
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August 18, 2011, 9:00 AM ET
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It’s been a tough slog coming out of the Great Recession. As for a double dip, consider this: We’ve had only three in 160 years. Here’s a look at how this recovery compares with recessions past.

By Nicolas Rapp and Katie Benner



Reporter associate: Doris Burke

Note: Recovery of GDP growth rates is based on real GDP adjusted for inflation. Employment is seasonally adjusted.

Sources: Bureau of Economic Research; Bureau of Economic Analysis; Bureau of Labor Statistics; The Federal Reserve; Credit Suisse

This article is from the September 5, 2011 issue of Fortune.

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American idiots: How Washington is destroying the economy

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