Recession - A period during which economic activity, as measured by gross domestic product, declines for at least two quarters in a row.

When the winds of trade are strong and conditions are fair for seafaring, a captain should track true to underlying currents while the winds work their ways upon the sea.

But even under the sunniest of skies, a captain must take in sails when wild winds tear at threads and the mast pains under stress and strain.

And when the sky does darken and stormy seas threaten life and liberty, a captain must guide with clear vision and steady hand, lest cargo be swallowed by sinking swells or dearest ship be dashed against rocky rogues.

In calmer seas, when winds do sometimes slow, a captain must not forget the deeper currents, yes slower, yet stronger than winds do blow.

Caution calls that even among seemingly safe harbors, a ship may stick on sands when tides recede. Though foolish captains pour every barrel of precious water onto sand below, it raises not the ocean flow.

A wise and patient captain, however, remembers that waves wither not, for whence they came, they shall reclaim.