Recent economic signals have lent credence to the idea that the U.S. experienced a soft patch in the spring and early summer, rather than a downturn that put the country on a path back toward recession.

FORBES: Bernanke Letter Gives Stocks A Lift To Close Rocky Week

The perfect specimen should have a golden and crunchy crust, with a contrastingly soft and spongy white interior -- and should spring back into shape when squeezed.

BBC: The best baguette in Paris

In the chef's second Slow Food Fast contribution, seared spring onions, boiled new potatoes, a soft-boiled egg and plump, sweet peas top a pool of creamy, herbal green goddess dressing.

WSJ: Spring Vegetables With Green Goddess Dressing

Even so, in contrast to only ten years ago, the firms operating in Kansas City today are largely the same as those trading soft red winter wheat at the Chicago Board of Trade and spring wheat at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.

ECONOMIST: Grains of truth