PR professionals, as they like to be called — the folks tugging on our sleeves day and night to deliver their spinning version of reality to you — have been working furiously during the recession. (Whistling past the graveyard, perhaps?)

A large part of their recessionary period yammering has been devoted to getting the word “green” attached to their clients and their clients’ products. Things may be going to hell economically, but if they can paint things green, the PR folks are hoping we’ll still buy them. I’ve been told everything from throw-away coffee cups to diesel exhaust are green in the last few months.

Some have moved on to other painting projects.

And when it comes to slapping smiley face stickers on empty lockers it’s hard to beat this gaseous emission: “Although the recession has proven tough for workers, 77% of professionals interviewed for a new Accountemps survey cited at least one positive effect the downturn has had on their jobs, including the ability to tackle new projects (53%), assume additional responsibility (52%) and take on more challenging work (52%). However, only 12% said they have received promotions.”

No mention was made of the several professionals whom, at least initially, found jumping off a building to be exhilarating.