Until a few months ago I got my worldwide news from the Internet. Then a few months ago I made the mistake of getting expanded cable at just about the same time the financial problems started happening. My new access includes CNN and BBC.
Good gravy, watching CNN for a few hours would make the happiest, most go-lucky lottery winner want to slit his wrists. It's a pounding and unrelenting parade of doom and gloom. These guys carelessly throw around phrases like "biggest fall since the depression" and "Iceland stands at the edge of Europe and the edge of an economic abyss." Jeez louise, this is ridiculous.
I still remember the 1980-82 recession when I was a kid. Inflation hit 13.5% in 1980. Unemployment hit 10.8% in December 1982. The prime interest rate was over 21% in 1982. My dad lost his job and was unemployed for a year. That was bad recession.
Compare that situation to today, and in every way today is a lot better. US unemployment is 7.2%, inflation is 3.8% and the prime interest rate is 3.25% as of December 2008. I mean, come on!!! The media loves to hype up bad news. I can't stand 'em.
Charvey's advice? Turn off your TV and take a walk in the sunshine.