In Like a Lion: Out Like a Lamb
January 2009, the USA saw the loss of  741,000 jobs. The average monthly loss for 2009 will come-in around 373,000 per month. In December, the loss should be around 100,000. 2009 came in like a lion will leave like a lamb. The recession is over. It will be all the more obvious when employment, one of the most lagging of indicators, begins to rise, early in 2010. Below the fold is an informative table, brought to you by the free John Mauldin newsletter.

Good News Flood -- Cracks Are Opening Wide
A flood of good news is coming as sure as water flows after the ice in the mountains starts to melt. During the tight commodity phase of the business cycle, oil sheiks always get way to cocky for their own good. When prices are high, the people who live in tightly controlled societies, such as Iran, mellow out because economically times are good. When oil prices begin to fall, the people in resource rich countries lose their willingness to "go along" with "un-free" political systems. Recently, a crack has started opening in Afghanistan. ... Simply put, many groups are no longer willing to associate themselves with the "bad guys".  Oil is sti

Lagging Index Improving
Before long, we will get the "official announcement" that the recession ended in June, five months ago. The end of the recession does not mean that we are back to old highs, but that the direction of the economy is once again up. While the linked report from the Gallup Poll suggests that some of the bounce in consumer attitudes might only be a reflection of the Halloween Holiday Spirit, a number of improving trends have developed. Employment is the forever lagging indicator; when there is a downturn, companies try not to lay off their employees, in hopes that the recession will be short-lived; when a recovery begins, companies are slow

Great Google Apps.
Google Voice is a powerful app; the kind that will make you look back and say, "you remember back when people had three telephone numbers, work, home and cell?". AT&T wants to keep the flow of revenue off land lines flowing but consumers will enjoy saving money and time using Google Apps. Apple and AT&T have had a "good thing going", now it is time for consumers to be able to get great products for less.in reference to: "4. Google Voice for Mobile File this one under "outlawed on iPhone," too."-

Android -- HTC Eris vs Moto Droid
The difference in cost is about $100. The difference in features is huge. Examples: the 5x versus 3.2 camera and the "extra" slide out keyboard. Speed at every corner is a major difference. From the faster processor to the multitasking, the difference is significant.in reference to: "I want an Android phone, but if I don't think all of the bells and whistles on the Droid are worth it, I may go with the Eris, which is really nice."-