[McGavin999]

As the media drumbeat goes on about the "failing US economy" the people have adopted the same way of interpreting the news that the Russians did years ago. Whatever the media says, the people know the opposite is true. That's why they're so optimistic.

[SamAdams76]

The local traffic-shopping-dining-out index appears to have risen in the Boston area lately. That is, there is more traffic on the roads, the lines are longer at the stores and there is a longer wait for a table at a restaurant - especially on Friday and Saturday nights.