“The economic recession is bad enough, but a relentless news cycle is making it worse”, writes author Eric Weiner. I couldn’t agree more. Recent research suggests that a vicious cycle can take hold – the more your read about recession, the more likely you’ll suffer from gloominess or bouts of anxiety. This is turn negatively impacts consumer confidence, which in turn affects spending, which is turn affects businesses, which in turn affects jobs.

The sad reality for many people in 2009 is this recessionary talk and media emphasis looks likely to escalate. For this reason I’ve decided to make the focus of this thread “gladrap” - positive signs in the current economic climate.

More money in your pocket
Countering the recessionary gloom are some factors that will provide some positive relief for people, including lower fuel prices, lower official interest rates and mortgage interest rates, and personal income tax cuts.

Inauguration of Barack Obama
January 20, 2009 is the date of the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Here’s hoping this very wise and powerful man can restore some sensibility, compassion and co-operation to international relations


International Year of Natural Fibres
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres IYNF
The IYNF is intended to cover a wide range of natural fibres, of animal and vegetable origin, and with uses ranging from luxurious apparel to traditional and non-traditional industrial uses. The focus will be on emphasizing the positive qualities of natural fibres. Personally I’m a big fan of natural cloths all ready – they feel so great next to the skin.

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009 for more interesting events occuring in 2009

Less will be more Many of us having been living well beyond our means for many years now. Some people blame the Banks for being so free with the money and now being so ruthless in asking for it back. Some say they set people up to fail. The good news is, if people are willing to see it this way, is that the current credit crunch will force to simplify their lives. Finally perhaps we will see a move away from rampant consumerism and our throw away lifestyle for something more lasting - like community, friends and family.

Authenticity
According to the author of Future Files Richard Watson, when life around us is uncertain, we want authenticity to give us a sense of security and control. He predicts a rise in the value placed on authentic people, authentic, uncomplicated products, tradition and unflashiness. Sounds good to me