It will greatly change my purchases. The price of gas alone will keep me at home most of the year.

And by all true definition standards.. I guess we're really not in a recession really. But according to many older people I know who've seen bad and good.. this is very bad. And I trust their opinions.. since they have about 40 more years of working on them than I.

I also know a great deal of people who own restaurants.. bars.. or work in some sort of entertainment industry. I have not heard one say their business is up.. all have spoken of tougher times.. and business way down from normal.

Lawyers.. dentists.. all manners of people I also know.. all with the same story.

Maybe its not a recession.. but things are in fact not good. When the dow continues to plunge.. and gasoline soars even higher eventually we'll all feel another pinch.

Many investors I know of do not see a light at the end of the tunnel for another 2 or 3 years. Earliest indications of a little better time in my industry is not until late spring of 2009.

Sorry I rambled.. but I find some dillusion to the fact anyone who says people are spending money hand over fist. I think not.