Returning to NPR's ability to simply declare reality:

3:27 PM Manny: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/06/the_lost_decade.html

3:28 PM me: that's not good

3:30 PM Manny: the baltic dry index is also not good

3:31 PM http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=bdiy&exch=IND&x=15&y=11

3:32 PM "Because dry bulk primarily consists of materials that function as raw material inputs to the production of intermediate or finished goods, such as concrete, electricity, steel, and food, the index is also seen as an efficient economic indicator of future economic growth and production. The BDI is termed a leading economic indicator because it predicts future economic activity.[7]"

5 minutes

3:37 PM me: definitely not good

3:38 PM Manny: But the recession's over! Don't they listen to NPR?

3:40 PM me: probably behind on their podcasts