Just Channel Some Positive Energy, Baby

Noted economist Ray Perryman recently told me that 70 percent of the economy runs on consumer confidence.
Of course, confidence has hit stormy seas thanks to all the bleak economic news. From the jittery mortgage underwriters, who really had it coming, to the couple giving up satellite television and movie rentals just to hold onto a couple of extra bucks, consumer insecurity can be found all across the spectrum.
Unlike the rest of the nation, Tyler's consumer confidence is shaken but not shattered. People are still eating out like crazy. Home and car sales numbers haven't mirrored the declines elsewhere. And on and on and on. The glass is always half full.
I ran across this little video today, and it underscores the power of positive thinking. It's well worth the 16 minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

Maybe the underwriters should have to view it as mandatory job training.