Even through the thick smoke the flowers still smell lovely. Asiatic Lillies are my favorite. I bought a gorgeous budding bouquet for my wife at Raley’s over the weekend.

In the midst of one of the worst recessions ever, with no end in sight to the drought, the 800+ fires raging in CA at this moment, sky high gas prices, soaring budget deficits, and unchecked crime plaguing neighborhoods throughout Sacramento, I thought I would take a breather to highlight some positive things happening around the city… and nation.

Homes are becoming more affordable than ever for first time home buyers.

SUV’s are disappearing off the roads in record numbers, and over-car-roof-visibility is getting better every day.

U.S. manufacturing has been given a major shot in the arm due to rising fuel costs and many domestic manufacturers are experiencing exponential growth and hiring lots of people to fill their swelling orders. Experts are calling this phenomena “Reverse Globalization.” It is turning out to be a great side effect of the fuel crisis.

Due to insane inflation at the grocery store, people are eating less and leaner, which could never be a bad thing for the most obese country int he known world. Hey did you know a guy recently lost 80 lbs on a McDonald’s-only diet? Ever see Super Size Me?

Technology is more affordable than ever. Used laptops can be had for $100 on eBay.

Traffic is thinning out everywhere and getting around the city in your Hybrid is easier than ever!

The Bush regime is coming to an end.

Violence and U.S. casualties are clearly on the decline in Iraq.

It was reported yesterday that Sacramento’s high tech sector grew 8% in the past two years,and 145 new high tech companies opened their doors in the valley.

Center divides and various common areas around North Natomas area have suddenly sprung to life with very nice vegetation and flowers planted by the city.

Los Angeles has made major strides in cleaning up its air and now ranks as the second lowest carbon footprint in the U.S. of any major city (Sacramento is 8th and has a lot of work to do)

People at the Sacramento Police Department like Capt. Hahn truly care about making the city safer and take lots of time out of their day to listen to people like me complain.

My Dad’s heart surgery this week was successful and he is now recovering.

My wife and I both have jobs !