So the true unemployment rate is 13.9% (since that includes those not working because they are discouraged – – – surely their feelings shouldn't excuse them from being included in the figure, should they?), and yet people are anticipating a big rally because "stocks like to climb a wall of worry." Good luck with that.

I've done thousands of posts since I started this blog, so I lose track of what I've said. This might be a repeat, but I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me if it is.

I am a big believer in cultural icons as contrary indicators. A particularly remarkable one to me is the best-selling Richistan. Want to see where this celebration of vast riches was published? How about that.

In case God is checking in on this blog and would like to know a really nice way to play things out on the S&P, I think it would go something like this.

1. Have the big-honkin' announcement come out regarding the "stimulus" package;
2. After an initial 9/19-style rally (tinted below), have the market completely lose its marbles and plunge to 700;
3. Bang around 700 for a while as we Slopers sell our puts and cover our shorts;
4. Have it dawn on the market that "the plan might work after all" and start a meaningful, multi-month rally;
5. Give us the shorting opportunity of a lifetime sometime later this year

As it is now, the only really formidable resistance is at about 940.

Given how cruel and devious this market has been all of 2009, I doubt it's going to make it that easy on any of us. So we continue to – – groan – – take it one single day at a time, with tomorrow's pre-opening jobs report being the big kahuna.

This one looks sweet.