The government seems keener to point out that things are not so bad.

ECONOMIST: Rigidities in the labour market make recovery even harder

Mr. HUSSEIN MOHAMMED ERSHAD (Former Military Leader): If these two ladies are not there heading these two political parties, the men are there - men, men are there - all the things are not so bad.

NPR: Upheaval Marks Another Election in Bangladesh

Officially, things are not so bad.

ECONOMIST: Egypt's economic misfortunes, miseries and mistakes

Pawn shops are not necessarily associated with the very rich so, when things go bad, does this test the age-old question: Are the rich really different?

NPR: Florida Pawn Shop Booming After Madoff Revelation