This "sky is falling" list has too many internal inconsistencies and contradictions of fact and value to be accepted uncritically.

I point specifically to the "crazy" fact that 74% of the wealth is owned by the top 10%.("#22 Incredibly, 74 percent of all the wealth in the United States is owned by the wealthiest 10 percent of all Americans.") That wording needs to be parsed. More to the point, some of that was hard-earned wealth, while some was from crony benefits. The difference is important.

"#26 In just one week in December, a combined total of more than 2000 new cold temperature and snowfall records were set in the United States."

So, is this a sign of an ice age coming, or merely a statistical fact. If you look at the first 100,000 digits of Pi, you can find lots of curious "runs" such as 5 nines and 3141 and 3142 both and so on. The increase in reporting stations would be one factor.

"#78 As of December 5th, 83 volcanic eruptions had been recorded around the planet so far this year. That is a new all-time record high."

Again, is this a result of simple awareness, or a statistical fact -- or perhaps a sign that God is punishing us and the end of times is near?

Let me tell you:
1. HUNDREDS of new species have been discovered! Over 400 in the Amazon alone, including a new tapir.

2. The number of NEW PATENTS filed from 2009 to 2010 jumped a whopping 7.7% -- which was OVER THREE TIMES the annual GDP growth rate.

"#28 The rate of homeownership in the United States has fallen for eight years in a row."

I submit that this is a good thing. Historically, self-employed merchants RENT their apartments and houses, while PEASANTS are tied to the land. Being stuck with unsaleable homes prevented people from moving where the jobs are. In the 19th and early 20th century, workers could move to pursue opportunities, and business owners could, also. Now, we are a nation of landed serfs.

#79 53 percent of all Americans do not have a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and water in their homes.

A. Why bother? That's what grocery stores are for.
B. 47% do.
C. The 53% probably do, but just do not know it. I heard a talk by a home nutritionist who visited a woman who had "nothing to eat." The nutritionist found a bag of wheat flour, a box of corn flower, some margarine...

#83 According to a recent Pew Research survey, only 19 percent of all Americans trust the government. Back in 1958, 73 percent of all Americans trusted the government.

The Flynn Effect suggests that we are smarter now than we were back then.