Well some economists did predict a double-dip recession. Fortunately they look to be wrong. I would rather economists be predicting good news than bad but just because these economists are predicting a robust 2011 unfortunately doesn't just make it so. Hopefully they will be proven correct.
As of today though we still aren't seeing the new jobs that are needed (unfortunately I know on this one) and the issue of the deficit hasn't just disappeared (multiple Economist issues have excellent stories on this).
How's it going, anyway? Are you still keeping kind of busy w/ the part-time stuff?
Good luck in the new year. I hope this economist is right, and that improvement is more robust. People have to start working again...