And, who knows - maybe prosperous also.

GLDX, the explorer ETF, was down 44% in 2011. Tyhee was down either 38.7% or 40.6% (I do not have data to the half cent so I don't know if the 12/31/2010 price was 15.5 or 16 - hence the range I gave). Either way, we "outperformed" or, more appropriately, we suck a little less.

I am a sentiment freak, and try to use it as a contrarian indicator. I like Mark Hulbert's approach, but sometimes plain old anecdotal evidence attracts me. I "knew" that we probably hit bottom when Skeleg announced he might sell, and Hansix started doubting the moral fiber of S & B. Who woulda thunk it! The sentiment on the board in general was much worse than I had ever seen it before. Strangely, this is a good thing, I think.

I expect significant improvement in SP in 2012.

Strike