boring wasn't so bad

Remember when banks were boring? Paul Krugman does. It wouldn't be a bad thing to bring some of that boredom back to the financial sector. Not saying everything should return to 1970, but some serious regulation and oversight - and getting rid of some of the perverse incentives that helped lead to the current financial snafu - would be a nice idea.

It might be boring for the bankers, who may have to settle for being just rich instead of rich and exciting. Too bad.

what to do in these uncertain economic times

Buy! Stocks and houses will give you a decent return by 2016 or so, if you are otherwise careful with your money and avoid credit card debt.

No, wait! They may be nowhere close to recovering!

No, wait - SELL! And take a loss and write it off on your taxes!

...

In any case, de facto President Barack Obama isn't waiting until the abdication of George W. Bush is official to get started - he's unveiled plans to spend a lot of money on infrastructure and other projects, with the hoped effect of boosting the economy and jobs growth. And maybe fixing a bridge or two that might otherwise be tempted to fall into the Mississippi River.