A big headline this morning : U.S. Auto Sales Fell 36% last month. I think headlines like that are a little unfair. It's a 36% drop when compared to last December. That's a smart comparison in steadier times. But auto sales were just as bad last month, down 36.7% compared to a year before. So are we going to keep writing headlines for the next ten months saying "Auto Sales Down 30%"?

And here's an economic indicator for you; there's less mail flowing through the U.S. Postal system.

Meanwhile, the auto repair business in Branson, Missouri is thriving.

The Planet Money minds are gathering here in DC today so we won't be tending the blog, but check back this evening — we have a good podcast for you that includes our first ever Planet Money book review, which I'm sure will not be the usual affair since Mike Pesca did it.