Yesterday was an epic, game-changing day for Google (GOOG:NASDAQ). It alters the landscape in the smartphone industry. In one expensive move, Google made its first foray into proprietary hardware territory. The move was another kick in the head for top competitor Research In Motion (RIMM:NASDAQ).

The mainstream financial media is like a couple of eight-year-olds. We hear arguments from both sides -- corporate earnings are beating records, but at the same time joblessness could jump to 10% again.

Which is it? And how do you plan an investment strategy against such bipolar predictions?

The U.S. is in a very scary position right now... We have a real chance of defaulting on our debt. The government is still arguing over what to do about the debt ceiling, and if they can't find a solution we're looking at an economic meltdown.

The rating agencies are starting to catch on.