Ok do the numbers....4 months November, December..I'm sure that Christmas spending had no effect on those months...January, February are the months that some Americans start getting tax refunds and have extra cash to spend, and some of the spending also comes from people that had extra work and additional income over the holidays. These numbers mean nothing, and I would guess that they will drop for the next few months. This administration more than most is putting spin on every number that comes out and saying whatever the result that is "not what was expected". My question is..expected by who? This economy is still in the crapper and no it's not what I want. If this health care disaster is passed it's going to get alot worse.