Today, on the eve of the new year, we aren't going to talk about the latest techy news and headlines -- we are going to talk about the economy and how you and I are going to save it.

First, let's get real.

As 2009 dawns on the world, we are facing some pretty grim circumstances. Global economies are struggling. The US auto market (which I haven't patronized, like, ever) is collapsing under the weight of 75 years of bad ideas, inefficient cars and antiquated manufacturing technology that unions won't let us upgrade. Food prices are rising at a rate such that countries are left starving in their wake. Homes are standing vacant while families sleep in shelters and on the street.

Closer to home, it's no joke that we are in the middle of a recession, and times haven't been this tough for Americans in decades. Jobs are being lost, companies are battening down the hatches on everything from year-end bonuses to office supplies and magazine subscriptions.

There are always a few markets, though, that can survive bubbles like these -- medicine, law and, strangely enough, consumer electronics. Seriously. But according to this Forbes.com article, we could now be facing the end of the boom in consumer electronics, too.

So, now that I've thoroughly depressed you, let's build you back up again, shall I?

If 2008 signals desperation and palpitations, surely 2009 is the symbolic era of (pardon the now-cliche) hope. New leadership, new ideas and, more importantly, a new chance to make things right.

But what, you ask, can us geeks do to help? How will the geeks of the world rescue America from complete self-destruction and, worse, a worldwide depression?

We are going to innovate, and we are going to lead the public to newer, better forms of technology. It isn't the masses that make change, it's the early adopters of technology that shift public views and consumer sentiment. And that's what we will be -- the early adopters of the newest cell phones, Blackberrys, ultra-thin laptops, mp3 players, etc.

We will hack through the dense woods and leave behind a clear, well defined path for the tech-newbies to follow. And follow they will -- gadgets are only ever getting better, cooler and more user-friendly. And, at the slight flicker of economic improvement, the public *will* grasp on our coattails and follow us into the fray of technological advancement. We at Byte-Sized will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas no matter the economic condition. We will be checking out and reviewing the newest advancements before they hit the shelves. And, we will be enjoying every minute of it.

So, my friends, keep your cellphones charged, your laptops open and your iPhones at the ready. For, it will be the geeks that save us all.

Here's hoping all you and yours a happy, safe and, of course, geektastic new year!