Everyone knows or knows someone who knows a “Debbie Downer.” That acquaintance or friend that just won’t let you have a good time. They always seem to pull the good times down and ruin the party for the rest of us.

Unprecendented government action is beginning to thaw credit markets. Commercial paper is being traded again. But this credit crisis is far from over, says William Patalon III. The trickle of finance will only reach top-grade companies. The weak will either go bankrupt or be swallowed up by their healthier rivals.

Halliburton’s Slight Loss; “The Force” Boosts Hasbro; Better-Than-Expected Economic Outlook; Indian Airline Labor Reversal; NetFlix Earnings Pop; Home Prices to Fall Another 10%; Citi Wins Settlement; Merrill Cuts Jobs

A hectic week on the economic calendar is highlighted by the initial look at second quarter gross domestic product (GDP). Remember, a recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth, so doomsayers have targeted this week’s release as confirmation of their pessimism.

Icahn’s Yahoo Victory; XM Gains Listeners; Gloomy Economic Outlook; Crude Gains on Tropical/Political Storms; Hasbro Beats Expectations; Corn Cut Down; Goldman Banker Summoned by Paulson; Union Asks Citi to Break Up Operations

Merck Doubles Profit; Arch Coal Heats Up First Quarter; Northwest Bankcorp Bolstered by Visa IPO; Profit Dives for Bank of America; National City Posts Loss, Slashes Dividend; Mattel Profit Drops; Strong Hasbro Results; Lowered Expectations for MF Global.