Although a heightened degree of overseas job outsourcing is probably taking place, the phenomenon is likely exaggerated by newspaper headlines; in any event, the net impact on aggregate employment is positive in the long run, ... unwarranted.

Every good newspaper is muckraking to some degree. It's part of our job. Where there's muck, we ought to rake it.

We've seen data from various sectors showing the economy is beginning to stabilize. Not only employment, but the manufacturing sector as well. And holiday retail sales, consumption and housing look OK. So, we have all these powerful stimulants that are going to contribute to growth as 2002 unfolds.

The reason we've shifted to deficit spending is largely due to a shift from very robust economic growth and a booming stock market into a recession. The bottom line is, I'm not particularly concerned.

We exaggerated the threat. We worst-cased it and then acted as if that worst case was the most likely case.

It looks a little bit browner although there is still moisture beneath the surface. I do like going into a Test match with a spinner, to be honest, because it gives you greater options. But conditions must allow for that.