That is pretty much as expected with the current economy. Even those still verbally clinging to the belief that this will be a great Christmas selling season surely don't believe their own words. A slow holiday season on the heels of a slow back to school season spell a bleak future for the economy - especially for those who will suffer from rising inventories of unsold product that will have to again be worked down or charged off in the endless stream of "one time charges" against earnings. That includes the chip makers and the equipment companies that depend on the health of the chip industry.
As for Carl Sagan, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.