I caught this on Marketwatch.com today and thought that it was a clever way to remind us of the fundamentals we should follow as we all attempt to make sense of our current situations:

Yes, if you want to know how to survive, Noah's got the answer. The ark-builder is one of history's best long-term investors. He thinks like a Coast Guard ice cutter heading through the storm. The ark's the perfect metaphor, a symbol of survival. Noah's message fits today. We paraphrase it, but you'll get his gift. Listen to his survival tips.
Here's how to build your "ark," your very special ark:
1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark
Yes, we know it'll be raining in 2009. Pouring hard. But the real storm is within you. So is your ark. A state of mind.

2. Don't listen to critics, just get on with what needs to be done
Only one in three Americans were building their retirement ark before the credit crunch. Most have less than $15,000 savings.

3. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by pros
The Pros: Wall Street, Corporate America, Washington, Cable anchors, White House, Congress, SEC, the Fed. Best. Brightest. Listen to their happy talk ... and you'll sink in the flood. You know what's best for you. Trust your inner voice.

4. Two heads are better than one
Remember, "they boarded in twos." You're not alone. Your spouse. Best buddy. Mentor. Ask for help. Think long-term, to after troubled waters recede.

5. Build your future on high ground
Goals, goals, goals. Research studies prove that successful folks, the millionaires, get there by setting goals.

6. Don't miss the boat, the ark will keep you from sinking
 Hard assets? Realty? Commodities? Oil? History tells us cycles happen. We've had 25 bull/bear cycles over the past century. Steady your ark. Recoveries happen too.

7. Don't forget, we're all in the same boat
America is the great land of opportunity, even in a bear-recession. You can still become a millionaire.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage, turtles came on with cheetahs
9. Woodpeckers inside are a larger threat than the storm outside
Attitude is the key to success, it's an inside job folks, "all in your head." Successful investing begins with that "positive mental attitude."
10. When you're stressed out, float awhile
Going over the edge? Time out. Turn within. Listen to the still small voice. Ask. And receive. Pray. Meditate. Exercise. Go for a walk. Take a break. Call an old friend, kibitz. Help someone worse off. Answers will come. This too will pass.

11. Stay fit
When you're 600 years old, "someone" might ask you to do something really big, like build a big "ark" and "save your world." And that someone will be you. Yes, a new calling. To follow your dreams. To achieve the mission you came here for.