Is investing in gold a useful idea?

Lately, and especially what with the economy as it is, I've heard people talking about investing in gold.

Anyone here have any knowledge or experience with that, or thoughts about how gold resources will fare compared to other resources (bank money, etc) in this economic downturn?

Portland Autumn

redneck_queer and I took a walk on the southeast side of Portland this weekend, and saw lots of pretty things...





( So many vibrant colors... )