Sign of a Top?

Here is an article from MSNBC "Billionaire Pays $100 Million for Mansion".  The subtitle reads "Highest known price ever paid for a single-family home in the U.S."   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42357594/ns/business-real_estate/   When all the popular talk is about recovery and consumption and luxury, that is the sign of a top (i.e. sell stocks).  When all the popular talk is about depression and unemployment and cutting back, that is a sign of a bottom (i.e. buy stocks).   The S&P 500 is up 85 points in the past three weeks (currently at 1335), and emerging markets are en fuego.  My short portfolio is getting crushed.  It does not feel like there will ever be a top.  The first car experience occurred the week of October 10, 2008.  The second one occurred today.  I hope my portfolio recovers and improves.