RE VIX, if you are looking at a chart of the VIX, you are seeing real values for the history you are looking at. It was reconfigured in 02, VIX used to be based on OEX options volatility, then goldman (ruler of the financial world) talked CBOE into slightly different calc and base the volatility on the S&P 500. They calculated the value back for 10 years prior to 2002 adoption (it was either 02 or 03). SO don't worry you are viewing legitimate history. The OEX volatility index uised to be VIX, but now OEX volatility is ticker VXO.
I hope this is a short term bottom, I know a lot of people got killed I am up but have taken some hits as well. Here is the reversal candle. I am not long biased but it seems every time I take a short I get my ass handed to me. I was 20 or 30 points early yesterday.
Like what Spec says, there is almost always a 2nd day sell down. And the 2nd one (bounce) works out better for the very reason you just says