Good news (Well, for some people):

May 23 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. economy may have expanded at a 4.5 percent annual pace in the first quarter, bolstered by demand that's enabling companies to raise prices, sweeten profits and hire more workers, economists said in advance of a government report due Thursday.

Other reports indicate the rate of hiring and job growth continues at a strong pace, as well.

So here is the Late Final theorum of economic conditions: As the number of datelines out of Iraq increases, gains in the economy are probably increasing at a commensurate or better rate.