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One of the most visible ways to assess the economy is the number of trucks on the highways. In the year 2000 or 2001 trucks were almost non existant on the highways.

I work in an industry that is another good indicator of the economy.

I make cement.

The facility I work at currently produces an average of 3500 tons of cement per day. And right now, we're selling every bit we make. Over 90% of what we make goes right to the Phoenix market.

In fact, we're in the planning stages right now to build another preheater/calciner kiln system along with raw and finish mills (and extra storage!) that will double our capacity to over 7000 tons per day. We're looking at over $150M before we're done. If the forecast was as gloomy as some here say it is, my employers would not be wanting to spend this kind of money. As a side note, just 40 miles to the south of me, another company is in the beginning stages of building a brand new cement plant.This is just Arizona. There are similar stories coming out of Texas, Kansas City and elsewhere.

Somebody's forecasting big things in the coming years. IF - and that's a BIG if- there's going to be a recession, it'll be short-lived.

A good griend of mine that hauls heavy construction equipment hasn’t had hardly any work in 3 months so construction is going to take a super big hit here in So, Cal. shortly.

Before 3 months ago he was busy 7 days a week.