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A new government report shows that the U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in more than six years during the fourth quarter of 2009. The report, which was released on Friday, revealed more specifically that the national gross domestic product rose at a 5.7 percent annual rate. This is much stronger than expected and may be a sign that the economy just may be recovering.

Why the Improvement?

Economists had predicted growth, but not as much as we saw in the fourth quarter. According to a survey from Briefing.com, economists had forecast growth of 4.7 percent. With the economy only rising at a 2.2 percent annual pace in the third quarter of last year, what could have caused the growth?

Some say the improvement was driven by a turnaround in inventories - the supply of goods businesses produce when anticipating sales.

At the end of 2008 and early 2009, many businesses slashed their inventories in fear of the economic conditions. However, according to Friday's report, the inventory increased drastically in last year's fourth quarter, mostly in the auto industry.

Does This Mean the Economy's Improving?

So does this shift in economic growth mean that the economy is improving? Well, not exactly. While inventory is up, personal consumption hasn't grown as much - two percent to be exact.In other words, companies feel comfortable enough to increase their goods but consumers don't feel comfortable enough to buy it.

Since consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity, it's safe to say that the growth of the economy is probably more of a numbers game at this point than a reality.

Have you increased your personal consumption in the last few months?

So, the people in charge of this country have said that the recession is over and we're in the midst of a recovery.

Do you believe it?

With continually high unemployment numbers and low home sales, you could see why we're not entirely convinced. But we try not to be a doom-and-gloom kind of site. It's sometimes better to laugh through difficult periods, and we found a few photos that will give you a good chuckle.

Evidence: No one wants to drive to get a drink

Photo by Adam Tinworth

Well, according to this photo at least. With gas prices continuing to bump and fall, walking for a beer might be your best bet. It's hard to stomach $4 a gallon when you remember the days when it was under $1.

Evidence: Who Needs a Storefront?

Photo by Citizen of Two Worlds

Yes, it's pretty cheap to buy real estate these days, and yes, President Barack Obama just gave small businesses a huge boost. However, retail rent still isn't cheap and it's not that easy to get a mortgage these days (though we're here to help you find a fantastic rate).

Evidence: Thievery is back in vogue

Photo by donncha

Identity theft is one thing, but theft by duck? It's not fair. Maybe they're not paying the Aflac spokesduck enough?

Evidence: No Bathrooms

Photo by photocillin

It might just be a misplaced sign. But maybe it's not. We count it as evidence.

Do you have photographic evidence? Show us!

Chesapeake Bank's online division, Clear Sky Accounts , recently dropped their savings account interest rates to 1.60% . The financial institution already lowered their rate in December . Some features of the Clear Sky Savings balances include:

• 1.60% APY for balances up to $249,999.99
• 0.50%...

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