Belly up: Americans bought more alcohol in 2011

Alcohol sales were up in 2011. That must mean the recessions is over, or, uh, things are worse. People have more money to spend on booze or they need to take away the recession pain. On the other hand, booze may be recession proof, LOL.

US shipments of scotch, vodka, rum and other spirits in 2011 increased 2.7 percent over the previous year -- the strongest increase in five years, according to industry data.