The foreclosure crisis is far from over, according to RealtyTrac's Rick Sharga. The company will release its year-end report on Thursday showing foreclosures rose 20% over the previous year: "We are setting new records almost every day...the problem is getting worse...we are in the second wave of a three wave foreclosure cycle."



Also re commercial realty and next wave of bank losses see: As Buildings Empty, Banks' Credit Woes Pile Up.   more »

*Google has caused quite a stir with its talk of pulling out of China rather than censor its search engine as ordered by the Chinese government. In suggesting that freedom of speech is more valuable than' more market share' Google is expressing a rare and admirable stance of principles over money. And in doing so they are taking a very public opportunity to direct some international scrutiny on the Chinese government and its oppressive policies. The fact is that much of the world has been so desperate and indiscriminate for more and more stuff and more and more sales, that they have made 'deals with devils' all over the place; the Chinese government is just one of them. See Wall Street Cheat article: Do the right thing: Google chooses freedom of speech over profits.

Also see Thank you Google from a Humble Immigration Lawyer from Canadian legal expert, Michael Niren.

I say: good for Google. At the end of the day success should bring some choice about how and with whom one chooses to do business. If not then what is success? Hopefully other companies and countries will follow suit and understand that profits 'at any cost' are worthless in the end...   more »