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IPTV January 2008 NewsReel

Denver is 1 of Only 12 of the nations 50 Metropolitan areas have a high risk of price declines, according to the PMI Mortgage Insurance companys Winter 2008 Market Risk index. This index is based on the 3rd quarter Office of Federal Housing Oversight data, and ranks the 50 largest metropolitan areas according to the likelihood in price declines. 12 of these metropolitan areas have a 1% or less risk of price declines. Areas that had the highest price run-ups in recent years are at highest risk of price deterioration.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/16/metro-area-home-values-likely-hold/

If you lost a home to foreclosure last year or paid mortgage insurance premiums, there is some good news. Congress enacted laws in late 2007 to allow deduction of some mortgage insurance premiums. This could amount to a tax break of up to $350. The foreclosure tax break applies to all taxpayers who were granted forgiveness of mortgage debt. Previously, this amount was fully taxable and could have run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8U6GH5O0.htm

On the subprime mortgage crisis front, Bank of America has announced a deal where they will buy the troubled Countrywide Financial for $4.1 billion dollars. This will make Bank of America the nations largest mortgage lender and will provide much needed relief to the largest independent mortgage banker. While this acquisition is a major step in solving the mortgage meltdown, more failures and acquisitions are anticipated in the coming months.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22606833

Consumer Confidence showed a slight increase in December, according to the Conference Board. Consumers also believe that there will be more jobs in the future and that their personal incomes will be higher in the coming months. While these are bright spots, overall consumer sentiment seems to point to a slowing of the economy. The Conference Board developed and reports monthly on consumer confidence, as well as the Leading Economic Indicators report, which is expected at the end of January.

http://www.conference-board.org/economics/consumerconfidence.cfm

First American Corporation, one of the largest national title insurers, announced plans to spin off its financial services business. It also announced a 4th quarter loss, due mainly to costs from the California wildfires. They also announced plans to aggressively manage employee costs, and are looking to move processing jobs to counties like India and the Phillipines. Chief Financial Officer Frank MacMahon said that up to 40% of their workforce may be moved offshore.

http://www.reuters.com/article/bankingFinancial/idUSBNG6641820080115

In Technology news, Google has announced plans for expanding its offerings for the IPhone. Google introduced access to mail, calendars, search, and Google Reader last month and unveiled additional enhancements that allow better navigation and easier user interface, using the iPhone touch screen. Google gadgets are now available for the iPhone as well. Google is moving forward with the Android mobile platform, and phones using this platform are expected later this year.

http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3721541

A 40 hour laptop battery? Researcher at Stanford Universitys Department of Materials Science and Engineering have found a way to give rechargeable lithium ion batteries as much as 10 times more charge. These batteries are used from everything from iPods to laptops. A patent has been filed for the technology and negotiations are ongoing with battery manufacturers. Yi Cui, assistant professor, states,