It's based on economics and demographics. The people of that area demand more health services. They demand more education jobs.

If it slows, it is slowing from an elevated pace.

Winter months tend to be slower. We really have to wait until spring and summer ? the peak of the housing market ? to see if this was a seasonal effect or if it really is some moderation in housing activity.

We know that the baby boom has changed society at every age - education, housing, jobs, child care, health care, you name it. That will keep happening as they move into normal retirement, whatever that is.

Where are the people who lost their jobs or were denied housing? ... You've got to have a huge education campaign to tell people to go to the polls to fix a problem they don't think exists.

Why people smoke when they know all these health issues, well, that's a good question.