Threads like this drift

and they are fun! you never know which way they are going to go next.
As far as the housing market in the U.S.... Not a good time to buy IMO, depending on where you live in the US, some parts are actually getting cheaper to live in. A recession could be on the way, it is just a matter of time before it hits Canada too.
I support the troops and everything, but Iraq is a big mess really lowering the US dollar, just like buying from china. Which ultimatly effects the housing market.