HONG KONG — When Chinese authorities launched an investigation in 2006 into potential foreign currency violations by Beijing Henderson Properties, the real estate developer called in some curious outside help. It turned to a Chinese investment company with no evident expertise in currency regulations and to a murky Hong Kong foundation with no dis­cern­ible offices and no listed telephone number. Read full article > >

Read more:
In China, relatives of Party officials build lucrative businesses on family contacts

Too bad this primary isn’t the real deal.

The rest is here:
Missouri Could Be Santorum’s Big Break

Thanks to Facebook, the concept of “defriending” has become part of the online culture. But in the real world, breaking up is a lot more difficult.

Original post:
It’s Not Me, It’s You: How to End a Friendship

Thanks to Facebook, the concept of “defriending” has become part of the online culture. But in the real world, breaking up is a lot more difficult.

Here is the original post:
It’s Not Me, It’s You: How to End a Friendship

The downturn in the real estate market in Merced, Calif., has presented an unusual housing opportunity for thousands of students attending the University of California.

More here:
Homework and Jacuzzis as Dorms Move to McMansions in California

LS Lowry’s depiction of the real Coronation Street in Salford, one of the roads that inspired the ITV soap, is to go under the hammer.

Read the original post:
Lowry’s Coronation Street on sale

So much for fiscal discipline. The deal that Congress reached in April for the 2011 budget was said to cut $38 billion from 2010 spending. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said at the time that the number was an exaggeration: the real cut…

View post:
Budget ‘Cut’ Deal Upped Spending

EastEnders does not offer a realistic portrayal of working-class life and is not as multicultural as the real East End of London, the soap’s boss admits.

Here is the original post:
EastEnders unrealistic, says boss

In Tripoli, Moammar Gaddafi’s stronghold, the real battle for Libya appears already to have been fought and won by a regime that was willing to use live ammunition against its opponents.

Follow this link:
In Libyan capital, a revolution crushed

What’s morality got to do with it? Economics = numbers, doesn’t it? In his regular column, Michael Blastland looks for the real story of economics.

More here:
What’s the story with economics?

Instead of trying to pressure Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, labor is attacking Wall Street as the real budget villain.

View post:
Public-Worker Unions Try New Tactics on Albany

Among the varied services tied to the real estate market, smudging is probably the most ethereal.

The rest is here:
The Appraisal: Before Move-In Day, Evicting the Old Auras

At an open house at the Executive Mansion, the real draw was not transparency, but the new governor’s girlfriend.

See the rest here:
Nice to Meet You, Governor. And Sandra Lee! Wow!

When people imagined themselves eating M & M’s or pieces of cheese, they became less likely to gorge themselves on the real thing, research shows.

Excerpt from:
Findings: Real Evidence for Diets That Are Just Imaginary

This week: where to get a taste of the real Kings County old school and find delicious Italian food in a space that’s lively but not too loud.

See the original post here:
Hey, Mr. Critic: Looking for Old Brooklyn? Nosh This Way