Google: Both Sides Now

If they handed out awards to stocks like they do for movies, there's no question who would win the grand prize for 2005: Google(GOOG Quote). Not only was it up 115% last year -- capping a 127% post-IPO jump in 2004 -- it drew the largest amount of discussion, examination, speculation and obsession.

So, as we tear the final sheets from our desk calendars, it's time to become absorbed in new questions: Whither Google in 2006? Will the stock pull off the proverbial hat trick? Or is the highest of Internet highfliers headed for a fall?

You don't have to go far to hear arguments in favor of both scenarios. In fact, if you're like most Google junkies, you probably find yourself on both sides of the debate, depending on the day. ...