New Reality

This is a phrase that's cropping up more and more in media commentary and political speeches. Will it replace "Credit Crunch" - let's hope so! The latter has taken on a depressingly popularist life of its own and makes me cringe everytime it rears its ugly syllables in broadcasting, advertising - everywhere (if another restaurant offers me the opportunity to "crunch through the crunch" I will not be responsible for my actions).
So what is the "New Reality"? It seems to depend, as always, what your agenda is. For me its the realisation that we all need to sharpen up our marketing act to surivive let alone thrive, and that there's no room for complacency any longer. Politicians being politicians it means a view of the world that suits their agenda at any given moment.

What's your New Reality?

Obamarama

Its inauguration day and the USA is in a state of euphoria, the glow of which is even permeating the recessional permafrost of Europe and the rest of the world. One observation, two questions (neither of which I know the answer to): Observation - how precarious and unpredictable can financial markets be when the dollar draws more strength at the sight of Obama being sworn in, than when the US Govt pumped a gazillion dollars into its toxic financial markets (or do the speculators know something we dont?). Question 1 - could someone like Obama every rise so quickly and spectacularly through the BRITISH political system without being someone notable's son, daughter, pal from Eton etc? Question 2 - how long will the US public give him when they realise he cant wave a magic wand, make a "Berliner" style speech and reverse the meteoric rise in home repossessions and job losses single-handedly?

Answers on a postcard.