Sign of the Times of Financial Crisis

Posted by Boy on Jan 12th, 2009 | 0 comments home title

Several Reuters journalists compiled a list of “Sign of the Times” of this financial crisis era. Here some of my favorites:

* In Britain, the Girl Guides issued tips on making sensible economic decisions, including: “Shop around — see which banks are offering the best deals;” “Avoid the debt trap — the easiest way to lose friends and alienate people;” and “Don’t rely on The Bank of Mum and Dad — everyone’s cutting costs.”

* The New York Times, which has long kept its front page clear of prominent advertising, is being forced to sell display advertising on Page One in a new bid to raise money. The first ad, which appeared at the bottom of the front page of Monday’s paper, was for broadcaster CBS Corp. Newspapers across the United States face an alarming decline in ad revenue that has forced many to slash jobs.

* Some Australians may be too strapped for cash to go to the pub, but many still find a way to get their beer. Makers of home brew kits say sales are booming. National brewer Coopers said sales of its kits were up 8 percent since July. Colin Richardson at the The Brew Shop in Sydney said demand for kits was outstripping supply. “All the brewing shops are seeing it,” he said.

* The Church of England published two new prayers, comforting people who lost their jobs and those still in work after a round of cuts. “Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul,” says the “Prayer on being made redundant.” The “Prayer for those remaining in the workplace” focuses on guilt and increased workload: “In the midst of this uncertainty, help me to keep going: to work to the best of my ability, taking each day at a time.”

* The Washington Post included in its light-hearted list of things that are “out” and things that are “in” for 2009:

OUT: High-end barbecue grills. IN: Crock pots.

OUT: Executive compensation. IN: Executive castration.

OUT: 20 percent off. IN: 75 percent off and free shipping.

OUT: Nostalgia for ’80s songs. IN: Nostalgia for ’80s problems.