Credit Crunch - The Blame Game

The premise of today's scribblings may be viewed in certain quarters as unremittingly harsh. Is not the avaricious hedge fund manager responsible for the present economic debacle?
Not really, no. I blame Sarah Beeny. The incessantly fertile, dead behind the eyes preacher of property based greed.
Ragged or not, the Beeny woman would have happily chopped in the trousers of those philanthropists had she espied a gluttonous profit. That's what it all comes down to in the end. Profit. Let's ruthlessly disregard the basic need of a roof over ones head and knock through for a hearty margin. Add a downstairs toilet. Ker-ching! Convert the loft. Show me the money! The financial woes of the global markets are nought compared to the financial attrition meted out by the Devil Incarnate. Sarah Beeny.

Itsa Nicea Price

Price is a curious concept. I'm not talking about price elasticity of demand, contribution pricing or skimming price. I'm referring to the anachronism of price.
It's my own personal theory, up there with Cosby's law of inter-generational perversity for sheer noteworthiness.
Why are businesses screwing each other?
The more you drive down a supplier, the greater their financial hardship. Common sense says that your short term gain (saving) is someone else's pain. Let's look at the catering industry; hardly known for its flexibility on price is it?
Next time you're in Costa Coffee, Starbucks or (insert generic homogenous brand here) , present that £3.75 crayfish and roquette pitta at the till and say :
" Budgets are tight; what can you come down to ? "
An intriguing but risible prospect I'm sure you'll agree. Yet with monotonous regularity, companies are beating down their commercial partners. Advocates who are helping them win new business and conferring greater kudos on that organisation.
Hardly makes sense, does it?
Would a patient undergoing cosmetic surgery haggle with the cost of having her mammary glands bolstered?
" I know it's 4 grand Doctor, but can you do it for 2 and a half ? "
I do wonder how much of this "the client wants it cheaper" is actually credit crunch, or good old fashioned avarice?
For very reasonable prices, point your browser at http://www.wonkanaproductions.com/

Packed lunch, Credit Crunch

No one could have imagined the raw, unbridled power wielded by a hastily prepared sarnie. That sorry looking bread palette of hues; bedraggled gem lettuce atop some grizzled charcuterie. It doesn't seem possible. The answer to these economically challenging times it seems, lies within the humble Tupperware box. Snack your way out of the credit crunch with a home made packed lunch. Belts are tightened, budgets are curtailed and Prudence is no longer just the name of the posh girl at the end of the street. As four in five shoppers are said to be buying more own labels than before, increasing swathes of hard-pressed workers are turning to the sandwich.
It's back to basics.
John Major may well feel vindicated, although the wanton economising of the "man in the street" isn't exactly on a par with doinking your cabinet underling. Egg sandwich anyone?
A well heeled panini or some upwardly mobile soup in a basket is no longer an option. Pass the margarine.

Tomorrow, news on the official Wonkana day out in London.
For an equally leftfield look at life, visit http://www.wonkanaproductions.com