A few years ago I read an article that compared pub conversations in 2005 with documented pub conversations that took place in 1955.

Unfortunately I cannot find the article in question, but its conclusions (as far as I can recollect them) were not particularly surprising. In 1955 subject matter focused on the state of the global economy, and how national political institutions related to wider society and community life. In 2005 observations were generally limited to tits, football, and plenty of celebrity gossip.

Recent events on global financial markets have put in motion some profound changes to the way we will live our lives. It is crucial that we rediscover the levels of awareness that were present last time circumstances forced us to think. It is a daunting challenge, but the Internet gives us incredible resources to get up-to-speed quickly.

I started this site because I want to try and communicate some of the complex issues I’ve been trying to get my head around recently in a way that intelligent but potentially disengaged people can understand.

As a way of introduction to the economic situation that has unfolded over the last year, watch this short presentation explaining the sub-prime mortgage crisis that began in summer 2007. Note: I didn’t write the presentation, I just found it on the internet and wanted to share it!