Figures released last week confirmed that the last half of 2008 saw the most savage contraction in demand for motor vehicles since the second world war.

Sadly, this is exactly why sex with an ex can have disastrous consequences.

But they should learn from the Libyan crisis that it could be very costly if they do not have any risk management awareness," Xu said.

In 1849, many of the revolutions of 1848 might have seemed disastrous, but looking back from 1899 or 1919, they seemed like the beginning of a successful change.

Fewer customers failed to repay loans during the quarter, another sign that the worst losses from loan defaults could be in the past.