Friday, May 20, 2011

pig risk

Early this year a fellow mathematician and I started collaborating on a research project that aimed at applying the theory of dynamical systems to the present sovereign credit crisis in the Eurozone. I soon dubbed this project PIIGS Risk, after the acronym that encapsulate the countries currently on the black list of bond vigilantes (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain).
Little I knew that he who rescues the PIIGS was to become, allegedly, a pig.
I am of course alluding to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the now former head of the IMF, who was embroiled in a sexual assault affair just as all international monetary authorities were priming their resources for a second Greek bailout. 
Little I knew that the next chapter in this crisis would spring out of a suite in an almost inconspicuous (boy, the French may take it personally! Sofitel having originated in France and now part of the much larger Accor. But being conspicuous near Times Square is a tall order) hotel I have been walking by for years. Such is the nature of risk, it pops up unforeseen. And yet pig risk was not totally unpredictable, since DSK, as the person of interest has been quickly dubbed, had some troubles containing his sexual exuberance within the confines of ethical and professional standards.
Interesting curio: DSK rhymes with JFK, also a notorious womanizer who, thanks to the ease of cover-up afforded by different mores, was able to continue his momentous career. DSK's, at least for now, appears to have ground to a screeching halt at ... JFK airport.

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