Independence Day..and the sexiness of the dollar.

Have to say June's gone in flash - been working on what we hope will be a feature from our Cannes short this year, as well as routining a new guitar player to join the MOTR ranks!

Still the whole US economic thing keeps spiralling downwards, yet the power of the dollar never ceases to amaze me. I was in Egypt recently where money always talks. But what talks loudest - continually - is the dollar. Forget sterling or the euro, or dina, or Egyptian pounds or whatever for that mater. Just not interested.

Then I got to thinking, the dollar as well as being a currency, is also, visually, an icon. It's perfect iconography in terms of art and ad image. From pre 1900's through to pop art and beyond it's a symbol of power. The rest ain't 'sexy' like the dollar. And that's what it is - sexy. That's how it's perceived - across the monetary board.

Now I also ain't suggestin' that's linked to the likes of Bush et al. Jeeez. Save us. No it's about the aura the US puts out. Often misguided, often overpowering. But it's interesting in say the case of Egypt, feted so long by Russia (and the KGB) in which Russia invested billions upon billions of roubles against then the arch enemy the US, forever embraces the dollar. It's still seen as success, as a benchmark. Never mind the many noveau riche Russians who fashionwise haven't got past 1981/2 and holiday there. And seem to have plenty of - yup, dollars!

Which brings me back to the global market. It's all down to Wall Street. A sneeze there creates a bad lingering cold everywhere else. A cold however and it's pneumonia for the rest of us. Which is what's happening now. Although it has to be said Gordon Brown and his miserable mob have a lot to answer for too. One hopes that in the spirit of Independence there's a massive sea-change in US politics after the fall election. N' besides Obama's a lot sexier than McCain. But don't hold your breath.

MOTR's next gig's on Thursday July 117th @ MAU MAU, 265, Portobello Road, W11.

Hope to see you there!

BB