[An analogy of tulip mania in the 1600's and mobile phone mania year 2000.]

by Gareth Vaughan, London -- "Tulips were introduced into Western Europe from Turkey in the second half of the 16th century. The brightly coloured flowers quickly became popular and expensive, with demand soon exceeding supply.

"Prices for rare bulbs began to reach ridiculous heights and by the early 17th century a single bulb was even acceptable as dowry for a bride.

"The Netherlands, the largest producer of the bulbs, became the centre of tulip mania. People went as far as mortgaging their homes and businesses to raise funds to buy bulbs with the aim of reselling them at higher prices.

"But it couldn't last. Eventually the market crashed in 1637 when people began to question whether prices could continue rising. Almost overnight prices sank and many ordinary Dutch families were left in financial ruin.

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