Once upon a time, people assumed that Macs' lack of Blu-ray was a delay, not a permanent decision to fast-forward past it.

CNN: Apple's Schiller: 'Old technologies are holding us back'

This would force a hiring freeze and the furloughing of permanent staff, as well as delay spring openings of the park to save money on costly snow-ploughing operations.

BBC: US national parks under threat

One thing that could delay the appointment of a permanent successor to Benitez at Anfield is the uncertainty over the club's future ownership.

BBC: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez leaves by mutual consent

If they have a choice, European officials would delay any bailout until the permanent European Stability Mechanism replaces the current temporary fund, the European Financial Stability Facility, later this year.

WSJ: Euro Zone Takes Stock of Crisis-Fighting Arsenal

And, in a worst case for Mr Murdoch and News Corporation, where the reputational damage to his organisation continues to magnify, the delay could become semi-permanent - if, for example, the perceived value of BSkyB rises beyond what News Corp would or could pay.

BBC: News Corp��s bid for BSkyB jeopardised