Worker Strikes (and Shortages) in China

As reported in this Automotive News article, Honda is experiencing a worker strike in China.  The workers are demanding a wage increase from about $215/month to about $300/month.  (Yes, those are per MONTH wages!)  Although even the potentially increased wage is significantly less than an equivalent wage in the United States, the percentage increase is quite astounding ... about 40%.

I've been reading for months about firms in China having problems hiring enough laborers to work in their manufacturing facilities.  As economics will tell you, the way to hire workers when they are in short supply is to increase wages.  These increases, if significant (and I'd say 40% is significant) will lead to inflation.  This of course means that the cost of manufacturing in China will increase, making their exports less competitive over time.

My opinion is that issues like this in addition to potential social issues (the Chinese government continues to suppress any thoughts of disagreement) and the eventual costs China will face cleaning up the environment they are destroying will eventually catch up with China.  I think this will mean a bust at some point for their economy, I just hope it doesn't serve to bring down the world economy with it!

"Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

Sadly, Gary Coleman, the star of the Diff'rent Strokes television show that ran for 8 seasons in the late 70's and early 80's, passed away today at the age of 42.  According to CNN.com he died of a brain hemmorhage at a hospital in Provo, Utah.

I remember watching Diff'rent Strokes all the time and wondering (I was a young kid at the time) why he was such a little guy for his age.  He is also sadly another example of a child star who comes to hit bottom.  He apparently discovered his adoptive parents had spent most of his earnings he made while starring in Diff'rent Strokes...

So in honor of Gary's memory, let's try to use the phrase "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" a few times this weekend ...

Moron Falls Asleep on Plane, Wakes Up Alone, Panics, then Sues Airline

So I read this article at detnews.com yesterday and couldn't help but think how this country has turned so many people into whiny little bitches out for a handout.  Why can't we take personal responsibility for ourselves any more?

And seriously ... she is apparently sleeping comfortably and soundly, wakes up to find herself alone on a dark airplane and can't figure out what to do?  She walks back and forth for 15 minutes and then the cops arrive and ask for her ID.  Wow, the really sounds like something she should sue for.  The scary thing is, instead of this being thrown out of court, she'll probably either win or get some sort of settlement from the airline.

Oh, and Geoffry Feiger is a moron, too, for continuing to file garbage suits like this.