Dime For Your Thoughts China

I am heading out to the store to buy something, let's say a fan, flip the box, and what does it say? Made in China. Ok, I want a new CD player, same deal made in China. Hmmm what happened? Ok now I remember what I heard in a presidential race 7 years ago. The United States wasn't going to waste it's time with the small stuff, we were going to build computers, and that kind of stuff. Cool I'll run into ABC electronics, and pick up my brand new good old American lap top. Brand A made in China. Well that's a cheap brand, let's check out Brand Z, which advertises they are the best. This was that computer they were talking about! #%&&##$!!!! You can guess where it's made. It seems impossible to find products that are not made in China these days. It looks as though the sleeping Giant has awoken, and is flexing it's manufacturing, and economic muscle. China is singing the song of it's future, and Companies around the world are listening.

There is an ongoing joke that half the heavy construction equipment in the world is in China. That joke is probably true, in fact it could be more. China is actually a bright spot for many automobile manufacturers, it is one of the few markets that they are turning profits in. American companies have been flocking to get a piece of this bubbling economy. Why not China holds 20% of the worlds population, and is the largest population in the world. By comparison The US has a mere 4.65% so one can see that the amount of potential customers is much greater, though just how many of them buy products? Probably less then 5%, yet still a big number. With the amount of manufacturing jobs now available, the Chinese economy is flourishing, and will create an enormous amount of Jobs.

The reason we see made in China on every product here in the US is because of that large work force. By reducing manufacturing costs, they have bolstered their bottom line. China has seen the results with a 10% increase in GDP in 2006 the total output was $2.68 Trillion. China now ranks third in industrial output. They hold a power house in agricultural output as well ranking first in that category. This is one of the great achievements of China. China has only 7% of it's land, which is suitable for farming. They still were able to rank first. China Ranks seventh in service output (communications, ect.)

I heard someone say “China is still a backward nation, they don't have the infrastructure, or education system to move forward, many of their people still live in poverty in straw houses. You mean to tell me they are going to take over the world's economy?” Those are all real problems for China, but they have come a long way in the last 10 years. As I explained above that China is now a booming market. Why? All those poor people are making a better living, and can afford to buy cars, and computers.

China has now entered the space age with their own space program. Not only that, but they are turning out engineers like crazy. The infrastructure is being built along with all the factories, along with larger power plants. China plans to extend electricity production by 15,000 megawatts within the next year. With time their educational system will greatly improve.

The Negative impacts have been the overproduction of coal, and large amounts of pollution produced by the large scale of construction, and manufacturing. So much that they had to limit the coal production because of over mining. In the United States there has been several product recalls do to lead paint on products, and poison in pet food. The cost of the recalls have produced a large amount of profit loss for companies such as Mattel have lost more they they gained by using Chinese manufactures. It seams in the haste of pumping out tons of products safety, and improper monitoring has been a serious problem. Some of the products have been poorly made, and are plagued with problems. Especially some of those computers like the one I have, which the CD quit working, along with many other hardware issues. There are other impacts like the jobs lost at home. There are fewer, and fewer factory jobs to be had these days. This was at one time the bread, and butter of the US economy. A good factory job was a great way to support a family, but some how the dream has been lost. This country has always been about “ building a better mouse trap” now it's more about “building a better bottom line.” China has taken notice of this, and is doing the same.

Tai Shan is about being on top of Tai mountain in Eastern China, viewing the mountains, and the people in the region. Tai Mountain in is aprox. 400 km west of the Yellow sea, and parallel with South Korea, it is located in the Jinan province of China . The mountain is 5069 feet tall. . See a picture

There are a few developments from last months E-zine.

We spoke about Lindsey Lohan, the one that ripped her ankle bracelet off, and took off on a drunk, drug run. When she was finally caught, they found drugs, and she then had felony counts against her. It seems that doesn't account for much she received a whopping one day in jail. As for Michael Vick, he pleaded guilty in a plea agreement, and may not serve any time at all, though he is suspended from the NFL. My guess is he'll be on the field again next year.

Robert A. Luzzi, 49, of Donora PA, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township. He was born in North Charleroi on Oct. 25, 1957, the son of Joan Dowler Luzzi, who survives and resides in Donora, and the late August J. Luzzi, who preceded him in death on Aug. 10, 1996. Robert was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Donora, president of the Donora Youth Athletic Association, past president of the Sons of Italy and a Republican Committee Chairman in Donora. He was a loving son and father. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sons, Christian and Shaun; two brothers, Peter Luzzi, of Arizona, and Michael Luzzi and wife Carol, of Donora; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A charitable site has been set up to help his two children. Click the link below to help out. Thanks.