SavvySugar

First Arrest (Ever!) For Sexual Harassment in China

SavvySugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:09:36 -0700

Many US employers have been requiring their male and female workers to attend sexual harassment seminars to help prevent nasty lawsuits surrounding the issue. China's companies aren't responsible for harassment among staff, but the country has taken a huge step in the right direction to address the crime of sexual harassment.

The country passed laws banning harassment and domestic violence three years ago, and the first arrest has just been made under these laws. An office manager swayed a new female employee into his office under the premise of discussing work matters, and once behind closed doors he admitted that he wanted to be her boyfriend.

The manager reacted to being turned down by grabbing the woman's neck and kissing her. A scream led co-workers to call the police, and the man has been sentenced to five months in jail.

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Your Two Cents: Would You Move to China For Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:30:55 -0700

A global job search isn't everyone's bag, but some recent college graduates have had success with finding jobs in China. According to the New York Times, China's economy is expanding and the cost of living is lower, so a new wave of college graduates are moving there to bravely begin their careers.

There are big risks and preparation involved with moving to another country that primarily speaks a different language, but if it's where the jobs are, the reward could be worth it. Would you consider moving to China for work?

How Airlines Could Jam 50% More Passengers on Planes

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:30:37 -0700

Most of you were pretty baffled when China's Spring Airlines announced it was considering selling standing-room seats on its planes, and the newest news in air travel might be just as jarring. British design company Design Q has come up with a concept it estimates would allow for a 50 percent increase in the number of passengers on board.

The design consists of rows of passengers sitting sideways and facing each other, instead of staring at the seat back in front of you. Howard Guy, director at Design Q, explains, "Having passengers face each other is not an ideal situation. But this will see increased revenue for the operator and more economical tickets for the passenger - so by keeping both happy, this concept makes an attractive alternative." Guy estimates the cost per seat will be reduced by 30 percent, which is nothing to cough at.

Because the planes would ultimately be uncomfortable (Guy even admits it) the seating arrangements would ideally be on planes used for trips under 80 minutes. Limiting the flights to shorter routes makes even more sense when you consider the design would exclude aisle space to accommodate food carts.

This way of traveling is nothing new for military personnel, but what do you think of using it for commercial planes?

Standing-Room Seating on Planes: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:30:52 -0700

If you think coach seats are uncomfortable, think how stiff your legs would feel after standing for an entire flight. China's Spring Airlines is considering selling standing-room seats to fulfill growing demand and spokesman Zhang Wuan explained, "It's just like bar stools. The safety belt is the the most important thing. It will still be fastened around the waist."

These so-called standing-room seats might not lead to pins and needles in your legs, but probably a bit of discomfort in the tush. However, implementing the idea would allow the airline to accommodate 40 percent more passengers per flight, reduce costs by 20 percent, and customers would enjoy lower airfares. What do you think of the concept for standing-room seating - is it brilliant or baffling?

Money Tip: A Cheaper Way to Clean Your Home

SavvySugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:30:51 -0800

Many of you are turning over a new money-saving leaf in 2009, so why not begin your money makeover with the things under your sink? You might already have some of the products that can be used as various cleaners, and what you don't have can be purchased for little money. Mixing your own household cleaners is cheaper than buying name-brand products, and in its February issue Consumer Reports has made an easy to follow list for which products can be used for different areas of your home.

Ammonia: "Add one pint of rubbing alcohol to one half cup soapy ammonia, then add enough water to make a gallon. Pour into spray bottles, use to clean glass."
Baking soda: "Use it to remove stains from tile, glass, and china; clean inside the fridge; remove baked-on food from pots and pans."
Borax: "A freshener and deodorizer in laundry."

See four more cheaper household cleaner solutions when you read more.

Castile soap: "Made from vegetable oil. For general use on counter-tops and other surfaces."
Cream of tartar: "A mild acid that can lift stains from sinks and tubs, and remove spots from aluminum cookware."
Lemon juice: "Lightens stains and removes tarnish from brass, copper, bronze, and aluminum."
White vinegar: "Helps kill germs; removes some carpet stains; cleans coffeemakers and chrome. To clean wood floors, use one cup of vinegar per pail of hot water."

Have you ever used these products to clean your home?

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Guess How Much: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

SavvySugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:30:54 -0700

The Beijing 2008 Games are the most expensive Olympics ever held, which is saying a lot considering the Athens 2004 Games came with a hefty $16 billion price tag. China is taking its host responsibilities seriously and has come through with a memorable opening ceremony and enormous venues suitable for Olympians. All of the attention and glory comes with a price - guess how much!

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Take the quiz

The Bucks Behind the Olympics, in Pictures

SavvySugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:30:57 -0700

As the Olympic torch arrives in Beijing to tour the city before Friday's opening ceremony, the city is all decked out with images everywhere of the Games' sponsors. For global brands, the Olympics are an ideal venue because of the worldwide audience, though this year they may receive more enthusiasm from local consumers in China than viewers abroad. Wondering what company is in charge of the clocks used to decide who takes home the silver or gold? Curious to see what the 2008 Olympic medals look like? Like any big production, it takes money to make it all happen. Click "start slideshow" to see the elaborate ads and hardly subtle Olympic supporters.

View Slideshow ›

News Flash: Asia's Impact on Your Shopping Habit

SavvySugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:28:28 -0700

Asian exporters are feeling rising inflation pangs and passing their increased costs on to Western consumers, who have been spoiled for decades by cheap imports from countries like Japan, Korea, China, increasingly Vietnam and India. The New York Times explains that because about half of all US imports are produced by developing countries and the onset of inflation in these countries arrives as many of their currencies are rising against the dollar, consumers in the US will be feeling this two-sided hit. We'll be paying more because the dollar buys less, and also to cover some of the higher production costs.

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