I'm probably the only one who thinks this is funny.

Someday I will go off on my rant about how the study of "Economics" as a "Science" at the University level is a total crock of fascist shit that  has the singular goal of turning young accounting majors into cult capitalist Stepford drones. But for now, I present to you what I found when doing a search for "training pants" on Amazon:

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Toilet Training Pants in Greater China (Paperback)
by Philip M. Parker

Our Price: $495
Number of pages: 139

Book Description
This study covers the latent demand outlook for toilet training pants across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang - Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as “regions”). Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,100 cities in Greater China. For each major city in question, the percent share the city is of the region and of Greater China is reported. Each major city is defined as an area of “economic population”, as opposed to the demographic population within a legal geographic boundary. For many cities, the economic population is much larger that the population within the city limits; this is especially true for the cities of the Western regions. For the coastal regions, cities which are close to other major cities or which represent, by themselves, a high percent of the regional population, actual city-level population is closer to the economic population (e.g. in Beijing). Based on this “economic” definition of population, comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city’s marketing and distribution value vis-à-vis others. This exercise is quite useful for persons setting up distribution centers or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each region and city of influence, latent demand estimates are created for toilet training pants. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

Comments

[AmericanFamily]

Good Grief! Why does that book cost almost $500???

[bliss]

Since the supply is (understandably) small, they're hoping demand will be huge.

[luolin]

I think it's funny because I still remember witnessing a few kids using the old fashioned Chinese training pants (pants with holes in the m) when I was there in the late 80s.

[Kathryn]

Wow - that is fascinating!

Lisa - I was sorry to hear about your cat. It's hard to lose a good friend like that.

Also - great pics. The boys are getting so big. They are gorgeous. I especially love the pic of D holding hands with one of the twins. Sorry brain dead - can't remember which one it was. But it looked like a great family outing even with pesky squirrels around. I really hate them - i see them as rats with fluffy tails! And I don't like rats.

;-)

[Shannon]

First--yes this is funny. Wonder waht else they're trying to market to China?

And second, another question for you. Have you seen anything about this case?

http://raisingweg.typepad.com/raising_weg/2007/09/catching-up.html

I thought you might have an interesting take on it.