Figuring out how to do the laundry, cook a basic meal or even wait for a handyman "are not crippling responsibilities" but rather "minor life skills" that can prove useful if the housekeeper cancels.

WSJ: Forget the Old College Try, Ring the Concierge

What really amazes me is how people who would not trust the U.S. or European governments to do their laundry, have unconditional faith in Chinese government involvement in its very complex economy.

FORBES: Getting Your Arms Around China And Japan