You Leave Me . . . Speechless

London Telegraph: Hollywood stars, in solidarity with the WGA, have starred in a series of short films that are either silent or improvised. Recognizeable faces include Sean Penn, Holly Hunter, Chazz Palimentieri, and Jay Leno. Watch: Sean Penn, Hunter & Palimentieri

Reuters: Los Angeles' chief economist says that the strike could end up costing LA's economy $200 million if it lasts "through the end of the month", which I assume means another week.

The New Yorker had an interesting article on its financial page in its 19 November issue. The lessons of strikes past: Strikes are a result of imperfect information -- both sides think the other is bluffing -- and long ones happen when nobody is actually bluffing. Those are almost always destructive: Prolonged work stoppages edge both sides toward total compromise, with neither side making up in marginal gains what it lost in wages or profits. There's more, and if you're interested, that article alone is worth the $4.50. The rest of the issue is good, too, so it's not like you'll be paying a cent a word.