Yes, I know, this was an easy call. I’m sure others saw this coming as well. On the other hand, if I don’t take the opportunity to pat myself on the back once in a while, no one will. Egos are frail things, and I can see through mine in direct sunlight.

So anyway, I said this on March 10:

If the Chinese media is already starting to pen feature articles describing poor unfortunates who have suffered after their HP laptops have given up the ghost, then bad times might be ahead. The next bump in the road is March 15, International Consumer’s Day. Expect AQSIQ to announce some new campaigns at that time to show the higher-ups in the government that they are diligently protecting the interests of the people.

and this was in Xinhua this morning, March 15, International Consumer’s Day:

China’s top quality watchdog said Sunday it has received complaints from consumers against HP laptops for quality problems.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine [AQSIQ] pays close attention to the complaints and has started investigations, said a brief statement posted on the administration’s website.

Just call me Nostradumbass.