Lai See
daily danger
A former colleague of Lai See's was recently in Hong Kong to give some presentations on macroeconomic issues and policy reforms in China.
After one presentation, a reporter asked him whether such economic tinkering was ultimately futile if not preceded by a thorough overhaul of China's political system. Our friend was gob-smacked. 'That's not the type of question I'd expect from a China Daily reporter,' he thought.
Forget the FT's launch of its new Asian edition, maybe it's the China Daily we should be worrying about.
sugar bullets
Lai See is somewhat inured to entreaties of great opportunity but enjoyed this: A correspondent from Nigeria tells us that we have been nominated to receive US$30 million, which belonged to a heir-less American oil merchant and Nigerian government official who perished in a plane crash.
To prevent the money from being donated to 'The Trust Fund for Arms and Ammunition to Further Enhance the Course of War in Africa and the World in General' our correspondent wishes to wire the money to Lai See. All we have to provide him with is our 'most confidential' phone number and 'exclusive' bank account particulars. Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch?
air rage
We hear tragedy struck Hong Kong's decidedly bouncy tourism industry this weekend. The world's largest Chinese lantern hub was upset when rain and an unsteady 'air current' resulted in 'damage' to the large red bag of air bobbing above Victoria Park.
Rumours of sabotage by disgruntled promoters of non-subsidy funded gala events would seem to be hot air.
