George Soros (and his "Jewish nose") do Shanghai, Hangzhou

Soros must be looking for official permission to invest in some companies or sectors that are tough for foreigners to get into these days(heavy manufacturing, electronics, finance). That is why he is over here and doing a light kowtow.

But numbers from the Economist and McKinsey on China's power output divert from the official line on China's economic downturn/recovery.

You mean like the domestic airline industry... oh wait, he's already done that... If you did a bit of reading you'd possibly be aware that he's being active in investment, philanthropy and policy advocacy here for oh, about 20-something years.

I am glad you said this. One thing that many people often forget is that those who talk up China's rising business prospects the most are typically those with the most business interests in China.

China is recovering now, very slowly. So is the rest of the world, or it will be soon. But by grandstanding in China's favor, people like Soros are trying to build confidence internationally in a market where they have invested. Do you honestly think he is going to go to China and say, "China is not really outperforming anyone, and the prospects for the revival of the pre-crash business situation are slim, especially once the bank binge-lending wears out?" Of course he won't.

I am not saying China is heading for a fall. But I am saying that people put way too much stock in the words of a few "gurus", most of whom have friends in high places are seeking to make more.

The fact that he went to see his frind, Jack Ma, should make this even clearer. By playing the confidence game, he is improving his friend's business prospects as well, or do you think that Alibaba will benefit if Soros goes up there and gives a level-headed assessment of the economy?

If I had a kuai for every awkward "you have such a big nose" remark, I'd be able to buy a new nose.

That dude in the purple is about the only one who's head isn't about to explode.

"... but let 's be frank,we're starting to find this cultural fascination with the chosen people a bit tiresome."

Who exactly is the we?

I am not sure exactly what you are trying to say here Peijin. I am assuming it is all meant to be a tongue in cheek attempt at humor but (for me) it somehow misses the boat, almost coming across as mean-spirited.

I think I know what you are inferring. I've seen the fascination first-hand. That being said, your snide commentary reeks of racism and I can't see the point. If you're simply tired of the "cultural fascination" that's discussion best left for the bar.

To be frank, I am not at all sure I am making my point very well but I am not a writer.

You're a good writer Pei and I am betting a good guy too but this is disappointing.

Racism directed at whom? I'm confused.

Guess I was right, I am clearly not making the point very well and maybe nobody is "getting" me. Something about the verbiage just strikes me wrong. I mean, what do you read in phrases like...

"... we're starting to find this cultural fascination with the chosen people a bit tiresome." or "slanty-eyed goy" or "bash some Jewish and Gentile noses"?

As I said, it's probably tongue in cheek humor. I don't wish to have some kind of great debate or argument here. I was only relaying how it made me feel as I read it.