A representative of the Chinese company, to its credit, was quoted as saying that "we will pay close attention to it, and suspend the sale once it violates any regulations".

Therein lies the rub: No one seems to know if it violates any regulations. But Internet regulators in the country have a reputation for efficiency. If they have managed to get rid of much "undesirable" content, surely they can do so with this.

I have good reason for saving face: On three visits to California, I resisted the temptation to go visit a film studio. I didn't want the magic of the movies to be explained like how Bruce Willis stunts were done, that the Titanic was a little model boat in an aquarium or Jurassic Park dinosaurs were mechanized models.

Let's leave room for a little magic in our lives.

(China Daily 02/07/2007 page20)