"The quake’s effect on the stock exchange" — why do I have a visceral, negative reaction to stories like this? Certainly lots of them out there pontificating on the financial repercussions of the quake. And yet it still seems crass.

I also received an email from a friend at a mutual fund in the States. Within 24 hours of the quake, she was emailing her colleagues with a quick update on the probable effects on Chinese listed companies. Again, I had a negative reaction.

I'm gettin' soft in my old age.