Clash of the titans

When a man of science finds fault with one of letters, sparks - and machetes - fly, mowing down two self-made celebrities who are giants in their own fields.

The biggest ruckus in China this past Spring Festival did not involve fireworks or overcrowded trains.

It stars two of the most influential personalities of the "it" generation, each in his prime of what he does and each with an oversized following that would make vote-coveting politicians envious.