it's also becoming common knowledge that imbibing blended shark placenta actually cures acne (and in some instances dandruff!)

that's pretty crazy stuff.

hypothetical situation: we (humans) manufacture a new super antiobiotic that becomes widely used throughout the world. So much so to the point that bacteria become resistent to this new antiobiotic, consequently spelling out doom for reptiles world wide who will no longer be able to survive a simple cut.

you think it could happen?

Spirituality and Mysticism aside, I've met numberous lamas and tulkus throughout the past few years and can say from experience that no, they may not be saints but they're more genuinely compassionate and hard working than your average person.

Tibet's sovereignty is not the primary cause for concern (that would be like making a case to give Hawaii back it's sovereignty- it'd be nice, but it's almost definitely not gonna happen).

What concerns me is China's intolerance of Tibetan CULTURE- The native culture and flavor of Tibet is virtually dead- and native Tibetans are not allowed to live the way they wish because of the Chinese government's actions.

However; the monks ive met look at this exile as a mixed blessing as Tibetan culture has spread across the world- it's very prominent in the bay area which is where I'm from and why I've had the opportunity to meet so many Tibetans. I see no problem with the demonstration on the bridge. Those who climbed it knew exactly what they were doing and what would happen once they came down.

I saw Beck in concert a few years ago in San Jose- at one point in the show the band put their instruments down and sat behind Beck at an odd, out-of-place dinner table and started to make as if they were conversing over a meal. Beck started in with an acoustic version of one of his tunes and the band eventually chimmed in by drumming on the table and hitting water glasses with spoons - all of it was mic'd of course. I wonder if they had one of these tables on stage?