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I've been trying to avoid thinking about what's happening with Terri Schiavo, but since every news source I go to has her case front page 24-7, I guess it was inevitable that my mind started to think more generally about assisted suicides. Originally I felt that this was quite obviously none of my business; I don't know her and never will. I am not affected financially by her as I am not personally paying any part of her bills (or perhaps I am slightly via taxes?). Another first impression was that this was an overblown media frenzy that was meant to bring some House leaders back into the limelight, particularly Tom DeLay who is perhaps on the road to his political demise. Why should I be interested at all? But if you look at the reaction to her situation, for example the kid, Gabriel Keys, who tried to feed Terri with water and was taken away by police handcuffed, her case has certainly struck a nerve with many Americans. Is it ok to help someone end their life, particular

Watched the Korean anime, also known as Wonderful Days at the Carolinas. I liked the film. The animation was outstanding, but I felt that the development of characters was not as deep as I'd liked. The story was also in some sense predictable. I didn't feel the depth one gets out of works from Studio Ghibli, for example. But I nonetheless enjoyed the anime experience. I would say give it a watch for sure! Supposedly, the film draws inspiration from the following poem (An Irish Airman Foresees His Death) by WB Yeats: I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate Those that I guard I do not love. .... A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death. Also interesting to note, while I was getting some soda prior to the showing, I noticed they also sold Skyy Blue..

20050310213115 Originally uploaded by philwu . Imagine this. Country A is having a grand council of representatives from its constituent regions. Country B, due to a long standing dispute with Country A, is seen as a rogue region in the minds of Country A denizens. So, in order to fake participation from Country B, Country A decides to send a delegate from "Region B" to said grand council, even though the delegate has never even been to "Region B." This is ain't some wacky fiction, this is what's going on with Taiwan = Country B, and China = Country A. I feel like laughing, but its oh so cynical a laugh.