Unfortunately, this entry has nothing (or, at the very least, not much) to do about neither the Olympics nor the civil unrest that is currently unfolding in and around Tibet. No, the news that I’m about to give you is much, much, more important and relevant than that “little disagreement” that is going on over in China right now. Flipping through rollingstone.com the other day, an interesting piece of useless information was offered up. The makers of Dr. Pepper have made an unusual offer to Axl Rose, front man for the once relevant band Guns ‘n Roses, in an effort to get his creative juices flowing again. Word on the street is that if the much delayed album, Chinese Democracy (an album that has been rumored to be released since the early to mid ’90’s), were to be completed and released within this current upcoming year, the fine folks at Dr. Pepper will give a free can of their product to every citizen within the borders of the U.S. of A…….

Axl has adamantly maintained that the album will be released soon, with around 26 of the total 32 tracks being complete. In an official statement from the soda company, a spokesperson stated that “It took a little patience for us to perfect Dr Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients, so we completely understand and empathize with Axl’s [quest] for the perfect album” ……….so maybe there is a chance for some Chinese Democracy soon-just not in the form that would be of any use to the real world.

P.S.- I have heard rumors that the Dalai Lama may be stepping down if the tension between the Tibetans and the Chinese cannot be resolved. In what little research I have done, this would be an unprecedented event if it were to actually occur. Only upon death do the Tibetan Buddhist’s consider replacement. It seems that there are no active processes to replace His Holiness as it currently stands. Because of this, I would like to officially announce my candidacy for the position of Supreme Deity of All Things Buddhist………