Greetings from Chicago! Let’s me digress for a bit here. I am here for the annual National Restaurant Association Show (*yawn*). This is a show in which food manufacturers across the country get together and introduce the trendiest food or beverage items to the restaurant operators. Two years ago they introduced edamame and attendees, especially those from Middle America, were simply thrilled and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. These two women from Texas, spotting a big hair as expected, were so excited at the testing booth that they kept uttering to each other “wow, these green peas from Japan are delicious!”

Anyway, it has been relatively quiet week with the Asian celebrities in terms of news and gossips. Everyone’s focus has been on the earthquake in China. Many stars are chipping in to help or donate money to the victims. Big stars like Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Yao Ming have all donated a considerable amount of money to those in need. Major broadcasting companies in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are busy organizing charity entertainment shows and fighting over big names to perform on their shows. Even Faye Wong, who hasn’t sung in public for three years and recently turned down to perform at the opening ceremony of the Olympics game this summer, performed at this variety show organized by the main Chinese broadcasting company in China. By the way, Faye is rumored to have accepted Live Nation’s offer to record an album for them next year. Let’s hope this rumor is true.

It’s comforting to know that most of my friends have provided financial support to the earthquake victims and the cyclone victims. If you haven’t done so, it’s not too late to provide your support to those in need here. Your generosity and support will be much appreciated!