Oh, now I understand the confusion. I never claimed to be Asian, or even a practitioner of any Asian philosophy or religion. I put the Tiananmen Square phrase on my member status and signature for a specific reason. I could give you a hint as to what that was, but I'm sure your uncommon sense will eventually puzzle it out. The "wisdom I cut and paste" is actually a Proverb, which is from the religion I do practice. I am mostly of Irish and English descent.
But yes, I have studied both Eastern and Western philosophies and religions. I am a practicing Christian, but I can't help but see many parallels between the teachings of Christ and those of the Buddha. I have actually participated in a bell ringing ceremony at a Buddhist temple in Japan (probably just a touristy thing, though, but I found it moving. Those bells are giagantic!). I find Confucius to be a little shallow, but practical none-the-less. I am fascinated by the ancestor worship of Shintoism. Taoism is a little faddish for my taste, but it's not completely without value. I'm no expert, however, on any of those religions or belief systems/philosophies, though I have studied the teachings of Christ extensively.
Hopefully that clears things up. I'll probably change out the tiananmen square thing when I have absolutely nothing better to do. And, as for Hasselhoff, I only knew him from Knight Rider, so I didn't expect to see him singing at the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.
