President Bush, apparently tired of mowing down plastic army men with rubber bands, called the Dalai Lama and expressed concern for his health, which is a very nice gesture. The Dalai Lama canceled an upcoming visit to Germany and Switzerland due to health concerns, but is currently reported to be recuperating well from his earlier illness.

At the Dalai Lama’s wish, the Tibetan parliament in exile is convening an emergency session in November to discuss the future of the movement:

Samdhong Rinpoche, the Kalon Tripa or prime minister of Tibet’s government in exile, tells VOA News this year’s events have created a seismic shift.

“Since March 2008 there have been a lot of protests and, then, international sympathy. A great change has been taking place during these days. And we shall have to review the situation and how we shall have to channelize our future course of action,”he said.

Input will come not only from Tibet’s legislative representatives elected in exile, but from Tibetan intellectuals and non-governmental organizations in the exile community. Most Tibetans in exile live in India.

And this news is big across the pond: UK rugby star Jonny Wilkinson has converted to Buddhism.

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