Ugh. That is so awful. That's for raising the awareness Charles.

Of the only two (real) Iron Chef episodes I've sat through, one featured shark fin as the theme ingredient.

I couldn't tell if this spot was for a Chinese or US audience or both. The message is vitally important in both places. I was under the impression that shark fin soup was illegal in the US. I was really dismayed to find it on nearly every upscale restaurant's menu in Chinatown here in Los Angeles.

I know there are about 3000 years of culture that has to be upended, but shark fins, and rhinoceros horns, and tiger dicks, bear livers, etc? Hard to believe this new Chinese generation - one that is well-educated and fairly well-informed on environmental issues - can still buy into folksy, highly questionable remedies that are wiping out whole species. And when they're gone, they're gone!

So, yeah, I know shark fin soup connotes wealth and status. I know it's a wedding banquet tradition, but given the state of endangered animals and the cruelty involved with procurement, can we find an acceptable, more sustainable substitute? Is that possible?

...and bravo, Yao, for lending your celebrity and support to this most worthwhile cause.

I'm fine with eating sharks. But for fucks sakes, eat the whole fucking shark, don't waste that shit!

And next time you feel sorry about shark murder, just ask the family of the trillions of fish that were murdered by sharks how they feel. Shark on fish murder must stop!