Earthquake in China Troubles Yao

In the HOUSTON CHRONICLE, Jonathan Feigen writes "with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander pledging support for victims of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that hit central China on Monday, Rockets center Yao Ming on Wednesday offered his condolences. The official death toll rose to 14,866 on Wednesday, according to the Xinhua News Agency, with more than 26,000 still buried or missing. 'It is very hard putting into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction in Sichuan,' Yao said in a statement. 'I am very saddened to hear of the large loss of life that has occurred. My thoughts are with everyone back in my home country of China during this very dark and emotional time. Right now, the most important thing we can do is to respond quickly to help those who cannot help themselves.'" [link]