Friday, October 31, 2025
Some books needed to be completely destroyed, during the Red Guard era--see below--
and then re-written from scratch once the author was overseas.
Pasternak's Nobel Prize was based on his book, published in very small type font, by CIA.
A writer from Albania completely disguised his book, smuggled it out in parts and re-wrote once he came out of the country. I can't imagine how it was done.
Nien Cheng told me her only daughter was killed by Red Guards, and in her book she described how she gave an expensive set of ceramics to an official to get out once Deng Xioaping came to power. Deng's son was also pushed out a window.
People who don't do anything truth telling but just go with the flow don't know a thing.
Daw Mar Mar Aye Burmese singer told me she she stepped out of the house, to join the 1988 demonstrations, her husband said, "If you step out, never come back."
I met her in 1998, when she came to apply for a job at RFA. The goat's balls Nga Xoe Dinh (pseu) did not give her a job. I thought so.
DMMA had more cahones than all the men there.
kmk
10-31-2025.
AI Overview
The "bio" of Mao by his doctor is found in the book The Private Life of Chairman Mao: The Memoirs of Mao's Personal Physician by Dr. Li Zhisui. The memoir was published in 1994 and describes Dr. Li's 22 years as Mao's physician, revealing details about his personal life, political decisions, and physical health, and offers a critical perspective on the leader and his inner circle.
About the author and the book
Dr. Li Zhisui was Mao's personal physician from 1954 until Mao's death in 1976.
He was born in Beijing in 1919 and was trained as a doctor.
After emigrating to the United States, he wrote The Private Life of Chairman Mao.
The book is considered by some to be the most revealing account of Mao ever published.
Dr. Li died in 1995 at the age of 75, shortly after the book's publication.
Content of the book
Personal life: Describes Mao's sexual appetite, his indifference to the suffering of others, and the "decadent" and "luxurious" nature of his inner court. It also details his personal habits, such as his refusal to wash or dress.
Political decisions: Provides insight into Mao's reasoning behind key political decisions, including the Great Leap Forward and the shelling of Taiwanese islands.
Foreign relations: Details Mao's complex relationship with Soviet leaders like Khrushchev and explains how he initiated contact with the U.S. that led to President Nixon's visit to China.
Health: Discusses Mao's physical decline, sexual health, and dependence on drugs.
Other leaders: Offers portraits of other Chinese leaders, such as Zhou Enlai.
Post-death events: Describes the events following Mao's death.
Look--though I have published in some, on some places, those were mainly "Burma posts"
or poetry or a long time ago.
Also you have to be aware editors change a lot.
Personally, I am no longer interested in "Burma" and I've been writing fiction for the last 10+ years.
It may sound strange, but I have actually earned the most from poetry in the form of trips, and 2nd from paintings,but I don't promote or sell aggressively enough.
With the arts, including writing, it's always a matter of luck also.
And some writers bloom late, or only once, like Cry the Beloved Country.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry,_the_Beloved_Country
Or Nien Cheng, Life and Death in Shanghai
Or the bio of Mao by his doctor--
AI Overview
Yes, Substack works well for writers, offering an easy-to-use platform to build an audience, publish content, and monetize work through paid subscriptions. It allows for direct connection with readers, control over content, and the ability to earn a consistent income, especially since the platform's success is directly tied to the writer's success. However, it requires more than just writing skills; success depends on building an audience and actively engaging with the platform's community.
How Substack works for writers
Easy to start:
It's simple for writers to start publishing without needing web design skills.
Direct reader connection:
Writers can build a direct relationship with their audience through email newsletters and a personal online space.
Monetization:
Substack enables writers to earn income by offering paid subscriptions to their content and takes a percentage of the earnings.
Audience growth:
The platform's built-in recommendation features and network of writers can help new writers gain visibility and grow their readership.
Control and autonomy:
Writers have control over their publishing schedule and creative output, without an algorithm dictating reach.
Things to consider
Audience is key:
Writing skills alone are not enough; success on Substack requires building and engaging a community and actively promoting your work.
Content type:
It is particularly well-suited for writers who want to focus on creating a newsletter and building a dedicated niche audience.
How to Use Substack as a Writer (Full Beginner Tutorial)
By Matt Giaro. ✦ Free Course: How To Grow Your Audience With Substack. Start Now. So you want to start writing on Substack but don...
Matt Giaro
For Authors and Publishers - Substack
Yes. More than 40% of all new free subscriptions and around 20% of paid subscriptions to Substacks come from within our network. T...
Substack
I Tried Substack — My Honest Review | by Pankaj Suyal - Medium
Sep 30, 2024 — Is Substack Worth for Writers. ... Substack is a great platform for writers and I admit it. But alone writing skills w...
Medium
Which literary magazines pay how much.
AI Overview Many literary magazines pay their contributors, including The Sun, Poetry, The Kenyon Review, The Georgia Review, and One Story. Payment rates vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a short story in One Story to a per-page or per-line rate for work in magazines like The Georgia Review or Poetry. Some publications have different rates for different genres, and some offer specific rates for online content versus print. .rPeykc.rWIipd{font-size:var(--m3t5);font-weight:500;line-height:var(--m3t6);margin:20px 0 10px 0}.f5cPye ul{font-size:var(--m3t7);line-height:var(--m3t8);margin:10px 0 20px 0;padding-inline-start:24px}.f5cPye .WaaZC:first-of-type ul:first-child{margin-top:0}.f5cPye ul.qh1nvc{font-size:var(--m3t7);line-height:var(--m3t8)}.f5cPye li{padding-inline-start:4px;margin-bottom:8px;list-style:inherit}.f5cPye li.K3KsMc{list-style-type:none}.f5cPye ul>li:last-child,.f5cPye ol>li:last-child,.f5cPye ul>.bsmXxe:last-child>li,.f5cPye ol>.bsmXxe:last-child>li{margin-bottom:0}.DTlJ6d{color:unset;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-thickness:8%;text-underline-offset:10%;text-decoration-color:var(--IXoxUe);white-space:normal;text-decoration-style:dotted;text-decoration-skip-ink:auto}.DTlJ6d:hover{cursor:pointer;color:unset;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-thickness:8%;text-underline-offset:10%;text-decoration-color:var(--IXoxUe);white-space:normal;text-decoration-skip-ink:auto}.CM8kHf text{fill:var(--m3c11)}.CM8kHf{font-size:1.15em}.j86kh{display:inline-block;max-width:100%}.m46kvb{margin-left:0;margin-top:3px}.PCBdKc.PCBdKc{font-size:11px;line-height:13px;letter-spacing:0;color:var(--bbQxAb)}.xuPcX{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:0.1px;color:var(--IXoxUe);order:2;white-space:nowrap}.xuPcX.al4kQ{max-height:calc(var(--google-fs,1)*16px)} Examples of paying literary magazines One Story: Pays a flat rate of \(\$500\) for each accepted story. The Sun: Pays \(\$300\) to \(\$2,000\) for personal essays and fiction, and \(\$100\) to \(\$250\) for poetry. The Georgia Review: Pays \(\$50\) per printed page for prose, \(\$4\) per line for poetry, and a flat rate of \(\$150\) for book reviews published on GR2. Poetry Magazine: Pays \(\$10\)/line with a minimum of \(\$300\)/poem for most poems, and \(\$300\) for visual, audio, or video poems. They pay \(\$150\) per published page for prose. The Kenyon Review: Pays for both prose and poetry submissions. Contact the magazine directly for specific rates. The Baltimore Review: Pays for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry submissions. The Threepenny Review: Pays \(\$400\) for accepted critical articles or stories/memoirs and \(\$200\) for poems. LitMag: Pays \(\$500\) for longer fiction or nonfiction, and \(\$250\) for shorter pieces. They pay \(\$125\) for a poem, a group of short poems, or a short short. Rattle Magazine: Pays \(\$200\)/poem for print submissions ($100 for online). 40+ literary magazines that pay writers & charge no submission feeJan 2, 2023 — 40+ literary magazines that pay writers & charge no submission... * Baltimore Review. Publishes fiction and nonfiction...Valley of Writers8 Magazines That Pay Fiction Writers $300+ For Short StoriesJul 26, 2022 — 2. The Sun Magazine. The Sun is a reader-supported magazine, free of ads. Publishing here puts your words in front of ...Medium · Bertilla Creates(function(){var id='folsrch-ghost';document.getElementById(id)?.remove();})();.LW6JDf{margin-left:auto}Submissions Series: Magazines that Pay - Poetry editing servicesEach issue consists of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translation, and reviews. They ( West Branch ) pay $50 per contributor for poe...telltellpoetry.com(function(){var ctid='_rJ0EaanSFa6RwbkPx_akyAM_1';(function(){'use strict';
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Where to publish articles on literary matters.
You can publish articles on literary matters on magazines like Poets & Writers and Writer's Digest, or on websites such as Electric Lit and Lit Hub. Other platforms include literary journals that accept essays on craft, such as Craft, and websites that provide resources for writers, like Archetype: A Literary Journal.
Magazines
Poets & Writers Magazine:
A leading publication for writers that accepts a wide range of articles on the literary life.
Writer's Digest:
Devoted to helping writers develop their craft and offers expert advice on getting published.
Craft:
A respected literary journal that publishes essays on writing craft, as well as critical essays and book annotations.
Websites
Electric Lit:
Publishes personal essays on writing, books, and storytelling, as well as interviews with writers and editors.
Lit Hub:
A popular website that is open to a wide variety of pitches related to literature.
Archetype: A Literary Journal:
A website with resources for emerging writers, including interviews and pages with writing guidelines.
The Sun Magazine:
Accepts submissions year-round for various content, including essays.
Online databases
Poets & Writers: Provides a searchable database of literary magazines.
Writer's Market: An online resource for finding magazines and publishers that accept submissions.
Duotrope: An online database that helps writers find markets for their work, including literary magazines.
My oh my oh my--how I love these overgrown gardens--Gravetye Manor in Sussex.
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/gravetye-manors-arts-and-crafts-garden-ideas?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Also try and check out Vertical indoor gardens--
I try to make a jungle in my condo.
Dripping with leaves and flowers, an abundance of vegetation.
km
10-31-2025
AI Overview
"That justice is done" can refer to the Latin legal maxim "Fiat justitia ruat caelum," meaning "Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall," which emphasizes that justice should be served regardless of the consequences. It also refers to a 1945 US propaganda film about the Nuremberg trials, and the 1950 French film Justice est faite (Justice is Done), which explores themes of law and morality. A related principle, particularly in English law, is that "justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done," highlighting the importance of perceived fairness in the legal system.
Legal and philosophical interpretations
Fiat justitia ruat caelum:
This Latin phrase is a cornerstone principle in jurisprudence, meaning justice should be served no matter the cost.
Ensuring justice is seen to be done:
This principle emphasizes that beyond the fairness of the trial, the public must also perceive it as fair. This is why legal systems have rules about transparency and the impartiality of judges, says The University of Melbourne.
Media and cultural references
That Justice Be Done
: A 1945 propaganda film made by the US government for the Nuremberg trials to explain the concept of war crimes and justice to the American public, according to Wikipedia.
Justice est faite (Justice is Done)
: A 1950 French film by director André Cayatte that examines post-war French justice. It won the Golden Lion at the 1950 Venice Film Festival and follows a jury as they deliberate the case of a woman accused of euthanizing her employer at his request, according to Wikipedia.
Non-fiction books about Epstein and Maxwell--
AI Overview
Several notable non-fiction books explore the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell case, from investigative journalism and legal perspectives to victim memoirs.
Investigative & Journalistic Accounts
Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story by Julie K. Brown This book is a definitive account by the Miami Herald investigative reporter whose explosive 2018 series of articles brought national attention to Epstein's lenient 2008 plea deal and ultimately led to his and Maxwell's arrests.
The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by Barry Levine A Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist investigates Epstein's wealth, his global network, connections to powerful figures, and how he evaded justice for so long.
Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein by James Patterson This bestselling book provides a comprehensive look at Epstein's rise to wealth and the details of his sex-abuse charges and lenient sentencing. It was also adapted into a Netflix documentary series.
TrafficKing: The Jeffrey Epstein Case by Conchita Sarnoff An investigative exposé detailing how Epstein evaded prosecution under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the power dynamics that allowed his crimes to continue.
Maxwell: The Final Verdict by Tom Bower Focuses on Ghislaine Maxwell's life, her family background, and her eventual role as Epstein's primary accomplice.
Victim Memoirs
Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (with Amy Wallace) Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent accusers, provides a powerful and unsparing first-hand account of her time in their trafficking ring, her escape, and her fight for justice against powerful individuals, including Prince Andrew.
Silenced No More: The Shocking True Story of Surviving Epstein's Island and Years of Abuse by Sarah Ransome Another survivor's memoir, detailing her harrowing testimony of being trapped in the sex trafficking network and her journey toward healing and advocacy.
Legal & Other Accounts
Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by Bradley J. Edwards Written by the lawyer who represented many of Epstein's victims, this book details the legal battles involved in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
One Nation Under Blackmail, Vols. 1 & 2 by Whitney Alyse Webb These books delve into the alleged connections between the Epstein scandal, intelligence agencies, and organized crime, exploring theories of blackmail and deep-state involvement.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Jeez--android to do housework--reminds me of univ. presdt who put ad.in student newspaper.
https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/meet-neo-ai-driven-robot-205539680.html
When I saw it, I thought, wow--she wants grad student helper to do everything but sleep with her boyfriend.
Later she was fired. I saw her briefly at the airport when I was returning from a Burma Studies conference.
kmk
10-30-2025
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
2019 Colleen Hoover novel into movie--Regretting You.
I don't agree with this rather snooty review--I think Hoover is the best of the rom com Western crop, and she IS the bestselling author world wide.
I've read EIGHT of her novels to date, and she's the best of the other rom com authors--whose work I have read between 1 and 3-4 novels each. I even bought 2 copies of It Ends with Us by accident and have read some of the rom coms twice. The ninth is in the mail right now.
A bit of a problem with the characters'names.
Hoover never repeats herself and the stories are all different.
Also she is somewhere between a literary novel and the current rather raunchy, explicit sex rom com and a horror story writer--though I can't read Stephen King.
Case in point, I remember the story lines and some of the characters are memorable--and she's always on the side of true love. She also makes her characters very vivid, like the totally deaf musician.
To the author of this review--if you can't suspend disbelief, you are stuck in reality--like 2 friends of mine who said they could not relate my characters to me. Of course they are not me.
I cannot be or have never been an aging lion in love with a pregnant princess (My--Beast) or a man about to be executed in the Karen/Kayin Uprising of 1948 -and so on.
It's the fault of the reader's lack of ability to imagine--to "fall into that world" as one of my 3 friends who are lesbians once said. That does not mean I am a lesbian myself.
Journalists and economists have this defect. Fiction is fiction and
fact is fact--but creative non-fiction is a combo--some (public figures, like Aung San Suu Kyi are real, as in my Wolf) and usually, the male lead and the female lead are creations.
As are the secondary couple.
This review is reviewing the movie adaptation which is not Colleen Hoover's original novel.
https://slate.com/culture/2025/10/regretting-you-movie-colleen-hoover-book-mckenna-grace.html?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Beast is available online free on Himal Southasia website. You can buy Black Rice and Wolf by K.M. Kaung on Amazon. My fiction is all by K.Kaung or KM Kaung except for the 2 short stories in Himal. I usually write my political commentary and economics articles as Kyi May Kaung. Happy reading to you, not disgruntled pooh-poohing. Kyi May Kaung 10-29-2025
Hazelnut tort from 2009--that I can't eat now. Kaung.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
CGTN--AI generated info.
AI Overview
Yes, CGTN still exists in the USA, though its operations are subject to U.S. regulations for foreign agents, including public disclosure of its budget and ownership. CGTN America operates as the U.S. arm of the China Global Television Network and can be watched online or through certain digital terrestrial channels, such as in Chicago and Santa Barbara.
Online and digital:
You can watch CGTN America online through its website, and it also has a presence on platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). It is also available on some digital terrestrial television channels in specific cities, such as Chicago (Channel 13.4) and Santa Barbara (Channel 32.2).
U.S. regulations:
Due to its status as a foreign entity, CGTN America is required to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This means it must disclose its financial information and include disclaimers that it is a registered foreign agent.
Operations and content:
The network produces content with a focus on news and analysis from a U.S. perspective, but its programming is a reflection of its Chinese ownership and is subject to oversight and specific reporting requirements in the U.S.
From Dan Southerland's article in The Hill in 2017. I know for a fact CCTV is free in at least Houston TX.
https://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international/342371-with-china-expanding-media-controls-congress-must-fully-fund/
Tucked away in a U.S. broadcasting budget, you’ll find the end to the radio and television operations of one of America’s most effective foreign language services.
President Trump’s proposed budget for U.S. international broadcasting for fiscal 2018 would cut more than $4.7 million from congressionally funded Radio Free Asia’s annual budget. This would eliminate RFA’s Mandarin’s radio and television broadcasts to China. And it would leave RFA with social media as its sole means of reaching Chinese citizens just as China increasingly monitors and controls social media.
Radio Free Asia is a nonprofit organization that reaches listeners, viewers and internet users via radio, satellite television and social media in East Asian countries where the media are censored and in many ways restricted. RFA’s nine language services are mandated by congressional legislation to serve as free media “surrogates” covering stories that would otherwise be blocked by authoritarian regimes. The proposed cut comes at a time when China has been increasing its broadcasting efforts overseas, including a rebranding of its flagship television broadcaster CCTV. Working with a budget many times larger than that which the United States devotes to international broadcasting, China has expanded CCTV’s operations with the aim of improving China’s image overseas. Sign up for the Morning Report The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use, have reviewed the Privacy Policy, and to receive personalized offers and communications via email, on-site notifications, and targeted advertising using my email address from The Hill, Nexstar Media Inc., and its affiliates All of this ties in with China’s larger aim of expanding its “soft power” alongside growing economic and military power. China’s “soft power” budget comes to roughly $10 billion a year, with much of that devoted to broadcasting. In contrast, the U.S. international broadcasting budget will now be reduced by nearly 13 percent to $685 million. The budget is meant to cover broadcasts by five entities, including RFA, Middle East Broadcasting, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, The Office of Cuban Broadcasting and the Voice of America.
Personal note--My relative, FRCS Edinburgh-trained surgeon Dr.Thein Nyunt passed away in Rangoon.
Rest in Peace--He was a very good surgeon, and a very good human being.
RIP--Condolences to surviving family.
Photo--quaking aspen tree in Fall. Copyright Kaung.
Why I try not to change to new tech--often--Everything, from plastic food containers to
diabetic monitors to laptops and social media, require learning new language and new systems, and sometimes I just don't have the mental energy for it.
But sometimes we do have to change systems, right?
It's like my cousin Mongoose coming in to talk to my husband and me, late one night in mid-1970s.
It got very late and I got very sleepy, so I was about to goto sleep, when my husband "D" said, "Maybe I should change too."
M. said, "Don't. Everything is difft. even the smell."
Eventually, M and I and 2 other cousins from a difft father and mother came to USA between 1960s and 1980s.
We met up again on Hi Line Park in NY City in 2012, while I was there for a conference at Columbia Univ.
I found M's hands looked exactly like mine and my son's--while taking a pic of a toad lily, and moreover--we did similar things, "Liz" M. and me--like
we went into a Chinese kitchen utensil store on Mott Street, picked up assorted items like ladles for deep frying, woks etc.
"tried them out for size," put them back down, did not buy anything, and then came out again.
M and "Superwoman" his wife had good impulse control. All they bought
were some white peaches.
I love New York New York, though have never lived there.
In the days when M worked at UN and I still didn't have a credit card, I went on Amtrak and went to see van Gogh at Arles at the Met.
M bought me tickets and I repaid him and we had lunch tog.
It's been a great life. I got new glasses just before that trip,the better to see van Gogh's brush strokes.
P, Liz's sister, died in 2004.
I'm not unhappy.
I've seen many original art works, in Warsaw,Poland, in Copenhagen, in Thailand, in DC, in Philadelphia, at Art Institute of Chicago.
I've met many great men and women and read many great books and seen many movies and several plays.
I consider myself "richer" than this warped woman who married a millionaire.
I found I don't like her, so I just dropped her off my email list.
Life is too short to have someone always trying to sabotage you in the small things.
I'd rather read a book alone or work on my own novels.
I am heartbroken by the ICE raid on NY Chinatown.
Why? Why? Why?
Kyi May Kaung
10-28-2025.
Forgot to tell you--I am more or less giving up on brainless C-dramas that romaticize "CEOs" with sadistice tendencies.
Instead, I am changing my Dr. Kaung's Bookshelf--file to Dr.Kaung's Favorites.
That way I can talk about anything. This blog's original name was Cabages and Kings.
I also have to do end of month things --and find out why my Substack posts aren't free anymore--I might have done something in the settings.
I know for a fact that many Burmese refugees are employed at an Amazon "fulfilment center" set way back from the highway in Katy, TX.
Ref car manufacturing, the assembly lines are now "manned" by robots.
This disregard for humans will lead to long term problems, mark my words.
hmm--from New York Times--Amazon to cut 14,000 WHITE COLLAR JOBs, citing AI.
Amazon has also looked to rein in the growth of its warehouse and other blue-collar workers, who make up most of its more than 1.5 million employees. The New York Times reported last week that the company had plans to use automation to avoid hiring more than 600,000 warehouse employees in a decade even as it expected to sell twice as many items over that period.
Amazon last saw widespread layoffs almost three years ago, in a series of cuts over several months that trimmed 27,000 positions. The company’s work force had ballooned during the early Covid-19 pandemic, topping 1.6 million. Though the business has since grown substantially, it had 1.5 million workers at the end of June.
Amazon’s competitors have been turning to layoffs as well. Microsoft cut about 15,000 roles in the early summer. Target said last week that it would trim roughly 1,800 corporate jobs, and Meta laid off 600 people.
Jason Karaian contributed reporting.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/technology/amazon-layoffs.html
From The Independent--Pam Bondi death threat "Dot"
Subsequent court documents cited by Law&Crime reveal that a U.S. magistrate judge has since granted Avalos' release from custody under several conditions, including that he does not travel outside Minnesota, continues to receive mental health treatment, refrains from drinking alcohol or possessing weapons, observes a curfew, agrees to be monitored by GPS, and does not use the internet without approval.
In prosecuting Avalos, the onus will be on the federal government to prove that the post constituted a “true threat” against Bondi’s life and was not merely hyperbolic political speech, which could be protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution, which safeguards free speech.
Monday, October 27, 2025
Trump in South Korea--investment could sink the S Korean economy--Lots of demonstrations in Seoul.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/trump-will-promote-big-investments-in-japan-and-south-korea-but-details-are-fuzzy
The proposed South Korean investment represents more than 80% of its foreign currency reserves. South Korea has proposed a currency swap with the U.S. to ease potential financial instability caused by the investment, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Immigration is another flashpoint
The Sept. 4 immigration raid by Trump’s government on a Hyundai auto plant in Georgia, causing the detention of more than 300 South Koreans, has also strained the relationship. It came less than two weeks after Trump met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and led to calls in South Korea to ensure that its workers operating in the U.S. have legal protections.
When to renew your passport.
AI Overview
Yes, you should renew your passport now, especially if it's expiring in less than a year or if you have international travel planned, as some countries require six months of validity remaining. Renewing early is also wise because processing times can vary and are currently at a historical low for routine service, making now an ideal time to apply. You should renew if your passport is expiring within a year, was issued more than 5 years ago, or if you have plans for future travel.
Reasons to renew now
Avoid international entry denial:
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Renewing now ensures you won't be denied entry due to an expiring passport.
Be prepared for travel:
It's easier to renew now than to wait until your passport expires and then have to scramble for a new one, especially since processing times can vary and may be longer during peak seasons.
Take advantage of current processing times:
The U.S. Department of State has recently announced that routine processing times are at a historic low of four to six weeks, and expedited service is two to three weeks.
Avoid potential issues:
A passport is a valuable document, and renewing it even before it expires can prevent potential problems with future travel.
How to renew
Renew online:
You can renew online if your most recent passport is from the last 15 years, it is undamaged, and you are 25 or older.
Renew by mail:
If you can't renew online, you can apply by mail using the renewal form. You may also need to make an appointment for faster service if you have upcoming travel.
Renew in person:
If you are traveling in less than three weeks, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center for urgent processing.
What to do if your passport is expired
For new passports:
If you have a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or if it has been more than 5 years since it was issued, you may need to apply for a new one.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website:
For the most up-to-date information on fees, processing times, and requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Renew my Passport Online - Travel.gov
The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years. It must be expiring within 1 year or have expired less than 5 years ...
U.S. Department of State (.gov)
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025
How long will an economic depression last? I think recovery will depend on how logical policy intervention is--not how loud
the so-called leader threatens--look to Carny and Xi--Pretty soon all the brains will be in Canada, Europe or China.
DJT is already threatening "he can play dirtier"--and sending aircraft carrier to Caribbean.
War while claiming "peace."
AI overview follows--but this is based on past performance:
AI Overview
It is difficult to predict the exact duration of a recession, but they typically last between six and 18 months, with the average post-WWII recession lasting about 11 months. The length depends on various factors, and recent economic data and expert opinions suggest the US economy is currently vulnerable to a downturn, though some analysts expect growth to reaccelerate.
Historical averages:
Recessions since World War II have averaged around 11 months, though some have been much shorter (like the two-month COVID-19 recession) and others much longer (like the 18-month Great Recession).
Current outlook:
The U.S. economy is considered vulnerable, with some experts pointing to late 2025 or early 2026 as a period of heightened risk, particularly due to factors like inflation from tariffs and a softening labor market.
Uncertainty:
Predicting the precise length and timing is impossible. Economic indicators are mixed, and forecasts vary, with some analysts expecting growth to pick up after a potential slowdown.
Google AI says--
AI Overview
The feeling of being never satisfied in men and women can be attributed to various factors, including personality traits like the drive for perfection, psychological mechanisms such as hedonic adaptation, and societal or childhood influences. In some cases, the perception of dissatisfaction might be a tool used to control or shift responsibility in a relationship. For individuals experiencing this feeling, working on self-confidence, managing expectations, and understanding the root cause are key steps toward a greater sense of contentment.
Psychological and personality factors
Perfectionism:
Individuals with personalities that strive for perfection may never feel satisfied with their achievements, often leading to an endless cycle of work and responsibility, as seen in some forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
Hedonic adaptation:
This is the tendency for humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes. This means even after achieving a goal, the satisfaction is temporary and new desires emerge.
Underlying insecurities:
A feeling of never being satisfied can stem from insecurity or a lack of self-confidence. Building self-worth can help reduce the need for external validation.
Social and environmental influences
Childhood experiences:
Growing up in an environment where nothing was ever considered "enough" can lead to a lifelong pattern of dissatisfaction in adulthood.
Societal pressures:
Society often pressures individuals to constantly chase success, status, or material wealth, which can make lasting contentment feel unattainable.
Relationship dynamics:
The feeling can be a result of specific relationship issues. In some cases, a partner may use the perception of dissatisfaction to avoid responsibility or to make the other partner feel like they are constantly failing to meet unrealistic expectations.
This letter will not work--wannabe dictator already probably has a deal with M junta.
It's revealing of Alan Clements' Goodness, but he does not understand Evil.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/open-letter-to-u-s-president-donald-trump.html
This C-drama should be called The Gilded Cage--however--the first C-drama I watched
Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace,is both better and sadder.
Also it's a series, look for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__gAHMKe3AU&t=3001s
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