Sunday, August 31, 2025
Why the arts matter.
AI Overview
Art matters because it fosters self-expression and empathy by providing a universal language for emotions and experiences, serves as a vital historical record, sparks creativity and critical thinking, and can drive social change by giving voice to silenced communities and promoting unity across diverse groups. Art helps people make sense of a complex world, offers solace and beauty, and connects individuals to a deeper understanding of themselves and society.
Economics 1--suppy and demand determine prices.
AI Overview
The price of goods and services is determined by the interaction of supply and demand in a market. When the quantity of a product that producers are willing to sell (supply) meets the quantity consumers want to buy (demand), an equilibrium price is reached, where buyers and sellers agree on an exchange. Factors like changes in consumer willingness to buy or producer ability to supply can shift these curves, causing prices to rise or fall accordingly
According to these soap operas--Chinese society is full of shrill bullies--class conscious--from what I know of half Chinese--it's not such a stretch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSaFkRKU5JA
Nice concept but over-worked--same thin actress plays horrible mother.
***
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
Detainies report uprising at Aligator Alcatraz brutally suppressed.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/29/alligator-alcatraz-uprising-florida-immigration?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Thursday, August 28, 2025
The Angel Michael--head of God's Forces against evil (Satan)--prayer from wikipedia
Main article: Prayer to Saint Michael § In the Leonine Prayers
Sancte MÃchael Archángele, defénde nos in próelio; contra nequÃtiam et insÃdias diáboli esto praesÃdium. Imperet illi Deus, súpplices deprecámur,
tuque, PrÃnceps milÃtiae caeléstis, Sátanam aliósque spÃritus malÃgnos, qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in mundo, divÃna virtúte, in inférnum detrúde.[49] Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
anddo thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.[50] ***
Oh My Emperor summary--yes--I also prefer the other Male Lead--Lord Chen--more sensitive face--more emotional.
https://mydramalist.com/26812-oh-my-emperor
The Emperor was rather stiff.
Wish Lord Chen got the girl.
The actress is very popular and is in everything--so much to extent one might get tired of seeing her, but she does deliver.
That said I like story lines of Romance of Tiger and Rose better
as well as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's play, Death and the Kind's Horseman.
Sci fi is sci fi, but the logic of the story needs to hang together.
This one does not quite do so.
Kyi May Kaung
8-27-2025
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Chinese drama--little too many bitches in here--acting really too much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buKylSlG3T0
The poor dubbing done by Western voices makes it worse.
Ostrich Effect--
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich_effect
Personally I think people avoid or deny things because if they believe it
e.g, global warming, danger--they will have to do something and they are afraid to, or don't want to--sothey withdraw--say in religion.
I see it all the time,particularly among Burmese.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Who owns largest % of US National Debt? AI answer from Google--
AI Overview
As of mid-2025, the largest holder of U.S. debt is Japan, followed by the United Kingdom and China. These foreign countries invest in U.S. Treasury securities to manage their foreign currency reserves and for stable interest income.
Here's a closer look at the top foreign holders of U.S. debt, according to recent data:
1. Japan:
.
Holds the most U.S. debt, with over $1.1 trillion in Treasury securities as of July 2025.
2. United Kingdom:
.
Has become the second-largest holder, with over $807 billion in holdings as of April 2025.
3. China:
.
Formerly the second-largest holder, China has been decreasing its holdings and now holds approximately $757 billion as of April 2025.
Why Countries Hold U.S. Debt
Reserve Management:
.
Countries buy U.S. Treasury securities to hold as foreign currency reserves, which are seen as safe and stable.
Exchange Rate Management:
.
Holding U.S. debt can help countries manage their own currency's exchange rates.
Interest Income:
.
U.S. Treasury securities offer a reliable source of interest income for investors.
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All ...
May 13, 2025 — Investors in Japan and China remain the largest foreign holders of Treasury debt. Foreign ownership of U.S. debt can h...
Peterson Foundation
The US has $36 trillion in debt. What does that mean, and who owns it?
May 20, 2025 — $15.16 trillion (42 percent) is held by US private investors and entities, mostly in the form of savings bonds, mutual...
Al Jazeera
5 Foreign Countries That Own the Most U.S. Debt - Investopedia
* Japan. Japan held $1.13 trillion in Treasury securities as of July 2025, beating out the U.K. as the largest foreign holder of ...
Investopedia
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AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who ...
Peter G. Peterson Foundation
https://www.pgpf.org › article › the-federal-governmen...
May 13, 2025 — The largest holder of intragovernmental debt is the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which holds $2.5 trillion, or 33 ...
People also ask
Who is America's biggest debt holder?
US National Debt--AI
AI Overview
The total U.S. Treasury debt outstanding was approximately $37.21 trillion as of August 22, 2025, according to the U.S. Treasury. This "national debt" represents the total money borrowed by the U.S. government throughout its history to cover deficits, where spending exceeds revenues. The debt consists of funds held by the public and intragovernmental holdings, and it grows each year as annual deficits add to the outstanding balance.
What is the National Debt?
It is the total amount of money the U.S. federal government owes to individuals, corporations, other governments, and its own accounts.
The debt accumulates each year when the government spends more money than it takes in through taxes and other revenues.
How is the debt broken down?
Debt Held by the Public:
.
This is the portion of the national debt held by entities outside the U.S. government, such as investors and foreign governments.
Intragovernmental Holdings:
.
This is debt held by government accounts, such as trust funds like the Social Security trust fund.
Why is the debt important?
The increasing national debt can lead to higher interest payments, which can take up a larger portion of the federal budget.
It is a result of structural factors like an aging population, rising healthcare costs, higher interest rates, and a tax system that generates insufficient revenue to cover promised government services. Where to find the most up-to-date information: For daily updates, visit the U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data website, which provides access to the "Debt to the Penny" dataset.
AI answer to Is it advisable to invest in US T-bills under Trump 2.0
AI Overview
Advising whether to invest in Treasury Bills under a potential Trump 2.0 administration is complex due to the significant market uncertainty surrounding his proposed policies. While T-Bills are considered among the safest investments, his fiscal plans could influence interest rates, inflation, and investor confidence in ways that affect their appeal
.
Here is a summary of the potential impacts on T-Bills under a possible Trump presidency.
Key factors influencing T-Bills 1. Fiscal policy and debt Larger budget deficits: Proposals like extending the 2017 tax cuts and increasing military spending could substantially increase budget deficits. Increased Treasury issuance: To finance a larger deficit, the government would need to issue more Treasuries, including T-Bills. Increased supply can put upward pressure on yields (meaning T-Bill prices could fall).
Eroding confidence: Continued large deficits could cause international and domestic investors to lose confidence in U.S. fiscal management. This has historically led to demands for higher yields to compensate for perceived risk. 2. Inflation Trade tariffs: Proposed tariffs on imports are a key part of the Trump 2.0 agenda. These tariffs could raise import costs, leading to higher inflation as businesses pass those costs to consumers. Reduced labor supply: Stricter immigration policies could tighten the U.S. labor market, potentially putting upward pressure on wages and, consequently, inflation. Inflation risk for investors: Higher-than-expected inflation erodes the purchasing power of the fixed interest payments from T-Bills. This makes longer-duration bonds less attractive and may push investors toward shorter-term assets. 3. Federal Reserve policy Central bank independence: Concerns have been raised over potential political pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to make government borrowing cheaper. Market volatility: Any perceived threats to the Fed's independence could undermine investor confidence and add a "risk premium" to U.S. Treasuries, pushing yields higher. Investment considerations for T-Bills Advisable for liquidity and safety Short-term safety: T-Bills, with maturities of one year or less, are still considered a safe bet for parking cash and preserving capital in the short term. They offer stability in volatile markets. Higher yields: If Trump's policies lead to higher inflation and larger deficits, yields on shorter-term assets like T-Bills could rise, potentially offering a more attractive return. Less advisable for long-term hedging Inflation risk: If inflation is a persistent issue, T-Bills and other fixed-income securities may offer negative real returns after accounting for the loss of purchasing power. Uncertainty with longer-duration bonds: Given the potential for fiscal and inflation-related risks, many analysts are skeptical about longer-duration Treasuries acting as a reliable hedge against economic weakness. Short-term versus long-term investing Short-term focus: Investment managers like T. Rowe Price suggest preferring shorter-duration assets and inflation-protected securities (TIPS) in a Trump 2.0 scenario. Shorter-term investments are less sensitive to interest rate changes.
Long-term complexity: The advice for longer-term investors is more complex. While some may find bargains when yields spike, others may wish to reduce exposure to longer-duration assets due to increased risk.
I am now rather estranged from all groups and clubs and classes--
But Nine Parts of Desire was in group run out of a local bookstore
and Horse, I saw on the notice board--was one read by group based in our building about 2 years ago.
But I am my own "club" or "Group."
I don't like the dominant personalities who run groups--
For the same reason I don't like guided tours in museums
I like to wander around on my own.
I like to form my own thoughts and impressions--not so sure I will like some books.
Sometimes I buy them based on samples--then don't finish reading them.
My friend used to toss books she didn't like across the room.
The books I like I keep lined up beside my bed.
Maybe best to die in my own bed.
Kyi May Kaung
8-25-2025.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Why you should not reheat cooking oil. My surgeon brother in law told me this years ago.
I had 4 in laws who were medical doctors= 2 couples.
1st couple--patholgist & radiologist.
2d couple --FRCS surgeon and wife who never practiced.
AI Overview
Reheating cooking oil, especially for deep frying, can be detrimental to your health due to the formation of harmful compounds and the degradation of the oil's quality. Repeatedly heating oil can lead to the development of rancidity, free radicals, and carcinogenic substances, all of which pose potential health risks.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Rancidity:
Reheating oil can cause it to become rancid, meaning it develops an unpleasant taste and odor. This happens because the chemical structure of the oil degrades, leading to the formation of undesirable byproducts.
Free Radicals:
When oil is heated, it can break down and produce free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. Repeatedly heating oil increases the formation of these harmful compounds.
Carcinogenic Properties:
Some studies suggest that reheating oil can lead to the formation of carcinogenic substances, which are compounds that can potentially cause cancer.
Altered Fat Composition:
Reheating oil can change its chemical structure, potentially increasing the levels of trans fats and other unhealthy components.
Loss of Nutrients:
Reheating oil can also degrade its nutritional value, meaning it loses some of its beneficial components, like antioxidants.
While it might seem convenient to reuse cooking oil, it's generally recommended to avoid reheating it, especially for deep frying. If you choose to reuse oil, do so sparingly and be mindful of the potential risks. Using fresh oil for each cooking session is the best way to minimize potential health hazards
Food--Origins of the Bloomin' Onion--
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/who-really-invented-the-blooming-onion-peeling-open-the-world-s-greasiest-mystery?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
It's deep fried in a batter--I suggest you make the batter of besan (check pea flour) rather than white flour--or whole wheat flour (atta).
Uses a lot of cooking oil which you can reuse to cook with--but do not refry it--that would make it trans fat--see above.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
That's all for today--have a nice day or evening--wherever you are--on this beautiful earth of ours.
Read this from the bottom up please.
Or you can stand on your head.
kmk
AI--Make a wish foundations for adults--
AI Overview
For adults in need of a "last wish," several organizations grant dreams and life-enriching experiences. These include The Dream Foundation and Stella's Wish Foundation, which serve adults with serious or life-threatening illnesses. For older adults, Wish of a Lifetime (an AARP affiliate) and Senior Wishes fulfill lifelong dreams and reconnect families. Each organization has specific eligibility criteria and focuses on different types of wishes, such as travel, family time, or pursuing a lifelong passion.
Organizations for Adults with Life-Limiting Illnesses:
The Dream Foundation:
.
Provides wish-come-trues for adults 18 and over with serious, life-limiting diagnoses, focusing on comfort and inspiration for patients and their families.
Stella's Wish Foundation:
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Grants wishes for adults with Stage 4 life-threatening cancers, offering dreams that bring joy and a sense of closure.
Marsha Leigh Foundation:
.
Fulfills bucket list wishes for adults (18+) with cancer and other serious illnesses, providing joy, adventure, and special moments.
Organizations for Older Adults:
Wish of a Lifetime:
.
An AARP-affiliated charity that grants life-changing wishes to older adults (65+) to redefine aging and inspire others.
Senior Wishes:
.
Focuses on granting wishes that provide enrichment, reconnect seniors with loved ones, or fulfill lifelong passions, aiming to bring joy and a sense of purpose.
How to Apply:
Each organization has an online request form for submitting wishes.
Referral by a medical professional: is often a required first step for those with serious illnesses.
Applications are reviewed by a wish team or a board of directors.
Important Considerations:
Eligibility:
Each foundation has specific age and health requirements, so it is important to check their individual websites for details.
Types of Wishes:
Organizations generally do not provide cash, medical bill assistance, funeral expenses, or certain home improvements. Instead, they focus on granting experiences that bring joy, comfort, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Make a Wish Programs for Adults | - Cancer Care News
The Dream Foundation. The Dream Foundation provides wish-come-trues for people 18 and over in the USA who are facing a serious, li...
Cancer Care News
Make a Wish Foundation for Adults | - Cancer Care News
3. Marsha Leigh Foundation. ... The Marsha Leigh Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling bucket list wishes for adults with cancer a...
Cancer Care News
Wish of a Lifetime | Wish of a Lifetime
Wish of a Lifetime
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Lovely enchanting voice--Ponniyin Selvan--The First Flood--long preview
https://www.google.com/books/edition/First_Flood_Ponniyin_Selvan_Book_1/LVwXEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT6&printsec=frontcover
Friday, August 22, 2025
AI overview AH 1--
AI Overview
Asian Highway 1 wasn't "built" by a single entity; it's a network of roads created and upgraded by multiple governments and authorities in the countries it traverses, with the overall United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) (formerly ECAFE) spearheading the overarching international project since 1959. The Asian Highway Network aims to modernize and connect existing national roads, rather than constructing an entirely new highway.
Key Points:
ESCAP/ECAFE:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), initially the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), initiated the Asian Highway project in 1959 to promote international road transport and economic development.
Intergovernmental Agreement:
The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network (IGA), adopted in 2003, provides the framework for cooperation and the identification of AH routes, including AH1.
National Responsibility:
The actual construction and upgrades of the segments that make up Asian Highway 1 are carried out by the respective member countries through their national road authorities, such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in India.
Existing Infrastructure:
The project focuses on upgrading and connecting existing roads, with member governments investing in improving infrastructure within their own borders.
Asian Highway Network - Wikipedia
The Asian Highway Network (AH), also known as the Great Asian Highway, is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and the Un...
Wikipedia
Fifty years of the Asian Highway - UN Digital Library
Oct 31, 2008 — II. ... 3. The development of the Asian Highway was initiated by ECAFE at its fifteenth session, held in 1959 in Broad...
United Nations Digital Library System
International Asian Highway | UN Photo
The Asian Highway, a project initiated in 1958 by ECAFE (UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East), aims at modernizing an (existing network)
AH1
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki
Asian Highway 1 (AH1) is the longest east–west route of the Asian Highway Network, running 20,557 km (12,774 mi) from Tokyo, Japan via the Korean Peninsula ...
AH2
European route E80 Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway People also ask Who built highway 1 in Vietnam? What is the Asian Highway? Who built the first highway in the world? How long is Asian Highway 1? Feedback Asian Highway Network Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Asian_Highway_Netw... The Asian Highway Network (AH), also known as the Great Asian Highway, is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and the United Nations.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Humorous headline from AOL.
Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets? This product scientist found outAOL
Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets? This product scientist found out
Dryer balls seem great, but do they actually work as well as dryer sheets?
AI overview--Oscar Wilde--
AI Overview
Oscar Wilde was sent to prison because he was found guilty of "gross indecency". This charge stemmed from his homosexual relationships, particularly with Lord Alfred Douglas. The scandal surrounding these relationships, including a libel case against Lord Alfred's father, led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Libel Suit:
.
Wilde initially filed a libel suit against the Marquess of Queensberry, Lord Alfred Douglas's father, who had publicly accused Wilde of homosexuality.
Evidence Revealed:
.
The libel case revealed evidence of Wilde's relationships with men, leading to his own arrest.
Gross Indecency:
.
Wilde was prosecuted under the Labouchere Amendment to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which criminalized "acts of gross indecency".
Conviction:
.
He was found guilty of "gross indecency with another male person" and sentenced to two years in prison with hard labor.
Prison Experience:
.
Wilde's time in prison, particularly at Reading Gaol, was a traumatic experience that deeply affected him, as depicted in his work "The Ballad of Reading Gaol".
Mary Renault--you MUST read all her novels on Alexander--as well as her non-fiction book.
A homosexual herself, she easily plugged into the bi-sexual ways of Philip of Macedon and his son Alexander.
Many novelists have written of Alexander--
Renault is the best.
In Greek times bisexuality it is said was universal--I guess especially among the higher classes.
It was still so, for instance with economist John Maynard Keynes in the 20th century.
Or people were in the closet, or it was considered a sin.
Some people went to prison.
Quote from Aristotle via a friend--
Yes, it's true. Thank you.
I certainly can't abide some journalists as they call themselves--and some historians too embedded in the particular--and the trees--not seeing the forest.
Aristotle was the tutor of Alexander the Great and all his friends who became his top comrades.
Bit different from M.Junta ha!??
Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.”
—Aristotle, "Poetics"
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Jeez--weddings and cost--professional bridesmaid makes 100k a year.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-surreal-life-of-a-professional-bridesmaid?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
My view--it makes no damn difference--I had a el cheapo wedding in "the worst of times in socialist Burma."
and it fell apart in America.
Stay tuned for the novel and movie version.
K. Kaung.
Nicole Snow novels--I've only read one,I think--Accidental Rebel--wh I liked enough to re-read
to see how the story is told--between the love story and the "Special Ops" story.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Monday, August 18, 2025
Epstein Files--
Epstein Files
Epstein Files.
Maxwell was pimp and procurer and moreover, SHE PARTICIPATED.
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Friday, August 15, 2025
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Monday, August 11, 2025
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Saturday, August 09, 2025
Friday, August 08, 2025
On Youtube--hard to find this movie, and hard to find a free one--this one starts very strange--
but ends sweetly. It's called On the Rebound.
"Older woman" by 5 years ???!!!
That's nothing. My male cousin married someone 10 years his senior, yet he died first.
Daw Than E Fend married a man 20 years younger, and yet he died first too.
Then she moved countries as a eighty? year old.
Then her ex-husband's new wife's family helped her,including managing her money. It's amazing, that woman's life. RIPeace or Protest--Dear Aunty Dora.
Thursday, August 07, 2025
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