Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Pynchon--best (1) to worst #9.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/18/from-v-to-vineland-and-inherent-vice-thomas-pynchons-books-ranked
Balinese New Year and Ogoh Ogoh.
AI Overview
Ogoh-Ogoh - 15 Best Places to see Ogoh-Ogoh Parades in Bali
Ogoh-ogoh are large, frightening demon-like statues, crafted from materials like paper, bamboo, and foam, that are paraded through the streets of Bali the night before the Nyepi holiday. The parades symbolize the banishment of negative energy and spirits from the community, culminating in the burning of the effigies to cleanse the island before the solemn Nyepi, Bali's silent day of reflection. The creation of these elaborate figures brings the community together through a collaborative art and tradition.
What are Ogoh-Ogoh?
Giant puppets:
Ogoh-ogoh are large, often grotesque, effigies representing evil spirits, demons, and other negative forces.
Community creation:
Local community groups, known as banjars, spend months creating these detailed figures from materials like paper, bamboo, and foam.
Art and tradition:
The process is a display of creativity and community spirit, with young people and volunteers working together to bring their visions to life.
The Ogoh-Ogoh Parade
Symbolic procession: The parades occur on the night before Nyepi, a Balinese Hindu holiday. Cleansing the community: The parading ogoh-ogoh are meant to represent all forms of negativity and vice within society and the mind. Ceremonial burning: At the end of the parade, the statues are often set ablaze in a symbolic act of destroying evil and purifying the village. Electrifying atmosphere: The parades are a vibrant, loud, and chaotic event, filled with the sounds of gamelan music, dancers in costume, and fireworks. Significance of Ogoh-Ogoh Spiritual purification: The tradition serves as a spiritual ritual to drive out negative influences and ensure peace before the reflective Nyepi. Community unity: The collaborative effort in creating the figures fosters a strong sense of togetherness within the community. Artistic expression: The ogoh-ogoh are seen as a form of street theater and a competitive art form, showcasing the artistic talent and imagination of the Balinese people.
Balinese names--
AI Overview
The Balinese naming system is a unique system of birth order, caste, and personal names, rather than using family names. Children are named for their birth order: the firstborn is Wayan (or Putu/Gede), the second is Made (or Kadek), the third is Nyoman (or Komang), and the fourth is Ketut. For subsequent children, the cycle repeats. Men and women are distinguished by prefixes: men use "I" and women use "Ni". Higher castes have specific titles like Ida Bagus (men) or Ida Ayu (women) for the Brahmana (priest) caste.
Key components of a Balinese name:
Title:
A prefix indicating gender, caste, or a familial connection.
"I": for males and "Ni" for females in the commoner (Sudra) caste.
Titles like Ida Bagus for men and Ida Ayu for women are used by the highest caste, Brahmana.
Birth Order Name:
Aname identifying the child's birth position in the family. First-born: Wayan, Putu, Gede Second-born: Made, Kadek, Nengah Third-born: Nyoman, Komang Fourth-born: Ketut Personal Name: A unique name chosen by the parents, often a name with Sanskrit origin or a virtue. How the system works:
No Family Names: Balinese people do not use family names. Repeated Cycle: If a family has more than four children, the birth order names repeat. Caste Influence: The birth order names are for the commoner caste. High-caste individuals use different titles and naming conventions. Personal Identifier: The unique personal name is used to distinguish individuals within the same birth order. Example: I Wayan Suardika: "I" indicates the person is male, "Wayan" means he is the first-born, and "Suardika" is his personal identifier.
Future Bubonicon dates:
FUTURE B’CON DATES: Bubonicon 57 will be August 21-23, 2026 (a week early), as Los Angeles, CA, is hosting Worldcon August 27-31 – our usual weekend. Special B57 Guests are Patricia Briggs, Martha Wells, Travis Baldree and artist Jon Sanchez!
And Bubonicon 58 will be August 27-29, 2027, as Montreal, Canada, is hosting the Worldcon September 2-6 that year…
Monday, September 29, 2025
And that's how the junta "always wins"--very sad.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/how-the-myanmar-junta-turned-the-tide-against-the-resistance.html
But they have re-won a damaged land and need to rebuild a viable economy. Doubtful non-future.
Oren Cass and Noah Smith debate the true impact of tariffs--also, you need to factor in job losses due to mass firings and deportations.
Also Trump likes "manufacturing" but we the American consumers who drive this whole thing, like diversified, specialiized, high tech goods and services.
https://www.google.com/search?q=noah+smith+economist&sca_esv=3bab500e56fb6678&sxsrf=AE3TifM4Cutde_Rk6nWI2-AuMFE_-2HYtw%3A1759130648728&source=hp&ei=GDTaaIHXKvLliLMPncbP0AQ&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaNpCKMsX4p9f72-VcoKWCNdwnr-rEQFt&oq=Noah+Smith+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgtOb2FoIFNtaXRoICoCCAAyChAjGIAEGCcYigUyChAuGIAEGBQYhwIyCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABEjZM1AAWL0hcAB4AJABAJgBnQGgAZ8HqgEEMTAuMbgBAcgBAPgBAZgCC6ACjwjCAgQQIxgnwgIKEAAYgAQYQxiKBcICCxAuGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIKEC4YgAQYQxiKBcICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgINEC4YgAQYsQMYQxiKBcICCBAAGIAEGLEDwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICDRAAGIAEGLEDGBQYhwLCAgoQABiABBgUGIcCwgIFEC4YgASYAwCSBwQxMC4xoAezfbIHBDEwLjG4B48IwgcFMi03LjTIB1Y&sclient=gws-wiz#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:6ac80e84,vid:fVjWLn5tquw,st:0
I personally feel like when Khomeini returned to Iran (I was still in Burma then,) I knew it was entering the Middle Ages again.
Who Noah Smith economist is.
AI Overview
Noah Smith is an American economist, blogger, and former professor, known for his writing on economics and policy through his Substack newsletter,
Noahpinion.
Key details about Noah Smith:
Education: He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan in 2012, with his dissertation focusing on expectation formation in financial markets.
Career:
Blogging: He is the author of Noahpinion, a highly popular economics blog on Substack.
Journalism: Previously, he was a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and contributed to publications like The Atlantic.
Academia: He served as an assistant professor of finance at Stony Brook University.
Writing style: His work is often cited for its accessibility, blending serious economic analysis with more accessible, opinion-based commentary. He covers a range of topics, from fiscal policy and industrial policy to technological innovation and global competition.
Public engagement: He maintains an active presence on social media and hosts a podcast, Econ 102, with investor Erik Torenberg.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
If it were you, would you go???--Trump said he's attending and it's about telling them "how well the military is doing."AI summary below.
AI Overview
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals, admirals, and their aides for a rare, large-scale meeting at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025
. All general and flag officers—those with one to four stars—along with their top enlisted advisers were ordered to attend, totaling around 800 people.
No public list of specific names has been released, and many attendees were given little notice or information about the purpose of the meeting.
Details about the meeting
Attendees: The directive includes all senior officers at the rank of brigadier general or above, their Navy equivalents, and their top enlisted advisers. These officers are stationed around the world and were required to travel to Virginia on short notice.
Purpose: Sources state that Hegseth intends to discuss his vision for the military, specifically centered on restoring what he calls a "warrior ethos". The gathering has been described as a "show of force" highlighting the military's new direction under the Trump administration.
Trump's attendance: President Donald Trump plans to attend the event, though it is unclear if his remarks will be public. His attendance has added to the unusual and political nature of the gathering.
Cost and concerns: The hastily arranged meeting has raised logistical concerns over security and the millions of dollars in travel expenses required to bring military leaders from around the world to one location.
Context for the gathering
The meeting follows a series of military leadership changes under the new administration. Notable firings and forced retirements in 2025 include:
General Charles Q. Brown Jr.: Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
General David Allvin: Former Air Force Chief of Staff Admiral Lisa Franchetti: Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Linda Fagan: Former Commandant of the Coast Guard Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse: Former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore: Former Chief of the Navy Reserve Rear Admiral Milton Sands: Former head of Naval Special Warfare Command Some of these firings and retirements were reportedly based on the administration's campaign against diversity-related issues, though specific reasons were not always publicly stated.
CNN--Trump accuses Christopher Wray of Lying--
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/27/politics/trump-accuses-wray-lying
He was also upset with Wray for saying "shrapnel might have hit his ear." in PA "assassination attempt" July2024.
In photos his ear was not torn.
Politico: Klobuchar: This is revenge--Comey is not well and this admin does this to him.
Two days after she was sworn in, Halligan — who has no prosecutorial experience but represented Trump in the criminal case brought by special counsel Jack Smith over his hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago a — filed charges against Comey.
The two charges stem from the fromer FBI director’s testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020 about the bureau’s investigation into possible connections between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia.
Notably, the charges came after Trump called on Bondi to prosecute his perceived political enemies, including Comey.
“What I see, this as a former prosecutor myself, this is weaponizing the Justice Department,” Klobuchar said on Sunday.
For his part, Comey, who Trump fired in 2017, expressed disappointment in the DOJ but confidence in the justice system.
“My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either,” Comey said. “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent, so, let’s have a trial.”
Filed Under:
Prosecutors,
Amy Klobuchar, Donald Trump, Selective Prosecution, James Comey, Legal Inside Congress
From ABC News--Fox to pay $787.5 m in settlements.
Fox to pay $787.5 million in settlement
"Truth matters. Lies have consequences," said Justin Nelson, an attorney for Dominion Voting Systems, as he announced details of the company's settlement with Fox News during a press conference following the court's adjournment.
"Today's settlement of $787,500,000 represents vindication and accountability," Nelson said. "Today represents a ringing endorsement for truth and for democracy."
Dominion had sued Fox for $1.6 billion.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/dominion-rudy-giuliani-reach-confidential-settlement-13b-defamation/story?id=126000543
The CEO of Dominion, John Poulos, called it an "historic settlement."
"Throughout this process, we have sought accountability," Poulos said. "Truthful reporting in the media is essential to democracy."
Side hustles for night owls--I have an editor/actor friend in NY who is always awake when I am + of course my Burma contacts--so I just do my work when I am awake.
https://www.inc.com/chris-morris/7-side-hustle-ideas-for-night-owls/91244882?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Another long time family friend worked nights at a newspaper.
Kristi Noem sidetracked FEMA funds --millions--to tourist attraction. From Pro-Publica.
Noem’s actions in Naples suggest the injection of political favoritism into an agency tasked with saving lives and rebuilding communities wiped out by disaster. It also heightens concerns about the discretion Noem has given herself by personally handling all six-figure expenses at the agency, consolidating her power over who wins and loses in the pursuit of federal relief dollars, experts said.
Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, said that politics has long been a factor in federal disaster relief — one study found that swing states are more likely to get federal help, for example. But “I’ve not heard of anything this egregious — a donor calling up and saying I need help and getting it,” he said, “while others may be getting denied assistance or otherwise waiting in line for help that may or may not come.”
https://www.propublica.org/article/kristi-noem-fema-florida-naples-sinan-gursoy?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Not quite accurate--Ananda was Prince Siddhartha's younger step sibling.
Their mothers were sisters. So Ananda was Prince Siddhartha's much younger step sibling.
His own mother died after childbirth.
The King Sudawdanna had 4 main wives, they were not serial wives--but parallel wives.
Note--Gotami's only husband was the king.
AI Overview
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Yasodhara.jpg
No, Ananda was not Yasodhara's brother; Ananda was the Buddha's cousin, while Yasodhara was the Buddha's wife and also his first cousin. Yasodhara's father was the brother of Queen Maya and Mahapajapati Gotami, while Ananda was the son of Mahapajapati Gotami, making them cousins through different royal lineages.
Yasodhara's Relationship to the Buddha and Ananda
Wife and First Cousin: Yasodhara was Prince Siddhartha's (the Buddha) wife and his first cousin.
Family Connection: Her father was the brother of the Buddha's mother, Queen Maya, and his aunt, Mahapajapati Gotami.
Ananda's Relationship to the Buddha
Cousin: Ananda was a cousin of the Buddha.
Son of a Royal Family Member: He was the son of Mahapajapati Gotami, who was a sister of the Buddha's mother.
Therefore, while both were related to the Buddha, Ananda was the Buddha's cousin and Yasodhara was the Buddha's wife, and also his first cousin. They were not siblings.
Friday, September 26, 2025
I once asked my friend's daughter if her sister in law would run a hospice (where people go to die.)
That person was already running an old people's home (for profit) and expanding her business.
I'm always looking for places to go to die.
Like Amsterdam or Bali.
My friend's daughter said, "She can't. She's afraid of dead bodies."
kmk
8-27-2025
Light bulb moment--painting by Copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Snail-borne tropical disease that looks like STD.
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/06/21/g-s1-73305/photos-neglected-tropical-disease-madagascar-photoville
Free pdf of The Count of Monte Cristo on Gutenberg Project--I hope I can find the time to read it.
The writing is beautiful, like Dickens, and Dumas Pere's wide travels and eye for detail are immediately apparent.
Judging from the movie version, human frailties and motivation are keenly observed and described. It's not just plot-driven--moving from place to place.
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1184/pg1184.txt
From Alexander Dumas wiki:
In 2002, for the bicentenary of Dumas's birth, French President Jacques Chirac held a ceremony honouring the author by having his ashes re-interred at the mausoleum of the Panthéon, where many French luminaries were buried.[3][18] When Chirac ordered the transfer to the mausoleum, villagers in Dumas's hometown of Villers-Cotterets were initially opposed, arguing that Dumas laid out in his memoirs that he wanted to be buried there. The village eventually bowed to the government's decision, and Dumas's body was exhumed from its cemetery and put into a new coffin in preparation for the transfer.[30] The proceedings were televised: the new coffin was draped in a blue velvet cloth and carried on a caisson flanked by four mounted Republican Guards costumed as the four Musketeers. It was transported through Paris to the Panthéon.[15] In his speech, Chirac said:
With you, we were D'Artagnan, Monte Cristo, or Balsamo, riding along the roads of France, touring battlefields, visiting palaces and castles – with you, we dream.[31]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Dumas
Special post--full movie--Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo--warning, prison, torture scenes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxdY1CwBzSM
Feels so modern in story line and plot.
I like the dark lighting, the candlelight (like the movie Lincoln) and the period, hand sewn clothes.
Maybe the first spy or political thriller.
Previously, I'd only seen portions of opera La Traviata.
No wonder the Dumas father and son were so famous.
I think my mother spoke of it, and she wasn't that into books and the arts as my father.
My father kept the books he was reading on a bookshelf in their bedroom.
I distinctly remember The Thaw.
kmk
AI says I remembered the name wrong--I did--there are beautiful movies by Tewary--
AI Overview
The evil Magadha king you're likely thinking of is Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty, who was known for his cruelty, harsh taxation, and unpopular policies, leading to his downfall and overthrow by Chandragupta Maurya. While not historically called Devananda, this ruler was contemporary with Alexander the Great and was known for his oppressive rule.
Here's a breakdown of why Dhana Nanda is the likely figure:
"Evil" and Unpopular:
Historical accounts consistently portray Dhana Nanda as a cruel king who burdened his people with severe taxes and mismanaged the kingdom's finances.
Magadha King:
He was the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty, which governed the Magadha region of ancient India.
Contemporary of Alexander:
Dhana Nanda ruled during the time of Alexander the Great's campaigns in the northwest part of India.
Overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya:
His unpopularity and harsh rule made him an easy target for Chandragupta Maurya and his mentor Chanakya, who overthrew the Nanda Dynasty to establish the Maurya Empire.
A Note on "Devananda":
The name "Devananda" might be a misremembered or confused name. There is a figure named Devadatta, a historical figure who was a Buddhist monk, but he is known for being a divisive figure in Buddhism, not for ruling Magadha.
Devadatta and the Buddha
AI Overview
Yes, according to traditional Buddhist accounts, the Buddha and Devadatta met in person many times
. Devadatta was the Buddha's cousin and brother-in-law, and he joined the monastic order along with other members of the Shakya clan. Their story involves a dramatic rivalry that unfolded during the Buddha's lifetime.
Their relationship started in the Shakya clan:
Devadatta was a cousin of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became the Buddha.
He was also the brother of Yasodhara, the Buddha's wife, making him the Buddha's brother-in-law.
Their encounters as monks:
Devadatta joined the monastic order (the sangha) alongside other princes, including the Buddha's personal attendant, Ananda.
Initially, Devadatta was an exemplary monk and even developed psychic powers. However, his ambition and jealousy of the Buddha grew over time, corrupting him.
In front of a large assembly, Devadatta publicly asked the Buddha to retire and appoint him as the new leader of the sangha, an offer the Buddha harshly rejected.
Later in their lives, Devadatta attempted to harm the Buddha in person on multiple occasions:
The assassination plot: When his hired assassins failed, Devadatta tried to kill the Buddha himself by rolling a boulder down on him from a mountain. The attempt failed, but a splinter injured the Buddha's foot.
The elephant incident: Devadatta got a wild elephant drunk and released it to charge the Buddha during an alms round. However, the Buddha's aura of loving-kindness calmed the elephant, and it knelt respectfully before him.
The schism: As a last resort, Devadatta tried to split the sangha by proposing stricter rules of asceticism, knowing the Buddha would not make them compulsory. He succeeded in convincing 500 newly ordained monks to follow him, but the Buddha's two chief disciples later persuaded them to return.
Ultimately, Devadatta tried to make amends but died before seeing the Buddha one last time. As he was being carried to the Buddha's location, the earth swallowed him into hell for his evil deeds.
The Buddha's nemeses--
AI Overview
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/049_Devadatta%2C_who_had_been_the_Bodhisatta%27s_Enemy_in_every_Life_and_attacked_Him_in_this_Life_is_Swallowed_by_the_Earth_%289273515792%29.jpg
The term "The Buddha's Nemesis" most often refers to Māra, a personification of death, desire, and temptation who tried to prevent the Buddha's enlightenment, or to Devadatta, the Buddha's jealous cousin who became his archenemy, attempting murder and creating a schism in the monastic order. Both figures serve as key antagonists in Buddhist traditions, representing both external and internal obstacles to the Buddhist path.
Māra
Who he is:
A mythical figure, described as a god or demon, who embodies death, desire, and the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
His role: He challenged the Buddha's path to enlightenment by tempting him with lust, fear, and doubt.
Symbolism: Māra can also be seen as a symbolic representation of the internal obstacles within one's own mind that prevent the attainment of enlightenment and nirvana. Devadatta Who he is:
A historical figure, the Buddha's cousin, and a Buddhist monk who later became a significant antagonist. His role: He became jealous of the Buddha's growing popularity and wisdom. He is noted for attempting to murder the Buddha multiple times and for creating the first schism in the Buddhist monastic community (sangha). Significance: Devadatta's story highlights the complexities of the monastic path, including the presence of human jealousy and the challenges of leadership. In Summary Both Māra and Devadatta represent challenges to the Buddha and his teachings, but they function differently. Māra is a cosmic and psychological force of temptation, while Devadatta is a historical figure who embodies human failings like envy and ambition.
AI-Indo-Aryan--
AI Overview
What did the Buddha look like? – DNBF – The Buddhist Society ...
Yes, the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was from an Indo-Aryan background, as he was born into the Sakya clan, a group of people who spoke Indo-Aryan languages and resided in the area that is now northern India and Nepal. The term "Indo-Aryan" refers to a group of Indo-European peoples who migrated into the Indian subcontinent, and in modern academia, it broadly refers to speakers of North, West, and Central Indian languages.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Indo-Aryan Language and Culture:
The Sakya clan, to which the Buddha belonged, was part of the Indo-Aryan speaking peoples of the region.
"Aryan" vs. "Race":
The term "Aryan" (from the Sanskrit ārya) means "noble" and was a term used by people in ancient India to refer to themselves, particularly those who followed the Vedic tradition. It does not imply a "white" or "Caucasian" race in the way it was misused by Nazis.
Geographic Origin:
The Buddha was born in the Lumbini district of Nepal, a region within the historical Indo-Aryan cultural area.
Modern Relevance:
While the term "Aryan" has a controversial history due to Nazi misuse, in the context of Indian and academic studies, "Indo-Aryan" refers to a linguistic and cultural group of people, which is how the Buddha is understood to be from.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Fed cuts interest rates.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/09/24/fed-cuts-rates-credit-cards/86324993007/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
My article on Burmese fiction co-written (edited) by John Feffer is mentioned here.
BTW-- I am not an "instant expert".
I lived in Burma between the ages of 7 and 40, with the exception of 8 months in Poland.
I have studied Burma ALL MY ADULT Life.
Getting tired of this "white knows all" attitude.
https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1355/9789814951784-003/html?lang=en&srsltid=AfmBOopWfwkR1SxSux48Vc9V9tDdqH9UxEz_Wha8Xs31EorsHeS1TWq9
Just because something is not translated, does not mean it was never thught about and just because something was not in the stone inscriptions does not mean it never happened.
kmk
***
Important note--although some Burmese--for instance Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and I, have first and last names--eg. Harn Yawgwe--most
are named by THE DAY OF THE WEEK on which they are born.
Therefore "Nay Lin Myo" and "Myo Nay Lin" for instance are not related to each other at all--
and the whole name is NLM or MNL--and you CANNOT abbreviate.
The only 2 people who have got this straight are Jeremy Woodrum of Free Burma Coalition and Dr. Sean Turnell--formerly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's economic advisor.
Get this straight.
AI overview--Burmese writers named "Nay Lin"--"Bright Sun" Shu Maung General Ne Win's nom deguerre also means "Bright Sun"
AI Overview
Based on recent search results, there appear to be several individuals named Nay Lin associated with writing and publishing in Myanmar. However, the most prominent and recently reported case is that of journalist Nay Linn Htike, who died in a junta-run prison in July 2024
.
Journalist Nay Linn Htike (deceased 2024)
Death in prison: In July 2024, Nay Linn Htike died while serving an eight-year sentence in a Myanmar prison.
Background: He was a writer and journalist who previously contributed to the Democratic Voice of Burma news outlet.
Arrest and conviction: He was arrested for his anti-military activism after the February 2021 coup and convicted under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and Section 52(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Imprisonment: He was reportedly detained while organizing anti-military activities and was held in both Insein and Taungoo prisons. Author Nay Lin (Australia-based) Exiled author: A different Burmese writer named Nay Lin is a survivor of the 1988 military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement and is currently based in Australia. Notable work: His book Cemetery of the Living Dead caused a stir among Burmese readers when it was published in the late 1990s. Journalist Nay Myo Lin (previously arrested) Arrest and release: This editor-in-chief of the Voice of Myanmar was arrested in March 2020 for interviewing a spokesperson for the Arakan Army rebel group and charged under a counter-terrorism law. Outcome: He was detained for several months before charges were reversed, and he was released in June 2021. Journalist Ko Nay Lin (previously jailed) Imprisonment in 2016: This BBC Burmese service reporter was jailed for three months in 2016 for assaulting a policeman while covering student protests in Mandalay. Appeal: He appealed the sentence, and the BBC supported his efforts.
From wiki--Nawata and NaAhHpa
The State Peace and Development Council (Burmese: နိုင်ငံတော် အေးချမ်းသာယာရေး နှင့် ဖွံ့ဖြိုးရေး ကောင်စီ [nàɪɰ̃ŋàɰ̃dɔ̀ ʔédʑáɰ̃θàjajé n̥ḭɰ̃ pʰʊ̰ɰ̃bjó jé kaʊ̀ɰ̃sì]; abbreviated SPDC or နအဖ, [na̰ʔa̰pʰa̰]) was the official name of the military government of Burma (Myanmar) which, in 1997, succeeded the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Burmese: နိုင်ငံတော် ငြိမ်ဝပ်ပိပြားမှု တည်ဆောက်ရေးအဖွဲ့; abbreviated SLORC or နဝတ) that had seized power under the rule of Saw Maung in 1988. On 30 March 2011, Senior General and Council Chairman Than Shwe signed a decree that officially dissolved the council.[11]
From CNN--Hegseth calls Sr. Generals and Admirals to VA for a highly unusual meeting--
So far those fired:
The officers who have been fired thus far include former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, former Chief of Naval Operations; Adm. Linda Fagan, former Commandant of the Coast Guard; Gen. James Slife, former vice chief of the Air Force; Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, former head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency; Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, former chief of the Navy Reserve; and Rear Adm. Milton Sands, former head of Naval Special Warfare Command.
Before taking on the role of defense secretary, Hegseth repeatedly voiced disdain for much of the military’s currently serving general and flag officer corps. In a podcast appearance last summer, Hegseth said a third of the military’s senior officers are “actively complicit” in what he argued is a move towards politicization of the military. In a second podcast, he said senior officers are “playing by all the wrong rules” to cater to “idealogues in Washington, DC.”
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Joint Economic Policy Reports
AI Overview
Joint Economic Policy Reports are not a single document, but rather a category of reports detailing bilateral economic discussions and analysis between countries, most often between the U.S. and China. Key examples include the U.S.-China Economic Working Group, whose meetings (such as the one in December 2024) allow the countries to discuss macroeconomic developments and address key issues like debt and market access. Additionally, the U.S. Congress's Joint Economic Committee periodically publishes studies, such as the 2025 "An Economic Profile of Mainland China," to provide factual and analytical information on China's economy.
Types of Joint Economic Policy Reports
Official U.S.-China Dialogues:
These are formal meetings between high-level officials from the U.S. and China to discuss a range of economic issues.
U.S.-China Economic Working Group (EWG): This mechanism allows for communication between the two largest economies to discuss economic developments and areas of cooperation, such as debt issues and support for low-income countries.
U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue: While not a recent report, this dialogue in 2016 focused on issues like energy subsidies, IMF governance, and the Renminbi's role.
U.S. Congressional Reports:
The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the U.S. Congress produces reports analyzing the Chinese economy.
The JEC's 2025 "An Economic Profile of Mainland China" provides factual and analytical data on China's economy, including recent economic development and its international relations.
International Financial Institution Reports:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) produces country-specific reports, such as the "China Economic Update," which offer projections on GDP growth, inflation, and fiscal policy.
Key Themes in Recent Reports (e.g., 2024-2025)
Macroeconomic Developments:
Discussions often cover the state of China's economy, including its growth targets, infrastructure spending, and the impact of recent stimulus policies.
Trade and Market Access:
Reports address trade imbalances, market access issues for foreign firms, and China's non-market economic practices.
Structural Challenges:
Focus is placed on ongoing economic restructuring in China, such as state-owned enterprise reform, strengthening the social security system, and improving data dissemination.
Debt Issues:
Discussions often involve cooperation on debt issues and support for low-income countries facing liquidity challenges.
Industrial Overcapacity:
The U.S. has expressed concern over China's industrial overcapacity and its negative impact on American workers and firms.
AI Chinese Economic Policy Changes --
AI Overview
During the period from the 1950s to 1978, China's economic policy underwent radical and often tumultuous changes, largely driven by Mao Zedong's ideological campaigns
. Moving from a Soviet-style centrally planned economy, these policies culminated in the disastrous Great Leap Forward and the chaotic Cultural Revolution, leaving the economy on the verge of bankruptcy by the time Mao died.
Phase 1: Post-1949 reconstruction and Soviet-style planning (1950–1957)
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the new government prioritized economic recovery and consolidation, adopting a Soviet-inspired model of a centrally planned economy.
Land reform: Between 1950 and 1952, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) eliminated the landlord class and redistributed land to approximately 300 million peasants. However, private land ownership was short-lived. Collectivization: Beginning around 1952, the government pushed farmers into Mutual Aid Teams and then into Agricultural Producers' Cooperatives. By 1957, nearly all farming households were part of these collectives, though this forced consolidation later harmed farm production. First Five-Year Plan: Launched in 1953, this plan focused on rapid heavy industrial development with Soviet assistance. State-owned industries thrived, but this came at the expense of agriculture and consumer goods production. Phase 2: The Great Leap Forward (1958–1962) Mao became impatient with the Soviet-style model and launched the Great Leap Forward to accelerate China's transition to a communist society. This was an economic and social catastrophe.
People's Communes: Existing collectives were merged into massive People's Communes, which stripped peasants of their remaining private plots and resources. Backyard furnaces: Labor was diverted from farming to build small, inefficient "backyard furnaces" in a futile attempt to increase steel production. This resulted in millions of tons of useless, low-quality pig iron. The Great Famine: The diversion of labor, combined with disastrous agricultural policies, led to the Great Chinese Famine (1959–1961), causing an estimated 15 to 55 million deaths from starvation. Sino-Soviet split: Tensions with the Soviet Union, including disagreement over economic policy, led Moscow to withdraw its advisors and assistance in 1960, exacerbating China's economic problems. Phase 3: Economic recovery and renewed upheaval (1962–1976) Following the failure of the Great Leap Forward, pragmatic leaders like Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping implemented more moderate policies. However, this period was cut short by Mao's return to radicalism. Readjustment: Moderate leaders loosened control over the economy, allowing for private plots and markets. The commune system was restructured into smaller, more manageable units. Cultural Revolution: In 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution to reassert his control and purge opponents. This caused a decade of intense political and social chaos that severely damaged the economy. Economic disruption: Industrial and agricultural production plummeted as factories closed, and workers participated in political activities. Foreign trade and investment were restricted, and the purges of managers, technicians, and intellectuals led to a massive loss of expertise. Phase 4: The end of the Maoist era (1976–1978) With the deaths of Mao and Premier Zhou Enlai in 1976, the Cultural Revolution ended, leaving China's economy severely damaged. The post-Mao leadership, eager to reverse the stagnation, began to shift toward more moderate and market-oriented policies. This set the stage for the dramatic economic reforms of 1978 under Deng Xiaoping.
I did not know of Jeffrey Sachs paper for the NCGUB--it was probably commissioned before 2001 when I joined The Burma Fund/NCGUB.
I don't remember reading it and I don't have a copy. I don't know what he recommeded.
As I have mentioned before, I was elbowed out of RFA by junta-inclined UST who went back to Canada and his 2 female goons NS and THS, when my programs became very popular inside Burma.
Criticisms of Jeffrey Sachs--from Sachs wiki.
76]
Sachs with Brazilian economist Aloizio Mercadante in Brazil, May 23, 2022
William Easterly, a professor of economics at New York University, reviewed The End of Poverty for the Washington Post, calling Sachs's poverty eradication plan "a sort of Great Leap Forward".[77] According to Easterly's cross-country statistical analysis in his book The White Man's Burden, from 1985 to 2006, "When we control both for initial poverty and for bad government, it is bad government that explains the slower growth. We cannot statistically discern any effect of initial poverty on subsequent growth once we control for bad government. This is still true if we limit the definition of bad government to corruption alone." Easterly deems the massive aid proposed by Sachs to be ineffective, as its effect will be hampered by bad governance and/or corruption.[78]
Starvation in Burma--my former colleague at NCGUB and former student economist Ko Sein Htay--
https://www.irrawaddy.com/in-person/interview/economically-myanmar-junta-plays-by-old-dictators-playbook.html
Ko (U) Sein Htay says I arranged independent studies for him in 1970s at the Rangoon Institute of Economics, but I don't remember him from that time.
Our Institute took in 1000 students per year for a 4 year bachelor's degree--and I worked there for 20 years until I won the Fulbright in early 1980s.
When Ko Sein Htay's relative, Minister for N and S America U Bo Hla Tint heard this, he said,"Po Sein (famous dancer) may be known by many people,but he can't know them all."
I learned a great deal by working with NCGUB/The Burma Fund from 2001-2010.
Dr. Sein Win was/is a very principled person, mild-mannered, kind to employees.
He told me when I was recovering from cancer and still on chemo, "Among all the people who came to work for us, you were the best."
He also said in 2008,"I don't have a strategist."
I feel people should not blame the victims. He was separated from his wife and daughter for at least 8 years, until they arrived via Norway.
That they are honest can be seen by the fact that they are all still struggling.
Ko Sein Htay told me several stories of people arrested in bullock carts whom he saw during his travels inside Burma. He conducted some agricultural surveys with Dr. Nancy Hudson Rodd--who wrote an excellent Human Rights segment for the Report below.
He helped me find previous Burma-related papers for NCGUB by world renowned experts,when I was writing and compiling A Plan for Democracy and Development for Burma 2008-9--funded by Soros Burma Project.
Only I was paid for 6 months at min.pay.
NCGUB did not get anything either. Former PM in Exile Dr. Sein Win told me himself that "not a cent stuck with us,"--it all went to the foreign i.e. non-US, non-Burmese subcontractor--who was supposed to"knock on doors."
When I heard about it, I asked Ko Hlwan Moe,nephew of Daw Mya Mya Thant Gyi, "Why can't we do that ourselves??"
You should not blame the NCGUB--I know for a fact that they were all surviving on about 24,000 per annum.
Whereas those who waltzed with the dictators got projects within Burma averaging about 300,000 per project.
Dr.Sean Turnell was paid by the Australian Government.
kmk
9-24-2025.
Who was Charlie Kirk? From Wikipedia.
Partnering with Pentecostal pastor Rob McCoy in creating Turning Point Faith, Kirk became aligned with the Christian right and began advocating for Christian nationalism.
A key ally of President Donald Trump, Kirk espoused a variety of conservative stances, including opposition to abortion, gun control, DEI programs, and LGBT rights. His more controversial views included his criticism of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as his promotion of COVID-19 misinformation, false claims of electoral fraud in 2020, and the Great Replacement conspiracy theory.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a TPUSA public debate event on the Utah Valley University campus. His death sparked international attention and the subsequent condemnation of political violence by prominent domestic and international figures. Trump announced that Kirk would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
https://www.google.com/search?q=charlie+kirk+wiki&sca_esv=044a3262e10bcb9e&sxsrf=AE3TifPblh_zm4ul7Rb1FbSUvTn1wh1sng%3A1758702371090&source=hp&ei=I6vTaMvZA4mx5NoPkdTiqQY&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaNO5M80H1OEQcla4TSGve11c3coolObY&oq=charli&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgZjaGFybGkqAggAMgoQIxiABBgnGIoFMgoQLhiABBgnGIoFMg4QABiABBixAxiDARiKBTINEC4YgAQYsQMYFBiHAjIOEAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYigUyCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBMg4QABiABBixAxiDARiKBTIOEAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYigUyDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFMgsQLhiABBixAxiDAUjOLVAAWOwdcAJ4AJABAJgBlgGgAeMGqgEDNS4zuAEByAEA-AEBmAIKoALoB8ICDRAuGIAEGLEDGEMYigXCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgIWEC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYQxiDARjHARiKBcICDRAAGIAEGLEDGEMYigXCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICBxAjGPAFGCfCAhAQABiABBixAxhDGIMBGIoFwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAgsQLhiABBiRAhiKBcICChAuGIAEGEMYigXCAgUQABiABMICBRAuGIAEwgIHEAAYgAQYCsICExAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGIMBGMcBGArCAgQQIxgnmAMAkgcDMi44oAeMa7IHAzAuOLgH1gfCBwcyLTIuNy4xyAdx&sclient=gws-wiz
Educators fired after Charlie Kirk posts file lawsuits, allege free speech violations
Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Indiana filed a federal lawsuit on Monday on behalf of a former Ball State University employee. She was allegedly fired over a post in which she wrote that Kirk's death is a tragedy but that it was also a "reflection of the violence, fear, and hatred he sowed," according to the complaint.
https://www.aol.com/articles/educators-fired-charlie-kirk-posts-212410643.html
"Although this is clearly an opinion on a controversial subject, it is fully protected by the First Amendment," the complaint alleges.
Ball State University said in a statement on Sept. 17 that the post "caused significant disruption to the University" and the decision to terminate the employee was "consistent with recent case law."
. . .
Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, denounced the firings in a statement on Friday. She said, in part, that "acts of violence and hate must be condemned," but "using this tragedy to encourage the doxxing, censorship and firing of people for their opinions -- including educators' private opinions shared during their personal time -- is wrong."
Hegseth admits--
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has disbanded a committee that provided recommendations for women serving in the military, including on their well-being and treatment, alleging on Tuesday it had pursued a "divisive feminist agenda."
https://www.aol.com/articles/pentagon-disbands-panel-military-women-214248953.html
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Long series, Chinese magical realism--you might have trouble finding the episodes in sequence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eWvlophlnU
I can't help you are the title is not given.
Seems there are 53 episodes--Nevertheless, everything is beautiful and the acting is low key but deep. The interiors are beautiful.
Tathagata--meaning--
AI Overview
Tathāgata: "Thus-Gone, Thus Come" - Samye
Tathāgata (Sanskrit: [tɐˈtʰaːɡɐtɐ]) is a term used in ancient India for a person who has attained the highest spiritual goal, meaning "one who has thus gone" or "one who has thus come". It is an epithet for the Buddha, who used it to refer to himself and other past Buddhas. The term can also refer to any enlightened being who has realized the true nature of reality and escaped the cycle of rebirth.
Key aspects of the term:
Meaning:
The exact meaning of the word is debated but generally translates to "Thus-gone" or "Thus-come". It can also mean "One Who Moves in Reality".
Usage:
Gautama Buddha used the term to refer to himself. It is also a common epithet in the Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions for the Buddha and other enlightened beings.
Enlightenment:
A Tathāgata is a person who has achieved the highest spiritual goal, awakened to the true nature of reality, and is free from future rebirth.
Pre-Buddhist origins:
The term likely predates Buddhism and was possibly adopted from Jainism, where a similar term is used for enlightened beings.
Buddha's teachings:
The Buddha, as a Tathāgata, is described as the originator, producer, and declarer of the path to enlightenment, which his followers then learn.
Examples of use:
In the Pāli Canon, Gautama Buddha uses the term when referring to himself or other past Buddhas.
In the Mahayana tradition, it is an epithet for Shakyamuni Buddha and other celestial Buddhas.
The term can also refer to an arahant (an enlightened disciple) who has attained a high spiritual goal.
Wow--Disney lost 3 b in one week after Kimmel cancelation--
Recognize the power of the purse--your purse.
Time your cancellations for maximum effect.
Watch Jim Acosta and others on substack
This was in interview of Norm Eisen--Sr Fellow at Brookings Institution/
WH denies Homan took bag of cash in FBI investigation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/us/politics/homan-cash.html
The bag of money was brought to him by an FBI undercover agent in what was probably a sting operation.
I made an adapted coconut mochi with no oil, no butter, 4 egg whites, 2 egg yolks, 1 lb mochi flour, less about
1/2 cup substituted with roasted besan (chick pea flour) no sugar, some salt--
came out very well.
Dry coconut flakes on top--you can substitute sesame seeds or poppy seeds--but gives a nice aroma.
Dry flakes is easier than trying to open and grate a fresh coconut on your own.
This is like Shan khawpoke or Chinese New Year cake--for latter, brown color,use chocolate unsweetened with sugar substitute.
All my recipes are diabetic friendly and low cholesterol, low carb, high protein.
Suitable for everyone.
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Monday, September 22, 2025
I'll have more to say about my beautiful visit to Seoul, S. Korea at a later date.Have to catch some sleep now,
before I set out for yet another doctor's visit.
Insadong--Seoul, S. Korea.
AI Overview
Insa Dong 인사동, Seoul - alovelettertoasia.com
Insadong is a vibrant cultural neighborhood in central Seoul, South Korea, known for its traditional Korean arts, crafts, tea houses, and galleries, which are often found on its pedestrianized main street, Insadong-gil, and its side alleys. Historically a hub for artists and craftsmen during the Joseon Dynasty, the area offers a blend of traditional architecture and contemporary art, making it a popular destination for both international tourists and locals.
Key Aspects of Insadong
Traditional Culture and Art:
Insadong showcases Korea's rich artistic heritage through numerous art galleries, shops selling traditional crafts like pottery, handmade paper, and calligraphy, and the area's historical significance as a gathering place for artists.
Food and Drink:
The neighborhood features a variety of traditional Korean eateries and traditional tea houses, often hidden in its twisting side alleys.
Shopping:
Visitors can find unique items ranging from antiques, folk crafts, and traditional clothing (hanbok) to souvenirs and Buddhist figurines.
Architecture:
You can explore traditional Hanok houses and visit the Hakgojae Gallery, a significant modern art space.
Cultural Performances and Events:
On weekends and some evenings, the main street is pedestrianized, allowing for public performances, cultural events, and vendors to set up booths.
How to Get There
Subway: Insadong is easily accessible by public transportation, particularly Anguk Station on Line 3, exit 6, followed by a short walk.
When to Visit
Weekends:
Vehicle traffic is banned on Insadong-gil on weekends, transforming it into a lively cultural space for shopping and performances.
Shops and Galleries:
Most shops and galleries are generally open daily from mid-morning to evening.
AI overview of myself, but this is not the Democracy Coalition I was looking for.
AI Overview
While no single group named the "Democracy Coalition" was identified in connection with Dr. Kyi May Kaung and Seoul, search results show that she is a US-based Burmese-American writer and political dissident with a history in the Burmese democracy movement
. Information about a Seoul-based group of Burmese activists called the Myanmar Federal Democratic Mission Coalition (MFDMC) was also found. It is possible the query refers to this group.
Dr. Kyi May Kaung
Background: Dr. Kyi May Kaung is a US-based Burmese-American writer, poet, and visual artist. She holds a PhD in political economy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Political activities: She has been a prominent activist and campaigner for democracy in Myanmar for decades, starting after the 1988 pro-democracy demonstrations. She previously worked as a senior research analyst and radio broadcaster for Radio Free Asia and as a senior research associate for The Burma Fund, affiliated with Myanmar's democratic government-in-exile.
Writings: Her writings are noted for her depictions of life in developing countries and for her political commentary. Her memoir, A Time to Write: Not Just about Burma, details her life as a writer and activist.
Myanmar Federal Democratic Mission Coalition (MFDMC)
What it is: The MFDMC is a Seoul-based pro-democracy group composed of activists from Myanmar.
Activies: In late 2024, the MFDMC staged a protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Seoul. The protest was held to urge Beijing to stop supporting the military regime that took power after the 2021 coup in Myanmar.
Korean spices.
AI Overview Basic Korean pantry - list of essentials - Kimchimari Key Korean spices and seasonings include Gochugaru (chili flakes), Gochujang (chili paste), Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), Ganjang (soy sauce), and sesame oil, along with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Other common additions are salt, pepper, toasted sesame seeds, and dried seaweed (gim). Chili-based Flavors Gochugaru: Korean red pepper powder or flakes, the primary source of heat and color. Gochujang: A fermented red pepper paste, which is thicker, spicier, and sweeter than gochugaru. Fermented Pastes and Sauces Doenjang: A fermented soybean paste, similar to miso but with a funkier flavor. Ganjang: The Korean term for soy sauce, a fundamental condiment for adding a savory umami flavor. Ssamjang: A blend of doenjang and gochujang, often served with meat or vegetables. Aromatics & Herbs Garlic: A staple aromatic used in many Korean dishes for its pungent flavor. Ginger: Another essential aromatic, providing a warming spice. Spring onions: Often added to dishes for their fresh, mild onion flavor. Flavor Enhancers & Seasonings Sesame oil: A toasted, nutty oil that adds a distinct flavor and aroma, especially to vegetable dishes. Sesame seeds: Often toasted and sprinkled on dishes for a nutty flavor and visual appeal. Salt (sogeum): Used to enhance and balance other flavors. Pepper (huchu): Ground black pepper is used as a seasoning, particularly in marinades and soups. Gim: Roasted dried seaweed, adding a savory flavor. Other Common Ingredients MSG: Used as a flavor enhancer. Mirin: Sweet rice wine used for tenderizing meats and adding a subtle sweetness. Dried anchovies and kelp: Often used to make a flavorful broth.
Another sepsis victim--I met one--Carol Roberts--who had both hands and legs amputated.
She was playing competitive tennis one day, and the next was in a coma.
She described how she was so scared when being moved from one bed to the next when she came to, without arms and legs.
I wanted her to come to Story Expo in LA with me to pitch movie makers like Participant Media (now dissolved) which made Malala and Lincoln.
She decided not to--she said writing her cookbook was too much for her.
For you to know, your life story is only worth $5000.
Someone can buy it from you for that amount of money.
Therefore guard your story, be your story, continue to live your own story.
https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/teenager-legs-fingers-amputated-mistaking-165142176.html
Kyi May Kaung.
Sept 22, 2025
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Liz Cheney from Wikipedia--read her book.
On December 5, 2023, Cheney released a memoir, titled Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, in which she recounted her experience before, during, and after January 6, as well as her time serving as Vice Chair of the January 6th Committee, and admonished many of her Republican colleagues, including former House speaker Kevin McCarthy and current speaker Mike Johnson.[159] The book quickly sold out and became a bestseller.[160]
In a speech at the Democracy Summit at Dartmouth College on January 5, Cheney urged voters to reject Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee in the 2024 election, saying, "Show the world that we will defeat the plague of cowardice sweeping through the Republican Party."[161] The next day, Cheney posted a tweet, criticizing comments by Trump on the American Civil War, in which he said, "I'm so attracted to seeing it, so many mistakes were made...There was something that could've been negotiated."[162] Cheney wrote, "Question for members of the GOP—the party of Lincoln—who have endorsed Donald Trump: How can you possibly defend this?"[163]
C-drama--too cute, precocious kid and genes match even though he does not look like his father!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv9iTi8OeMc
Fiction is suspended disbelief.
John Gardner.
Economists,scientists and journalists are the worst.
Too mired in boring and horrible reality.
For instance, a journalist who said Bill Moyers created a job for her, and Edward Albee never praises anyone--so why would he praise my play Shaman, except he did.
He called it "lovely work."
The characters fight, as in Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?
One critic said of his play, "Why didn't they just get divorced?"
Well, the acrimony is a character too.
Without the conflict there would be no story.
Another friend, economist, said "This sounds like believe it or not."
Kyi May Kaung.
Sept 21, 2025.
Kitchen sink with Shakespeare mug. Photo--Kaung.
How to write a damn good story.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Crazy Chinese movies, all with CEOs-this one with a security guard--but I don't think the link is right, so not posting it-
and can't find it -- crazy--but was very funny.
Security guard who wrote a textbook for Ph.D. students in America.
from CNN:
But in the last few days, Palmetto Bay, like many communities around the country, has been consumed by the wave of ferocious indignation directed at people who declared their lack of remorse about Mr. Kirk’s death or merely took issue with things he had said or believed.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/us/florida-charlie-kirk-free-speech.html?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAQx5nN5JPIms12GIjFmcyzq52urwEqDwgAKgcICjCO64oDMJavPA&utm_content=rundown&gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ASWzDAjvJ1TrlzvZ3Q_z6KvJwn-M1mygcrKLNa8Fd3ATvWa5LGedty9GQrMHNaj8WyyuTmE8U6LWSk--R1djW1MvMn871YDH&gaa_ts=68ced2ee&gaa_sig=8JZY-YU8xU4W4sXTFq7hMCGZ2stQ8QhuIC2cIr_rSCHShmmN6I2Bc2ezgp3TsPyFb76JmvrFQ7PWmZdG1sJ4Jw%3D%3D
Campaigns have been mounted to publicly shame these critics, and in many cases to get them fired from jobs or expelled from schools — a conservative version of the cancel culture that only a few years ago was wielded by the American left. Those facing repercussions — more than 100 people, according to one analysis — include police officers, students, medical professionals, public schoolteachers and university professors.
Edward Moulton Barrett--the patriarchical father--
https://www.browningscorrespondence.com/biographical-sketches/?nameId=1253
You should also read Robert Browning's first letter to Elizabeth Barrett--I have already put it in a novel ms, not explicitly about the Brownings.
So I won't post it here.
Everything is already in the public domain.
Elizabeth was the world's most famous "enforced invalid."
If she hadn't met Browning, she would have eked out her life lying in bed in her bedroom, dosed out on opium which was the opiod of that day.
At least with Robert Browning she lived overseas and had a son.
People do the most horrible things in the name of"love."
It's just a form of control.
Sketch I made --have to put in color later--inspired by poem a friend of mine wrote. kmk.
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