Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
This is like my magnet poetry--I tried to submit it to Poet Lore but it was rejected by E.Ethelbert Miller--a lovely man and a lovely poet.
https://www.nplusonemag.com/online-only/online-only/the-expansiveness-the-new-air/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
But I do like this poet (above's) book-laden rooms in Cambridge. Yesterday a
driver from "Great Supermart" delivered me $200 worth of groceries for 4-6
weeks.
He kept saying "I can't complete the delivery without the 4 digit code." While I
was opening my email,he glanced at my space and said, "Books! Where do you
sleep?"
I said,"I sleep in my bed with my books."
Finally I found the code and shouted it out and he could leave.
Here is a recent poen by E.Ethelbert Miller.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/1731781/from-the-gaza-suite
E.Ethelbert did accept one poem from me,"The Seeds of Truth,"
And another,"Elephants on the Mae Rim Road," I had already posted on this blog
when she was young, so he passed.
Kyi May Kaung
6-29-2026
Helmut--a great name for a Hero--also compatible with Mars--
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Helmut--name&mid=68E3E24DB443AEDA2B4D68E3E24DB443AEDA2B4D&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCexqmeueNOXiXAJeMfuVOPQ&FORM=VIRE
How to pronounce--"Hay-hoot--lann" as in Burmese Lann--Road
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Just posted on Linked In--genocide in Gaza--
View Kyi May Kaung’s graphic link
Kyi May Kaung • You Founder CEO at Words Sounds and Images 2m •
And the world's largest skin bank incrseases.
It's like the gold teeth, human skin for lamps, and human hair for upholstery, ovens, gas "showers."
I will never forget the warehouses I saw in Auschwitz, the hill of human ashes in Mydanek.
Look for my poem They were just following orders--in Picking off New Shoots will not stop the Spring--edited by Ko Ko Thett and Brian Harmon,Echo Press, Singapore, 2022.p. 229
Sara B.
Sara B. • Following Technologist bridging humanity through shedding light, not heat. Views expressed are my own & not those of any organization/s. 5h •
This is today’s Israeli Massacre in Gaza.
Daily Massacres make up the Israeli Genocide in Gaza.
Rest in Peace Today’s Victims of Israeli Genocide.
The War Criminals will be ultimately punished.
hashtag#ICC
La Boheme--complete opera--Musetta's Waltz is at about 50: 27.
Withe Pavarotti and Mirella Freni.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=La+Boheme+complete+opera+yoy+tube&mid=F663F3F48FE46B428EDEF663F3F48FE46B428EDE&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCtN-gfLdoDYUlnNiiAt6sZw&FORM=VIRE
Colline's aria (basso profundo) from La Boheme--this is a modern
rendition--the Bohemians as homeless persons.
I think Colline is unable to part with his TV Camera and so has to say goodbye to his coat.
The coat or jacket in this version is a nice touch.
I bought one like this from an Army Surplus truck in West Philadelphia about 25 years ago. Now it's in another state,
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=bWZQKk%2F1&id=8D471B86FA2F7EC1EDA80B1A57887191EA8353ED&thid=OIP.bWZQKk_14bn09ogIuzXaGwHaEK&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx1iVhQbn68Q%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&cdnurl=https%3A%2F%2Fth.bing.com%2Fth%2Fid%2FR.6d66502a4ff5e1b9f4f68808bb35da1b%3Frik%3D7VOD6pFxiFcaCw%26pid%3DImgRaw%26r%3D0&exph=720&expw=1280&q=Colline%27s+arai+from+La+Boheme&form=IQFRBA&ck=BDCA055D8DCD947B02BFF2EA118A3232&selectedindex=1&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0&vt=0&sim=11&mid=8D471B86FA2F7EC1EDA88D471B86FA2F7EC1EDA8
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Movies about Tiananmen--
Copilot Search Branding
Movies Set During the Tiananmen Square Protests
Several films and documentaries have addressed the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, ranging from fictional dramas to historical documentaries. These works often reflect the political sensitivity of the subject, with some banned or restricted in China.
Documentaries and Historical Films
The Gate of Heavenly Peace (1995) – A three-hour documentary by Richard Gordon and Carma Hinton, using archival footage and interviews with participants and officials to chronicle the six weeks of protests from April to June 1989 Wikipedia.
Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party (PBS Frontline, 2019) – A two-hour documentary examining the events, participants, and aftermath of the protests www.factualamerica.com.
Tiananmen Tonight (2025) – A documentary blending student protest footage with CBS News journalists’ coverage, focusing on the hunger strike, crackdown, and the iconic “Tank Man” image Alexandria Times.
The Man Who Defied Beijing (2019) – A portrait of Liu Xiaobo, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and witness to the 1989 protests The Movie Database (TMDB).
Dissidents (2025) – Explores the lives of Chinese dissidents and their activism The Movie Database (TMDB).
Tiananmen Square Massacre – Black Night in June (2019) – A short documentary recounting the June 4 assault on demonstrators The Movie Database (TMDB).
Fictional Films with Tiananmen Context
颐和园 (Yihe Yuan, 2006) – Directed by Lou Ye, this drama uses the 1989 protests as a psychological turning point for its characters, banned in China for five years cinenoir.net.
Rapid Fire (1992) – An action film with an opening sequence depicting the Tiananmen protests, filmed in Mexico to avoid Chinese restrictions cinenoir.net.
千言萬語 (Qianyanwanyu, 1999) – A Hong Kong drama linking the 1989 movement to earlier activism, focusing on ordinary people cinenoir.net.
These films vary in tone and approach, from politically charged documentaries to fictionalized narratives. Many were produced outside China or in exile, reflecting the difficulty of openly depicting the events within mainland China.
Novels set during Tiananmen--
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Novels and Fiction Set During Tiananmen
Several novels and literary works have been written about or set during the Tiananmen Square protests and crackdown of 1989, often using the events as a backdrop to explore personal, political, and historical themes.
Notable Fictional Works
Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin (2025)
This new novel follows Lulu, a young Chinese woman at Harvard, who encounters a protester holding a sign about the “Tiananmen Square Massacre.” The encounter forces her to confront a buried family secret — her parents were Tiananmen protesters — and to breach a sealed chapter in the national record chinabooksreview.com.
The Crazed by Ha Jin (2002)
A later work in Ha Jin’s oeuvre, it continues to engage with the aftermath of the 1989 events, blending personal narrative with political commentary chinabooksreview.com.
Beijing Coma by Ma Jian (2008)
Ma Jian’s novel is set against the backdrop of the protests and their aftermath, portraying the psychological and social impact on individuals and society chinabooksreview.com.
The People’s Republic of Amnesia: Tiananmen Revisited by Louisa Lim
While primarily nonfiction, this work is often included in literary discussions of Tiananmen because of its deep engagement with suppressed memories and silenced voices Goodreads+1.
Bullets and Opium: Real-Life Stories of China After the Tiananmen Square Massacre by Liao Yiwu
A collection of short stories and essays documenting the years following the crackdown, blending fiction and memoir Goodreads.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
Though not set directly in 1989, this sweeping family saga spans much of 20th-century China, including the late 1980s, and reflects on the political climate of the time Goodreads.
Context and Themes
These works often explore themes of political awakening, memory, censorship, and the personal cost of dissent. Many protagonists are young or middle-aged, born after 1989, and discover the events only later in life, mirroring the delayed awareness of many Chinese citizens chinabooksreview.com.
Where to Find Them
Looking for Tank Man and The Crazed are available through publishers like Other Press and Vintage.
Beijing Coma is published by Picador.
Bullets and Opium and Wild Swans are available in English editions.
The People’s Republic of Amnesia is widely available in literary and academic circles. If you are interested in reading these, start with Ha Jin’s Looking for Tank Man for a contemporary, personal lens, and Beijing Coma for a more literary, introspective take. For broader context, Louisa Lim’s The People’s Republic of Amnesia offers a critical, nonfictional framework for understanding the events and their portrayal in fiction.
co-pilot search results--operas that include both basso profundo and soprano roles-List.
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Operas Featuring Both Bass and Soprano Roles
If you’re looking for operas that include both a bass and a soprano role, there are many examples across the operatic repertoire. Below is a selection of notable works and their lead roles, along with brief descriptions.
1. The Magic Flute (Mozart)
Soprano role: Queen of the Night (Die Königin der Nacht) – a dramatic soprano with a wide range and powerful coloratura.
Bass role: Papageno (Papagena) – a comic bass role, though sometimes cast as a baritone.
Why it works: The Queen of the Night’s Act II aria “Der Hölle Rache” is one of the most famous soprano arias in opera Muskegvalleyrabbitry.
2. La Traviata (Verdi)
Soprano role: Violetta Valéry – a dramatic soprano portraying a courtesan.
Bass role: Giorgio Germont – a bass-baritone, but often cast in the bass range.
Why it works: Violetta’s Act II aria “Sempre libera” is a staple of the soprano repertoire Opera-Arias.com.
3. Otello (Verdi)
Soprano role: Desdemona – a lyric soprano portraying Otello’s wife.
Bass role: Otello – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range.
Why it works: Desdemona’s Act II aria “Dio, che m’hai” is a lyrical soprano highlight Opera-Arias.com.
4. Don Giovanni (Mozart)
Soprano role: Donna Anna – a dramatic soprano.
Bass role: Don Giovanni – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range.
Why it works: Donna Anna’s Act II aria “Là ci darem la mano” is a famous soprano aria Opera-Arias.com.
5. Carmen (Bizet)
Soprano role: Carmen – a dramatic soprano.
Bass role: Escamillo – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Carmen’s Act I aria “Habanera” is one of the most famous soprano arias Opera-Arias.com. 6. Madama Butterfly (Puccini) Soprano role: Cio-Cio San – a dramatic soprano. Bass role: Sharpless – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Cio-Cio San’s Act II aria “Un bel di vedremo” is a soprano highlight Opera-Arias.com. 7. Aida (Verdi) Soprano role: Aida – a dramatic soprano. Bass role: Radamès – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Aida’s Act II aria “O patria mia” is a soprano showcase Opera-Arias.com. 8. La Bohème (Puccini)
Soprano role: Mimi – a lyric soprano. Bass role: Colline – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Mimi’s Act II aria “O soave fanciulla” is a lyrical soprano aria Opera-Arias.com. 9. The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) Soprano role: Susanna – a lyric soprano. Bass role: Figaro – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Susanna’s Act II aria “Non soffermarmi” is a soprano highlight Opera-Arias.com. 10. The Barber of Seville (Rossini) Soprano role: Rosina – a lyric soprano. Bass role: Figaro – a bass-baritone, but often sung in the bass range. Why it works: Rosina’s Act II aria “O, mio fido” is a famous soprano aria Opera-Arias.com. These operas span the classical to the verismo repertoire and offer a mix of dramatic and lyrical soprano roles alongside bass-baritone or bass roles, making them ideal for exploring both voice types in performance.
2 arias from Mozart's The Magic Flute--Rene Pape sings--
Oh Isis and Osiris--guide them--
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Rene+Pape+Oh+Isis+and+osiris&view=detail&mid=0A0E4810DE92FAAB60EA0A0E4810DE92FAAB60EA&churl=&ru=%2fsearch%3fPC%3dA1AM%26PTAG%3d20231227%26q%3dRene%2bPape%2bOh%2bIsis%2band%2bosiris%26FORM%3dA1AMMC&mmscn=vwrc&FORM=WRVORC
and Within these Sacred Halls--
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Rene+Pape+wihin+these+scared+halls&view=detail&mid=915D5E8ACC910DF28596915D5E8ACC910DF28596&churl=&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dRene%2bPape%2bwihin%2bthese%2bscared%2bhalls%26qs%3dn%26form%3dQBRE%26sp%3d-1%26ghc%3d1%26lq%3d0%26pq%3drene%2bpape%2bwihin%2bthese%2bscared%2bhalls%26sc%3d12-34%26sk%3d%26cvid%3d3911098780E448F98FF7E2E142AB35AC&mmscn=vwrc&FORM=WRVORC
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Lovely Indian epic movie--but failed at the box office--Samrat Prithviraj.
Based on a real king and a real poet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samrat_Prithviraj
The Princess is lovely, the king of another kingdom comes for her on a white horse, but like all great love stories, it ends in tragedy.
I just love the war chants,the dialog (probably modernized for woman's rights) excellent casting,costumes,epic battle scenes--masterly editing--placing Chand the poet's premonitions and the wedding for instance--back to back.
AI manipulated vast battle scenes not too stiff and clunky,
villains look vile and the heroes and heroines are martyrs--
and no animals were harmed during the filming.
You can watch free on Amazon Prime if you are a member--
here are the relevant wikis of the historicalc characters.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithviraj_Chauhan
Court poet Chand was his hpwar bet taw--born on the same day at the same hour.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chand_Bardai
The dances and the choreograpy are excellent, especially the sati dance.
Practice of sati--widows'self sacrifice (Hindu)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sati_(practice)
I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars on my KMK index.
Highly recommended--New Yorker interview of Colson Whitehead.
Highly recommended--New Yorker interview of writer Colson Whitehead.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/06/29/colson-whitehead-profile
I really must read Underground Railroad.
The is a good e.g. of how real writers fictionalize their family and themselves.
Incidentally, 2 writerly friends of mine
1. a poet--is writing about his father
and 2. a village expert--is attempting to write about her mother.
Also,oddly enough, 2 sightings of 1987 stock market crash--
1. in Alan Greenspan obit
2, in this article--where interviewer learns Colson's father was affected by stock market crash and "never recovered.
--about alcoholism, my novella Black Rice touches on my Kamayut extended family, "drunkard father and over-eating mother"
--about stock market crashes, I never had any stock and so was not affected.
affected by other things, --
--about Harlem Renaissance--my Boulder Friend knew Langston Hughes.
Kaung
6-23-2026
Monday, June 22, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Neil Diamond--
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=NeilDiamond+Be+you+tube&&mid=1415F82E2946AAA9D18E1415F82E2946AAA9D18E&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCQh2Gh5NaHaiZvHnf58ZYhg&FORM=VAMGZC
Video by Jan Hammer. Neil Diamond—Be!
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Be%20Neil%20Dimaond&mid=4450681557B5F14BA91D4450681557B5F14BA91D&ajaxhist=0
lyrics:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Be+Neil+DimaondLyrics--I+amI+sadi&&mid=0E2A34C00AA169013D8B0E2A34C00AA169013D8B&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUC7dcQTNxkYteKOax3iLIobA&FORM=VRDGAR
Neil Diamond—I am I said.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
What is maida?
Maida is a finely milled, refined white wheat flour commonly used in Indian cuisine for breads, pastries, and snacks.
Maida is made from the starchy endosperm of wheat grains, with the bran and germ removed, resulting in a soft, white, and ultra-fine flour NDTV.comNDTV.com+1. The production process involves cleaning and conditioning the wheat, grinding and milling to separate the endosperm, sifting to achieve a fine texture, and often bleaching to enhance whiteness and smoothness NDTV.comNDTV.com. This refining process strips away most of the fiber and nutrients, making maida less nutritious than whole wheat flour NDTV.comNDTV.com+1.
Culinary Uses
Maida is highly versatile and widely used in Indian cooking and baking. It is a key ingredient in:
Leavened breads like naan, tandoori roti, and bhatura
Bakery items such as cakes, biscuits, and pastries
Indian sweets including jalebi, gulab jamun, and barfi
Street foods and snacks like samosas, kachoris, and papdi Tarla DalalTarla Dalal+1
Its low protein and gluten content give baked goods a soft, airy, and tender texture, while its fine texture allows for delicate dough handling in fried and baked preparations Conscious EatingConscious Eating+1.
Nutritional Considerations
Because maida is refined and bleached, it lacks fiber and many nutrients found in whole wheat flour. Consuming it in large amounts can lead to blood sugar spikes and digestive issues NDTV.comNDTV.com. People with gluten intolerance or wheat allergies should avoid maida Conscious EatingConscious Eating. Despite these concerns, it remains a staple in many traditional and modern recipes due to its texture and versatility.
In summary, maida is a refined white wheat flour prized for its smooth texture and ability to create soft, fluffy, and crispy foods, but it should be consumed in moderation for health reasons NDTV.comNDTV.com+1.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
John Irving--only one year older than I am--
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Irving
Irving never met his biological father, who was a pilot in the Army Air Forces during World War II. In July 1943,[8] John Blunt Sr. was shot down over Burma but survived. The incident was incorporated into The Cider House Rules. Irving did not find out about his father's heroism until 1981, when he was almost 40 years old.[9]
Copilot search results--David Reiff's book on his mother Susan Sontag's cancer and death--
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David Rieff’s Memoir on His Mother’s Cancer
David Rieff’s Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son’s Memoir (Simon & Schuster, 2008) is both a deeply personal account and an investigation into his mother, the writer Susan Sontag, and her final battle with cancer Google Books+1.
Overview
The book chronicles the last nine months of Sontag’s life, from her initial diagnosis to her death in 2004. Rieff, her only child, documents their relationship, her determination to live despite a devastating illness, and his own complex emotions — guilt, self-questioning, and a sense of not having done enough Google Books+1. It blends memoir with medical reporting, offering a rare inside look at experimental oncology and the human side of illness.
Themes and Approach
Intimate Portrait: Rieff presents a more vulnerable side of Sontag, contrasting with her public persona, and draws on her journals, letters, and favorite quotations Oprah.com.
Medical and Emotional Journey: He pays tribute to her doctors’ ingenuity and faithfulness, while also confronting the limits of treatment and the inevitability of death Google Books+1.
Cultural Reflection: The memoir becomes a meditation on confronting death in modern culture, exploring what it means to desire life even in the face of overwhelming odds Amazon+1.
No Easy Answers: Rieff avoids simplistic conclusions, instead offering a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and the will to live Google Books+1.
Style and Tone
The prose is tender yet unsparing, blending literary reflection with journalistic detail. Rieff’s voice is both confessional and analytical, making the book accessible to readers interested in memoir, illness narratives, and cultural commentary on mortality Amazon+1.
Reception
Critics have praised it as a “courageous and darkly beautiful” work, highlighting Sontag’s fierce determination to survive and live creatively despite unproven treatments Amazon+1. It is considered one of Rieff’s most profound works, offering lessons that resonate beyond the personal context Google Books+1.
If you’re interested in a blend of personal memoir, medical history, and philosophical reflection on death, Swimming in a Sea of Death is a significant and moving read.
Google Books
Google Books
Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son's Memoir - David Rieff - Google Books
https://books.google.com/books/about/Swimming_in_a_Sea_of_Death.html?id=w9hlAAAAMAAJ
Amazon
Amazon
Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son's Memoir - Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Sea-Death-Sons-Memoir/dp/0743299477
Show All
Global web icon
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com › Swimming-Sea-Death-Sons...
Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son's Memoir - Amazon
Dec 30, 2008 · Both a memoir and an investigation, Swimming in a Sea of Death …
3.7/5(85)
Monday, June 15, 2026
Sir Thomas Moore--wiki
The 20th-century agnostic playwright Robert Bolt portrayed Thomas More as the tragic hero of his 1960 play A Man for All Seasons.
More is a man of an angel's wit, and singular learning. I know not his fellow. For where is the man of that gentleness, lowliness and affability? And, as time requireth, a man of marvelous mirth and pastimes, and sometime of as sad gravity. A man for all seasons.[151]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Spanish rabbit with prunes--you can use chcken
Copilot Search Branding
Spanish Rabbit with Prunes (Conill amb prunes i pinyons)
A classic Spanish/Catalan dish that blends sweet prunes with savory rabbit, often enhanced with pine nuts for texture and aroma FoodBarcelona.
Key Ingredients
Rabbit (whole or cut into pieces)
Pine nuts (optional, for texture)
Onions (chopped)
Tomatoes (sliced horizontally, seeds scooped, then grated for sofregit)
Garlic (minced)
Cognac (optional, for depth)
Bay leaf, thyme, cinnamon (or rosemary)
Chicken stock (hot)
Prunes (pitted)
Bacon (optional, for richness)
Preparation
Joint the rabbit and remove liver, kidneys, and heart if desired.
Brown rabbit pieces in a heavy pan or earthenware casserole, ideally in batches to avoid steaming.
Cook onions slowly until soft and translucent, then add tomatoes to make a thick sofregit.
Add rabbit pieces (and heart if using) and a splash of cognac (flamed if desired).
Deglaze with hot chicken stock, scraping the pan to release juices.
Season with herbs, bay leaf, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Cover and simmer on low heat until rabbit is tender.
Prepare picada (Catalan roux): grind almonds or hazelnuts with garlic, then add fried bread cubes for body.
Add prunes and cook until they soften and absorb flavors.
Thicken sauce with picada or cornstarch slurry, then adjust seasoning. Serving Serve hot with steamed potatoes, rice, or fresh pasta. The prunes melt into the sauce, creating a rich, sweet-savory profile FoodBarcelona. Variations Add pine nuts to the picada for a nutty crunch. Include bacon lardons for extra depth. For a richer sauce, purée rabbit liver with vinegar and stir in at the end Simply Recipes+1. This dish is hearty, aromatic, and perfect for a special dinner — the prunes and herbs give it a distinctive Spanish flair.
Felipe de Brito e Nicote--
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Filipe de Brito e Nicote — Portuguese Mercenary in 16th‑Century Southeast Asia
Filipe de Brito e Nicote (c. 1566 – April 1613), also known as Nga Zinga (Burmese) or Nga AngGaa (Arakanese), was a Portuguese adventurer and mercenary of partial French descent who played a notable role in the politics and conflicts of 16th‑century Southeast Asia Wikipedia+1.
Early Life and Origins
Born in Lisbon to a French father, Jules Nicot (possibly the brother of Jean Nicot, the French diplomat credited with introducing tobacco to Europe), de Brito entered Southeast Asia as a cabin boy on a Portuguese ship grokipedia.com. His Portuguese designation “de Brito” likely reflected maternal ties or early integration into Portuguese society grokipedia.com.
Career in Southeast Asia
De Brito first served under Min Razagyi, King of Arakan (Mrauk‑U), becoming Governor of Syriam (modern Thanlyin) in 1599 with three frigates and 3,000 men Wikipedia+1. He encouraged Portuguese settlement, built forts, and fortified the port, eventually declaring independence from Arakan in 1603. In 1605, during the Syriam battles, he captured Arakan’s crown prince, Min Khamaung, as a hostage Wikipedia+1.
He then married the daughter of Bannya Dala of Martaban, aligning himself with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (Siam) Wikipedia+1. In 1602, returning to Goa, he was awarded the titles “Commander of Syriam”, “General of the conquests of Pegu”, and “King of Pegu” by the Portuguese crown Wikipedia+1.
Controversies and Actions
De Brito’s regime was marked by religious desecration, including stripping gold from Buddhist pagodas such as the Shwedagon to fund defenses. He is recorded as removing the Dhammazedi Bell from the Shwedagon and melting it down for cannon production Everything Explained Today. These acts alienated local populations and drew Burmese opposition grokipedia.com+1.
Downfall and Death
In 1613, forces of King Anaukpetlun of the Toungoo dynasty besieged and razed Syriam. De Brito was captured and executed by impalement, reportedly taking three days to die Alchetron. His son was also executed, and over 400 Portuguese were taken prisoner Alchetron.
Legacy
De Brito’s story is part of the history of the Bayingyi — a community of Portuguese descendants in Myanmar who served in the Burmese armed forces and preserved a Portuguese identity and Catholic faith www.portuguese.asia. His career reflects the role of European mercenaries in the volatile politics of 16th‑century Southeast Asia, where alliances shifted rapidly between regional powers.
Are there still people named De Brito?
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Are There Still People Named De Brito?
Yes — there are still people with the surname De Brito in the United States, though it is a relatively rare name.
Current population and popularity
According to MyNameStats, De Brito is ranked around 242,160th among U.S. family names, with an estimated 70 people bearing the name nationwide MyNameStats.com. This equates to roughly 0.02 people per 100,000 Americans. The name is used almost exclusively as a last name (100% of the time) MyNameStats.com.
State distribution
The highest concentration is in New Jersey, where about 52 people have the name, giving a rate of about 0.58 per 100,000 residents MyNameStats.com. Other states with notable counts include California, New York, and Florida Whitepages.
Historical trends
Decennial U.S. Census data shows the surname’s popularity has grown modestly:
2000: 440 people, rank #45,735, 0.16% of the population
2010: 581 people, rank #38,155, 0.20% of the population discover.23andme.com
This represents a 32% increase in count and a 25% increase in proportion per 100,000 people.
Ethnic and cultural background
De Brito is of Portuguese, Galician, and Spanish origin, typically a habitational surname meaning “from Brito” Ancestry+1. Census data shows a mix of ethnicities, with a majority historically White, but also notable Black and Hispanic populations in recent decades discover.23andme.com.
Conclusion
While De Brito is uncommon, it is still present in the U.S., especially in New Jersey, and has shown a slight upward trend in recent decades. If you are looking for someone with this name, New Jersey, California, and New York are the most likely places to find them.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Thursday, June 11, 2026
How to feed a dictator--
In his latest film, How to Feed a Dictator, which premieres at the Tribeca film festival this week, five private chefs recount their intimate experiences serving some of the world’s most feared dictators and the ever-present dangers that came with the job. Based on the 2020 book by the Polish journalist Witold Szabłowski, the 95-minute documentary probes the fraught terrain between morality and survival, asking viewers to consider the choices these chefs made – and the choices they never really had. Structurally, the film is something of a tasting menu, serving up sobering morsels of human atrocity within the trappings of a decadent cooking show. It makes for especially uneasy viewing on an empty stomach.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Iran strike on Israel--from BBC. Partial copy and paste.
The Islamic Republic emerged from the war weakened in some respects but also with a stronger sense of its own resilience.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly72ryrd1jo?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Despite extensive Israeli and American military pressure, economic sanctions and a US naval blockade, the state survived. The government is still in power, its security apparatus remains intact, and no mass uprising materialised despite repeated predictions from its opponents.
That experience may have altered Tehran's calculations.
Monday, June 08, 2026
Sunday, June 07, 2026
Sri Lanka --set magnificent novel--Highly recommended
Nihal da Silva's Road to Elephant Pass.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Road-Elephant-Pass-Nihal-Silva-ebook/dp/B006RM676Q
Author was killed in a landmine blast in 2006--near the Wilpattu National Park where this story is set.
His profession was manufacturing mineral water, he started writing fiction after his retirement.
Winner of 2003 Gratiaen Prize set up by Michael Ondaatje--
Already translated into Sinhalese--
If you are interested in translation--I suggest you contact the publishers in Sri Lanka.
My copy is a print copy,seventh reprint 2008.
There is also an excellent film of the same name.
Kyi May Kaung
6-7-2026
Gov. vs Science & Truth--scientists/doctors ejected fr Diabetes Confce for distributing journal reprints.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/06/scientists-ejected-from-diabetes-conference-for-distributing-journal-reprints/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Just get on social media and distribute them that way--post in the mail.
Saturday, June 06, 2026
It should be called--Black in a White World--
but it's 6 AM and I have been up since 11 PM--so--
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=movie+something+thelordmade&view=detail&mid=770E1C6A94DB0B0E4E77770E1C6A94DB0B0E4E77&churl=&ru=%2fsearch%3fpc%3dMOZI%26form%3dMOZLBR%26q%3dmovie%2bsomething%2bthelordmade&mmscn=vwrc&FORM=WRVORC
It shld be called Being Black in a White World.
Like To Kill a Mocking Bird and other movies.
Looks like late Philip Seymour Hoffman playing Dr. Blalok.
Mississipi Burning--another must see.
https://tubitv.com/movies/358575/mississippi-burning
***
Rom Coms with orthopedic doctors and patients--Patch Adams also
was on stage as a clown, and I saw him once.
Bing search results--below:
medical challenges with heartfelt romance.
Notable Films
A Taste of My Own Medicine
This film follows a surgeon who becomes a patient, leading him to rediscover empathy and form a romantic connection with a fellow patient. It is inspired by Dr. Edward Rosenbaum's book and stars William Hurt, Christine Lahti, and Elizabeth Perkins, highlighting personal growth and romance in a medical setting cinemaroo.comcinemaroo.com+1.
Patch Adams
Starring Robin Williams, this film tells the story of a medical student who becomes an orthopedic surgeon. His unconventional approach emphasizes emotional well-being and humor, and he develops a romantic relationship while caring for patients, blending comedy, romance, and medical drama cinemaroo.comcinemaroo.com+1.
Romantic Hospital Dramas
Other films in curated lists of romantic hospital dramas feature surgeons and patients forming connections under high-stakes medical circumstances. These movies often explore love, personal growth, and the emotional challenges of healthcare professionals cinepicker.comcinepicker.com.
Friday, June 05, 2026
Thursday, June 04, 2026
I post this not because I want to show off--well only a little--but because I want all those struggling on the borders to take heart.
If I can do it, so can you.
Below--fabric design Kyi Kaung on Spoonflower.
Tribute to me--written by my former MA student in Burma--Daw Khin Pwint Oo--
Wednesday, June 03, 2026
House votes to stop war in Iran--copied and pasted fromAP--
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House for the first time Wednesday approved a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran, defying President Donald Trump as a handful of Republicans joined with Democrats to end the three-month-long conflict that has reordered politics at home and abroad.
https://www.aol.com/articles/us--iran-us-congress-194324903.html
House Speaker Mike Johnson had tried to prevent an outcome that would show the mounting opposition to the war, abruptly shutting down floor action two weeks ago when the resolution was on the verge of approval. But displeasure has only grown as the conflict drags on and as Trump struggles to negotiate a plan for peace.
"Enough is enough," said Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who led the effort.
"It is time for the president to do the right thing," he said. "The people are tired of suffering because of his war of choice — suffering at the gas pump, suffering at the supermarkets."
The roll call Wednesday was 215-208, but next steps are uncertain. Trump would likely reject any measure from Congress to limit his commander-in-chief authority. Still, the tally, with four Republicans joining Democrats, was a rebuke of the president's war strategy, and cheers erupted in the House chamber.
Opposition to war grows
It's the fourth time the House has tried to curb the U.S. war against Iran. The Senate advanced its own war powers resolution last month when a handful of GOP senators broke ranks with the Republican president in a rare show of political pushback from his party.
Each time Democrats have pushed forward the war powers resolution, the vote tallies have inched higher as political unease with the U.S. war swells. Trump had campaigned for the White House on a promise to end U.S. entanglements abroad and focus more on domestic issues, but the war has shifted attention back to the Middle East.
Johnson insisted Trump is "laser focused" on the domestic front, particularly ahead of the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
The speaker said he spent three hours at the White House with the president this week and Trump is calling on allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume the flow of commerce.
Since the U.S. joined Israel in launching the Feb. 28 strikes on Iran, Americans have seen gas prices spike at the pumps, adding to inflationary pressure on consumer spending.
Iran has been able to interrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for a large segment of the world's oil, natural gas and related products such as fertilizer.
"We're working on that final piece," said Johnson, R-La. "The entire world has an interest in the Strait of Hormuz being reopen for commerce. That what he's working on."
While a ceasefire in the conflict was declared in April, it remains uneasy and uncertain. Talks for a more durable end to the fighting have dragged, increasingly complicated by Israel's broadening war with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Meanwhile, military strikes between the U.S and Iran continue to flare.
Congress exerts its war powers authority
The war powers resolution from the House would not immediately stop the war, but it would provide a symbolic — if not legal — step against further military action.
The resolution next goes to the Senate, where four Republican senators last month joined Democrats in advancing a similar measure to curtail the U.S. campaign against Iran. The Senate has yet to take a final vote to approve or reject its own war powers resolution.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Wednesday at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that the Iranians would think that the administration's "hands are going to be tied" if Congress approved a war powers resolution. He said they would think "we won't be able to do anything to them, so why make a deal?"
It's not the only action Congress is taking in the national security arena as Democrats, in the minority, work to peel off Republican support for measures beyond the war against Iran.
The House also voted Wednesday on another Democratic-led effort, a procedural step toward a measure that would authorize U.S. support for Ukraine's military operations as it battles Russia and would help reconstruct the war-torn country. That vote is expected later this week. The House also expected to consider a war powers resolution to block U.S. action in Lebanon.
While Congress has the authority under the Constitution to declare war, the president also has power as the commander in chief to engage in military action, creating a legal dispute over which branch of government has ultimate say in matters of war and peace. If Senate joins the House to approve the resolution, it could set the stage for a fresh legal test of war powers.
Under the war powers act, the White House has a 60-day window to seek approval from Congress for military action. The administration, however, has indicated that because a ceasefire has been declared in the current conflict in Iran, the hostilities have ceased.
___
Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.
Tuesday, June 02, 2026
Hurrah our woke Pope--
To our woke--American-born Pope--who is working for a humane AI--
may you live forever.
Thank you.
DJT is stopping ocean monitoring.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/climate/ocean-observatories-initiative.html?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
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