Let Freedom Ring -- Obama Inaugural Concert Jan 18, 2009 -- sung by Josh Groban and Heather Headly --

http://disembedded.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/the-obama-inaugural-concert-josh-groban-sings-with-the-d-c-gay-mens-chorus/

Archival tape of Marion Anderson, who visited Rangoon, Burma in the U Nu years.

Move like First Families --

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/19/obama.move/index.html

If you're an undergrad or grad student, win a trip with NYT's Nicholas Kristoff --

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/opinion/18kristof.html?th&emc=th

Following Lincoln's example, Obama will come by train from Philadelphia to Washington DC for his Inauguration --

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/17/obama.train/index.html

Artist Andrew Wyeth dies at 91

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/arts/design/17deba.html?_r=1

So successful he had a private airplane.

Tempera was his medium of choice.

New Thai government calls for reforms in Burma --

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-01-16-voa38.cfm

Documentary Burma VJ picked up by HBO at Sundance --

About video journalists in Burma.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKokkJ9uF1OdeZMIibOedfmAbVQAD95NTGU00

Did you notice -- hero for Burma, Christopher Gunness, in 1988 famous for his broadcasts from Rangoon --

now at UN in Gaza when Isrealis shelled UN building where refugees had taken refuge.

Way to go Chris, as Americans say.

Kyi May Kaung

Burmese and Bangladeshi boat people mistreated by Thai.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7830710.stm

From Jonathan Head, BBC.

Kyi May Kaung on art discussion panel to honor Aung San Suu Kyi at The Beacon in NY

http://mirca-art.com/beacon.htm

Skull decorated by Kyi May Kaung among those exhibited at Cranial Vault

http://www.cranialvault.org/the-artists/

Burma Road being rebuilt by China --

http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=18576573-22c5-434c-98e2-7e98b1d47151

Journalist Min Zin on his brother and others' detention in Burma --

http://www.dassk.com/contents.php?id=2077

Pascal Khoo Thwe: The World Failed Burma

http://www.speroforum.com/a/17625/The-World-has-failed-Burma

Kevin Kline in Cyrano on PBS --

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=alR6uERB40G4&refer=muse

A very good translation, I thought, and no wonder -- translation is by Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange)

It sounds like Shakespeare and totally different from the blah film versions I saw before.

Everything in this production is perfect.

Kyi May Kaung

Kyi May Kaung's collages at Suriya Gallery mentioned in Chiangmai Mail.

Bird meets Dolphins -- collage copyright Kyi May Kaung -- photo copyright Marisa Charles.

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/305/features.shtml#hd2


Chiangmai Mail did not put the artist's names with the paintings. I would have liked to know who painted those beautiful images, especially the ones done with a palette knife.

Thank you Nance, Ko Aung and All who helped me cart pictures back and forth --

It's a great honor to have one's work "hung" with so many brilliant paintings.

Kyi May Kaung

Kyi May Kaung's poetry in Norton Anthology, Glass etc.

http://glass-poetry.com/news/?cat=15

Keep those beautiful old coats and clothes -- Bill Cunningham from New York Times --

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/04/fashion/20090104-street-feature/index.html?th&emc=th

Only problem -- closet space.

I still have old coat from 20 years ago and it works fine --

one quilted coat I gave away and one (picked from garbage!) -- a good black wool long coat worth about $100, that was too small for me -- I gave both of these to refugees/visitors/interns from Burma.

All a problem of knowing what to throw away and what to keep.

I will never throw away re-cycled wearable art that I make myself from heirloom clothes and linen.

Kyi May Kaung

Another memoir on Oprah Show found to be (partially) made up --

http://www.tnr.com/booksarts/story.html?id=f458c2c8-0d4f-4dc7-8cba-15e465c2201a&p=1

Why was it marketed as a memoir?

Why did he not write it as a novel (fiction)?

Oprah Show and book and film etc audiences also want "memoirs."

Sensationalism is the culprit.

I can think of several examples from the Burmese survivor/media world.

Kyi May Kaung

"My skull" will be up at Cranial Vault -- in Feb.

February 2009
February 4 through February 27

Cranial Vault www.cranialvault.org

at Space 7-10 Kefa Cafe

963 Bonifant St. (near corner of Georgia Av. in Silver Spring, MD) a few blocks uphill from Silver Spring Metro.

Kyi May Kaung

Good non-conformist blog - how to travel on a shoestring etc.

http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/about-chris/

Call for all bloggers and poets to stand in solidarity with Burmese who were jailed for up to 68 years in kangaroo courts --

http://burmanewscasts.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-years-resolutions-for-nld.html

Chinese quail farming family become billionaires --- all due to Deng Xiao-ping's 1978 Reforms

Pig Butler at Memphis Airport -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/business/worldbusiness/02yuan.html?th&emc=th
from New York Times.

Additional note:

Deng said:

"It's glorious to get rich."

"If you open the windows, some flies might get in."

and apparently "We must allow some people to get rich first."

Deng's economic reforms of 1978 were accompanied by a downsizing of the People's Liberation Army(PLA)and "a more professional army."

Now that the global economy is in Recession (with a capital R)

China is looking to a new economic model, perhaps led by the domestic market and satisfying its domestic demand from over a billion population. Maybe its industries will have to change its product mixes.

It is also on better terms with India.

I hope it won't draw down or draw out its money in U.S. Treasury Bills, which are now propping up the U.S. government, which is attempting to bail-out or being asked to bail out U.S. industries and financial institutions in trouble.

Food for thought for the New Year.

Notes -- copyright Kyi May Kaung

Paintings by Qi Baishi --

http://www.chinapage.com/qibai/qibai.html

So simple, so direct, so timeless, so beautiful.

Kyi May Kaung

Beautiful and authentic Qianlong Emperor's Retirement Palace restored in Beijing -- from New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/12/31/arts/design/20090101_FORBIDDEN_index.html

Nothing like the stupid and downright destructive "restorations" done by the junta in Bagan (spelled "Pagan" before) in Burma --

Possibly re-posting -- but it's so beautiful --

Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers and Tides --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5qrE_rBrJQ

A kind of natural ikebana or action painting or performance art that is environmentally friendly.

Kyi May Kaung

Re-posting -- my obit on Shan activist and Scholar -- Dr. Chao Tzang Yawngwe -- from 2004 Irrawaddy magazine --

http://www.irrawaddy.org/opinion_story.php?art_id=3745&page=1

Nobel Laureate -- Playwright Harold Pinter died Christmas Eve --

http://i2.democracynow.org/2008/12/30/harold_pinter_1930_2008_on_art

Here is his 2005 Nobel acceptance speech from Democracy Now.

Burma Activists -- Don't forget these important links --

12-31-08

Two important documents from Dec. 7th 2008 have been leaked to the Democratic Opposition.

Since May and Cyclone Nargis, the number of leaks has increased significantly.

One is a report of the Russian Ambassador to Burma going to meet the Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win.

The other is a report from Kyaw Tint Swe, the Burma Permanent Rep. to the UN in NY to his superiors in Rangoon.

The Russian Ambassador expressed his interest in Russian tourism in Burma and for Russian companies to do business in extracting Burmese resources and Burmese minerals.

These documents say that

i. They would like to keep the Free Suu Kyi and other political issues separate from Mr. Gambari's visits.

ii. They also want to keep Mr. Gambari's and Mr. Ban Ki-moon's visits "separate."

iii. They know that the western nations led by USA and UK are campaigning vigorously for UN to be more effective.

So, Burma Activists -- why should UN reps. go to Burma except to pressure for Democratic Transition and to Free Suu Kyi and others?

So, do keep the pressure up and don't let the junta compartmentalize. Be unified in approach.

Don't be a Donkey -- New Year Greetings --

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/12/30/kabler.ethiopia.donkey.care.itn

Don't be a Donkey -- don't let yourself be tied up, beaten and driven to exhaustion! Demand to be fed and watered and treated properly. Live long and be healthy.

Kyi May Kaung

Passively heated houses in Germany -- from NYTs

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/world/europe/27house.html?th&emc=th

Burma: At a Critical Juncture -- Kyi May Kaung's poem in Counterpunch

http://www.counterpunch.org/poems12262008.html

Obama Inauguration -- at the juncture of poetry and politics -- from the New York Times --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/books/25poet.html?hp

Poet commissioned to write and read poem at Inauguration is a fine poet -- you can see this from her "sample poems."

I am writing, and have written, (prose) for hire, and have so far been "commissioned"(verbally) to write two wedding poems, that the bridal couples liked a lot, and a play.
Subject was not specified. The commissioning theater director liked my poetry.

For the play commission, I was taken to an upscale restaurant in Philadelphia located in a bank vault. Was a lot of fun.

Kyi May Kaung.

Chinese pockets filled while Americans' emptied -- from New York Times + Whither Burma??

Lady Vanda -- oil on canvas -- Copyright Kyi May Kaung

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/world/asia/26addiction.html?th&emc=th

Q for economists and others -- where does Burma factor in in all this?

Have this increasing sinking feeling about Burma, what with

1. reduced strength of USA and so of democratic camp

2. SPDC gearing up for their show election of 2010 -- and some countries, especially in Europe, going along with it.

Heard from grapevine that Spain's ambassador went to Rangoon to try and persuade Daw Suu to run for election (again!!!) in 2010.

3. She and NLD are absolutely right -- why should they when 1990 election result, which NLD won by an overwhelming vote, has not been honored yet.

Junta has a history of making people "replay the game" when things don't work out the way they wish it to.

God help us.

Christmas Poem -- Eight Lies of a Mother by Anonymous Burmese Poet --2008

Nice poem -


EIGHT LIES OF A MOTHER~1.The story began when I was a child;I was born as a son of a poor family.Even for eating, we often got lack of food.Whenever the time for eating, mother often gave me her portion of rice.While she was removing her rice into my bowl,she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry".
That was Mother's First Lie

2.When I was getting to grow up,the persevering mother gave her spare time for fishing in a river near our house,she hoped that from the fishes she got,she could gave me a little bit nutritious food for my growth.After fishing, she would cook the fishes to be a fresh fish soup,which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup,mother would sit beside me and eat the rest meat of fish,which was still on the bone of the fish I ate.My heart was touched when I saw it.I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her.But she immediately refused it and said "Eat this fish, son.I don't really like fish."That was Mother's Second Lie.

3.Then, when I was in Junior High School,to fund my study,mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-matches boxes that would be stuck in.It gave her some money for covering our needs.As the winter came,I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awoke,supported by a little candlelight and within her perseverance she continued the work of sticking some used-matches box. I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late,tomorrow morning you still have to go for work." Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep,dear. I'm not tired."That was Mother's Third Lie.

4.At the time of final term,mother asked for a leave from her work in order to accompany me. While the daytime was coming and the heat of the sun was starting to shine, the strong and persevering mother
waited for me under the heat of the sun's shine for several hours.
As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished,
mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a glass of tea
that she had prepared before in a cold bottle.
The very thick tea was not as thick as my mother's love,
which was much thicker. Seeing my mother covering with perspiration,
I at once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too.
Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!".
That was Mother's Fourth Lie.

5.After the death of my father because of illness,
my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent.
By held on her former job, she had to fund our needs alone.
Our family's life was more complicated. No days without sufferance.
Seeing our family's condition that was getting worse,
there was a nice uncle who lived near my house came to help us,
either in a big problem and a small problem.
Our other neighbors who lived next to us saw that our family's life
was so unfortunate,
they often advised my mother to marry again. But mother,
who was stubborn, didn't care to their advice,
she said "I don't need love."
That was Mother's Fifth Lie.

6.After I had finished my study and then got a job,
it was the time for my old mother to retire.
But she didn't want to; she was sincere to go to the marketplace every morning,
just to sell some vegetable for fulfilling her needs.
I, who worked in the other city, often sent her some money to help her
in fulfilling her needs,
but she was stubborn for not accepting the money.
She even sent the money back to me.
She said "I have enough money."
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

7.After graduated from Bachelor Degree,
I then continued my study to Master Degree.
I took the degree, which was funded by a company through a scholarship program,
from a famous University in America .
I finally worked in the company. Within a quite high salary,
I intended to take my mother to enjoy her life in America .
But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son,
she said to me "I'm not used to."
That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

8.After entering her old age,
mother got a flank cancer and had to be hospitalized.
I, who lived in miles away and across the ocean,
directly went home to visit my dearest mother.
She lied down in weakness on her bed after having an operation.
Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep yearn.
She tried to spread her smile on her face;
even it looked so stiff because of the disease she held out.
It was clear enough to see how the disease broke my mother's body,
thus she looked so weak and thin.
I stared at my mother within tears flowing on my face.
My heart was hurt, so hurt, seeing my mother on that condition.
But mother, with her strength, said "Don't cry, my dear.
I'm not in pain."
That was Mother's Eight Lie.


After saying her eighth lie, She closed her eyes forever!

Beautiful Yangon -- how developed!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/846111/This-looks-a-little-unsafe-to-me

Poet commissioned for Obama Inauguration --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/us/politics/21poet.html?_r=1

Bravo! Bravo!

Poetry can distill the essence of things.

Kyi May Kaung

Burmese junta arrests N. Korean defectors passing through to S. Korea.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,470633,00.html

It's a wonder anyone believes the junta's promise of "elections" in 2010.

Christmas Poem -- 2008

Dow Jones is down

Ho Ho Ho,

Hope your portfolio

is not too

Lo Lo Lo.

Copyright Kyi May Kaung
12-21-08

Quote of the Day -- from Irrawaddy Magazine

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Just speaking from New York of your disappointment with the regime does not achieve anything.
— Aung Din, the executive director of US Campaign for Burma, speaking on Ban Ki-moon's disappointment on Burma

Talk on China-USA relations at Sasakawa Foundation last Monday

http://www.ipsnewsasia.net/bridgesfromasia/node/134

Written by John Feffer of Institute for Policy Studies.

Panel discussion on Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma on Feb 14, 2009

http://mirca-art.com/beacon.htm

Chinese scholar whose blog was shut down threatens to sue Google and Yahoo --

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/07/chinese_dissident_to_sue_google_and_yahoo/

Of interest to Burmese bloggers who undergo regime harrassment.

Activist Attorney for Migrant and Farmers' Rights, Shelly Davis, dies --

Fallout -- collage copyright Kyi May Kaung

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR2008121502904.html

In the face of death, so little we can do. Shelley worked to make others' lives better.

Sincere condolences to Helen and other family members and friends. I am looking for a floral tribute photo to post.

k

Owed to the press -- poem by Richard Lawson -- posted with his permission --

Owed to the Press

Want to lie without redress?
Get a nice job in the press!
If you're regularly pissed
You could be a journalist.
If you like to cast ordure
You could be an interviewer.
If your thing is smearing poo
Broadcaster's the job for you.
If you'd like to be a Nazi
You can join the paparazzi
If you think we do not need yer
Go and sign on with the media.

Don't let them fool you all the way -
Make April First your No News Day!

Copyright Richard Lawson. More poetry from Richard Lawson at

http://www.greenhealth.org.uk/PoePol.htm

Which of us in the Burmese Democracy Movement haven't been batted around by (especially the Burmese language)media, but also certain hard talkers, who should be hard talking the junta, not us. I think this poem captures it all.

Kyi May Kaung.

Understanding the Kachin conflict -- from Pulitzer International Center for Crisis Reporting --

http://pulitzercenter.typepad.com/untold_stories/2008/12/myanmar-11-key-points-for-understanding-the-kachin-conflict.html#more

Renewed conflict is expected after Burmese military junta's 2010 "election."

Authors write that 1994 ceasefire achieved nothing.

Kyi May Kaung

Official portraits of President George W. and Mrs. Laura Bush revealed --

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Official-Bush-portraits-unveiled/ss/events/pl/121908bushportraits

U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass on what is prose poetry, role of poetry etc.

http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/poets/g_l/haas/prosepoems.htm

In 1997 I was at a poetry slam downtown where a group of high school students "slammed" well-known poets such as Nikki Giovanni, the audience gave grades by holding up cards with numbers on them and the high school students won.

Kyi May Kaung

Death of political poetry in USA --

http://www.intellectualconservative.com/article3169.html

How different from poetry in my country of origin (Burma) where you can be jailed or killed or lose a job for a poem.

kmk

Review of Guy Delisle's graphic novel Burma Chronicles --

http://blog.oregonlive.com/steveduin/2008/12/graphic_novel_review_burma.html

It's all true, let me assure you.

Kyi May Kaung

Rwandan official found guilty of 1994 genocide --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/africa/19rwanda.html?th&emc=th

What is Transitional Justice -- from International Center for Transitional Justice --

http://ictj.org/en/tj/

International Criminal Court and America -- something -President Elect Obama should do as soon as sworn in -

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/03/opinion/edcohen.php

Shoe-throwing Iraqui journalist was beaten -- from IHT

Junta backed USDA (Union Solidarity Development Association)

from Mizzima.

http://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/1469-junta-backed-usda-unlikely-to-contest-2010-election.html

I am posting like others in case Mizzima can't be accessed directly from inside Burma due to government blocking.

Saki (H.H. Munro) was born today, Dec 18, in Akyab, Burma --

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/happy-birthday/2008/Dec/Saki.html

Very interesting. I did not know this, nor his "Burma connection" in colonial military police force in Burma, so like George Orwell's.

I also did not know he died of a sniper's bullet while an enlisted soldier.

I wish more native Burmese wrote/write in English then and now.

Kyi May Kaung

Flu prevention tips --

http://www.weather.com/activities/health/news/articles/ALr55WFw85r3I_16Jul2008.html?from=health_welcome

UN Security Council stuck on Burma, Darfur etc etc -- UN needs to reform by Carne Ross --

Warning -- oil on canvas, 24x12" Painting and photo copyright Kyi May Kaung

http://www.independentdiplomat.com/html/ourwork.htm

Carne Ross article in Open Democracy --

http://www.opendemocracy.net/article/united-nations-in-trouble-time-for-another-san-francisco

Pilot to Bombardier by Kyle Dargan -- in FPIF

Sha Sha (Kill! Kill! Battle cry of the Boxers during the Boxer Rebellion,) painting and photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5718

"Pilot to Bombardier
are the boulevards burning?"

used clothing by the pound in Poland

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/world/europe/14warsaw.html?th&emc=th

Parting gift from George W. Bush --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/opinion/14egan.html?th&emc=th

An interesting article from 1958, by famous Burmese poet Zawgyi (the late U Thein Han) on Burmese art --

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/195802/burma-contemporary-art

Burma message from Edith Mirante and Scott Bateman on salon.com

http://www.salon.com/ent/video_dog/politics/2008/05/22/bateman_burmarap/index.html

Edith Mirante drew attention to Burmese human rights abuses in the early 90s, before anyone else did, distributing xerox copies of reports, some of which she wrote herself, with her mother as her only helper.

Bravo Edith, you give us Strength.

Ashin Kovida -- from Switzerland, on Buddhism and politics --

http://ashinkovida-swiss.blogspot.com/2008/08/buddhism-and-politics.html

Apparently, this is not the same U Kovida who fled Burma after being one of the leaders of the Saffron Revolution.

It's a good blog, I hope he writes more.

Friend of Burma -- Simon Billeness -- mugged in DC

http://simonbillenness.blogspot.com/

Get a fake wallet or money clip,keep a few dollars in it, throw in direction of muggers and flee in other direction.

I knew this, from police instructor, in Philadelphia, but have not thought about it lately.

They also told me, if raped, don't fight. Remember things about the rapist. Don't wash afterwards. Call 911 when rapist gone.

Walk with hand in pocket and with confidence.

Cross street if see gang approaching. Be aware of surroundings.

Walk in well lighted areas.

Don't take short cuts.

World's greatest blogger -- Arianna Huffington, on blogging --

http://www.labnol.org/internet/blogging/arianna-huffington-on-blogging/5897/

"Blogging is good, if like me you have a strong accent. I am much better understood on my blog."

Arianna Huffington

Jewelry made by Alexander Calder --

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/12/12/arts/1212-CALD_index.html

Josh Groban sings"Vincent," "Imagine" etc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opKBF5q7mks&feature=related

Madoff billion $ Ponzi scheme --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/business/13investors.html?th&emc=th

Don't keep all your eggs in one basket!

Post Mumbai bombings -- Burma mentioned in "new Middle East" -- that is South Asia.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/opinion/08kaplan.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1228742642-U6Wtwviu+IjiarV+KRxRLg

Vast canvas -- South Street Bridge in Philadelphia being demolished --

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20081207_Speeding_cars__fleeting_art.html

Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK9nt1NF7Nw&feature=related

Sol LeWitt's Art --

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/12/05/arts/1205-LEWI_index.html

My article on Vietnamese artist Huong -- in Foreign Policy in Focus.

http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5720

Get heart attck persons to hospital fast and keep them cool.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/nyregion/04cool.html?th&emc=th

In Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi airport re-opens as protesters force out PM.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/world/asia/04thai.html?th&emc=th

If protesters had closed down Rangoon airport, the army would have staged another crackdown and thousands would have been killed and arrested.

In Thailand, the Thai army did not stage a coup this time. Seemed to support the demonstrators, and so did the king.

Amitav Ghosh on terrorist attacks in Mumbai --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/opinion/03ghosh.html?th&emc=th

Ghosh started writing about Burma in an article in The New Yorker in 1996.

He is the author of The Glass Palace, set in Mandalay in 1886.

Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/arts/music/28lang.html?th&emc=th

Make sure you watch the video of Lang Lang talking about Chopin.

What happens to turkey President pardons at Thanksgiving?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/3527475/What-really-happens-to-the-turkey-that-the-president-pardons-at-Thanksgiving.html

We laugh that we may not cry.

Maybe media is anti-McCain?

Washington DC prepares for Obama Inauguration Ceremonies --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/washington/30district.html?th&emc=th

Scholarship info -- Heinrich Boell Foundation, for Burmese --

Dear All,

Heinrich Boell Foundation, Southeast Asia Regional Office, holds an

annual scholarship competition for a small number of students from

Myanmar/Burma to study at two Thai premier Universities offering three

international Programmes specifically designed for younger generation

candidates from Myanmar/Burma.



The Scholarships apply respectively to the academic year of 2009/2010

for Master of Arts in International Development (MAIDS) at

Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok , Faculty of Political Science, the

2009/2010 academic years for Master of Arts in Sustainable

Development, at the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable

Development (RCSD) in Chiang Mai University , Faculty of Social

Sciences, and the 2009/2010 academic year for International Master of

Economics (MEcon), at the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University .

Application forms and entrance qualifications for the international

Programmes of the respective Universities are available at web links

provided below. Application forms are attached as word documents.

The Master of Arts in International Development Studies (MAIDS)

Program at Chulalongkorn University 's Faculty of Political Science;

http://www.ids. polsci.chula. ac.th/

The Master of Arts in Sustainable Development of the Regional Center

for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) at Chiang Mai

University, Faculty of Social Sciences; http://rcsd. soc.cmu.ac. th/

The International Master of Economics Program of the Faculty of

Economics (M.Econ) at Chiang Mai University ;

http://fuangfah. econ.cmu. ac.th/programs. asp

The selection process is highly competitive. Students for the

Scholarship Program are selected by both HBF and the respective

Universities in an open competition. Decisions made are final. Only

selected candidates will be contacted. Applicants can re-apply for the

Scholarship Program the following year.



We kindly ask for your assistance in forwarding the relevant

information and documents (applications forms and general information)

to interested parties and suitable candidates.



Please find attached:



- HBF Call for Applications

- RCSD, MAIDS and Mecon application documents



For further information on our Myanmar/Burma work pls. visit:

www.boell-southeast asia.org

Thai protestors shut down Suvvanabhumi International Airport in Bangkok --

Churning the Sea of Milk -- at Suvarnabhumi Airport - photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


Suv. airport ceiling --photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


SuvarnaBhumi airport on Nov. 9, 2008. Photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/world/asia/26thai.html?th&emc=th

Burmese (Chin) refugee woman in Prague --

http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2008/11/19/burmese-woman-shares-escape-story.php

Caucasian ? mummies found in Uigher Autonomous Region in China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/world/asia/19mummy.html?th&emc=th

Pronounced "Wi- garr"

Price of good art -- high even in recession --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/arts/design/17auct.html?th&emc=th

Melamine in USA -- op ed from New York Times

Melamine -- image from warning email circulating in cyberspace.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/opinion/17mcwilliams.html?th&emc=th

Video on You Tube from May's Cyclone Nargis -- lest you forget --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5SFDSTQaas&feature=related

Environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy --

http://www.flickr.com/groups/andygoldsworthy/pool/

Highly successful Indian artist in exile -- who can't go home --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/world/asia/09india.html?pagewanted=2&sq&st=nyt&scp=40

Brazilian artist --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/arts/design/26kino.html

Burma jails woman cyclone journalist --

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2008/11/2008111592037651928.html

Artist Robert Rauschenberg died on May 12th --

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/04/14/arts/20080414_RAUS_SLIDESHOW_index.html?scp=7&sq=rauschenberg&st=cse

I am posting this here because so many people "judge" the value of art based on the materials of which art works are made, which of course is bunkum.

Not to say that art can't be made from expensive materials also.

Case in point Damian Hirst's Skull, encrusted with diamonds, which is collectively owned by a group of investors, including Hirst.

Kyi May Kaung

Punished for making a Hat: Cruel Sentences, of up to 65 years, meted out by Burmese junta to activists -- condemned by USA and EU.

Green Bilu or Orge -- who eats human flesh -- at Suvannabhumi Airport in Bangkok -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung

"Shwe Maung was imprisoned in 2002 for making a symbolic gold-coated copper hat, known as kha mauk, which was the emblem of NLD party when it won in the1990 elections. The hat is a recognized NLD symbol and was intended as a gift for NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi." Irrawaddy Newsletter.

http://www.irrawaddy.org/

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jTEN1CPv6vPKQgQJnC8Mr0W5sMsA

Malaysian Embassy Batik Fashion Show --

Real Malaysian Women -- others anorexic -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


In the purple -- Photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


"Michelle Obama would look stunning in this." Photo copyright Kyi May Kaung



(Don't give me) that look -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung


Shocking pink -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung



Tunku Abdul Rahman -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung



Chandelier -- matched by star below on marble floor -- Malaysian Embassy -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung

Mark Rothko paintings at Tate Modern --

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article4811134.ece

Disturbing "developments" or rather retrogressions regarding Burma.

Cockatoo head stuck in cage -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung --


Disturbing "developments" or rather retrogressions -- regarding Burma --

At least for the past six months or so I have noticed a disturbing trend in news coverage of Burma, commentary by "experts" -- some self-styled, I am sure, and at international seminars on Burma, of which I have been a more or less regular attendee since 2001.

1. More people, some well-known "dissidents" are buying into, or letting themselves be bought into, the Burmese military junta's 2010 "elections" and their legitimation of their so-called "constitution."

2. Nargis Cyclone has become a gravy train for the junta and the non-profits around it.

3. There is too much unjustified criticism of Daw Suu, who has been under arrest since the Depayin Massacre, and is kept totally incommunicado by the junta. Even her two maid/attendants are kept isolated. How do you "criticize" such a person and the NLD for "not having a game plan," "not being unified?" etc. These criticisms border on the ridiculous.

4. The anti-sanctions lobby is as active as ever, but now they plug the 2010 "election" and the junta's Indonesian style "guided democracy." Guess who will do the "guiding."

I don't believe there is need for another "election" when the results of the 1990 election, which the junta itself touted at the time as free and fair,have not been honored.

5.Unfortunately, even Gambari, Ban Ki-Moon and the U.N. have been endorsing a 2010 "election."

6. The junta is as harsh as ever, evidence being the recent sentences of the 1988 activists and the arrest of their defense lawyer and the junta's treatment of U Gambira, one of the primary leaders of the Sept. 2007 Saffron Revolution, during which Buddhist monks chanted the metta sutra.

http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/15973/

Why are these people buying into the 2010 farce?? Is it because of Burma's newly discovered natural gas reserves??

Kyi May Kaung

Gretta Foundation Nursing Scholarships for Developing Countries --

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/the-gretta-foundation-launches-nursing-scholarship-programs-for-developing-countries,617125.shtml

Men and women in Burma should research this and try for this -- I know nothing beyond what I read in this piece.

Please do your own Google and other searches.

Kyi May Kaung

Book review by Kyi May Kaung in FPIF -- The Three Trillion Dollar War by Joseph Stigltiz and Linda Bilmes -

http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5642

Cruel and Unusual Punishments in Burma's kangaroo courts --

Found abstract -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung

Should people be talking reconciliation in 2010 and new elections at this time?

http://aappb. org

Trials in Burma (9): Burma's Kangaroo Courts Deliver Harsh and Cruel Sentences to Democracy Activists
November 11, 2008

The special courts held inside the Insein Prison Compound are rushing to complete the court hearing against Burmese democracy activists and Buddhist Monks, who were arrested one year ago during and after the peaceful protests in August and September 2007, and delivering harsh sentences everyday. Family members are not allowed to attend the hearing and not informed by the authorities before and after the sentencing. Three lawyers, who defended these activists, were arrested and imprisoned earlier under the charge of contempt of court and therefore, no defense lawyers were present during the sentencing.

On November 11, 2008 alone, over 30 detained activists and Monks were sentenced. Details are as follows.

65 Years for 14 Members of the 88 Generation Students, More Sentences Will Be Added Soon
14 members of the 88 Generation Students group were sentenced 65-year imprisonment each with hard labor by Rangoon Northern District Court and Rangoon Southern District Court, held inside the Insein Prison Compound, today. They are Min Zeya, Jimmy (aka) Kyaw Min Yu, Ant Bwe Kyaw, Panneik Tun, Nilar Thein (Female), Mie Mie (aka) Thin Thin Aye (Female), Kyaw Kyaw Htwe (aka) Marki, Zaw Zaw Min, Thet Zaw (aka) Zaukhto, Than Tin (aka) Kyee Than, Sandar Min (aka) Shwee (Female), Thet Thet Aung (Female), and Mar Mar Oo (Female). They were sentenced today only for five counts of indictment, 15-year each for four counts of indictment under the Section 33 (A) of the Electronic Transactions Law and 5-year imprisonment for one count under the Section 6 of the Law Relating to Forming of Organization.

They will receive more and more sentences as their trials continue under another 16 counts of indictment. They all are a part of the 35 members of the 88 Generation Students group, led by Min Ko Naing, who all were arrested since August 21, 2008. They all were charged with altogether 21 counts of indictment and are on trials since August 2008. Two more defendants were added into their cases, when Mar Mar Oo and Nilar Thein were arrested in August and September 2008.

Nine of them, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Mya Aye, Pyone Choe (aka) Htay Win Aung, Aung Thu, Hla Myo Naung, Aung Naing, and Nyan Lin were sentenced six-month imprisonment under the charge of contempt of court and transferred to Ma-ubin Prison in the delta region in the end of October. Their cases are now being heard by Ma-ubin District Court, without defense lawyers. They are expected to be sentenced soon.

Since Min Ko Naing and the eight were transferred to Ma-ubin, the authorities formed the rest of the group remained in Insein Prison into two groups, with 14 members each, for continued trials. Today, the first group of 14 members was convicted and sentenced for five counts of indictment. Another group of 14 members will be sentenced soon.

Su Su Nway and Bo Bo Win Hlaing Imprisoned
Labor activist Su Su Nway and her colleague Bo Bo Win Hlaing were sentenced by a special court, held inside the Insein Prison Compound today. Su Su Nway received 12 and a half year imprisonment under Section 130 (B), 152 and 505 (B) of the Penal Code and Bo Bo Win Hlaing received 8-year imprisonment under Section 124 (A) of the Penal Code. They both were arrested on November 13, 2007.

Five Buddhist Monks from Ngwe Kyar Yan Monastery Imprisoned
A summary court held inside the Insein Prison Compound delivered six and a half year imprisonment each with hard labor to the five Buddhist Monks, arrested since September 2007. They are U Zar Nay Ya, U Agga Dhama, U Vila Thetka, U Nanda and U Eithariya, from Ngwe Kyar Yan Monastery from South Okkalapa, and arrested after the security forces brutally raided the monastery. They all were forcibly disrobed since their arrest, detained in Insein Prison and sent before South Okkalapa Township Court for trail, under the charges of the Section 143, 145, 147 and 505 (B) of the Penal Code. However, their sentences were delivered by a court held inside the Insein Prison Compound.

Nine Activists from Bogalay Imprisoned
Nine young activists from Bogalay Township, arrested since September 2007 and detained in Insein Prison, received harsh sentences today from a special court, held inside Insein Prison Compound.
Pyae Phyo Hlaing was sentenced 24-year imprisonment under the charges of Section 13 (1) of the Immigration Act, Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act, Section 17/20 of the Printers and Publishers Registration Act and Section 505 (B) of the Penal Code.
Nay Lin Aung (aka) Lin Lin was sentenced 22-year imprisonment under the charges of the same charges.
Aung Myo Paing (aka) Ahyoe, Thiha Aung (aka) Aung Aung, Phyo Maung Maung Soe (aka) Phyo Gyi, Myat Lin Htut (aka) Pyaung Gyi, Pyae Phyo Aung (aka) Hnan Mue, were sentenced 10-year imprisonment each with the same charges except Section 17/20.
Thein Zaw and Thiha Thet Zin were sentenced 8-year imprisonment each with the same charges except Sections 17/20 and 505 (B). Thiha Thet Zin is a sole survivor in his family as his parents, his wife and children were killed by the Cyclone Nargis while he was in prison.

Musician Win Maw and Group Sentenced
Mingalar Taungnyunt Township Court in Rangoon delivered sentences to three activists, including Burma's famous musician and former political prisoner Win Maw today. Win Maw received seven-year imprisonment for his leading role in video recording the bloody events of the Saffron Revolution and distribution of DVDs, contained the brutal crackdown of the junta's security forces against peaceful protesting monks. His colleague Than Naing, an active campaigner to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS, received six and a half year imprisonment and Thein Aye, former political prisoner, received two-year imprisonment.

Cyclone Survivor Imprisoned
Dala Township Court delivered a sentence to Ni Ni Mar (Female), a cyclone survivor from Dala Township, today. Ni Ni Mar, a NLD organizer from Dala Township, was arrested in October when she made a complaint that the relief items she received from the authorities were different with the items that the authorities officially announced. The authorities received relief supplies from an international NGO, called AMI, for cyclone survivors. However, they kept the original relief supplies and sold them out in the black market. They replaced with low-quality items and issued them to the cyclone survivors. When Ni Ni Mar complained about the difference, she was arrested and charged with Section 353 of the Penal Code, an offence of disturbing an official duty. Today, Dala Township Court sentenced her two-year imprisonment.

Nine Muslim Leaders Imprisoned
Maung Taw Township in Rakhine State delivered harsh sentences to nine Muslim leaders today. They were arrested by the authorities in March 2008, while they were holding a meeting at the residence of Than Tun, who is a lawyer. Among the 12 arrested, the authorities released three in exchange to use them as prosecution witnesses. They were accused by the authorities that they planned to form an illegal organization with intention to instigate unrest in the country.

Than Tun was sentenced to 13 and a half year imprisonment. Kyaw Win, who was the founder of the NLD branch in Maung Taw Township, and other 7 co-defendants, received ten-year imprisonment each.

Blooger Nay Phone Latt Received Harsh Sentence
Nay Phone Latt, a NLD member, Internet Café owner and blooger, was sentenced to 20 years and six month imprisonment by Judge Daw Soe Nyan of the Rangoon Western District Court, held inside the Insein Prison Compound on Nov 10, 2008. He was sentenced 2 years under the Section 505 (B) of the Penal Code, three years and six month under the Section 32 and 26 of the Television and Video Law and 15 years under the Section 33 and 38 of the Electronic Communications Law.
His co-defendant Thin July Kyaw received two and a half year imprisonment from the same judge. They were arrested since January 2008 and detained in Insein Prison.

Poet Saw Wai Sentenced
A famous poet Saw Wai was sentenced to two-year imprisonment by a special court held inside the Insein Prison Compound on Nov 10, 2008. He was arrested since January 2008 for his poem, which was insulting the junta's paramount leader Than Shwe as power-thirsty and foolish general. He was charged with the Section 505 (B) of the Penal Code and detained in Insein Prison.

One Monk and One Activist Imprisoned
On Nov 7, 2008, Judge U Sein Hla Oo of the Rangoon Eastern District Court, held inside the Insein Prison Compound, delivered 19-year imprisonment each to a monk and an activist. U Thaddama from Garna Puli Monastery in Twantay Township was arrested in September 2007 for his participation in the Saffron Revolution. He was released in a few days, but rearrested again in January 2008 and detained in Insein Prison. Tun Tun Naing, who lives in Insein Township, was also arrested in October 2007 and detained in Insein Prison. They both were changed with Section 33 and 38 of the Electronic Transactions Law, Sections 295 (A) and 505 (B) of the Penal Code.

Regards,

Aung Din
Executive Director
U.S. Campaign for Burma
1444 N Street, NW Suite #A2
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 234 8022
Fax: (202) 234 8044
aungdin@uscampaignf orburma.org
www.uscampaignforbu rma.org

Poet/writer/activist Alice Walker writes an open letter to President Elect Obama --

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/11/pulitzer_winning_author_alice_walker_on


This concerns us all who work for change.

I was in Thailand on Nov. 4 -- more later --

Kyi May Kaung