Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Why I try not to change to new tech--often--Everything, from plastic food containers to
diabetic monitors to laptops and social media, require learning new language and new systems, and sometimes I just don't have the mental energy for it.
But sometimes we do have to change systems, right?
It's like my cousin Mongoose coming in to talk to my husband and me, late one night in mid-1970s.
It got very late and I got very sleepy, so I was about to goto sleep, when my husband "D" said, "Maybe I should change too."
M. said, "Don't. Everything is difft. even the smell."
Eventually, M and I and 2 other cousins from a difft father and mother came to USA between 1960s and 1980s.
We met up again on Hi Line Park in NY City in 2012, while I was there for a conference at Columbia Univ.
I found M's hands looked exactly like mine and my son's--while taking a pic of a toad lily, and moreover--we did similar things, "Liz" M. and me--like
we went into a Chinese kitchen utensil store on Mott Street, picked up assorted items like ladles for deep frying, woks etc.
"tried them out for size," put them back down, did not buy anything, and then came out again.
M and "Superwoman" his wife had good impulse control. All they bought
were some white peaches.
I love New York New York, though have never lived there.
In the days when M worked at UN and I still didn't have a credit card, I went on Amtrak and went to see van Gogh at Arles at the Met.
M bought me tickets and I repaid him and we had lunch tog.
It's been a great life. I got new glasses just before that trip,the better to see van Gogh's brush strokes.
P, Liz's sister, died in 2004.
I'm not unhappy.
I've seen many original art works, in Warsaw,Poland, in Copenhagen, in Thailand, in DC, in Philadelphia, at Art Institute of Chicago.
I've met many great men and women and read many great books and seen many movies and several plays.
I consider myself "richer" than this warped woman who married a millionaire.
I found I don't like her, so I just dropped her off my email list.
Life is too short to have someone always trying to sabotage you in the small things.
I'd rather read a book alone or work on my own novels.
I am heartbroken by the ICE raid on NY Chinatown.
Why? Why? Why?
Kyi May Kaung
10-28-2025.
Forgot to tell you--I am more or less giving up on brainless C-dramas that romaticize "CEOs" with sadistice tendencies.
Instead, I am changing my Dr. Kaung's Bookshelf--file to Dr.Kaung's Favorites.
That way I can talk about anything. This blog's original name was Cabages and Kings.
I also have to do end of month things --and find out why my Substack posts aren't free anymore--I might have done something in the settings.
I know for a fact that many Burmese refugees are employed at an Amazon "fulfilment center" set way back from the highway in Katy, TX.
Ref car manufacturing, the assembly lines are now "manned" by robots.
This disregard for humans will lead to long term problems, mark my words.
hmm--from New York Times--Amazon to cut 14,000 WHITE COLLAR JOBs, citing AI.
Amazon has also looked to rein in the growth of its warehouse and other blue-collar workers, who make up most of its more than 1.5 million employees. The New York Times reported last week that the company had plans to use automation to avoid hiring more than 600,000 warehouse employees in a decade even as it expected to sell twice as many items over that period.
Amazon last saw widespread layoffs almost three years ago, in a series of cuts over several months that trimmed 27,000 positions. The company’s work force had ballooned during the early Covid-19 pandemic, topping 1.6 million. Though the business has since grown substantially, it had 1.5 million workers at the end of June.
Amazon’s competitors have been turning to layoffs as well. Microsoft cut about 15,000 roles in the early summer. Target said last week that it would trim roughly 1,800 corporate jobs, and Meta laid off 600 people.
Jason Karaian contributed reporting.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/technology/amazon-layoffs.html
From The Independent--Pam Bondi death threat "Dot"
Subsequent court documents cited by Law&Crime reveal that a U.S. magistrate judge has since granted Avalos' release from custody under several conditions, including that he does not travel outside Minnesota, continues to receive mental health treatment, refrains from drinking alcohol or possessing weapons, observes a curfew, agrees to be monitored by GPS, and does not use the internet without approval.
In prosecuting Avalos, the onus will be on the federal government to prove that the post constituted a “true threat” against Bondi’s life and was not merely hyperbolic political speech, which could be protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution, which safeguards free speech.
Monday, October 27, 2025
Trump in South Korea--investment could sink the S Korean economy--Lots of demonstrations in Seoul.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/trump-will-promote-big-investments-in-japan-and-south-korea-but-details-are-fuzzy
The proposed South Korean investment represents more than 80% of its foreign currency reserves. South Korea has proposed a currency swap with the U.S. to ease potential financial instability caused by the investment, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Immigration is another flashpoint
The Sept. 4 immigration raid by Trump’s government on a Hyundai auto plant in Georgia, causing the detention of more than 300 South Koreans, has also strained the relationship. It came less than two weeks after Trump met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and led to calls in South Korea to ensure that its workers operating in the U.S. have legal protections.
When to renew your passport.
AI Overview
Yes, you should renew your passport now, especially if it's expiring in less than a year or if you have international travel planned, as some countries require six months of validity remaining. Renewing early is also wise because processing times can vary and are currently at a historical low for routine service, making now an ideal time to apply. You should renew if your passport is expiring within a year, was issued more than 5 years ago, or if you have plans for future travel.
Reasons to renew now
Avoid international entry denial:
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Renewing now ensures you won't be denied entry due to an expiring passport.
Be prepared for travel:
It's easier to renew now than to wait until your passport expires and then have to scramble for a new one, especially since processing times can vary and may be longer during peak seasons.
Take advantage of current processing times:
The U.S. Department of State has recently announced that routine processing times are at a historic low of four to six weeks, and expedited service is two to three weeks.
Avoid potential issues:
A passport is a valuable document, and renewing it even before it expires can prevent potential problems with future travel.
How to renew
Renew online:
You can renew online if your most recent passport is from the last 15 years, it is undamaged, and you are 25 or older.
Renew by mail:
If you can't renew online, you can apply by mail using the renewal form. You may also need to make an appointment for faster service if you have upcoming travel.
Renew in person:
If you are traveling in less than three weeks, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center for urgent processing.
What to do if your passport is expired
For new passports:
If you have a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or if it has been more than 5 years since it was issued, you may need to apply for a new one.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website:
For the most up-to-date information on fees, processing times, and requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Renew my Passport Online - Travel.gov
The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years. It must be expiring within 1 year or have expired less than 5 years ...
U.S. Department of State (.gov)
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025
How long will an economic depression last? I think recovery will depend on how logical policy intervention is--not how loud
the so-called leader threatens--look to Carny and Xi--Pretty soon all the brains will be in Canada, Europe or China.
DJT is already threatening "he can play dirtier"--and sending aircraft carrier to Caribbean.
War while claiming "peace."
AI overview follows--but this is based on past performance:
AI Overview
It is difficult to predict the exact duration of a recession, but they typically last between six and 18 months, with the average post-WWII recession lasting about 11 months. The length depends on various factors, and recent economic data and expert opinions suggest the US economy is currently vulnerable to a downturn, though some analysts expect growth to reaccelerate.
Historical averages:
Recessions since World War II have averaged around 11 months, though some have been much shorter (like the two-month COVID-19 recession) and others much longer (like the 18-month Great Recession).
Current outlook:
The U.S. economy is considered vulnerable, with some experts pointing to late 2025 or early 2026 as a period of heightened risk, particularly due to factors like inflation from tariffs and a softening labor market.
Uncertainty:
Predicting the precise length and timing is impossible. Economic indicators are mixed, and forecasts vary, with some analysts expecting growth to pick up after a potential slowdown.
Google AI says--
AI Overview
The feeling of being never satisfied in men and women can be attributed to various factors, including personality traits like the drive for perfection, psychological mechanisms such as hedonic adaptation, and societal or childhood influences. In some cases, the perception of dissatisfaction might be a tool used to control or shift responsibility in a relationship. For individuals experiencing this feeling, working on self-confidence, managing expectations, and understanding the root cause are key steps toward a greater sense of contentment.
Psychological and personality factors
Perfectionism:
Individuals with personalities that strive for perfection may never feel satisfied with their achievements, often leading to an endless cycle of work and responsibility, as seen in some forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
Hedonic adaptation:
This is the tendency for humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes. This means even after achieving a goal, the satisfaction is temporary and new desires emerge.
Underlying insecurities:
A feeling of never being satisfied can stem from insecurity or a lack of self-confidence. Building self-worth can help reduce the need for external validation.
Social and environmental influences
Childhood experiences:
Growing up in an environment where nothing was ever considered "enough" can lead to a lifelong pattern of dissatisfaction in adulthood.
Societal pressures:
Society often pressures individuals to constantly chase success, status, or material wealth, which can make lasting contentment feel unattainable.
Relationship dynamics:
The feeling can be a result of specific relationship issues. In some cases, a partner may use the perception of dissatisfaction to avoid responsibility or to make the other partner feel like they are constantly failing to meet unrealistic expectations.
This letter will not work--wannabe dictator already probably has a deal with M junta.
It's revealing of Alan Clements' Goodness, but he does not understand Evil.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/open-letter-to-u-s-president-donald-trump.html
This C-drama should be called The Gilded Cage--however--the first C-drama I watched
Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace,is both better and sadder.
Also it's a series, look for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__gAHMKe3AU&t=3001s
Friday, October 24, 2025
Been there, seen that. Court house in Bali.
AI Overview
Kerta Gosa: Bali's Palace of Justice | What an Amazing World!
The "court house in Bali" is the Kerta Gosa in Klungkung, which features ceiling paintings depicting Hindu hells and punishments based on the Mahabharata epic. While not a literal court of hell, it served as a royal court of justice and was historically a place where those awaiting judgment could see murals illustrating the consequences of their actions in the afterlife, with a floating pavilion called the Taman Gili in a moat nearby.
Kerta Gosa: A historical court with a view of hell
Historical function:
Originally a venue for royal family rituals, it was used as a court of justice during the Dutch occupation and was designed to discuss matters of justice.
Ceiling paintings:
The main structure is a hall with Kamasan-style paintings on its ceiling. These paintings vividly illustrate punishments for different sins, a visual reminder of the consequences in the Hindu afterlife (Naraka).
Bhima Swarga:
The artwork is heavily inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata, specifically the Bhima Swarga section, which tells the story of the hero Bhima in the underworld.
Floating pavilion:
The court is adjacent to the Taman Gili, a floating pavilion surrounded by a moat, adding to the unique architectural style.
Balinese Hinduism:
The concept of Naraka, the realm of hell in Indian religions, is central to the imagery, where individuals are tormented for their bad deeds before being reborn. The Kerta Gosa's paintings serve as a powerful, educational depiction of this belief system.
This one is rather funny. Elements of magical realism--but rather long.
Count how many times they say "Infinite Divine Physcian."
Like the many times the driver says "Mrs. Durrells", in the movie about the Durells in Corfu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Durrells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GruLIivxVE
BTW--I like his shirts.
Like shirts worn by "Nelson Mandela" played by Morgan Freeman in Invictus, 2009.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Today on Irrawaddy--"peace accords" interview of U Kyaw Zan Tha --formerly of VOA+ scam centers, Starlink etc.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/
Too many to post links individually--just read everything--all the time.
From Edinburgh Castle wiki--Slighting--means deliberately destroyed. Some of the Ayuthia kings did this to some towns to prevent the Burmese conquests.
In March 1296, Edward I invaded Scotland, unleashing the First War of Scottish Independence. Edinburgh Castle soon came under English control, surrendering after a three-day-long bombardment.[47] Following the siege, Edward had many Scottish legal records and royal treasures moved from the castle to England.[46] A large garrison numbering 325 men was installed in 1300.[48] Edward also brought to Scotland his master builders of the Welsh castles, including Thomas de Houghton and Master Walter of Hereford, both of whom travelled from Wales to Edinburgh.[49] After the death of Edward I in 1307, however, England's control over Scotland weakened. On 14 March 1314, a surprise night attack by Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray recaptured the castle. John Barbour's narrative poem The Brus relates how a party of thirty hand-picked men was guided by one William Francis, a member of the garrison who knew of a route along the north face of the Castle Rock and a place where the wall might be scaled. Making the difficult ascent, Randolph's men scaled the wall, surprised the garrison and took control.[50] Robert the Bruce immediately ordered the slighting of the castle to prevent its re-occupation by the English.[51] Four months later, his army secured victory at the Battle of Bannockburn.[52][53]
Bingham married Tiffany heiress--
AI Overview
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Hiram_Bingham_III_and_Alfreda_Mitchell_at_Harvard.jpg/640px-Hiram_Bingham_III_and_Alfreda_Mitchell_at_Harvard.jpg
Hiram Bingham III's wife was Alfreda Mitchell, the granddaughter of Charles L. Tiffany and an heiress to the Tiffany fortune. They married in 1900, had seven sons, and were divorced in 1937. After their divorce, Alfreda Mitchell married Henry Gregor, while Hiram Bingham married Suzanne Carroll Hill.
Marriage: Alfreda Mitchell and Hiram Bingham III married on November 20, 1900.
Children: The couple had seven sons: Woodbridge, Hiram IV, Alfred Mitchell, Charles Tiffany, Brewster, Mitchell, and Jonathan Brewster.
Divorce: They were divorced on March 27, 1937.
Later life: After the divorce, Alfreda Mitchell married Henry Gregor. Hiram Bingham III married Suzanne Carroll Hill
Who were the Xiongnu--from wikipedia:
Significance
The Xiongnu confederation was unusually long-lived for a steppe empire. The purpose of raiding the Central Plain was not simply for goods, but to force the Central Plain polity to pay regular tribute. The power of the Xiongnu ruler was based on his control of Han tribute which he used to reward his supporters. The Han and Xiongnu empires rose at the same time because the Xiongnu state depended on Han tribute. A major Xiongnu weakness was the custom of lateral succession. If a dead ruler's son was not old enough to take command, power passed to the late ruler's brother. This worked in the first generation but could lead to civil war in the second generation. The first time this happened, in 60 BC, the weaker party adopted what Barfield calls the 'inner frontier strategy.' They moved south and submitted to the dominant Central Plain regime and then used the resources obtained from their overlord to defeat the Northern Xiongnu and re-establish the empire. The second time this happened, around 47 AD, the strategy failed. The southern ruler was unable to defeat the northern ruler and the Xiongnu remained divided.[149]
The historic Hua Qubing--and the Gansu Corridor--those are vast mileages--
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huo_Qubing
But still only about 1/3 of places/routes conquered by Genghis Khan and his sons--and all they had were horses.
Wow--wow--this site is special special--Master Tonh Hua site--complete translations--keep this link well.
https://www.novelupdates.com/nauthor/tong-hua/
I'm going to try and work my way through almost all of these.
Vance the ultimate c-sucker--copied and pasted fr AP. It's already occupied!
JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday criticized a symbolic vote in Israel’s parliament the previous day about annexing the occupied West Bank, saying that it amounted to an “insult” and went against the Trump administration policies.
Hard-liners in the Israeli parliament had narrowly passed a preliminary vote in support of annexing parts of the West Bank — an apparent attempt to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while Vance was still in the country.
This is not just a "fat girl gets revenge"movie--it comes to a satisfying ending.
I place it on a par with the time travel story, The Romance of Tiger and Rose, I like the best.
It's a C-drama.
Time travel is hard to do.
These 2 stories are both "time travel" but completely different.
In all stories, the internal logic needs to hold together. It does so very well here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFGrSkzSn7E
The third Dr.Kaung's Excellent Prize goes to Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's play--Death and the King's Horseman.
Like Tiger in Romance above--
the epnymous Horseman, misses "the opening in the Heavens" because he wanted to"dip his toe," in a last sexual encounter--and therefore does not get an honorable death.
I am so so glad I saw a stage production of Death and the King's Horseman
and I also saw Wole Soyinka at Politics and Prose. I only stood that long (against a bookshelf) to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in 2012 in the Congressional building.
I asked Wole Soyinka what I should do about Burma.
He said, "Be wise."
At this event, he was going to Nigeria the next day, some fool VOA smarty pants tried to run circles around Soyinka.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wole_Soyinka
I'm sad to say that this is typical of quite a few VOA, RFA employees I have run into. Little people who think they own the airwaves. One was the woman who interviewed Mullah Omar the day after 9/11, and was criticized by William Safire for doing so.
https://www.rcfp.org/state-department-upset-over-interview-taliban-leader/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Safire
I recognized her at an NED event when another Iran/Pashtun expert was talking to her and I overheard their conversation.
This stupid man tried to accuse Soyinka of things he did not say.
The great playwright just looked at him and said, "I didn't say any of that." and went on to the next question.
Even I in my modest little literary salon in Silver Spring had 3 people from Turkish Embassy come in to try and disturb things when I was talking about Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red, when Pamuk won the Nobel.
I don't see how shallow little people can try these things.
Life lesson: Don't try trapping Nobel Laureates verbally.
Amazing. The Burmese department head at RFA was like that, helped along by his 2 female deputies.
I also wonder if the whole of RFA fired by Trump got the health insurance benifits they were supposed to get for those who had been there more than 10years.
Anyone know?
Of course, there were many good people working at these places,but there were also fishy characters.
Kyi May Kaung
10-23-2025
Meta--copied and pasted from wiki. (Well, I don't use FB--all "KMK" there are fakes, and really I don't like--)
Platforms, Inc., doing business as Meta, is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Meta owns and operates several prominent social media platforms and communication services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads. The company also operates an advertising network for its own sites and third parties; as of 2023, advertising accounted for 97.8 percent of its total revenue.[9] Meta is considered part of the Big Tech group, alongside Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, and Amazon.
The company was originally established in 2004 as TheFacebook, Inc.,[10] and was renamed Facebook, Inc. in 2005.[11] In 2021, it rebranded as Meta Platforms, Inc. to reflect a strategic shift toward developing the metaverse—an interconnected digital ecosystem spanning virtual and augmented reality technologies.[12][13][14][15]
In 2023, Meta was ranked 31st on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest public companies.[16] As of 2022, it was the world's third-largest spender on research and development, with R&D expenses totaling US$35.3 billion.[17]
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Why I try not to change to new tech--often--Everything, from plastic food containers to
diabetic monitors to laptops and social media, require learning new language and new systems, and sometimes I just don't have the mental...
