Friday, December 12, 2025
Thursday, December 11, 2025
AI--the Battle took place at Ngasaunggyan--but the Chinese forces were based at Baoshan.
AI Overview
Ngasaungyan is not Baoshan; they are distinct locations.
Ngasaungyan was a fortress and the site of a historical battle near the border of present-day Myanmar and China, while Baoshan is a city in Yunnan, China, and also a district in Shanghai, China.
The confusion likely stems from the historical context:
The Battle of Ngasaunggyan (sometimes spelled Ngasaungyan or Nagasaunggyan) took place in 1277 (and was followed by a second campaign in 1283) between the forces of the Pagan Kingdom (Burma) and the Mongol Yuan dynasty.
The battle occurred in Yunnan, a Chinese province that borders Myanmar (Burma).
The Chinese forces were based out of the Baoshan area in Yunnan.
While the events occurred in the general region of Baoshan, Ngasaungyan itself refers to the specific fortress/location where the fighting happened, not the city of Baoshan.
What happened in Burma in 1604--I know Naresuan died near Hang and Fang in 1605.
AI Overview
In 1604, the primary events in Burma (Myanmar) centered on the consolidation of power by King Nyaungyan Min and the ongoing conflict with the Shan states
.
Key events of the year include:
Nyaungyan Min's Return to Ava: On April 9, 1604, King Nyaungyan Min returned triumphantly to his capital at Ava (Inwa) after a successful military campaign against the principality of Mongnai (Monē), a key Shan State between Burma and Siam. This victory helped solidify his control over the cis-Salween Shan states.
Annexation of Möng Yang: The Shan state of Möng Yang (Mohnyin) was fully annexed by the Kingdom of Burma in 1604, marking its end as an independent entity.
Northern Shan States Unrest: Despite his success, Nyaungyan Min's authority over the newly acquired Shan states was weak. He received reports of unrest along the Chinese border and ordered a campaign for early 1605 to quell the disturbances. However, an outright revolt in Mogaung forced his hand, and he sent his son, Anaukpetlun, in November 1604 to quickly suppress the rebellion.
Siamese Threat: The Burmese command was concerned about a potential invasion by Siam (Thailand). Siam's warrior king, Naresuan, had recently established suzerainty over Lan Na (Chiang Mai) and was perceived as a threat to the remaining southern Shan states. A large Siamese army marched toward the border in early 1605, but the invasion was called off after King Naresuan's sudden death in April 1605.
These events were part of the broader effort by Nyaungyan Min to reunify the fragmented Second Toungoo Empire, establishing what would become known as the Restored Toungoo Dynasty or Nyaungyan Dynasty.
Nyaungyan Min - Wikipedia His eldest son Anaukpetlun emerged as an able military leader, and won several key decisive victories for his father. * Mohnyin an... Wikipedia First Toungoo Empire - Wikipedia Siamese vassal Martaban then entered into an alliance with Portuguese Syriam. Ava had seized cis-Salween Shan states by 1604. Siam... Wikipedia 1604 - Wikipedia April–June * April 9 – On the first day of the new year 966 M.E. on the Burmese calendar, King Nyaungyan Min of Burma makes a triu... Wikipedia
Not made into a movie yet.
As of December 2025,
there are no confirmed reports or announcements that Jojo Moyes' novel Someone Else's Shoes has been optioned or is in production for a movie adaptation, unlike her other works like Me Before You which was adapted. While some of her books are popular for adaptation, Someone Else's Shoes (published 2023) seems to be awaiting its own potential film journey, with fans often discussing how great it would be as a movie.
An exquisite world, daily being destroyed--how very sad.
AI Overview
Burmese amber, from the mid-Cretaceous period, preserves incredible detail of ancient life, including
dinosaurs (feathers, tiny skull), diverse insects (wasps, beetles, flies, caddisflies, ants, etc., showing early evolution and behaviors like parasitism), various plants (ferns, conifers, ancient flowers like Valviloculus), and even small vertebrates (lizards, frogs), revealing a tropical rainforest ecosystem and the dawn of flowering plant coevolution with pollinators.
Plants Identified
Flowers (Angiosperms): Ancient blossoms like Valviloculus pleristaminis, pollen-releasing flowers showing insect coevolution.
Conifers & Gymnosperms: Resin from these trees formed the amber; leaves, pollen, and wood fragments are found.
Ferns & Other Flora: Leaves and plant parts from the Cretaceous forest.
Insects Identified (Examples)
Wasps: Cuckoo wasps (showy, parasitic), ants, bees, wasps.
Flies (Diptera): Phorid flies, psychodid flies, soldier flies, crane flies, midges.
Beetles (Coleoptera): Iridescent beetles.
Caddisflies (Trichoptera): Many species of casemaking and net-spinning caddisflies.
Moths (Lepidoptera): Various moths. Bugs: Assassin bugs (Reduviidae).
Termites (Isoptera). Thrips (Thysanoptera): Small insects often found with other inclusions. Dragonflies/Damselflies (Odonata). Spiders (Araneae). Other Key Findings Dinosaurs: A tiny dinosaur skull (Oculudentavis), feathered dinosaur tail, bird wings. Vertebrates: Lizards, frogs, snakes. Marine Life: Ammonites, shrimp, suggesting a coastal forest.
Behavior: Spider attacking a wasp, flies laying eggs.
Sampling the insects of the amber forest | PNAS May 22, 2018 — This amber was produced by an extinct conifer. Other amber contains insects associated with resiniferous trees. For ex... PNAS Fossils in Burmese amber offer an exquisite view of dinosaur times ...
May 22, 2019 — They are a clue to a dramatic and quick changeover in life's history that Charles Darwin called "an abominable mystery... Science | AAAS Burmese amber - Wikipedia 110 Ma, significantly older than the dates obtained from other deposits. Fauna found in the amber include: Archaeognatha, Diplopod... Wikipedia
Amber of the Hukawng Valley--geology, non-fiction, paleo-biology.
geology of an amber locality in the Hukawng Valley ...
ScienceDirect.com
https://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › pii by RD Cruickshank · 2003 · Cited by 1059 — Amber ('Burmite') from the Hukawng Valley of Myanmar has been known since at least the 1st century AD. It is currently being produced from a hill known as ... AI Overview +7 Hukawng Valley amber ( Burmese amber) is mid-Cretaceous (around 99-100 million years old), found in sedimentary rocks within Myanmar's Hukawng Basin, originating from conifers in a nearshore, volcanically active environment, crucial for paleontology due to its exceptional, diverse inclusions, though its trade raises ethical concerns. Geological Context Age: Mid-Cretaceous, specifically Upper Albian to earliest Cenomanian stages, roughly 99-100 million years old. Formation Environment: Formed in fine-grained, nearshore marine sediments (bays or estuaries) within the Hukawng Basin, influenced by volcanic activity. Host Rocks: Amber is embedded in clastic sedimentary rocks containing volcanic fragments (like zircons) and carbonaceous material, deposited alongside volcanic eruptions. Origin: The resin likely came from conifers (possibly taxodiaceous) growing in lowland coastal areas. Physical Characteristics & Types Variations: Includes transparent golden, brown (most common), red ("blood"), and opaque types like "beeswax" (flow patterns) and "root" amber (wood-like patterns). Inclusions: Famous for preserving incredibly diverse arthropods (insects, spiders), plants, and even vertebrates (lizards, birds, frogs) with high fidelity, bridging gaps in the fossil record. Significance Paleontological Goldmine: Provides unique insights into Cretaceous biodiversity, evolution (e.g., early ants, ticks), and ancient ecosystems. Geological Marker: Dates volcanic events and tectonic settings of the Burma Terrane. Ethical Issues Mining occurs in conflict-ridden areas (Kachin State), raising concerns about human rights abuses, forced labor (including children), and funding armed groups, leading to calls for ethical research standards. Burmese amber - Grokipedia Geologically, the amber occurs within clastic sedimentary sequences of the Hukawng Basin, associated with tectonic activity on the... Grokipedia Geology of an amber locality in the Hukawng Valley, Northern ... Feb 14, 2003 — The burmite-bearing rock is sedimentary and consists mainly of rounded lithic clasts (0.03 ∼ 0.15 mm in diameter), wit... ScienceDirect.com Geology of an amber locality in the Hukawng Valley, Northern ... Palynomorphs in samples collected by the authors suggest that the amber-bearing horizon is Upper Albian to Lower Cenomanian. The p... Harvard University Paleontology - Facebook Sep 16, 2020 — Seeds in amber. Burmese amber, also known as burmita, is amber from the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar. It dates f... Facebook Inclusions in Burmese Amber | Gems & Gemology Jul 30, 2015 — The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a collection of amber specimens acquired during a field expedition to t... GIA Burmese amber - Wikipedia Burmese amber, also known as Burmite or Kachin amber, is amber from the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar. The amber is dated to ... Wikipedia Ethics, law, and politics in palaeontological research: The case of ... Sep 28, 2022 — Background * Fig. 1: Locations in Myanmar associated with Myanmar amber and areas of major conflict. Location of Myanm... Nature Gemmological and Spectroscopic Characteristics of Different ... CHARACTERISTICS OF BURMESE AMBER ... If the coloured layer is particularly dark, it is called 'black' amber (Xiao et al. 2014; Zha... ambermuseum.com.cn CRETACEOUS AMBER FROM THE ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN OF ALASKA | GSA Bulletin | GeoScienceWorld Mar 1, 2017 — The amber is considered to be of taxodiaceous origin because it is associated with taxodiaceous fossils. The amber cont... GeoScienceWorld 1m A tale of two papers: ethics of Burmese amber YouTube·Raptor Chatter Dive deeper in AI Mode Burmese amber Wikipedia
Lu Bu--wiki--I saw a C-drama series on Lu Bu--but cant find i now.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BC_Bu#:~:text=In%20the%2014th%2Dcentury%20historical%20novel%20Romance%20of,ruthless%20and%20impulsive%20brute%20bereft%20of%20morals.
Theories on what led to the collapse of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.
AI Overview
The collapses of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties stemmed from
intertwined internal decay (corruption, weak rulers, fiscal issues) and external pressures (rebellions, Manchu invasions), significantly worsened by severe climate change during the Little Ice Age, causing famines, crop failures, and economic crises that fueled massive peasant revolts, ultimately creating power vacuums exploited by rebels and invaders, say historians. The Yuan fell due to ethnic discrimination and overtaxation, leading to the Red Turban Rebellion, while the Ming succumbed to famine, silver shortages, military strain, and Manchu conquest after peasant uprisings, notes OER Commons, YouTube, Reddit, and MDPI.
Yuan Dynasty Collapse (1271–1368)
Ethnic Discrimination: Mongols favored themselves, oppressing Han Chinese, creating resentment.
Economic Strain: Heavy taxes, forced labor (Yellow River projects), inflation, and crop failures.
Natural Disasters: Yellow River floods devastated agric
ulture.Rebellion: Led to the Red Turban Rebellion, overthrowing Mongol rule. Ming Dynasty Collapse (1368–1644) Climate Change: The Little Ice Age brought severe cold, drought, floods, and famine. Economic Crisis: Lack of silver (global shortage), high taxes, and treasury spending. Political Corruption & Weakness: Ineffective rulers and power struggles. Military Strain: Costly border wars and internal conflicts. Peasant Uprisings: Famine-driven revolts, notably Li Zicheng's, captured Beijing. Manchu Invasion: Manchus exploited Ming weakness, taking Beijing in 1644. The Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) and the Yuan dynasty (1271 ... Oct 22, 2024 — Internal Rebellion and Corruption: The Yuan dynasty faced increasing internal unrest due to ethnic divisions, heavy ta... Medium What led to the collapse of the Ming Dynasty? Why ... - Reddit Nov 26, 2021 — Other modern explanations for the difficulties faced by the late Ming include a collapse of the silver supply, due to ... Reddit The Little Ice Age and the Fall of the Ming Dynasty: A Review - MDPI Mar 16, 2023 — Qian Liu et al., through quantitative analyses of natural disasters and human wars of the final 35 years of the late M... MDPI
Why the Ming Dynasty collapsed.
AI Overview
The Ming Dynasty collapsed due to
a perfect storm of climate disaster (Little Ice Age), economic crisis (silver shortage, high taxes), widespread peasant rebellions (like Li Zicheng's), government corruption and inefficiency, and external Manchu pressure, culminating in rebels capturing Beijing in 1644, leading to the last emperor's suicide and the Manchus establishing the Qing Dynasty.
Key Factors in the Collapse:
Climate Change & Famine: The Little Ice Age caused droughts, floods, and crop failures, leading to severe food shortages, widespread famine, and disease (like plague).
Economic Instability: A shift to a silver-based tax system, coupled with reduced silver imports and high military spending, created a fiscal crisis, forcing heavy taxes on peasants.
Internal Rebellion: Famine-stricken and heavily taxed peasants rose up, with leader Li Zicheng capturing Beijing in 1644, forcing the last Ming emperor to commit suicide.
Government Inefficiency & Corruption: Court eunuchs and corrupt officials exacerbated financial problems and weakened the state's ability to respond to crises.
Manchu Invasion: The Manchus capitalized on the internal chaos, defeating rebel forces and seizing control, establishing the Qing Dynasty. In essence, environmental and economic pressures triggered massive social unrest, which the weakened, corrupt Ming government couldn't control, allowing external invaders to deliver the final blow. The Fall of the Ming Dynasty in China in 1644 Dec 22, 2018 — Other factors that contributed to the Ming's downfall include: * **Rebellion** Rebel leader Li Zicheng captured Beijin... ThoughtCo Why Did the Ming Dynasty Collapse? Historian Timothy Brook ... Apr 7, 2024 — before and to somehow blame blame Ming officials for having allowed the dynasty to fall is quite beside the point if yo... YouTube·Manchester China Institute 59s End of the Ming Dynasty in China | Davis Publications Apr 24, 2022 — The ultimate collapse of the Ming came about from a number of calamities in the 1630s: a severe financial downturn, an... Davis Publications
So what a Sino-Burmese man told me was wrong.
AI Overview
The Ming Emperor did not formally "give" the Kokan State (Kokang) to the Yang family; rather, the
Yang clan were Ming loyalists who fled to the region and established a feudal state after the Ming dynasty collapsed in 1644.
Here is a breakdown of the events:
1644: Soldiers from the Yang clan fled Nanjing following the collapse of the Ming Dynasty, making their way to the remote Yunnan border areas.
18th Century: Most of the Chinese who formed the basis of the Kokang population migrated to the area in the 18th century.
1739: A descendant, Yang Shien-tsai, officially formed the Chiefdom of Kokang in 1739.
Later Acknowledgment: The new state eventually acknowledged the suzerainty of the succeeding Qing dynasty of China to prevent an invasion, not because it was given to them by the Ming.
The "gift" from a Ming Emperor appears to be a historical misconception; the Yang family established their rule through migration and settlement after the dynasty's fall.
Chiefdom of Kokang - Wikipedia
The Chiefdom of Kokang (Chinese: 果敢土司; pinyin: Guǒgǎn Tǔsī), was a chiefdom in modern-day Kokang, Shan State, Myanmar ruled by the...
Wikipedia
HAN CHINESE, KOKANG - Asia Harvest
History: Most Kokang are descended from Chinese who migrated to what is now northern Myanmar in the 18th century. Earlier, in 1644...
Asia Harvest
HAN CHINESE, KOKANG - Asia Harvest
History: Most Kokang are descended from Chinese who migrated to what is now northern Myanmar in the 18th century. Earlier, in 1644...
Asia Harvest
AI--novels about men who sleep with diplomats' wives.
AI Overview
Novels featuring men sleeping with diplomats' wives often involve intrigue, secrets, and cultural clashes, with top examples including
Beatriz Williams' Husbands & Lovers (affair in 1950s Cairo) and Pam Jenoff's The Diplomat's Wife (historical intrigue in Prague), while Olen Steinhauer's The Cairo Affair offers spy-thriller angles with diplomatic affairs and betrayals, showing these themes woven into various genres from historical fiction to spy thrillers.
Historical Fiction/Romance Focus:
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams: Set in 1950s Egypt, a woman married to a British diplomat has a passionate affair with a hotel manager, with echoes in modern times.
The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff: A historical novel centered on secrets and survival during wartime, featuring diplomatic settings and complex relationships.
The Diplomat's Wife by Michael Ridpath: Explores a woman's loyalty conflicts as she marries a diplomat in Nazi Berlin and is asked to spy on him.
Spy Thriller/Political Intrigue:
The Cairo Affair by Olen Steinhauer: A spy novel where CIA agents and diplomats navigate betrayals and affairs in Cairo and Hungary.
Key Themes & Settings:
Exotic Locations: Cairo, Prague, Paris, Berlin, and colonial settings provide rich backdrops.
Secrets & Betrayal: Affairs often drive plots involving political espionage or family secrets.
Identity & Class: Characters grapple with privilege, duty, and personal desires within complex social structures.
These novels offer a mix of romance, history, and suspense, all centered around the unique world of diplomacy and its personal entanglements.
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams | Goodreads
Jun 24, 2024 — Husbands and Lovers is a deeply moving novel that earns 4.5 stars, rounded up. This historical fiction captivates with...
Goodreads
The Cairo Affair (2014) — Olen Steinhauer
*The Cairo Affair* is a 2014 spy novel by Olen Steinhauer. The book is about a marriage, betrayal, and political games. It feature...
www.olensteinhauer.com
Pam Jenoff's The Diplomat's Wife Book Review - Facebook
May 1, 2025 — I highly recommend The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff especially if you are traveling to Prague or have been there like ...
Facebook
Novels/books about sperm donor--AI search--some for adults only--
AI Overview
Novels and books about sperm donation explore themes like family creation, identity, and donor-conceived children's experiences, ranging from children's picture books (like
The Pea That Was Me) to memoirs and adult fiction, featuring stories for single parents, same-sex couples, and broader discussions on genetic connection, as seen in Goodreads lists and specific titles like Normal Family or romance novels such as The Donor.
For Children & Families (Picture Books/Early Readers)
The Pea That Was Me (Series): Gentle introductions for kids about sperm donation for two moms or single moms by choice.
My Extra Special Leaves: A story about donor conception for families with Mom & Dad.
Hope & Will Have a Baby: Focuses on the gift of sperm donation.
What Makes a Baby: A book by Cory Silverberg exploring conception.
For Adults & Broader Audiences (Fiction/Memoir/Non-Fiction)
Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings by Chrysta Bilton: A memoir about a donor-conceived person's journey.
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro: Explores family secrets uncovered through DNA.
The Ones We Choose by Julie Clark: A novel touching on donor conception.
Red Clocks by Leni Zumas: A novel that includes themes around reproductive rights and family building.
Popular Topics/Keywords to Search
Donor Conception: A broad term for books about sperm, egg, or embryo donation. Donor-Conceived Children/Families: Focuses on the perspective of the child or family unit. Same-Sex Parenting/Two Moms/Single Mom by Choice: Highlights specific family structures using donors. You can find extensive lists on sites like Goodreads shelf "donor-conception-books" and Amazon's resource lists by searching these terms. Amazon Resource List - The Center for Family Building Lisa's Amazon recommendation list includes books and products for families with donor eggs, donor sperm, surrogacy, or adoption. S... The Center for Family Building Popular Donor Conception Books Books - Goodreads Chosen Family: A Donor-Conceived Woman's Journey to Redefining Family Kiara Rae Schuh. Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Me... Goodreads
The Pea That Was Me (Volume 4): A Single Mom’s/Sperm Donation ... Book overview The Pea That Was Me is a charming introduction to sperm donation for kids of single moms by choice for children ages... Amazon.com end
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Manipur king who lost to Alaunghpaya--when he was still U Aung Zeya?
The Manipur king who lost to Alaungpaya during his 1758-59 invasion was
Meidingu Gourashyam (Gaurisiam), though Gaurisiam fled, and his brother Bhagyachandra (also known as Bhagyachandra) fought and was defeated, with the Burmese finding the capital deserted as Gaurisiam and his people hid in the jungles. Alaungpaya's campaign aimed to avenge earlier Manipuri incursions and spread Buddhism, resulting in devastation for Manipur before he was called back to deal with a Mon rebellion in Lower Burma.
Key Details of the Conflict:
The Invader: Alaungpaya, founder of the Konbaung Dynasty, led the Burmese forces.
The Manipuri Rulers: King Gourashyam (reigned 1753-1759) was on the throne, but Alaungpaya defeated his brother Bhagyachandra, forcing Gaurisiam to flee.
Outcome: Alaungpaya occupied the capital, Imphal, but soon withdrew due to Mon uprisings, leaving Manipur devastated but temporarily free from direct Burmese rule until later invasions.
Burmese–Siamese War (1759–1760) - Wikipedia
Next year, in 1753, Bharatsai was overthrown and Gaurisiam, son of Shyam Shai and grandson of Gharib Niwaz, was made new King of M...
Wikipedia
Chahi Taret Khuntakpa - Wikipedia
The first significant Burmese invasion occurred in 1755 under the leadership of Alaungpaya (also known as Alempara), the founder o...
Wikipedia
Bhagya Chandra - Wikipedia
The Burmese record states that the Manipuris invaded again in 1754 and Alaungpaya set out to settle scores with Manipur. He person...
Wikipedia
Enough for today--I'll look for deBruno tomorrow.
AI Overview
Joseph François Dupleix, Governor-General of French India (1742-1754), attempted to expand French influence into Burma by allying with the
Mon people against the Burmese, sending envoy Sieur de Bruno in 1751 to forge closer ties and secure military assistance for the Mon. Bruno successfully established an alliance, but Dupleix's requests for French troops were denied by the French court due to shifting priorities (like the Seven Years' War), ultimately hindering French expansion into Burma and leading to Dupleix's recall from India in 1754.
Dupleix's Burmese Venture (c. 1750s)
The Opportunity: A Mon envoy sought French aid against the dominant Burmese kingdom (Konbaung Dynasty).
The Strategy: Dupleix saw this as a chance to expand French power beyond India and sent Sieur de Bruno to the Mon capital, Pegu.
Bruno's Success: Bruno secured an alliance with the Mon and even convinced them to reject British overtures for land in the region (Negrais Island).
French Government's Role: Despite Bruno's reports of the potential to control the Irrawaddy Delta, the French government, focused on European conflicts, refused to send the needed troops.
Outcome: The lack of support and Dupleix's eventual recall ended French prospects for influence in Burma, allowing the Burmese kingdom to consolidate its power.
Context: Dupleix in India
Dupleix was a visionary French administrator aiming for French supremacy in India against the British East India Company, engaging in the Carnatic Wars.
His policies often involved interfering in Indian politics and building armies of native sepoys.
His ambitious, costly policies and rivalries with the British led to his recall and ruin, despite initial successes.
Joseph François Dupleix - Wikiwand
Jan 14, 2018 — In 1750 the Subadar of Deccan gifted the Alamparai Fort to the French. This was a token of his appreciation of the ser...
Wikiwand
Sieur de Bruno - Wikipedia
Envoy in Burma ... A few years later, a Mon envoy visited Dupleix requesting French help in the fight against the Burmese. Dupleix...
Wikipedia
French in Syriam, Burma--first AI showed me "Syria"
AI Overview
French presence in Syriam (Thanlyin), Burma, dates back to the 18th century, marked by the establishment of a shipyard by Joseph François Dupleix in 1729 for teak and oil, and later French military aid to the Mon kingdom against the Burmese Konbaung dynasty, culminating in the fall of Syriam to King Alaungpaya in 1756, ending French influence there for a time, though French interests in Burmese resources, like oil, persisted and led to later modern engagements. Key Historical Periods & Events: 1729-1742 (Early French Presence): Governor-General Dupleix of French India set up a shipyard in Syriam to build ships and exploit resources like teak and crude oil, but it was abandoned due to Mon revolts. 1750s (Burmese-Mon Conflict): The French supported the Mon kingdom in Lower Burma against the rising Burmese Konbaung dynasty, with French troops and artillery playing a role. 1756 (Fall of Syriam): King Alaungpaya conquered Syriam, ending the French-Mon alliance and destroying the French base, leading to the enslavement of French allies. Late 18th Century (De Milard): French officer Pierre de Milard gained favor at the Burmese court, becoming a noble and supporting Burmese military efforts, but France's focus shifted after the French Revolution. 20th Century & Beyond: After WWII, diplomatic ties resumed, and modern French companies, like TotalEnergies (in oil), have had significant operations in Myanmar (Burma), continuing France's economic involvement. Significance of Syriam: Syriam (Thanlyin) was a strategic port on the Yangon River, crucial for trade and resource extraction (teak, oil). Its control was vital in the Burmese-Mon wars, eventually shifting importance to the newly founded Yangon (Rangoon) after Alaungpaya's conquest. France–Myanmar relations - Wikipedia The Governor-General of French India Joseph François Dupleix had started to show interest in Burma since 1727, on account of the c... Wikipedia
Alaunghpaya's conquests--List--in chronological order.
AI Overview
(1714–1760), founder of , reunified through swift campaigns, conquering Upper Burma (by 1753), Lower Burma & (1755), Pegu/Mon Kingdom (1757), and parts of (1758–59) before invading (1759-60), capturing and besieging before his death during retreat, consolidating Burmese power
.
Here's a chronological list of Alaungpaya's major conquests:
(1752–1753): After becoming chief of Moksobo, Alaungpaya led forces to conquer the fragmented Upper Burma, overthrowing the 's control by late 1753, establishing the Konbaung Dynasty. & (1755): He launched a major offensive into the Mon-held south, capturing the delta, including Dagon (renamed Yangon) by May 1755. (1756): The French-defended port of Syriam (Thanlyin) fell in July 1756, ending French involvement and securing the delta. (1757): Alaungpaya sacked the Hanthawaddy capital of Pegu (Bago) in May 1757, effectively ending Mon resistance and bringing all of Lower Burma under Konbaung rule. (1758–1759): Expeditions re-established Burmese authority over the eastern Shan states, some of which had been under 's influence. & (1759–1760): The final campaign saw Burmese forces sweep down the Tenasserim coast (taking Tavoy) and invade Siam, reaching and besieging the capital, Ayutthaya, in April 1760, where Alaungpaya died. Alaungpaya - Wikipedia Contents * 1 Background. * 2 Chief of Moksobo and deputy chief of Mu valley. * 3 Founding of Konbaung Dynasty. * 4 Reunification o... Wikipedia Alaungpaya | Burmese Empire, Monarchy, Unification - Britannica In 1755, at the end of a lightning campaign into the Mon country, he founded a new port, to be called Yangon (Rangoon), at the sit... Britannica Alaungpaya Facts for Kids Oct 16, 2025 — With more soldiers from all over Upper Burma, Alaungpaya launched a huge attack on Lower Burma in January 1755. By May... Kids encyclopedia facts end
Alaunghpaya's Generals.
AI Overview
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Alaungpaya.JPG/220px-Alaungpaya.JPG
Alaungpaya's key generals were trusted childhood friends and loyal commanders who helped him forge the Konbaung Dynasty, including Minhla Minkhaung Kyaw, his top general who died conquering Syriam; Minkhaung Nawrahta, a skilled rearguard commander during the Siamese invasion; and Ne Myo Nawrahta, an early supporter who became Yangon's first mayor. Other prominent figures included Maha Thiha Thura, known for campaigns against Siam and China, and his own sons, like Hsinbyushin, who continued his military expansion.
Key Generals & Commanders:
Minhla Minkhaung Kyaw (c. 1714–1756): Alaungpaya's childhood friend and chief of the Musket Corps, he was a top general who captured Dagon (Yangon) but died in battle at Syriam, receiving high posthumous honors.
Minkhaung Nawrahta: A childhood friend and key commander, he led the rearguard during the 1760 Siamese invasion, ensuring the safe retreat of the main army.
Ne Myo Nawrahta (Shwe Yi): One of the first commanders selected for Alaungpaya's resistance, he became the first mayor of Yangon in 1757.
Maha Thiha Thura (c. 1720-1780): A distinguished commander under both Alaungpaya and his son Hsinbyushin, known for his role in the Siamese wars and brilliant defense against Chinese invasions.
Ne Myo Thihapate: A significant commander in the later wars with Siam and China, serving under Hsinbyushin.
Family & Successors:
Prince Thiri Damayaza of Myedu (later King Hsinbyushin): Alaungpaya's second son, he served as a vanguard commander and continued his father's military conquests, expanding the empire.
Bodawpaya: Another son of Alaungpaya, he further expanded the empire after his father and brother.
These generals were instrumental in Alaungpaya's campaigns to reunify Burma, conquer Manipur, and challenge the Siamese, establishing the foundation for the powerful Konbaung Empire.
Maha Thiha Thura - Wikipedia
He served with distinction throughout Alaungpaya's reunification campaigns, which by 1758 had reunited all of Burma, conquered Man...
Wikipedia
Alaungpaya Unites Burma | Research Starters - EBSCO Under Alaungpaya's sons, Hsinbyushin and Bodawpaya, the Burmese Empire continued to expand, reaching its greatest territorial exte... EBSCO
Minkhaung Nawrahta - Wikipedia Siam. Minkhaung Nawrahta was one of the lead commanders in Alaungpaya's invasion of Siam in 1759. He led one of the three armies t... Wikipedia
Monday, December 08, 2025
Copy and paste of Introduction I wrote of Sean Turnell and Alison Vicary's Report on Arbitrary Taxation in Burma, 2010.
Preface to Report on Arbitrary Taxation in Burma --by Sean Turnell & Alison Vicarey.
by Kyi May Kaung--(written in 2010)
It gives me great pleasure to, if one can ever be "pleased" about the horrendous Burma situation, to be asked to write a preface to this comprehensive 93 page report on arbitrary taxation in Burma by Sean Turnell and Alison Vicarey of Burma Economic Watch, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Up front, I want to state that I have been a board member of Burma Economic Watch since about 2005. I share many of the views of Dr. Turnell and Dr. Vicarey, as published in this Report.
In 2002, when I was working for The Burma Fund, affiliated to the NCGUB, informally known as the Burmese democratic government in exile, I first met Sean in Gottenberg, Sweden, at a Burma Studies Conference, convened with much imagination I thought, by anthropologist Gustav Houtman.
Sean just came out of the woodwork at the conference, talking about money and banking in Burma as if he had really been there. (At this point he was not, but he is the most grounded and focused of the economists working on Burma).
I met Alison Vicarey shortly thereafter, in Australia. For those of you who do not know, Alison was one of the "Rangoon 18" from the Free Burma Coalition arrested in Rangoon for protesting Human Rights Abuses in the late 90s. The kangaroo trials they were subjected to predated those conducted by the Burmese junta in 2009 against Aung San Suu Kyi, and earlier against James Mawdsley and Rachel Goldwyn, and later against Yettaw, Kyaw Zaw Lwin and many others. (Note, 6-15-2014--A DVB reporter has been arrested and sentenced to one year in prison for reporting--i.e. doing his job).
This report is about arbitrary taxation.
The word "arbitrary" in plain English means, "without rhyme or reason, on a whim" and this is the situation the authors describe, based on responses from over 2000 entries and 2500 responses from the Generation 1988 Group's Open Hearts Campaign, in which Burmese living inside Burma risked their lives, essentially to kvetch about the abuses they suffered at the hands of the junta and its agents. Trained human rights data collectors were employed.
The seasoned cynic or junta apologist may ask what another of the zillions of detailed reports about Burma could do.
My reply would be that this report is a gold mine of insights about Burma and takes the rare systemic or regime critical view, while being based on solid hands-on economic research at the micro-economic level.
In a practical sense, Vicarey and Turnell present "to do" lists for ASEAN, China, India and Thailad, as well as for the SPDC. Whether they do it or not is the duty and responsibility of the governments concerned and of ASEAN. The researchers here have done their part.
The conclusion is that only a democratic system can lead to optimum distribution of resources, besides being humane and fair. We surely need more independent special interest groups and a free press in Burma.
This report is presented in jargon-free language and everyone seriously interested in Burma should read it, as well as check out the Burma Economic Watch Website and the other writings of both the authors.
Well done mates! (In Australese)
Kyi May Kaung (Ph.D.)
June 24, 2010.
Washington, DC.
FB and blog 6-15-2014
Sunday, December 07, 2025
Now to add the sounds--
These are results for sounds scenes of SE Asian battles 16th century from movies
Search instead for sounds scenes of SE Asian battles 16th century frommovies
AI Overview
What was warfare in Mainland Southeast Asia in the 16-17th ...
Finding specific 16th-century SE Asian battle sounds in mainstream movies is tough, as most war films focus on later eras (WWII, Vietnam, etc.), but you'll find raw, historical battle soundscapes (steel, drums, shouting, ancient weaponry) in epics like Kingdom of Heaven (for medieval feel), Japanese historical films like Ran (samurai clash), Korean epics like The Admiral: Roaring Currents (naval), and The 13 Assassins (feudal Japan), focusing on traditional instruments, armor clanging, and primal yells for that historical grit.
Where to Find Relevant Sounds/Films:
Ran (1985) / Kagemusha (1980) (Akira Kurosawa): While Japanese (not SE Asian), these offer intense, large-scale feudal battle sounds – drums, horns, katanas, yari (spears) – perfect for 16th-century feel.
The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014): A Korean naval epic with immense scale, featuring cannons, traditional drums, and ship-to-ship combat sounds. The 13 Assassins (2010) (Takashi Miike): A brutal, muddy samurai battle with visceral weapon sounds and organic chaos. Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut): Features large medieval sieges with authentic-sounding siege engines, swords, and crowds. The Lost Empire (The Monkey King) / Reign of Assassins (Wuxia/Xianxia):** These Chinese fantasy epics often blend historical martial arts with fantastical elements, providing unique weapon sounds and large choreographed fights. What to Listen For (Common Elements): Percussion: Deep war drums (taiko-style or larger), gongs, cymbals. Weaponry: Clashing steel (swords, polearms), arrows whistling, musket/arquebus fire (if applicable). Human Element: Chanting, war cries (kiai/battle yells), screams, heavy breathing, armor clanking. Atmosphere: Wood creaking on ships, earth/mud sounds, fire crackling. To find these sounds, search YouTube or film sound libraries for "Ran battle sound effects," "16th century Japanese battle sounds," or "Korean war film sounds".
I was just wondering how it must have felt for Aung Zeya (later King Alaunghpaya) as a boy growning up in the Kabaw Valley to experience a Manipuri raid and I found this.
It's all there, except the sounds, the mud, the dirt, the screams, the rapes--the fear, the tears, common to war.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSQ9UdRGHA
AI--Cathay Cavalry.
AI Overview
The "Cathay Cavalry" refers to the famed, skilled horsemen from Manipur (called
"Kathe" by the Burmese) who were heavily integrated into the Burmese military, especially under the Konbaung dynasty (18th-19th centuries), serving as elite troops in major Burmese campaigns, including wars against Siam, after Manipur was devastated and its people conscripted following repeated Burmese invasions, culminating in Manipur's devastating Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826). These Manipuris, renowned for their hardy ponies and fighting prowess with lances (Arambais), became the core of the Burmese cavalry, known as the "Cassay Horse," and were instrumental in Burmese expansion before Manipur was liberated by British-backed forces, leading to its incorporation into British India.
Key Aspects of the Cassay Horse & Conflicts
Origins: After severe Burmese invasions, many Manipuri people were taken as captives and conscripted, forming a key part of the Burmese army's mounted forces.
Military Role: The Cassay Horse was a major fighting unit, famous for its effectiveness in Burmese wars, particularly against Siam, with some reports claiming 2,000 of Ava's 3,000 cavalry were Manipuris.
Distinctiveness: The Manipuris brought superior horses and fighting techniques, utilizing lances and javelins, making them a formidable, feared force.
Konbaung Dynasty: The integration peaked during the Konbaung era (1752-1885), supplying troops for expansionist wars and suppressing rebellions.
Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826): This period saw brutal Burmese occupation and devastation of Manipur, leading to mass displacement and increased conscription, further supplying the Cassay Horse.
End of Era: The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) eventually led to Manipur's liberation and its integration into the British Raj, ending the era of the Cassay Horse as a primary Burmese component.
In essence, the Cassay Horse highlights a complex history where military subjugation transformed a conquered people's martial skills into a powerful, defining element of their conqueror's army.
The Cassay Horse – Elite Manipur cavalry in Burmese Royal ...
Nov 8, 2020 — The Cassay Horse is a Burmese appellation given to the Manipur cavalry who were forcibly brought as war captives and em...
Imphal Times
Manipur Cavalry - Age of Empires Series Wiki
History. The Kingdom of Manipur (also known as Kingdom of Kangleipak) was often enemies with the Burmese Toungoo Empire, having ha...
Age of Empires Wiki
From Mu Valley wiki:
History
In 1503, the Mongyang State attacked and took the northern garrison town of Myedu that guarded the irrigated Mu Valley, an important granary to the Bamar Kingdom of Ava. These attacks culminated in a full-scale invasion in 1524 and the establishment of Shan rule (1527–1555).[6] The Kabaw Valley saw many an invasion by Manipur State to the west, most notably during the reign of Gharib Nawaz (1709–1748), when his army crossed over the Chindwin and the Mu, took Myedu, and reached as far as Sagaing opposite the capital Ava. The tables were turned in 1758 after King Alaungpaya ascended the Burmese throne and invaded Manipur.[7]
Descendants from Portuguese captives, the Bayingyi, were taken by King Anaukpetlun after defeating the adventurer Filipe de Brito e Nicote and settled in the area in the 17th century, still keep their Roman Catholic faith. To this day, their ancestry is discernible from their features.[8]
AI--answer to What kind of muskets did the Portuguese use in Pegu and Ayutthaya.
AI Overview
How portugal became a Military power and Why AoE decided to ...
The Portuguese introduced early firearms, primarily the arquebus (matchlock), to Southeast Asia (Pegu/Burma, Ayutthaya/Thailand), which locals adapted into weapons like the istinggar (a local matchlock). These weren't modern muskets (which came later) but early, heavy shoulder-fired guns that revolutionized warfare, leading locals to develop their own versions using Portuguese designs after the fall of Malacca (1511).
Key Firearm Type:
Matchlock Arquebus: The core Portuguese innovation was the matchlock, a primitive firearm ignited by a slow match.
Heavy Arquebus/Early Musket: The term "musket" referred to heavier versions of the arquebus, designed to pierce plate armor, emerging around the 1520s in Europe and influencing Asian arms.
Impact in Pegu & Ayutthaya:
Introduction & Adaptation: Portuguese traders and soldiers brought these firearms, influencing local smiths in regions like Kedah (Langkasuka) and Sumatra.
Local Production: The istinggar (or astinggal) became a popular local matchlock, showing Portuguese design influence, though built by Southeast Asian artisans.
Changing Warfare: These guns, alongside European armor (like the cuirass), changed local tactics, forcing adaptations in armor and strategy in Ayutthaya.
In essence, they used early, matchlock-based firearms (arquebuses/early muskets) that were rapidly adopted and localized, rather than standardized "muskets" as we know them later.
Arquebus - Wikipedia
The heavy arquebus, which was then called a musket, was developed to better penetrate plate armor and appeared in Europe around 15...
Wikipedia
Istinggar - Wikipedia
The term "istinggar" and Astinggal (in Filipino) refers to a type of matchlock firearm built by the various ethnic groups of the M...
Wikipedia
Ancient Thai armor in the Ayutthaya era | THAILAND ชุดเกราะไทย ...
Nov 15, 2021 — Samurai acquired European armour including the cuirass and comb morion which they modified and combined with domestic ...
Facebook
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Alaunghpaya's generals--
AI Overview
Alaungpaya's key generals were instrumental in unifying Burma and expanding the Konbaung Empire, including childhood friends
Minkhaung Nawrahta, who led rearguards and campaigns, and Minhla Minkhaung Kyaw, his top general and Musket Corps chief, who captured Dagon (Yangon) before dying in battle. Other prominent commanders were Ne Myo Thihapate, who conquered Lanna, and Maha Thiha Thura, famed for his success in the Sino-Burmese wars. These generals, along with his sons like Hsinbyushin, formed a formidable military aristocracy.
Key Generals & Commanders:
Minkhaung Nawrahta: A close friend and skilled commander, he led forces in the Siamese invasions, notably organizing a crucial rearguard during the 1760 campaign, ensuring a safe withdrawal for Alaungpaya.
Minhla Minkhaung Kyaw: Alaungpaya's childhood friend and top general, he led the capture of Dagon (Yangon) in 1755 but was killed in action at Syriam in 1756, earning posthumous honors.
Ne Myo Thihapate: A significant commander in Alaungpaya's later campaigns, he led armies into Lanna (Northern Thailand) and Laos, paving the way for further Siamese conquests.
Maha Thiha Thura: A highly distinguished commander known for his victories against the Chinese during the Sino-Burmese wars, solidifying the empire's northern borders.
Ne Myo Nawrahta (Shwe Yi): One of the initial 68 commanders in Alaungpaya's resistance, he became the first mayor of the newly established port city of Yangon.
Key Generals' Roles:
Unification Wars: Generals like Minkhaung Kyaw and Ne Myo Nawrahta were crucial in defeating the Mons and reunifying Upper Burma under Alaungpaya.
Invasions of Siam: Commanders like Minkhaung Nawrahta, Ne Myo Thihapate, and Maha Thiha Thura participated in the campaigns against Siam, with Hsinbyushin (Alaungpaya's son) also playing a leading role.
Northern Expansion: Generals like Maha Thiha Thura defended against Chinese invasions, securing the empire's northern frontier.
Military Aristocracy: These successful campaigns under Alaungpaya and his sons fostered a powerful military class that would characterize the Konbaung Dynasty.
Although there were great Burmese generals, just like any other country, who died
"for their country"--even Hitler's generals,I find it easier to identify with freedom fighters and resistance leaders,besides, I'm the writer, I decide whom I wish to write about.
You won't know until the book or books come out.
I'm tired of hyped up extreme nationalists on FB.
That's why I deleted my FB entirely in 2016.
I'm also tired of Burmese who boast.
All the "KMK" you see on FB are fake accounts.
I've been to some of these places, on a special "add on" I planned for myself
with the help of friends in Chiangmai and former co-workers. Thank you.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Where+is+Prince+naresuan%27s+tomb&sca_esv=118142daaef610f7&sxsrf=AE3TifMpyNjMsUaNRemqfG6RTRkV9zJiPA%3A1765117049935&source=hp&ei=eYw1aYaAN8af5NoPgqPv2AU&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaTWaiTW7z9y-leYicXj0VzUMJkVKck5v&ved=0ahUKEwjGoPy11auRAxXGD1kFHYLRG1sQ4dUDCCA&uact=5&oq=Where+is+Prince+naresuan%27s+tomb&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ih9XaGVyZSBpcyBQcmluY2UgbmFyZXN1YW4ncyB0b21iMgcQIRigARgKMgcQIRigARgKMgcQIRigARgKMgcQIRigARgKMgcQIRigARgKSK1IUABY60RwAHgAkAEAmAGWAqABxRiqAQYyMy42LjK4AQPIAQD4AQGYAh-gAt0awgIEECMYJ8ICChAAGIAEGEMYigXCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgILEC4YgAQYsQMYgwHCAggQLhiABBixA8ICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgIREC4YgAQYsQMYxwEYjgUYrwHCAg4QLhiABBixAxjRAxjHAcICBRAAGIAEwgIREAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYigUYjQbCAgoQIxiABBgnGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYkQIYigXCAggQABiABBixA8ICBhAAGBYYHsICCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFwgIFECEYoAHCAgYQABgNGB7CAgUQABjvBcICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFECEYqwKYAwCSBwcxNi4xMy4yoAfT3gGyBwcxNi4xMy4yuAfdGsIHCTAuNi4xNC4xMcgHvwGACAA&sclient=gws-wiz
King Uthompon's Tomb--(The Fig Flower King)--read more about him in my The Rider of Crocodiles.
The Burmese king associated with a burial site near the Thai border isn't a Burmese king, but rather a captured Siamese King, Uthumphon, whose funerary monument is located at Linzin Hill graveyard in Amarapura, near Mandalay, Myanmar, close to historical border regions, though not right on the modern border; he was brought to Burma by King Hsinbyushin after the conquest of Ayutthaya and died in captivity.
Key Details:
Who: King Uthumphon of Ayutthaya (Siam).
Why he's in Burma: He was captured by Burmese forces during the Burmese-Siamese War (1765–1767) and taken to Burma as a prisoner of war.
Where: His tomb is a large monument on Linzin Hill, Amarapura, Mandalay Division, Myanmar.
Connection to Thailand: While not a Burmese king, his tomb is significant for Thai-Burmese history, representing a period of conflict and captivity, and its preservation has been a point of interest for both nations. Therefore, the king in question is a Thai king buried in Burma, not a Burmese king buried near the border. The Funerary Monument of King Uthumphon - The Siam Society According to the Konbaung Chronicle, Uthumphon was in the robe of a monk when brought to Mandalay, and remained so until his death... The Siam Society Ancient Monastery Buried Beneath Thai King's Tomb in Mandalay Oct 27, 2013 — The excavation team plans to establish a museum around Linzin Hill that will reflect the culture and daily life of the... The Irrawaddy
History differs depending on who wrote it.
These are results for wat in Ayutthaya where Alaungpaya was killed by cannon exploding
AI Overview
King Alaungpaya was injured, not killed, by a cannon explosion at
Wat Na Phra Meru (sometimes called Wat Hastarawas) in Ayutthaya during the 1760 Burmese siege, though he died later from his wounds and illness while retreating; the explosion happened when he personally fired cannons at the Siamese palace from the temple grounds.
Key Details:
Location: Wat Na Phra Meru, Ayutthaya.
Event: Alaungpaya set up cannons at this temple (and Wat Hastarawas) to fire at the royal palace. Outcome: A cannon exploded as he fired it, severely injuring him. Later Death: He was forced to retreat due to the rainy season and died on the way back to Burma in May 1760. So, the temple associated with this incident is Wat Na Phra Meru. บทที่ 3 ราชวงศ์อลองพญา และการยกทัพมาตีไทย - KMUTT Library According to the Thai Royal Chronicles, during the siege of Ayutthaya, King Alaungpaya personally fired a cannon, which exploded a... สำนักหอสมุด มจธ. Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767) Facts for Kids Oct 16, 2025 — In January 1760, Burmese forces quickly took control of the Tenasserim Coast. Siamese armies tried to stop them but we... Kids encyclopedia facts Alaungpaya - Wikiwand Feb 14, 2020 — Death. Alaungpaya's tomb in Shwebo. Alaungpaya died on Sunday, 11 May 1760 (12th waning of Kason 1122 ME) at the dawn, Wikiwand Dive deeper in AI Mode Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767) Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki Alaungpaya died in May 1760 on his way from Siam back to Burma. Burmese invasion of Siam in 1760, in which the Burmese, particularly Prince Myedu, had an ... Alaungpaya Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Alaungpaya Thai sources say he was wounded by a cannon shell explosion while he was inspecting the cannon corps at the front, but Burmese sources state ... Missing: killed exploding
Well, this is nice--I feel like when my advisor typed in my dissertation topic and said,"Good. No one has done this before. It will be a bestseller."
AI Overview
"Hsinbyushin" refers to a historical Burmese king (King of Burma, 1763-1776), not a modern novelist, but his life and era inspire historical fiction like
The Rider of Crocodiles by Kyi May Kaung, while the "Hsinbyushin" (White Elephant Lord) title appears in The Kings of Ayutthaya by Robert Smith, a historical fiction series set around the real King Bayinnaung (a predecessor to Hsinbyushin), showing how this historical figure's name and era are used in literature.
Novels Featuring Hsinbyushin or Related Themes:
The Rider of Crocodiles (Kyi May Kaung): A short story collection inspired by Hsinbyushin's invasion of Ayutthaya in 1767, focusing on local legends.
The Kings of Ayutthaya (Robert Smith): Part of a trilogy, this book features the real King Bayinnaung (who Hsinbyushin succeeded) and his empire, a period of significant Burmese power, as noted on Amazon.com.
Historical Context:
Hsinbyushin (King of Burma) (r. 1763-1776): A real monarch known as the "Lord of the White Elephant," his reign saw significant military campaigns, including the final destruction of Ayutthaya, as detailed on Wikipedia and in Burmese chronicles.
In essence, while Hsinbyushin isn't a fiction author, his historical importance, particularly his conquest of Ayutthaya, provides rich material for historical novels set in that period.
Hanthawaddy Hsinbyushin Ayedawbon - Wikipedia
Hanthawaddy Hsinbyushin Ayedawbon (Burmese: ဟံသာဝတီ ဆင်ဖြူရှင် အရေးတော်ပုံ) is a 16th-century Burmese chronicle of King Bayinnaung...
Wikipedia
The Rider of Crocodiles (Short Stories & Novellas Book 3)
Jun 12, 2014 — From the Inside Flap. Kyi May Kaung (Ph. D.) was traveling in Thailand when a colleague told her his ancestor was not ...
Amazon.com
Hsinbyushin - Wikipedia
Outcry continues for incompetent Hegseth to leave post. Where were the drugs??
"The strategic logic of the Caribbean campaign has drawn criticism even from those with experience in the US government’s counter-narcotics efforts. Jake Braun, who served as acting principal deputy national cyber director in the Joe Biden White House and as senior counselor to the secretary of homeland security where he helped design and implement the nation’s first counter-fentanyl strategy, questioned why the administration was focusing military resources in the Caribbean rather than on primary trafficking routes.
“I think the use of military force is justified – it just seems they’re about 2,500 miles away from the primary target in Mexico,” Braun said. “If they want to stop fentanyl, I would focus more on tunnels and drones in Arizona rather than boats in the Caribbean.”
Emily Tripp, executive director of Airwars, a civilian harms watchdog that monitors military conflicts, called on the administration to be more transparent about the strike, saying the organization would like to know “what considerations are made around shipwrecked survivors, and why the use of force was chosen over search and rescue when as far as we understand the targets here are the drugs, not the people on board”.
The Pentagon mixed up its talking points, and struggled to provide clear answers about the chain of command for the strikes. While--"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/06/pete-hegseth-pentagon-trump
Looks like "Hogsbreath" as he is sometimes called willbe thrown to the dogs by DJT.
Lung cancer and smoking--one of my friends married to a diplomat died of 2nd hand smoke.
AI Overview
Lung cancer increasingly affecting young, non-smoking women, experts say
Yes, smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths, as cigarette smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens that damage lung cell DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. The risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking, but quitting at any time significantly lowers this risk, even reducing it by half within 10-15 years.
How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer
Damages DNA:
Chemicals in smoke, like tar, directly harm the DNA in lung cells, which control cell growth and function.
Prevents Repair:
These chemicals also make it harder for cells to repair the DNA damage, causing it to build up over time.
Promotes Abnormal Growth:
The accumulation of damaged DNA causes cells to grow abnormally, forming tumors.
Key Facts
Leading Cause:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and smoking is its biggest risk factor.
Secondhand Smoke:
Exposure to secondhand smoke also significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Other Cancers:
Smoking also raises the risk for many other cancers, including mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and stomach cancers.
Quitting is Key
Reduces Risk: Quitting smoking drastically lowers your risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers.
Benefits Over Time: Your risk of lung cancer drops by half within 10-15 years of quitting.
Smoking and Cancer | Overviews of Diseases/Conditions - CDC
How Can Smoking-Related Cancers Be Prevented? The most important thing you can do to prevent smoking-related cancer is not to smok...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Feb 13, 2025
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)
Lung cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Apr 30, 2024 — Overview. Lung cancer Enlarge image. Close. Lung cancer. Lung cancer. Lung cancer begins in the cells of the lungs. Lu...
Mayo Clinic
AI--can osteo sarcoma spread to the brain.
AI Overview
Full article: Survival outcomes of patients with brain ...
Yes, osteosarcoma can spread to the brain (brain metastasis), but it's considered a rare occurrence, typically happening after the cancer has already spread to the lungs or other bones, and usually as a late-stage event. While the lungs are the most common site for osteosarcoma metastasis, the brain can be affected, often leading to a poor prognosis, though aggressive multidisciplinary treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, can improve outcomes for some, notes the Taylor & Francis Online.
Key Points on Brain Metastasis:
Rarity: It's an uncommon complication, but its incidence might be increasing due to better imaging and treatment, says the National Institutes of Health.
Common Pathway: Usually occurs after lung metastasis (pulmonary emboli invading the brain), notes the National Institutes of Health.
Prognosis: Generally poor, but aggressive, multidisciplinary care (surgery, chemo, radiation) can help.
Detection: May be found incidentally during neuroimaging for lung mets, and regular brain scans might be recommended for patients with lung disease.
In summary, brain metastasis from osteosarcoma is possible and serious, but not the primary way this bone cancer spreads; the lungs are far more common.
Brain Metastasis in Bone and Soft Tissue Cancers - PubMed Central
As a commonly diagnosed musculoskeletal cancer in children and young adults, osteosarcoma, when metastatic, mainly spreads to the ...
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
Full article: Survival outcomes of patients with brain metastasis of osteosarcoma can be improved by aggressive multi-disciplinary interventions including chemotherapy
Jul 14, 2021 — Brain metastasis in osteosarcoma (BMO) is rare, accounting for 4.7–31.3% of brain metastases from sarcomas. BMO is ass...
Taylor & Francis Online
Survival outcomes of patients with brain metastasis of osteosarcoma can be improved by aggressive multi-disciplinary interventions including chemotherapy
Jul 14, 2021 — Brain metastasis of osteosarcoma (BMO) is rare. A retrospective study of 97 patients with BMO found that: * **Factors ...
Taylor & Francis Online
Lung cancer that got in the brain and spine--sad, graphic.
AI Overview Lung Cancer Metastasis to the Brain: Symptoms, Diagnosis ... Lung cancer spreading to the brain and spine, known as metastasis, means cancer cells have traveled from the lungs to form secondary tumors or affect tissues in the central nervous system, causing symptoms like severe headaches, weakness, balance issues, confusion, seizures, or back pain, and is managed with radiation, surgery, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy, significantly impacting quality of life and prognosis. How it Happens Cancer cells break away from the primary lung tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new growths in the brain or spinal cord. This can involve tumors in brain tissue (brain metastases) or spreading to the membranes (leptomeningeal disease). Common Symptoms Brain Metastases: Severe headaches, often with nausea/vomiting. Memory problems, confusion, personality changes. Weakness or numbness in limbs, balance issues, seizures, speech difficulties. Spine Metastases (Spinal Cord Compression): Back pain that can radiate to arms, legs, or buttocks. Weakness, numbness, or trouble walking. Bowel or bladder control problems. Diagnosis & Treatment Diagnosis: MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and sometimes a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check spinal fluid. Treatment Options: Radiation: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or whole-brain/spinal radiation. Surgery: To remove large tumors or relieve spinal cord pressure. Medications: Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy.Supportive Care: Pain management, steroids. Key Points Lung cancer is a common source of brain and spine metastases, especially Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and certain Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers (NSCLC) with specific mutations (EGFR, HER2). Early detection and management are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer Symptoms if lung cancer has spread to the brain Cancer that has spread to the brain might cause any of the following symptoms: mem... Cancer Research UK About Brain and Spine Metastasis | Duke Department of Neurosurgery Patients who develop brain and spine metastasis can experience: * Nausea and vomiting * Bladder or bowel control problems Treatmen... Duke Department of Neurosurgery NSCLC and brain metastasis - Lung Cancer The alarming risk of brain metastases in lung cancer. Approximately 16-20% of individuals with lung cancer develop brain metastase... Boehringer Ingelheim end
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