From Myanmar: With Loving Kindness, ‘The Shwezigon Pagoda’
Deep in the heart of Texas, where Bob Wills is still the king, nestled in the lush rolling green hills on the outskirts of Austin Texas at the Sitagu Buddhist Vihara, a pagoda is coming to life. On lone from Myanmar and the US, trained in the ancient art of Pagoda building, a hand full of craftsmen is building a replica of the original Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan. And it’s a labor of love.
Thingyan, Texas Style
This last month took me to several Buddhist monasteries. One in particular was the *Lien Hoa Buddhist Temple and Monastery in Irving Texas who hosted ‘Thingyan’ for the Burmese community. The event was lead by the Venerable Silar Nanda who presided over the activities, known as the water festival or New Years Celebration. And it was quite an event indeed.
Things to Do While Waiting for the ‘End of the World’
Sometimes it gets to be a real drag donning a bio suite at the sight of every chem-trail. There has to be more to life other than waiting perilously for humanity to be destroyed. Yeah we are about to head into the next Ice Age and technology is about to take a dump. Politics, forget about it, we are all screwed. But there is no reason to freak out now, so we might as well make the most of it.
Burma’s Sitt Nyein Aye at Sitagu Buddhist Vihara, Artist Extraordinaire
While visiting Sitagu Buddhist Vihara I had the opportunity to meet renowned Burmese artist Sitt Nyein Aye. He, in spite of insurmountable odds introduced modern art to Burma to the chagrin of the socialist regime. His ardor is expressed in every brush stroke on all of his works. The blinding incandescence within Sitt’s soul is also reflective of his duality for he loves Burma and her people in parity and intensity with his art. So I find myself in a quandary; is Sitt a revolutionary artist or is he an artist who is a revolutionary?
Earth Change Round-up
From all corners of the planet change is upon us. Prophecies are coming to pass on such a grand scale it is no longer a question of IF change will come but where these changes will fester next. From the physical plane to the spiritual one, all of humanity is under siege and like a prophetic ancient writing cautioned; “Those days will come like a thief in the night”. Hmm, do you hear someone rummaging through your underwear drawer?
On Some Misunderstood Foods
I like the Durian,’The King of Fruit’ (Durio zibethinus), a South Asian fruit that resembles a dinosaur scrotum and possesses a pungently feculent aromaticity western nostrils find morbidly undesirable. Hmm, or was that Triassic ployaromatic genitalia? Granted, I was not a great fan of this revered Asian delicacy and never thought I would be, my how times change. Fortunately this is no longer the case and the mere mention of this fruit stirs my olfactory and taste buds in anticipation of this delicious treat with a pudding like velvety smooth texture.
Senator Jim Webb in Retrospect
After living and working within the Burmese community, visiting temples and celebrating Thingyan I found myself in an interesting position. The issue of Senator Jim Webb’s visit to Burma came into focus and though I disagreed with the lifting of sanctions I also found myself defending the senator from angry some expatriates from Burma. What will this do to my image? They were more saddened and felt betrayed after learning about his latest trip and listening to his speech about rewarding the regime and frankly my boxers were in a knot as well.
Burmese Troops Continue Shelling Kachin Positions near Laiza
Predictably Burmese artillery units began shelling the *Kachin Pan Tsun post in northern Bhamo (Manmaw) district. For 10 gruelling hours Kachin Independence Army Battalion 19 faced an intense 120 mm artillery barrage on their position in a futile attempt to retain control of this strategic location before the position fell. They were forced to regroup, but no doubt the Burmese have not heard the last of the fighting Jinghpaw.
Burmese Troops Prepare to Slaughter 25,000 Kachin Refugees in Laiza
Burmese troops are preparing for an offensive against *Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Laiza. Laiza is the temporary home of over 25,000 Kachin refugees who have fled their homeland as Burmese troops ransacked villages, townships and cities. Scores of human being have been tortured to death, raped and whole villages executed. Now Burma is moving heavy artillery into position to polish off this refugee centre.
Burma’s Secret War the Corporate World Wants to Keep Quiet
As the world celebrates Suu Kyi’s landslide victory (again), sanctions are already being lifted as if all is well within Burma’s borders. Sadly nothing could be further from the truth as ethnic cleansing and wholesale genocide continues unabated in Kachinland. It is a hoax and a bold faced lie that Burma is moving in the right direction but it’s a nice piece of theatrics for those who enjoy melodramatic fiction. Ask a Kachin and they will tell you their nation is under siege as the world ignores rape, murder and wholesale genocide. And sadly, Suu Kyi remains Burma’s most beautiful hostage.
Pho 95 Vietnamese Cuisine, Par Excellence in the DFW Area
Pho 95 Homepage
It is always a pleasure to report a quality eatery and in keeping with tradition I am happy to give you the run down on a restaurant named Pho 95 in the Haltom City area of Fort Worth Texas. Lovingly called Pho which is a pauper’s or comfort food back in Vietnam and 95 for the year the doors first opened. Though humbly titled nothing could be further from the truth because their meals are fit for a king and it is well worth your patronage..
A Personal Accounting of the Dallas/Fort Worth Tornado of April 3rd 2012
Residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area has many rewards. From culinary to cultural this region of Texas is chock full of fun and exciting places to see, a night life to die for and a rich blend of arts and entertainment. But nothing could have prepared me for the extravaganza that transpired on Tuesday afternoon, April 3rd 2012. Like they say; “Everything is big inTexas, including tornados”
BUFFETS: Behind Asian Smiles, A River of Tears Part 3
With Chinese corporations permeating the Asian restaurant scene within the United States I’ve been doing an on going investigation. Previous stories exposed some very disturbing facts about some mainland Chinese food corporations who use Taiwan as a store front. FOXCONN is a classic example of a Chinese shill corporation that abuses employees for fun and profit. From Human Trafficking to the sale of rancid food, I’ve uncovered some distasteful facts from many employees who work or worked in Chinese owned kitchens. Now I have another update that will peel the varnish off your chopsticks.
Pink Slime Scare and Other Stupid Pet Tricks
The pink slime scare is probably the most ridiculous news story to come across the wire thus far. The real story should be about how the general population can be lead around by the nose to believe anything without facts. Apparently few people have butchered and prepared meat and have no clue what pink slime really is. How far beyond stupid is that?
Miwok Wikileaks Reveal Corruption All The Way To Congress
Clearly the Everone/Ludwig Files that were released to public access during the attempted take over of the California Valley Miwok Tribe have opened up a Pandora’s Box. Writhe with names, dates and personal transmissions from some of the most affluent politicians in the United States of America spells absolute corruption. The Everone/Ludwig Files clearly identify conspiracy and corruption from billionaire politicians and developers alike whom chose to break both state and federal laws while under the guise legality.
CA. Miwok Tribe Wins Tribal Sovereignty Case, Exposing Absolute Corruption
The California Valley Miwok Tribe made history and legal precedent preserving the rights of every federally recognized tribe in the United States of America. They faced insurmountable odds against powerfully connected well funded developer’s and corrupt state and federal officials. They wanted to highjack the Miwok tribe for the sole purpose of building a gambling casino. The plot thickens because elected officials were also involved in this travesty.
Preparedness, a Word to the Wise
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in full swing developing and exercising live disaster drills across the country in an effort to prepare people for possible catastrophic events. Whether or not you believe we are living in a time of change, end of the world or simply ma earth having a bad hair day something is up and it’s time to be more responsible for the loved ones in your charge. You got to have a game plan for survival or they will die as well as you.
Than Shwe Will Resort to Old Tricks
As the call for democracy continues to gain momentum throughout Burma, it is clear Than Shwe’s scheme to legitimize Burma is back firing for he is loosing control. The people of Burma are becoming empowered like never before and Than Shwe’s efforts to break Burma’s spirit failed. The spirit of democracy did not disappear like he thought; it was buried beyond his reach in the hearts of the people. Soon he and his thugs will resume the campaign of divide and conquer.
Time of Change, Technology and Other Stuff
Contrary to popular belief Technology as we know it will eventually be sporadic if not totally out of service as we enter the new cycle. Empires built on foundations of sand will topple as mankind scrambles to rediscover older technologies just to sustain the basics of infrastructure. In the meantime pandemonium will replace civil society as fortunes are lost and there is nothing in the universe that will alter this destiny. I don’t think it will be forever but it will be long enough to completely alter mankind’s fetid journey. In essence we will reap what we have sown and it’s not going to be pretty.
Earth Change-O-Rama
Needless to say prophecy is moving right along as scheduled while man marches forward in quest of material wealth and world domination, at the expense of others. Does not matter which dogma one pursues, the signs are everywhere. Also dictated within ancient sacred texts is the fact many people will choose to ignore the obvious and follow the Pied Pipers of Deception to their inevitable doom. My question to them is; “Did you bump your head?”
Are Extraterrestrials Edible?
So it’s February 6th 2013 and I just dug my way out of a makeshift dwelling I built after my home and community was destroyed in December. Water is not an issue because it snowed, big time. Good thing my pair of Louis Vittons survived the cataclysms because everywhere the eye can see is in white-out conditions. To top it all off, I’m on my last Tanka Bar, haven’t seen a Snickers in weeks and I’m out of Pepsi so it’s time to forage for victuals. Besides, I had to go outside to pee.
Burmese Refugees Coping with Language and Abuse in the USA
Working within the Burmese communities in the Great State of Texas I’ve become keenly aware of the need for educated and certified translators/interpreters. Currently some communities use ad hoc interpreters that usually consist of fellow countrymen who’ve migrated earlier and have a basic knowledge of the English language. These interpreters give their fellow countrymen a sense of security and safety as they try to navigate in this new and complex country. Unfortunately, I’ve also uncovered some horror stories from refugees who normally keep quiet out fear of reporting anyone in a position of authority.
Burma: Alleged Suu Kyi Assassin Brokering Peace with Kachin State
As the west pines away at all the progress Burma has achieved in forging a path to democracy the Kachin people and their continued conflict goes under reported or ignored completely. The war is very real and innocent civilians are being murdered by Burmese junta thugs yet the west pretends the war does not exist. Presently in Ruili, China peace negotiations have begun between Burma and the Kachin Independence Organization for a war the west shamefully ignores.
ian Sentinel
