15 Teoh Siblings (Named alphabetically from Albert to Oscar)
9 Siblings (My Cousins)
My 7 Siblings
Other 7 Siblings (U Tin Tut to Daw Tin Saw Mu)
Seven Siblings
ICS U Tin Tut
U Tin Tut
First Burmese to become ICS by invitation.
Served as Foreign Minister, Brigadier of a Reserve Army, Journalist and Publisher.
Perished when a bomb (placed under his car) exploded. There were investigations, but no conclusive results were reported.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint posted photos and articles about his Ba Gyi (e.g. The Empty Tomb).
“Ba Gyi Aung Nyar Dei” (a famous short story by Minthuwun (Saya U Wun) has implicit references to U Tin Tut.
U Kyaw Myint
Brief Bio of U Kyaw Myint
Barrister, Judge of Supreme Court, Head of Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Politician, Head of private Law firm that defended several people accused by the BSPP government).
Stood first in Burma from Central with distinctions in all subjects. Sadly, he was expelled from the University of Rangoon for attending his mother’s funeral and earned the ire of the Principal and his father. His saga is recounted in a series of posts by his son Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint.
Dhamma friend of my beloved parents. They built Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung pagoda and supported “Mon” Sayadaw U Thilawanta.
U Myint Thein
Chief Justice of the Union of Burma
On March 2, 1962, a Coup D’etat took place. Arrested along the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, several Sawbwas and high ranking officials. During his detention, he was allowed only one day off to attend the funeral of his spouse Daw Phwa Hnin (an early Burmese female to be called to the Bar in the UK).
Ambassador (e.g. to China).
Outstanding author and translator.
Pen name : “MMT” (for Maung Myint Thein). His works were heavily censored.
Dr. Htin Aung
Dr. Htin Aung
Principal of Rangoon College & as first native Rector of Rangoon University
Prolific writer covering history, folklore and several topics
“Burmese Drama” and “Thirty Burmese Tales” were prescribed texts.
Daw Khin MyaMu
Lecturer in Burmese
Thamadu Myo Wun (family court judge)
Expert in Kyauk Sar (stone inscriptions)
Spouse : Burmese Professor U E Maung
Her handwritten manuscripts were not published due to lack of fonts, and were ultimately lost
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Daw Khin Saw Mu
Early student of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin (Pali scholar, who successfully proposed the establishment of a separate Burmese Department).
Khit San Poet
Spouse : ICS U Ba Tint
Children : Daw Khin Saw Tint (RIT English, bilingual writer); U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s, TED-x InyaLake speaker, Tuition saya, Chair of the Myanmar Board for organizing the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival).
1968 : David Levy’s wager with Don Michie (Pioneer in Machine Intelligence, U of Edinburgh) joined by two other Computer Experts from the USA
Levy beat several Chess Programs / Computers
1978 : Levy won the wager
World Champion Programs
Belle : by Ken Thompson, UNIX co-creator
Deep Thought (CMU) : Received Master Rating; Beat Levy
Deep Thought (CMU)
Ph.D students : Designed special chips for Chess. Improved Search & Processing of Decision Tree
Chess experts : Created Data base of Chess Strategies. Analyzed Chess Games. Suggested improvements for hardware and software
The team was recruited by IBM to develop Deep Blue. Three remained for the Challenge to be the Human World Champion
Deep Blue (IBM)
1997 : Garry Kasparov (then World Champion) beat Deep Blue by 4 – 2
1998 : Deep Blue beat Kasparov by 3.5 – 2.5 Kasparov made unexpected errors (especially in the final game)
IBM retired Deep Blue
Computer History Museum
Exhibit on “History of Computer Chess”
I attended the Panel Discussion at CHM by (Prof Ed Feigenbaum / Expert Systems, Monty Newborn / Organizer of Computer Chess Tournaments, Murray / Member of Deep Thought and Deep Blue, …)
CHM
Remarks
After retirement, Kasparov became Coach of Magnus Carlsen (Triple World Champion for Classic Chess, Rapid Chess and Blitz Chess).
Provide service / expertise usually free (with volition)
May receive indirect compensation (e.g experience, appreciation)
The Battle of Alamo in Texas : fought by Davy Crockett and the Volunteers from Tennessee
Peace Corps
UNV (United Nations Volunteers) extended to Online Volunteers
Volunteers for Medical Research
Volunteers for UCC Project
Volunteers for fighting the pandemic Front line medical workers Donors for the prevention and treatment Food (Rice …)
Volunteers for Associations, Foundations …
My Volunteer work
Hla Min
Helping SPHS Librarian (in Fourth Standard)
RIT English Newsletter
RUBC (Treasurer, Vice Captain, Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue, Memories of RUBC series of articles)
RIT EE Association (Class rep, Joint Secretary, Secretary, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung)
UCC (Lecture Guides, Training Materials, Memories of UCC series of articles)
RU (Golden Jubilee in 1970, Gangaw Myay Tekkatho Yar Pyay, series of articles)
Contributor and/or Editor
Burmese Language Project (National Foreign Language Center)
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
RIT Alumni International Newsletter
BAPS Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter
Materials for TBSA Summer Dhamma Camp
Editor
Dhamma talks by Sayadaw U Silananda
Three books by Sayadaw U Jotalankara
Two books by Saya U Aung Zaw (Computer)
Contributor
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for 2002, 2007 and 2010
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for 2014 (Shwe YaDu)
Computing
Docent, Computer History Museum
Volunteer, SF Bay Area ACM Chapter
Admin / contributor
hlamin.com Life Long Learning RIT Updates Memories
Lectures
BARB / MARB
UCSY
Dawei Nga Gyan Pyan Kyaung
Translator / Interpreter
TMC
Several sayadaws
Several articles
Several Kabyars
____
Overviewof my Post “Volunteer (1999 – present)
Who would appreciate the spouse and family supporting my 26 years as volunteer messenger, editor and organizer for RIT Alumni (e.g. web site, newsletter, Facebook groups, SPZPs)?
Thanks for the support and understanding. I have posted the following:
Countdown to the Reunion : 64 posts
Post Reunion : 36 posts
RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates (1989 – present)
Micro Reunion and/or PZP
Mini Reunion and/or PZP
Reunion and/or PZP
Grand Reunion and/or PZP
News, articles and photos by Sayas and Alumni
Class of 69
Health Care Funds
Photo Albums (for trips down memory lane
1999 to present
1999 Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
2000 First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ / U Khin Maung Zaw) 64 Countdown to the Reunion posts 36 Post-Reunion posts Commemorative Issue of the Newsletter by U Hla Min and team with my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem on the Front Page
2002 Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004 Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2007 Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed a poem titled “SWE DAW YEIK“
2010 Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012 Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team (Ko Ohn Khine and I prepared the supplemental CD for the book) Special publication: Selected RIT Cartoons Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin and team Reprints: Limited number of vintage RIT Annual Magazines
2013 Swel Daw Yeik Foundation Contributions for various projects Health care for the sayas and sayamas “Saya Geha” as long term project
2014 Shwe YaDu 50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964 Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu Lann poem Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung and team (Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”)
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles Several follow-up gatherings in San Francisco Bay Area
2016 RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association (Known as RITAA) Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon 10000+ attendees Free food and fun (all day and all night long) Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69 Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset) Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69 Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee) Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
2018 Wrote “Trivia” posts (later dropped “Trivia” in the titles) lifelonglearning140.wordpress.com (Archive / Raw Posts) hlamin.com (Paid Personal Web Site) Attended Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY
2019 Completed two decades as Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates Visit to Singapore and Myanmar Moderator, RU Centennial FB Group Panelist at the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay Attended Golden Jubilee of Graduation at Gyogone Campus, and the Reunion Dinner / Entertainment organized by U Aung Min and team Attended Arcariya Pu Zaw of ICST/UCSY
2020 Invited as Guest for the PSA (Professional Speakers’ Association) 2020 Tour to Upper Myanmar (Mostly) Stay-at-home due to Pandemic Translated Kabyars for “Poetic Art Series“ Videos broadcast daily (starting August 18, 2020) Countdown to RU Centennial On a sad note, the SPZP was cancelled due to the pandemic. Saya U Ba Than could not invite his former students and colleagues to the Annual Birthday Soon Kway. However, Saya was wished by his siblings and relatives via Zoom meetings. His brother U Tin Htoon (A60) compiled a Photo Album / Book (with the help of Henry Kao / Htaik San) for the Life and Achievements of Saya. The Book was not delivered by the regular Post Office Services. Saya U Tin Htut offered to send the Book via DHL. He also pledged to donate a copy of the Book to YTU Library.
2021
Continue posting two Videos daily
2022 – present
Update posts
Swel Daw
Ideas from Tekkatho Moe War, Maung Sein Win (Padeegone), Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla)
You were the victim of a superstitious power monger willing to crush “Pretenders to the Throne” animate and inanimate.
Without a just and fair trial, you were condemned to death.
When one Swel Daw Bin was axed Two magically reappeared
When two Swel Daw Bins were hacked Four appeared to baffle the tormentors
With each atrocious act Swel Daw Bins rebounded and redoubled
The ADHAMMA authorities persisted and ruthlessly rooted all Swel Daw Bins from the Land of the Bearers/Defenders of DHAMMA
Why? Why? Why?
Swel Daws do not have destructive power or desire to exploit They do not have LOBA, DOSA, and MOHA They simply display pristine, beauty and elegance They embody the principles of trust, integrity, and unity of mentors and mentees students, teachers, and Loke Tha’s They provide shade, calm and tranquillity to those seeking rest & peace of mind
With the dawning of the Pwint Linn Era Fifty majestic Swel Daw Bins bloom gallantly along side the famed Shwe YaDu Lann with pleasing Shwe YaDu Benches
There have been tears of sorrow when Swel Daws were banished from the Land
Now there are tears of joy with many artifacts bearing your name
BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) was opened at the Gyogone Campus in 1961.
The degree offered was B.Sc. (Engg).
Saya Dr. Aung Soe (C61), Saya U Maung Maung Win (M61) and Saya Dr. San Tint (EE61) were fledgling sayas at BIT.
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Aye (62) and Bohmu Myint Thein Lwin (EE62) were some students who attended the Final Year classes at BIT.
BIT was renamed as RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology). The official name change took place in 1964. The degree was renamed as B.E.
We are not sure if “BIT Rangoon” was considered as an alternative to RIT. IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) has several campuses. The five oldest IIT campuses and their establishment dates are: (a) IIT Kharagpur IITKGP 1951 (b) IIT Bombay IITB 1958 (c) IIT Kanpur IITK 1959 (d) IIT Madras IITM 1959 (e) IIT Delhi IITD 1963 [founded in 1961]
AIT (Asian Institute of Technology) was supposedly started as a school for SEATO (South East Asian Treaty Organization).
Several states (Massachusetts, Illinois, California, …) in USA are known for their Institutes of Technology. Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli received his Sc.D. in EE from MIT. He was an informal adviser to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and Sayagyi U Min Wun, who were among the first three engineering undergraduates to be chosen under the “TWINNING PROGRAM” initiated by Sayagyi U Ba Hli, first native Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University.
RIT was renamed as YIT (Yangon Institute of Technology) and then YTU (Yangon Technological University).
During the “Adhamma Era”, classes were relocated to far away places, and “Swel Daw Bins” were decimated. The A to G Halls were “transformed” into make-shift quarters. Wall clocks stopped. Bushes sprang up. A video of that time brought tears and anger, and the notion that “we might not live to see our alma mater in its former glory for decades to come”.
With the dawn of the some-what “Pwint Linn Era”, our alma mater rose from the ashes. Per request from H.E. U Aye Myint (EP 72), the alumni — young and old, near and far — provided physical, monetary, and spiritual support to help the alma mater in every way possible.
The first true “Home Coming” took place in December 2012. There were tears of joy. 3000 copies of the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazine (not just Sar Saung) were sold out in a couple of days. Limited reprints of the 23 RIT Annual Magazines were also sold out. Autographed copies of “Selected RIT Cartoons” were also sold out. Some copies of “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” may still be available.
There were six Annual Magazines published by RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Student Union). Saya U Moe Aung learned and refined his publication skills as an editor/publisher of the magazine. The student unions and all professional organizations were banned following the coup d’eat in March 1962. Censorship increased with subsequent regimes.
We now have an official alumni association.
The Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP held in 2016 was grander. Free food and entertainment were provided the whole day.
Thanks to the sayas and alums for keeping the RIT Spirit (Swel Daw Yeik Spirit) alive and well.
Memoriesof SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000 Organizers include
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) wrote “Brother, can you afford US 500$?”
Ko Benny Tan (M70), Golden Sponsor & co-chair of Working Committee, designed memorabilia : SPZP-2000 Banner, Mug, T-shirt, Calculator/clock
Ko Maurice Chee (M75), co-chair of Working Committee, Financial Controller, Publisher of commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”
Committee members from Northern California & Southern California took care of the planning and execution of the main event and supplementary picnic
Ko Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), designed and implemented htto://www.ex-rit.org; instrumental in getting the sayas and alumni world-wide get reconnected
I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post-Reunion” articles for the ex-rit web site and RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
A commemorative issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter was published with Yours Truly as Chief Editor, Ko Henry Lim and Saya U Thein Aung as Associate Editors.
Saya U Nyo Win (M65), Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Saya U Thein Aung (Met 72) … made sure that the event was “not out of control”
Hired professionals (Photographers and Videographers) to record the event
[Later] The VHS tape was converted to DVD
Feel free to see the DVDs, the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International”, 64 “Count down to the Reunion”, 36 “Post Reunion”, Photo albums …
One may study Tarot cards for fun, e.g. don’t be scared if the reading says that “your house is going to be damaged”; or be happy if the reading says that “a new family member is on the way”
Some may study and practice Tarot cards for profit, e.g. professional reader/advisor
There are websites & publications for Tarot
I used to have a Tarot deck and a book. It covered a brief history, the meaning of each card, and several spreads for Tarot readings.
Tarot Deck
It consists of 78 cards
22 cards belong to the Major Arcana
56 cards belong to the Minor Arcana
The two Arcanas supposedly indicate long term versus short term events & whether an event is in control versus uncontrollable
Major Arcana
22 cards
Include Fool, Lovers, High Priest, High Priestess, Emperor, Empress, Hermit, Sun, Moon, Stars, Tower, Chariot, Tower, Strength, Judgement …
Minor Arcana
4 suits
Each suit has 14 cards : One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Page, Jack (Knight), Queen, King
Total of 56 cards in the Minor Arcana
Styles
The Tarot Decks come in different styles.
The suits may be named differently in the decks, but the underlying concepts hold.
Options
Straight up
Reversal
Significator
Beginners usually use the “Straight up” option (where a card may be good or bad).
With experience, one might try “Allow Reversals” (where every card has two meanings : one for upright & another for reversed).
One might also try “Consider Significators”.
Spreads
After shuffling the deck, one lays our a selected number of cards in a pattern.
One card only : Decision making for a specified problem
Three Card Spread : used to interpret the Past, Present & Future.
Celtic Cross places 7 cards in the form of a cross. The cards represent problem, influence (positive & negative) and likely outcome (and suggestion).
When Rangoon University was established in December 1920, it had the Department of Law.
U May Aung served as the first Professor.
U May Aung
U May Aung
U May Aung (Barrister-at-law, LL.D) served as Professor of Law from 1920 -1922.
Rakkhine national
Later became Home Minister
Father of Daw Mya Sein (Scholar)
Sir Arthur Eggar
Sir Arthur Eggar
Law Professor (1923 – 1937)
Earlier : Lecturer in the Maths Department at Rangoon College, and Legal Advisor in the Middle East
Founded Rangoon University Boat Club in 1923. Elected as Life President.
Pledged a third of his salary for the operation of RUBC.
Wrote autobiography (in three installments) for the Guardian Magazine in the mid 50s.
Autobiography
Several Old Members including me reprinted his autobiography for the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC. YUBC OMA has copies of Sir Arthur Eggar’s autobiography.
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Han
Alumnus of Sorbonne University
Law Professor for two terms : (1937 – 1942) and (1946 – 1950).
Rangoon University was closed for a period during the war.
Complied a dictionary.
Dictionary
Dr. Ba Maw (Adipati) is his brother. He earlier was English Lecturer at Rangoon University.
Both brothers attended De La Salle Schools.
U Kyaw Myint
U Kyaw Myint
Stood first in Burma in Matric with distinctions in all subjects from Central. He was selected by Mr. Matthew Hunter (Principal of Rangoon College) to take the Entrance exam of Calcutta University to study Medicine. He requested the Principal that he wanted to pay last respect to his mother. The Principal warned that he would be expelled if he did not take the entrance exam. He attended his mother’s last journey and was expelled from the College. Worse still, his father threatened to disown him. The Kan So Kan Kaung story of U Kyaw Myint can be read in a series of blogs by his son Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint and re-printed in my web site hlamin.com
Served as Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1950 – 1958.
Earlier served as Justice of High Court and Supreme Court, Head of the Tribunal that tried Galon U Saw and co-founder of a political party with Dr. Ba Maw. He later founded his law firm.
Has an elder brother (ICS U Tin Tut), two younger brothers (U Myint Thein & Dr. Htin Aung), and three younger sisters (Daw Khin Mya Mu, Daw Khin Saw Mu & Daw Tin Saw Mu).
According to Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, his father had full confidence in his students (e.g. Guardian U Sein Win, Sao Hso Holm, U Mya Thein).
Law Professors (for the later periods)
U Myint (1958 – 1961)
U Aung Khine (1961 – 1964)
U Hla Aung (1965 – 1971)
U Tin Ohn (1971 – 1986)
U Tin Aung Aye (1986 – 1994)
Daw Than Nwe (1994 – 2007)
Dr. Daw Khin Mar Yi (2007 – 2018)
Law Degrees
In the early days, BL (Bachelor Law) was studied as a post-graduate degree (e.g. after B.A. or B.Sc.)
Several student politicians enrolled in the program to preserve their eligibility as RU students.
Under the new Education System, LL.B was established.
It was a five year study after Matriculation.
Related posts in RU Centennial
First batch of LL.B graduates
Several other batches
Sayamas known for their beauty and teaching.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha’s daughter Daw May Thi Ka was a sayama at the Law Department before she moved to the USA. She was a core organizer and coordinator for the groups raised fund for Saya Kha’s Centennial.
Some practitioners of Law took exams for HGP and RL.
I wrote an article on the Burmese Calendar for the BAPS Newsletter.
January
First month of the Gregorian Calendar
Named after Janus, two-faced God (symbolic to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new year)
Jan 1 : New Year’s Day
Jan 4 : Independence Day in Myanmar
Martin Luther King’s Day in US
Sometimes : Lunar New Year
February
Second month of the Gregorian Calendar
Has 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year
My poem for Union Day Supplement in WPD
Burma/Myanmar
February 12
Pyidaungsu Nay (ပြည်ထောင်စုနေ့ Union Day) is a public holiday in the Union of Burma. It commemorates the signing of the Pinlong Sar Choke (ပင်လုံစာချုပ် Panglong Agreement) on February 12, 1947. February 13
Bogyoke Aung San was born on February 13, 1915. He was named Htain Lin. He later changed the name to rhyme with that of Aung Than (his elder brother). Arzani U Ba Win is their eldest brother. Centennial celebrations for Bogyoke were held in 2015. February 13 is also as Khalay Myar Nay (ခလေးများနေ့ Children’s Day).
Tabodwe Festival (Sometimes)
The Full Moon of Tabodwe တပို့တွဲ often falls in February. Two celebrations are held.
Htamane Pwe (ထမနဲပွဲ Sticky Rice Festival)
Ovada Partimauk Day (ဩဝါဒပါမောက် Exhortation)
USA
February 14
Valentine’s Day (Chit Thu Myar Nay ချစ်သူများနေ့) is not a public holiday, but many people send greeting cards and presents.
Presidents’ Day
In the early days, there were two holidays. One to celebrate George Washington’s birthday and another to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Later a single holiday in February to honor all US Presidents was proposed. Some states continue to celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln.
Canada
“Family Day” (holiday) is observed on the 2nd Monday of February in Ontario.
Family Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of February in British Columbia.
LunarNew Year
Some countries (e.g China and Vietnam) observe the Lunar Year.
The Lunar New Year occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February. The date is not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar.
It fell in February in 2018 and 2019.
Days
February is the shortest month in the year with 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year.
A common year has 365 days, while a Solar year has 365.2422 days.
A year which is not a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 4. The discrepancy of .9688 days is rounded up to a day.
A year which is a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 400. This ensures that there are 97 leap years in four centuries.
February supposedly had 30 days, but one day each was transferred to July (honoring Julius Caesar) and August (honoring Augustus Caesar) to have 31 days in those months (worthy of Roman Emperors). February was left with 28 days.
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” illustrated a grave stone which had February 30.
March
First month of the old Roman Calendar
Third month of the Gregorian Calendar
Mar 2 : Peasant’s Day တောင်သူလယ်သမားနေ့ was moved from Jan 1 in order to celebrate the Coup D’eat
Phone Maw Day
Burma’s Human Rights Day (celebrated by Berkeley)
Mar 27 : Resistance Day was renamed as Armed Forces Day
First Day of Spring : Persian New Year
April
Second month of the old Roman Calendar
Fourth month of the Gregorian Calendar
Thingyan : Three or four days of Water Festival
Myanmar New Year
The deadline for filing taxes in the USA is around mid-April
May
Third month of the old Roman Calendar
Fifth month of the Gregorian Calendar
May 1 : May Day in some countries
May 5 : Cinco de Mayo
Mother’s Day in the US
June
Fourth month of the old Roman Calendar
Sixth month of the Gregorian Calendar
Jun 6 : D Day
Jun 6 : Ah Loke Thamar Ah Yay Ah Khinn အလုပ်သမားအရေးအခင်း
Father’s Day in the US
July
Fifth month of the old Roman calendar Had 30 days
Renamed July in honor of Emperor Julius Caesar and was given an extra day
Seventh month of the Gregorian Calendar Has 31 days
My beloved father was born on 1st July.
Jul 4 : Independence Day in the US
Jul 7 : Students’ protest that was brutally crushed
Jul 8 : Demolition of the Rangoon University Student’s Union
Jul 19 : Arzani Nay အာဇာနည်နေ့
Apollo 11 landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon in July 1969. Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) stepped on the Moon. They set up the US Flag. They collected lunar rock samples. Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled around the Moon and waited for the return of the Lunar Module.
Poem
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by Mr. Hall (USIS) to NASA.
The poem was published in the Guardian Daily.
Dark day in July 1947
Nine Arzanees — seven Ministers, one Secretary and a body guard — were gunned down on July 19, 1947. Eight perished that day. Sao San Htun succumbed a day later.
Bogyoke Aung San
Thakin Mya
Deedoke U Ba Cho (Grandfather of Dr. Khin Hla Cho & Daw Khin Myint Cho)
Mahn Ba Khine (Father of Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khine)
Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun (passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947)
U Ba Win (Elder brother of Boyoke, Father of Dr. Sein Win)
U Razak (Father of U Tin Myint & U Hla Kyi)
ICS U Ohn Maung (father of Saya U Tin Maung Thein)
Yebaw Maung Htwe
There are books & documentaries on the “unsolved mystery”.
Two dark days in July 1962
According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
Ko Aung Khin, who was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning home from Rangoon University Boat Club, was listed as the 17th victim.
The revered RU Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
The celebration of the 7th July in the following year (1963) ended with the closure of Universities — with the exception of the Faculties of Medical and Engineering.
August
Sixth month of the old Roman calendar Had 30 days
Renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and was given an extra day.
Eighth month of the Gregorian Calendar, and it has 31 days.
8-8-88 : start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
Anniversaries
There are several birthdays in my family.
Two sisters, my grand daughter, several cousins and I are August born.
Aug 2016 at HMB
In August 2016, Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay မွေးနေ့ ဆွမ်းကျွေး for me at the Dhammananda Vihara ဓမ္မာနန္ဒဝိဟာရ in Half Moon Bay, California. The sayas and alumni presented me an Appreciation award.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa passed away on August 13, 2005.
Three of my in-laws : Father-in-law, Mother-in-law & Brother-in-law passed away in August.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58)), U Myint Swe (EP74, NorCal RITAA) and U Thein Naing (Patrick, La Phet Yay Waing member) are also August born.
Party for August born
One of them hosts an August-born Birthday Party. In August 2018, U Patrick (Thein Naing) and Daw Mie Mie hosted a lunch gathering for the August born at Moss Beach Distillery. They also presented a book for us.
Is 8 lucky?
8-8-88 (August 8, 1988) and the following days mark the hope and then despair of the people longing for the end of the Adhamma Era.
Grapevine says that the event was inspired in part by numerologists who remembered the historic event (about Mingyi Yan Naung) in 888 Burmese Era and extrapolated the magic of No. 8 from three 8’s to four 8’s.
Most Chinese think that the number 8 is lucky. For example, Beijing Olympics was opened on 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008).
September
Seventh month of the old calendar. “Sept” means Seven.
Ninth month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 30 days.
Crushed the hopes of Multi-party Democracy in 1988
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent
October
Eighth month of the old Roman calendar. “Oct” means Eight
Tenth month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days.
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent (Thadinkyut သီတင်းကျွတ်)
“Deepavali” or “Diwali” celebrations are also celebrated around October. It is known as the “Festival of Lights”.
“Halloween” occurs every year on October 31 (i.e. the day before “All Saint’s Day” which falls on November 1). It is celebrated with “Trick or Treat” by the children and optional “Halloween Costume Party” by young & old adults.
Due to differences in the calendars, the Bolshevik Revolution is wrongly referred to as the “October Revolution”.
Ocktoberfest is a festival held in October.
The Annual Pumpkin Festival with the bragging rights to the “heaviest” Pumpkin is held along Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay in Northern California. The traffic is really bad in the area for most of October. The 7-mile strip takes an hour or more during the Festival period.
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi’s birthday is October 1.
Sayagyi U Ba Than offers soon dana for his birthday on October 2. Sayas, former students and friends are invited to the soon kway. The Class of 69 usually offers Garawa at Sayagyi’s place (Winner Inn).
November
Ninth month of the old Roman calendar. “Nov” means nine.
Eleventh month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 30 days.
Anniversary of my beloved parents
Tazaundaing often fall around November
Kathein ကထိန် robe offering often take place in early November. Must be held during one month following the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut (which usually falls in October).
November 1st is “All Saints Day”. Preceded by Halloween (which falls on October 31st).
DST (Daylight Savings Time) requires resetting the clock according to “Spring forward. Fall back.” Currently, DST is set back in Fall (Autumn) on the Sunday following Halloween.
The second Tuesday of November is scheduled for US Elections at the various levels. (a) The Presidential Elections occur every four years. (b) The mid-term elections occur every two years. The House of Representatives serve two year terms. (c) Senators serve six year terms. To ensure continuity in the Senate, the election of the Senators is staggered into three groups.
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday following Thanksgiving have massive sales. Some companies start their “Black Friday” early in November.
Several English words (e.g. November, Black Friday) have lost their original meaning.
November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day in the USA.
It is celebrated as Armistice Day in the UK and France.
A hundred years ago, Truce was called between the Allied Forces and Germany.
The Truce occurred at 11 AM, marking the event with three 11s.
First World War officially ended a year later with the controversial Versailles Treaty.
Elections in the US (Local races every year, House of Representatives every two years, One third of Senators every two years, President every four years)
Nov 22 : JFK assassinated (Conspiracy Theory survives)
Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US
December
Tenth month of the old Roman Calendar. “Dec” means Ten.
Twelfth & last month of the Gregorian Calendar. It has 31 days.
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn ဦးသန့်အရေးအခင်း dark day in the history of Burma
Cambridge University Home club of Sir Arthur Eggar
RBC (Rangoon Boat Club) Exclusive for Europeans and Anglo-Burmese
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) : Founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor, RU); He pledged one-third of his salary for the Clubs operation; He donated a Challenge Cup (Pewter and brooches) for the Senior Novices. U Nyo’ s donation to RU Estate helped build the RUBC Club House; U Nyo donated a Challenge Cup (for the Inter-Club Eights)
RUBC
Defense Services Rowing Club Initially from Burma Navy
Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)
Regattas
Rag Regatta : One day event; Finalists for the Novices race are seeded for Monsoon Regatta
Monsoon Regatta
Annual Regatta
Inter-Varsity, e.g. CURC
ARAE, e.g. Calcutta, Colombo
FEARA, e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore
Challenge Cups
President’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Eights
Prime Minister’s Cup : for Inter-Club Coxed Fours
Commemorative Publications
40th Anniversary Issue (in 1963) : Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon & U Tin Htoon
90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) : U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, Secretary), U Hla Min (Contributing Editor) …
Sir Arthur’s Autobiography : Reprint funded by selected Old Members
RUBC Old Members
They are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
The Old Crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
U San Maung(Gerald, GBNF)
Past Secretary & RUBC Gold
Club Coach — He would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds). He would mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members.
Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF)
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
ARAE Champion twice
Won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with Tin Htoon (A60)
Won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with Tin Htoon (A60), Sunny Teng, Victor Htun Shein (GBNF) and Sein Htoon (M63, Cox)
Usually rowed as Box on the RUBC crews. As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962. Win Kyi (RUBC Gold, son of Miss Hong) rowed as No. (7). There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William Hone), Htain Linn & Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint (EC67), Oung Kyaing & Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).
Dr. Pe Nyun (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing were Pediatric surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital. They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San.
Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong. He became Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club. He would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.
Dr. Thein Toe and Dr. Htut Saing
Reunions
U Tin U, U Maung Maung Than Tun, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya Dr. Than Nyunt (George), U Tin Htoon, Dr. Donald Chan, U Tun Shein (Willie), U Tun Aung (George), U Sein Htoon, Dr. Tin Wa, U Myo Myint, U Thura Thant Zin, U Htaik San (Henry), and several Old Crocs attended Regattas (especially the 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC).
Most of them contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the commemorative issue, and for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s biography.
Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
My Journey
Senior Novices Runner-up (in 1963) Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung, Stroke, GBNF) Kyaw Wynn (3) Hla Min (2) Maung Maung Kyi (Bow) Myint Thein (Cox)
Honorary Treasurer (1964 – 65)
Vice Captain (1965 – 66)
Contributing Editor for 90th Anniversary Issue (in 2013) Prelude for each section Three articles
Donated for reprint of Sir Arthur’s Autobiography
Memories of RUBC Series in YUBC Old Members Facebook Group
I wrote an article on the Burmese Calendar for the BAPS Newsletter.
Months
January
First month of Gregorian Calendar
Named after Janus, two-faced God (symbolic to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new year)
Jan 1 : New Year’s Day
Jan 4 : Independence Day in Myanmar
Martin Luther King’s Day in US
Sometimes : Lunar New Year
February
Second month of the Gregorian Calendar
Has 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year
My poem for Union Day Supplement in WPD
Burma/Myanmar
February 12 : Pyidaungsu Nay (Union Day) is a public holiday in the Union of Burma. Commemorates the signing of the Pinlong Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) on February 12, 1947.
February 13 : Bogyoke Aung San was born on February 13, 1915. Named Htain Lin. Changed the name to rhyme with that of Aung Than (elder brother). Centennial celebrations for Bogyoke were held in 2015. Feb 13 is also as Khalay Myar Nay (Children’s Day).
Tabodwe Festival (Occasional)
The Full Moon of Tabodwe often falls in February. Two celebrations are held.
Htamane Pwe (Sticky Rice Festival)
Ovada Partimauk Day (Exhortation)
USA
February 14 : Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday, but many people send greeting cards and presents.
Presidents’ Day : In the early days, there were two holidays. One to celebrate George Washington’s birthday and another to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Later a single holiday in February to honor all US Presidents was proposed. Some states continue to celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln.
Canada
“Family Day” (holiday) is observed on the 2nd Monday of February in Ontario.
Family Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of February in British Columbia.
LunarNew Year
Some countries (including China and Vietnam) observe the Lunar Year.
Lunar New Year occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February. The date is not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar.
It fell in February in 2018 and 2019.
Days
February is the shortest month in the year with 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year.
A common year has 365 days, while a Solar year has 365.2422 days.
A year which is not a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 4. The discrepancy of .9688 days is rounded up to a day.
A year which is a Century year is a Leap Year if it is divisible by 400. This ensures that there are 97 leap years in four centuries.
February had 30 days, but one day each was transferred to July (honoring Julius Caesar) and August (honoring Augustus Caesar) to have 31 days in those months (worthy of Roman Emperors). February was left with 28 days.
Ripley’s “Believe it or not” illustrated a grave stone which had February 30.
March
First month of old Roman Calendar
Third month of Gregorian Calendar
Mar 2 : Peasant’s Day was moved from Jan 1 in order to celebrate the Coup D’eat
Phone Maw Day
Burma’s Human Rights Day (celebrated by Berkeley)
Mar 27 : Resistance Day was renamed as Armed Forces Day
First Day of Spring : Persian New Year
April
Second month of old Roman Calendar
Fourth month of Gregorian Calendar
Thingyan : Three or four days of Water Festival
Myanmar New Year
The deadline for filing taxes in the USA is around mid-April
May
Third month of old Roman Calendar
Fifth month of Gregorian Calendar
May 1 : May Day in some countries
May 5 : Cinco de Mayo
Mother’s Day in the US
June
Fourth month old Roman Calendar
Sixth month of Gregorian Calendar
Jun 6 : D Day
Jun 6 : Ah Loke Thamar Ah Yay Ah Khinn
Father’s Day in the US
July
Fifth month of old Roman calendar; Had 30 days
Renamed July in honor of Emperor Julius Caesar and was given an extra day
Seventh month of Gregorian Calendar; Has 31 days
My beloved father was born on 1st July
Jul 4 : Independence Day in the US
Jul 7 : Students’ protest that was brutally crushed
Jul 8 : Demolition of the Rangoon University Student’s Union
Jul 19 : Arzani Nay
Apollo 11 landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon in July 1969. Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) & Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) stepped on the Moon. They set up the US Flag. They collected lunar rock samples. Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled around the Moon and waited for the return of the Lunar Module.
My poem “Men on the Moon” was forwarded by USIS to NASA.
The poem was published in the Guardian Daily.
Dark day in July 1947
Nine Arzanis — seven Ministers, a Secretary and a body guard — were gunned down on July 19, 1947. Eight perished that day. Sao San Htun succumbed a day later.
Bogyoke Aung San
Thakin Mya
Deedoke U Ba Cho
Mahn Ba Khine
Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun (passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947)
U Ba Win
U Razak
ICS U Ohn Maung
Yebaw Maung Htwe
There are books & documentaries on the “unsolved mystery”.
Two dark days in July 1962
According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
Ko Aung Khin, who was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning home from Rangoon University Boat Club, was listed as the 17th victim.
The revered Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
The celebration of the 7th July in the following year (1963) ended with the closure of Universities (with the exception of Medical & Engineering).
August
Sixth month of old Roman calendar; Had 30 days
Renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar and was given an extra day.
Eighth month of the Gregorian Calendar; Haas 31 days.
8-8-88 : start of a long struggle to restore Democracy in Myanmar
Anniversaries
There are several birthdays in my extended family.
Two sisters, my grand daughter, several cousins and I are August born.
In August 2016, Maurice Chee (M75) organized a birthday soon kwyay for me at the Dhammananda Vihara in Half Moon Bay, California. The sayas and alumni presented me an Appreciation award.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa passed away on August 13 in 2005.
Three of my in-laws : Father-in-law, Mother-in-law and Brother-in-law passed away in August.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58)), U Myint Swe (EP74, NorCal RITAA) and U Thein Naing (Patrick, La Phet Yay Waing member) are also August born.
One of them hosts an August-born Birthday Party. In August 2018, Patrick and Mie Mie hosted a lunch gathering for the August born at Moss Beach Distillery. They also presented a book for us.
Is 8 lucky?
8-8-88 (August 8, 1988) and the following days mark the hope and then despair of the people longing for the end of the Adhamma Era.
The event was inspired in part by numerologists who remembered the historic event (about Mingyi Yan Naung) in 888 Burmese Era and extrapolated the magic of No. 8 from three 8’s to four 8’s.
Most Chinese think that the number 8 is lucky. For example, Beijing Olympics was opened on 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008).
September
Seventh month of old calendar. “Sept” means Seven.
Ninth month of Gregorian calendar.
Crushed the hopes of Multi-party Democracy in 1988
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent
October
Eighth month of old calendar. “Oct” means Eight
Tenth month of Gregorian calendar
Occasionally : End of Burmese Buddhist Lent (Thadinkyut)
“Deepavali” or “Diwali” celebrations are celebrated around October. Known as the “Festival of Lights”.
“Halloween” occurs every year on October 31 (the day before “All Saint’s Day”). Celebrated with “Trick or Treat” by children & optional “Halloween Costume Party” by adults.
Due to differences in the calendars, the Bolshevik Revolution is [wrongly] referred to as the “October Revolution”.
Ocktoberfest is a festival held in October.
The Annual Pumpkin Festival with the bragging rights to the “heaviest” Pumpkin is held along Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay in Northern California. The traffic is really bad in the area for most of October. The 7-mile strip takes an hour or more during the Festival period.
Dr. Aung Gyi’s birthday is October 1.
U Ba Than’s birthday is October 2. Sayas, former students & friends are invited to his soon kway. 69ers usually offer Garawa at Sayagyi’s place (Winner Inn).
November
Ninth month of old calendar. “Nov” means nine.
Eleventh month of Gregorian calendar.
Anniversary of my beloved parents
Tazaundaing often fall around November
Kathein robe offering often take place in early November. Must be held during one month following the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut.
November 1st is “All Saints Day”. Preceded by Halloween (which falls on October 31st).
DST (Daylight Savings Time) requires resetting the clock according to “Spring forward. Fall back.” Currently, DST is set back in Fall (Autumn) on the Sunday following Halloween.
The second Tuesday of November is scheduled for US Elections at the various levels. (a) Presidential Elections occur every four years. (b) Mid-term elections occur every two years. House of Representatives serve two year terms. (c) Senators serve six year terms. To ensure continuity in the Senate, the election of the Senators is staggered into three groups.
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday following Thanksgiving have massive sales. Some companies start their “Black Friday” early in November.
Several English words (e.g. November, Black Friday) have lost their original meaning.
November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day in the USA.
It is celebrated as Armistice Day in the UK and France.
A hundred years ago, Truce was called between the Allied Forces and Germany. The Truce occurred at 11 AM, marking the event with three 11s.
First World War officially ended a year later with the Versailles Treaty.
Elections in the US (Local races & Resolutions every year, House of Representatives every two years, One third of Senators every two years, President every four years)
Nov 22 : JFK assassinated (Conspiracy Theory survives)
Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US
December
Tenth month of old Calendar. “Dec” means Ten.
Twelfth & last month of Gregorian Calendar
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn : dark day in the history of Burma
