Category: Broadcast

  • November (Talk)

    November (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on November 21, 2020

    Nov means 9

    • 9th month of old Roman Calendar
    • 11th month of Gregorian Calendar

    November 1919

    • Truce declared for First World War (WWI)
    • Nov 11, 11:11 AM
    • Armistice Day
    • Veteran’s Day (USA)

    November 1963

    President John F Kennedy

    • “Men on the Moon” speech at Rice University in Houston, Texas
    • Assassination on November 22 at Dallas, Texas
    • Books, Movies about JFK

    Thanksgiving

    Fourth Thursday

    • Dinner
    • Family gathering

    Black Friday

    • Discount for shopping

    Cyber Monday

    • Discount for online shopping

    Commercialization

    • Extended period for shopping

    US Election

    Second Tuesday of November

    Yearly :

    • Local

    Every two years :

    • House of Representatives
    • One third of Senators

    Every four years

    • President
    • Inauguration on Jan 20 the following year

    November 2019

    • Gatherings in Singapore and Yangon
    • Panelist at 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay

    November 2020

    • Wrote “Countdown to RU Centennial” posts
    • Complete 100+ Daily Videos
    • Complete 2500+ articles in Personal Web Site
    5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
    Videos
  • Virus (Talk)

    Virus (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 1, 2021

    Basics

    • Virus is a Pathogen
      Other Pathogens : Bacteria, Fungi, Worm …
      Studied in Microbiology
    • RNA (Type of nucleic acid with a single strand)
      Studied in Genetics
    • Virus may be Symbiotic or Parasitic
      Not all viruses are harmful
    • Need a host cell to multiply
    • Methods of transmission
      via animals and insects
      (some) human-to-human
      bodily contact
      air borne (time and distance may vary)
    • May cause damage to cells and organs
    • May mutate
      e.g. new flu shots every year

    Coronavirus

    • Shaped like a Corona (“Crown” of Sun)
    • Human Coronavirus found around 1955
    • Different kinds of impact : from mild to severe (deadly)
    • Common cold (mildest)
    • Flu (may cause aches and pains)
    • SARS : Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (mortality rate around 9%)
    • MERS : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (mortality rate around 35%)
    • HIV (Weaken immune system)

    COVID-19

    • Health Organizations agreed to not to use names attributing “place of origin”
    • COVID-19 stands for COrona VIrus Disease (found in) 2019
    • The disease is caused by the virus named SARS-Cov-2
    • The death rate (currently around 2 to 3%) is less than that of SARS and MERS, but the infection rate is higher (partly because the patients may not show symptoms of the disease and unknowingly act as “carriers”)
    • New strains were found in December 2020

    Miscellaneous

    • The initial “outbreak” was not reported factually to the world.
    • Some organizations and groups generated myths (e.g. It’s just another brand of Flu)
      and unreliable treatment (e.g. take disinfectants).
    • The misinformation and disinformation may have caused undesirable deaths.
    • The deadly impact was downplayed
      e.g. reports say NO human-to-human transmission
      A few said that the disease would go away naturally soon!
    • Some countries were not prepared
      e.g. lack of PPE for doctors and nurses in UK (which was then focusing on Brexit rather than the pandemic)
    • Dr. Peter Tun (MRCP, Former Associate Dean of Oxford University) was an early victim. He reported about lack of PPE in his ward, but was ignored due to the “lax” HHE guidelines at the time. He succumbed to COVID-19 on April 13, 2020. Ultimately, his death caused a “review” for better “policies” to benefit other doctors and nurses. He would become the first to receive FRCP posthumously form the Royal College of Physicians,
    • It took a long time to figure out the symptoms.
    • The first round of vaccinations for COVID-19 has been completed in UK, USA and Canada.
    • Tests are being conducted to see if the vaccines are effective for the newer strains.
    • Based on the priority (e.g. Tiers) and logistics, many will have to wait for their turn.
    Youtube


  • Audio Book (Talk)

    Audio Book (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 27, 2021

    Books

    • Regular Print
    • Large Print
    • Braille
    • e-Book
    • Audio Book
    • Special hardware and software to “scan and read” books

    Audio Books

    • Some may be available from Public Libraries
      Early : CDs
    • Some may require “Subscription”
      For downloading
    • Some may be offered at Discount in a Bundle
      Podcasts
      Book summaries
      Books
      e.g. Premium Subscription to Blinkist

    Listeners’ Heaven

    https://www.facebook.com/listenersheaven

    • Established in November 2020
    • Facebook Group
    • Provides “Subscription”
    • Offerings
      Win Pe
      Minthuwun
      Zat Kyee Hse Bwe
      Selected Novels
      Overview of selected “hot” topics
    Talks
  • New Year (Talk)

    New Year (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Hla Min

    Video Broadcast on December 17, 2020

    Traditional

    • New Year’s Eve on December 31
      Bringing in the New Year (with celebration)
      Dropping the Ball in Times Square in New York
    • New Year on January 1
      Holiday in some countries
    • January is named as after Janus (Two faced God)
      Symbolically, one face looks back at the outgoing year and another face looks at the incoming year
    • In the early days, Burma celebrated January 1 as “Peasants’ Day
    • Later, Peasants’ Day was moved to March 2

    Others

    • Old Roman Calendar starts with March.
    • Persian New Year falls on or around March 21
      First Day of Spring” celebrations
    • Myanmar celebrates “Thingyan” on or around April 13 for three (or sometimes four) days.
      The Myanmar New Year falls Thingyan.
    • Thailand celebrated “Songkram” (equivalent of Thingyan)
    • Both words derive from Pali and Sanskrit words meaning “Change”.
    • Cula Thingyan (Small Change) occurs every month when the Sun in the Geocentric model moves to another Zodiac Sign.
    • Maha Thingyan (Big Change) occurs every year when the Sun has moved through all twelve signs.
    • The Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) around the end of January or the start of February.
    • The Vietnamese celebrate Tet (equivalent of Chinese New Year)
    • The festivities may last a week (or more)
    • Karen New Year (Kayin Hnit Ku)
    • Special events
      New Year in 2000 (to usher the New Millennium)
    Talks
  • MahaGandayone Sayadaw & U Ba Kyi (Talk)

    MahaGandayone Sayadaw & U Ba Kyi (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 5, 2010

    U Hla Min

    Illustrated History of Buddhism

    YMBA

    • The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
    • YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa မဟာဂန္ဓာရုံဆရာတော်အရှင်ဇနကာဘိဝံသto write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
    • Saya U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
    • In 1953, Saya U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
    • In 1954, YMBA later published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.

    TBSA

    • Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa ဦးသီလာနန္ဒာဘိဝံသ sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
    • In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
    • Several books were left.
      Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.

    Missed Opportunity

    • An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
    • Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.

    Miscellaneous

    • There have been some requests to reprint the book.
    • There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.

    U Ba Kyi

    • Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
    • Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).

    Darling
    Only two we will live dear
    On the high crest
    Of the Mount Everest
    And the Sahara Desert
    Driest without water
    To the North Pole
    May be freezing cold
    Where the sun will never never grow
    With all my heart and soul
    Only two darling We will go

  • SEAP Games (Talk)

    SEAP Games (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 26, 2021

    SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games

    1st SEAP Games

    • Thailand hosted the inaugural event at Bangkok in 1959
    • Burmese athletes include
      Tin Maung Ni & team (Swimming), Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Track and Field), Tun Aung & Victor Pe Win (Tennis), Boxing,
      Weightlifting …

    2nd SEAP Games

    • Burma hosted the event at Rangoon in December 1961.
    • Aung San Stadium was the main venue for Track & Field and Soccer. Volleyball, Basketball and Gymnastics were competed indoors.
    • Swimming, Diving and Water Polo contests were held at the National Swimming Pool on U Wisara Road.
    • Dean U Yu Khin was Chairman of the Sports Promotion Committee.
    • U Tin Maung Swe was Secretary of the Sports Promotion Committee.
    • Dr. Ko Ko Lay was Chairman of the University Sports Council.

    University Students who represented Burma in the Games

    • Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Athletics)
    • Maung Hla and Thida (Badminton)
    • Nyan Min (Basketball)
    • Derek Lynsdale and Aye Kyaw (Swimming)
    • Mao Toon Siong and C. Say Eng (Table Tennis)
    • Joe Ba Maung, Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin (Tennis)
    • Kyaw Han (Volleyball)
    • Myo Nyunt (Weightlifting)
    • Richard Yu Khin (Yachting)

    Athletics

    In Track and Field, Burma placed first in the medal standings. Tun Mra won a Gold in the 4×100 m relay with Soe Aung (Burma Champion) as anchor. Kyaw Mra won Silver in the Hurdles. Soe Mra won Gold in the Pole Vault. Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra and Soe Mra are the sons of U Shwe Mra. Kyaw Mra would later serve as National Coach.

    Swimming

    In Swimming, Burma placed first in the medal standings. Tin Maung Ni won 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4×100 medley relay. His team mates won the other events. Aye Kyaw (cousin of Dr. Hla Yee Yee) and Derek Lynsdale represented Burma in swimming.

    Tennis

    Joe Ba Maung was the National Singles Champion in Tennis. He and Than Lwin were the National Doubles Champion. Than Lwin would succeed Joe Ba Maung as the Singles Champion. Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Dok) was the Ladies Champion, She later married Than Lwin.

    Table Tennis

    Mao Toon Siong was Burma Champion for Singles and Doubles in Table Tennis. He later served as National Coach.

    Volleyball

    Kyaw Han won the Gold as a member of the Burma Selected Team

    Yachting

    Richard Yu Khin won Gold in Yachting.

    Miscellaneous

    • The member nations include Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
    • Burma hosted the 2nd Games (in 1961) and the 5th Games (in 1969)
    • In the later period, SEAP Games gave way to SEA Games
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is seap-2.jpg
  • New Year (Talk)

    New Year (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Hla Min

    Video Broadcast on December 17, 2020

    Traditional

    • New Year’s Eve on December 31
      Bringing in the New Year (with celebration)
      Dropping the Ball in Times Square in New York
    • New Year on January 1
      Holiday in some countries
    • January is named as after Janus (Two faced God)
      Symbolically, one face looks back at the outgoing year and another face looks at the incoming year
    • In the early days, Burma celebrated January 1 as “Peasants’ Day
    • Later, Peasants’ Day was moved to March 2

    Others

    • Old Roman Calendar starts with March.
    • Persian New Year falls on or around March 21
      First Day of Spring” celebrations
    • Myanmar celebrate Thingyan on or around April 13 for three (or four) days. Myanmar New Year follows Thingyan.
    • Thailand celebrate Songkram (equivalent of Thingyan)
    • Both words derive from Pali and Sanskrit words meaning “Change”.
    • Cula Thingyan (Small Change) occurs every month when the Sun in the Geocentric model moves to another Zodiac Sign.
    • Maha Thingyan (Big Change) occurs every year when the Sun has moved through all twelve signs.
    • Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) around the end of January or the start of February.
    • Vietnamese celebrate Tet (equivalent of Chinese New Year)
    • Festivities may last a week (or more)
    • Karen New Year (ကရင် နှစ်သစ်ကူး)
    • Special events
      New Year in 2000 (to usher the New Millennium)

    Updates

    There are 220+ talks.

    YouTube
  • Kyay Zuu (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 19, 2021

    • I am indebted to Thin Saya, Myin Saya and Kyar Saya.
      They taught me all I knew.
    • I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
    • Last but not the least, a million thanks to my “Let Oo Sayas” (my beloved parents).
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is parents-1.jpg
    My Parents

    Studying Languages

    Studying English

    I fondly remember the days that I had to read / study

    • Tom Thumb’s Essays
    • A Student’s Companion
    • Oxford English Dictionary” (OED — various sizes and editions),
    • Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
    • Rhyming Dictionary
    • Word Power/Vocabulary in [six weeks, 21 days, …]
    • Idioms (book present from my cousin uncle)
    • They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
    • Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
    • Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
    • Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
    • Listen and/or read Merriam Webster’s wotd (word of the day) pod cast

    Miscellaneous

    • See posts on “Myanmar Sar
    • See posts on “Pali
    • See posts on “Languages

    Studying Computers

    Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)

    Dr. Chit Swe
    • Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
    • He invited over renowned computer scientists [led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching] and mathematicians [e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory] to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications.
      Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
    • He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method/Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
    • Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects.
      To name a few,
      I was a translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge)
      I served as an editor for “High School Mathematics”
      I was a member of TOSS (Team Of System Specialists)
    • Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is sydney-2006-1.jpg
    Sydney 2006

    U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)

    U Soe Paing
    • Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
    • Together with Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), they taught degree and diploma courses in computer science, and also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
    • The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
    • Saya U Soe Paing also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.

    Publications

    • Guardian
      Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
    • Working People’s Daily (WPD)
      Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
    • Forward magazine
      Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
    • Pan magazine
      Burmese publication
    • Veda magazine
      Published by BARB
    • Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
      Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore
      Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
    • Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
      Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014)
      Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
    • RUBC magazine
      Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
    • BAPS Newsletter
      Contributing Editor
    • Dhammananda Newsletter
      Contributing Editor
    • Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda
      Contributing Editor
    • Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
      Contributor to the Burmese American section of the 3-volume encyclopedia
    • National Foreign Languages Center
      Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
    • RIT Alumni International Newsletter
      Contributing Editor for 21 years
    • hlamin.com
      2600+ articles
    • Facebook
      Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
    • Video Broadcasts
      Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel

    Volunteering

    I gained experience by volunteering as

    • Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
    • EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
    • Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
    • Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
    • Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
    • Organizer, SPZP-2000
    • Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
    • Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
    • Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
    • Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
    • Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
    • Language expert at National Language Center
    • Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
    • Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)

    Parents and Ancestors

    Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”

    Pay Back

    • My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
    • She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe and Po Lone.
    • I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 21 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
    • In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC” . I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
    • To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
    • Since then, I have completed 2600+ posts. I have revised most of them with the feedback provided by my readers (including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, U Khin Maung Zaw).
    • In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
    • In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
    • In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
    • I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
    • In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
    • I am adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
    • I am a Dreamer.
      I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”
    Youtube

    Posts

    • Garawa
    • Parents
    • Publications
    • RIT
    • SPZP
    • UCC
  • Calendar

    Calendar

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast

    Types of Calendar

    • Solar Calendar
    • Lunar Calendar
    • Luni-solar Calendar
    • Religious Calendar
    • Civil Calendar
    • Fiscal Calendar
    • Academic Calendar

    Burmese Calendar

    I wrote an article on the Burmese Calendar for the BAPS Newsletter.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is burmese-calendar.jpg

    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
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is our-unity.jpg
    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.

    Lunar New 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
    • Apollo 8 orbited the Moon on December 1968
    • Dec 25 : Christmas
    • Dec 31 : New Year’s Eve

    Holidays

    Some holidays

    • have fixed date
    • have relative dates
    • are designated as Public holidays
    • are religious

    Some holy days are preceded by some fun events.

    • Halloween (October 31) precedes “All Saints Day” (November 1).
    • “Mardi Gras” (“Fat Tuesday”) falls on the day before “Ash Wednesday” signifying the start of the Lent.
  • Rowing

    Rowing

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Video Broadcast on October 4, 2020

    Rowing in Myanmar

    • Laung (7 paddlers of more)
    • Leg rowers (of Inlay)

    Rowing Clubs

    • 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.
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dr-thein-toe-dr.-harry-saing-1.jpg
    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