Myanmar / Burma has been under military control since 1962; the official name change came in 1989. It's a reversion to a traditional name, one that dates to centuries before European colonialism. The fact is, of course, it would suck to be born in Myanmar if you value freedom and tolerance.
Mission of Burma is a band formed by Ann Arbor dudes at the end of the 1970s, partially influenced by Iggy & the Stooges. They do a cool cover of "1970" and had an alternative hit with "That's When I Reach for my Revolver." They're both on the 1985 album, The Horrible Truth About Burma. I had the vinyl, but somewhere along the way . . . . . it disappeared.
Because of the internet, more is known of "the horrible truth about Burma." But nothing much can be done about it as far as I can tell. Who knows? Can't hurt to try. The Buddhist monks in country are certainly trying their best, but are being met with the usual brutality one expects from a military junta. A friend of mine visited Yangon this summer without incident -- just before the latest uprising and crackdown. Let's not try this junta business in the USA, okay?
On the fun side, it's Kate Winslet's birthday. Rah!
Today's Rune: Strength.
Birthdays: Denis Diderot, Louis Lumière, Teresa de la Parra, Ray Kroc, Donald Pleasence, Václav Havel, Steve Miller, Bob Geldof, Bernie Mac (McCullough), Josie Bissett, Heather Headley, Parminder Nagra, Kate Winslet, Nicky Hilton.
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