Featured Image: Demonstrators holding signs and flags face California National Guard members standing guard outside the Federal Building as they protest federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, on June 9, 2025. (Apu GOMES / AFP)
Los Angeles has been the epicenter of intense protests since June 6, 2025, sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The demonstrations, which have turned confrontational at times, prompted President Donald Trump to authorize the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops along with 700 Marines to the city to restore order and protect federal property[1][3][4][5].
US Marines are briefed by battalion leadership while rehearsing crowd control tactics at a base in the Los Angeles area, on Tuesday. Cpl. Logan Courtright/US Marines/Reuters
The unrest began after ICE conducted multiple raids in Los Angeles, arresting over 100 people suspected of immigration violations. The raids took place in locations such as the Fashion District and a Home Depot, leading to clashes between protesters and federal agents. Protesters blocked streets, including the 101 Freeway, and confrontations involved the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang grenades by law enforcement[2][5].
The protests have been marked by significant tension, with some demonstrators throwing objects and law enforcement responding with less-lethal munitions. Multiple injuries and arrests have been reported on both sides. Local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, expressed confidence in local law enforcement’s ability to manage the protests, but the situation escalated nonetheless[5][7].
President Trump’s National Guard Deployment
In a rare move, President Trump federalized the California National Guard without the consent of Governor Newsom, invoking a seldom-used federal law that allows the president to deploy the National Guard in cases of rebellion or when the enforcement of federal laws is impeded. This marked the first time since 1965 that a president has activated a state’s National Guard without the governor’s approval. The president described the protests as a threat to government authority and national security[8][9].
Governor Newsom condemned the federalization as a violation of state sovereignty and urged the president to reverse the decision. The deployment aims to quell the unrest and secure federal buildings amid ongoing demonstrations[8][9].
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a unique military reserve force that operates under both state and federal authority. Each state, including California, maintains its own National Guard, which consists of three components: the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the State Guard. The California National Guard is the largest in the United States, with over 24,000 troops[6].
Dual Role
The National Guard serves a dual mission. Under the governor’s control, it can be used for state emergencies, natural disasters, and civil disturbances. When federalized by the president, it can be mobilized for national defense, war, or federal emergencies[6].
Composition
The Guard is composed mostly of part-time citizen-soldiers who train regularly but maintain civilian jobs or education. They undergo basic training and periodic drills to stay prepared for activation[9].
State Guard
The California State Guard is a component of the California National Guard but operates solely under state authority and cannot be federalized. It supports state missions and emergency responses as directed by the governor[6].
Current Situation
As of June 9, 2025, approximately 300 National Guard members were already deployed in Los Angeles, with the president authorizing an additional 2,000 troops. Marines have also been put on prepared status to assist if needed. The presence of these forces underscores the federal government’s intent to maintain control amid escalating protests related to immigration enforcement[2][3][4][5].
The protests continue to draw large crowds, with demonstrators demanding an end to ICE raids and immigration policies they view as harsh and unjust. The situation remains fluid, with authorities balancing law enforcement and crowd control measures[1][7].
This deployment highlights the complex interplay between federal authority and state sovereignty in managing civil unrest and immigration enforcement in California. The National Guard’s role as both a state and federal force is central to this dynamic, especially in times of crisis.”
The Phlon Education Development Unit (PEDU) proudly celebrated the completion of its intensive “Digital Literacy and Building Minimum Viable Products (MVP)” summer course with a vibrant graduation ceremony at Anusasanee Meditation Hall, Taung Galay Pariyatti Paṭipatti Śāsana Vihāra.
Distinguished Attendees
The event was honored by the presence of:
Head monks from neighboring villages
Elders of Taung Galay (ဖၠုံပညာ့တွါန့်) community
PEDU Youth Network members
12-Seasons Karen Traditional Don Dance Group
Teachers from Taung Galay Monastic School
Young novices and nuns of the monastery
The ceremony commenced with an inspirational address by Program Director and Principal (Sayadaw) Ashin Uttama, who emphasized the transformative power of digital skills and innovation for community development.
Project Showcase: Turning Ideas into Reality
Over 41 days (80+ both lecture and project hours), participants engaged in rigorous theoretical and hands-on learning, culminating in eight impactful projects:
After the award-giving ceremony, guests enjoyed a communal meal.
Special Appreciation
We extend our deepest appreciation to all honored guests for your presence and encouragement, to the PEDU Channel – ဖလုံပညာ့ for live broadcasting this milestone, and to every volunteer, supporter, and well-wisher who contributed to the success of this event. The photo booth at the entrance of the venue was adorned with elegant floral arrangements, generously sponsored by Hpa-an Floral by Lu Ku, one of the alumni of the Taunggaly monastic school. Your collective efforts embody the spirit of community and progress that PEDU stands for.
A Vision for the Future
This program aligns with PEDU’s mission to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through education. As Sayadaw Uttama noted, “These skills are seeds for a self-reliant future, where technology meets tradition.”
Digital Literacy & Building Minimum Viable Products (MVP) (2025) conducted by Phlon Education Development Unit (PEDU)
We are honored to invite you to attend the graduation ceremony of the Digital Literacy and Building Minimum Viable Products (2025) summer course, which will be held according to the following schedule. Your presence and encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Neoclassical architecture style has had a significant influence on the design of many government buildings in the United States. This style, which was popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, is characterized by its use of classical elements and symmetry, and its emphasis on simplicity and order.
One of the most well-known examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States is the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Designed by architect William Thornton and completed in 1800, the Capitol features a large central dome and two wings, each with a portico supported by classical columns. The building’s design reflects the principles of neoclassical architecture, with its emphasis on order, balance, and symmetry.
Another prominent example of neoclassical architecture in the United States is the White House, which was designed by architect James Hoban and completed in 1800. The White House features a central portico with six Ionic columns, as well as two smaller porticos on either side with four Ionic columns each. The building’s design is a nod to the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, with its emphasis on symmetry and proportion.
Neoclassical architecture also had a significant influence on the design of other government buildings in the United States, including the Supreme Court Building, the National Archives Building, and the U.S. Treasury Building, among others. These buildings feature classical elements such as columns, pediments, and domes, as well as other neoclassical features such as symmetry and balance.
Overall, neoclassical architecture has played an important role in shaping the visual identity of the United States government, reflecting the country’s early ties to the classical traditions of Europe and the desire to create a sense of order, stability, and permanence in the design of its buildings.
The capitals used in architecture are an important part of the design, and they vary greatly across different cultures and time periods. Here are some of the key differences between the capitals used in Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Persian architecture:
Egyptian capitals: In ancient Egyptian architecture, the capital used on columns is typically in the shape of a lotus flower, with petals that curve outward and upward. This style is known as the “lotus capital.” There is also a style known as the “papyrus capital,” which features a bundle of papyrus reeds.
Greek capitals: In Greek architecture, there are three main types of capitals: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric capital is the simplest, with a plain, round capital that sits directly on top of the column shaft. The Ionic capital features two scrolls that resemble the horns of a ram. The Corinthian capital is the most ornate, with intricately carved acanthus leaves that fan out from the column top.
Persian capitals: Persian architecture is known for its intricate tilework and decorative motifs. The Persian capital is typically decorated with stylized floral patterns, sometimes incorporating calligraphy or other Islamic decorative elements.
Roman capitals: Roman architecture was heavily influenced by Greek architecture, and the Roman capitals are similar to the Greek capitals. However, Roman capitals tend to be more decorative and ornate. The Composite capital is a notable Roman innovation, which combines elements of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals.
Islamic capitals: In Islamic architecture, the capital used on columns is typically decorated with geometric patterns, calligraphy, or floral motifs. The muqarnas capital is a particularly distinctive Islamic style, featuring a complex, tiered design that resembles stalactites.
Romanesque capitals: Romanesque architecture developed in the 11th and 12th centuries and is characterized by thick, heavy walls and rounded arches. The capitals used in Romanesque architecture are often simple in design, with geometric shapes or stylized foliage carved into the stone. They are typically squat and low-profile, with a blocky, sturdy appearance that reflects the strength and durability of the Romanesque style.
Early English Gothic capitals: Early English Gothic architecture developed in the 12th and 13th centuries and is characterized by pointed arches and ribbed vaulting. The capitals used in Early English Gothic architecture are more ornate than those used in Romanesque architecture, often featuring highly detailed foliage and other naturalistic forms. They are typically taller and more slender than Romanesque capitals, with a more delicate appearance that reflects the ethereal quality of Early English Gothic architecture.
Overall, the capitals used in architecture are an important part of the design, and they vary greatly across different cultures and time periods. Each style of capital reflects the aesthetic and cultural values of the society that produced it.
The Greek classical orders of architecture are a set of design principles that were developed by ancient Greek architects and have influenced building design for centuries. These orders include the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, each with its own unique style and meaning.
Doric Order
The Doric order is the oldest of the three orders and is characterized by its simplicity and strength. The columns have no base, and the capital is plain, with a circular shape and a square abacus on top. The Doric order was used in temples and other public buildings, and it was meant to convey a sense of stability and solidity.
The Doric order is said to have originated in mainland Greece, where simplicity and rationality were highly valued. The order’s austere design reflects these values, and its use in important buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens shows the importance of strength and stability in Greek culture.
Ionic Order
The Ionic order is characterized by its graceful and flowing design. The columns have a base, and the capital is decorated with volutes, which are scroll-like shapes on either side. The Ionic order was often used in buildings such as libraries and marketplaces, and it was meant to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The Ionic order is said to have originated in Ionia, a region of ancient Greece, where art and beauty were highly valued. The order’s flowing design reflects these values, and its use in important buildings such as the Erechtheion in Athens shows the importance of beauty and harmony in Greek culture.
Corinthian Order
The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the three orders, with a highly decorated capital featuring acanthus leaves and small scrolls. The columns have a base, and the base and capital are often highly decorated with small animal figures or other motifs. The Corinthian order was often used in the most important buildings, such as the Parthenon in Athens, and it was meant to convey a sense of luxury and opulence.
The Corinthian order is said to have originated in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece, where art, culture, and refinement were highly valued. The order’s ornate design reflects these values, and its use in important buildings shows the importance of art, culture, and refinement in Greek culture.
In conclusion, the Greek classical orders of architecture are a set of design principles that reflect the values and priorities of ancient Greek society. The Doric order reflects the importance of strength and stability, the Ionic order reflects the importance of beauty and harmony, and the Corinthian order reflects the importance of art, culture, and refinement. These orders have left a lasting legacy in the world of architecture and continue to inspire designers and artists to this day.
The Parthenon is an ancient temple located in Athens, Greece, built in the Doric order with a rectangular floor plan and columns supporting a frieze with mythological scenes. It features pediments at either end and is constructed using limestone with a marble roof. The building is renowned for its optical illusions and is considered a symbol of Greek architecture and classical beauty. Despite damage and modifications over the centuries, the Parthenon remains an enduring example of Greek classical architecture.
The Supreme Court building in Washington DC is another essential building that draws heavily on the Greek classical orders of architecture. The building features a grand staircase that is flanked by 16 Corinthian columns, which symbolize the importance of art, culture, and refinement in American society. The exterior of the building is also decorated with Ionic columns, which reflect the essence of beauty and harmony in American culture.
The White House is another important building in the United States that draws heavily on the Greek classical orders of architecture. The building was designed in the neoclassical style, which was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and drew heavily on the Greek and Roman architectural styles.
The White House features a grand portico on its north facade that is supported by eight Ionic columns. The use of Ionic columns in the White House reflects the importance of beauty and harmony in American culture and is meant to convey a sense of elegance and refinement.
In addition to the Ionic columns, the White House also features other classical elements, such as a pediment on the north facade, which is decorated with a sculpture of the American eagle. The use of the pediment is a common feature in classical architecture and reflects the importance of symbolism in American culture.
The US Capitol Hill in Washington DC is one of the most important buildings in the United States government. The building was designed in the neoclassical style, which drew heavily on the Greek classical orders of architecture. The building features a central dome that is supported by 36 Doric columns, which symbolize the strength and stability of the United States government. The exterior of the building is decorated with Ionic and Corinthian columns, which reflect the importance of beauty, harmony, and refinement in American culture.
The U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. is an example of neoclassical architecture that incorporates elements of the Greek classical orders of architecture. The building’s design features a colonnade with columns modeled after the Doric order, which is characterized by its simple and sturdy design. The use of classical elements in the design of government buildings during the 19th century was meant to convey a sense of order, stability, and permanence. The U.S. Treasury Building remains an important symbol of the neoclassical architectural tradition in the United States and a testament to the enduring influence of the classical orders of architecture on modern design.
The New York Stock Exchange building in New York City is an iconic building that reflects the importance of commerce and trade in American society. The building was designed in the neoclassical style, which draws heavily on the Greek classical orders of architecture. The building features a grand facade that is supported by six Ionic columns, which symbolize the importance of beauty and harmony in commerce and trade. The interior of the building is also decorated with Doric columns, which symbolize the strength and stability of the American economy.
Disclaimer: This article is entirely written by ChatGPT Feb 13 Version, thus might contain inaccurate information.
As explained in the book, Culture, Customs and Literature of the Eastern Pwo Karen People in Myanmar, by Ashin Pin Nya Tha Mi (2022), the basic word order for Eastern Pwo Karen is Subject-Verb-Object, whereas the basic word order for Burmese is Subject-Object-Verb. We can see the examples shown below.
‘Uncle eats rice.’
Subject (ကတ္တား)
Verb (ကြိယာ)
Object (ကံ)
မင်စဝ်
အင်း
မေဝ်
Uncle
eat
rice
(Pin Nya Tha Mi, 2022, p. 98)
‘ဘကြီးသည် ထမင်းကို စားသည်။’
ကတ္တား
ကြိယာ
ကံ
မင်စဝ်
အင်း
မေဝ်
ဘကြီး
စားသည်
ထမင်း
(Pin Nya Tha Mi, 2022, p. 98)
According to the research from Kato (2019), Karenic languages follow the word order of Subject-Verb-Object, unlike the languages of the Tibeto-Burman language family, most of which are Subject-Object-Verb type.
Kato (2019) also cited that the change of Karenic languages from Object-Verb to Verb-Object could have been the result of contact with Mon in the late first millennium AD (700-999 AD).
Examples are shown below.
‘Thawa struck Thakhlein.’
Subject (ကတ္တား)
Verb (ကြိယာ)
Object (ကံ)
သာအွာ
ဍောဟ်
သာခၠိင်း
Thawa
strike
Thakhlein
(Kato, 2019, Example 54)
“သာအွာသည် သာခလိင်းကို ရိုက်သည်။”
ကတ္တား
ကြိယာ
ကံ
သာအွာ
ဍောဟ်
သာခၠိင်း
သာအွာ
ရိုက်သည်
သာခလိင်း
(Kato, 2019, Example 54) in Burmese translation
In the case of a ditransitive verb, the two objects are arranged in the order of Recipient – Theme.
(Kato, 2019, p. 142)
‘Thawa gave Thakhlein a jackfruit.’
Subject
Verb
Indirect Object
Direct Object
သာအွာ
ဖှ်ေလင့်
သာခၠိင်း
နွဲာသး။
Thawa
give
Thakhlein
jackfruit
(Kato, 2019, Example 55)
“သာအွာသည် သာခလိုင်းကို ပိန္နဲသီးတစ်လုံး ပေးသည်။”
ကတ္တား
ကြိယာ
ကံ (Indirect)
ကံ (Direct)
Subject
Verb
Indirect Object
Direct Object
သာအွာ
ဖှ်ေလင့်
သာခၠိင်း
နွဲာသး။
သာအွာ
ပေးသည်
သာခလိင်း
ပိန္နဲသီး
(Kato, 2019, Example 55) in Burmese translation
References:
Kato, A. (2019, June 3). Pwo Karen. The Mainland Southeast Asia Linguistic Area, 131–175. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110401981-004
Pin Nya Tha Mi. (2022). Culture, Customs and Literature of the Eastern Pwo Karen People in Myanmar (1st Edition). Sarpay Beikman.
Bīja (T. sa bon ས་བོན་; C. zhongzi), literally “seed”, is used in two contexts:
1) “karmic seeds” that ripen upon meeting with appropriate causes and condition;
2) “seed syllables” used as a focus for visualization in tantric practices.
(SuttaCentral — Dictionary)[2]
bīja
seed; germ; generating element
Nature and the Environment in Early Buddhism by S. Dhammikabīja
Seed. A seed is a new plant in the form of an embryo. Some of the parts of seeds mentioned in the Tipiṭaka include the husk (thusa), the kernel (miñja), and in the case of germinating seeds, the sprout or shoot (aṅkura). The seeds of certain plants are encased in a pod (sipāṭaka or kuṭṭhilika). In order to germinate a seed has to have an intact casing, be fresh, be unspoiled by wind or heat and be sown in a good field with properly prepared soil AN.i.135. Some seeds have hard shells that crack only if burned and it was noticed that new shoots often appear quickly after a forest fire SN.i.69. The two factors that enable a seed to grow are nutrition from the soil (paṭhavi rasa) and moisture SN.i.134. Whether the leaves or fruit of the plant is sweet or bitter was believed to depend not on the nutrition but on the nature of the seed AN.i.32. Commenting on the endless cycle of agriculture the monk Kāḷudāyin said: “Again and again they sow the seed; again and again the god king rains; again and again farmers plough the fields; again and yet again the country has grain” Thag.532. The seven types of edible seeds usually mentioned in the Tipiṭaka are sāli, vīhi, mugga, māsa, tila and taṇḍulaMN.i.457. Elsewhere, the first two of these are included in a list of edible grains Vin.iv.264. See Dhañña.
(Wikipedia) [3]
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit term Bīja (बीज) (Jp. 種子 shuji) (Chinese 种子 zhǒng zǐ), literally seed, is used as a metaphor for the origin or cause of things and cognate with bindu.
In traditional Buddhist thought, there are four forms of birth:
birth from an egg (Sanskrit: Andaja; Pali: Aṇḍaja; Chinese: 卵生; Standard Tibetan: Sgongskyes)—like a bird, fish, or reptile;
birth from a womb (Sanskrit: Jarayuja; Pali: Jalābuja; Chinese: 胎生; Standard Tibetan: Mnal-skyes)—like most mammals and some worldly devas;
birth from moisture (Sanskrit: Samsvedaja; Pali: Saṃsedaja; Chinese: 濕生; Standard Tibetan: Drod-skyes)—probably referring to the appearance of animals whose eggs are microscopic, like maggots appearing in rotting flesh;
birth by transformation (Sanskrit: Upapaduka; Pali: Opapatika; Chinese: 化生; Standard Tibetan: Rdzus-skyes)—miraculous materialization, as with this devas.
Oddly, after his family situation had disintegrated, Alexander’s life seemed to improve immensely. His experience as bookkeeper in his mother’s store landed him a job as a clerk with the international trading firm of Nicholas Cruger, a New Yorker whose business hub was on St. Croix.
The boy’s exceptional skills and endless learning capacity soon saw him running the firm upon the owner’s absence. As a teenager, Hamilton was inspecting cargoes, advising ships’ captains, and preparing bills of lading. Under Cruger’s tutelage, Hamilton mastered the intricacies of global finance and experienced first hand how the material interests of peoples and countries interwove in the complicated fabric of international trade. The bustling port of St. Croix, which was a melting pot of residents and visitors from all over the world, early formed a picture of a global village in Hamilton’s mind. He also saw the darker side of international dealings, as the island was a center for the slave trade. Hamilton came away with a deep hatred of slavery, and he eventually co-founded an abolitionist society in New York. In the meantime, the youngster drank in everything he saw. Nothing Hamilton experienced ever went unused.
Whereas Nicholas Cruger exposed Alexander Hamilton to material realities, the Reverend Hugh Knox provided him with a strong spiritual and intellectual grounding. Knox–who took Hamilton under his wing shortly after Rachel’s death–was a Scottish Presbyterian minister at odds with the mainstream of his faith because of his firm belief in free will over the Calvinist doctrine of Predestination. For someone like Hamilton who was otherwise predestined to a life of obscurity, we can see how Knox’s philosophy would have appealed to him. The Reverend’s encouragement and influence undoubtedly led Hamilton to dream big dreams. Knox, a brilliant sermon-writer and occasional doctor, took the young orphan under his wing and tutored him in the humanities and sciences. When he was able to get away from the office, Hamilton further expanded his intellect in Knox’s library, where he read voluminously in the classics, literature, and history. Hamilton, who had early fancied himself a writer, published an occasional poem in the local paper, and impressed the residents of the island with a particularly vivid and florid account of a hurricane in 1772.
By 1773, his mentors had raised enough money to send him to America to continue his education. It was clear to all who encountered the young man that he was much too brilliant and determined to remain in what Hamilton himself termed “the grovelling condition of a clerk.” Cruger, Knox, and other wealthy islanders, sent Hamilton off in June of 1773 to New York to study medicine, most likely in the hope that he would return to the island and set up his practice there. But Alexander Hamilton was never to see the West Indies again.
