The

Open Window
The Open Window Journal

Journal
No.02 Volume 01 JuLy 1, 2010

How to Preserve the World A C E x c lus iv e

Environment Two-day-long Election
Was Held for American
By Hay Htoo Center Student Council
Karen Baptist Theological Page (3)
Seminary, Seminary Hill,
Insein. Their purpose
was to preserve the
Environment according A r tic le
to their religions such as
The Role of Individuals
Buddhism, Christianity,
in Community
Islam and Hinduism.
Page. (5)
In that program, they
exhibited the Environ-
mental pictures.
Before the program started, C u ltu re
THE WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL
the audience walked
around and learned the exhibition of
C o r n er
DAY was held on June 5th 2010 at 9:00 the environmental pictures which were Marriage Customs in
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. by the Net-groups presented by Simplicity Circle. Burma
who participants about 60 altogether at Ko Yi Nan Thait, the presenter Page. (7)
continue on Page 6

There Are Many Achievements... P o e t ry

Interview With Jennifer Otting F e a tu re
Beauty
By Sweety & May
Page. (8)

THE AMERICAN CENTER Q: Where do you come

STUDENTS’ voices came from their from? P h o to E ss ay
heart. They said they will miss her A: I grew up in Miss-
because she will go back home. I really ouri but the last Soccer in Burma
wanted to know who she is. Besides, place I lived was
she is an amazing teacher namely, Boston, Page (9)
Jenny. Students in the American Center Massachusetts.
felt so sad because her students and the It was been
other who knew her love very much. many years; S h o r t S tor y
Initially, I had an idea. To let the students although it
know the voices from her, I launch an was seven Moonlight Sonata
appointment with her to arrange the years ago. Page (12)
interview.
continue on Page 4

Editor’s Note: This Publication was produced by students participating in the Open Window Journal at
the American Center. It is not intended for distribution
[ ] outside the American Center.
 The Open Window Journal

Insp i ra t i o n Q uotation C orne r

One Million Suggestions by Suzan-Lori Parks
“I disapprove of what you said, but I will
Abridged by Déline defend to the death your right to say it.”

S
Voltaire
uzan-Lori Parks – the 2003 Pulitzer Prize winner
– gave talks in the American Centre in Yangon
“All compromise is based on give and
and the Jefferson Centre in Mandalay earlier last
month. The audience were of large numbers and her
take, but there can be no give and take on
talks were indeed awe-inspiring with comic anecdotes fundamentals. Any compromises on mere
of some events in her life. We all especially loved fundamentals is a surrender for it is all
the indescribable way she went through all her one give and no take.”
MILLION suggestions for us, didn’t we? I myself am Mohandas Ghandi
putting her suggestions to practice and they are working
out pretty well... for me.
Here is a renumbered, (somewhat) paraphrased and
abridged compilation of her suggestions.
1. Entertain (invite) all your far-out ideas.
P roverbs
2. Start and continue. “Out of sight, out of mind”
3. If the advice of somebody you admire and respect The idea that something is easily forgotten
for doesn’t match with what is going on inside you, say
or dismissed as unimportant if it is not in our
“NO” to their advice.
direct view.
4. If the advice of somebody you admire and respect
matches with what is going on inside you, take their
“Put your best foot forward”
advice with a big “YES”.
5. Meditate – it helps.
Embark on a journey or task with purpose and
6. Conduct yourself in the presence of the Spirit (God); gusto.
welcome all ideas with respect.
7. Encourage flexibility. The
8. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Open Window Journal
9. Think often of the things you like or love about life.
What’s in your “Book of Grace”?
10. You have all you need to make your success Board of Editors
11. Don’t worry about being cool because being “cool”
ChamTha Kyaw, Aye Khaing, Myat Minn Khant,
is overrated. Htet Thiha Zaw, U Thiha, Khin Nandar Soe,
12. Each one teach one. Nilar Aung, Khin San Tint.
13. Lift others up as you climb and enjoy the trip to the
top.
14. Keep your eyes on the prize. Contributing Writers
15. Ain’t nobody gonna turn you around. Nobody can
Thiri, Thiha, Javelin, Tin Maung Htwe, Raphael
bring you down, so don’t bring yourself around. “R4” Ram, Harry Awesome, Hay Htoo, Kartoonist,
16. Keep your heart open. Myat Minn Khant, Saya Soe, Déline, Sweety, May,
17. When you get an award, increase your kindness and Nge, Aung Thu Htet
compassion to the world for you have been called to
represent the human race.
18. Always realize the value of kindness.
Circulation Limited
[2]
The Open Window Journal
A mer i c a n Ce n t e r E xclusive
Two-day-long Election Was Held for
American Center Student Council
By Thiha
The Student Council Election was an exciting event
for all students as it was the first student council ever
held at the AC.
T
he election for the Student
Council at the American
Center was held at the
CBH on June 11and at the front of
the Baldwin Library on June 12.
The election was successful and
nearly 250 voters really scrutinized
the posters and speeches of the
candidates to determine who the
most suitable person for the position
is. The Elections Committee also
tried their best ensure that every
candidate did not cheat or do illegal
acts so that each candidate has the
equal opportunity to vote. The
following is just a silhouette of one
of the greatest event ever held at the
campus.
June 11
First day of the elections
and Speech day. Every candidate
was excited by the idea of sharing
their ideals and perspectives to the
student body. Also, every corner
of AC was animated by words
between friends about who would
win the positions. The speeches
were officially announced to start
at 12:00 p.m. in the Count Basie
Hall or the Congress Hall of the
American Center. The hall was filled
with so many enthusiastic students
that many had to stand or sit on the
floor as there were no more seats
available.
The speeches were started
by the short speech of Jennifer
Otting, a teacher of the American
Center English Language Program
who collaborated with Ethan
Tidwell to bring the Student Council
to fruition. Then, candidates
for Club Representatives, Class
Representatives, Financial Officer,
[ 3]
General Secretary and President
gave their speeches respectively.
After the speeches, there
was a short time for refreshments
and friendly conversations with the
candidates. The voting started at
2:00 p.m. There were two tables: the
Information Table to explain people
about the voting system and the
Registration Table. The fair voting
was verified by the library card
number. Staff from Baldwin library
and security gate also came to vote.
The voting ended at 5:00 p.m.
June 12
The second and the final day
of the elections. The voting started
at 9:00 a.m. Today, there were
no speech and so, voters mainly
depended on the campaign posters
for information about candidates.
The candidates were allowed to
campaign 50 meters away from the
voting venue: the front of Baldwin
Library. There were two tables
as there were the day before. The
voting closed at 2:00 p.m. Then, the
votes were counted two times by the
Elections Committee and the winners
of majority vote were announced at
3:00 p.m. The winning candidates
were warmly congratulated by their
peers.
After all, the Student Council
Election was an exciting event for
all students as it was the first student
council ever held at the AC. The
candidates also rocked the audience
with their concerns on problems at
security gate and canteen. Surely, it
will be an ever-lasting memory of the
American Center and its students.

continued from
There are many achievements...
Q: How did you know about our
country?
A: I didn’t know very much. I
applied for the scholarship. At
that time, there was Cyclone
Nargis, so what I did know was
very sad. Very interesting people
and country….
Q: When did you arrive here?
A: September 2008. Two years
ago.
Q: How was your feeling when
you get here?
A: Very happy, people were
really friendly and I adjusted
well.
Q: You are a very wonderful
teacher. So, if you have a goal,
could you mention about your
goal?
A: My goal is to continue working in Education.
Q: How do you think the differences between the
American Students and A.C Students?
A: There is more similarity than differences. I haven’t
taught University Students in the U.S, only high school.
The A.C Students are motivated to learn and appreciate
learning.
AC Students value and embrace learning because
there are many educational resources opportunities for
American students, some take education for granted. I
appreciate AC students’ motivation and determination
to increase their knowledge base.
Q: What is your greatest achievement at the A.C?
A: I’m happy with many projects. I’m happy with
Elective Classes: Public Speaking and Model UN.
I enjoy teaching. Students did great job. They are
able to do the A.C Student Council. There are many
achievements that I’m proud of.
Q: Do you have any plan for the A.C Students?
A: I hope they continue working hard and fulfilling their
dreams.
Q: What did you enjoy most about working here?
A: The students.
[4]
The Open Window Journal
C reative Writing
A Tragic Struggle for
Survival
By Thiri
I
t was in the middle of the day near Hledan market.
After I had finished my lunch, I set my leftover
lunch near a lamppost for stray dogs. After a while,
two boys aged around 7 or 8 years, carrying a trash
collection bag each passed by. Then, suddenly, one of
the boys found the leftover lunch and pointed the box
to his fellow delightedly. They picked up the box and
walked away.
I, not knowing about their hunger, misunderstood
them as morally corrupt kids having not much care about
animal welfare, and got upset by the boys’ behavior. I
was on the verge of shouting at them and scolding when
I saw something that changed my mind completely.
My anger instantly dissolved into overwhelming
surprise and pity for the boys when I saw them eating
the refuse as they walked away. I could not believe my
own eyes. I was too ignorant about the people around
me. I had never thought the people would be so poor
to the point that they would eat leftover of others left on
the street.
Seeing them eating the refuse from behind made
me realize how they were struggling to survive.
The Month of Waso
By Nge
B
urmese people are believed to have a desire
for theater and festival (Pwes). Festival form
Burmese social and religious activities and full
moon day of each month of Burmese calendar has its
own festival occasion.
By the Burmese calendar, the fourth month is
Waso (July). It is the time of the Waso Full Moon Day
(July) commemorates the Buddha’s First Sermon and
the beginning of the Buddhist Lend. It is an occasion for
religious function of the Sangha.
Young People go together to pick flowers in
season to offer at Pagodas. There are also navigation
and ordination ceremonies all over the country. It is a
period for reflection, meditation and contemplation.
Ordinary folk are also expected to be more
spiritual. Events such as marriages for people, and
monks moving from one monastery doing a tour to any
longer are avoided.
The Open Window Journal
The Role of the Individual in Community
By Tin Maung Htwe
“I found rewarding the universal
appeal” said Drake Weisert, Public
Affair Officer of US Embassy
upon the presentation, the role of
individual in the community by
Richard. A. Nuccio, Director of
civitas International Program.
According to Civitas broucher
“The center for civic education’s
Civitas International Programs
brings exemplary civic education
curricula to student worldwide in
partnership with organization in
the United States and in eighty
countries. The objective of civet
international Programs are exchange
of idea, opportunities for sharing
experiences and best practices
through workshops, conferences,
newsletters, online discussions,
exchange visits and events,
Professional development, capacity
building, research, evaluation and
curricular programs.”
Pimon Ruatratual, from king
Prajudhejok’s Institute added “we
try to initiate citizenship project
for Myanmar not only teaching
citizenship knowledge, skills and
values but also supporting them,
offering to gathering program and
other follow up program, especially,
to young generation.”
During presentation,
documentary film The World We Want
was shown follows the inspirational
stories of teenage activists throughout
the world engaged in changing their
communities and nations. Shot in
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia,
India, Indonesia, Jordan, Russia,
Senegal and United States, the
documentary captures the young
citizen’s remarkable struggles in
their own words and through their
captivating personal experiences.
“Students 13-14 years old stood
before the municipal council and
presented their problems, Finding testament to youthful idealism and
and solution; Gabriela Bolanos, activism, commented Justin Lowe,
US Embassy, Costa Rica mention; Hollywood reporter.
what shook them were the fact that After presentation, the
their youngsters were serving as audience, American students and
researcher and agents of change.” young people asked and commented
Columbia youths draw the several questions enthusiastically.
community constitution, India young R.A Nuccio answered back friendly
group survey on public supporting, and satisfiedly. And encouraged
and the solution for overweight by “our objective is without harming,
us teenagers and so on. The winner what can we do for young people, to
of this project is Senegal young create harmonious society, turn to be
activists, making campaign to raise the active youth citizens.”
the fund for clean water. “Sure to win
converts, a powerful and winning
Jokes By Javelin
Sleeping Mom
Hla May was angry at her husband, Bo Bo, in the morning. So she
went alone to work. And Bo Bo had to drive to work alone too.
In the evening, Hla May came back, she asked her five-year –old
son, Zaw Zaw, to tell his father that she was sleeping. So Zaw Zaw went
to his father and said, ‘Mom asked me to tell you she was sleeping.’
New
Once, two friends, Si Si and Mu Mu, went shopping. Si Si bought
what she really needed. But Mu Mu bought many things. She bought
twenty blouses, twelve pairs of shoes, ten purses. So Si Si asked,
“Why do you buy many things? Do you want to give present to your
a relatives?” Mu Mu said, “No, I want everything to be new, you know, I
never use everything for a long time”.
After shopping, Si Si and Mu Mu went home. On the way back
home, a man approached to them. And Mu Mu said Hello to him. Then
she introduced him to Si Si. She said, “He’s my new and 21st boyfriend,
Tun Tun”. She continued, “I want everything to be new, you know”.
The Third Prize
The people in the community celebrated the 60thAnniversary of
the Independence Day of Burma. They played sports for fun. A nine-
year-old child, Phyo Phyo, participated in running and won the third
prize. Then he went home and told his father about it. His father said,
“I am really proud of you, Son! How many children ran in the track?”
Phyo Phyo replied, “Three of us altogether.”
[ 5]

continued from
How to Preserve the World Environment
of Interfaith (Buddhism) presented
about Buddhism and the preserving
of environment. And explained
about how the world can be
destroyed, when the world will be
destroyed, the reason of the world
destroying, Buddhism and the
environment, the Buddha’s scripture
and the environment, the Buddha’s
view of climate change, preserving
the environment in Buddha’s
wants. Lord Buddha teaches that
the people’s avarice, anger and
ignorance are destroying the world
environment. And then the presenter
stopped his presentation and finished
it by reading Buddhist’s traditional
prayer together.
Silver, the presenter from
Interfaith (Christianity) presented the
environmental issue in the Christian
view. He explained about Christian
for Environmental Stewardship. God
created the earth and all of nature in
it. God has a relationship with all
of His Hreations. God’s power is
seen in nature. God calls all of His
creation to worship. God teaches
continued from
Interview with The ACMO
to be honest and comment on
performances in constructive
criticism. The opinions we give
are just to know what one have to
improve. But in Burma perspective,
it is somewhat rude. This doesn’t
concern with the judges. Judges just
have to say good or not good. Also,
except for the preliminary contest,
the contestants are chosen by the
audience’s vote, not by the judges.
Sometimes, we faced with problems
and criticisms for our comments, but
being honest is the most important
for judges.
human through nature. God expects
humans to be His stewards with
nature. God expects us to obey His
commands. God created the world
and everything in the world. And
He blesses them and protects them.
He gives human being knowledge
strength and duty to protect and
preserve the world. Not to use it
only for their economy.
Hay Zar Thet Naing, the
presenter of Interfaith, (Islamic)
presented about the Islamic
teaching on environment issue. She
mentioned man is the second to
person of Allah for earth; man has
the power to control the environment
and to take care of it; all creatures
are like a family of God: and she
loves the most those who are the
most beneficent to His family. Allah
commanded human being not to
do mischief on the earth. And then
she gave some examples from the
teaching of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) on environmental issue.
There are bad consequences because
of human being. In addition, there is
Q: In order to criticize others, you
have to know more about vocal
techniques. So, how did you learn
about vocal techniques?
A: Everyone who loves singing
knows how to sing and who can sing
well. Also, I was grown up in the
music community, so I criticize using
my knowledge and experiences.
Q: Also I have heard that the songs
will be in theme starting when only
six contestants left? Can you explain
me more about themes?
A: Well, when there are only six
[6]
The Open Window Journal
taught to be clean in Islamic. When
people die, it should be burried. It
would be protect the environment.
And the presentation was stopped
by Islamic prayer.
Ma Ni Ni Win, the presenter
of Interfaith (Hinduism) presented
about The Environmental Concept
in Hinduism. Hinduism is a religion
that is very close to nature. It asks its
followers to see God in every object
in the Universe. During the earliest,
formative period of their society,
Hindus first perceived God presence
around them through nature. Ancient
Hindus felt Brahman presence in
everything around them. Hindu
religion wants its followers to live a
simple life. It does not allow people
to go on increasing their material
wants. People are meant to learn to
enjoy spiritual happiness. So that
to derive a sense of satisfaction
and fulfillment, they need not after
material pleasures and disturb
nature’s checks and balances.
contestants left, they will be asked
to perform the songs within a theme
assigned by the juries. For example,
when we assign “Metallic” theme,
contestants are only allowed to
perform metallic songs. Also, when
there are only four contestants left,
each two of them will be asked to
perform duets. They will also need
to perform more than one songs:
a song of their choice and a song
selected by the juries.
The Open Window Journal
C u l t u re C o rn e r
Marriage Customs in Burma
The groom has to pay respect this to the bride’s
parents. It is very essential for Burmese marriage
culture.
W
hen a boy and girl grew
up and love each other,
they want to marry and
live with happy life. To do so, firstly,
they need to have approval from their
parents. So, a wedding ceremony
will be performed with their parents,
relatives, honorable guests and
friends. Before a man and woman
get married, they usually prepare for
their wedding reception. They invite
their relatives, friends, associates,
colleagues and neighbors.
Before the wedding recep-
tion, they are court marriage
performed by judges at the court.
Court marriage needs judge and
witness. After that, the couple
became legally husband and wife. In
the court marriage ceremony, there
are no large number of guests. After
By Sweety & May
finishing the ceremony, the guests
are offered the refreshments by the
newlyweds.
Most the traditional wedd-
ings take place at the hotels. The
hotels have wedding packages for
couples. It takes about two hours.
In wedding ceremony in-
clude the consecration ceremony
which is included to be more
auspicious for the bride and groom.
The consecrator ties the groom’s left
and bride’s right hands altogether
with white towel. Their hands
keep into the silver bowl which is
include the water, flower and Nan
Tha Phyu Thanakha Lotion. The
consecrator poured the auspicious
water onto their hands with spiral.
After consecration ceremony, they
can assume as a couple.
[ 7]
The groom’s parents
prepare the offering
usually contain three or
five hands of bananas,
one coconut and
eugenia sprigs (Ka Taw
Pwe). The groom has to
pay respect this to the
bride’s parents. It is very
essential for Burmese
marriage culture. More-
over, the bride and
groom offer food, robe
and others alms with the
firm belief that it is the
foreteller of auspicious
and happy life for their
future. It is unforgettable
for the couple to prepare
all stuff together.
When people are invited to
a wedding, they almost always give
the bride and groom a gift or some
money. Most of the newlyweds
throw the dinner party at the hotels.
Actually, it isn’t a custom of Burmese
tradition.
When the marriage couple
arrived home, they pay respect to
their parents. Then, their parents
give the best wishes for the marriage
couple. After that, the marriage
couple tries to enter their wedding
room. At this time, their relatives
and friends blocked with gold
chains to ask for pocket-money (Gae
Boe). It is a very lovely traditional
custom in Burma. People practice
the genealogy their marriage custom
long ago. Especially, prominent
families practice and abide their
custom. But, marriage couples
are still practicing this traditional
custom.
Photo source: Internet

P o etry F e a t u re
“A THING OF BEAUTY IS A
JOY FOREVER,” but “BEAUTY
LIES IN THE EYES OF THE
BEHOLDER.”
The two aforementioned lines
are very famous adages in the
English language. The first one is
a line from the poem “A Thing of
Beauty Is a Joy Forever” by the
famous poet John Keats. The second
one is an English cliché. These two
view “beauty” from different aspects
– that is for sure. However, I have
come to comprehend the two lines
as one expression regarding what I
have learnt from some experiences.
My dear mother often talks
about “life” regarding as “a super-
equation which balances itself”.
She says we have no control or
impact whatsoever over it, and yet
we can survive and thrive by acting
suitably and flexibly to the time and
circumstance of any given situation
according to Charles Darwin’s
principle of “Survival of the Fittest”.
I quite agree with her. And what I
mean to state here is that life is full
of “Give and Take”. We always need
to make a certain investment to gain
something – nobody gets anything
for free. To illustrate, once a dear
friend of mine said, “You have to
trust other people first so that they
will trust you.”
I believe – by far – that the
greatest and most enduring joy
one can ever experience is the
satisfaction he gets by knowing and
being appreciated that he has done
a good deed to improve the life of
another. I myself have done little
bits in changing the course of some
people’s lives and such pleasure
lingers in my heart and memory.
Reputedly, the greatest thing an
The Open Window Journal
Beauty
By Déline
Undesirable consequences could
occur in the relationship between
the deliverer and the receiver. One
party could be misunderstood by the
other. The one who gives could have
regrets for a well intended cause. Or
worse things may be on the way.
I have had several incidents in
my life when the things I had done
for others went astray because they
never knew my good intentions,
and there were times when I
misunderstood other people’s good
deeds for me and found it too late
to thank or apologize them. One
incident was back in high school
with a student one year senior
individual can do for another is not to to me. One of the teachers was
give but to let him discover himself really mad at something small but
and his true potentials. I think that contemptuous that he had done to
the phrase “a thing of beauty” in her. That teacher talked about him
Keats’ line means precisely this – with words of loathing right before
the best deed one can ever do for me but in his absence.
another or any other great good deed I suggested that he apologize
one does for another. Bringing what the teacher but he wouldn’t. Instead,
I have stated above together, this can he thought I alienated his teacher
be inferred from Keats’s line... and him, and says very polite but
“The satisfaction one gets by bitter things to me whenever we
doing a great good deed for another meet. In another incident, I advised
can be enjoyed by both the deliverer a dear friend of mine to sign up for
and the receiver for a lifetime.” a writing workshop by a very good
However, there are certain teacher. He constantly refused to
circumstances under which there be there because it was early in the
can be pain instead of joy when morning and he wanted his sleep.
“beauty” is misjudged. This I wanted him so much to be there
judgement is what I understand by that my urging became incessant
“the eyes of the beholder” relating pleading, and he finally told me
to Keats’s words; it is how the to “f**k off”. And we stopped
receiver of the deed sees things. A talking for about a month. As for
virtue well delivered could become me misunderstanding others’ good
in vain if it is not well received or deeds for me, I have many stories,
taken incorrectly. What if the given especially with my parents.
material is not what the receiver These things happen in life
wants or needs? What if he sees the – inevitably and unexpectedly.
thing that comes to him negatively
and does not make good use of it? Continued on page 14
[8]
The Open Window Journal

Ph o t o E ssa y
Soccer in Burma
By Saya Soe

[ 9]
 The Open Window Journal

Creat i v e Wri t i n g
What Time Is It?
By Aung Thu Htet

I
f ever the legend of a wishing tree were correct, I Although it is one of my most valuable possessions, it
would pay anything within my power to have such is not branded. It is not decorative. It is not ornamental.
a Tree. In fact, there is no need for me to long for Most notably, it is not expensive. However, it has a
it. I have already got one, but not in the form of a tree. most remarkable attractiveness through simplicity, with
It is the side pockets of my trousers .I have to thank a black leather band, with the most distinguished black
my forgetfulness for putting away in these pockets numbers printed on a round face. Two years from its
a large variety of things in store so that I can have successful post as a timekeeper in my matriculation
whatever I like anytime only if I place my hand in examination, it still keeps time. It is old, for a watch,
them. Once, there was a Ks 100 note that came out but still actively at its service, which does nothing but
from my pockets, already crinkled, almost torn, but still only to heighten my love for it. I would spend a minute
usable, when I had a headache searching for change on or two, mediating upon the numbers on its little white
a bus. Once there was a pen in my pocket while I was face; or a few hours listening to the rhythmic beats of its
a desperate need of it to note down a heart as I count the seconds, I would
telephone number. Of course, an ID be walking over the moon whenever
photo presented itself when I forgot someone asks me, “What time is it?”
to bring a long one when I registered Then, I would stylishly raise my hand,
for a class. Needless to say, the first Needless to say, the first glance at the number its hands point
thing I would do when I have almost to, and answer in a most assured tone,
thing I would do when
any of my belongings lost is to open believing in its accuracy although it
my closet, and rummage through I have almost any of my is not of reputable brand or of a price
the pockets of my trousers that are belongings lost is to open that would surprise my friends.
carefully ironed and folded. This my closet, and rummage “Nothing gold can stay,” a
almost always works! through the pockets of my renowned poet, Robert Frost, once
Although some people would
trousers that are carefully said. Nothing could be truer than this
blame my forgetfulness at such a Gospel truth. Although my watch
tender age, I would not disagree with ironed and folded. is not of gold still, I would add,
these people nor be ungrateful for my “Nothing gold can stay. My watch
forgetfulness. If one asked me what is no exception.” I do not have the
kind of a person I was, I would say foggiest idea why my watch neared its
without thinking, “a forgetful one”. Of course, whenever demise so soon. Its hands sometimes, to my frustration,
I go to a class or to the library or anywhere else, there failed to tell me the exact hours, much less to say the
are such essential things that I have to try to remember minutes or the seconds. However, it would start working
to bring a long as: the keys to my house, without which properly all of a sudden, as a drowsy worker suddenly
I would have to stand in front of my house with a stupid wake up and remembers his work, as soon as I set the
face, waiting for somebody to come home; my wallet, time straight and gave a little tap on its face, whose
which includes all important items such as ID card, cover was once clear now so troubled with intricate
money, among others, my umbrella, which I do not want scratches. Then a day came when it finally exhausted my
to forget come rain or shine or both come or not, and patience and love. “Is that the time? Great Scotts! Isn’t
last but not least, my wristwatch, which is probably the it too early?” I exclaimed as I took a look at my watch.
most meaningful possession that has ever happened “Your watch needs new batteries. No wonder! A watch
into my life. can only serve as right as its price can tell,” my friend
There is a reason why this wristwatch holds a lot of told, not to me, but as if he was talking to himself in a
meaning to me. The watch played a most significant part contemplative tone or as if there was a ghostly phantom
is one of the most monumental events in my life that who just suddenly showed up before him only to listen
being the matriculation examination. It helped me keep to his reasoning.
track of time during those demanding six three-hour sits. Continued on page 14
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The Open Window Journal

Humaneness Myat Minn Khant

Time Raphael “R4” Ram

I am a not cunning creature Square-toed father with the great gray beard,
Yet I can face those who are cunning to me. Owner of eternal instants worth
I am not a wily creature The pain of sickly brown-eyed children
Although I can face the wises. Living in shattered grains of golden sand,
The other and I are not as cunning as fox Judge of doomed red skies
Pathetic is never over And sheltered green heavens,
Although my spirit goes lower and lower; Bringer of the pain
It’s just a looking for a new plant, Of loved ones lost,
In the dark green hill. Well of wisdom,
For the last breathing of mind, He who nibbles on the sanity of good men,
I suicide dreams: Murderer, bald buzzard who feasts
Long to be true in the future. On the fresh wet flesh of young love,
Father of Death,
The Angry spouse of Life,
Open Window Journal
Tell me,
How can you claim to be so much,
When you are
Poems A mere river
Gushing downstream to
An empty sea?
Partial love,
How can you do so much,

Diversity to Peace Tin Maung Htwe

If all you can rule
Are the simple grains
That fall through the neck of two glass funnels.
Time has been my good friend
Please tell me what For far too long.
I see it a real black Even at the supple
“White” you said “blindness” Age of sixteen,
Who can tell us what? Time seems
I do believe in God Both fleeting and eternal.
You tell this is not Friends made.
No one able to think Brothers gained.
War makes lives to lose. Love discovered;
Respect the view of each rights Abandoned.
Make a beautiful compromise Mistakes made,
Work together day and night But not regretted.
Peace may upon on all sides.

[ 11 ]

S ho r t S t o ry
Moonlight Sonata
I made my way into the office
through the revolving door, and as
it whirred, the receptionist snapped
up to glance at the clock: 6:30 sharp.
She smiled, and flashed me a wink
that had more than just a trace of
friendliness.
“I see you’re still keeping your
early track record clean, Gary”, she
purred.
I barely managed to stutter out
a reply through a nervous laugh.
“A good morning to you too,
um...er....” (What was her name
again? Jane? Janet? Or was it
Janice?)
“Don’t fret it, Gary... Janice.
It’s Janice. You have a nice day,
alright?”
I gave her an awkward bow and
shuffled hurriedly towards my desk.
I could feel her hungry eyes boring
into my back.
Women have always thought
of me as attractive, or so I’ve heard.
I once happened to hear a group of
ladies referring to my (Gary’s) “lean
swimmer’s physique, and roast-
hazel eyes”. I tend to shrug off most
of these comments, because deep
inside, I know love is just one barrier
in my heart I’ve never been able to
pass through. Don’t get me wrong,
though: I love women. Everything
about them. The way they laugh, tuck
stray strands of hair behind their ear,
and blush at honest compliments.
I just love their company. In fact,
almost none of my close friends are
men. And, as far as the romance in
my life goes, impressing the opposite
sex has always been second nature to
me. It’s keeping these relationships
By Raphael “R4” Ram
going, however, that’s always been
a horribly one-sided struggle; one
I always seem to be losing at. In
my more honest moments, such as
this one, I’d openly admit that it’s
always been my fault, and I suppose
it is: there are some layers of my
personality I just can’t seem to shed.
Until women come to accept me
for who I am, I guess I’ll just have
to wait for the right girl to come
along.
I’m probably boring you with
my jabbering and pathetic self-pity,
but hear me out. There’s a reason
I’ve been telling you all this: it’s
because yesterday, I met Her at last;
the right girl, I mean.
It was at a pub called “The
Trident”- not my local bar or
anything. just one of the many
random joints I hit, to keep my
short-lived relationships as discreet
as possible. I was idly swirling my
mug of cider, just about ready to
leave, when she came in. My first
glimpse of her- and as if Fate was
[ 12 ]
The Open Window Journal
jealous of her beauty, was from
behind a murky curtain of liquid
amber. It did not lessen her beauty
in the least. And as she sat down
at her table, one silken leg crossed
over another, I slowly lowered my
glass.
She had the sort of face
Shakespeare would have drowned
in, for a hundred sonnets and then
some. The cute, cherubic plump of
her cheeks were offset by the sultry
sighs in her amber eyes, and the
cotton-candy blush of her wispy
lips. The rest of her body told epic
tales of the mantel that fought the
centerpiece for attention; both
eventually settling for combining,
in a limpid pool of visual orgasms.
She was sitting. Just sitting. But to
any passer-by, it would’ve looked
like she owned the world.
What surprised me almost
as much as her beauty, was her
choice of clothes. You see, it was a
Summer evening, and even though
twilight was just peaking in over the
horizon, the spicy Miami Sun still
shone in all its savage glory. I loved
summer for lots of reasons, but at
the top of the list were the clothes
(or lack thereof) pretty women
would wear. She, however (unlike
her more provocatively dressed
friends), was wrapped in a modest
afternoon-dress. I would later learn
that she had a name that was almost
as classy as she was: Elizabeth. Not
Liz, Lizzie, or Beth. Just Elizabeth.
An elegant name for an elegant
lady.
It wasn’t long before I realized
that I was gawking at her. I got up,
The Open Window Journal
straightened out my shirt, and strode
towards the table. Experience has
taught me that when trying to single
out a girl from a group of friends,
it’s important to make all the girls
in the group feel special and not
just focus on one girl, to avoid bad
feelings afterwards (how I learned
this is another story, for another
time). However, as the evening soon
came to pass, it must have become
obvious to her friends that I was all
for her. They left, reluctantly, but
Elizabeth didn’t seem the slightest
bit bothered. She liked me, but not
like most women, who would stare
at me with a lopsided grin mid-
conversation. She genuinely liked
me, for who I was.
It was already dark by the
time we went back to my place.
We both slowed down to a more
conversational pace. The moon was
dancing in the sky, surrounded by its
gaggle of twinkling nymphs, and I,
for once, was truly happy. We kissed
several times on the little boulevard
back home, and every time I cradled
her soft face in my hands, I made a
promise to myself to not let anything
get in the way of us. It was my first
time falling in love, and I was falling
fast.
That night, we slept together
on the roof. The stars demurely hid
themselves behind a veil of clouds,
and soon, the moon joined them.
And I stayed up all night; for the first
time in my life, I stayed up to watch
a lady, a very special lady, sleep.
Her eyes danced all night long, to
the serenade of the stars, and as the
first rays of dawn shone through the
passion of the night, she opened her
eyes and smiled. Just before I left
for work later that morning, she
was standing at the threshold in a
shirt that barely hid the shapely flare
of her waist, and she made me a
promise.
“Gary, baby, I’ll be right here
waiting for you. Won’t go anywhere
until you get back, so you better
Experience has taught me that when trying
to single out a girl from a group of friends,
it’s important to make all the girls in the
group feel special and not just focus on one
girl, to avoid bad feelings afterwards (how
I learned this is another story, for another
time).
get back soon,” and she sealed her spent with a single woman seemed
promise with a wink and a kiss. as juvenile as man’s belief in justice.
At work it wasn’t long, while I My mind soon felt like it was about
was flipping through a huge square to burst, as I tried yet again, to recall
file, before I realized what a fool I what had happened the day before.
had been, choosing to stay locked up Nothing came. My head felt like a
within the bland walls of the office, muddied mess of memories both
while she waited for me to get back. genuine and fake, and through the
I threw the file at one of the three storm of confusion that had burst
walls of my cubicle. I was going forth, I ran into the emptiness of the
back home. night; a lost lamb howling for the
I ran through the revolving ghost of its lost love.
doors, giving a quick nod to the
receptionist’s greetings. (What was THE SUNDAY HERALD
her name again? Janet? Jane? Or Police discovered the
was it Janice?) Out on the streets, mutilated body of a young
the evening had crept in. A blade of woman this evening after she
violet had ripped apart the azure sky, had been reported as missing
and left behind fresh scars of pink by a friend. The woman,
and orange. I raced through the very whose name has not yet been
boulevards we had walked through released, was found at the
the previous day, and thoughts home of a local businessman
of Elizabeth’s waiting embrace after neighbors reported that
quickened my pace even more. they saw what they believed
As I neared my house, however I to be blood on the roof. Early
heard the first sirens. Soon after, indications show that the
the flashing police lights caught woman had been sexually
up with the somber walls, and an abused and tortured prior to
ambulance came into view. It was being murdered. The police
as if the heavens had been ravaged, have also reported finding
raped and reborn a phantom of red the decomposing remains of
and blue. Then, horror gripped my several other young women
soul, as I watched the police break buried in the basement of the
down my door. house.
I wailed out into the night. A nationwide search is
Every woman I had been with had being undertaken for Garreth
left me, leaving only a broken part “Gary” Fox, the culprit of
of themselves behind, and now, these horrendous crimes.
Elizabeth; my Elizabeth had left me Anybody with information
as well. The blooms of young love regarding his whereabouts is
that had sprouted in my heart wilted requested to call the police
away, and my thoughts of an eternity hot-line on.....
[ 13 ]
 The Open Window Journal
continued from continued from Beauty
What Time Is It? However, should the deliverer have a heart big enough
to forgive the misunderstanding receiver of his deed and
That was, no doubt, the last day I had my watch
go on in life, he could still escape from the pain, sorrow
around my hand. In fact, I forgot this once truthful
and sufferings caused. After all, there is something
friend of mine as if the God himself has wiped off its
Alexander Pope wrote which reads,
painful memory from my mind. Still, life went on with
“To err is human,
my friend forgotten. In fact, not only I forgot my watch
To forgive is divine.”
but also I forgot the time. I do not remember how long
This is what I see beauty as. How do you?
it has been since I have gone separate ways with this
insolent traitor, who repaid my love by denying and
betraying me.
Yesterday, when I was on my way to class on a
C artoon
bus, a man asked me “What time is it?”He asked not in
Burmese like Myanmar people ‘usually’ do. He asked
me in a most pedantic tone, ‘in English’. Well, I did not
have an idea why this man kept annoying me by asking
the time while I apparently had no watch around my
wrist. And I have not had it for a long time. At last, I
could not resist my curiosity or rather, irritation and told,
painstakingly suppressing my annoyance to show anger
or impatience, the man who seemed not in his mind, “I
am not wearing a watch, dear uncle.”
“Please turn out your bus fees,” shouted the
bus worker. With nuisance still on my mind, I most
unwillingly planted my hands in the pockets of my
trousers for bus fees. No monetary notes came out.
Instead, an old acquaintance did. Yes, it was my old
companion, the friend who used to stick around my
wrist. Having gone through numerous times of laundry,
it seemed older than I could imagine. I do not know
whether it told the right time or not. But I noticed that
its heart was still beating.

Ca l l f o r S u b m i ssi o ns
July 21

What’s specail about July 21?

That’s the deadline for submissions to the new Open

Window Journal.

We want your creative writing, commentary, stories,

poetry, gaames, jokes, cartoons, observations,
suggestions, criticism, praise, inspirations,
quotations, news, and educational tips.

Send to: asskopenwindows@gmail.com

Or, just gave us a look when our new issue comes
out in early August.

[ 14 ]
The Open Window Journal

R eco m m e n d a t i o n s P uzzle
It’s just a game. In this game we can find vocabulary
Movie in the box. You can complete the sentences the words
that are given at the below. And you can find the
Pan’s Labyrinth words in the box. The words can go across or down,
Pan’s Labyrinth is a grim, or diagonal left to right. You will be pleased with
a dart, shock, disgust and yourself when you find the words in the box.
pity movie (Ivan Baquero) is
Ofelia 11 years old girl faced A D K B F U I N O H C E U
complication in Spain during M P L F O U N D A T I O N
World War II. The film K E X T E N S I V E B L P
director Guillermo Del Toro Y G H I V L P W E I V E R
creates the developing of U N D E T E R R E N T A E
storytelling. Ofelia took the
S O P H I S T I C A T E D
instrucions of Pan who ask
for Ofelia to get the key from C G D U O T E L B K S A I
the huge frog. Ofelia wants to O A S D G N P V L B M U C
implement her dream world M R V S T K L U I E C P T
because she wants to take care of her pregnant mother. M U H N B I C G F S K L A
Ofelia and her stepfather (Captain Vidal) don’t A H L E A K E D C G A N B
get along. She meets variety of adventure in realism and N B K P I O F U E H Q V L
imagined.
D C I T S A I S U H T N E
Ofelia’s housemaid (Mercedes) who is
mysteriously ready to help Ofelia. The song arrangement 1. Command
could reveal that would be really happened while 2. Deterrent
Ofelia and Mercedes run away. The sound follow the 3. Enthusiastic
audience’s heart. Camera and setting made many tasks 4. Evasive
such as eyeless ogres, locusts and Pan. Pans’ labyrinth, 5. Extensive
magical fantasy movie is worth watching because the 6. Foundation
aucience can’t predict easily until the ending 7. Leaked
Sweety 8. Review
9. Sophisticated
Book 10. Unpredictable

Growing up again by MARY TYLER 1. Capital punishment is supposed to act as a ……….. .

MOORE. 2. Skilled workers can ……………..high salaries.
Life, Loves and Oh Yeah 3. The earthquake caused ……………..damage.
Diabetes, you will see this amazing 4. I guess I’ll just have to accept the job. Well, you don’t
words in the front page of the book. seem very …………….. about it.
This try to reach to your heart and 5. The weather in this city is so ……………..that you
making a burning desire to read book never know what to expect.
entirely. In preface, she explained 6. I want the truth! I’m fed up with ……………..
how this book become alive Philip answers.
Revving and his daughter who has a 7. Unfortunately, your pen ……………..and left a bad
diabetes encourage Moore to write stain on my shirt.
this book and helping mentally to 8. The hotel collapsed because its …………….. was too
the people who have diabetes. Full weak.
of sources, diabetes resource guide for diabetes win 9. The ……………..of the movie said it was very
make you feel good. You cannot stay away from book disappointing.
after you read the first page of Growing Up Again. 10. The building is protected by highly ……………..
Harry Awesome warning devices.
[ 15 ]

Interview with The ACMO
The Inspirations of an AC
By Thiha
AMERICAN CENTER MUSIC
ORGANIZATION held the first
round of AC Idol on Friday, June 25,
at Globe Room, American Center.
There were great performances
of young prospective singers and
constructive and honest comments
of the juries, who are also American
Center students. The contest went
well with successful collaboration
of contestants, audience, and juries.
Then, after the contest I asked the
juries some questions to know more
about the exciting event.
Q: How did you guys get the idea of
organizing AC Idol?
A: Well, we are interested in music
and we love watching the American
Idol, so we imitated the American
Idol and created the AC Idol. Most
of the rules and procedures are the
same with those of American Idol.
The Open Window Journal
Q: How will the contestants of comment honestly on the contestants’
the AC Idol get benefits from the performances. But while you believe
contest? that you are doing your job, some
A: The winners of the AC Idol will will say that you guys are so serious
be asked to perform at special events rather than having fun. So, how do
organized by the club. you cope with that problem?
A: It is just the job of the judges
Q: As being judges, you will have to Continued on page 6
Library Information
Library Orientation Program for new members
and old members who did not have a chance to Date
attend this program. In this program, one of the July 30, 2010
American Center Language teachers will conduct
a presentation on famous American people. Time
4:30 p.m.
The book club discusses a book selected each
month by club members. Book Club conversation Place
will be on July 28; 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in the library. Baldwin Library Book
Book-of-the-Month will be “Blind Willow, Club
Sleeping Woman” by Haruki Murakami. New
members are always welcome.

MONSOON TERM 2010

August 9 –September 3 Interviews August 2-4 Registration August 6
US History:
A Writer’s Current Summer
Course Title The Early Mark Twain Food & You
Studio Events Stock Theater
Years
Teacher Tom Mimieux Ethan & Erin Cresa Grace Gregory

MTWThF
MWF M/Th MTWThF MTWThF MTWThF
Time (A) 8:15-9:15,
10:00-12:00 9:00-12:00 1:00-2:30 1:00-2:30 10:30-12:00
(B) 9:30-10:30
Classroom Teaneck Bismark New York New York Bismark Globe
Levels III, IV, Completed Completed All levels Completed Completed
Prerequisite V, and VI or Level IV or Level V or welcome to Level V or Level VI or
equivalent equivalent equivalent interview equivalent equivalent
Fee K 30,000 K 36,000 K 36,000 K 45,000 K 45,000 K 45,000

All Submission are welcome.

Send to: asskopenwindows@gmail.com or come to the Conference Room every Wednesday at 2 p.m.
The
Open Window Journal
[ 16 ]