Author Archives: Lee Russell Wilkes

Myanmar Between the Juntas

Pictures by Anita Lategan. These 22 pictures of the people of Pyinmana, near Naypyidaw, central Myanmar, were all taken in the relative political freedom of 2018, three years before the military junta returned themselves to absolute power. I tried to be all profound and meaningful when writing this post, to talk about the failings ofContinue reading “Myanmar Between the Juntas”

On Attending a Stranger’s Funeral in Thailand

Thai monks always remind me of Discworld wizards, vaguely comical, and either morbidly obese or so body-horror sinewy you wonder whether their organs are still on the inside. “My dear, you have black dress?” My heart sank. Nina’s English can be a little cryptic at times. She couldn’t mean did I have a black dress;Continue reading “On Attending a Stranger’s Funeral in Thailand”

Reflections on Three Years in Myanmar

The recent military coup in Myanmar might seem of little importance to many of us – just political trouble in a country most could not find on a map, even if they cared to look. Not only did I find it, I spent three years living in Naypyidaw, the capital.     The Return of DemocracyContinue reading “Reflections on Three Years in Myanmar”

Peckinpah’s Finest: The Argument for The Ballad of Cable Hogue

Don’t make me out no saint, but don’t put me down too deep. The what of the who? Right? I’m trusting you’ve never heard of this movie and I’m going to tell you why it’s worth your time. The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a comedy western, and to the surprise of many, the filmContinue reading “Peckinpah’s Finest: The Argument for The Ballad of Cable Hogue”