I just thought this article in today’s Times was interesting, and funny: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/world/asia/07iht-burma.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=omen%20myanmar&st=cse
The junta has been carrying out a PR campaign to convince the population that they have the support of the Buddhist gods. To this end, the wife of the head general rededicated a local ancient pagoda.
One month later, the pagoda collapsed. The astrologers, theologians, and the superstitious took note.
Whoops.