Saturday Brunch at home

Always love meal invitations by really good Home Chefs, 

especially when they provide take-home after the meal.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You...

Drum Alert

Heard marching drums nearby.
Camera slung over my shoulder I rushed to the main street.
I knew it had to be some sort of parade.

   

Red Yellow Blue is coming

No political statement here. 

When you fuel your vehicle in the near future in Thailand it will be color coded

yellow octane  91

 blue    octane  95

 red      diesel       

-fuel-colouring-starts-on-feb-1- teakdoor.com

Hope it wont stain

Of interest to UK Expats in Thailand

Changes in Passport applications and processing have been announced by UK in Thailand

    

Unseasonably hot February

Time to schedule annual air conditioner maintenance, clean off fans and get ready for the hot weather.

Looks like it was a short cool season.

Many parts of Thailand are expecting a drought year ahead, some reservoirs are below normal levels according to government announcements.  

Farmers have been advised not to plant a second crop this year. 

Regional leaders are expected to facilitate rainmaking.

To me that translates in more Bun Bang Fai Festivals than in previous years.  

In the last few years the hot season was short lived.

        

The weather isn't the only thing getting hot in Thailand

A crackdown on entertainment venues which offer 'take-out' has been announced to begin Mid February in some major tourist cities.

And there is some pending political tension around the same time

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/166657/political-tension-hits-stock-market

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=acL6EK9ofVAs

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/166610/troops-to-help-thai-police-face-protesters

Party Invitation

Three birthday celebrations this week

Yesterdays party invitation: "Come and take plenty of pictures."  The party was in a residence just a two minute drive from home.
Food catered by the M.J. Majestic Hotel was great.

Our conversations were at times in shouting pitch, trying to outshout the 'Ghetto Blaster Sound System.'
Surprisingly I knew almost all guest, including some S-BAC students.

The invitation was very specific 'you and one guest.'  If you're not specific, Thais tend to invite their friends and family and may arrive by the truckload.


We did get a copy of the now famous Leo Beer 2010 Calendar.  It became popular with a morality outcry.  Ladies with painted on costumes, which seems to be a fashion trend.
You can see the Leo girls at the TEAK DOOR

Happy Australia Day

Thailand 1948

When Muay Thai was known as Siamese Boxing

T.i.T. Bits

Denmark retains Kings Cup

Almost a no brainer from the start, but  still very intense.  The Thai team seems to be improving.  Maybe next year.

Had to add extra chairs to the living room to accommodate the large crowd who gathered at my house.  One guy actually brought his own beer.  One out of ten over 20 year olds.

Possibly some troubled times ahead  

I recommend that you read the headlines in the sidebar.  Later part  of February things may get a bit 'hairy.'

Sky diving in Sakon Nakhon

Bird's Paradise Extreme Resort

Sawang Daen Din, Sakon Nakhon

Recently added to Picasa Albums: 040625 S-BAC

Humid days, chilly nights ahead

District 7 Sakon fire training

Sakon Aakasamnwi children

Video by namosatu Uploaded January 17,

Today's noticeable headlines 

http://pattaya-times.com/a4833-police-crackdown-on-foreign-operated-sex-bars

          http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/166207/uk-woman-told-to-stop-noisy-sex

February 2004 One year in Thailand Bash at S-BAC

Almost that time again.

Religious view of Haiti Sickening

There's a nasty rumor emanating.

According to this rumor the Sakon Nakhon Tax office has been discussing a tax on money expats are bringing into the country
I have no idea if there is any validity to this rumor.
It would be a good enough reason for me to pack my bags

Last day of the Fair

When are we going to the fair?

I've been avoiding answering that question for one obvious reason.  I'm expected to finance the venture.

The fair has lost a lot of luster for me over the years.  My primary reason to go to the fair was to ride the 'bum car' (bumper cars). They haven't been part of the fair for a number of years.
I'd easily spend thousands giving away tickets, and I'd nurse bruises and aches for weeks after the fair was gone.

This year they've also removed alcohol from the fair.  Open air bars and entertainment has been moved across the street, away from the fair.
Past years I'd sit in a car dealers booth, sip on a beer and watch people go by.  Gone are the karaoke bars

A good time to make purchases is early in the morning the day after the fair, when they load up all their unsold products


Local Straw Burning Ban Campaign Underway

A program is under way to educate farmers in more ecological methods to clear land for replanting, other than burning.    Burning rice and corn stubble is most commonly used in clearing farmland for replanting. www.banmuang.co.th

Soggy and Humid Weather ahead

Rain is headed this way. Day temperatures are getting warmer. Night time temperatures remain cool.
Forecast high humidity will raise the 'Feels Like" temperatures considerably.

I'm ready. Got the pool filling hose ready.




There's a reason why you need fences and gates around your yard:  Free range (and city) cattle

Well Done Video

You Tube Video by Ton1976St posted January 18, 2010

Kudos

Sunday T i T 's

At the Welcome Bar, the regulars seemed to be mostly absent, there was a small crowd of seasonal visitors filling in.

Walked to the fair:
Met a Thai friend and his wife.
He asked why I was at the fair alone.
"It's cheaper that way," or so I thought.


Along came this five year old with his mom.
I've known the family since before he was born.
First there was a big smile "pleasure meeting you.."
That quickly changed to the sad puppy look;
Also known as the "I have no money" sadness.
I had no change is my wallet, only 1thousands.
Let's just say "big smiles" made a comeback.

Someone suggested that Motor Dump Cycle at the fair would be ideally suited to take your mother-in-law for a ride. When she starts to get on your nerve that dump lever can be quite handy.

The Sunday crowds at my house are quite small these days.  Too cold to go swimming.
The amount of refreshments required has not decreased though.

Kings Cup Footbal on the big screen
Always enjoy the pre-game show.
Thailand 1, Singapore 0
Thailand turned a penalty kick into a score
It was quite an intense game.  At one  point both teams were a heartbeat away from a fight.
Cool heads prevailed,
Some questionable calls by the referee, including one red card, only added to the intensity of the game.
Thailand needs improvement in their passing skills.
Related article at Bangkok Post

This weeks King Cup Schedule
     20 JAN.16:00 SINGAPORE VS DENMARK
                  18:30 THAILAND VS POLAND

     23 JAN.16:00 POLAND VS SINGAPORE
                  18:30 THAILAND VS DENMARK




The mean streets of late-nite television

Some jewery may be dangerous to your health

Cadmium laced toys and jewelry are creating the latest Chinese product recall in th U.S. Cadmium has been found to be more toxic than lead to humans, damaging the kidney.

Watch the You Tube video at this link Cadmium Found In Children's Toys



Tonight at the
Sakon Nakhon Red Cross Fair

Hot times ahead

2010 could be the hottest year on record guardian.co.uk
2010 El Nino expected to lower world rice production Bloomberg
Another rice crisis likely asia sentinel.com
Rubber prices up Bloomberg


Tonight at the fair

This Sunday at the Welcome Bar

January 15, 2010 sakonnakhon-live.blogspot.com one year anniversary

Day trip to the fair and more

The concert area at the fair is fenced in this year, possibly to keep troublemakers from escaping.
Just looks ugly and uninviting.

Tonights concert

Also at the fair you might be interested in a 'motor dump cycle,' selling for 89,000 baht (US$ 2,710).

Fried bugs for sale at the fair are not on my list, instead I bought some chestnuts

Last night was family night out to celebrate the fraternal twins O and A birthday.
Both are serving in the military, O is in the navy, while A joined the Army.
The local "All you can eat for 49 baht restaurant" is a family favorite.

Great News

Electricity costs most likely remain capped through 2010
 Bangkok Post

Sakon Nakhon Marching

Recently

Thai TV Channel 3 news clip Of Sakon Nakhon Mak Mao Fest and Christmas Starlight parade

Video by Thailand travel guide

This evening at the Sakon Nakhon Red Cross Fair

 POTATO

A complete schedule of Red Cross Fair concerts at 

www.websakon (google translate link)
www.webbsakon

T.i.T. Bits

At this link read about the Vietnamese Community in Sakon Nakhon




At my house

• Watched yesterday's boxing matches on T.V.

I'm not really into that sport, but since it was a Sakon Nakhon Native, I made an exception.
And of course I provided refreshments to visitors.  No surprise to me that Mister "P" won the match.
After watching the first round I concluded that he'd win

Prefight Statistics After fight pictures at thaiphotoblogs

POONSAWAT KRATINGDAENGGYM now has 40 wins - 1 loss according to my calculations. Impressive !!

• Health wise: 

This household seems to be over the flu now.
It started 10 days ago. Fat boy had sneezes for a few days. One was a direct hit on my face.  I washed my face.
Dogs have their own flu viruses, not transmittable to humans (as of yet).


Next Joey had the flu.  It was hard to tell at first.  But I soon realized it was not just a hangover.  Then I just said oHo.  Two days later I had it.  Relatively mild: no fever.  Used a box of tissue per day to keep my nose clean.  A dollar's worth of Nasolin from the local pharmacist took care of the nasal drip after that.
Fourth day the throat and chest symptoms were the worst.  Sixth day:  symptoms are minor.  At least I feel safe that I can go out shopping.  After a week the cupboards are bare.

Waiting for a reply

Sent out this e-mail to two different departments of TAT.
I'm just interested to see if there will be a reply and how long it will take.  
From the looks of it they posted last years dates

Your news release http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2010/oct2010.asp indicates
THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION ROYAL TROPHY LONG-BOAT RACES
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4, 2010

Please verify these dates, they may be wrong
The festival is generally held during the full moon week in October, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
A copy of the Sakon Nakhon Province calendar is attached.This has been translated to me that the dates are
OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 23, 2010
Please confirm these dates

Worth watching

.
January 11, 2:30 p.m., Thai TV Channel 3
Sakon Nakhon Native Boxing Champion defends his title in Tokyo.

Nostalgia Moment 1971

Age: 27
Occupation: Supply Sergeant, Army Self Service Store
Location:      U.S. Army Barracks
                    Vịnh Cam Ranh (Cam Ranh Bay), Vietnam

I operated somewhat of a barracks mini market.
Laundry service generally took a week.  Most often I'd do my own laundry.  Pinned to the wall for drying

Pool Filter Neglect

Installed the pool pump and filter four years ago. I've done some maintenance, but must admit, never bothered cleaning the filters. That should be an annual job.
Lately I'd encountered some problems. Every time I shut the pump off, the dirt would backwash into the pool. Of course I took everything else apart first. With the exception of gaskets needing replacement, everything was fine.

Finally got enough courage to open the filter. I looked at the manual, it seemed really technical. When I lifted the filter assembly out, it of course fell into multiple pieces. Think I may need six hands to reassemble the filter.

From the looks of things, filter cleaning was way overdue. I suspect the water pressure will improve dramatically once the filter is cleaned and reassembled.








Recently added Picasa Web Albums

   

S-BAC Sport day

I probably should have stayed home and nurse myself back to health.  I couldn't resist.

In town streets were controlled by traffic police, as an apparent children jogging marathon took place.

Outside of town, at the military reservation they also were celebrating children's day.
   Looked more like a fair ground.  A single jet circled the area twice.

Quite unusual to see a jet in this area.  While waiting for the parade to start, a bicycle racing team passed.

I don't know where people get the idea my name is money.  Many kept calling me that.

Oh yes I did pass out 3,000 baht in 20 baht denomination before I left.

Sakon Nakhon Golf

Ive been asked to pinpoint the local golf course on my map.
For the moment I have placed a temporary marker on the map.
It may be off somewhat.
I am down and out with the flu. Second day and second box of tissues.

It will be a few days before I'll be able to confirm the exact location.
Some information is available at The Irish Clock.

There are also a number of driving ranges in the area.




Added to the Photo Album

From 050405 Football

From 050509 FootBall

From 070107 Football

Football Evening at Home

Visitors started arriving at six.
Thailand vs. Jordan was delayed by rain for half an hour.
I had time to pop some popcorn and contribute it to a karaoke party at the end of the street.

My living room had reached capacity by start of game time.  My neighborhood  friends.
Thailand vs. Jordan was a nail biter. Constant missed opportunities. Plenty near misses.
There was plenty of screaming, hollering and screeching to be heard in my living room.

Wet grass and puddles of water at times turned the game into 'slip and slide football.'
Odd's makers had favored Thailand to win, but nobody scored and the game ended 0-0.

Expenses:

• Half a case of beer 200 bhat
• Snacks 200 baht
• spending an evening with friends *priceless*

Game comments at Bangkok Post


added to Picasa Web Album Sakon Nakhon Carabow Concert 20 January 2004

Looks like some folks I know

more at http://sites.google.com/site/sakonnakhonlive/video-library/humor

T.i.T. Bits

No highway casualties in Sakon Nakhon over the seven day holiday, which ended Jan 4. Bangkok Post
Possibly the increased highway checkpoints this year made the difference.
Heard fireworks being fired as late as yesterday (Jan 5) 5 a.m.

Cool weekend ahead Thai Meteorological Department
The mid month weekend may see some of the cold air from the north coming our way. accuweather.com
China has seen the heaviest snowfall in over half a century.
Should be an interesting spring when all that snow and ice turns to water

Thailand's inflation accelerates



Added to the Picasa Web Albums

S-BAC Christmas Party 25 December 2003

T.i.T. Bits

Telecommunications

Demand for cabled telephone service is declining in big numbers.Mobile phones are all the rage. 

To stay profitable telephone providers are focusing on expanding their DSL customer base in a hurry.

Obviously growth of the DSL customer base is far beyond equipment capabilities.

Frequent disconnects and periods of unavailable service are increasing.

On January 2 TOT was put on notice to improve service within three months "in Bangkok."
THE NATION
We'll have to wait and see how these Bangkok improvements will affect the rest of the country.
I read somewhere that Bangkok and nearby provinces account for 60% of Thailand's tax base.




Added to the Picasa Web Albums

Nakhon Phanom lluminated Barge Procession 10 October 2003

Sakon Nakhon Sunday

Around noon I headed to the





On the way there was a police vehicle check, I slowed down, but no one seemed to be interested in dealing with the foreigner

 
They were jack-hammering 
the dangerous step to the entrance at the Welcome Bar


Noisy and dusty


With supervision

The Welcome Bar Sunday luncheon was superb.
That's the kind of meal I'd like to have TAKE-OUT and stuff my freezer with.

Knowing Sunday afternoons are busy at my house, I did not linger too long after lunch and headed home.

My driveway was an indicator
of the number of visitors
who had already arrived

You can tell they didn't wait for me to get the party started



They sang in unison 'I want to work.'  
What they really meant: 
"do you have a quick and easy job that pays real well!"

I had my shower walls and floor scrubbed, the pool cleaned, and the garden watered
300 Baht (plus refreshments)