Now that's what I call a Box Car

As Seen at Amnat Charoen

Used to drive such cars in the early 1960's. My mother worked for a European import car dealer in Anchorage.

The Price Is right'er on the road

Admission to Sakon FC home games is 40 baht
At most Sakon FC away games admission is 20 baht.

Crowds at away games are at times three and four times larger.  Greater community participation.
Most opposing teams have better, larger and better equipped cheer leading teams.
A few teams furnish buses for their fans during away games.
At Sakon Games away games an average of a dozen cars are on the road, coming and going.

The Amnat Ants with only one win in their starting season enjoy a large fan base.  
I'd suggest next season they wont be in last place in the league.

I LOVE THAI! (most of the time)

The ANTS I like

The official starting time was advertised at 16:00 hrs, 4 pm

Rumors starting to make their rounds via mobiles Saturday: "the starting time has been moved to 3 pm."
We were an hour early.

Sakon walked away from the game with a win of 4 - 2.
VERY  LUCKY.  The Amnat Town Ants could have bitten Sakon FC severely.  They repeatedly experienced bad luck.  Near misses and close calls.

SakonNakhon PLAYER OF THE DAY Scored three goals

Ikenna  Scored the final Sakon Goal

• Very Lucky I am !!!

Unwittingly I left my camera case in the stadium.
The loss of a cheap video camera wouldn't have bothered me so much.
The bag also contained my passport.  That could have raised my stress level tremendously once I discovered the losss.
The case was returned to me in the parking lot via Joey.

To the (unknown to me) person, my most humble thanks.  I LOVE THAI! (most of the time).

110528 Escape bar closed

Sakon FC  Rumor has it that the coach was fired due to lack of wins.
Heard this from a number of players

Escape Bar Closed for business

Was a bit disappointed that only a few people visited during the evening hours to say their farewells.
But it was still a very pleasant night out.

Arctica Bar considers extended (daytime hours)
After our visit to the Escape bar we stopped by the Arctica bar (formerly Welcome bar) where a birthday party was underway.  There were a number of foreigners there during the evening.
The owner of the bar is considering hiring an extra person to open the bar earlier in the day.
The Arctica bar continues the (English) book exchange.

Tourism Authority Thailand eyes US visitors

"...a high-spending market..."

Tinglish and Electrical Spaghetti

.
Teaching Tinglish 001
My schedule and textbooks were delivered to me during the early evening hours yesterday.
Three books, three classes, but which book for which class, on what day, is anyone's guess.
I'll discover that when I get there.

Who writes these books?

Let me introduce you to the long leg man.
Would you like to meet the long black hair girl?
Would you like to meet the man wear a blue suit?

Ken is back

A complete surprise yesterday when I met Ken on his way to daily Sakon FC practice.

Of course we talked football.
I'm really glad to see him back.

As far as I'm concerned he's the ace the team needs.




Electrical Spaghetti

Recently had the electric company at my house because we had a power outage.
They traced the cause to burned out wires in the attic, cut out the burned section and re-spliced the wires.  A smaller wire is spliced and taped to the main power line.  The smaller wire then leads to the circuit box.  The insulation was scorched.  Lucky the stuff doesn't burn well.
Still plenty of scorched sections of wires need replacing.
Family of the house owner brought over an electrician.  He looked at it and agreed with me what needed to be done.
Said he'd be back the next day.  Never returned.
Guess it's up to me.  Lucky I have the background, used to be a pole lineman for a few years.

 

A smaller wire is spliced and taped to the main power line

Sakon FC sponsors concert

Skyscraper city com has a 13 page thread of Posts from and about Sakon Nakhon.
SAKON NAKHON "City of Beautiful lake, Beautiful Mountain and Beautiful Girl"

Bangkok Post has an article about an Isaan University offering
"...diplomas for between 35,000 and 50,000 baht each."

Gaba Rice (Brown Rice) most likely was pioneered in Sakon Nakhon Province according to an article in the Bangkok post. A healthy alternative to regular rice.
Innovation on the menu

Concert on June 4, 6 PM to midnight, at the municipal grounds (next to immigration and police station) sponsored by Sakon FC.
Featured is Nga Caravan (first video) and Pongsit (second video).

Sakon FC cheerleaders most likely will also appear on stage. (LOL)

Here's a video slideshow from last years school activities.  I was there, but left before the risque performances seen 3 minutes 10 seconds into the video

110523 Sakon Expat bar is making the Great Escape

The escape bar will be closing its doors at the end of the month.
Final day is this Friday
Meanwhile at the other end of town Martin has announced that his Chern Chim Shop will  be open for business  
daily from 6 PM  to 9 PM 
with regular hours  on Saturdays and Sundays "until further notice."

Expat restaurant-bars in Sakon Nakhon haven't fared too well and many have closed in less than a year.

The only time such bars have done well was during high season with plenty of tourists in town.

I've always been of the opinion that any such restaurant - bar must cater to the locals (Thais) with foreigners welcome.

Branch 63, the restaurant formerly known as Eddie's place, which opened in May 2008 suports my opinion.
It's primary customer base is Thais, and until Eddie's demise, it still is also a  Expat hangout.

American Consular Outreach Services

The US Embassy in Bangkok has announced consular outreach services available in Khon Kean on June 9 at the Hotel Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid.

A future outreach program is scheduled in Udon Thani on September 8.
Services include passport application, notary services, and additional passport pages.

Questions regarding this service can be addressed to acsbkk@state.gov

Great Day for Sakon FC

The starting whistle blew and a second later the game was stopped.
Medical services had not arrived.  There was a twenty minute delay before medical services arrived.
They did finally arrive in overwhelming numbers.  Two ambulances and a rescue team.



That sorted out, it was discovered that one of the goals needed maintenance.  A further delay.

.

For Sakon FC fans the wait was well worth it.  Both Sakon and Ubon needed this win.  Before game time Sakon FC was in ninth place while Ubon FC was number ten in the division.

 
 

Scoring didn't begin until the second half,  Sakon FC made it's fourth goal in the final minute of the game,
Sakon FC 4 Ubon FC 1

Sakon FC is on the road to Amnat Charon for it's next game.
Amnat Charon has lost eight of eleven games played this season

My foreign friends

Every once in a while I get the urge to reintroduce my palate to foreigners like Smirnoff, Tequila and the like..

They and other foreigners like them are available at a local shop.

Rush Hour as seen from the Escape bar

Sakon FC hosts Ubon FC this Saturday...

... in a regular season game at 5 PM.

Zintiara just uploaded his video of the recent Toyota League cup.

Notice the first kid in the video,  that's Mack, he's redeeming my winning ticket for me.
I won I won.  Well at least I got to carry it home.
It's been confiscated for exchange with an Ubon Player this Sunday.

eeeeeeekeeeek Really big Snake

With the recent heavy rains, and more of the same in the offing I noticed plenty of frogs and toads in the yard.
I knew what was coming.

After the scream...
I spotted the snake at my rear door.
I filled my sprayer with liquid bleach and water.
Under full pressure the sprayer can reach 18 feet away.
I wasn't about to get any closer.
After a few quick sprays the snake scurried off into the water in an adjacent empty lot.

Reminder, look before stepping out the door.

Weather alert

Heavy rains, possible flash floods through May 22
"...particularly the areas near Phu Phan mountain, should also be alert for possible storms.
Bangkok Post

 

        12:30 AM Friday                                                  6 AM Friday

Splish Splash Football

Imagine six guys surrounding a football.
Three guys are aiming for the goal just a few feet away.
Three other guys are trying to send the ball to the other end of the play field.

They all kick feverishly at the football, water splashes everywhere, the ball hardly moves.

Continuous light rain throughout the early hours of the day made me wonder if they would cancel the game.
The rains finally stopped an hour before game time.

I knew what sort of game to expect with the football field saturated:
Players where slipping and sliding, while the water put the brakes on the ball.

Anyone who had any business being on the field,  had to tiptoe across the muddy track to avoid a fall.
The first major water puddle on the field was designated shoe washing station.
Other puddles on the field were used for hand and face washing facilities by the players throughout the game.

In between all the funny water sport on the field there was plenty of serious football action.
With a regular game ending in a 1-1 tie, it was obvious that both teams where out to win.

In overtime the action got heated.  Two  emotional game interruptions, but everyone retreated.  The cops took two steps forward, but did not intervene.  They were a bit distracted by a fan attempting to run on the field.  That episode also ended without the use of force.

Hadn't expected Sakon to win the game, but it sure looked hopeful until the last five minutes.
Why was the goalie in midfield anyway?

Sakon FC 1 Korat 3

Qualifying round 2011 Toyota Thai League Cup

Definitely got my money's worth, a good football game with a touch of water comdey.

All Roads lead to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

Unfortunately I had a minor emergency at home,  preventing me from viewing the local Wax Candle parade to mark Visakha Bucha Day.

Once problems at home were resolved we did head out to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum.

All Roads lead to 

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

Getting there was a bit of a challenge. Traffic within a one mile radius of the temple was slow and chaotic. Most two way roads were being used as one way roads towards the temple. 

All parking spaces at Nong Hahn park, adjacent to the temple, were occupied.
Some streets where turned into one way streets, while the opposite lane was used for parking.

Even though things seemed chaotic, traffic was orderly and safe.
Muang Sakon Cops deserve a Thumbs Up.

Plenty of uniformed security around and on the temple grounds.  The far end of the new parking area was occupied by medical services units.

You could tell they've done this before:  

Security, Safety and Emergency Services everything was well co-ordinated.
As we entered the temple area I was reminded to secure my wallet due to the large crowds.

Thousands of Faithful made the special pilgrimage which entailed walking around the holy shrine three times while reflecting and giving thanks.

Camouflage

No alcohol sales on religious holidays. Bars are closed.
But if you really must, wrapped versions are available at no additional charge.

Cost of repairs "Up to you"

Power outages are quite common in Thailand, so I wasn't too concerned when the lights went out around noon.  One side of I.T.U. (road) had lights, while the other didn't.  Traffic lights at the end of the street where also off.
Power eventually returned.

By late afternoon we had another power outage.
This time however, the power failure was only at my house.  All the neighbors had electricity.

We called the local utility company.
They arrived within fifteen minutes.  I was impressed. 
There are no wire connectors.
Wires are simply stripped of the casing and twisted together, then covered with electrical tape.

The technician spent a few minutes cleaning the wires and reconnecting them.

The lights were on...
...for about ten minutes.

We called the utility company  again.

This time, after a brief inspection of the wires outside the house, it was time to look in the attic.

I had to furnish the ladder and flashlight.  I was also told if the problem is inside the house, there would  be a charge.
The problem was in the attic.  A wire splice there had been smoldering apparently for some time.

Repairs were completed within an hour.  I was impressed.
Then I asked for the bill.

The answer was: "Up to you."
Of course there's no paperwork required in such situations.  I did have to ask for my flashlight back.

I've made an appointment with my regular handyman to open the attic and do a thorough daylight inspection

You have your definition of heaven, I have mine

School has started.
Some schools started last week, others this week, yet others wont start till the first or second week of June.  It's a Thai thing 'WHENEVER.'

Did receive a phone call asking if I could attend the new student welcome and introduction.
Of course I declined the invitation when I was told 'right now.'
Sooner or later they will recognize that I should get some advance notice.  I know I'm dreaming.

Received a dinner invitation the following evening from the same folks.
They were waiting for me at the restaurant.  Again I declined.  I had just finished my dinner.
Sooner or later they will recognize that I should get some advance notice.  I know I'm dreaming.

Before the super stores arrived in Sakon, if you wanted western foods, you had to drive to Udon Thani, or even fly to Bangkok.  I made plenty of runs like that returning with suitcases of assorted breads, cheeses, avocados  and other western foods.

Those trips are not necessary anymore.  Many of these foods are now available locally.
One of my favorites lately has been wheat bread with seeds and oats.  I have six loaves in the freezer.

Hadn't tasted a jelly bean in over eight years.
When I recently spotted them at a local super market I thought I was in heaven.
Everyone has their own definition of heaven.

My Favorite Song

Scorpio: prefer the astrological symbol, not live.

A locally generated Tropical downpour hit the area four days ago.  
It wasn't the type of storm you could plot on a map in advance.
Advance precursor to such storms is a drastic increase in the humidity.

Anton reported fish crossing his driveway on his facebook page 

After the storms it was like an episode of Wild Kingdom.

Ants on the move everywhere.  They showed me where I needed to prune bushes and trees.

Bats considering my raters for tenancy.

Obviously we where able to change it's mind, it flew away.
A scorpion (the first at my house) didn't fare as well.
I prefer that animal as my astrological sign, not live.

Sakon FC - Not their finest Hour

Doubt if it was just my imagination, but Surin FC fans seemed to outnumber local Sakon FC fans.
Surin obviously seems to be financially better off, bringing busloads of fans along.

Sakon scored first, twenty five minutes into the game.
After that things went downhill like a luge race.
Mistakes and missed opportunities. The team just wasn't at their best.

You can't blame it all just on the players, refereeing wasn't all that superb either.
I wasn't the only one who saw the ball go over the line before being kicked out.
The score should have been 2 - 2.

The game has a yellow and red card.  I'd say they should also have green cards, indicating that the referee should emigrate to a different profession.

After this weekend's game Surin advanced from 6th to 5th place in the league, while Sakon dropped from 7th to 9th.
Sakon FC next faces Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)on Wednesday.
It's obvious who will win this game.  Just hope Sakon puts on a better show

Facebook Phishing Alert

A number of Facebook accounts have been hacked, mine included.
I've changed passwords, then spent considerable time removing the phishing post from facebook friends walls, which were generated by my account.


Similar posts generated by other accounts, I could not remove but flagged them as SPAM.





If you see the above post on your wall delete it.  Do not click on the link. 
If you already clicked on the link CHANGE YOUR FACEBOOK PASSWORD AND ANY ACCOUNTS AUTOMATICALLY LINKED.

Busy host... Sakon F.C. is

Sunday, May 15, Sakon FC hosts Surin FC.

Sakon FC  is in seventh place in the division, Surin FC is in sixth place in the division.

Wednesday, May 18, Sakon Nakhon hosts Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) 
in the  Regional Qualifying round of the 2011 Thai League Cup, sponsored by Toyota

The following weekend is also a home game for Sakon F.C.

Sakon Nakhon's extreme minimum temperatures

Just cane across an interesting on-line pdf file furnished by the Thai Meteorological Department.
It lists the coldest temperatures experienced over the past 59 years in Thailand.
Sakon Nakhon's coldest years were 1955, 1956, 1974, and 1975
The coldest day on record was 0.5C (32.9F) in 1955

Sakon Nakhon Cowboy

Why he bought a shiny red tractor is anybodies guess.  It wasn't for farming.
Cowboy has had the tractor for a number of years, but there isn't a dent or scratch to be seen.
Some four or five years ago Cowboy brought the tractor to town to have a drink at the former Ned's Bar.
It's a drive of 20something miles.  Top speed, I'm guessing you can walk alongside.
A police road check along the way didn't stop him, no license for tractors required. 
He did get some strange looks though. 

A picture at his wife's facebook photo album explains the uses of his tractor 

Missed this event last weekend

Sakon Municipal Buildings Dedication Ceremonies slideshow at sakoncity

Death by bedbug spray

Mystery Deaths plague Thai (Chiang Mai) hotel  San Francisco Chronicle Hot Topics

U.S. Government spending (also applies to Europe)

The real battlefield  Miami Herald editorial cartoon
The U.S. government now borrows 40% of each dollar spent.

Very Emotional (tearjerker) Superb!!

 

V.I.P. treatment

Consumers must brace for more price hikes The Nation


Toxin 'likely' cause of a series of illnesses and deaths in Chiang Mai The Dominion Post
The article refers to a report done by CBS 60 Minutes.
The CBS website has no reference to the news story at this time

Football Thai Division 2 League North Eastern Region

Nakhon Phanom defeated number two in the league Loei last Saturday. 
It's noteworthy since Nakhon Phanom acquired 5 Sakon Nakhon players at the start of this football season.  Most likely a major reason why the local team isn't performing as well as last year.


Sakon FC probably would  have come out ahead in last weekend 2-2 game against Yasothon, had it not been for the absence of Ken.  At the time of the game, Ken was in Bangkok awaiting a flight home, where his father had recently passed away. 
Ken moved out of his local apartment before departing, causing me to wonder if he will return.  Ken had a number of offers from other Division teams. 


I'm always a bit weary when having to use the restrooms at football games.  Lacks privacy.  
If you have to use one of the stalls, the stalls marked V.I.P. have western style sit down toilets,  while other stalls have squat toilets.

Drought still ongoing

On my recent round trip to Yasothon I had many hours of local scenery pass me by.  
Most obvious was that just about everywhere rice fields where parched.  
The occasional thunderstorms so far have done little to alleviate the drought ongoing since October 2010.  Rice farmers will remain idle and without income till their fields are under water.

Plenty of storms to the west (Yangon), but they will most likely dissipate over land before they reach us.  To the East Manila is also being pounded by heavy rains.  But that system is not headed in our direction.  Some of the heaviest rains in this area come from the east.

Noon, May 8                                                      5:40 AM, May 9

Thai Tourism Explained

Met this Thai teenager a short while ago. Was told that his mother and Western stepfather where visiting from Europe I was invited over for a visit last night
Apparently other family members in the area also visited... the kitchen was abuzz with people preparing a feast on new appliances.

New furniture all over the place. I didn't ask, but the visiting mother mentioned that they will slow down their spending 'tomorrow', they had spent Bt 60,000 on furniture and appliances.
I suspect a grocery supply run is in the makings.