Residents warned of Mekong River rising water level MCOT
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Crystal ball not needed: We know what comes next
Elections
Costs
Weather
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| June 29, 1 PM our weather is arriving from SW and SSW |
Thought everyone knew this about web browsing...
...but apparently not.
Reading foreign language web pages
Most browsers let you install Add-ons.
Google translate is one of those add-ons.
Any time you arrive at a foreign language page you can select the translator under your tools.
The translation is far from perfect, but you can get an understanding of what's being written.
If you're sending an email to multiple friends, don't use TO: use BCC (blind carbon copy).
If you use TO: every recipient will have most, if not all your friends e-mail addresses. If you use BCC the recipients only see their own address.
further information
If you're forwarding e-mails, highlight and delete any sender and previous recipients from the mail
Reading foreign language web pagesMost browsers let you install Add-ons.
Google translate is one of those add-ons.
Any time you arrive at a foreign language page you can select the translator under your tools.
The translation is far from perfect, but you can get an understanding of what's being written.
Multiple e-mail recipients
If you use TO: every recipient will have most, if not all your friends e-mail addresses. If you use BCC the recipients only see their own address.
further information
If you're forwarding e-mails, highlight and delete any sender and previous recipients from the mail
...a vigilante group rushed at me...
Found a brown coconut laying in the yard.
Didn't listen that the nut was past any use. Had to find out for myself.
Used the machete, a very common household and garden utensil in most Thai homes.
Opened the coconut, it reeked. Threw the coconut away, turned around an stepped on the handle edge of the rusty machete.
Minor puncture wound. If it would have been bleeding I would not have worried too much. Flowing blood tends to cleanse a wound.
I ain't taking any chances. I was off to the hospital for a tetanus shot.
At the hospital the mistake I made was to agree that they clean out my wound.
I had actually done that before I came to the hospital. I received a quick swab, a band aid and a tetanus shot.
I received a bill for 130 baht (US$ 4.20), paid it and was on my way out the door.
As I opened the car door a vigilante group rushed at me from the hospital, clerks, nurses and even the owner/doctor. "I didn't pay the bill."
They kept showing me a bill for 200 baht (US$ 6.46). I kept digging for my receipt, I couldn't find it.
Minutes of arguing till the cashier wrote out a new receipt 130 Baht for the shot, 200 baht for the band aid in the emergency room.
I keep promising myself that I will change hospitals.
A block from the hospital, on the way home, I decided to stop at the liquor store and replenish my peppermint Creme De Mint. I like the stuff, makes my mouth smell like I just gargled.
While at the store I made a great discovery. Don't know why I missed it in the past. Pipes, pipe tabaco and a roller.Cigarettes, especially the paper and filter contain lots of chemicals. With pipe smoking I avoid the hazardous additives.
Why I bought the roller is quite obvious. A pack of smokes is anywhere from 30 baht (US$ .97) to 60 baht (US$ 1.94). A kilo (2.2lb) of tabaco can be had for 100 baht (US $3.23).
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hours of Alcohol Prohibition
We've had two days last weekend and are facing another two days this coming weekend when alcohol sales are prohibited.
Both these prohibitions are intended that voters have a clear head when heading to the polls.
Most disco's and bars where indeed shut down. A few bars where not, but had their lights dimmed.
Most drinking was done at neighborhood parties. Last weekend there where more than the usual residential parties in my neighborhood. There are no enforced closing hours at such parties and reveling in many instances hardly slowed before sunrise.
PTT's gas leak MCOT 26 June
Stuff my friends sent me
Both these prohibitions are intended that voters have a clear head when heading to the polls.
Personal observation: It's not having the right effect.
Most disco's and bars where indeed shut down. A few bars where not, but had their lights dimmed.
Most drinking was done at neighborhood parties. Last weekend there where more than the usual residential parties in my neighborhood. There are no enforced closing hours at such parties and reveling in many instances hardly slowed before sunrise.
PTT's gas leak MCOT 26 June
Stuff my friends sent me
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sakon Looses to Roi Et 3 - 1, but I was impressed
Considering the spanking Sakon FC recently received (9 - 1), and the fact that the team had a recent makeover (new players), plus that they were facing the number one team in the division, I had no idea what to expect.
A collision between two players during the first ten minutes, sent A Roi Et player to the hospital with a head injury. The first half continued without emergency vehicles on site.
Sakon Nakhon players did an impressive job. They had obviously improved. Cheering by local fans was also a lot more vocal than in the past. Most fans left the game quite content, rather than the previous game, which was very depressive.
A collision between two players during the first ten minutes, sent A Roi Et player to the hospital with a head injury. The first half continued without emergency vehicles on site.
Sakon Nakhon players did an impressive job. They had obviously improved. Cheering by local fans was also a lot more vocal than in the past. Most fans left the game quite content, rather than the previous game, which was very depressive.
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| Obviously the Roi Et is financially better endowed, they have their own team bus and furnished two buses for their fans. No such luxuries locally |
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| Roi Et Fans |
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| Hm, what's wrong with this picture? That's not a one |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
No wonder why I'm gaining a bit of a belly
Birthday party at a local restaurant on Friday.Food was great, but after almost two hours of eating still no birthday cake.
I happened to have a muffin. Gave it to the birthday boy and began singing "happy birthday."
Close to one hundred employees and customers chimed in "happy birthday to you..."
Someone understood my signal and quickly produced the birthday cake.
Of course we had to do repeat the birthday song.
Saturday I was invited to a family farewell dinner. Pooh is leaving for Britain.
These folk continuously invite me to eat all that great food, and wonder why I'm gaining a bit of a belly
Weather Ahead: Cool and windy for the moment.
Warmer temperatures and increased humidity beginning of the week through midweek. 'Scattered' thunderstorms.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Plenty DRY Days AHEAD
NO ALCOHOL SALES SEASON in Thailand
Due to absentee voting, alcohol sales will be prohibited from 6 PM, Saturday, June 26 until Sunday midnight Phuket Gazette
Expect a similar prohibition the following weekend when elections are held on July 3.
Asarnha Bucha Day / Asalha Puja Day, July 15 and Buddhist Lent day July 16, are religious holidays when alcohol sales are also prohibited.
The Sakon FC and Roi Et FC match to be held tomorrow (Sunday) is anything but dry.
Walked around the field yesterday during practice. Felt like I was in a swamp. The game will broadcast via the internet at sakonfc
Rumor:
Votes are going for up 1,000 baht a piece.
The voter get's 300 baht, the 'procurer get's the rest.
- But then: Rumors quite often are a distortion of the truth.
Vote-buying and graft undermine the country's competitiveness THE NATION
Thailand tourism's response to The Hangover II Sydney Morning Herald
Friday, June 24, 2011
And I always thought cowboys rode horses
Tropical storm "Haima," now downgraded to tropical depression...
- ...continues its western path.
- Expect widespread thundershowers and heavy to very heavy rain, and southwesterly 15-30 km/hr winds Thai Meteorological Department
And I always thought cowboys rode horses.- For those of you not visiting Facebook, you're missing what looks like a local motor show.
click on the image to view the origional
Sakon FC hosts Roi Et this Sunday
- From what I hear it will practically be a new team.
My sources tell me seven young,new players.
I have no idea what to expect, but considering Roi Et is the top in this league, I doubt it's going to be a pretty picture. - Even though there has been no official announcement, next week's game may be rescheduled due to election day on July 3. The election ends at 3 PM.
New Coach for Thailand
- German Schaefer agrees 3-year contract Bangkok Post
Herr Schäfer you have thirty days to prepare the team for the next game July 23
Thailand Heading for Second Record Sugar Crop May Curb Prices - Bloomberg
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Doing the Sakon Nakhon Pole Dance
The House lights went off at 10. The show was about to begin.
No TV, no internet, no telephone, no hot coffee water.
Most power outages in this area happen during the rainy season.
They are occasional occurrences in this part of the country.
Most last less than half an hour.
The skies where clear, no rain,
but this was to be an extended five hour showing of the
Isn't the kind of pole dance you might have in mind.
The only fix was to move the pole a few feet.
Two guys started up the pole and disconnected all wires.
The ground crew loosened the soil around the pole and dug a new hole.
Early in the day plenty supervisors arrived at the scene
Loosening the pole and transfering it to the new hole took 45 minutes.
Refastening wires to the pole was interrupted by a fifteen minute rain-break.
Not having fans going, I was dripping with perspiration in the early afternoon
I discovered sitting in my pool was a perfect place to continue watching 'the show.'
Having been a pole lineman myself, 1963 - 1964, I judged the job would be finished around mid afternoon.
I was off by ten minutes.
This is one show I hope does not get repeated in my neighborhood
No TV, no internet, no telephone, no hot coffee water.
Most power outages in this area happen during the rainy season.
They are occasional occurrences in this part of the country.
Most last less than half an hour.
The skies where clear, no rain,
but this was to be an extended five hour showing of the
Sakon Nakhon Pole Dance
Isn't the kind of pole dance you might have in mind.
This is the kind where the utility pole does the dancing.
Electric wires, phone and cable service where knocking against a house. A possible fire hazard.The only fix was to move the pole a few feet.
Two guys started up the pole and disconnected all wires.
The ground crew loosened the soil around the pole and dug a new hole.
Early in the day plenty supervisors arrived at the scene
An hour and fifteen minutes later, the pole dance began. Swaying back and forth until the pole was loose in the soil and could be lifted.
Refastening wires to the pole was interrupted by a fifteen minute rain-break.
Not having fans going, I was dripping with perspiration in the early afternoon
I discovered sitting in my pool was a perfect place to continue watching 'the show.'
Having been a pole lineman myself, 1963 - 1964, I judged the job would be finished around mid afternoon.
I was off by ten minutes.
This is one show I hope does not get repeated in my neighborhood
Monday, June 20, 2011
It wasn't all that long ago when headlines read...
- THAILAND: Worst Mekong river flooding in 100 years irinnews 18 Aug 2008
- 2008 South China floods wikipedia
- 2010 China floods wikipedia
This year, after experiencing the worst drought in 50 years, southern China is again experiencing heavy downpours and floods.
All that water has got to go somewhere. I suspect a rise in water levels on the Mekon river and am surprised that I have not seen any warnings of impending risks.
At least we have not seen the heavy continuous rains locally, as we did in 2008, but then the rainy season has just barely started.
I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it could!
Flooding in China may well be a precursor!
downtown Muang Sakon Aug 2008 overflowing canal at north end of I.T.U.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
I ain't swallowing this crap
*
This story really has a bad smell to it.
I ain't eating no poop burger!
*
This story really has a bad smell to it.
I ain't eating no poop burger!
*
Sakon Nakhon FC Division Schedule translated
Date Home Games (yellow) Sunday,.June.26...........17:00. Roi Et Saturday, July 2 17:00 Nong Bua Lamphu Sunday, July 10 17:00 Yasothon.United......... Saturday, July 16 18:00 Surin
Sunday, July 24 17:00 Chaiyaphum United Sunday, July 31 16:00 Nong Khai Saturday,August 6 17:00 Loei City Sunday, August 14 18:00 Ubon Tiger Sunday, August 21 17:00 Amnat Charoen Town Sunday, August 28 18:00 Mahasarakham City Sunday, September 4 17:00 Nakhon Phanom Saturday, September 10 16:00 Mukdahan Sunday, September 18 17:00 Nakhon Ratchasima Saturday, September 24 16:00 Udon Thani Saturday, October 1 17:00 Kalasin
Doing Saturday Night in Sakon Nakhon
They roll up the streets quite early in Sakon Nakhon.
The lights are turned off at 9 pm at most restaurants.
Traffic lights are in flashing mode.
8:30 pm at the 'Welcome Bar,' staff were still occupying the tables.
Only a few tables with customers.
It was a different story an hour later. The place was hopping. Local nightlife starts at 10 pm.
Next stop ONE SABAI (happy, relaxed, feel good, comfortable)
It's at the north end of I.T.U.
You can't miss it. It's the only loud place in the area.
The live band was really good. I definitely enjoyed the music.
Most patrons seemed what I call university age.
Pleasant atmosphere, attentive service. I had a really swell time.
They were still serving food after 10:30. I'll have to go back and see what's on their menu.
Upstairs offers accommodation for large parties.
Only downer: The place has only one toilet. M/F.
Don't wait till you desperately have to go. There's usually two or three people waiting in line.
I was home before midnight. For me the 'party animal years,' coming home at dawn, are fond memories.
The lights are turned off at 9 pm at most restaurants.
Traffic lights are in flashing mode.
8:30 pm at the 'Welcome Bar,' staff were still occupying the tables.
Only a few tables with customers.
It was a different story an hour later. The place was hopping. Local nightlife starts at 10 pm.
Next stop ONE SABAI (happy, relaxed, feel good, comfortable)
It's at the north end of I.T.U.
You can't miss it. It's the only loud place in the area.
The live band was really good. I definitely enjoyed the music.
Most patrons seemed what I call university age.
Pleasant atmosphere, attentive service. I had a really swell time.
They were still serving food after 10:30. I'll have to go back and see what's on their menu.
Upstairs offers accommodation for large parties.
Only downer: The place has only one toilet. M/F.
Don't wait till you desperately have to go. There's usually two or three people waiting in line.
I was home before midnight. For me the 'party animal years,' coming home at dawn, are fond memories.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Stock up on beverages beforehand
July 3 is election Day. Stock up on beverages beforehand.
Bars will be closed, restaurants can not sell alcoholic beverages.
Even though some will serve such beverages in coffee cups or camouflaged containers. We all know that.
"Extended stay visitors" to Thailand should register with their home country embassy.
Many embassies offer e-mail alerts whenever deemed appropriate.
Here's hoping it wont happen, but post election activity (July 3) is very uncertain for Thailand, with political unrest possible.
Bars will be closed, restaurants can not sell alcoholic beverages.
Even though some will serve such beverages in coffee cups or camouflaged containers. We all know that.
"Extended stay visitors" to Thailand should register with their home country embassy.
Many embassies offer e-mail alerts whenever deemed appropriate.
Here's hoping it wont happen, but post election activity (July 3) is very uncertain for Thailand, with political unrest possible.
Weather ahead:
... Isolated heavy rain mainly in the (NE) eastern portion during 18-20 Jun ....
Thai Meteorological Department
Troubled (political) waters ahead:
Pheu Thai unveils 'justice panel'
Bangkok Post
... plan to bring deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand later this year if ....
Thai military exerts political influence
The Wall Street Journal
Foreign Investment
Caterpillar Facility Thailand
Friday, June 17, 2011
Selective wind damage?
Thailand is in high gear preparing for elections. You can't miss it.
Destruction of highway advertising posters has been on the news throughout many provinces.
Vandals are getting some help from mother nature.
Or are vandals just making it look like it was the wind?
The poster with a hole, where a face used to be is obvious vandalism.
Destruction of highway advertising posters has been on the news throughout many provinces.
Vandals are getting some help from mother nature.
Or are vandals just making it look like it was the wind?
The poster with a hole, where a face used to be is obvious vandalism.
Liverpool Buriram
Sometimes it's a bit difficult to understand Samat.
He asked me if I was going to Buriram to see Liverpool.
Took me a few days, and a bit of surfing to discover that Buriram has a new stadium.
They had invited the team from Genoa to play at the new stadium. That team was not available.
Second choice, Liverpool had a cancellation and is apparently scheduled to play in Buriram on July 27.
No plans here to travel. Being such an important event for Thailand, I would think it will be broadcast nationwide.
Meanwhile, Sakon Nakhon FC will undoubtedly receive another spanking July 26, when they host Roi Et.
Roi Et is number one in the division, While Sakon Nakhon FC is number 8.
I'm just hoping the spanking wont be as bad as last time, 9-1.
He asked me if I was going to Buriram to see Liverpool.
Took me a few days, and a bit of surfing to discover that Buriram has a new stadium.
They had invited the team from Genoa to play at the new stadium. That team was not available.
Second choice, Liverpool had a cancellation and is apparently scheduled to play in Buriram on July 27.
No plans here to travel. Being such an important event for Thailand, I would think it will be broadcast nationwide.
Meanwhile, Sakon Nakhon FC will undoubtedly receive another spanking July 26, when they host Roi Et.
Roi Et is number one in the division, While Sakon Nakhon FC is number 8.
I'm just hoping the spanking wont be as bad as last time, 9-1.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
S-BAC commemorates Sunthorn Phu on Friday
 | |
| Memorial in Wat Sri Sudaram, Bangkok Fotograf / Photographer: Heinrich Damm |
he is Thailand's most famous poet (1786–1855).
Read his biography at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
He is generally commemorated on his birthday, June 26.
 |
| Scheduled to appear at the school at 1 PM are two Thai singers, sisters Katey and Katei. |
A Thai Soap Opera, "3G" now in it's seventh year
- 3d Generation telecommunications still a stranger to Thailand
- Thailand Business News
- True Move filed a criminal complaint against its bigger rival DTAC
- Bangkok Post
What's that floating in the drinking water?
- Coliform levels in Ubon tap water far exceed standards
- THE NATION
Crackdown HIGH SEASON
- Crackdown on (formalin-soaked) contaminated chicken
- THE NATION
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Hey Big Spender
A couple recently toured through Muang Sakon and blogged their experiences
- Rice Transplanting
- Tour with the monk
Last time I visited the temple the elder monk tried to sell me a musical statue for 2,000 Baht.
Final paragraph of the tour with a monk entry, all I can say "Been there done that!"
First week in Sakon Nakhon I told my friends I'm going for a walk and see the city.
Sometime later I returned to the restaurant where I started.
They told me I had walked past the restaurant four times.
Thaicom 6 to launch in 2013
- Los Angeles Times
Very PANG (expensive)
Thai Airways announces purchase decision
- Seattle PI
six Boeing 777-300ERs
five Airbus A320s
four Airbus A350-900s
It's NO LONGER Science Fiction
Tourism Authority of Thailand TAKE NOTE
- Brazilian tourist spend more... than any other nationality TIME
Drought in the forecast
Lion manipulation Sakon Nakhon
The title is probably "lost in Google Translation."
The video was recently added by the regional offices (Nakhon Phanom) of Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The performance took place in Sakon Nakhon, however, where and when is not mentioned.
Reading the placards in the background "Chuc Mung Nam Moi," is a traditional Vietnamese New Years greeting.
Such public performances can be seen during the Chinese (and Vietnamese) New Years celebrations.
In 2012 the Chinese New Year is January 23
The video was recently added by the regional offices (Nakhon Phanom) of Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The performance took place in Sakon Nakhon, however, where and when is not mentioned.
Reading the placards in the background "Chuc Mung Nam Moi," is a traditional Vietnamese New Years greeting.
Such public performances can be seen during the Chinese (and Vietnamese) New Years celebrations.
In 2012 the Chinese New Year is January 23
Monday, June 13, 2011
Teacher Job Offer
Foreign Teacher with degree in math and/or science wanted at Banmuangpitthayakhom school in Ban Muang.
Ban Muang is 127 km north-northwest from Muang Sakon Nakhon.
Date of this posting is unknown.
Details at AJARN
Ban Muang is 127 km north-northwest from Muang Sakon Nakhon.
Date of this posting is unknown.
Details at AJARN
Nut and Fruit Congress Research Findings
Orange Juice isn't all that healthy after all...
Thailand Report of E-coli found in imported avocados: OH NEVER MIND
...according to the "Nut and Fruit Congress.
Didn't realize there was such a congress. Who's the Nut Congressman?
The squeezing process concentrates the sugar content.
A glass of juice contains ALMOST as much sugar as a soft drink.
In other words eat the fresh fruit and throw out your juicer.
Read more about recent research findings at EXPRESS CO UK
Thailand Report of E-coli found in imported avocados: OH NEVER MIND
When I first read the news. Oh Sh _ _!
Well I wasn't doing that, no digestive pains. So I must be safe.
I did check the label: Australia! The E-coli findings where on imports from Spain.
Of course there was a retraction in the news the following day. "Never Mind They ARE SAFE"
But wait, they just found E-coli in imported cabbage. Those are preliminary findings.
Test result for conclusive findings take up to five days.
I'll marinate my cabbage in red wine and eat it as sauerkraut.
The E coli should be too drunk to care ! Me too.
Spanking
A few people, me included, already concluded before the game that Sakon would not come out ahead in this game.
A few of the players who had made it known that they would leave the team had been benched for their final game.
And then of course there was the fact that some of Sakon Nakhon's former best players where part of the Nakhon Phanom team.
At times the game looked more like a sad keystone comedy.
Hope someone has their thinking cap on and decides on some major improvements in Sakon Nakhon FC football.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sakon FC vs Nakhon Phanom FC
The game starts at 4 pm, Saturday in Nakhon Phanom and is the final game of Season One.
Season two gets under way later this month.
At the beginning of the season five Sakon FC players moved to play for Nakhon Phanom.
After tomorrow's game an equal number of players is leaving Sakon Nakhon.
Among those leaving is Ken. He'll be in a different league playing for Phrae.
A few former Sakon FC players have indicated that they would like to return to Sakon Nakhon.
The team is surely going to look quite different as season two gets underway. Two of Ken's countrymen will take up the slack left by his and his friend's departure.
Of course there's also the question who will coach the team, since the coach was canned a few weeks ago.
.
Season two gets under way later this month.
At the beginning of the season five Sakon FC players moved to play for Nakhon Phanom.
After tomorrow's game an equal number of players is leaving Sakon Nakhon.
Among those leaving is Ken. He'll be in a different league playing for Phrae.
A few former Sakon FC players have indicated that they would like to return to Sakon Nakhon.
The team is surely going to look quite different as season two gets underway. Two of Ken's countrymen will take up the slack left by his and his friend's departure.
Of course there's also the question who will coach the team, since the coach was canned a few weeks ago.
.
The ant problem this year is probably the worst
Hacked away a few lower hanging branches on the coconut tree yesterday.Within seconds I had thousands of ants all over me.
Quite lucky they weren't biters. must be vegetarians.
Also saw mice making their escape over branches to a nearby tree.
Time to call for help. I'm no longer that nimble to climb trees.
The ant problem this year is probably the worst I've experienced in the years I've been here.
It was time to fight them on the perimeter before they came into the house.
Plenty of pruning and spraying with dish soap outside.
When it came to pruning one of two lemon trees I was pleasantly surprised. WE HAVE LEMONS. Had these plants for about four or five years without lemons. The only reason I did not chop them down was because the leaves can be used in many Thai dishes.
Then of course the lemon grass needed trimming.
Always remember my first year in Thailand with a bit of an embarrassed blush.
Offered the clippings to my neighbor. Learned it's the roots that are used in cooking, not the grass
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sakon Nakhon facing drought? I don't think so
A Pattaya Mail online article, dated 9 June 2011 predicts that
June 4 North Eastern Region Football
For the immediate future intermittent rains, occasional thunderstorms are in most forecasts.
Much of the local weather is generated locally after periods of high humidity.
We haven't had much weather comming from the east. I'm keeping my eye on the South China Sea where a big storm seems to be expanding west-north-west.
I'm not saying it's coming this way, but I'm keeping an eye on it.
Sakhon Nakhon Province is facing Drought
- I don't see it from where I am sitting
May 15 One of four downspouts to my roof
May 18 Toyota Cup
June 1 Road trip
June 4 North Eastern Region Football
For the immediate future intermittent rains, occasional thunderstorms are in most forecasts.
Much of the local weather is generated locally after periods of high humidity.
We haven't had much weather comming from the east. I'm keeping my eye on the South China Sea where a big storm seems to be expanding west-north-west.
I'm not saying it's coming this way, but I'm keeping an eye on it.
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