Revving up

I received this years poster a week ago
I now have the posters for the last six years.

At local schools, government offices and villages, everyone is rehearsing for the big parade.

A parade dress rehearsal is scheduled for 3 p.m., October 1. It's a great photo opportunity for daytime pictures. You can see it on the main street near the provincial offices.

Of course you can already get a sneak preview of floats and wax castles at most temples. Many wax castles were completed a week ago. The earliest preparations I have seen.

Stopped by the local Toon Army bar to wish the owner, Graham, a happy birthday. He celebrated with a party last Saturday, and says: "It was a huge success. We had around 70 people, so it was great fun."
Sorry I missed that celebration due to health reasons.

Taking the cure

Still not much happening at the lake in preparation for the boat races.
Quite unusual. Teams were practicing three weeks or more before the races in past years.

The only indication that something will happen soon is the appearance of the motorboat.

Noticed a new dishwasher at the MJ Majestic during Sunday's brunch.

It's obvious the rainy season was quite mild here this year.
My pool gets plenty use now to keep cool from the high humidity.

I've been invited to be a 'special teacher' this Wednesday.
I have no idea what I am teaching. No lesson plan. Just can you come.
I'll have to stop by the school to find out what they have in mind.
Two different people have called me today making the same plea.

At least I've now recovered from a week long stomach flu.
Had a heck of a time trying to get over it.
Wish I would have thought of the cure from the start.
I was trying to avoid it, thinking it would get worse.
The cure was a bottle of rum.

Are facemasks effective ?

There is insufficient scientific research for a yes or no answer.
The effectiveness is still an argument.

"They are worn in hospitals, so they must work."
Masks come in various grades:
For medical purposes N95 grade is recognized as effective.
They are sold in medical outlets, and are priced accordingly.
Other masks sold are for dust protection only.
Generally sold in packs of three or more, masks are not individually coded.

Thai TV online

Thai TV
The web page provides an on line viewer,
A selection of 35 Thai television broadcasts is listed directly below the viewer

Some web transmission lagged behind by two minutes from local cable broadcasts.

The website should be a big hit with Thais living across the globe.
An instant channel favorite of mine: watching the Panda cub and its mother.
The cement environment is not pleasant though.

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival 2009

Wax castle construction is well under way at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum.

You are invited

Free Buffet

Graham's Birthday Party at THE TOON ARMY BAR,
starts at 8 p.m., Saturday, 19 Sept. Thai and western courses.
Coyote entertainment starts at 10 p.m.
Pictures shown are from January Toon Army 'Dinner and a Show'

Overheard (in another province):

My father won the election.
Did he buy many votes?
hm hm

09 09 09 House Blessing

The number 9 brings good fortune according to Thai belief in superstition.
Celebrations were underway throughout Thailand coinciding with 9 a.m., on the 9th day, in the 9th month, during the 9th year of this century.
Plenty of prayers, parades and school assemblies, office celebrations, and the like, comemorated the occasion.

It was also an ideal day for a house blessing.
Attended son O's house blessing.

It's a starter house with a lake in the back yard.

Flowers, candles, incense, food and drink is placed at the front of the property before ceremonies begin. I suppose this is in lieu of a spirit house.

Everyone present gathers for a short prayer. Then the group walks around the house three times before entering the house. Prayers and chants continue while a ' shaman' blesses various parts of the house.

With the ceremonies concluded, it's time to find a shady spot for food, drink, and conversation.

Free TV on your computer

How often have you seen that.
I've seen it plenty of times.
When you scroll down there is the payment plan. Buy the software !!

I was just flabbergasted when I came across TVU networks.
Downloaded the free software and started watching live broadcast.
I know they are live, I compared broadcasts with my satellite service.

Streaming is excellent.
It's a perfect alternative where satellite or cable is not available.
DSL required

As Seen On The Web

Some really great photo's of Sakon Nakhon

can be seen at http://www.skyscrapercity.com
There are photo's of the city's Songkran. a trip into the mountain, and lots more.
Well worth a look.

Education

Sad news is a report of the large number of dropouts in Thailand,
as reported in THE NATION. Nearly half the students dropped out due to poverty.

Even though education is proclaimed as free in Thailand, there are plenty hidden costs: Uniforms, books, transportation, meals, fees, etc.

The present government has placed literacy on a national agenda with promises for more school equipment. One computer for every ten students, according to yesterday's headline in THE NATION

Tourism

THE ULTIMATE THAILAND EXPLORERS is getting a very slow start.
Recently started, the new promotion has only 16 applicants to date.
Limiting the contest to English speaking contestants is also limiting the results.

Opening the contest to other languages would increase media attention and subsequently enhance the purpose of the contest:

Revive World Wide interest in Thai Tourism

I'm willing to read English subtitles to any well done video