Boom

Heard that boom yesterday evening, not too far away. Thought it was fireworks.

But usually when you hear fireworks you hear more than just one.

It sounded a lot like explosions I'd heard years ago in Vietnam.

Nah it couldn't be.

Yes it was a bomb, six people hospitalized.

Revenge may possibly be the motive. Appears to be an argument over nonpayment of a loan.

A slightly larger than fist size hole can be seen in the steel plate, which is part of the gate.

Some of the injured are back home again this morning.

Addendum: The residence hit by the bomb blast used to be Andy's house.

Andy passed away earlier this year and his family had vacated the residence

What are Mongs?

Dreamy Mongs are a set of cartoon characters popular in Asia.

Around here no one will notice the bad grammar.

It's a friendship gift from a very special person.

Sakon Nakhon FC devastated in shoot off

Sakon Nakhon vs. Kalasin 1-1

Both teams seemed evenly matched, the Kalasin goalkeeper was kept quite busy and prevented plenty goal attempts. The game ended Sakon Nakhon 1, Kalasin 1.

In a brilliant move the Kalasin goalkeeper was replaced during the last two minutes of the game. An obvious advantage during the shoot off.

Next Sakon Nakhon game Monday.

The only thing flying into Sakon Nakhon are Rumors

There have been no commercial aircraft flying into this city since the beginning of November. Sakon Nakhon is one of a number of domestic airports recently abandoned by airlines.

No one seems to know with any certainty, just plenty of rumors:

• Bangkok Air is opening a ticket office here in town (not).
• Nok Air will begin service in December (supposedly seen on local TV).
• Local airport employees are waiting to be told at which airport they will be employed.
• PB Air is no more (?)

The only certainty: There are no flights to Sakon Nakhon at this time.

The nearest airports being serviced are Khoen Ken and Udon Thani.

No mention in English media.

Friday 13

28th Anual Phu Phan Royal Soccer Competition

Sakon Nakhon game Nov 12, 2-0 second win

Temperatures Dropping Check out the graph at

AccuWeather

Tourism numbers down

To the person worried about traveling to this area for fear that the BBK airport may shut down again. It's unlikely, But: during my travels I always allow a few days at the end of a holiday before returning to work. A buffer zone in case of unscheduled delays.

Video evidence of my (previous) Green Thumb:

28th Anual Phu Phan Royal Soccer Competition November 10 - 20

Sakon Nakhon first game 5-0 win

The Sakon Nakhon team obviously dominated the game with many frustrating missed goals. By halftime (3-0) the winner was already apparent. Onlookers were treated to an intense game.

Sakon Nakhon will have a more formidable challenge during it's next game against Ubon Ratchathani on Thursday at 3 p.m., at Ratwittayanukul School

Sakon Nakhon Neighborhood Nightlife

My favorite nights out are neighborhood events.
It's easy to stagger home and fall into bed.
No designated driver needed.

I was invited to a double header birthday party (two celebrants).
Tables were set up on the sidewalk on I.T.U.
The party was already in full swing when I arrived at 6 p.m.

Freshly baked fish, chicken, pork, and fresh fruit were available throughout the evening

This party had some special guests: Members of a local band.
They didn't bring their instruments, but brought along plenty of their own CD's.
Very pleasant listening. I'll have to ask if they have any public albums available.

Later in the evening the music format changed first to guitar and then to karaoke (T.i.T.)

I don't know how word got out, my shoulders and neck have been quite painful in recent days.

A number of party goers gave me neck and upper back massages.
You know you're getting old when you think "A Thai massage is better than sex."

It got to such a point that I had to say thank you, I've had enough.

The party was still going strong when I decided to seek out the comfort of my mattress.

Chinese Memorabilia "Olympic Condoms"

Read the entire article at BBC NEWS

What a way to promote a sport.

Olympic condoms: Faster, Higher, Stronger!!

95,000 condoms were distributed during the Olympics.

5,000 leftovers are for sale at an auction on 29 November.

Resumption of Sakon Nakhon Flights

This article gives some indication that domestic air transportation may get a total overhaul.
No quick fix in sight