My view of Khon Kean

So is there some other purpose for schools?
What amazed me even more was the wiring system.
I'd hate to be the lineman looking for your phone connection.

You really have to step carefully.
These critters are everywhere. Just glad they are cement, not the real thing.



After taking care of my affairs I had a rum breakfast nearby.
Met this guy who'd been thinking he's been drinking Thai Whiskey for the past ten years. He was a bit shocked that Sangsom is a rum




My free ride home has been delayed by a day, after a bit more local shopping, we are off to Udon

Traveling for an annual Income Statement

I'm on the way for an overnight stay in Khon Kaen.
Had strongly considered doing the trip on my motorbike.  Done that before, a couple of times.
That's a chilly trip through the Phu Phan Mountains this time of the year.
I do not have proper attire.

Did consider 'briefly' traveling by bus. My spine said "don't you dare!"

In the end I opted to hire a car (Bt3,700).  Pricey I know, but my spine appreciates it.
At least this way I can have a few cocktails along the way.

  

A Sakon Nakhon Fish Story

You may wish to fast forward thru some of the video, but dont miss the last few minutes




News that caught my eye

• aircraft tire shortage may occur as of February or March 2012.
  Tyre Press

• Seagate to open new Thai disk plant
  Channel Register UK

• World’s Biggest Rubber Growers
  May Back Physical Market in Benchmark Drive
  Bloomberg

• Scientists discover more than 200 new Mekong species
  BBC
• Bulk Sugar Price may drop 35%
  Bloomberg

• New Zealand commits $80 million for new border security computer system
  stuff

Cool Temperatures Continue

Clouds approaching from the south
Local patchy  clouds (midweek).  No rain in the forecast

	Tues	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun
Thai Meteorological	26/15	28/17	28/18	26/17	28/18	28/18
Weather Underground	26/14	28/17	29/18	26/15	27/15	27/15
Accu Weather	29/14	30/16	31/16	29/16	29/16	31/16
Meo Weather	24/14	26/17	26/18	25/15	26/15	26/15
Weather Channel	27/14	28/17	29/17	28/16	29/15	29/16

• Health watch urged for several areas as mercury drops
  THE NATION

Seems A bit premature forecasting

• Thailand could face drought next year
  Middle East North Africa Financial Network

• Marathon somewhere in Sakon Nakhon.
  Don't recognize the location.  Apparently it took place Sunday 

• A MERRY CHRISTMAS Card"

This Day in Sakon History
December 13, 2009

Sakon Nakhon Dragon Festival 2011

Not too many dragons came out of hiding this year. it seemed like a  a very downsized celebration.
No participant cobra performers, no painted faces.
Female participants were in their daily garb, no fancy dressed ladies.

Even the starting times had been changed.  I was  almost two hours early when I arrived at the temple. The police detail responsible for the safety of the event hadn't yet arrived.

You gotta admire and respect those Sakon Nakhon guys in brown. 

They did a fine job insuring that the day ended without accident or injury marring the celebrations.
Juggling uninterrupted traffic and a parade.  On top of it all frequent deafening firecrackers.

 

I arrived early at the temple. Folks where eating breakfast and drinking coffee.
I received dozens of very friendly 'hello's and a cup of coffee.

Trinket sellers accompanied the parade from start to finish. 
Didn't whiteness any sales.

It was really a fun day

Someone could make money selling earplugs at these events

Protective masks and goggles would probably also sell well

It was really a fun day

 

You could identify businesses wishing to be blessed, by offerings tables in front of their business

Unlike a bull in a glass shop, these dragons caused no breakage when they entered a business

Kids searched for unexploded fireworks after each celebration

View the  entire Album of the Sakon Nakhon 2011 Dragon Festival

"Sakon Nakhon-Live" Reader Interests

Recent one day   Reader searches

Pattaya Inexperienced Sex Tourists

The original article is at pattayaone.net, with photographs
   Confused Russians fight with transsexuals at South Pattaya Hotel 


The article is reprinted at THAI VISA,
The  first response is hilarious, yet so appropriate!!

Local Nightlife? let me know when you find it

Searching for Information in this Blog 

Just a reminder to visitors of this blog, if you are looking for specific information, the keyword search is at the upper left hand corner corner of the blog.

Those of you looking for Nightlife in Sakon Nakhon (uteliv), let me know when you find it.
Just kidding.  There is some, most is around 'Golden Pond.'  Another popular establishment is the bar at the north end of I.T.U. (road).  Night-time establishments are also scattered outside of town.

From my experience though, most nightlife seems to be in front of most Ma & Pa roadside establishments or neighborhood parties

Weather

Cool nights ahead 9C (48C)

Recent Rumors

• I've heard the gambling devices are back in operation.  Don't ask me where, I don't want to know.
• Locals are looking forward to some free handouts early next year.  
    Think someone mentioned election time is coming.

•  Sanyo shutters Thai shop              The Nation
•  Bangkok losing its sex appeal   news com au

The night before... the dragon festival

Many of the festival participants spend the night before the big event at the Chinese temple.
Final practice and rehearsals and getting everyone into costume is an all night job.
Meals are served to participants, and if they tire they can roll up in their bedroll until it's their turn at makeup

There's not just dragons, but also cobra's are part of the celebrations






(Photo's 2004)

 
(Slides 2006) 



A post at Thai Visa regarding Sakon Nakhon Immigration 

The individual renewing his yearly visa was confronted with a new requirement:
He had to sign a document acknowledging  that if at any time he no longer has required the  income, he may be subject to 'be asked to leave Thailand.'
Noteworthy here is the fact that there are some basic guidelines for all immigration offices.
Individual immigration offices have the authority to ask for any additional documentation they deem necessary.

Congratulations to Martin

He is celebrating the one year anniversary of  his establishment.
It's really an accomplishment, considering the number of similar establishments in the area which have failed.  Martin is offering the first drink free to visitors on Saturday.

Weird 

Disasters are occurring more frequently these days
It's not just better media reports, it's actually happening.
Look at the frequency of  Worldwide Earthquakes between Magnitudes 6 and 8 over the last century, at a chart prepared by the Horizon Project

Santa Home at the north pole is a mobile home
The Magnetic pole, which previously moved an average of 10 km per year, has picked up speed in recent years, now moving at 40 km per year.  Airport runways, which previously pointed north have had to be renumbered because of the directional change

The video below does not cover all the natural disasters which happened this year.
When this year is over, the world will probably have experienced the most natural disasters in one year.
At the moment, Los Angeles is experiencing the strongest Santa Ana winds on record.
Heavy 165 mph winds in Scotland
I'm repulsed by religious fanatics who point out to predictions in the bible that the end is near.
There's a scientific explanation.
God is a woman and her name is Mother Nature