August in Sakon Nakhon

August 2, 2012 Full Moon Day Asana Bucha Buddhist observance commemorating the Buddha's first discourse  and  Wan Khao Pansa Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent Not considered a Official Public Holiday Related Celebration: Wax Candle Parade August 12, 2012 Thailand Mothers Day    HRH the Queen  Celebrates   her 80th Birthday

Football AWAY. . . at home

There was a rush hour in my kitchen.

The afternoon meal was fast and furious

Then it was time to fire up the puter to watch Sakon FC get slaughtered

Sakon FC scored first and early in the game. They didn't maintain the lead for very long.

You could tell The Sakon players were worn out during the last 20 minutes of the game. Roi Et's goals came in rapid succession.

Final score Roiet 4, Sakon 1 

Sakon FC management should really consider transporting the players a day before the game, so they are rested on game day. Of course it would mean accommodation expenses.

News Bites

The Russian Viewpoint of Asia Arms Race

6:30 am 7/23/2012 Increased chance of rain, cooler temperatures, thru midweek

Sakon FC's Greatest Challenge Today

They're leaving early this morning on a 168 km journey to face Roi Et FC on their home turf.

Sakon FC made some recent big improvements, and a recent win 

But, today they are facing #1 in the league
   Roi Et with a record of 12 wins, 6 draws,    2 losses
   Sakon FC        record is   3 wins, 2 draws, 15 losses

Add to the challenge a four to five hour (not the most comfortable) bus ride.

Of course there'll be plenty of cheering on the team at my house.
A win seems unlikely.
But If a miracle does happen, there'd be a wild night in the old town tonight

In my Neighborhood Fish are Jumping

Some of the local kids spent the afternoon fishing in the empty lot next to my house.

Didn't think much of it till this morning, when I heard thump, thump.
They are jumping fish in a bucket with a lid.

The biggest is four inches.
Suspect I'll be asked to acquire a fish tank of sorts

  Tropical Depression Nine 

  upgraded to Tropical storm Vicente 

has changed directions and is expected to be farther north of us (see sidebar tracking map).

Local influence most likely will be a lowering of temperatures.

• accuweather: 34.3 mm of rain on the way (Sunday through Tuesday)

October in Sakon Nakhon

Great video slideshow  **
Shows local family life at first, then the Royal Long Boat Races and Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle parade

News Bites

Ten Cockroach 'bombs' blow up in Melbourne, Thai restaurant ninemsn Tourism Thailand devises 'DISCO Plan', tourism action strategies for 2013 4hoteliers Call to bar alcohol from Thailand-EU FTA - Bangkok Post Opinion: The reason given to bar alcohol from this Free Trade Agreement because of Thailand's alcohol problem is a ruse to protect the Thai Alcohol industry and duty fees. The average Thai alcoholic gets drunk the cheapest possible way possible. Domestic quality, 10 THB at a time, or 70 THB per bottle.