Chinese New Year, I'm not impressed

this year

previous years

Seems to me the reserved 'elite' seating has more than tripled in size from past years, reducing the public seating in the square.

To make up for the public seating, two rows of tables where set up in the street leading away from the square, making foot traffic cumbersome.

this year

previous years

Plenty of food stalls. Lots of variety, everything from oysters to steak. 

Something very obviously missing from this year's celebration
were the historical exhibits of the past ↓

Past years there were multiple street entertainers. This year I just saw one group.

Makes me wonder if the Red Cross Fair is stealing the thunder from the Chinese New Year celebrations. 

Just wasn't enticed enough to stick around for the show this year.

T.i.T. Bits

Sakon Nakhon on You Tube 

• Chinese New Year Parade Tom Isaan

• Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon on the VIP Coach Tom Isaan

สกลนคร on You Tube

• January 25, M150 concert

• Lion Dance

Thailand

Cobra Gold 2013 

February 11-21  in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Exercise includes Burma, Indonesia, Japan, (S)Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States

Juice tax increases planned  The Nation

"The department needs to seek more revenue."

Cops demand money from shop owner...   The Nation

Thailand reacts with outrage to US comedy show  Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Sakon Nakhon getting ready to party

Chinese New Years Celebrations Preparations

Not amused, inappropriate

• Return shipment, Thai customs not amused

• Thailand Considers Civil Union Bill
                Would Be First Country in Asia

• NOK Air Calendar inappropriate?  The Nation  

South African skater Decio Lourenco faces arrest for speeding at 68 mph on a skateboard
His video on Youtube is the evidence

How many car stereos can I sell you today

Video by DJM

Asia's Finger Fetish: What's it mean?

  If you've ever held up your camera to take a photo of a person in Thailand,
the majority of Thais immediately pose with their fingers.

I have yet to get a straight answer, why, what's the meaning.

Past uses indicated Victory, later it became a Peace symbol.
During the Bow and arrow days, bowmen proudly showed their enemy that they still had their fingers.

If anything, I find it distracting from a photograph, and generally attempt non-posed photography.  But that's not always practical.

There seems to be a new meaning for displaying the middle finger

Hot then Hotter

Weather approaching from west southwest

Next week:  
Highs 34-35, Lows 19

Increased temperatures next Friday through Monday

Feb 15 - 18

Forecast 37-39

Funny Mail

↓click on Read More

Sakon City Fair and Noisy

Alcohol and smoking Free Zone

According to RYT9 news this is the fifth year that no alcohol is allowed at the Red Cross Fair.

The fair used to be a lot more 'sociable' when one could sip a drink and watch the world go by. 

Alcohol only seemed to be a problem during teen targeted concerts

There is an exception to the rule:  Wine

I prefer purchases from local vendors who warrant their products
rather than a traveling vendor  

There are some products at the fair, worth a second look.
I suggest making major purchases during the last days, even the day after the fair.
At the closing of the fair vendors are willing to cut prices.  Saves on repacking and reshipping expenses.

In 2003 I bought 5 sets of curtains the day after the fair as they were packing up unsold products. A 50% savings.
Of course there are some items you are better off buying before someone else grabs them.

Two reasons I expect to make another trip to the fair:

1. The army rifle range
(BB guns). Been target shooting every year there. This year it will be interesting.  I now have slight cataract in one eye

 

 

 

 
1. Solar panel and pedal operated generator dispaly

Chinese New Year celebrations are underway.  

Expect sporadic fireworks
Fireworks began this morning.  My neighbor's cat family of nearly a dozen have gone into seclusion.
So that's how I'm gonna tackle the cat invasion.

Protect your pets provide enclosed shelters
 during periods of  'heavy artillery like'  fireworks

Wall painting, 552d Arty, Germany, 1965

As Seen at facebook Sakon in English
                   Photography by Simon Lawrence

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• Thailand faces skilled labor roadblocks  ZDNET

• French firm cautions Thailand of  (skilled labor) shortage Bangkok Post

• Eating From Foam Food Containers is Risky Business - Pattaya Daily News