Sakon Nakhon

Sunday, March 3, 2013

More wind gusts likely

The weather is 'circling the wagons' around Sakon,
as can be seen in this NOAA image.

Showery weather night of Sunday to Monday

Continued on and off gusts of wind, cloudy

Next 5 nights cool (18-19 C)

After 5 days expect night time temperatures to rise,

with a couple uncomfortable hot nights

The coconut tree was getting quite tall.
No longer accessible by ladder.

Three foot from the house, it had to be dealt with eventually.

Neighbors and friends eagerly accepted the abundant coconuts.

Unbeknownst to me was that the upper part of the tree is edible.
There was a brief argument who was getting the tree.

One look and I settled the matter, there's enough for everybody.
Quite tasty at that, more tender and creamier tasting than the coconut flesh.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

TiTN plus

So much for peace talk.

Probably more than one faction/syndicate involved

Thailand, rebel group agree to seek peace talks - Channel NewsAsia

Bomb in Thai south wounds six day after landmark deal - Reuters

Bomb in southern Thailand wounds six

Bomb blast injures 6 in Thailand's south - ABC Radio Australia

Not what we like to hear

Thai Baht Has Weekly Gain on View Faster Growth to Spur Inflows - Bloomberg

Bus mishap in TH

Thailand crash survivor recalls 'extreme pain' - News - getsurrey

Oscars distant relative

Thailand National Film Association Awards Names 'Home' Best Picture

Sakon Nakhon True Move Roadshow 24 February

Gone fishing Thai Football

Friday, March 1, 2013

Thailand Electric Shortages Likely

Electric Shortages Ahead
Industry expansion under Threat

Thailand braces for blackouts - beyondbrics

Thai Power Woes Threaten Tech Supply Chain... Forbes

Thai energy demands to double in 25 years: study - The Nation

Thailand and a Whimsical Energy Policy NEI Nuclear Notes
The minister said that 70 per cent of Thailand's electricity generation comes from gas ...

Coal Mining in Thailand - 2009 Overview MBendi

coal reserves of 1354 million tonnes

coal production of 18.83 million tonnes

coal consumption of 14.11 million tonnes

generating around 13% of Thailand’s electric power production

Inevitable short term solution: Coal generators

My 'One stone two birds' theory
Thailand's weather swings like a huge pendulum from one extreme to another.

Floods to drought

Global warming will probably cause the pendulum to swing more violently.
More water reservoirs need be created with a canal system which can capture the floodwater before it's run off. Distribution canals can generate electricity.

Electric repair at High Heat

Two hour electric repairs create power outage

at my house yesterday at feels like 42C.

Lesson learned: Make such appointments early, when it's cool

Bought a new water heater for my kitchen. Arranged a 2 pm installation.

I said: "Kitchen" 20 times, I said: "mai abnam (not shower)."
When the installer arrived first thing he pointed out, "it's the wrong water heater."

Next he questioned why I was replacing what he'd fixed two days earlier.

Refund on the new water heater. Main circuit breakers were the problem.

One example: Shower water heater has a 20 amp breaker going into a 16 amp main breaker.

Luckily I had my laptop charged and was able to watch internet TV while power was shut off to replace three breakers and replace a scorched wire.

With the video game out of commission, everyone else convened at the pool.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Keeping Cool on a really hot day

Misting fans typically reduce the temperature by 5 degrees C.
Industrial misting systems can achieve a 10 degree C reduction.

Misting fans work best in dry climates, as we are experiencing at the moment. I've avoided turning on the air conditioner, being quite content using the fan.

Misting is not as effective in high humidity, such as we experience during and after the rainy season.

This misting system is ideal for home use, both indoor and outdoor.

Bought mine last year, on sale, quite a lot cheaper than the price listed at Astine fans.

The fan is ideal for an area of an average room.

Larger areas require more high powered systems as can be seen at Masterkool or Tropical Mist System, Thailand.

If misting fans aren't in your future, hang a damp cloth over your fan. Avoid dripping water on the motor housing.

Towel needs to be moistened about every five minutes, but it's quite effective, especially on high powered fans.

While traveling, a towel moistened in water and rubbing alcohol applied to the skin is quite effective for a temporary cooling.

Why does your skin get cold when it comes in contact with rubbing alcohol?