No I did not change my name: T.i.T.

In the past I supplied water and soft drinks to the local Y.F.C. league (Youth Football Club).

I also donated some funds for jerseys for the team, with the promise that I would get a jersey with Sakon Nakhon-Live printed on it.

Small letters were not available, this is what I got.
Think OSAKA is the team sponsor.

I'll have a good excuse not to wear the shirt:  "too small !!!"

This is Thailand  T.i.T.

Boom

Just about anywhere you drive within Sakon City or the surrounding area, you are bound to see new building construction and renovations.

A number of recently opened home improvement centers, and more on the way, suggest that the building boom in this area is picking up momentum.

Much of the construction Boom is in anticipation of the increased traffic expected with the completion of the Asian Highway AH15.

AH15 is a highway widening project of the presently known Thailand Highway 22, which originates in Udon Thani and ends in Nakhon Phanom.

The recently opened (Nov 11, 2011) Nakhon Phanom Bridge is part of the AH15 project.
The highway will traverse through Laos and end in Vinh, Vietnam.

Judging the progress of construction to date, completion of AH15 is still some years in the future.

With the construction boom there are also a number of rumors flourishing.
One such rumor is the construction of a major shopping center in the area.

Opinion:
Most likely it's still in someones dream stage.
Any such a planned construction project would be trumpeted by government agencies, contractors, and heralded in the local media, long before the first bulldozer arrives.


There's probably a spark of truth to the rumor, but I don't see the flame!

Opening Soon

Elections early next month   Posters are going up in some unusual places

Tablets are Coming, Tablets are Coming - The Nation Have the teachers been trained and prepared?

................................................................................................................................................................................. Surely this is not what the heart really looks like A different body part comes to mind

Local weather While night time temperatures continue to remain quite bearable, daytime temperatures are going to rise. Add to that the humidity:  expect feels like in the lower 40C midweek. After midweek daytime temperatures will drop slightly Night time temperatures may dip to mid teens (next weekend.) UV10.

Air Asia flights to Nakhon Phanom begin Feb 15

.   Love Celebrations Valentine's Day curfew for kids THE NATION February 9 Youth urged to use condoms as Valentine's Day nears The Nation February 10

Interesting reading Global Disaster Calendar 2 012

Sakon City 'Gala Event'

As far as I'm concerned... ...the Chinese community of Sakon Nakhon  throws the best parties. The food was superb!!!. The catering and the waitstaff was impeccable!!! Of course I bowed my head and wai'ed before imposing on Sakon Nakhon's Vice Governor for a photo She later commented that she was somewhat surprised that I recognized her Great entertainment, prize drawings and Bingo made for a very pleasant evening

Win or loose, I'm celebrating

2012 Sakon F.C. schedule translated The page link can be found at the top (right) of this blog. The first game of the Season, next weekend, February 18, will be in Nong Khai.  The day also happens to be the nine year anniversary of my arrival in Sakon Nakhon. Win or loose, I'll be celebrating.   Air Asia flights to Nakhon Phanom begin February 15 The Nakhon Phanom Airport is approximately 80 km, (one hour drive) from Sakon Nakhon.   The recent Sakon Nakhon Winter season... ... seemed to have started a month earlier than usual (mid-November).  This year the winter temperatures were warmer than last year.  Last year's lows dropped below 9 (7 in the mountains). This year's lows remained in the mid teens.  Average high temperatures for January 2011 were 30C. January 2012 average high temperatures were 32. Source: kwiqly Cool nights continue. By midweek feels like temperatures 37 -38C

Best Party in Town

One of my most favorite Sakon Nakhon events is happening Friday, February 10, at the local Chinese temple, and I've been invited to attend. It's part of the Chinese New Years Celebrations, which most often last a month. An evening of fine dining and entertainment I've come to relish.

Teaching English Updated

I've noticed a trend at school. More and more kids are bringing their phones to class. Most schools are offering free wireless internet, and many students are taking advantage by surfing the net, checking e-mail, watching videos or playing on-line games in the classroom. It's a trend which will only get worse when the government starts handing out free 'Pads.' . With only weeks left in the semester, most students have 'misplaced' their text books. Time to come up with new innovative teaching techniques to regain the students attention. . A couple of sayings come to mind: "Fight fire with fire," "If you can't beat them, join them." This video is a prime example.  I had everyone's attention. After the video ended I replayed it and froze it at intervals to discuss event's and objects on the screen. The discussion went from smell, cookie jar, refrigerator, broom, sweeping, to chainsaw and parachuting. Surprisingly most of the class were taking notes. Of course, the fact that I had a supply of cookies on my desk also helped keep their interest.  Class ended with everyone snacking.

Hot Season begins now

Hot Season = Drought and Fire Hazard Climate Change or Thailand's Curse? After Flooding: "Drought" Thailand Business News  Feb 6 Sakon Lieutenant Governor warns of increased fire Hazard Sakon Daily on facebook     See Sakon Nakhon by Air       Bird Paradise Extreme Resort known for its Skydiving adventures also offers 'Sky Tours.'     A one hour flight in a Cessna is advertised at Bt4,950       thailema    Thailand's capital should be moved to the north-east,    says top scientist        Asia One Feb 5