It's been a couple of weeks since I've written a Sunday Salon. While not a lot has happened recently that I haven't yet reported, there are a few upcoming events that I'd like to write about. But first, a brief update... Most significantly, it's the tenth anniversary of my mother's death following a lengthy illness. … Continue reading Sunday Salon for 28th August 2011 (#58)
Month: August 2011
R.I.P., Beloved Acer Aspire
I am now without a computer at home as my long-lived Acer Aspire finally died Wednesday night. It been having some "issues" -- mostly the hard drive overheating rather quickly -- for a few weeks. I think, possibly, the tiny ants I've been having a problem with in the new apartment chewed through some interior … Continue reading R.I.P., Beloved Acer Aspire
Twitter Blocked?
The internet has been very spotty over the past few days, even slower than usual the rare times I can actually get online. Yeah, so what else is new? Twitter seems to have been blocked by some ISP's here in Thailand. A quick Google search shows that some can access it without any problems but … Continue reading Twitter Blocked?
In the Midst of an Unexpected Parade
Working in Thailand you quickly learn to expect the unexpected. Even if you try to keep up with the myriad of holidays, Buddhist special events, and other surprising disruptions to the workday you will still miss something. Thus, I wasn't too shocked to find my school completely deserted upon arriving to teach my first lesson … Continue reading In the Midst of an Unexpected Parade
Evening Walk to the Shrines
I've been ill all week which has caused me to neglect the blog a bit. But I have been fairly active despite the illness as I often felt better outside than cooped-up in my apartment. Thus I have a number of update articles to write, this being the first. I got out of the house … Continue reading Evening Walk to the Shrines
Por Tor Festival in Phuket Town
Despite Thailand being a Buddhist country I believe Phuket has more Chinese religious festivals than any other. The big one, of course, is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival occurring annually in September or October. This week we have the Por Tor Festival which marks the opening of the gates of hell and the liberation of restless … Continue reading Por Tor Festival in Phuket Town
Happy Mother’s Day
Today, 12 August, is the birthday of HRH Queen Sirikit of Thailand and thus a national holiday during which all loyal and devoted subjects of the Kingdom wish Her Majesty a long life of good health and happiness. As the Thai people regard the Queen as mother of the entire nation the day is also … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day
Amazon Kindle — A 4G In My Future?
Just in the past day or two I've decided that I want, no -- need -- an Amazon Kindle. It almost pains me to say this as a longtime reader and bibliophile but I just can't justify spending money on new books any longer. Most are very expensive in Thailand and I simply can't bear … Continue reading Amazon Kindle — A 4G In My Future?
Finally…Some Rain!
It's been blazing hot here for at least a couple of weeks; while there were a few times it looked like it was going to rain, it didn't. The killer typhoon that at one point was headed straight for Phuket veered to the north (where it's flooded 21 provinces and killed a number of people … Continue reading Finally…Some Rain!
It Started With A Cough…
I've been sick for the past three days. It all started with a painful coughing fit Monday night, rendering my throat extremely raw. It was scratchy when I taught my three classes on Tuesday, painful even to talk. I completely lost my voice by the end of the school day and walked home feeling miserable. … Continue reading It Started With A Cough…
Mark Joseph Jochim 