lannarebirth

Workshop on biodiesel in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - The Energy Management and Conservation Centre (Emac) at Chiang Mai University is spearheading efforts to train community leaders to take advantage of the cost and environment benefits of biodiesel.

Its second biodiesel workshop is training members of communiฌties throughout the country to become fuel self sufficient.

The second workshop kicked off last month and runs until August next year. As many as 500 will be trained in biodiesel production.

"The aim is to help community members cope with rising global oil prices and promote the use of biodiesel," said Emac director Assoc Prof Prasert Rerkkriangkrai.

More than 550 people participated in the first workshop which ran from September 2005 until this July.

Once again, training course costs are 80percent subsidised by the Energy Ministry's Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo).

The first workshop saw three model communities built. They are now producing their own biodiesel from used vegetable oil and oil. The model communities are at tambons Nong Kaew in Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Din in Phichit and Kud Nam Sai in Khon Kaen.

"These three communities serve as models for others to study their operation and administration systems. People have shown great interest in joining the workshops. This is an indication of the effects of global oil prices and a move towards self sufficient energy," the director said.

Spaces at the one-day workshops remain open.

Just six to eight people are trained each day and receive instruction in production proceฌdures, input materials, and safety.

They are then equipped to build their own 150lirecapacity biodiesel plants.

By Atsadaporn Kamthai

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/09...es_30015744.php

The corn in the ice cream really surprised me. I worked and lived among Mayas, whose ancestors invented corn, and that's one thing they hadn't thought of yet.

Corn for salad? American salad usually leaves the corn as a side vegetable. KFC here has a corn salad now.

When my sister-in-law from Weisbaden Germany migrated to south Texas, our Anglo mother-in-law asked Ingeborg to make a 'salad' for the dinner meal. Imagine the surprise when it was a dish of green beans and vinegar!!

What color or kind of beans is in Thai ice cream - dark red?

Yeah, they use dark red like kidney beans. Also black beans "tua dam" and green beans which I think are mung beans.

Hi,

I don't understand why Thai ice cream have corn and bean?

Why they eat corn/bean in ice cream whereas in European country, we eat that for salad?

...maybe because they're different ;-)

Haven't tried the corn yet, but the ice cream with beans in it is delicious.

WASHINGTON, Monday, Oct. 9 — North Korea said Sunday night that it had set off its first nuclear test, becoming the eighth country in history, and arguably the most unstable and most dangerous, to join the club of nuclear weapons states.

OK, I'll bite... another unstable and very dangerous country has nuclear weapons. What right do they have to tell anyone anything when it comes to potentially doing harm to the world.

Do we, the citizens of the world really trust Bush or China to handle this properly?

Only someone pretty ignorant of global relationshiops would believe that NK could pull this off without Chinas sanction, rhetoric notwithstanding.

According to my sources it's not the dawahs or other outside agents (no connection with JI or Al-Q either) directing the violence in the south but rather mafia using Islam as a front.

I know this isn't Buddhism related, but it is interesting and I enjoyed reading your perspective.

I've been told by two different generals I know, from two differnt branches of the service, and who don't know each other, that some of the uprisings/violence is funded by Singaporean interests to create general instability in the region so that plans for a Kra Isthmus canal never resurface, which would be DEVASTATING to Singapores economy. Sorry for going OT.

Hi

Q:Im trying to understand how things work in thailand and more about thai girls. It seems that many girls i Thailand are looking for a farang relationship. Im thinking why would they do this unless it was for some economical reason. A:Does this mean that they are just on the lookout for a better more comfortable life (which is understandable).

I'd say you understand things pretty well already.

Hi Jim,

Is it your intent to adopt your girlfriends fatherless children? If it is, I think you'll need all those documents Tim was asking about anyway. Also, judging from a couple of threads I've read here in the past, it is usually during the adoption process that the truth of dead/missing fathers comes to light, as it's an excellent opportunity to extort money from you, which they can't seem to pass up.

That said, I'm sure none of that stuff applies to you and I wish you and the TGF the very best.

Oh well - here goes - try again!

AS said - its a very common Biro Fuel very common in under developed parts of Europe.

Tim

Hi Tim,

Yes, they've just opened an Asian plant as well:

disregard

It’s your type that has ruined it for

normal people to own places at an affordable price in Pattaya.

And that’s the truth, it hurts doesn’t it.

Have a nice day.

I don't understand. What could be more affordable than about 1.4 million for a pleasant, safe place to live? Any less and you're living under a bridge somewhere. Pattaya is not my thing, but I can't say it's because it's not reasonably priced to live there.

I would agree with everyone that meeting the family is serious. And traditionally it is prelude to marriage. However, this is modern Thailand and you’re a farang. Girls and women have boyfriends, farang and Thai, they have serious relationships, divorce, children outside of marriage, etc. that are to a greater or lesser extent outside the traditional norms. This is Thailand and it’s not a culture of black and white. “Superficial” appearances matter – even if everyone knows what is going on if there is some element of “plausible deniability” it saves everyone some face.

I had a girlfriend where I was serious but not at the marriage state where I spent quite a bit of time with her rural Issan family over a period of two years. When we broke up I realized what a really difficult situation it was for her – people asking about me. This was me at my most ignorant, taking things on face value and in the end I became too close to a family before I was committed. I wouldn’t do this again. I will say it’s one of the most wonderful and enriching experiences I’ve ever had. More on the blog if you're interested. But she paid a high price for this and it was quite regrettable.

I’ve had women I’ve dated, more like “gigs”, who have done selective introductions to individuals their families. One parent, brothers or sisters. In these cases I’ve been really clear about my intentions and our non-future and assume they know what they are doing. And in no case as we went separate ways or see each other less did the issue come up “but you met my family”. If they took a risk or had implications because of this I can’t say. It’s not my impression.

My current girlfriend, (I am serious but not ready to commit), has introduced me to the immediate family. However, she has mentioned that if I were to come to the New Years or Songkran extended family get togethers I should be very serious – as in marriage. Her immediate family knows she has boyfriends and the way of the world today and accept this. If we talk about going our separate ways she does feel a pressure of what to tell the family and friends – she has taken this risk and wants to limit it to those very close to her. It’s one thing to lose face within this small trusted unit, quite another within the extended family of aunts and uncles of higher status, families, etc.

In your situation the best thing is to have a very open and honest talk with your girlfriend. And remember that your western sense of “open and honest” is different than hers. If you ask a direct question and get a direct answer – you shouldn’t accept it necessarily. Maybe ask her to tell you about friends or relations that have brought farangs home and what happened? Approach the subject a few times from a few angles – and listen carefully. Sometimes talking around the issue is a better way to understand it. It wouldn’t surprise me if you asked directly she would tell you not to worry. Then if you talked around the issue some she would tell you some stories of where it has been a problem. When you find yourself in the situation where it has become a problem you’ll think “but she said it was OK” and she will just think “you stupid farang you just don’t listen and understand”.

What do to when you are there? Eat everything, expect to pay for going out, drinks etc. within reason. You are the high status individual in almost all cases so this is expected and gives you good face. Smile!! Even if it’s tough sitting around for hours not understanding anything look like you are having fun. They want to know you – just the language is tough. Play with the kids; they are a great ice breaker, don’t need language to have fun and give you something to do while everyone can relax a little and not worry about you. A small game like hiding 10 baht in one of two hands and playing back and forth is easy to strike up and gets everyone laughing – and gives the kids a good way to abscond with some of your money 

Be careful but have fun – family is the best part of Thailand.

Hi Valjean,

Where does " serious but not ready to commit " fall in the spectrum between "can you find your own way out?" and "till death us do part" ? TIA

Returning to democracy

Oct 5th 2006 | BANGKOK

From The Economist print edition

Some time, in some form

http://economist.com/world/asia/displaysto...tory_id=8001670

I am not fully knowlegdeable on what is occuring in the government right now, but I know that Muslims are having a profound effect on what is happening. I feel that what has been done lately is a good thing. So, I am wondering if this will mean Thai people will view Muslims in a different light and what effects a positive view of Muslims in power within the goverment and working with the King will mean for Thai Buddhism?

One of the truly wonderful things about Thais (at least the ones I know) is they really look at all their fellow Thais as part of their greater family(even though they may ridicule each other sometimes); Muslims included. Most Thai I know assume "outside agents" are creating the ongoing strife in the south, and more than anything they wish for a unified Thailand, which they believe their Muslim cousins wish for also.

No - - but do know they make an excellent additional to a hot/spicy salad - and yes - straight out the water - the fresher the better.

Tim

Which got me thinking about crayfish:

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/aquacultur...hwater_crayfish

Thanks, which kasems was it?

The one on Ninnenhamin Road

I'm in the market for a second hand motor bike.between THB20,000 and THB30000.

Any ideas anybody?

Cheers

I saw an ad tacked up on the billboard outside the Kasem Store yesterday for appeared to be a late model motorbike. I think the owner wanted 21,000 for it and said there was some urgency to sell. Might still be there. Good luck.

"There are so many seriously entrenched special interest groups. It's fascinating."

That is well put, 'lannarebirth'. Neither exaggeration nor understatement.

What lies behind your 'user name' and avatar, I have often wondered?

Hi Martin,

Well, my avatar is a picture of my English Pointer "Sonny Boy". As for the username, well I live in the northern Lanna region and compared to my previously complacent existence before I came to LOS, I feel reborn in every moment here (even the bad ones). I can't believe how lucky I am.

Stefan,

A couple of people here have commented on the book " Phra farang ", the story of Phra Peter Pannapadipo (aka Peter Robinson). It's an excellent book and think it would be of value to you, and I recommend it.

http://www.geocities.com/prapant.geo/Phra_Farang.htm

A few years ago Phra Peter left the monkhood to establish the Students Education Trust (which he directs). He is a very nice man, and I think if you were to contact him here:

http://www.akelius.com/set/contact_us.html

he might be able to suggest a course of action (or direct you to those who could) that would bring you closer to your goal of becoming a Buddhist monk. Best of luck to you Stefan.

Classy guy.

But for the record, if you couldnt make it here, Cambodia is gonna eat you alive. You can move to as many countries in the world as you like, but you can't move from yourself and your own issues.

Cambodia may not be the end of the line, but you can see it from there.

I recently used JVK for a move within Bangkok. I found the rates reasonable. What are you basing your evaluation on? I would imagine that land transportation to Phnom Penh would not be the easiest thing in the world to arrange.

I am always puzzled when people say they feel farangs are no longer welcome in Thailand. Could this be some sort of transference of another issue?

TH

I will tell you that i am absolutely sick of living in Thailand and putting up with all the BULLSHIT from the thais. I cannot beleive the way that thais treat farang here, it is borderline criminal. I have message to caucasians in America and other countries DO NOT COME TO THAILAND IT IS A THIRD WORLD SHITHOLE.

I think you'll find, that Cambodia is even less like America than Thailand is. It is more corrupt. It has less infrastructure. Almost anything you'd like that's "western" will be a hassle. Most of the best of Cambodia either fled or was murdered. I think you're due for yet another miserable year, but good luck to you.

not at all.. its reality I dont know what they teach u in england to trust so easy and give away ur money and let the thai lady roll u on her small finger... hehe

too many stories and live reality..

Watch ur money..even if its pound=~70 baht...

Well generousity towards peasants has always been an anglo saxon trait

Now, you're lying.

You forget that you are looking at Thailand through the prism of outdated social theories of the 19th centiry. Peasants, disenfranchised urban working class, Thai feudal system - it smells of marxism and socialism.

You take it for granted, in your vision of future there's no place left for God and all people have equal rights. THAT is a utopia.

Thai cosmology is totally different, all they are trying to do now is to preserve the system they believe in, system that served them for centuries.

There are Gods, there's Thai (Siam) guardian angel, the King is his representative, and it's hierarchy from top to bottom and back. Prosperity comes from satisfying Gods, i.e. from bottom up service, so any disruption in social order will lead to gods abandoning the land.

Self sufficiency fits in this model perfectly but is out of place in a secular, materialistic society.

Thailand is not the only culture under threat from consumerism or whatever you want to call it. Muslims react rather violently to threats like this. Interestingly, in the South they blame Thais for spreading it.

Well, I can't say you haven't defined system / situation correctly. I will say that the current regime seems to be going to great lengths to be as inclusive of viewpoints and input from the universities, where most of the political reformers reside. They do however, face incredible obstacles to any meaningful reform anytime soon. There are so many seriously entrenched special interest groups. It's fascinating.

Tim,

What does the highlighted portion mean?

"Henry and Edith Edwards of Rutherfordton, North Carolina have found many uses for kudzu over the past 30 years. Henry produces over 1,000 bales of kudzu hay each year on his Kudzu Cow Farm. The hay is high in nutritive value, but many people have found kudzu difficult to cut and bale. Henry says the secret is to "cut it low and bale it high

KUDZU: It's istory, Uses and Controls

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0065/A...0kudzu%20hay%22

The Amazing Story Of Kudzu:

http://www.alabamatv.org/kudzu/

Driving around the southern state of Mississippi, I used to see whole farms covered with this stuff. By that I mean the house, the barn, the driveway.... everything.

Such as:

http://www.jjanthony.com/kudzu/