DAILY PHOTO: Say, “Hello Kitty,” and Eat Lead

Posted on March 11, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2014 at Phuket, Thailand

These billboards are all over Phuket, which isn’t to say that it’s one identical billboard (or even just one shooting range), but billboards showing ALMOST the widest possible demographic enjoying their arms. I say “almost” because for some reason they don’t include any old folks. I’m a little offended by that. Do they think that seeing crotchety elders holding guns will scare their potential customers, or are the old just not sexy enough for the advertising world?

I wonder if there was irony intended with the little girl with the Hello Kitty! shirt, bows in her hair, and gun bigger than her head in her hands?

DAILY PHOTO: Driving the Demons Out? No.

Posted on March 8, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2014 at Wat Chalong.

At Wat Chalong there is a big, brick kiln that is shaped somewhat like a beehive. Loud and long strings of fire crackers are frequently set off in it. I had read that this was done to drive demons out. That turns out to be patently false, but it’s such an awesome explanation that I can see why it had traction. The firecrackers are actually set off to signify a prayer has been answered. (That makes much less sense than driving away demons… I know, right?)

True story: When I was there a guy actually stuck his head up into the kiln to see where they kept the fireworks. Natural Selection was not put to work that day, but I wondered what would have happened if a string went off just then. On the other hand, the dogs seem to be able to completely ignore it. I know they’re probably deaf, but you’d think the falling paper would unnerve them.

DAILY PHOTO: PATONG BEACH SIGN

Posted on March 2, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2014 at Phuket.

DAILY PHOTO: Temple in the Jungle

Posted on February 24, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2014 at Wat Chalong on Phuket.

DAILY PHOTO: Lakeside in Ayutthaya

Posted on February 22, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in October of 2012 in Ayutthaya.

Ripples on the pond and vines strangling the tree. I don’t know why–or precisely where in Ayutthaya–I took this picture, but I’m going to go unconventional and make it today’s Daily Photo.

DAILY PHOTO: Golden Buddha of Rang Hill

Posted on February 21, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2013

This Buddha is located at Wat Khao Rang on Rang Hill, overlooking Phuket Town. His right hand mudra conveys that the spice is just right–but you may want to verify that with a Buddhist.

DAILY PHOTO: Doggie Attire in the Tropics… Really?

Posted on February 19, 2014 by B Gourley

Taken in January of 2014 at Patong.

Anthropomorphize much? Have you ever noticed how dogs and cats have hair all over their bodies? Furthermore, have you noticed that they shed during warmer seasons and grow hair more thickly in the cooler seasons. So what on earth makes people feel the need to torment their pets with clothing? OK, I might be able to understand if you live in a cabin in the Alps and you’ve got a shivery pup, but this photo was taken on the beach in Thailand.

Dogs of the world unite in the cause of canine nudism.