Double Six – 20th March 2025

It was the land of the lucky that so inspired,

a roll of the dice was all that was required;

All allowed to play, starting with an even field,

it was the illusion of choice that so appealed.



As the game was begun, so the landlords arose

sucking the life out of all those who oppose,

then the banks took control of all society

and this game of life became a monopoly.

Shared with dVerse – Monopoly with a twist

Obsolete – 2nd May 2023

Made to be broken, a businessman’s dream
Failure point unspoken, a money-making scheme
Shiny new things, a feeling that is funny
A bottom line sings when rolling in the money


Today I’m feeling:

Reasonable. I’d like to go for a bike ride but it’s so hot with high UV plus the air is still a little hazy so views from up the mountains aren’t so clear. I feel like these April holidays are kinda useless.

Today I’m grateful for:

The step ladder that I use around the garden. Today, to cut back the vine and fold back part of the roof that got messed up in the last storm. It seemed urgent as the skies darkened and distant rumbling approached but then just as quick the clouds disappeared and bright a scorching sun came out. Looks like I’ll have to water again this afternoon.

The best thing about today was:

The neighbour’s kids all came into the driveway to ride their bikes whilst I was watering the garden and they all laughed and played when I sprayed them with water. They’re all between 6 and 9 years old. Full of life and energy, full of hope.

What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?

Came back for morning coffee to find that Cap had thrown up on my old 1984 diary and songbook. Perhaps not too much damage, though a lot of the diary was written in tiny felt tip which is already hard enough to read so there may be even more illegible writing there to strain my eyes. What can I do? It’s one of the reasons I’m working to get all this digitised as quickly as I can.

Something I learned today?

The 2nd biggest bank in the US has gone under. I don’t really know what this means, like what happens next or why it happened in the first place but it seems to be occurring often right now.

What has keeping a journal taught me?

As a daily habit, it has helped me get thoughts out of my head, whether good or bad and into paper. When I review these over time they give me an idea of my long-term growth.

I took this picture because I think it reflects my disorganised appreciation and annoyance with living in Thailand. It’s messy and uncoordinated yet looks appealing and attractive. This little stream runs at the back of the shops and market on the university side of the highway. The other side to home.

The Chiang Rai Alternative Hour #63 – Creation Myth – 6th November 2020

A weird one for these weird times.

Highly curated, carefully selected and specifically ordered* for your listening edification by world-renowned DJtenzenmen, who has over 1 year of experience in this business.

This week there’s music from Peter Black, Feed Me Jack, Cause For Effect, Didjits, Api Uiz, Thingy, Banks, Max Frost and the Troopers, Victimize, Men’s Recovery Project, Thinking Fellars Union Local 282 and Caroliner Rainbow Customary Relaxation of the Shale.

Intro and background music by Utotem, Phantom Tollbooth, Daniel Striped Tiger and someone else I forgot.
Incidentals taken from the Church of the Sub Genius Hour of Slack.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook too. Tell us if you like it, tell us if you don’t.

Listen right here or Podbean, Stitcher, Apple, Amazon…..all those cool places I guess.
* ie totally random.

Gratitude Journal

I am so happy and grateful for the few days I got to spend with the little bird that Kim caught. I’m sorry we couldn’t save it.