27 August
Just when one thought that the Red Devils would not go down to a new low, the Capital One Cup provided the abyss for them. There seemed to be darkness since the retirement of SAF. Losing to MK Dons, a 3rd tier team, was unthinkable in the not too far era ago. But thrashed, humiliated by 4-0?? As a Red Devils fan, these scenerio are too common nowadays even when Van Gaal is in charge. I believed that he had never been humiliated in such a manner before.
Yes, the team at MK Dons was a mixture of young and fringe players. However, there were still enough internationals like Jonny Evans, J Hernandez, S Kagawa in the team who were rated higher than any of the opposition players and yet...... What was Van Gaal thinking about? Fielding a reserve team when he has less games to play this season, no worry about European competitions. Maybe, playing for Manchester United is no more an honour. The Red Devils are an also ran team. Wonder how Di Maria felt now that he signed for a team who are continuously being humiliated. How far bottom will the Red Devils go? Relegation from Premier league?
Red Devil fan since 60s
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Silat Road update
Update on Silat Road
Another of my childhood area would be partially (thank God) demolished and be gone forever. Fortunately, a few remaining SIT blocks built in the 1950s would be kept, re-renovated to keep some part of Singapore history alive. Below is the link to the page when I reminiscence about this childhood place of mine.
http://rosewiththorn.blogspot.sg/search?q=Silat+Road
Here are some photographs taken in the middle of 2014, showing the demolishing work in progress.
Another of my childhood area would be partially (thank God) demolished and be gone forever. Fortunately, a few remaining SIT blocks built in the 1950s would be kept, re-renovated to keep some part of Singapore history alive. Below is the link to the page when I reminiscence about this childhood place of mine.
http://rosewiththorn.blogspot.sg/search?q=Silat+Road
Here are some photographs taken in the middle of 2014, showing the demolishing work in progress.
Going ....
Going.......
Going.......
GONE!!!!
Lucky Block 25 remains
The blocks facing the main Kg Bahru Road are saved
Manchester United EPL Week 2
EPL 2014 - 2015
The Red Devils showed no improvement in their second EPL match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. They have not seen any sign of light at the end of the tunnel. Same insipid and unsure performance, like their defeat at home to Swansea. The players didn't seem to believe in themselves and the system Van Gaal used. In sum, they were very lucky to escape with a point this time. The climb to the top would be very tough and Van Gaal had even stated that it would be a long journey just to be back in the top 4. De Maria's signing will further congest the front line though he will fill the left side. However, this marquee signing could be the boost to the morale of an underperforming team. The sign of time's up for Young,Valencia, Cleverly is obvious and Van Gaal might not have the time and correct players to fill the spots until the next transfer window or maybe the end of the season. Meanwhile, fans and supporters like me have to squirm in our seats while witnessing another frustrating red devils' performance, one after another.
Manchester City - Liverpool : 3-1. The noisy neighbours made more noise and the red side could do nothing about it
Chelsea vs Leicester : 2-0 : The Blues are quietly lethal; Diego Costa scored again
Everton vs Arsenal : 2-2: fighting Gunner, from 2 nil down to 2-2
Tottenham vs QPR : 4-0 : On the rise Spurs
Red Devils fan since 60s
The Red Devils showed no improvement in their second EPL match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. They have not seen any sign of light at the end of the tunnel. Same insipid and unsure performance, like their defeat at home to Swansea. The players didn't seem to believe in themselves and the system Van Gaal used. In sum, they were very lucky to escape with a point this time. The climb to the top would be very tough and Van Gaal had even stated that it would be a long journey just to be back in the top 4. De Maria's signing will further congest the front line though he will fill the left side. However, this marquee signing could be the boost to the morale of an underperforming team. The sign of time's up for Young,Valencia, Cleverly is obvious and Van Gaal might not have the time and correct players to fill the spots until the next transfer window or maybe the end of the season. Meanwhile, fans and supporters like me have to squirm in our seats while witnessing another frustrating red devils' performance, one after another.
Manchester City - Liverpool : 3-1. The noisy neighbours made more noise and the red side could do nothing about it
Chelsea vs Leicester : 2-0 : The Blues are quietly lethal; Diego Costa scored again
Everton vs Arsenal : 2-2: fighting Gunner, from 2 nil down to 2-2
Tottenham vs QPR : 4-0 : On the rise Spurs
Red Devils fan since 60s
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Types of Teachers in Singapore Schools
Teachers formed the largest group of civil servants in Singapore. In the 60s to 70s, teachers were trained in TTC (Teachers' Training Centre) or IE (Institute of Education). Some of us were part-time trainees We taught in school in the morning, then proceed to TTC for training in the afternoon. The prospect of a teacher at that time was rather hazy as there didn't seem to be a progression of career except that we had our yearly increment and regular 'crossing of the bar'. Thus many of us were contented in where we were, JUST TEACH. Those who aspired knew that they could only be Senior assistant in the school if they could not make it to be the Principal or VP. The SEO salary scale was a very high point to reach, only selected few managed to reach it.
Nowadays, many teachers are highly motivated for promotion and they wanted it as fast as possible. The school leaders used the 'Appraisal System' to chart their subordinates' progress. More often than not, the 'system' is used to highlight the areas of weakness. My personal experiences of it was that the SL usually discussed 80% on one's weaknesses and glossed over one's strengths if he/she wanted to grade you down!! You would leave the SL office with a bitter taste.
Though the Appraisal System is always evolving, the types of teachers in our midst remained largely similar.
The Newbies : Enthusiastic, wanting to try the learning theories/philosophies they learned from NIE. adding a whiff of fresh air into the Staff Room... They are the ones with loads of ideas and initiatives. Alas, so many of them fade even before the year is over, overwhelmed by the demands.
The newly promoted: Like new drivers they threw in ideas like no tomorrow, buoyed/fueled by the promotion. More pay, more responsibilities. The subordinates got trampled but these people march on to new heights
The Bored : Usually after about 3 to 5 years when the teacher is steeped in the groove of the school culture, no one listens to him/her anymore and the routines drags on days after days. Could even sleep with eyes open.
The Disciplinarian : No matter what the new philosophies in education are like, they maintained their strict discipline over the pupils, no compromise. My values, only my values....
The Tired Ones : Unlike the bored ones they seemed to be doing a lot more than others, and then was given more and more by the school leaders in the name of 'testing' the teacher. Ages very quickly and soon would want to find a place to lean their tired body and mind,
The Principal 'pet' : Usually follows the Principal if he is transferred. The blue-eyed one is trusted, protected and could do no wrong in the eyes of the Principal. Some even buy the same car model as the Principal. All oppositions are shut down by the almighty. Even protests by other colleagues are not welcomed. Self-assured and has a deadly smile when he/she approaches a potential threat. The 'pet' is usually promoted to a higher level or scale before the Principal leaves the school
Nowadays, many teachers are highly motivated for promotion and they wanted it as fast as possible. The school leaders used the 'Appraisal System' to chart their subordinates' progress. More often than not, the 'system' is used to highlight the areas of weakness. My personal experiences of it was that the SL usually discussed 80% on one's weaknesses and glossed over one's strengths if he/she wanted to grade you down!! You would leave the SL office with a bitter taste.
Though the Appraisal System is always evolving, the types of teachers in our midst remained largely similar.
The newly promoted: Like new drivers they threw in ideas like no tomorrow, buoyed/fueled by the promotion. More pay, more responsibilities. The subordinates got trampled but these people march on to new heights
The Bored : Usually after about 3 to 5 years when the teacher is steeped in the groove of the school culture, no one listens to him/her anymore and the routines drags on days after days. Could even sleep with eyes open.
The Disciplinarian : No matter what the new philosophies in education are like, they maintained their strict discipline over the pupils, no compromise. My values, only my values....
The Tired Ones : Unlike the bored ones they seemed to be doing a lot more than others, and then was given more and more by the school leaders in the name of 'testing' the teacher. Ages very quickly and soon would want to find a place to lean their tired body and mind,
The Principal 'pet' : Usually follows the Principal if he is transferred. The blue-eyed one is trusted, protected and could do no wrong in the eyes of the Principal. Some even buy the same car model as the Principal. All oppositions are shut down by the almighty. Even protests by other colleagues are not welcomed. Self-assured and has a deadly smile when he/she approaches a potential threat. The 'pet' is usually promoted to a higher level or scale before the Principal leaves the school
Follow the book type : They follow the syllabus and the book to the very last letter. Students are asked to underline/highlight the content in the book for revision and examination regurgitation. Lessons seldom deviate from the book content and parameters. These teachers still exist and are result oriented, though the numbers are declining.
The Screamers : Old school types whose voice could be heard from very corner of the school. Military style of discipline. Initially feared by students but the similar effects fade with time. Could suffer heart attack anytime.
The forever hassled : He/she looked overwhelmed most of the time. very common species. Could not finish marking, could not meet deadline, with little social life as time after school is also occupied with school work. Usually psychologically affected, could be suicidal as they isolate themselves from the others.
The gung-ho : Young and ready for any challenges. The first one to volunteer for any project/initiative.
The super hero: Deemed himself/herself to be able to do anything and everything. Young and cool under pressure. Would want promotion fast and early. Step on more toes and tails on his/her way up, more enemies and friends in the working place.
The blackboard one : These teachers faced the board most of the time rather than being pupil-centric as notes are painstakingly written on it. Old school type that is rare in numbers nowadays as technologies like projectors, laptops, tablets etc are taking effect to make life easier. Their notes are from the 'Bible' and not to be questioned. Students spent most of the time copying the notes.
Demands from and of the teacher in different era
Boy! Tell me why Why WHY !!!
YOU! Tell me WHY WHY WHY !!!!
Engaging disinterested pupils
The innocent attentive pupil of the past The classroom in the future?? Who need teachers?
Manchester United's decline continues
16 August 2014
A new season, a new coach, new formation but same result. The malaise from the 10 months of David Moyes continued to haunt the Red Devils. The Swans were not given a chance, odds reaching 1:9 at one stage. United has never lost the opening league match since 1972. However, it was a nervous display from the Red Devils. There was no creativity, team work or any form of penetration, so much so that Swansea was able to win quite effortlessly 2-1 for the first time in the league at Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams. It is now no more a daunting place to visit for any 'small league teams'.
Louis Van Gaal will have a lot to do to mould/create a team to finish in the top 10, not to mention Championship football, at this rate of going. The defence should be the first to be totally reconstructed. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were not imposing or dominating enough, making mistakes all the time. Evans is always injured. Rookie Tyler Blackett made an encouraging start but that was all. Even the new signing Luke Shaw was injured. Ashley Young cannot stand in as a defender!!
The midfield, supposedly to be very strong missed the creativity to unlock a well-drilled team like Swansea. Juan Mata was nowhere when he was most needed. Maybe Angel Di Maria should be signed. It is also time for Adnan Januzaj given Ryan Giggs' number 11, to consolidate his place in the team!!!
Nani, Young, Javier Hernadez must go. The dead/rotten wood must be removed before another disastrous season occurs. The need for new quality players is ever more urgent as nearly all of them would have committed to their team at this moment. Last minute purchases, before the window closes at the end of the month are often cases of desperation.
No balance, No confidence , No swagger when playing at home. That is NOT Manchester United.
For the record, all the other title favourites won:
Chelsea vs Burnley 3-1 (away)
Manchester City vs Newcastle 2-0 (away)
Arsenal vs C Palace 2-1
Tottenham vs West Ham 1-0
Liverpool vs Southampton 2-1
A new season, a new coach, new formation but same result. The malaise from the 10 months of David Moyes continued to haunt the Red Devils. The Swans were not given a chance, odds reaching 1:9 at one stage. United has never lost the opening league match since 1972. However, it was a nervous display from the Red Devils. There was no creativity, team work or any form of penetration, so much so that Swansea was able to win quite effortlessly 2-1 for the first time in the league at Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams. It is now no more a daunting place to visit for any 'small league teams'.
Louis Van Gaal will have a lot to do to mould/create a team to finish in the top 10, not to mention Championship football, at this rate of going. The defence should be the first to be totally reconstructed. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were not imposing or dominating enough, making mistakes all the time. Evans is always injured. Rookie Tyler Blackett made an encouraging start but that was all. Even the new signing Luke Shaw was injured. Ashley Young cannot stand in as a defender!!
The midfield, supposedly to be very strong missed the creativity to unlock a well-drilled team like Swansea. Juan Mata was nowhere when he was most needed. Maybe Angel Di Maria should be signed. It is also time for Adnan Januzaj given Ryan Giggs' number 11, to consolidate his place in the team!!!
Nani, Young, Javier Hernadez must go. The dead/rotten wood must be removed before another disastrous season occurs. The need for new quality players is ever more urgent as nearly all of them would have committed to their team at this moment. Last minute purchases, before the window closes at the end of the month are often cases of desperation.
No balance, No confidence , No swagger when playing at home. That is NOT Manchester United.
For the record, all the other title favourites won:
Chelsea vs Burnley 3-1 (away)
Manchester City vs Newcastle 2-0 (away)
Arsenal vs C Palace 2-1
Tottenham vs West Ham 1-0
Liverpool vs Southampton 2-1
Monday, August 4, 2014
Attack of the Supermarket Shoppers 2 - Vegetables
Vegetables sold in the super/hyper market are usually pre-packed, tagged and priced in clear plastic bags for the simple reason of convenience and reduction of wastage, unlike those sold in the wet market. Thus, the leafy vegetables are already sorted out and should be fresh and clean, free of holes on leaves.
However, shoppers are still up to their antics when buying vegetables:
- Sorting : Nothing wrong with selecting the fresh, young and crunchy vegetables like beans, cauliflowers, cabbage, etc which are usually not pre-packed. I have seen shoppers patiently choosing Green/French beans, put them side by side, measure and put back those which are longer or shorter. Some would press to check the freshness or tear away the first layer (supposedly to reduce weight) of cabbages. Some would even remove the stalks to lessen the weight...how much would such action save in price??
- Exchanging : It is not uncommon to see shoppers exchanging the items in pre-packed vegetables like onions, lemons, chillies, etc. Those which are sealed suffer less of such fate. Shoppers target those plastics which are tied or simply tagged.
- Abandoning : As like the fruits, one could see packs of vegetables being abandoned in shelves when the buyers decided against them. Sometimes, one could find nicely selected Green/French beans in plastic bag. That person would have spent time selecting the best...but then.....
Disclaimer :
I do not have any connection with the supermarket/hypermarket either as an owner/proprietor or as an employee. I am just an interested everyday consumer.
However, shoppers are still up to their antics when buying vegetables:
- Sorting : Nothing wrong with selecting the fresh, young and crunchy vegetables like beans, cauliflowers, cabbage, etc which are usually not pre-packed. I have seen shoppers patiently choosing Green/French beans, put them side by side, measure and put back those which are longer or shorter. Some would press to check the freshness or tear away the first layer (supposedly to reduce weight) of cabbages. Some would even remove the stalks to lessen the weight...how much would such action save in price??
The supermarket employee usually removes the bruised front surfaces of the cabbages before loading onto the display stand
- Abandoning : As like the fruits, one could see packs of vegetables being abandoned in shelves when the buyers decided against them. Sometimes, one could find nicely selected Green/French beans in plastic bag. That person would have spent time selecting the best...but then.....
Common sight where vegetables were abandoned in a 'convenient' other than its rightful place
Disclaimer :
I do not have any connection with the supermarket/hypermarket either as an owner/proprietor or as an employee. I am just an interested everyday consumer.
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