Another July and another procession of Scottish football teams making a strategic retreat from Europe. When I say 'strategic' I actually mean an embarrassing set of defeats. All of this before the respective European competitions formally begin and indeed, before the domestic football leagues begin in earnest.
Celtic crashed 3-0 to Braga whilst Hibs lost by the same scoreline to some random Eastern European team. With the 2nd leg still to come, it's seen fairly academic about what the final score will be. It will surely read 'Scottish teams progressing = 0, Scottish teams out = 2'. If this was a 'freak' occurance then perhaps you could cut the teams some slack. Sadly though, it isn't. It happens time and again. Why won't the SFA and Scottish Football League Admin blokes sort this out. Why are we not good enough to beat 2nd rate random teams? We damn well should be. For me, it's the timing of the games. It's July. It's pre-season, or at least it should be. It's not and we might as well get used to it. We should change the start of the league season. Bring it forward. Give the clubs a bit of competitiveness before they embark on European games. Training games are no way to get prepared from these games. Start the season earlier, and have a mid-season break in January.
Please, do something before it's too late. Before we lose the Champions League places; before the Europa Cup is a distant memory. We need to be playing in these competitions. Not the pre-qualifying competitions that start before the end of the season. For the love of god, can someone see sense and make that change.
For Hibs and Celtic, the season is essentially over by the 1st game of the season. Humbled by some seemingly diddy team.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
ad hoc
Sometimes I despair at work, other times I'm quite content. This week has been one of those weeks that has had both extremes.
Let's start with despair first. It is often channeled at others be that people or entities. Take some of the guys who I've taught. They came to class but for whatever reason, failed the final test. That is bad enough. They were given another opportunity to retake the test a couple of months later. You would think that in the intervening time, they would have at least reviewed what was taught or perhaps even studied a bit. That would be the 'common sense' approach yet it seems some people have a common sense bypass. The outcome being that they fail again. And by more than before. You can lead them only so far but then they have to take responsibility for the rest of it. It's as if all that time and effort that has gone into teaching them and doing your best for them is in vain. Sometimes you just want to slap them or give them a boot up the ass but that would be assault in many countries. Then there are entities that really should be more organised or indeed on the ball. If you ask them to do something, then they should, in theory, get on and do it. But no. It's too easy. If you don't talk about it then hopefully the problem that requires to be 'fixed' might actually just go away and it seems that this is the policy that has been adopted. In other words, pull you're bloody finger out and get on with it. One week and counting.
On the flip side getting things done and others taking note of it is one of those things that makes me feel quite content. The implementation of level tests department wide is one such example, particularly when it has been the VP of the department in question that has been on the case. It's nice to be able to say 'look, this is how it's going to be'. Ok, I didn't exactly say those words but the meaning was the same. Honest. Also, another department VP is keen to meet up and discuss further English tests for use in his area. That was unexpected and will likely be a lot of extra work but if the word is out that I do a good job, then there will not be any complaints from me.
Of course, all this could come crashing down next week. I hope it doesn't.
Let's start with despair first. It is often channeled at others be that people or entities. Take some of the guys who I've taught. They came to class but for whatever reason, failed the final test. That is bad enough. They were given another opportunity to retake the test a couple of months later. You would think that in the intervening time, they would have at least reviewed what was taught or perhaps even studied a bit. That would be the 'common sense' approach yet it seems some people have a common sense bypass. The outcome being that they fail again. And by more than before. You can lead them only so far but then they have to take responsibility for the rest of it. It's as if all that time and effort that has gone into teaching them and doing your best for them is in vain. Sometimes you just want to slap them or give them a boot up the ass but that would be assault in many countries. Then there are entities that really should be more organised or indeed on the ball. If you ask them to do something, then they should, in theory, get on and do it. But no. It's too easy. If you don't talk about it then hopefully the problem that requires to be 'fixed' might actually just go away and it seems that this is the policy that has been adopted. In other words, pull you're bloody finger out and get on with it. One week and counting.
On the flip side getting things done and others taking note of it is one of those things that makes me feel quite content. The implementation of level tests department wide is one such example, particularly when it has been the VP of the department in question that has been on the case. It's nice to be able to say 'look, this is how it's going to be'. Ok, I didn't exactly say those words but the meaning was the same. Honest. Also, another department VP is keen to meet up and discuss further English tests for use in his area. That was unexpected and will likely be a lot of extra work but if the word is out that I do a good job, then there will not be any complaints from me.
Of course, all this could come crashing down next week. I hope it doesn't.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Repeat
Ho ho...91, 000 top secret files now in the public domain. Ouch. Some heads will roll after this one, no doubt. That's a lot of files. And there are another 15, 000 to come. Double ouch.
The subject: Afghanistan and the role played by the U.S. military and NATO.
It doesn't exactly paint the 'war' in rosy terms and indeed proves that us in the West are being fed a very sanitised version of events and proves also that things over there really aren't going all that well at all. But then, is that a big surprise? Of course not. The Russian's couldn't do anything there and made a hasty retreat. Then 'us' lot go in thinking we can do things better. Oh yes, we did 'better'. We are better at making a total arse of it. The Afghans don't want us there. The British public don't want us there either. Yet, millions or even billions of pounds are being used to fund the 'war'. The war for what? The irony - and it's not even funny - is that schools are having there budget's cut drastically, yet the money spent on this continues to flow. Yes, that's right. Let's 'fight' in a foreign country for no good reason and cut the spending on education and schools to fund it. Am I missing something here?
The files also suggest that the hunt for bin Laden, which apparantly had gone cold in 2003, isn't as cold as previously thought. It's alleged that he is in Quetta (or whatever it's called) in Pakistan. That's assuming that this bloke even exists.
What else?
Oh, the newbie Marines who had been in Afghanistan for 3 weeks. Their convey was travelling along the highway when it was hit by a suicide bomb or roadside bomb. One of the two. The Marines started firing their way out of it but shot at members of the public. Off the drove hastily leaving a scene of bullets, bullet holes and dead and injured people. They drove off at such speed that they hit and crashed into other cars etc on their way back to the base. Later that day the Marines return to the scene where they were met by photographers and other reporters trying to find out what happened. The photographers and reporters where told in no uncertain terms that they should delete all photos taken or they would find themselves deleted. The 'official' report does not report all of this, of course. Yet, the files do. Interesting.
Of course, it's hard to say what has happened and what hasn't. What is true or what is false. Who is to say. Indeed, who's to say who 'leaked' the files? Could it actually be an inside job or a disaffected employ of the government. It's very hard to say. Either way, it doesn't look good.
It's time to leave. There is nothing to be gained by staying. The neo-cons may disagree but enough is enough.
The subject: Afghanistan and the role played by the U.S. military and NATO.
It doesn't exactly paint the 'war' in rosy terms and indeed proves that us in the West are being fed a very sanitised version of events and proves also that things over there really aren't going all that well at all. But then, is that a big surprise? Of course not. The Russian's couldn't do anything there and made a hasty retreat. Then 'us' lot go in thinking we can do things better. Oh yes, we did 'better'. We are better at making a total arse of it. The Afghans don't want us there. The British public don't want us there either. Yet, millions or even billions of pounds are being used to fund the 'war'. The war for what? The irony - and it's not even funny - is that schools are having there budget's cut drastically, yet the money spent on this continues to flow. Yes, that's right. Let's 'fight' in a foreign country for no good reason and cut the spending on education and schools to fund it. Am I missing something here?
The files also suggest that the hunt for bin Laden, which apparantly had gone cold in 2003, isn't as cold as previously thought. It's alleged that he is in Quetta (or whatever it's called) in Pakistan. That's assuming that this bloke even exists.
What else?
Oh, the newbie Marines who had been in Afghanistan for 3 weeks. Their convey was travelling along the highway when it was hit by a suicide bomb or roadside bomb. One of the two. The Marines started firing their way out of it but shot at members of the public. Off the drove hastily leaving a scene of bullets, bullet holes and dead and injured people. They drove off at such speed that they hit and crashed into other cars etc on their way back to the base. Later that day the Marines return to the scene where they were met by photographers and other reporters trying to find out what happened. The photographers and reporters where told in no uncertain terms that they should delete all photos taken or they would find themselves deleted. The 'official' report does not report all of this, of course. Yet, the files do. Interesting.
Of course, it's hard to say what has happened and what hasn't. What is true or what is false. Who is to say. Indeed, who's to say who 'leaked' the files? Could it actually be an inside job or a disaffected employ of the government. It's very hard to say. Either way, it doesn't look good.
It's time to leave. There is nothing to be gained by staying. The neo-cons may disagree but enough is enough.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Incog
So, Inception then.
A film by Christopher Nolan.
He's made some decent films in his time. Momento perhaps being the standout film with it's innovative method of telling it's story. It has a beginning, a middle and an end but not necessarily in that order. It's a very strong film. Batman was also one of his and that is by no means a shabby film. I read somewhere that he could be the 'new' Kubrik. I'd say that was a bit fanciful at the moment. It could be argued that Kubrik made 6 or more classic films back to back. When he brought out a film, it was an event. Even his non-classic films are of a relatively high standard. I might even say Eye's Wide Shut wasn't that bad despite Tom Cruise being in it. The point being, Nolan isn't quite up there yet.
That said Inception is a strange beast. It's essentially a big budget summer movie but ones that doesn't melt your brain in its simplicity and reliance on CGI or the 'star'. It does have CGI but not for the sake of it and it does have a 'star' but it can't be described as simple. Far from it. Even now, there are aspects that spring up. How did he do that? Why did that happen? Is he still in limbo? Was it all a dream? Was it self inception? Too many questions, and for now, not enough answers. They may be answered on subsequent viewings but a sign of a good film is that you go back to it for whatever reason. It 'sticks' with you. This is one of them. I'm sure debate will rage for some time to come about it much like Kubrik's work. Everyone will have a theory or an idea on it. The irony being that there probably isn't anything 'hidden' within. Or is there. Or did I just dream that I had; a subliminal mass inception by the director perhaps?
Who can say.
A film by Christopher Nolan.
He's made some decent films in his time. Momento perhaps being the standout film with it's innovative method of telling it's story. It has a beginning, a middle and an end but not necessarily in that order. It's a very strong film. Batman was also one of his and that is by no means a shabby film. I read somewhere that he could be the 'new' Kubrik. I'd say that was a bit fanciful at the moment. It could be argued that Kubrik made 6 or more classic films back to back. When he brought out a film, it was an event. Even his non-classic films are of a relatively high standard. I might even say Eye's Wide Shut wasn't that bad despite Tom Cruise being in it. The point being, Nolan isn't quite up there yet.
That said Inception is a strange beast. It's essentially a big budget summer movie but ones that doesn't melt your brain in its simplicity and reliance on CGI or the 'star'. It does have CGI but not for the sake of it and it does have a 'star' but it can't be described as simple. Far from it. Even now, there are aspects that spring up. How did he do that? Why did that happen? Is he still in limbo? Was it all a dream? Was it self inception? Too many questions, and for now, not enough answers. They may be answered on subsequent viewings but a sign of a good film is that you go back to it for whatever reason. It 'sticks' with you. This is one of them. I'm sure debate will rage for some time to come about it much like Kubrik's work. Everyone will have a theory or an idea on it. The irony being that there probably isn't anything 'hidden' within. Or is there. Or did I just dream that I had; a subliminal mass inception by the director perhaps?
Who can say.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Explode
I really do get angry by the likes of yesterday's post. It's injustice and I really can't fathom out how people or committees or governments come to the decisions that they. They certainly don't make decisions based on what's right and proper and even ethical. It's a total nonsense. History is littered with such examples however. The 'war' in wherever is perhaps the biggest cock-up going at the moment. Bad decision all round.
It's as if 'they' are swayed or influenced or just blind to many things that everyone else can see. Perhaps it's about 'protecting' people or whatever, I don't know but it's not right. Far from it. Yet, he we are just sitting and taking it. Not saying anything or doing anything about it. Simply making a comment here and there. It's sad to be honest. History will judge this generation and it will not be a nice judgment that will be made. It will be damning judgment on how incompetent we are. How we are selfish and how we pander to big business, money and the like and how easily influenced we are. Blind to everything that we are told. It's easy to deceive the masses. And that is the saddest bit.
I'd say we need a revolution of sorts but let's face it, that will never happen. Too many people don't really care about anything. No passion unless it's for fame and making money; getting famous and having 15 minutes in the limelight. Do people really care if some faceless policeman shoved a guy over? Do people really care that NATO kill innocent people whilst bombing a village in the arsehole of nowhere in Helmand province. Or the unseen correspondence that the Scottish government had with Westminster and the US over the release of the Pan-Am 'bomber' which seems to conflict with the official line? The list is endless, let's face it.
I do see that wikileaks is trying to open peoples eyes to what's going on in places that some many not want people to look. In some ways that's good. I'm not sure I would necessarily believe everything I read on that website but the fact that it's bring attention to itself can only be a good thing. Perhaps people might actually say 'oh, hold on a minute I don't like the sound of that'. I believe a lot of new information might be appearing on that website in due course. Let's see what the fall out of that will be. Probably not much but you can but hope.
It's as if 'they' are swayed or influenced or just blind to many things that everyone else can see. Perhaps it's about 'protecting' people or whatever, I don't know but it's not right. Far from it. Yet, he we are just sitting and taking it. Not saying anything or doing anything about it. Simply making a comment here and there. It's sad to be honest. History will judge this generation and it will not be a nice judgment that will be made. It will be damning judgment on how incompetent we are. How we are selfish and how we pander to big business, money and the like and how easily influenced we are. Blind to everything that we are told. It's easy to deceive the masses. And that is the saddest bit.
I'd say we need a revolution of sorts but let's face it, that will never happen. Too many people don't really care about anything. No passion unless it's for fame and making money; getting famous and having 15 minutes in the limelight. Do people really care if some faceless policeman shoved a guy over? Do people really care that NATO kill innocent people whilst bombing a village in the arsehole of nowhere in Helmand province. Or the unseen correspondence that the Scottish government had with Westminster and the US over the release of the Pan-Am 'bomber' which seems to conflict with the official line? The list is endless, let's face it.
I do see that wikileaks is trying to open peoples eyes to what's going on in places that some many not want people to look. In some ways that's good. I'm not sure I would necessarily believe everything I read on that website but the fact that it's bring attention to itself can only be a good thing. Perhaps people might actually say 'oh, hold on a minute I don't like the sound of that'. I believe a lot of new information might be appearing on that website in due course. Let's see what the fall out of that will be. Probably not much but you can but hope.
Friday, July 23, 2010
slow
So, earlier this year (or was it last year?) there was a G20 protest in London. That seems par for the course when the G20 meet. On the day of the protest, the police were out in force and essentially in riot gear despite the protesters being relatively well behaved. Along came a middle aged Londoner on his way home from work. He was a protester, just a guy on his way home who was walking past a row of policeman. He had his hands in his pockets, had his back to police and was actually walking away from the police. Suddenly, one of the policemen lunged at the middle aged guy, hit him on the leg and then inexplicably shoved him to the ground. The middle aged guy was sent flying and because his hands were in his pockets, couldn't break his fall with his hands or arms. Instead, he essentially landed on his head. He was shaken and dazed by the fall. After about 5 minutes or something he was able to get up and continue on his way home. On his way home, less than 10 minutes later, he was dead. A heart attack which may well have been brought on by the events 15 minutes earlier.
All of this was caught on camera and photographed. The film and photos have been splashed all over the media. It would appear that the evidence is compelling. There can be no doubt that the policeman has shoved him. No doubt whatsoever. In any country it is an assault. With the events of what happened later, in some countries that is murder or at least, manslaughter.
The film can be seen here.
Yet, the Police authority yesterday decreed that there was no case to answer. The policeman who committed the 'act' will not have to face any criminal charges. None. Nada. Zero.
Had that been you or I, we would be in prison awaiting trial; that much is true. It is a complete nonsense. It's an absolute disgrace. How can the police authority justify that there is no case to answer? Don't their eyes work? Or is there something more to this? Cover-up perhaps? Protecting their own? Who can say, but it stinks. Completely and utterly.
All of this was caught on camera and photographed. The film and photos have been splashed all over the media. It would appear that the evidence is compelling. There can be no doubt that the policeman has shoved him. No doubt whatsoever. In any country it is an assault. With the events of what happened later, in some countries that is murder or at least, manslaughter.
The film can be seen here.
Yet, the Police authority yesterday decreed that there was no case to answer. The policeman who committed the 'act' will not have to face any criminal charges. None. Nada. Zero.
Had that been you or I, we would be in prison awaiting trial; that much is true. It is a complete nonsense. It's an absolute disgrace. How can the police authority justify that there is no case to answer? Don't their eyes work? Or is there something more to this? Cover-up perhaps? Protecting their own? Who can say, but it stinks. Completely and utterly.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Seminal
Mojito's. Not a big fan, and not particularly I would think of ordering in a bar. But, when in Rome...
Or Dubai as it happens. We have a big hotel complex relatively close to us and in it are a few bars, restaurants and clubs. There is one particular place called Warehouse and I get a whopping 40% discount in it. Nice. Only, last Friday, I didn't get any discount. The reason was that each Friday afternoon they have this mojito brunch for 3 hours. Essentially, there is unlimited mojito's along with select beers, wines and spirits. Oh yes, and 3 different courses of food should you need any. Again, the food is unlimited. I'm not sure how I feel about the 'unlimited' nature of it. It doesn't really feel right to be doing that. Gorging yourself when the people that are serving you are paid, well, I don't know, but it won't be much.
But, in we went bang on 1pm. It seemed like everyone had totally gotten dressed up for the occasion. We sat at our table and we were immediately given a mojito and the menu. And off we went. A little bit of food, a glass of 'whatever'. Repeat until 3.30pm.
By 5pm it was time to go home. The alternative was to stay and take advantage of the happy hour which lasted for 3 hours. No thank you. Enough was enough. Sometimes you just have to know your limits. Besides, it was roasting hot and bright sunshine. And Dubai were you can certainly get arrested for being under the influence. Thankfully, being 10 minutes from home has it's advantages.
Needless to say the rest of Friday was a bit of a write off. We should have a. stayed out until late or b. not bothered going in the first place. Option B would have been harsh however. It was an eyeopener and at least I can now say 'i did that'.
Or Dubai as it happens. We have a big hotel complex relatively close to us and in it are a few bars, restaurants and clubs. There is one particular place called Warehouse and I get a whopping 40% discount in it. Nice. Only, last Friday, I didn't get any discount. The reason was that each Friday afternoon they have this mojito brunch for 3 hours. Essentially, there is unlimited mojito's along with select beers, wines and spirits. Oh yes, and 3 different courses of food should you need any. Again, the food is unlimited. I'm not sure how I feel about the 'unlimited' nature of it. It doesn't really feel right to be doing that. Gorging yourself when the people that are serving you are paid, well, I don't know, but it won't be much.
But, in we went bang on 1pm. It seemed like everyone had totally gotten dressed up for the occasion. We sat at our table and we were immediately given a mojito and the menu. And off we went. A little bit of food, a glass of 'whatever'. Repeat until 3.30pm.
By 5pm it was time to go home. The alternative was to stay and take advantage of the happy hour which lasted for 3 hours. No thank you. Enough was enough. Sometimes you just have to know your limits. Besides, it was roasting hot and bright sunshine. And Dubai were you can certainly get arrested for being under the influence. Thankfully, being 10 minutes from home has it's advantages.
Needless to say the rest of Friday was a bit of a write off. We should have a. stayed out until late or b. not bothered going in the first place. Option B would have been harsh however. It was an eyeopener and at least I can now say 'i did that'.
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