HI, ladies!!
It is Monday, September 29, 2008, today, and has been raining since early morning. Cold rain, isn’t it?
Today’s topic:
Should Japan strictly protect the “peace” constitution?
Recently the agreement over the amendment of the constitution has become active in Japan. I believe, however, it is not good for Japan’s security. Thanks to the existing constitution, we have managed not to fight in any wars and live peacefully somehow.
Firstly, it is clearly stated in the constitution that we won’t to go to war except in the case of self-defense. Even though its concept was given us from the then US occupation authorities, we would have continued the war without it.
Secondly, those who are trying to amend it intend to strengthen Japan’s power as a state under the Imperial family. But in order not to repeat the same mistake in the wartime, which caused Asian nations pain, we shouldn’t reinforce our imperial system.
Thirdly, Japan is the only victim of the atomic bombs and we, therefore, have to use the right and the duty in expressing the uselessness of an a-bomb around the world. We can do it with this constitution.
In conclusion, Japan should protect the peace constitution so as to safeguard our society from any wars. Moreover, we can show a good example of a peaceful country without armament and contribute to the world peace.
(201)
I don’t think that such a controversial issue would become a question of the STEP test…
Well. See you again, bye!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The long nights of autumn
HI, ladies!
It is Sunday, September 28, 2008, today, and has been chilly rather than cool. I hope cool and nice weather would continue as long as possible.
Plum, thank you for letting us know your topic of great interest in Kumamoto. Firstly I was surprised by the fact that your former elementary school’s friends gathered to see you at the conference and all of you had an enjoyable time each other. It’s fantastic. The Shinto priest who sang hymns was also very interesting. Why did he go to the Lutheran school? As you said, it may be the way in Japan.
I like the long nights of autumn and I want to read books breathtaking enough to lose count of time at night…
So, I say good night, see you.
It is Sunday, September 28, 2008, today, and has been chilly rather than cool. I hope cool and nice weather would continue as long as possible.
Plum, thank you for letting us know your topic of great interest in Kumamoto. Firstly I was surprised by the fact that your former elementary school’s friends gathered to see you at the conference and all of you had an enjoyable time each other. It’s fantastic. The Shinto priest who sang hymns was also very interesting. Why did he go to the Lutheran school? As you said, it may be the way in Japan.
I like the long nights of autumn and I want to read books breathtaking enough to lose count of time at night…
So, I say good night, see you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Politician's word
HI, ladies!
It is Friday, September 26, 2008, today, and was cool and nice weather the whole day. But at midnight it will be rather chilly. Please take care, Plum…
The other day, I read an interesting article about the forthcoming election in a newspaper by a famous novelist. He introduces his pupil’s (he is teaching at a university, perhaps) comment after he asked whether the student would vote next. The student replied that he didn’t hold out much hope about it and so wouldn’t vote. The novelist agrees with his idea and puts a question: why didn’t all the candidates of the LDP apologize to us for their rudeness, while they were really wasting our money?
At the same time, he says a sad feeling when he talked with a politician at another time. He couldn’t understand the politician’s words at all, because that man just talked to, but didn’t hear at all. Politician’s word is so poor, he asserts.
A fair argument, isn’t it?
So, see you tomorrow. Good night.
It is Friday, September 26, 2008, today, and was cool and nice weather the whole day. But at midnight it will be rather chilly. Please take care, Plum…
The other day, I read an interesting article about the forthcoming election in a newspaper by a famous novelist. He introduces his pupil’s (he is teaching at a university, perhaps) comment after he asked whether the student would vote next. The student replied that he didn’t hold out much hope about it and so wouldn’t vote. The novelist agrees with his idea and puts a question: why didn’t all the candidates of the LDP apologize to us for their rudeness, while they were really wasting our money?
At the same time, he says a sad feeling when he talked with a politician at another time. He couldn’t understand the politician’s words at all, because that man just talked to, but didn’t hear at all. Politician’s word is so poor, he asserts.
A fair argument, isn’t it?
So, see you tomorrow. Good night.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Declining birth rate
HI, ladies!!
It is Wednesday, September 24, 2008, today, and rather cool in the morning.
Plum, welcome back to Nagoya, and I’m happy to hear that your lecture meeting in Kumamoto was a success with a lot of audience, and that there you had a fantastic encounter with woman who impacted your book heavily. Your smile on the photo is so beautiful, isn’t it? You must be relieved now.
Today’s topic:
Japan’s declining birth rate-is this a national crisis?
These days Japan’s birth rate has declined for a long time, and many people are afraid of this situation as a national crisis. I think, however, it is natural for a highly developed country to become a matured society with fewer children. We should consider the situation as a chance for change.
Firstly, we will be able to live in wider space on this narrow land. Since Japan’s economic has grown well, we have a right to enjoy more comfortable residence.
Secondly, as labor force declines, we can utilize women and foreign people effectively. Japanese companies have been reluctant to hire them, who have the ability to work well.
Thirdly, more and more women have hesitated to give birth, because they have been awakened to the stern realities of mother’s life. We should think of society comfortable for children and mothers, as well as for the socially disadvantaged people.
In conclusion, it is an old-fashioned way of thinking to be concerned about shrinking numbers of people. We should take a chance for the future, using our brains to utilize a lot of human resources. (183)
…Is this an intriguing issue for us, isn’t it?
Well, see you later. Bye for now!
It is Wednesday, September 24, 2008, today, and rather cool in the morning.
Plum, welcome back to Nagoya, and I’m happy to hear that your lecture meeting in Kumamoto was a success with a lot of audience, and that there you had a fantastic encounter with woman who impacted your book heavily. Your smile on the photo is so beautiful, isn’t it? You must be relieved now.
Today’s topic:
Japan’s declining birth rate-is this a national crisis?
These days Japan’s birth rate has declined for a long time, and many people are afraid of this situation as a national crisis. I think, however, it is natural for a highly developed country to become a matured society with fewer children. We should consider the situation as a chance for change.
Firstly, we will be able to live in wider space on this narrow land. Since Japan’s economic has grown well, we have a right to enjoy more comfortable residence.
Secondly, as labor force declines, we can utilize women and foreign people effectively. Japanese companies have been reluctant to hire them, who have the ability to work well.
Thirdly, more and more women have hesitated to give birth, because they have been awakened to the stern realities of mother’s life. We should think of society comfortable for children and mothers, as well as for the socially disadvantaged people.
In conclusion, it is an old-fashioned way of thinking to be concerned about shrinking numbers of people. We should take a chance for the future, using our brains to utilize a lot of human resources. (183)
…Is this an intriguing issue for us, isn’t it?
Well, see you later. Bye for now!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Essay reading
Hi, ladies!!
We really enjoyed today’s essay reading meeting at Cosmos’s house from 10 AM to 4 PM. The number of participants was 11 members, including 3 new comers who are friends of Alice and Sunflower. Thanks to a complete guide by Alice with a concise resume, we could have a lively discussion on Miyake-san’s essay. We were all strongly impressed by her effective way of writing, using a wide vocabulary, a clever phrase, and a meticulous sentence composition. I think her writing style is almost a native one, and it’s almost impossible for me to follow her…! Anyway, today’s argument greatly contributed to my English writing. Thank you very much, Alice, Cosmos. Most of all, I appreciate your fantastic suggestion, Plum.
So, see you tomorrow, good night, energetic friends…
We really enjoyed today’s essay reading meeting at Cosmos’s house from 10 AM to 4 PM. The number of participants was 11 members, including 3 new comers who are friends of Alice and Sunflower. Thanks to a complete guide by Alice with a concise resume, we could have a lively discussion on Miyake-san’s essay. We were all strongly impressed by her effective way of writing, using a wide vocabulary, a clever phrase, and a meticulous sentence composition. I think her writing style is almost a native one, and it’s almost impossible for me to follow her…! Anyway, today’s argument greatly contributed to my English writing. Thank you very much, Alice, Cosmos. Most of all, I appreciate your fantastic suggestion, Plum.
So, see you tomorrow, good night, energetic friends…
Monday, September 22, 2008
Social messages
Hi, ladies!!
It is Monday, September 22, 2008, today, and has been fine with clear blue sky.
As Peach mentioned, I was also shocked by the terrible crime. High school students should carry a responsibility for their crime as well as adults. However, I think it is difficult to protect younger generation from the temptations of vice, especially in this too much information society. We are exposed to many, many social messages, whether good or bad. I hope my kids to be a woman who can think and choose right things on their own.
Alice, I appreciate your devoted contribution and definite instructions for our study.
These days I’ve become addicted to watching You tube, from old days TV drama to old days music videos. The other day I was very happy to find my favorite 80s artist on it, still now acting in their fifties. This situation was absolutely impossible for the old generation like me, but also might infringe copyright…
So, see you tomorrow, bye, bye!
It is Monday, September 22, 2008, today, and has been fine with clear blue sky.
As Peach mentioned, I was also shocked by the terrible crime. High school students should carry a responsibility for their crime as well as adults. However, I think it is difficult to protect younger generation from the temptations of vice, especially in this too much information society. We are exposed to many, many social messages, whether good or bad. I hope my kids to be a woman who can think and choose right things on their own.
Alice, I appreciate your devoted contribution and definite instructions for our study.
These days I’ve become addicted to watching You tube, from old days TV drama to old days music videos. The other day I was very happy to find my favorite 80s artist on it, still now acting in their fifties. This situation was absolutely impossible for the old generation like me, but also might infringe copyright…
So, see you tomorrow, bye, bye!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ecotourism
Hi, ladies!!
It is Saturday, September 21, 2008, today, and has been a little humid since yesterday.
Today’s topic;
Pros and cons of ecotourism
Recently ecotourism has grown in popularity around the world, in the wake of awareness of environmental issues. I believe ecotourism contributes to this global problem.
Firstly, ecotourism can promote knowledge of all travelers about the importance of nature preservation. People have only to visit their favorite destination in order to protect beautiful nature.
Secondly, it brings economic benefits to the host country. Tourists pump money into the local economy in the form of purchase of local goods, creating employment for local people.
Thirdly, it can become a good example of blending of economic development and environmental preservation. The more people are interested in ecotourism, the more both issues will develop.
In conclusion, though ecotourism is not perfect, reducing environmental damage is still significantly better than continuing with current praｃtices. In order to protect our environment, we have to develop ecotourism as soon as possible.
I think this conclusion is weak.
So, see you tomorrow, bye!!
It is Saturday, September 21, 2008, today, and has been a little humid since yesterday.
Today’s topic;
Pros and cons of ecotourism
Recently ecotourism has grown in popularity around the world, in the wake of awareness of environmental issues. I believe ecotourism contributes to this global problem.
Firstly, ecotourism can promote knowledge of all travelers about the importance of nature preservation. People have only to visit their favorite destination in order to protect beautiful nature.
Secondly, it brings economic benefits to the host country. Tourists pump money into the local economy in the form of purchase of local goods, creating employment for local people.
Thirdly, it can become a good example of blending of economic development and environmental preservation. The more people are interested in ecotourism, the more both issues will develop.
In conclusion, though ecotourism is not perfect, reducing environmental damage is still significantly better than continuing with current praｃtices. In order to protect our environment, we have to develop ecotourism as soon as possible.
I think this conclusion is weak.
So, see you tomorrow, bye!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Next year's...
HI, ladies!!
It is Friday, September 19, 2008, today, and has been raining on an off due to the Typhoon 13 at low speed.
Rose, it’s wonderful to hear that you attended Yuko Matsumoto’s seminar. You must have enjoyed the lecture about Anne. Your narrative of Shakespeare was very intriguing and I also feel like reading the whole story in English.
The other day when I was checking a catalog of Co-op’s products as usual, there were a lot of next year’s calendars in it. Is it already the end of this year?! Restless, isn’t it? I’ve still felt the heat…
So, I’ll get back to my housework. Have a good weekend!
It is Friday, September 19, 2008, today, and has been raining on an off due to the Typhoon 13 at low speed.
Rose, it’s wonderful to hear that you attended Yuko Matsumoto’s seminar. You must have enjoyed the lecture about Anne. Your narrative of Shakespeare was very intriguing and I also feel like reading the whole story in English.
The other day when I was checking a catalog of Co-op’s products as usual, there were a lot of next year’s calendars in it. Is it already the end of this year?! Restless, isn’t it? I’ve still felt the heat…
So, I’ll get back to my housework. Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Aging society
HI, ladies!!
Plum, I sincerely hope for your success of your speech. We only have the weather to worry about now…
Sunflower, your opinion about Sarah Palin was so interesting. John McCain is surely old enough to get a disease in the near future, and it leads her to become the President of USA, suddenly. I have no idea about her ability as the Vice President…
Today’s topic:
How will the aging society affect Japan’s economy?
Recently Japan has the increasing number of elderly people, and many researchers have shown bad effects about it. However I believe that it would give a lot of good impact to all aspects of society in the future.
Firstly, it will increase the need for female or foreign labor force instead of shrinking Japanese male workers. Most companies have been reluctant to hire these people for a long time, but now they can have a chance to employ them efficiently.
Secondly, it will develop industries geared for elderly people. In order to
make efficient products for them, companies will have to concentrate its new business efforts. Thus, it will greatly act a stimulus to Japan’s economy.
Finally, the age of retirement in companies will become higher than before. More and more passionate and full-experienced elderly people have been worked in society, and we can now receive their wisdom more than ever.
In conclusion, though we concern about our shrinking productivity in Japan, there is room for further study. By utilize elderly people’s economic power not only as consumers but also as producers, they will empower Japan’s economy. (188)
Thank you for reading. Bye for now!
Plum, I sincerely hope for your success of your speech. We only have the weather to worry about now…
Sunflower, your opinion about Sarah Palin was so interesting. John McCain is surely old enough to get a disease in the near future, and it leads her to become the President of USA, suddenly. I have no idea about her ability as the Vice President…
Today’s topic:
How will the aging society affect Japan’s economy?
Recently Japan has the increasing number of elderly people, and many researchers have shown bad effects about it. However I believe that it would give a lot of good impact to all aspects of society in the future.
Firstly, it will increase the need for female or foreign labor force instead of shrinking Japanese male workers. Most companies have been reluctant to hire these people for a long time, but now they can have a chance to employ them efficiently.
Secondly, it will develop industries geared for elderly people. In order to
make efficient products for them, companies will have to concentrate its new business efforts. Thus, it will greatly act a stimulus to Japan’s economy.
Finally, the age of retirement in companies will become higher than before. More and more passionate and full-experienced elderly people have been worked in society, and we can now receive their wisdom more than ever.
In conclusion, though we concern about our shrinking productivity in Japan, there is room for further study. By utilize elderly people’s economic power not only as consumers but also as producers, they will empower Japan’s economy. (188)
Thank you for reading. Bye for now!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Phone call from my father
HI, ladies!!
How are you??
It is Wednesday, September 17, 2008, today.
Yesterday, I was surprised by a big securities company’s bankruptcy in the USA, and the following stock prices’ falling around the world. Before hearing the news on TV, my father living in Osaka called me early morning. He’s got involved in the stock market for a couple of years, and had advised me to try some good stocks. But I hadn’t got yet. When I picked up the phone, he shouted to me on it, “Have you got the stock?!” “Not yet.” I replied, and heard a sigh of relief. “OK, it’s good. Now a stock market crash!!” then, suddenly the phone went dead, which is typical of him. After I found out the situation, I felt thankful for him with a smile.
Well, what may happen next, nobody can tell…I hope everything is going well. See you next, Bye!
How are you??
It is Wednesday, September 17, 2008, today.
Yesterday, I was surprised by a big securities company’s bankruptcy in the USA, and the following stock prices’ falling around the world. Before hearing the news on TV, my father living in Osaka called me early morning. He’s got involved in the stock market for a couple of years, and had advised me to try some good stocks. But I hadn’t got yet. When I picked up the phone, he shouted to me on it, “Have you got the stock?!” “Not yet.” I replied, and heard a sigh of relief. “OK, it’s good. Now a stock market crash!!” then, suddenly the phone went dead, which is typical of him. After I found out the situation, I felt thankful for him with a smile.
Well, what may happen next, nobody can tell…I hope everything is going well. See you next, Bye!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Organ transplants
Hi, ladies!!
It is Tuesday, September 16, 2008, today, and getting nice weather this afternoon.
Rose, thank you for letting us know about interesting information about Anne of Green Gables. In fact, I was eagerly watching the program this spring. When I read the novel in Japanese in my girlhood, I didn’t notice that the story was so related to Christianity. Of course, there might be always certain relation between Christianity and Western novels, as well as Buddhism and Japanese ones. These days, the more I learn Western culture, the more deeply I’d like to learn Christianity. In that sense, Plum’s tutorial is full of lessons, and so are members’ advices. I hope you will have a fantastic time at Plum’s tutorial with us, Rose.
Sunflower, Cosmos and Peach, I appreciate your writings about such charged issues, and I always copied them to learn fundamental points of view. We can be a pro and a con, as Plum told us, but I can’t control them so pragmatically…
Well, today’s topic:
Should organ transplants be made more available in Japan?
Medical science has been developed and contributed to human beings for a long time, however, it should be said that organ transplants have very complicated problem to solve, and I believe we should take a cautious attitude.
Firstly, after organ transplant surgery, many patients died from rejection or a relapse. The more serious patient’s condition is, the more that rate increases. It can cause harmful effects as a whole.
Secondly, it is unethical to violate human dignity by cutting the bodies into pieces. Other approach should be improved to cure a disease, and it can be possible with highly-developed medical science.
Finally, recent studies show many cases that run counter to belief that brain death means the complete end of life. Thus, the assumption would break down before organ transplants. It goes against our healthy care.
In conclusion, although it can take effect in some extent, we have to think of other treatment to replace organ transplants. People should put ethics before scientific progress and we will need to be careful how we deal with it.
(176)
…Thank you. So, I have a break. See you next, bye, bye!
It is Tuesday, September 16, 2008, today, and getting nice weather this afternoon.
Rose, thank you for letting us know about interesting information about Anne of Green Gables. In fact, I was eagerly watching the program this spring. When I read the novel in Japanese in my girlhood, I didn’t notice that the story was so related to Christianity. Of course, there might be always certain relation between Christianity and Western novels, as well as Buddhism and Japanese ones. These days, the more I learn Western culture, the more deeply I’d like to learn Christianity. In that sense, Plum’s tutorial is full of lessons, and so are members’ advices. I hope you will have a fantastic time at Plum’s tutorial with us, Rose.
Sunflower, Cosmos and Peach, I appreciate your writings about such charged issues, and I always copied them to learn fundamental points of view. We can be a pro and a con, as Plum told us, but I can’t control them so pragmatically…
Well, today’s topic:
Should organ transplants be made more available in Japan?
Medical science has been developed and contributed to human beings for a long time, however, it should be said that organ transplants have very complicated problem to solve, and I believe we should take a cautious attitude.
Firstly, after organ transplant surgery, many patients died from rejection or a relapse. The more serious patient’s condition is, the more that rate increases. It can cause harmful effects as a whole.
Secondly, it is unethical to violate human dignity by cutting the bodies into pieces. Other approach should be improved to cure a disease, and it can be possible with highly-developed medical science.
Finally, recent studies show many cases that run counter to belief that brain death means the complete end of life. Thus, the assumption would break down before organ transplants. It goes against our healthy care.
In conclusion, although it can take effect in some extent, we have to think of other treatment to replace organ transplants. People should put ethics before scientific progress and we will need to be careful how we deal with it.
(176)
…Thank you. So, I have a break. See you next, bye, bye!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A typhhoon...
HI, ladies!!
It is Sunday, September 14, 2008, today, and it has been very humid, because a typhoon is slowly approaching.
I’d like to write following issue now:
Are genetically modified foods safe?
Recently genetic engineering has been developed to create high-quality foods. It can also alleviate food shortages, however, it will give bad effects to human society.
First, it can pose great health risks to human beings, by developing new allergy or poisonous substances whose existence has never been established in the body system.
Second, it will damage the ecosystem, by spreading their genes to other plant species. Thus, it can make unexpected effects to our environment.
Finally, it allows some companies to control food market, by causing continued sales of their products. They will exploit old-styled farmers in poor countries.
In conclusion, although genetically modified foods seem to be useful for great demand for foods around the world, it can be greatly harmful to us. (123)
It was too short. So, see you tomorrow. Good night, wonderful friends…
It is Sunday, September 14, 2008, today, and it has been very humid, because a typhoon is slowly approaching.
I’d like to write following issue now:
Are genetically modified foods safe?
Recently genetic engineering has been developed to create high-quality foods. It can also alleviate food shortages, however, it will give bad effects to human society.
First, it can pose great health risks to human beings, by developing new allergy or poisonous substances whose existence has never been established in the body system.
Second, it will damage the ecosystem, by spreading their genes to other plant species. Thus, it can make unexpected effects to our environment.
Finally, it allows some companies to control food market, by causing continued sales of their products. They will exploit old-styled farmers in poor countries.
In conclusion, although genetically modified foods seem to be useful for great demand for foods around the world, it can be greatly harmful to us. (123)
It was too short. So, see you tomorrow. Good night, wonderful friends…
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ordinary daily life
HI, ladies!!
I’m very happy to read your writings about social issues, Sunflower and Cosmos! Those are fantastic, and so I copied them. I want to write in English so compactly and fluently like all of you, but it will take a long time, I assume.
Anyway, I’ll keep writing everyday.
Plum, I appreciate your interesting research. I can recognize the importance of detail for an investigation.
Today is about to end peacefully, and I feel relieved now. I’m delightful to know the wonderfulness of an ordinary daily life. How about you? I hope all of you have enjoyed normal but excellent day. So, see you. Have a nice dream…
I’m very happy to read your writings about social issues, Sunflower and Cosmos! Those are fantastic, and so I copied them. I want to write in English so compactly and fluently like all of you, but it will take a long time, I assume.
Anyway, I’ll keep writing everyday.
Plum, I appreciate your interesting research. I can recognize the importance of detail for an investigation.
Today is about to end peacefully, and I feel relieved now. I’m delightful to know the wonderfulness of an ordinary daily life. How about you? I hope all of you have enjoyed normal but excellent day. So, see you. Have a nice dream…
Friday, September 12, 2008
Writing about social issues
Hi, ladies!!
It is Friday, September 12, 2008, today, and sunshine has been boiling…
Plum, thank you for encouraging me to keep writing about social issues. Actually, it took about 30 minutes or so yesterday. I’ve studied it with a book for logical speech Alice introduced before, and had many difficulties because of too little vocabulary. So before start writing it just like a STEP test, I had to input technical terms as much as possible. As you wrote, I have to get used to writing about social issues. But when I tried writing in English logically, my brain was in high gear, and almost dead… I hope my brain will broaden its horizon as soon as possible.
Alice, I appreciate your uplifting words. I hope more improvement until your lecture starts again.
Now, have you heard a rumor that a great Tokai earthquake will occur tomorrow?? My kids and even HD said it’s true. I don’t know who said such a terrifying thing, but preparing for natural disaster might be good for us. OK, we are going to stay at home silently all day long tomorrow...
So, see you next time. Have a good weekend, keep you safe!
It is Friday, September 12, 2008, today, and sunshine has been boiling…
Plum, thank you for encouraging me to keep writing about social issues. Actually, it took about 30 minutes or so yesterday. I’ve studied it with a book for logical speech Alice introduced before, and had many difficulties because of too little vocabulary. So before start writing it just like a STEP test, I had to input technical terms as much as possible. As you wrote, I have to get used to writing about social issues. But when I tried writing in English logically, my brain was in high gear, and almost dead… I hope my brain will broaden its horizon as soon as possible.
Alice, I appreciate your uplifting words. I hope more improvement until your lecture starts again.
Now, have you heard a rumor that a great Tokai earthquake will occur tomorrow?? My kids and even HD said it’s true. I don’t know who said such a terrifying thing, but preparing for natural disaster might be good for us. OK, we are going to stay at home silently all day long tomorrow...
So, see you next time. Have a good weekend, keep you safe!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
English education
Hi, ladies!!
Cosmos, it would be wonderful if I could go to Tahiti or somewhere beautiful with you, someday…
Plum, thank you for sharing your research about Lutheran male missionaries with us. It is a very practical method to learn deeply. While reading your comment, I tried to imagine what kind of them were. But it’s difficult for me to catch it with reality, because I have so little knowledge about that field. They must have had their own histories with religious motive. I’m looking forward to learning more. But in the first place, I’d like to know what of missionaries has attracted you for a long time, if you don’t mind.
Preparation for STEP:
Are you for or against English education in elementary school?
It is often argued that English education in elementary school is effective in the acquisition of English. However, I believe it is harmful effects on children’s mother tongue and improvement of intellectual ability. (intro)33
Firstly, early education in English can be an additional academic burden on children, because more and more children have involved in some practices after school, and cannot afford to learn more. (1) 31
Secondly, it will hamper the acquisition of their mother tongue. They should be taught English after learning their own language properly. It will be not too late they would start English study at junior high school as at present. (2)39
Finally, it should be thought about shortages of English teachers for elementary school. In order to provide effective and attractive teaching for English beginners, we need more talents and methods available. (3)31
Although we are concerned about prevailing grammar-centered approach at junior high school, it is too early to start English education at elementary school. We should think of other approaches to facilitate children’s English education. (conclu)35/169
It took a long time…
So, it’s time to get back to my housework. Bye, bye, dear friends…
Cosmos, it would be wonderful if I could go to Tahiti or somewhere beautiful with you, someday…
Plum, thank you for sharing your research about Lutheran male missionaries with us. It is a very practical method to learn deeply. While reading your comment, I tried to imagine what kind of them were. But it’s difficult for me to catch it with reality, because I have so little knowledge about that field. They must have had their own histories with religious motive. I’m looking forward to learning more. But in the first place, I’d like to know what of missionaries has attracted you for a long time, if you don’t mind.
Preparation for STEP:
Are you for or against English education in elementary school?
It is often argued that English education in elementary school is effective in the acquisition of English. However, I believe it is harmful effects on children’s mother tongue and improvement of intellectual ability. (intro)33
Firstly, early education in English can be an additional academic burden on children, because more and more children have involved in some practices after school, and cannot afford to learn more. (1) 31
Secondly, it will hamper the acquisition of their mother tongue. They should be taught English after learning their own language properly. It will be not too late they would start English study at junior high school as at present. (2)39
Finally, it should be thought about shortages of English teachers for elementary school. In order to provide effective and attractive teaching for English beginners, we need more talents and methods available. (3)31
Although we are concerned about prevailing grammar-centered approach at junior high school, it is too early to start English education at elementary school. We should think of other approaches to facilitate children’s English education. (conclu)35/169
It took a long time…
So, it’s time to get back to my housework. Bye, bye, dear friends…
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Whales swimming
HI, ladies!!
It is Wednesday, September 10, 2008, today, and it has been dry weather, which encourages me to do things smoothly.
The other day, I happened to watch a TV program introducing us a tour around the Tahiti islands. Since the traveler in this program was my favorite TV personality, I kept watching it with my kids. The sea around the islands was so beautiful and highly-transparent that we could easily catch the figure of colorful fishes in the water. To my surprise, then, he and his staff were trying to swim with a gam of whales, without an oxygen tank! The reason why doing so was that whales get frightened of babbles from the tank. They succeeded in swimming with whales, which seemed to enjoy swimming with human beings peacefully. It was a fantastic scene…My kids were greatly fascinated with the story, and told me that they wanted to try swimming in such wonderful sea someday. I replied that we would go somewhere next summer.
Well, see you next, good bye!!
It is Wednesday, September 10, 2008, today, and it has been dry weather, which encourages me to do things smoothly.
The other day, I happened to watch a TV program introducing us a tour around the Tahiti islands. Since the traveler in this program was my favorite TV personality, I kept watching it with my kids. The sea around the islands was so beautiful and highly-transparent that we could easily catch the figure of colorful fishes in the water. To my surprise, then, he and his staff were trying to swim with a gam of whales, without an oxygen tank! The reason why doing so was that whales get frightened of babbles from the tank. They succeeded in swimming with whales, which seemed to enjoy swimming with human beings peacefully. It was a fantastic scene…My kids were greatly fascinated with the story, and told me that they wanted to try swimming in such wonderful sea someday. I replied that we would go somewhere next summer.
Well, see you next, good bye!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Japanese sumo world
Hi, ladies!!
It is Tuesday, September 9, 2008, today, and less humid than yesterday. Day by day the weather will become friendly to us.
Plum, I wonder why you have been so energetic in researching your theme in spite of your busy days. I’m looking for learning your fantastic revelation.
Last night I heard that the chief director of Japanese sumo, former kitanoumi, resigned from his job due to the matters connected with cannabis. But it is too late, isn’t it? There have been a lot of problems in the sumo world before the incident occurred. One pupil was dead under the name of ‘training’, and few and few young would want to enter such a strict world.
I think it’s natural that nothing can escape from mutation in this changing world. When I saw a photo book of Asashoryu on a TV program, in which he was jumping and laughing with his hair hanging loose wildly, I was surprised by the scene, because I have never seen such a yokozuna. He used to raise his fists in triumph…Globalizing, isn’t it? Whether we like it or not, our national sport must think of its style. Those who like the traditional way may tighten control over all sumo wrestlers. On the other hand, those who like more entertainment might ease their tension. I think either is OK, but younger people have already less interested in the sports. How about you?
So, see you tomorrow. Good bye!
It is Tuesday, September 9, 2008, today, and less humid than yesterday. Day by day the weather will become friendly to us.
Plum, I wonder why you have been so energetic in researching your theme in spite of your busy days. I’m looking for learning your fantastic revelation.
Last night I heard that the chief director of Japanese sumo, former kitanoumi, resigned from his job due to the matters connected with cannabis. But it is too late, isn’t it? There have been a lot of problems in the sumo world before the incident occurred. One pupil was dead under the name of ‘training’, and few and few young would want to enter such a strict world.
I think it’s natural that nothing can escape from mutation in this changing world. When I saw a photo book of Asashoryu on a TV program, in which he was jumping and laughing with his hair hanging loose wildly, I was surprised by the scene, because I have never seen such a yokozuna. He used to raise his fists in triumph…Globalizing, isn’t it? Whether we like it or not, our national sport must think of its style. Those who like the traditional way may tighten control over all sumo wrestlers. On the other hand, those who like more entertainment might ease their tension. I think either is OK, but younger people have already less interested in the sports. How about you?
So, see you tomorrow. Good bye!
Monday, September 8, 2008
A general election?
HI, ladies!!
How are you doing today?
Since last Monday, the media has repeatedly broadcasted a series of news of candidates for presidential election of the LDP, and a general election is due to be announced in the near future. Compared with the former PMs, there might be a variety of candidates, but after all, there’s nothing to choose between them. But still, we know the DPJ is very similar in this political situation. Because of such dull politics in Japan, more and more people have lost their interests about it. How on earth can we have a powerful and responsible PM for the general public? Anyway, I am now surprised by the government leading a peaceful administration without a strong leader.
In the USA, the election campaign is really like a big festival, and while listening to their speeches, I could catch what they said, even roughly. I have no idea about the difference between Obama and McCain, but it’s interesting for me to see how to draw people’s attention during their address.
So, see you next. Good bye, dear friends!
How are you doing today?
Since last Monday, the media has repeatedly broadcasted a series of news of candidates for presidential election of the LDP, and a general election is due to be announced in the near future. Compared with the former PMs, there might be a variety of candidates, but after all, there’s nothing to choose between them. But still, we know the DPJ is very similar in this political situation. Because of such dull politics in Japan, more and more people have lost their interests about it. How on earth can we have a powerful and responsible PM for the general public? Anyway, I am now surprised by the government leading a peaceful administration without a strong leader.
In the USA, the election campaign is really like a big festival, and while listening to their speeches, I could catch what they said, even roughly. I have no idea about the difference between Obama and McCain, but it’s interesting for me to see how to draw people’s attention during their address.
So, see you next. Good bye, dear friends!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Outstanding people
HI, ladies!!
Yesterday, I visited the Josei kaikan to get a book for my essay, and lent some. One magazine is very interesting for me, and I’ll write about it now.
It depicts the High Treason Incident related with discriminated settlements in Shingu, Wakayama. There were some outstanding people within victims, who were executed after the incident. One of them is Seinosuke Oishi, a dedicated doctor and Christian. He was punished simply because he had contributed his socialistic articles on papers or magazines, and had close friendship with Shusui Kotoku.
He was a kind doctor in a small village, and greatly helped the needy and discriminated people with his medical examination for free. On the other hand, he asked rich people for much payment. So as not disgracing to poor, he told them to knock the door three times when they had no money. Famous novelist Kenji Nakagami, he also came from Shingu, used to talk about his grandmother receiving great help from the doctor. (Nakagami wanted to write a novel about the High Treason Incident, but couldn’t)
In Wakayama, there were also Buddhists who advocated socialist activities. They were priests of Soto-shu, Jodoshin-shu and Rinzai-shu, respectively. Beyond the difference of their religion, they started a study group to stop such discrimination. Then the government had concerned about the power of these discriminated people and socialists, and begun serious suppression. As a result, the Incident occurred.
I was impressed by their story and another victims had their own great achievement, I assume. Anyway, there must be a lot of hidden histories in modern Japan.
Thank you for reading. Well, see you next. Have a good weekend!
Yesterday, I visited the Josei kaikan to get a book for my essay, and lent some. One magazine is very interesting for me, and I’ll write about it now.
It depicts the High Treason Incident related with discriminated settlements in Shingu, Wakayama. There were some outstanding people within victims, who were executed after the incident. One of them is Seinosuke Oishi, a dedicated doctor and Christian. He was punished simply because he had contributed his socialistic articles on papers or magazines, and had close friendship with Shusui Kotoku.
He was a kind doctor in a small village, and greatly helped the needy and discriminated people with his medical examination for free. On the other hand, he asked rich people for much payment. So as not disgracing to poor, he told them to knock the door three times when they had no money. Famous novelist Kenji Nakagami, he also came from Shingu, used to talk about his grandmother receiving great help from the doctor. (Nakagami wanted to write a novel about the High Treason Incident, but couldn’t)
In Wakayama, there were also Buddhists who advocated socialist activities. They were priests of Soto-shu, Jodoshin-shu and Rinzai-shu, respectively. Beyond the difference of their religion, they started a study group to stop such discrimination. Then the government had concerned about the power of these discriminated people and socialists, and begun serious suppression. As a result, the Incident occurred.
I was impressed by their story and another victims had their own great achievement, I assume. Anyway, there must be a lot of hidden histories in modern Japan.
Thank you for reading. Well, see you next. Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Female candidates
HI, ladies!!
We can get a lot of messages from these days’ political situation in both Japan and USA, can’t we? I am glad to see some incredible female candidates there, and hope more and more future generation will be involved in a political field, in spite of its hard job. Here in Japan, I wonder if Yuriko Koike will be the first female member of the three key officials of the LDP, Jiminto.
Magnolia, thank you for letting me know the recipe of figs wine jelly. It seems really tasty, and I’ll try it soon! By the way, I feel cooking in English is so excited, and I want to learn it, preferably, Japanese or Italian food. Of course, I wanted to watch Delia’s How to Cook, the TV program Plum recommended before, but I couldn’t see it on my TV condition. Is it the time when I should bring in a new TV system, as Peach did?
Plum, I was amazed with your student’s beautiful English, and also embarrassed with my poor one. I’d like to write it more properly and comfortably.
Well, see you tomorrow, good bye!
We can get a lot of messages from these days’ political situation in both Japan and USA, can’t we? I am glad to see some incredible female candidates there, and hope more and more future generation will be involved in a political field, in spite of its hard job. Here in Japan, I wonder if Yuriko Koike will be the first female member of the three key officials of the LDP, Jiminto.
Magnolia, thank you for letting me know the recipe of figs wine jelly. It seems really tasty, and I’ll try it soon! By the way, I feel cooking in English is so excited, and I want to learn it, preferably, Japanese or Italian food. Of course, I wanted to watch Delia’s How to Cook, the TV program Plum recommended before, but I couldn’t see it on my TV condition. Is it the time when I should bring in a new TV system, as Peach did?
Plum, I was amazed with your student’s beautiful English, and also embarrassed with my poor one. I’d like to write it more properly and comfortably.
Well, see you tomorrow, good bye!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Feel autumn
HI, ladies!!
Plum, it’s interesting for us to learn baby-care English on your DVD, which would certainly help coming works with your new grandchild. But I’m now concerned about your hectic days and self-reliance in writing our next essays…!
These days we can feel autumn most at a supermarket, where various kinds of fruits are lined on its storefronts. The other day I got some figs, ichijiku, after a long time, because my kids once said they’d never eaten them. At that night, I eagerly showed and gave the children those fresh figs. But after biting a bit, both of them hesitated to eat them up, and seemed to have felt unpleasant. I’d forgotten that they were kids, green-behind-the-ears…I’m going to boil them down into jam, which would taste good.
So, see you tomorrow, bye!!
Plum, it’s interesting for us to learn baby-care English on your DVD, which would certainly help coming works with your new grandchild. But I’m now concerned about your hectic days and self-reliance in writing our next essays…!
These days we can feel autumn most at a supermarket, where various kinds of fruits are lined on its storefronts. The other day I got some figs, ichijiku, after a long time, because my kids once said they’d never eaten them. At that night, I eagerly showed and gave the children those fresh figs. But after biting a bit, both of them hesitated to eat them up, and seemed to have felt unpleasant. I’d forgotten that they were kids, green-behind-the-ears…I’m going to boil them down into jam, which would taste good.
So, see you tomorrow, bye!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Political situation
HI, ladies!!
Peach, we had a ｄｅｊａ vu in this political situation last night, didn’t we? I can find the lightness of the position as a Prime Minister in Japan.
Yesterday was the 85th memorial day of the Kanto great earthquake, which killed about 140,000 people in the Kanto area. But that big disaster also caused the slaughter of Korean people and socialists. In fact, I didn’t know in detail about it, until recently the other day I read a novel written by Jakucho Setouchi. She was interested by the chain of female anarchists in the Meiji era, from Sugako Kanno to Noe Ito and Fumiko Kaneko, and wrote several novels, or partly biographies of them. (As for Sugako Kanno, the author exaggerated her as a badly behaved woman in the novel, which created her image in the society.)
As for Noe Ito and Fumiko Kaneko, I was shocked by many disgusting incidents after the earthquake. The atrocity by the government is very terrible, of course, but more horrifying is ordinary Japanese people, who made neighborhood watch to protect themselves from ‘rebellious’ Korean people. I wonder why common people could become so cruel against other people.
I’ve never read other books about Kaneko and Ito, and would like to get some.
Thank you for reading. See you next. Good bye!!
Peach, we had a ｄｅｊａ vu in this political situation last night, didn’t we? I can find the lightness of the position as a Prime Minister in Japan.
Yesterday was the 85th memorial day of the Kanto great earthquake, which killed about 140,000 people in the Kanto area. But that big disaster also caused the slaughter of Korean people and socialists. In fact, I didn’t know in detail about it, until recently the other day I read a novel written by Jakucho Setouchi. She was interested by the chain of female anarchists in the Meiji era, from Sugako Kanno to Noe Ito and Fumiko Kaneko, and wrote several novels, or partly biographies of them. (As for Sugako Kanno, the author exaggerated her as a badly behaved woman in the novel, which created her image in the society.)
As for Noe Ito and Fumiko Kaneko, I was shocked by many disgusting incidents after the earthquake. The atrocity by the government is very terrible, of course, but more horrifying is ordinary Japanese people, who made neighborhood watch to protect themselves from ‘rebellious’ Korean people. I wonder why common people could become so cruel against other people.
I’ve never read other books about Kaneko and Ito, and would like to get some.
Thank you for reading. See you next. Good bye!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Welcome to our Blog!
HI, ladies!!
Welcome to our Blog, rose! I’m happy to hear from you for the first time, and have a good time with us. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the next tutorial.
Welcome back, Gloriosa. It’s wonderful to see you here after your operation, in spite of many difficulties in your everyday life. I hope your condition will get better day by day.
Today is September 1, 2008, and I’m really relieved at the end of long summer vacation with my kids. During this hard season, I couldn’t concentrate on my tasks very much. So, since now, I want to make up for lost time.
Well, talk to you later. Bye!
Welcome to our Blog, rose! I’m happy to hear from you for the first time, and have a good time with us. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the next tutorial.
Welcome back, Gloriosa. It’s wonderful to see you here after your operation, in spite of many difficulties in your everyday life. I hope your condition will get better day by day.
Today is September 1, 2008, and I’m really relieved at the end of long summer vacation with my kids. During this hard season, I couldn’t concentrate on my tasks very much. So, since now, I want to make up for lost time.
Well, talk to you later. Bye!
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