By Yadwinder
I like to write but sometimes I feel bored bored towards writing. I love to write rap songs in my native language.
When I was a school boy, I love to write essays and stories from the books. Then after that I became older I feel writing is a boring activity. Sometimes, I love to write rap songs. These rap songs show all my feelings, my attitude towards people. My native language is Punjabi but I am not good in it. I speak Punjabi but unable to write. When I was in high school I wrote my first own essay about “Drug Addiction” by youngsters.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
My Kitchen
By Amandeep Dhillon
A kitchen is the place where we cook food. A kitchen is a necessary part of the house. My house has a kitchen. My kitchen is not very big. In my house my kitchen is located upstairs. When we move upstairs then we enter the kitchen or living room through the door. There are two windows in the far wall. One window is over the sink. There is one door in the far wall. This door is between the two windows. The refrigerator is placed in the right corner. The stove is next to the refrigerator. There is a small counter between the sink and the stove. The dishwasher is located beside the sink. There is a big island in the middle of the kitchen. There are some small stools around the island. There are six chairs around the big table in my kitchen. My kitchen is open to the living room.There is a love seat and an arm chair and a couch in the living room. There is a big table in front of the TV. There are many plants in the living room. I love my kitchen because we can see the TV when we cook the food.
A kitchen is the place where we cook food. A kitchen is a necessary part of the house. My house has a kitchen. My kitchen is not very big. In my house my kitchen is located upstairs. When we move upstairs then we enter the kitchen or living room through the door. There are two windows in the far wall. One window is over the sink. There is one door in the far wall. This door is between the two windows. The refrigerator is placed in the right corner. The stove is next to the refrigerator. There is a small counter between the sink and the stove. The dishwasher is located beside the sink. There is a big island in the middle of the kitchen. There are some small stools around the island. There are six chairs around the big table in my kitchen. My kitchen is open to the living room.There is a love seat and an arm chair and a couch in the living room. There is a big table in front of the TV. There are many plants in the living room. I love my kitchen because we can see the TV when we cook the food.
My Room
By Amandeep Dhillon
There are many rooms in my house. Some of these rooms are big. Some of these rooms are small. My room is built in the downstairs. My room is not very big, but it is comfortable and quiet. As we enter my room through the door, the chair is located on the right of the door. The dresser is beside the chair. Next to the dresser, a nightstand is located. There is a teddy bear on the nightstand. There is a big window in the centre of the far wall. This window makes my room sunny. There is a closet in the left wall. There is a bed under the window. I love my room. The walls of my room are white. There is a dark brown rug in my room. There is a light in the ceiling of my room.
There are many rooms in my house. Some of these rooms are big. Some of these rooms are small. My room is built in the downstairs. My room is not very big, but it is comfortable and quiet. As we enter my room through the door, the chair is located on the right of the door. The dresser is beside the chair. Next to the dresser, a nightstand is located. There is a teddy bear on the nightstand. There is a big window in the centre of the far wall. This window makes my room sunny. There is a closet in the left wall. There is a bed under the window. I love my room. The walls of my room are white. There is a dark brown rug in my room. There is a light in the ceiling of my room.
Puzzle It Out 2
By SeHoon, Austin, and Sam
Each bold word below needs to be replaced by another word. Use your knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and parts of speech to help you figure out what each bold word stands for in the following dialogue.
A: Japan China was broken yesterday. It didn’t Korea.
B: What is wrong with your China?
A: I think that the battery died.
B: That’s too bad. You India Germany go Germany Korea tonight, right?
A: Yes, I India Canada part-time job, but I don’t India Canada China. Could you give me Canada ride Germany Korea?
B: Sure, don’t worry. I will give you Canada ride and pick you up.
A: Thank you very much. I hope Japan China will be fixed soon.
B. You are welcome. Call me when you need Japan help.
China = ? Korea = ? Japan = ? India = ? Germany = ? Canada = ?
Leave us a comment with your answer!
Each bold word below needs to be replaced by another word. Use your knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and parts of speech to help you figure out what each bold word stands for in the following dialogue.
A: Japan China was broken yesterday. It didn’t Korea.
B: What is wrong with your China?
A: I think that the battery died.
B: That’s too bad. You India Germany go Germany Korea tonight, right?
A: Yes, I India Canada part-time job, but I don’t India Canada China. Could you give me Canada ride Germany Korea?
B: Sure, don’t worry. I will give you Canada ride and pick you up.
A: Thank you very much. I hope Japan China will be fixed soon.
B. You are welcome. Call me when you need Japan help.
China = ? Korea = ? Japan = ? India = ? Germany = ? Canada = ?
Leave us a comment with your answer!
Puzzle It Out 1
By Haruna, Mika, and Emika
Each bold word below needs to be replaced by another word. Use your knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and parts of speech to help you figure out what each bold word stands for in the following dialogues.
At the Grocery Store
A: Hi, how have you been?
B: Good. How are your baboons?
A: Yesterday, I took my baboons to their friend’s hippopotamus. Sloth watched a movie, Toy Story.
B: That sounds nice. How many baboons moose to the hippopotamus?
A. About 10 baboons. Sloth anteater everything. Today I moose here to restore things, but I’m glad that sloth had a great time.
B: That’s funny. My baboons also anteater a lot yesterday, and I moose here for the same reason. A hippopotamus will take place for my baboons this weekend. I have to buy lots of stuff! Would you like to come?
A: Sure! My baboons will be happy!
baboons = ? hippopotamus = ? moose = ? sloth = ? anteater = ?
Leave us a comment with your answer!
Each bold word below needs to be replaced by another word. Use your knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and parts of speech to help you figure out what each bold word stands for in the following dialogues.
At the Grocery Store
A: Hi, how have you been?
B: Good. How are your baboons?
A: Yesterday, I took my baboons to their friend’s hippopotamus. Sloth watched a movie, Toy Story.
B: That sounds nice. How many baboons moose to the hippopotamus?
A. About 10 baboons. Sloth anteater everything. Today I moose here to restore things, but I’m glad that sloth had a great time.
B: That’s funny. My baboons also anteater a lot yesterday, and I moose here for the same reason. A hippopotamus will take place for my baboons this weekend. I have to buy lots of stuff! Would you like to come?
A: Sure! My baboons will be happy!
baboons = ? hippopotamus = ? moose = ? sloth = ? anteater = ?
Leave us a comment with your answer!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Chinese New Year - A Memorable Day
By Sam
Chinese New Year was one the the best days of my life. First, I need to wake up at 7 a.m. and talk some lucky words to my family. Next, we clean the house from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Second, we eat some New Year snacks and watch TV shows until lunch time. After lunch, we go out shopping at 1 p.m. Every store has a good discount, so we can save more money to buy good products. Third, we have an important supper meeting with our relatives at 7 p.m. When I meet my relatives, they give me lucky money at supper time. So I got a lot of lucky money from my family and relatives. Finally, we go to Macau Tower where we see the Chinese New Year fireworks.
Chinese New Year was one the the best days of my life. First, I need to wake up at 7 a.m. and talk some lucky words to my family. Next, we clean the house from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Second, we eat some New Year snacks and watch TV shows until lunch time. After lunch, we go out shopping at 1 p.m. Every store has a good discount, so we can save more money to buy good products. Third, we have an important supper meeting with our relatives at 7 p.m. When I meet my relatives, they give me lucky money at supper time. So I got a lot of lucky money from my family and relatives. Finally, we go to Macau Tower where we see the Chinese New Year fireworks.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Book Review - Teacher Man
By Mika Hirano
I read the book called Teacher Man. The author is Frank McCourt. He wrote his life as a teacher in this book. This is written his life, so this is a non-fiction book.
Frank McCourt worked as a teacher for 30 years. It wasn’t easy to teach English literature to his students. They had no interest in learning. Many of them are almost impossible to teach, with terrible problems at home and in school, but he was faced with his students, like Kevin, who nobody wanted to teach, and Serena, who causes many problems, but, in the end, almost makes him cry with happiness. He also had lots of problems with the students’ parents and principals.
This is the true story of one man’s surprising, upsetting but sometimes very funny experiences in the classroom.
I really recommend this book. This is a Level 4 book, so it has 70 pages, no pictures and anyway, this maybe looks hard to read, but this story is really interesting. I was excited. This makes me excited, feel good, happy, upset, and I cried a little bit. When I find this book, I’ll buy this one!
I read the book called Teacher Man. The author is Frank McCourt. He wrote his life as a teacher in this book. This is written his life, so this is a non-fiction book.
Frank McCourt worked as a teacher for 30 years. It wasn’t easy to teach English literature to his students. They had no interest in learning. Many of them are almost impossible to teach, with terrible problems at home and in school, but he was faced with his students, like Kevin, who nobody wanted to teach, and Serena, who causes many problems, but, in the end, almost makes him cry with happiness. He also had lots of problems with the students’ parents and principals.
This is the true story of one man’s surprising, upsetting but sometimes very funny experiences in the classroom.
I really recommend this book. This is a Level 4 book, so it has 70 pages, no pictures and anyway, this maybe looks hard to read, but this story is really interesting. I was excited. This makes me excited, feel good, happy, upset, and I cried a little bit. When I find this book, I’ll buy this one!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Sushi
By Haruna Tonomura
According to the literature, the history of Japanese sushi began round the 8th century. It originated in China and then was introduced to Japan as a preserved food. Japanese improved and established a new sushi style. They changed it from a preserved food into a fresh food. Sushi means “managing a happy event,” and it is an auspicious food. Nowadays, it is recognized as a typical Japanese food all over the world. Generally, sushi can be divided into three styles: nigiri-zushi, chirashi-zushi, and maki-zushi.
The most famous one is nigiri-zushi: vinegared rice topped with raw fish. Most people may imagine this type of sushi. People hardly make it at home. It takes at least 10 years’ training to be a sushi chef. This job requires rich knowledge, experience, and skill. During the high growth period after the war, the street stalls selling sushi disappeared due to hygienic reasons, and although there were some shops serving sushi at moderate prices, the idea that sushi was expensive had been kept among people until a new sushi restaurant system spread around the 1980s. This system enabled ordinary people to enjoy nigiri-zushi at low cost.
The other two types of sushi are more commonly eaten at home because they are fast and easy to make. Chirashi-zushi is one of them which has different characteristics in each district. Chirashi-zushi means “scattered sushi”: vinegared rice topped with fish, vegetables, eggs, and various other ingredients. We eat this type of sushi for the Girls’ Festival on March 3 annually.
The last one is Maki-zushi: rice rolled in seaweed with various ingredients. I think this type of sushi has a lot of variations that were mainly created overseas. For instance, the California roll is one of the most popular maki-zushi in the U.S. and other countries. It was reimported to Japan and became popular. There is an interesting difference between Japanese and Western maki-zushi styles. In Japan, the rice is generally inside of the seaweed because it is easy to make and hold maki-zushi in the fingers. However, in Western countries, they make inside-out rolls since some western people are unwilling to see black seaweed. As a result, inside-out rolls have become popular in western countries.
As in style, sushi continues to grow and change. The rising sushi popularity all over the world has caused revolutions in sushi style. Some Japanese feel uneasy that the new styles may break tradition, but I think most of us look on this change favorably. I like both the western style and Japanese style. They are not only beautiful to look at, delicious, enjoyable with friends and family, but also healthy. Sushi is an ideal food for all, and the possibilities of sushi are endless.
According to the literature, the history of Japanese sushi began round the 8th century. It originated in China and then was introduced to Japan as a preserved food. Japanese improved and established a new sushi style. They changed it from a preserved food into a fresh food. Sushi means “managing a happy event,” and it is an auspicious food. Nowadays, it is recognized as a typical Japanese food all over the world. Generally, sushi can be divided into three styles: nigiri-zushi, chirashi-zushi, and maki-zushi.
The most famous one is nigiri-zushi: vinegared rice topped with raw fish. Most people may imagine this type of sushi. People hardly make it at home. It takes at least 10 years’ training to be a sushi chef. This job requires rich knowledge, experience, and skill. During the high growth period after the war, the street stalls selling sushi disappeared due to hygienic reasons, and although there were some shops serving sushi at moderate prices, the idea that sushi was expensive had been kept among people until a new sushi restaurant system spread around the 1980s. This system enabled ordinary people to enjoy nigiri-zushi at low cost.
The other two types of sushi are more commonly eaten at home because they are fast and easy to make. Chirashi-zushi is one of them which has different characteristics in each district. Chirashi-zushi means “scattered sushi”: vinegared rice topped with fish, vegetables, eggs, and various other ingredients. We eat this type of sushi for the Girls’ Festival on March 3 annually.
The last one is Maki-zushi: rice rolled in seaweed with various ingredients. I think this type of sushi has a lot of variations that were mainly created overseas. For instance, the California roll is one of the most popular maki-zushi in the U.S. and other countries. It was reimported to Japan and became popular. There is an interesting difference between Japanese and Western maki-zushi styles. In Japan, the rice is generally inside of the seaweed because it is easy to make and hold maki-zushi in the fingers. However, in Western countries, they make inside-out rolls since some western people are unwilling to see black seaweed. As a result, inside-out rolls have become popular in western countries.
As in style, sushi continues to grow and change. The rising sushi popularity all over the world has caused revolutions in sushi style. Some Japanese feel uneasy that the new styles may break tradition, but I think most of us look on this change favorably. I like both the western style and Japanese style. They are not only beautiful to look at, delicious, enjoyable with friends and family, but also healthy. Sushi is an ideal food for all, and the possibilities of sushi are endless.
Amrinder Gill
By Amandeep Dhillon
There are many kinds of singers in Punjab. Some of these are Punjabi singers. Some of these are Hindi singers. Amrinder Gill is a Punjabi singer. He is a very famous singer in Punjab. He is also an actor. He was born on May 17, 1976. He was born in Amritsar, Punjab. He has done a M.Sc. in agricultural science. Firstly, he sang many songs. Secondly, he made many Punjabi movies. He is more famous as a singer than an actor. He is very handsome, but he is not very tall. He looks very young. He has a sweet voice. All his songs are very famous. He is a jovial person. Some of these songs are very heart touching songs. I am fond of Punjabi music. I like to listen to his songs. Amrinder Gill is my favourite singer.
There are many kinds of singers in Punjab. Some of these are Punjabi singers. Some of these are Hindi singers. Amrinder Gill is a Punjabi singer. He is a very famous singer in Punjab. He is also an actor. He was born on May 17, 1976. He was born in Amritsar, Punjab. He has done a M.Sc. in agricultural science. Firstly, he sang many songs. Secondly, he made many Punjabi movies. He is more famous as a singer than an actor. He is very handsome, but he is not very tall. He looks very young. He has a sweet voice. All his songs are very famous. He is a jovial person. Some of these songs are very heart touching songs. I am fond of Punjabi music. I like to listen to his songs. Amrinder Gill is my favourite singer.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
My Family
By Tanja Stoll
My family is just three people. My husband Marco, our son, Niclas, and myself. I don’t count other relatives to the family since they are not really a part of our life. So, it’s just the three of us.
I’m very proud of our little family. We love each other, help each other and treat each other with respect. To spend time together and have fun is very important to us and we try to do this as much as possible. Sometimes the busy life we all have makes it difficult, though.
My husband, Marco works a lot. He is a tool-and-die maker and a CNC-machinist as well. He really likes his work and is always looking for a new challenge. Every possible training he can get is welcome. I really admire him for that.
Niclas, our eight-year-old son is thankfully a good student, but he has often trouble in school because he is very busy and “bouncy.” That makes it hard for him to focus on his work and stay on task. Especially in the cold winter months, when he can’t get rid of his energy outside this much. Niclas attends some sport activities like gymnnastics, swimming and horsebackriding, but sometimes it is just not enough.
I am a horsetrainer by trade, but never really successful. I like horses too much to make a lot of money out of them. And in a horse-friendly country like Canada, my skills are not really needed. Almost every child out in the country knows all about horses at about age 12. I think that is great!
Now, after more than eight years being a “stay-at-home-mum” I want to do something for myself and challenge myself a bit more than think about what’s for supper.
That’s why I choose to go back to school and I’m thankful for the support I have from my family.
My family is just three people. My husband Marco, our son, Niclas, and myself. I don’t count other relatives to the family since they are not really a part of our life. So, it’s just the three of us.
I’m very proud of our little family. We love each other, help each other and treat each other with respect. To spend time together and have fun is very important to us and we try to do this as much as possible. Sometimes the busy life we all have makes it difficult, though.
My husband, Marco works a lot. He is a tool-and-die maker and a CNC-machinist as well. He really likes his work and is always looking for a new challenge. Every possible training he can get is welcome. I really admire him for that.
Niclas, our eight-year-old son is thankfully a good student, but he has often trouble in school because he is very busy and “bouncy.” That makes it hard for him to focus on his work and stay on task. Especially in the cold winter months, when he can’t get rid of his energy outside this much. Niclas attends some sport activities like gymnnastics, swimming and horsebackriding, but sometimes it is just not enough.
I am a horsetrainer by trade, but never really successful. I like horses too much to make a lot of money out of them. And in a horse-friendly country like Canada, my skills are not really needed. Almost every child out in the country knows all about horses at about age 12. I think that is great!
Now, after more than eight years being a “stay-at-home-mum” I want to do something for myself and challenge myself a bit more than think about what’s for supper.
That’s why I choose to go back to school and I’m thankful for the support I have from my family.
Why I Like Music
By Ayako Suzuki
I like to hear music because when I hear music I don’t have to think about anything. Music makes me calm and happy. There are other reasons. One of them is that actually I used to play piano for ten years. I learned from the teacher. However, when I was learning the piano, I hated to play the piano. I was made to learn by my mother. The other reason is that I like to dance, so I’ve taken to music.
I like to hear music because when I hear music I don’t have to think about anything. Music makes me calm and happy. There are other reasons. One of them is that actually I used to play piano for ten years. I learned from the teacher. However, when I was learning the piano, I hated to play the piano. I was made to learn by my mother. The other reason is that I like to dance, so I’ve taken to music.
I Can Be Your Tourist Guide in Urawa, Japan
By Ayako Suzuki
I would like to guide you in my hometown for your vacation. My hometown Urawa is close to Tokyo. There are some interesting things in my hometown. First of all, there is a dance festival, a rose festival, and an eel festival. Secondly, there are some places of interest. For instance, big parks, theaters, shrines, temples, and museums. Finally, there is a special product in my hometown. It’s an eel. If you would like to come to my hometown, I’ll guide you.
I would like to guide you in my hometown for your vacation. My hometown Urawa is close to Tokyo. There are some interesting things in my hometown. First of all, there is a dance festival, a rose festival, and an eel festival. Secondly, there are some places of interest. For instance, big parks, theaters, shrines, temples, and museums. Finally, there is a special product in my hometown. It’s an eel. If you would like to come to my hometown, I’ll guide you.
My Hometown is Urawa
By Ayako Suzuki
There is information for sport in my hometown. First of all, the sports which we have in my hometown are soccer, baseball, and basketball. There are three teams in my hometown for soccer. One of them, Urawa Reds Diamonds, is a famous Japanese club team of soccer. Secondly, there are facilities in my hometown. There are three arenas, one stadium, and one park. Saitama Stadium is one of the largest in Asia. I mean, my hometown is a little bit famous for sport in Japan.
There is information for sport in my hometown. First of all, the sports which we have in my hometown are soccer, baseball, and basketball. There are three teams in my hometown for soccer. One of them, Urawa Reds Diamonds, is a famous Japanese club team of soccer. Secondly, there are facilities in my hometown. There are three arenas, one stadium, and one park. Saitama Stadium is one of the largest in Asia. I mean, my hometown is a little bit famous for sport in Japan.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My Autobiography as a Writer - Tanja
By Tanja Stoll
Writing was always necessary and mostly a pleasure for me. I enjoyed learning handwriting and using it in letters and in my diary. With cell phones and computers came the typing which is very nice because it is fast and everybody can actually read my writing. But I do still enjoy writing by hand because it calms me down. Hopefully, I will be able to write a good essay in English, too, one day.
Writing was always necessary and mostly a pleasure for me. I enjoyed learning handwriting and using it in letters and in my diary. With cell phones and computers came the typing which is very nice because it is fast and everybody can actually read my writing. But I do still enjoy writing by hand because it calms me down. Hopefully, I will be able to write a good essay in English, too, one day.
My Autobiography as a Writer - Sehoon
By Sehoon
I do not enjoy writing. When I was young, keeping a diary every day was my school homework during vacation. However, I always postponed keeping a diary. As a result, I wrote the whole diary on the last day. I still do not like writing, so I usually use the social network such as Facebook or Messenger when I communicate with my friends. However, sometimes, I send hand writing letters to my family. Since I came here I have sent letters to my family and friends who are in Korea. I think that I need to write more than before.
I do not enjoy writing. When I was young, keeping a diary every day was my school homework during vacation. However, I always postponed keeping a diary. As a result, I wrote the whole diary on the last day. I still do not like writing, so I usually use the social network such as Facebook or Messenger when I communicate with my friends. However, sometimes, I send hand writing letters to my family. Since I came here I have sent letters to my family and friends who are in Korea. I think that I need to write more than before.
My Autobiography as a Writer - Mayuko
By Mayuko Haida
I write some comments about what I read or listen to. I like reading many kinds of books so I write comments and make a list of my favorite books. Recently, I read English books or easy articles of English newspapers and summarize these things. I’ll try to keep a diary.
I write some comments about what I read or listen to. I like reading many kinds of books so I write comments and make a list of my favorite books. Recently, I read English books or easy articles of English newspapers and summarize these things. I’ll try to keep a diary.
Welcome to the Winter 2012 Semester!
By Pamela den Ouden
Do you remember all the fuss about Y2K? Most of my students wouldn't even remember all that. We are all 12 years older now! Time sure goes fast when you're having fun!
This semester, I'm expecting a lot from my students. I am sure they are going to astound me with the amount of writing that they'll do. Across the top of the white board in our class room, we have a motto: "Listen lots, speak lots, read lots, write lots." That's what it takes to successfully learn a language. I also tell them that to write lots, they have to be idea machines. I guess we have our agenda set for our class time!
Do you remember all the fuss about Y2K? Most of my students wouldn't even remember all that. We are all 12 years older now! Time sure goes fast when you're having fun!
This semester, I'm expecting a lot from my students. I am sure they are going to astound me with the amount of writing that they'll do. Across the top of the white board in our class room, we have a motto: "Listen lots, speak lots, read lots, write lots." That's what it takes to successfully learn a language. I also tell them that to write lots, they have to be idea machines. I guess we have our agenda set for our class time!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Book Review: Stories from Greek Tragedies
By Manami Sugawara
The book’s name is Stories from Greek Tragedies. The word tragedy means very sad events. The author is Kieran McGovern. This book was published in 1994. It consists of four parts. I’m going to tell about the first part.
There were King Laius and Queen Jocasta in Thebes. When they had their first son, they took the boy to Delphi. Delphi was the place where you could ask the gods for a prophecy for the future. The word prophecy means the power of being able to say what will happen in the future. They asked, “Will our son be good to us?” Then the god Apollo answered, “The boy will kill his father.” It was a terrible answer. Laius decided to kill his son while he was still a baby, but Jocasta didn’t want to do that, so they took him to a lonely place where he would never be found.
Many years later, a strange and terrible monster called the Sphinx came to Thebes. The Sphinx was a lion with wings and the face of a woman. She asked people a question. If they could tell her, she would die. But the punishment for the wrong answer was death. Many people tried to guess the answer and were killed. King Laius decided to go to Delphi to ask the gods what he should do, but he was killed by thieves on the way to Delphi. That day, a stranger could answer the question that the Sphinx asked and then she died.
The stranger’s name was Oedipus and he became a king. Oedipus married Jocasta and got four children. For many years he was a very successful and much-loved king. Then a terrible plague came to Thebes. The word plague means disease that kills a lot of people. People thought that the gods were punishing them for something they had done. Then Creon, who was Oedipus’s partner, said, “Apollo says that a murderer has brought this plague to Thebes.”
King Oedipus decided to find the murderer who murdered King Kaius. After that, he heard from a prophet that the murderer was himself. He had killed his father and married his mother without knowing it. Queen Jocasta hanged herself to hear such a terrible secret. Then King Oedipus stuck pins into his eyes in order not to see all the pain he caused anymore.
I recommend this book. The story is easy to understand and interesting.
The book’s name is Stories from Greek Tragedies. The word tragedy means very sad events. The author is Kieran McGovern. This book was published in 1994. It consists of four parts. I’m going to tell about the first part.
There were King Laius and Queen Jocasta in Thebes. When they had their first son, they took the boy to Delphi. Delphi was the place where you could ask the gods for a prophecy for the future. The word prophecy means the power of being able to say what will happen in the future. They asked, “Will our son be good to us?” Then the god Apollo answered, “The boy will kill his father.” It was a terrible answer. Laius decided to kill his son while he was still a baby, but Jocasta didn’t want to do that, so they took him to a lonely place where he would never be found.
Many years later, a strange and terrible monster called the Sphinx came to Thebes. The Sphinx was a lion with wings and the face of a woman. She asked people a question. If they could tell her, she would die. But the punishment for the wrong answer was death. Many people tried to guess the answer and were killed. King Laius decided to go to Delphi to ask the gods what he should do, but he was killed by thieves on the way to Delphi. That day, a stranger could answer the question that the Sphinx asked and then she died.
The stranger’s name was Oedipus and he became a king. Oedipus married Jocasta and got four children. For many years he was a very successful and much-loved king. Then a terrible plague came to Thebes. The word plague means disease that kills a lot of people. People thought that the gods were punishing them for something they had done. Then Creon, who was Oedipus’s partner, said, “Apollo says that a murderer has brought this plague to Thebes.”
King Oedipus decided to find the murderer who murdered King Kaius. After that, he heard from a prophet that the murderer was himself. He had killed his father and married his mother without knowing it. Queen Jocasta hanged herself to hear such a terrible secret. Then King Oedipus stuck pins into his eyes in order not to see all the pain he caused anymore.
I recommend this book. The story is easy to understand and interesting.
Traffic Jam!
By Sam Cheang
The day was the middle of summer vacation. I was in my car on the road of California. There were many cars on the road, so my car could be stuck in a traffic jam. Next to my car was a red car. In the red car, there was a smokin’ hot chick! At the moment, my car crashed into the car in front of my car. I was frightened with the accident. I regretted looking at the smokin’ hot chick. Why do I like a smokin’ hot chick? I can’t understand. Anyway, I lost a smokin’ hot chick and my car at that time. I’m sad.
Sometimes Things Don't Turn Out the Way You Planned
By Hitomi Nakayama
Sometimes things often don’t turn out the way you planned. I have a good example. When I was in Japan, I planned some things what I’m going to do in Fort St. John. First, I wanted to have many Canadian friends, but actually I couldn’t do that. I have Chinese, Korean, and some Canadian friends, so I don’t care too much. Second, I was going to talk with my friends in English every time to improve my English skill. I tried to do, but I spoke Japanese when I couldn’t tell what I want to say. I reflect about this, so I want to live my life here again. I think it’s good for us to plan something even if it may not turn out.
Sometimes things often don’t turn out the way you planned. I have a good example. When I was in Japan, I planned some things what I’m going to do in Fort St. John. First, I wanted to have many Canadian friends, but actually I couldn’t do that. I have Chinese, Korean, and some Canadian friends, so I don’t care too much. Second, I was going to talk with my friends in English every time to improve my English skill. I tried to do, but I spoke Japanese when I couldn’t tell what I want to say. I reflect about this, so I want to live my life here again. I think it’s good for us to plan something even if it may not turn out.
My First Big Trip
By Hitomi Nakayama
My trip to Edmonton was very fun. I went there with my friends, Ayu, Manami, and Sam. First, we took the bus ten hours. After we arrived at Edmonton in the morning, we walked around and wasted time because every store was still closed. After that, we took the bus again to go to West Edmonton Mall. We enjoyed shopping until that night. We ate Japanese food there. Before we went to a hotel, we went to Superstore. And then I spent $52 on cosmetics and a lot of food. The second day, we went to the mall and enjoyed swimming. Also the third day, we went there and enjoyed shopping again! It will be my best memories in Canada.
My trip to Edmonton was very fun. I went there with my friends, Ayu, Manami, and Sam. First, we took the bus ten hours. After we arrived at Edmonton in the morning, we walked around and wasted time because every store was still closed. After that, we took the bus again to go to West Edmonton Mall. We enjoyed shopping until that night. We ate Japanese food there. Before we went to a hotel, we went to Superstore. And then I spent $52 on cosmetics and a lot of food. The second day, we went to the mall and enjoyed swimming. Also the third day, we went there and enjoyed shopping again! It will be my best memories in Canada.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Children’s Book Review: The Story about Ping
By Pamela den Ouden
This story was written by Marjorie Flack and illustrated by Kurt Weise. Originally published in 1933, it is a story about a beautiful young duck named Ping. He lives with his large duck family on a weise-eyed boat on the yellow waters of the Yangtze River. The last duck back to the boat earns a spank on the back, so one day, when Ping knows he will be the last duck to return to the boat, he hides in the grass and the boat moves on without him. The next day, Ping is enticed and caught by a boy whose father declares, “A duck dinner has come to us.” In the end, Ping must accept his punishment for being the last duck.
The pictures, drawn in ink and coloured with coloured pencils are simple but charming.
Children of all ages will love this story because they will recognize their own actions in wanting to escape punishment for misdeeds.
The happy ending sees Ping return to the comfort of his loving family.
32 pages
This story was written by Marjorie Flack and illustrated by Kurt Weise. Originally published in 1933, it is a story about a beautiful young duck named Ping. He lives with his large duck family on a weise-eyed boat on the yellow waters of the Yangtze River. The last duck back to the boat earns a spank on the back, so one day, when Ping knows he will be the last duck to return to the boat, he hides in the grass and the boat moves on without him. The next day, Ping is enticed and caught by a boy whose father declares, “A duck dinner has come to us.” In the end, Ping must accept his punishment for being the last duck.
The pictures, drawn in ink and coloured with coloured pencils are simple but charming.
Children of all ages will love this story because they will recognize their own actions in wanting to escape punishment for misdeeds.
The happy ending sees Ping return to the comfort of his loving family.
32 pages
The Invention of the Cell Phone
By Sam Cheang
In modern society, there are many inventions in the world. I think the invention of the cell phone is a great invention. First, we can talk anytime with our friends very easily. Second, we can get information or news from the Internet on a cell phone. When you are bored, you can listen to music and play games with a cell phone. It can give you a fun time. Actually, the invention of a cell phone makes human life convenient. Finally, I’m proud of all of the inventors who invent something. I like the invention of the cell phone.
In modern society, there are many inventions in the world. I think the invention of the cell phone is a great invention. First, we can talk anytime with our friends very easily. Second, we can get information or news from the Internet on a cell phone. When you are bored, you can listen to music and play games with a cell phone. It can give you a fun time. Actually, the invention of a cell phone makes human life convenient. Finally, I’m proud of all of the inventors who invent something. I like the invention of the cell phone.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Effects of Making Decisions
By Ayako Suzuki
Most people don’t know about effects of making decisions. We often forget about what we are thinking and what action we are doing. There are several effects for a decision on my life.
First of all, it is taking a part-time job. I think that I can experience society. And also, I can have a feeling that I am a member of society. When I was in Japan, I used to work in a bar. Then when I worked there, I have felt that I am a member of society. I think that this feeling is important for an adult.
Secondly, it is coming to an English-speaking country. Actually, about two or three years ago. I thought that I don’t need English skill in my life. However, I am in Canada and studying English. I have been talking with those who speak English and I have known about culture and customs of different countries since I came here. For instance, there are Spanish in my friends. Of course I can’t speak Spanish and also they can speak Japanese. However, we can speak English with each other. I mean, we can have a relation in English. Moreover, when I talk with those who speak English, I can think about everything as a wide field.
Most importantly, it is picking a school. I met many friends in the school, and I learnt lots of things from my friends and the school. Then I could get a lot of knowledge there. And then, I could know what I want to do in my future.
So, those three reasons are the cause of my growing so far. And also, yesterday’s actions and decisions are who I am today.
Most people don’t know about effects of making decisions. We often forget about what we are thinking and what action we are doing. There are several effects for a decision on my life.
First of all, it is taking a part-time job. I think that I can experience society. And also, I can have a feeling that I am a member of society. When I was in Japan, I used to work in a bar. Then when I worked there, I have felt that I am a member of society. I think that this feeling is important for an adult.
Secondly, it is coming to an English-speaking country. Actually, about two or three years ago. I thought that I don’t need English skill in my life. However, I am in Canada and studying English. I have been talking with those who speak English and I have known about culture and customs of different countries since I came here. For instance, there are Spanish in my friends. Of course I can’t speak Spanish and also they can speak Japanese. However, we can speak English with each other. I mean, we can have a relation in English. Moreover, when I talk with those who speak English, I can think about everything as a wide field.
Most importantly, it is picking a school. I met many friends in the school, and I learnt lots of things from my friends and the school. Then I could get a lot of knowledge there. And then, I could know what I want to do in my future.
So, those three reasons are the cause of my growing so far. And also, yesterday’s actions and decisions are who I am today.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Three Types of Athletes
By Shu Murakami
There are a lot of athletes in the world. Many people like playing some sports. Actually, I was an athlete four years ago. When I was a high school student, I belonged to a baseball club. I had a goal that I will be a professional baseball player. The dream didn’t come true. I think that I have no talent and my practice wasn’t enough. If I practiced harder, probably, I might become a professional baseball player. Then I can divide athletes into three types: people who have talent, people who have no talent, and people who just like playing sports as a hobby.
First of all, the one type of athlete is people who have talent. I think that the people who have talent have an advantage to play sports.
Moreover, they can be willing to make a very hard effort. They can succeed in playing sports and being professional athletes. The other type of people who have talent is that they don’t like making an effort even if they have talent. They may admire themselves. I think that it is too bad. They lose their game finally. They waste their talent.
Next, the second type of athlete is people who don’t have talent. These are ordinary persons. So can’t they be professional athletes? Of course not, but they have to practice harder than they think. They have to be strict with themselves. If they want to be professional athletes, it is the best and only way. The other type of people who don’t have talent is that they don’t like practicing hard at all. Of course, these people never get their goal. They may think that they practice harder than others. They fool themselves.
Finally, the third type of athlete is people who just like playing sports as a hobby. These people just want to enjoy playing sports even if they have talent or not. Perhaps they don’t have a goal, and they may not think that they even want to win their game. I think that it is the best way to enjoy playing sports. They don’t have to be strict with themselves and practice hard. They just enjoy playing sports.
These are three types of athletes. A few people can be professional athletes. If you want to be a professional athlete, you have to practice harder than you think. I think that it is the most important to enjoy playing sports even if you don’t have talent. Even if you give up being a professional athlete, you should enjoy playing sports.
There are a lot of athletes in the world. Many people like playing some sports. Actually, I was an athlete four years ago. When I was a high school student, I belonged to a baseball club. I had a goal that I will be a professional baseball player. The dream didn’t come true. I think that I have no talent and my practice wasn’t enough. If I practiced harder, probably, I might become a professional baseball player. Then I can divide athletes into three types: people who have talent, people who have no talent, and people who just like playing sports as a hobby.
First of all, the one type of athlete is people who have talent. I think that the people who have talent have an advantage to play sports.
Moreover, they can be willing to make a very hard effort. They can succeed in playing sports and being professional athletes. The other type of people who have talent is that they don’t like making an effort even if they have talent. They may admire themselves. I think that it is too bad. They lose their game finally. They waste their talent.
Next, the second type of athlete is people who don’t have talent. These are ordinary persons. So can’t they be professional athletes? Of course not, but they have to practice harder than they think. They have to be strict with themselves. If they want to be professional athletes, it is the best and only way. The other type of people who don’t have talent is that they don’t like practicing hard at all. Of course, these people never get their goal. They may think that they practice harder than others. They fool themselves.
Finally, the third type of athlete is people who just like playing sports as a hobby. These people just want to enjoy playing sports even if they have talent or not. Perhaps they don’t have a goal, and they may not think that they even want to win their game. I think that it is the best way to enjoy playing sports. They don’t have to be strict with themselves and practice hard. They just enjoy playing sports.
These are three types of athletes. A few people can be professional athletes. If you want to be a professional athlete, you have to practice harder than you think. I think that it is the most important to enjoy playing sports even if you don’t have talent. Even if you give up being a professional athlete, you should enjoy playing sports.
The Effects of Global Warming
By Ayako Suzuki
There are problems about global warming. Recently, I hear this topic even when I go to a coffee house. I see posters about global warming everywhere. And also information about global warming is in elementary school’s text book in Japan. I think the most important cause is greenhouse gases. We are producing a lot of greenhouse gases every day even when I am not in a house. Especially we produce it too much in summer. I sometimes feel cold like in winter when I am in a train, in a public library, in a theater, and in a college. I mean, people destroy nature. There are several effects of global warming.
First, there is a rise in ocean levels. In fact, there are areas that are flooded because of a rise in ocean levels. Do you know Tuvalu? Tuvalu has been independent since 1978 from the United Kingdom. Actually, Tuvalu is being covered by water. Then, people who live in Tuvalu are moving to New Zealand. In addition, it is expected that the Marshall Islands, the Maldives, and Venice, Italy will be covered by water after five or ten. They have a lot of traditional buildings. If they are covered, I'll not be able to go there.
Secondly, ecological systems change. For instance, there are polar bears on the verge of extinction because the temperatures increase in the North Pole. It means that they can't keep their life spaces from global warming.
Finally, global warming influences agriculture and fishing. For instance, it became difficult for fishermen because fishes were killed by global warming. Recently, the fishes which are disappearing have increased in number.
So, you must think more seriously about this topic in each country. I wish that you immediately change your life style after you read this.
There are problems about global warming. Recently, I hear this topic even when I go to a coffee house. I see posters about global warming everywhere. And also information about global warming is in elementary school’s text book in Japan. I think the most important cause is greenhouse gases. We are producing a lot of greenhouse gases every day even when I am not in a house. Especially we produce it too much in summer. I sometimes feel cold like in winter when I am in a train, in a public library, in a theater, and in a college. I mean, people destroy nature. There are several effects of global warming.
First, there is a rise in ocean levels. In fact, there are areas that are flooded because of a rise in ocean levels. Do you know Tuvalu? Tuvalu has been independent since 1978 from the United Kingdom. Actually, Tuvalu is being covered by water. Then, people who live in Tuvalu are moving to New Zealand. In addition, it is expected that the Marshall Islands, the Maldives, and Venice, Italy will be covered by water after five or ten. They have a lot of traditional buildings. If they are covered, I'll not be able to go there.
Secondly, ecological systems change. For instance, there are polar bears on the verge of extinction because the temperatures increase in the North Pole. It means that they can't keep their life spaces from global warming.
Finally, global warming influences agriculture and fishing. For instance, it became difficult for fishermen because fishes were killed by global warming. Recently, the fishes which are disappearing have increased in number.
So, you must think more seriously about this topic in each country. I wish that you immediately change your life style after you read this.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Legal Abortion
By Emika Uetake
Legal abortions are the greatest cdause of Japanese death, but cancers are the biggest reason officially because fetuses don’t count as humans until they are born. I think everyone doesn’t want to see a list which was written, “Legan abortions is the biggest cause of Japanese deather,” and doesn’t want to acknowledge what a huge number of fetuses (about 300,000 fetuses) are kiilled before they are cared for by their mother and fathers every year. On one hand, many people think so and disapprove of legal abortions; on the other hand, many people don’t oppose it. I also don’t oppose legal abortions.
In the past, legal abortions were for women who were in their late thirties or in their forties. Although they wanted to bear and bring up their new families, they couldn’t help terminating their fetuses because they didn’t have enough money to bring up the children with other children. They had already had some sons and daughters. However, recently, a lot of teenagers terminate their pregnancies every year. Media sometimes take up about teenagers’ pregnancy like in a movie called Juno, and a Japanese TV drama series called The 14-Year-Old Mother.
Almost all of this kind of movie have happy endings. They get pregnant. Their parents are quite upset, but they acknowledge it finally. Their boyfriends try to get out of their responsibilities called “family,” but they come back to their girl friends and often say, “I love you,” or “Will you marry me?” However, in the real world, many girls have terminated their pregnancies with these kindnesses. The ways which the girls are walking and reach are often tragic. They go to hospitals by themselves or with their friends. Their parents are quite upset and some give some money and shut their door in their minds. Girls’ boyfriends get out of their responsibilities, and they never come back to the girls. Girls wait for the operations alone. After that, girls have nightmares all night about the day. This doesn’t mean all people who are around girls don’t accept them, and do these thing, but voices about legal abortions are still chilly and are noticed as a big serious problem.
I think of course legal abortion is bad and sad. No one wants to do it. However, although people especially teenages bear their babies with risks, it is sometimes wasting whole lives if they can live. Even if people decided to bear babies, mothers finally give up their abies because they give their babies to foster homes. This is a usual thing in Japan. There is a different example, too, and bringing up their children is usually so hard for girls who are in the age to want to go out and talk to friends. Some girls push their kids to thie parents, and they forget to have very many responsibilities and jobs. Moreover, poverty is still a reason that girls terminate their pregnancies. Money makes everything except nbature and humans. Legal abortions are a kind of tragedy, but sometimes work as a good solution. When women and people around them carry out abortions and wait for them, everyone can’t help thinking about their friends, families, and the fetuses. If women have legal abortions, they must live in a range their babies are supposed to live in. This is the only way they can bear children.
Legal abortions are the greatest cdause of Japanese death, but cancers are the biggest reason officially because fetuses don’t count as humans until they are born. I think everyone doesn’t want to see a list which was written, “Legan abortions is the biggest cause of Japanese deather,” and doesn’t want to acknowledge what a huge number of fetuses (about 300,000 fetuses) are kiilled before they are cared for by their mother and fathers every year. On one hand, many people think so and disapprove of legal abortions; on the other hand, many people don’t oppose it. I also don’t oppose legal abortions.
In the past, legal abortions were for women who were in their late thirties or in their forties. Although they wanted to bear and bring up their new families, they couldn’t help terminating their fetuses because they didn’t have enough money to bring up the children with other children. They had already had some sons and daughters. However, recently, a lot of teenagers terminate their pregnancies every year. Media sometimes take up about teenagers’ pregnancy like in a movie called Juno, and a Japanese TV drama series called The 14-Year-Old Mother.
Almost all of this kind of movie have happy endings. They get pregnant. Their parents are quite upset, but they acknowledge it finally. Their boyfriends try to get out of their responsibilities called “family,” but they come back to their girl friends and often say, “I love you,” or “Will you marry me?” However, in the real world, many girls have terminated their pregnancies with these kindnesses. The ways which the girls are walking and reach are often tragic. They go to hospitals by themselves or with their friends. Their parents are quite upset and some give some money and shut their door in their minds. Girls’ boyfriends get out of their responsibilities, and they never come back to the girls. Girls wait for the operations alone. After that, girls have nightmares all night about the day. This doesn’t mean all people who are around girls don’t accept them, and do these thing, but voices about legal abortions are still chilly and are noticed as a big serious problem.
I think of course legal abortion is bad and sad. No one wants to do it. However, although people especially teenages bear their babies with risks, it is sometimes wasting whole lives if they can live. Even if people decided to bear babies, mothers finally give up their abies because they give their babies to foster homes. This is a usual thing in Japan. There is a different example, too, and bringing up their children is usually so hard for girls who are in the age to want to go out and talk to friends. Some girls push their kids to thie parents, and they forget to have very many responsibilities and jobs. Moreover, poverty is still a reason that girls terminate their pregnancies. Money makes everything except nbature and humans. Legal abortions are a kind of tragedy, but sometimes work as a good solution. When women and people around them carry out abortions and wait for them, everyone can’t help thinking about their friends, families, and the fetuses. If women have legal abortions, they must live in a range their babies are supposed to live in. This is the only way they can bear children.
Skiing at Worsley, Alberta
By Mayu Takenaka
I went skiing last weekend. I had a wonderful time with my mom and my host brother. This day was the opening day of the hill. I thought many people would come there, but there were a few people. It was not busy, so we could go down many times.
The last time I went skiing, I was 14 years old. It was 8 years ago, so I worried about if I could go down without falling down. First, I borrowed the ski equipment, but I didn’t have the ski poles. I tensed taking the ski lift. I went down an easy course. The name was easy, but I didn’t think so. I fell down in the snow. However, I tried that a few times. I could go down the easy course easily. Next, I tried to go down the middle hard course. There were some big hills. I guessed I couldn’t go down there without the ski poles. Actually, I couldn’t go down easily. I fell down very hard. I flew over the snow. My body was sore. I was afraid of falling down, but actually I wanted to try again, so I tried to go down a few times. Fortunately, I didn’t fall down.
It was exciting for me, but also break times were exciting for me. We took a rest a few times, then we often ate something. There was a cafeteria. There was some delicious food in this cafeteria. I ate a hotdog, a soup, and a cinnamon roll. This cinnamon roll was so yummy. Therefore, we took out five cinnamon rolls. Eating time was my lovely time.
I could enjoy myself very well. I got one of the memories of my life in Canada.
I went skiing last weekend. I had a wonderful time with my mom and my host brother. This day was the opening day of the hill. I thought many people would come there, but there were a few people. It was not busy, so we could go down many times.
The last time I went skiing, I was 14 years old. It was 8 years ago, so I worried about if I could go down without falling down. First, I borrowed the ski equipment, but I didn’t have the ski poles. I tensed taking the ski lift. I went down an easy course. The name was easy, but I didn’t think so. I fell down in the snow. However, I tried that a few times. I could go down the easy course easily. Next, I tried to go down the middle hard course. There were some big hills. I guessed I couldn’t go down there without the ski poles. Actually, I couldn’t go down easily. I fell down very hard. I flew over the snow. My body was sore. I was afraid of falling down, but actually I wanted to try again, so I tried to go down a few times. Fortunately, I didn’t fall down.
It was exciting for me, but also break times were exciting for me. We took a rest a few times, then we often ate something. There was a cafeteria. There was some delicious food in this cafeteria. I ate a hotdog, a soup, and a cinnamon roll. This cinnamon roll was so yummy. Therefore, we took out five cinnamon rolls. Eating time was my lovely time.
I could enjoy myself very well. I got one of the memories of my life in Canada.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Pressure of Being a Student
By Kazuna Yamasaki
These days, there are the pressures of being a student. It causes a big problem in society. There are a lot of kinds of pressures. Especially they are a society that stresses academic background, comparing with other students, and strict rules of school.
A society that stresses academic background gives students a big pressure. For example, four-year college students start job hunting in Japan. Then, many companies care which college students graduate from. So, if students have good personalities or special abilities, some companies may not care. For that reason, students think they have to enter a famous college. In addition, their parents expect that their sons or daughters go to famous colleges and get good jobs. It makes students feel a lot of stress.
Comparing with other students is one of the causes that makes students feel pressures. They may want to win. For instance, scores of test, the results of sports, and so on. It may arouse the urge to make an effort for some students. However, some students feel a sense of inferiority, and they may be troubled.
Strict rules of school give students pressures. The school rules are important, but too many strict ones are not good for students. Students many want to wear clothes they like. Also, they may want to bring their cell phones. However, many schools have rules. Students have to wear the uniforms. In some schools, students can’t bring their cell phones. Students feel stress because they have to endure what they don’t want to do.
These problems need to be considered to find solution strategies. However, it hasn’t been done yet. We have to think of some solutions so that students spend their school life comfortably.
These days, there are the pressures of being a student. It causes a big problem in society. There are a lot of kinds of pressures. Especially they are a society that stresses academic background, comparing with other students, and strict rules of school.
A society that stresses academic background gives students a big pressure. For example, four-year college students start job hunting in Japan. Then, many companies care which college students graduate from. So, if students have good personalities or special abilities, some companies may not care. For that reason, students think they have to enter a famous college. In addition, their parents expect that their sons or daughters go to famous colleges and get good jobs. It makes students feel a lot of stress.
Comparing with other students is one of the causes that makes students feel pressures. They may want to win. For instance, scores of test, the results of sports, and so on. It may arouse the urge to make an effort for some students. However, some students feel a sense of inferiority, and they may be troubled.
Strict rules of school give students pressures. The school rules are important, but too many strict ones are not good for students. Students many want to wear clothes they like. Also, they may want to bring their cell phones. However, many schools have rules. Students have to wear the uniforms. In some schools, students can’t bring their cell phones. Students feel stress because they have to endure what they don’t want to do.
These problems need to be considered to find solution strategies. However, it hasn’t been done yet. We have to think of some solutions so that students spend their school life comfortably.
Monday, December 12, 2011
My Ideal Person: Norihiro Akahoshi
by Yuri Kubota
If I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet a baseball player who used to belong to a professional baseball team called the Hanshin Tigers. His name is Norihiro Akahoshi. He is not a professional baseball player anymore; however, many people still respect him. There are three reasons why I would like to meet him.
First of all, he makes up for his defects. He is actually not tall enough for a baseball player so almost all of the professional teams did not want him – only the Hanshin Tigers were interested in him so he decided to play his whole life in the team even though he became really popular later. He has got the Most Stolen Bases title three times. Every time I see him play on TV, I feel like no one is perfect, even professional athletes, and he always makes me want to work harder for my dream.
Second, he never plays baseball just for money. He sends a day-care place wheelchairs as many wheelcheirs as he succeeds in his base stealing every year at the end of the baseball season. Moreover, he volunteered for collecting money to help the earthquake victims last April. It was such a cold rainy day; however, he collect money hardly .
Finally, he still keeps showing us to hold onto our dreams even though he retired from his professional baseball life. He actually ended up giving up playing baseball as a professional player since he got injured seriously when he was in a game. The doctor said to him “ if you get injured on the same part as you got injured again, you might die.” Although the t igers could have waited for his coming back after his oparation, he decided to retire because he thought he did not want to stay on the team just for money. Lots of fans were shocked by his retirement and so was I. However, he started working as a sports commentator and he still keeps showing us the joy of playing baseball.
For these three reasons, if I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet Norihiro Akahoshi. I had never believed that one person could change others’ feelings or motivation by showing us his/her play until I got to know him. You will see how great a person he is if you see him play.
If I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet a baseball player who used to belong to a professional baseball team called the Hanshin Tigers. His name is Norihiro Akahoshi. He is not a professional baseball player anymore; however, many people still respect him. There are three reasons why I would like to meet him.
First of all, he makes up for his defects. He is actually not tall enough for a baseball player so almost all of the professional teams did not want him – only the Hanshin Tigers were interested in him so he decided to play his whole life in the team even though he became really popular later. He has got the Most Stolen Bases title three times. Every time I see him play on TV, I feel like no one is perfect, even professional athletes, and he always makes me want to work harder for my dream.
Second, he never plays baseball just for money. He sends a day-care place wheelchairs as many wheelcheirs as he succeeds in his base stealing every year at the end of the baseball season. Moreover, he volunteered for collecting money to help the earthquake victims last April. It was such a cold rainy day; however, he collect money hardly .
Finally, he still keeps showing us to hold onto our dreams even though he retired from his professional baseball life. He actually ended up giving up playing baseball as a professional player since he got injured seriously when he was in a game. The doctor said to him “ if you get injured on the same part as you got injured again, you might die.” Although the t igers could have waited for his coming back after his oparation, he decided to retire because he thought he did not want to stay on the team just for money. Lots of fans were shocked by his retirement and so was I. However, he started working as a sports commentator and he still keeps showing us the joy of playing baseball.
For these three reasons, if I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet Norihiro Akahoshi. I had never believed that one person could change others’ feelings or motivation by showing us his/her play until I got to know him. You will see how great a person he is if you see him play.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Book Review - The Promise
By Yukari Fukuyama
The title of this book is The Promise. The author is R. L. Scott-Buccleuch. The story is set in Salvador, which is the capital of Bahia, a state in Brazil. More than a million people live in Salvador, but some of them are very rich and others are very poor. In this story, Pedro Moreira lived with his wife, Maria, in a small hut there. One day, Maria was going to have a baby, but Pedro was worried about the new baby’s life because he didn’t have his work and much money. They were very poor. The new baby was born safely, but he was small and thin. One old woman held the baby in her arms, and then she told Pedro, “Your boy will grow up and become famous. Be a good father to the boy. One day, he will be a good son to you. That is my promise.”
The baby was called Paulo, but after three years, the other children called him Palito because his arms and legs were very thin, and his legs were twisted. “Palito” means “a thin stick.” Palito often played football with the other boys. Then he learnt to turn quickly and carry the ball past other boys.
When Palito grew bigger, Pedro was thinking that Palito is going to be a footballer becase his playing was good. On his fifteenth birthday, Palito became a member of the football team of his father’s company. He became more skillful, and more people came to watch his play. So his name became well-known in Bahia. He was offered a job from Bahia Central. That was one of the main teams in Bahia. However, he wanted to play for Brazil, like the best players, and he needed more experience and training. So he just asked the manager of Bahia Central to wait without refusing. One day, Chico Perez, who is the manager of a team in Sao Paulo, came to see Palito and then watched his game. Palito’s play was very good and excited people so much.
After Chico watched his game, he offered a job to Palito with his team. The team was named White Star and this was the best team in the world, so Palito started to work hard in White Star. He was still famous all over Brazil, but his legs were becoming more twisted. So working hard was very bad for his legs. While he was playing in the last game in the season, a defender kicked Palito hard on the legs and Palito fell to the ground. Then he was taken straight to the hospital. The bones in his legs didn’t grow hard and they became twisted because he didn’t have enough to eat when he was a baby. So he had to have the operation immediately.
After he had the operation, he couldn’t play for Brazil for a long time. About three months later, Palito started training again, but he had lost all his old skills. So he couldn’t play very well, like in the old days, and he was disappointed. Some days he didn’t appear at the training at all. He was drinking too mujch and his friends were really worried about hism. However, finally Palito found he could still be a great footballer again, and then he decided to work and train harder. He had trained and done many kinds of exercises in a Japanese gymnasium for a long time. He came to be able to run fast again.
One day, he was offered his job for Brazil, and he flew to Rio de Janeiro for his game. A week later, Pedro’s dream came true. In the huge stadium, Palito was playing for Brazil. His playing was very good and he scored one goal in the game. His family and all spectators congratulated hism. Six months later, Palito got married to his cousing and they built a children’s hospital. Their hospital gave help to many poor children. As the old woman said in the old days, Palito became well-known in many countries all over the world. The old woman had spoken the truth.
I was imprssed by this story because Palito’s life was very hard but very great. When I saw this title, I didn’t know the meaning of it, but finally I understood it. Exactly that was a promise. I want you to read this book.
The title of this book is The Promise. The author is R. L. Scott-Buccleuch. The story is set in Salvador, which is the capital of Bahia, a state in Brazil. More than a million people live in Salvador, but some of them are very rich and others are very poor. In this story, Pedro Moreira lived with his wife, Maria, in a small hut there. One day, Maria was going to have a baby, but Pedro was worried about the new baby’s life because he didn’t have his work and much money. They were very poor. The new baby was born safely, but he was small and thin. One old woman held the baby in her arms, and then she told Pedro, “Your boy will grow up and become famous. Be a good father to the boy. One day, he will be a good son to you. That is my promise.”
The baby was called Paulo, but after three years, the other children called him Palito because his arms and legs were very thin, and his legs were twisted. “Palito” means “a thin stick.” Palito often played football with the other boys. Then he learnt to turn quickly and carry the ball past other boys.
When Palito grew bigger, Pedro was thinking that Palito is going to be a footballer becase his playing was good. On his fifteenth birthday, Palito became a member of the football team of his father’s company. He became more skillful, and more people came to watch his play. So his name became well-known in Bahia. He was offered a job from Bahia Central. That was one of the main teams in Bahia. However, he wanted to play for Brazil, like the best players, and he needed more experience and training. So he just asked the manager of Bahia Central to wait without refusing. One day, Chico Perez, who is the manager of a team in Sao Paulo, came to see Palito and then watched his game. Palito’s play was very good and excited people so much.
After Chico watched his game, he offered a job to Palito with his team. The team was named White Star and this was the best team in the world, so Palito started to work hard in White Star. He was still famous all over Brazil, but his legs were becoming more twisted. So working hard was very bad for his legs. While he was playing in the last game in the season, a defender kicked Palito hard on the legs and Palito fell to the ground. Then he was taken straight to the hospital. The bones in his legs didn’t grow hard and they became twisted because he didn’t have enough to eat when he was a baby. So he had to have the operation immediately.
After he had the operation, he couldn’t play for Brazil for a long time. About three months later, Palito started training again, but he had lost all his old skills. So he couldn’t play very well, like in the old days, and he was disappointed. Some days he didn’t appear at the training at all. He was drinking too mujch and his friends were really worried about hism. However, finally Palito found he could still be a great footballer again, and then he decided to work and train harder. He had trained and done many kinds of exercises in a Japanese gymnasium for a long time. He came to be able to run fast again.
One day, he was offered his job for Brazil, and he flew to Rio de Janeiro for his game. A week later, Pedro’s dream came true. In the huge stadium, Palito was playing for Brazil. His playing was very good and he scored one goal in the game. His family and all spectators congratulated hism. Six months later, Palito got married to his cousing and they built a children’s hospital. Their hospital gave help to many poor children. As the old woman said in the old days, Palito became well-known in many countries all over the world. The old woman had spoken the truth.
I was imprssed by this story because Palito’s life was very hard but very great. When I saw this title, I didn’t know the meaning of it, but finally I understood it. Exactly that was a promise. I want you to read this book.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
How to Make New Friends
By Mami Kashiwa
It’s important for us to make new friends, but it’s difficult for somebody. I have some ideas to make new friends. First, you shouldn’t be shy. If you’re shy, probably you can’t speak to anyone. Don’t be afraid of people. Second, you have to smile at new friends. If you smile at them, it’ll be easy for them to speak to you. It’s wonderful for us to spend time with our friends, so you should spend time with someone. You can do it!
It’s important for us to make new friends, but it’s difficult for somebody. I have some ideas to make new friends. First, you shouldn’t be shy. If you’re shy, probably you can’t speak to anyone. Don’t be afraid of people. Second, you have to smile at new friends. If you smile at them, it’ll be easy for them to speak to you. It’s wonderful for us to spend time with our friends, so you should spend time with someone. You can do it!
My Friend, Shota
By Hitomi Nakayama
Shota is one of my friends. I met him because of study abroad. We are learning English in Canada. He studies English because he wants to be an English teacher in the future. He comes from Osaka, Japan. He doesn’t have a brother or sister, but he has 6 dogs. He did a part-time job before he came to Canada. He cleaned somewhere, not one place. I think Shota is kind, so he is a good boy.
Shota is one of my friends. I met him because of study abroad. We are learning English in Canada. He studies English because he wants to be an English teacher in the future. He comes from Osaka, Japan. He doesn’t have a brother or sister, but he has 6 dogs. He did a part-time job before he came to Canada. He cleaned somewhere, not one place. I think Shota is kind, so he is a good boy.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Book Review: The Talking Tree and Other Stories
By Ayako Suzuki
Today, I’m going to introduce this book. This book is called The Talking Tree and Other Stories. The author is David McRobbie. There are 13 stories and some pictures in this book. I’m going to introduce one of them.
It is called “The Talking Tree.” The main character is Zain. He is in the forest and hungry. When he is looking for some fruit to eat, he finds a tree with a big hole. He thought, “What a good hiding place! No one can find me.” His voice sounds strange when he is in the tree. It seems much longer. Then, he starts singing a song.
When Zain is singing, his friends pass beside the tree and hear his strange voice. Zain’s friend said, “The singing voice is coming from somewherem, but I can’t see anyone.” Then suddenly, Zain speaks slowly, “Ali and Abu! What are you doing on my land?” Ali and Abu were frightened. “I’m the talking tree. Everything in the forest belongs to me. While you are here, you must obey me. If you don’t I will come to your home and take you away when you are sleeping. Now, go and get something to eat for me.”
Ali and Abu obeyed. They went to get some food for the talking tree. A few minutes later, they came back with some fruit. They put some fruit at the bottom of the tree. Zain said, “You have to come here with some food again tomorrow morning.” After they went, Zain was smiling and laughing.
However, when Ali and Abu are walking, Ali said, “I don’t think that’s a talking tree. Did you see those foot prints near the tree? I think someone was hiding there and tricking us.” Abu said, “Oh, really? I didn’t notice. But let’s hide and see if anyone comes from that direction.”
A few minutes later, they saw Zain. Zain is walking a path and carrying some fruit. “It’s Zain!” Then, they thought about how to take revenge on Zain. The next morning, Zain is already standing of the tree. Then, Ali and Abu came here. “Good morning! We brought a juice pot! I shall climb up to the top of your tree and pour it for you.”
Zain was surprised and shouted, “Hey! NO! Don’t do that!” But Abu is climbing the tree. Then, Abu poured the juice over Zain’s head. Zain cried as the drink went into his nose and eyes. He couldn’t bear it. Finally, Zain shouted, “You must never come near the talking tree again! Go away!”
Ali and Abu said with laughing, “All right! We will obey!” They walked away through the forest.
I recommend this book because there are a lot of happy endings in this book. This book has 13 stories, so I didn’t get tired when I was reading.
Today, I’m going to introduce this book. This book is called The Talking Tree and Other Stories. The author is David McRobbie. There are 13 stories and some pictures in this book. I’m going to introduce one of them.
It is called “The Talking Tree.” The main character is Zain. He is in the forest and hungry. When he is looking for some fruit to eat, he finds a tree with a big hole. He thought, “What a good hiding place! No one can find me.” His voice sounds strange when he is in the tree. It seems much longer. Then, he starts singing a song.
When Zain is singing, his friends pass beside the tree and hear his strange voice. Zain’s friend said, “The singing voice is coming from somewherem, but I can’t see anyone.” Then suddenly, Zain speaks slowly, “Ali and Abu! What are you doing on my land?” Ali and Abu were frightened. “I’m the talking tree. Everything in the forest belongs to me. While you are here, you must obey me. If you don’t I will come to your home and take you away when you are sleeping. Now, go and get something to eat for me.”
Ali and Abu obeyed. They went to get some food for the talking tree. A few minutes later, they came back with some fruit. They put some fruit at the bottom of the tree. Zain said, “You have to come here with some food again tomorrow morning.” After they went, Zain was smiling and laughing.
However, when Ali and Abu are walking, Ali said, “I don’t think that’s a talking tree. Did you see those foot prints near the tree? I think someone was hiding there and tricking us.” Abu said, “Oh, really? I didn’t notice. But let’s hide and see if anyone comes from that direction.”
A few minutes later, they saw Zain. Zain is walking a path and carrying some fruit. “It’s Zain!” Then, they thought about how to take revenge on Zain. The next morning, Zain is already standing of the tree. Then, Ali and Abu came here. “Good morning! We brought a juice pot! I shall climb up to the top of your tree and pour it for you.”
Zain was surprised and shouted, “Hey! NO! Don’t do that!” But Abu is climbing the tree. Then, Abu poured the juice over Zain’s head. Zain cried as the drink went into his nose and eyes. He couldn’t bear it. Finally, Zain shouted, “You must never come near the talking tree again! Go away!”
Ali and Abu said with laughing, “All right! We will obey!” They walked away through the forest.
I recommend this book because there are a lot of happy endings in this book. This book has 13 stories, so I didn’t get tired when I was reading.
How to Study for Exams
By Shu Murakami
There are a lot of students in the world. I am also a student in the college. All students have to take several tests. I don’t like taking tests! Most students don’t like it. When I take an exam, I worry about my grade that I can get. Most students want to get high grades. What should we do to get high grades? There are three major steps involved in studying for exams. You should study every day at least 30 minutes, understand important points, and ask your teacher or your friends.
First, you should study every day at least 30 minutes. You should review your classes. You can memnorize contents of your classes for a long time. I think that it is more important to review your classes than preparations. Then, it is the most important to keep studying every day at least 30 minutes. Thirty minutes is not so long. A difficult thing is to keep studying every day.
]Second, you should understand important points in your classes. You have to concentrate on your classes in order to understand important points. Of course, you shouldn’t sleep in your classes. You shouldn’t be shy. You should take part in your classes aggressively. If you understand important points in your classes, you ca get more than 60%.
Finally, you should ask teachers or your friends what you don’t understand. You work with someone. Then, you are taught, and you teach something. You can understand much more. It is important to teach and to be taught for students. Then you should have a rival. A rival makes you try harder to get high grades in your tests.
These are three major steps involved in studying for exams. These might not be difficult for some students, but these might be difficult for others. I hope that students try these things. If so, I’m sure that students can get high grades.
There are a lot of students in the world. I am also a student in the college. All students have to take several tests. I don’t like taking tests! Most students don’t like it. When I take an exam, I worry about my grade that I can get. Most students want to get high grades. What should we do to get high grades? There are three major steps involved in studying for exams. You should study every day at least 30 minutes, understand important points, and ask your teacher or your friends.
First, you should study every day at least 30 minutes. You should review your classes. You can memnorize contents of your classes for a long time. I think that it is more important to review your classes than preparations. Then, it is the most important to keep studying every day at least 30 minutes. Thirty minutes is not so long. A difficult thing is to keep studying every day.
]Second, you should understand important points in your classes. You have to concentrate on your classes in order to understand important points. Of course, you shouldn’t sleep in your classes. You shouldn’t be shy. You should take part in your classes aggressively. If you understand important points in your classes, you ca get more than 60%.
Finally, you should ask teachers or your friends what you don’t understand. You work with someone. Then, you are taught, and you teach something. You can understand much more. It is important to teach and to be taught for students. Then you should have a rival. A rival makes you try harder to get high grades in your tests.
These are three major steps involved in studying for exams. These might not be difficult for some students, but these might be difficult for others. I hope that students try these things. If so, I’m sure that students can get high grades.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Characteristics of Co-Workers
By Stanley Anaka
My first job was with Boston Pizza Company. I worked with different kinds of people. Some are nice; some are rude and have no manners of attitude, and it makes some customers feel bad. In my point of view, there are some important characteristics a co-worker should have.
Smiling is one of the characteristics a co-worker should have. A smiling face makes someone feel welcome. A smiling face brightens the day. A smiling face makes the customers feel welcome and happy. I would say a smiling face decreases stress. With a smiling face everyone would look happy. A smiling face at the work place shows that he or she is happing seeing the guests. Smiles are a language everybody understands in the world.
When working at the work place people should not get made at each other. No matter the situation involved, people should not get mad at the work place or at each other. This is one important characteristic a co-worker chould have at a work place. If a person always gets mad at the work place or at each other, that shows the company is not organized because being mad at the work place can make the company lose customers and friendship. Customers like being treated nicely and specially so it’s really nice not to get mad at guests because it doesn’t portray a good relationship, and you might lose your customers.
To be polite is one of the characteristics a co-worker needs at the work place because being polite shows someone cares. For example, when a co-worker comes into the work place, and he sees his fellow worker he should ask him or her, “How is your day going today? I hope you are having a nice time.” Another example is if a co-worker finds out that a worker is not smiling or looking unhappy, he or she should try to ask the person, “Is there anything wrong? Can I be of help?” Doing this shows that there is love and care among the workers.
Finally, one important characteristic of a co-worker is not to be a racist. Being a racist will make the company lose many workers and customers. If a person is a racist, there will be no happiness among the workers, and customers will not be treated nicely. There will be segregation among the workers. A worker being a racist treating his co-workers and depriving them of their rights is really going to affect or lead to the downfall of the company. A racist causes division among the workers.
A co-worker should have important characteristics like smiling, being polite, should not get mad at people, and not to be a racist. Do you have these characteristics as a worker? If you don’t, I think you should start applying some of these skills at the work place because it will make the company grow faster.
My first job was with Boston Pizza Company. I worked with different kinds of people. Some are nice; some are rude and have no manners of attitude, and it makes some customers feel bad. In my point of view, there are some important characteristics a co-worker should have.
Smiling is one of the characteristics a co-worker should have. A smiling face makes someone feel welcome. A smiling face brightens the day. A smiling face makes the customers feel welcome and happy. I would say a smiling face decreases stress. With a smiling face everyone would look happy. A smiling face at the work place shows that he or she is happing seeing the guests. Smiles are a language everybody understands in the world.
When working at the work place people should not get made at each other. No matter the situation involved, people should not get mad at the work place or at each other. This is one important characteristic a co-worker chould have at a work place. If a person always gets mad at the work place or at each other, that shows the company is not organized because being mad at the work place can make the company lose customers and friendship. Customers like being treated nicely and specially so it’s really nice not to get mad at guests because it doesn’t portray a good relationship, and you might lose your customers.
To be polite is one of the characteristics a co-worker needs at the work place because being polite shows someone cares. For example, when a co-worker comes into the work place, and he sees his fellow worker he should ask him or her, “How is your day going today? I hope you are having a nice time.” Another example is if a co-worker finds out that a worker is not smiling or looking unhappy, he or she should try to ask the person, “Is there anything wrong? Can I be of help?” Doing this shows that there is love and care among the workers.
Finally, one important characteristic of a co-worker is not to be a racist. Being a racist will make the company lose many workers and customers. If a person is a racist, there will be no happiness among the workers, and customers will not be treated nicely. There will be segregation among the workers. A worker being a racist treating his co-workers and depriving them of their rights is really going to affect or lead to the downfall of the company. A racist causes division among the workers.
A co-worker should have important characteristics like smiling, being polite, should not get mad at people, and not to be a racist. Do you have these characteristics as a worker? If you don’t, I think you should start applying some of these skills at the work place because it will make the company grow faster.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Book Review - Secret Daughter
By Pamela den Ouden
Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda, is a story of a mother’s love, and her daughter’s struggle to find her place in her adoptive family. The main characters are Kavita and Jasu, and their daughter, Usha. They live in India in the 1960s. As the story opens, Kavita has just given birth to a baby girl. Her husband takes the baby away from her and has the baby killed because baby girls are not valued in Indian culture. Jasu longs for a boy, but when his wife becomes pregnant again and has another baby girl, Kavita and her sister take the baby to an orphanage in Mumbai, a large city nearby.
This thread of the story is interwoven with the lives of the two other main characters, Krishnan and Somer. They are both medical students when they first meet; he is a native of India, studying medicine in California. He becomes a neurosurgeon, and she has a family practice. They marry and subsequently, she has two miscarriages. They decide to adopt a baby from India, and this is where the two stories meet. They adopt Usha, whose name is changed to Asha.
The chapters of the book alternate between the two stories. Somer never really fits in with Krishnan’s family although she travels to India to arrange the adoption. When Asha is a teenager, she visits her grandparents in India and finds that she really feels at home there. This creates a tension between her and Somer, and finally Somer and Krishnan separate. In the meantime, Kavita and Jasu have had a boy, and everyone in both their families is very happy.
When Asha visits India, she goes to the orphanage where she was adopted from to try to find out about her birth mother. The records weren’t complete, but she does find some information.
Does she ever meet her birth parents? You’ll have to read the book to find out! This was a gripping story that pulled me in to the world of the characters immediately. The Indian world that is described is something that none of us know—the poverty, the prejudice, the gap between rich and poor, the disregard for human life. This book gave a look at that world.
This really is the story of two mothers: one who has children who are not wanted, and one who cannot have children of her own. Both situations are sad but common. Here, we would call what Jasu did to his first baby “murder,” but in India, it was commonplace to get rid of baby girls. The author weaves these two heart-breaking stories together in a book that will draw you in from the very first page.
Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda, is a story of a mother’s love, and her daughter’s struggle to find her place in her adoptive family. The main characters are Kavita and Jasu, and their daughter, Usha. They live in India in the 1960s. As the story opens, Kavita has just given birth to a baby girl. Her husband takes the baby away from her and has the baby killed because baby girls are not valued in Indian culture. Jasu longs for a boy, but when his wife becomes pregnant again and has another baby girl, Kavita and her sister take the baby to an orphanage in Mumbai, a large city nearby.
This thread of the story is interwoven with the lives of the two other main characters, Krishnan and Somer. They are both medical students when they first meet; he is a native of India, studying medicine in California. He becomes a neurosurgeon, and she has a family practice. They marry and subsequently, she has two miscarriages. They decide to adopt a baby from India, and this is where the two stories meet. They adopt Usha, whose name is changed to Asha.
The chapters of the book alternate between the two stories. Somer never really fits in with Krishnan’s family although she travels to India to arrange the adoption. When Asha is a teenager, she visits her grandparents in India and finds that she really feels at home there. This creates a tension between her and Somer, and finally Somer and Krishnan separate. In the meantime, Kavita and Jasu have had a boy, and everyone in both their families is very happy.
When Asha visits India, she goes to the orphanage where she was adopted from to try to find out about her birth mother. The records weren’t complete, but she does find some information.
Does she ever meet her birth parents? You’ll have to read the book to find out! This was a gripping story that pulled me in to the world of the characters immediately. The Indian world that is described is something that none of us know—the poverty, the prejudice, the gap between rich and poor, the disregard for human life. This book gave a look at that world.
This really is the story of two mothers: one who has children who are not wanted, and one who cannot have children of her own. Both situations are sad but common. Here, we would call what Jasu did to his first baby “murder,” but in India, it was commonplace to get rid of baby girls. The author weaves these two heart-breaking stories together in a book that will draw you in from the very first page.
Book Review - Ways Harsh and Wild
By Pamela den Ouden
Ways Harsh and Wild, by Doris Andersen, is a story of adventure and hardship in the Yukon and Alaska of the 1898 Gold Rush days. The main character is Bill, who is only 17 years old in 1900. He travels with a team of horses from Victoria to Lake Bennett in the Yukon. The story is told in the first-person, that is, the narrator refers to himself as “I.” His friend is an English gentleman with a great love of the outdoors. These two men have many adventures during the 18 years that they spend in the north. They hunt and trap. They mine for gold, hoping to strike it rich. At times they almost drown and sometimes, they almost starve, but they are very resourceful and help each other. In the north at that time, people had to depend on one another much more than they do nowadays. Sometimes, their lives depended on getting help from someone else.
Ted marries Bill’s sister, Maude, but Maude lives in the north only for a short time. She much prefers the society of Seattle. Finally, Bill marries Alice, a woman he meets when he goes out to visit friends and family in Victoria. She is much different from Maude, and she goes with her husband to the north country.
Although this book is supposed to be a novel, it reads more like a biography. There isn’t a plot in the conventional sense. The book is just a recounting of the life in Northern Canada and Alaska at a very exciting time. Neither Bill nor Ted ever became rich through their various enterprises, but they had good times together. In fact, the author was born in Alaska, and Ted, the character in the novel, is really her father. Bill was her uncle.
An interesting addition to the book is 16 pages of black and white photos in the centre of the book. Also, the endpapers have a hand-drawn map of Alaska and the Yukon, which was really helpful in following the story of the travels of Ted and Bill as they went north and moved from the Yukon to Alaska.
I would recommend this book to readers who want to find out what it was like living in the wilderness at the beginning of the 20th century. The harsh and frozen landscape, the hunting, fishing, trapping, trading, selling, and surviving make for an exciting and lively narrative.
Ways Harsh and Wild, by Doris Andersen, is a story of adventure and hardship in the Yukon and Alaska of the 1898 Gold Rush days. The main character is Bill, who is only 17 years old in 1900. He travels with a team of horses from Victoria to Lake Bennett in the Yukon. The story is told in the first-person, that is, the narrator refers to himself as “I.” His friend is an English gentleman with a great love of the outdoors. These two men have many adventures during the 18 years that they spend in the north. They hunt and trap. They mine for gold, hoping to strike it rich. At times they almost drown and sometimes, they almost starve, but they are very resourceful and help each other. In the north at that time, people had to depend on one another much more than they do nowadays. Sometimes, their lives depended on getting help from someone else.
Ted marries Bill’s sister, Maude, but Maude lives in the north only for a short time. She much prefers the society of Seattle. Finally, Bill marries Alice, a woman he meets when he goes out to visit friends and family in Victoria. She is much different from Maude, and she goes with her husband to the north country.
Although this book is supposed to be a novel, it reads more like a biography. There isn’t a plot in the conventional sense. The book is just a recounting of the life in Northern Canada and Alaska at a very exciting time. Neither Bill nor Ted ever became rich through their various enterprises, but they had good times together. In fact, the author was born in Alaska, and Ted, the character in the novel, is really her father. Bill was her uncle.
An interesting addition to the book is 16 pages of black and white photos in the centre of the book. Also, the endpapers have a hand-drawn map of Alaska and the Yukon, which was really helpful in following the story of the travels of Ted and Bill as they went north and moved from the Yukon to Alaska.
I would recommend this book to readers who want to find out what it was like living in the wilderness at the beginning of the 20th century. The harsh and frozen landscape, the hunting, fishing, trapping, trading, selling, and surviving make for an exciting and lively narrative.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sushi and Diwali: The Internationalization of Fort St. John
By Pamela den Ouden
In the thirty-four years that I’ve lived in Fort St. John, I’ve seen many changes that have been caused by international immigration and culture. One area that has changed is the different types of restaurants that we have here. Now, there are several sushi restaurants. Sushi is Japanese, but in the last ten years, it has become very popular in North America, and now, people in my own community can enjoy it too and support these businesses started by new people in the community. Another change is in the places of worship. There is a Sikh temple on 100 Avenue, and the Presbyterian Church offers a Sunday afternoon service in Korean, the native language of the pastor. Finally the international program at Northern Lights College attracts foreign students from many places, including Japan, China, Korea, Macau, Colombia, Iran, Switzerland, Turkey, India, and Nigeria. These students share their culture with the rest of the community. For instance, the students had an opportunity to learn some traditional dances from the Indian students, who also introduced us to Diwali, the festival of lights. We share our Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, and Christmas traditions with them. Fort St. John is becoming internationalized, and everyone benefits.
In the thirty-four years that I’ve lived in Fort St. John, I’ve seen many changes that have been caused by international immigration and culture. One area that has changed is the different types of restaurants that we have here. Now, there are several sushi restaurants. Sushi is Japanese, but in the last ten years, it has become very popular in North America, and now, people in my own community can enjoy it too and support these businesses started by new people in the community. Another change is in the places of worship. There is a Sikh temple on 100 Avenue, and the Presbyterian Church offers a Sunday afternoon service in Korean, the native language of the pastor. Finally the international program at Northern Lights College attracts foreign students from many places, including Japan, China, Korea, Macau, Colombia, Iran, Switzerland, Turkey, India, and Nigeria. These students share their culture with the rest of the community. For instance, the students had an opportunity to learn some traditional dances from the Indian students, who also introduced us to Diwali, the festival of lights. We share our Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, and Christmas traditions with them. Fort St. John is becoming internationalized, and everyone benefits.
My Good Trip
By Hitomi
I had a very good time with Yuko, Mayu, Kazuna, and Yukari last week. We took the plane and went to Edmonton. We arrived at the hotel Tuesday evening and then we had dinner. After we took a shower, we went to bed.
The next day, after we had breakfast, we went to the West Edmonton Mall. It was very big, so we were excited. We walked there a lot, and we bought many souvenirs. We went to the Galaxy Land, and we rode a roller coaster. I don’t like it, but I rode it for memory. It was very scary, so I regretted riding it. We had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory before we came back to the hotel. It was very good, so I like this restaurant. We took a shower as soon as we arrived at the hotel. We went to bed early because we were very tired.
We also went shopping at the West Edmonton Mall on the third day and fourth day. I bought two pieces of clothes for me and souvenirs for my Japanese friends. For four days, I laughed so much with my awesome friends! These are wonderful memories, so I want to go there with them again.
I had a very good time with Yuko, Mayu, Kazuna, and Yukari last week. We took the plane and went to Edmonton. We arrived at the hotel Tuesday evening and then we had dinner. After we took a shower, we went to bed.
The next day, after we had breakfast, we went to the West Edmonton Mall. It was very big, so we were excited. We walked there a lot, and we bought many souvenirs. We went to the Galaxy Land, and we rode a roller coaster. I don’t like it, but I rode it for memory. It was very scary, so I regretted riding it. We had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory before we came back to the hotel. It was very good, so I like this restaurant. We took a shower as soon as we arrived at the hotel. We went to bed early because we were very tired.
We also went shopping at the West Edmonton Mall on the third day and fourth day. I bought two pieces of clothes for me and souvenirs for my Japanese friends. For four days, I laughed so much with my awesome friends! These are wonderful memories, so I want to go there with them again.
My Trip to Edmonton
By Yuko
Last week was a very good time for me. I went to Edmonton with my awesome friends. We spent time there from Tuesday to Friday and came back here on Saturday morning.
We spent time in the shopping mall almost all of our trip. There were many stores, and they were really attractive for me. We looked around them individually. All of us bought a lot of souvenirs for our Japanese family and friends. The things I bought were too heavy to carry. It was really hard for me.
Actually I also went downtown with Mayu. Our purpose was to purchase something at Louis Vuitton, and I got a wallet! It is a birthday present for me. It was the first time for me to buy such an expensive thing by myself. I had a good experience.
I got many memories there, but I can’t explain how they were good and funny. Anyway, the trip was really awesome! I won’t forget it.
Last week was a very good time for me. I went to Edmonton with my awesome friends. We spent time there from Tuesday to Friday and came back here on Saturday morning.
We spent time in the shopping mall almost all of our trip. There were many stores, and they were really attractive for me. We looked around them individually. All of us bought a lot of souvenirs for our Japanese family and friends. The things I bought were too heavy to carry. It was really hard for me.
Actually I also went downtown with Mayu. Our purpose was to purchase something at Louis Vuitton, and I got a wallet! It is a birthday present for me. It was the first time for me to buy such an expensive thing by myself. I had a good experience.
I got many memories there, but I can’t explain how they were good and funny. Anyway, the trip was really awesome! I won’t forget it.
Book Review - About a Boy
By Emika Uetake
This time, I read About a Boy. This book summarized the same movie. The main character is a single man named Will, who is rich because of his father’s huge heritage, handsome, and has never earned money by himself. Hugh Grant played him. A boy named Marcus is a strange 12-year-old elementary school student.
They met at a picnic that was held by an organization named SPAT. This organization is for single parents. Will doesn’t have any kids, but he pretended to be a single father who has a two-year-old kid to go out with a nice single mother. After the picnic, they and a woman named Suzie, who is a friend of Marcus’s mother name Fiona went to Marcus’s house. Fiona tried to kill herself. Will was so surprised, and he wanted to help Marcus. He has never felt like that, but Marcus has some problems which are that he is always bullied by some students, and he also suffers from his mother’s mental problems. Though Marcus is only twelve years old, he lives a very hard life. They were involved in some incidents, but they found their own way to live comfortably.
In the end of this story, Will and Marcus’s character and life changed to good. First, Marcus had suffered from bullying and his mother’s problems, but he found friends named Will and a girl named Ellie, who is fifteen years old and does love a singer. Marcus also became to think more what words are the best in several situation. In addition, his mother was also better than before.
Will wanted an easy life with no responsibilities and didn’t want to relate to a lot of people. However, now Will feels it is good to relate to people even when they are so strange. Will also found a good friend named Marcus, and a good girl friend named Raichel, who has a kid. Will learned about having responsibilities by taking care of Raichel’s kid and Marcus. However, Will is a little sad because Marcus became older and twelve-year-old Marcus doesn’t exist any more. Will sometimes thinks he want twelve-year-old Marcus to list to his stories and advise him.
I think this story is very funny and thoughtful. This story says it is hard to grow up to adulthood and to be mixed up with people who have mental problems. It is important to have something to do with people. I thought a lot about people.
This story was great. I really recommend this book to you and this movie.
This time, I read About a Boy. This book summarized the same movie. The main character is a single man named Will, who is rich because of his father’s huge heritage, handsome, and has never earned money by himself. Hugh Grant played him. A boy named Marcus is a strange 12-year-old elementary school student.
They met at a picnic that was held by an organization named SPAT. This organization is for single parents. Will doesn’t have any kids, but he pretended to be a single father who has a two-year-old kid to go out with a nice single mother. After the picnic, they and a woman named Suzie, who is a friend of Marcus’s mother name Fiona went to Marcus’s house. Fiona tried to kill herself. Will was so surprised, and he wanted to help Marcus. He has never felt like that, but Marcus has some problems which are that he is always bullied by some students, and he also suffers from his mother’s mental problems. Though Marcus is only twelve years old, he lives a very hard life. They were involved in some incidents, but they found their own way to live comfortably.
In the end of this story, Will and Marcus’s character and life changed to good. First, Marcus had suffered from bullying and his mother’s problems, but he found friends named Will and a girl named Ellie, who is fifteen years old and does love a singer. Marcus also became to think more what words are the best in several situation. In addition, his mother was also better than before.
Will wanted an easy life with no responsibilities and didn’t want to relate to a lot of people. However, now Will feels it is good to relate to people even when they are so strange. Will also found a good friend named Marcus, and a good girl friend named Raichel, who has a kid. Will learned about having responsibilities by taking care of Raichel’s kid and Marcus. However, Will is a little sad because Marcus became older and twelve-year-old Marcus doesn’t exist any more. Will sometimes thinks he want twelve-year-old Marcus to list to his stories and advise him.
I think this story is very funny and thoughtful. This story says it is hard to grow up to adulthood and to be mixed up with people who have mental problems. It is important to have something to do with people. I thought a lot about people.
This story was great. I really recommend this book to you and this movie.
How Can I Teach My Sons to Be Polite?
By Emika Uetake
Recently, some children’s manners are so bad. They don’t be quiet when they should be quiet like during classes. They can’t say “Thank you” or “Sorry.” In Japan, TV shows sometimes feature stories about classes that have “collapsed” because students bully a teacher. I think there are a lot of way of teaching my sons to be polite, but you should grasp these three points: greeting, teaching what not to do, and showing your behavior politely.
Do your sons say, “Good morning” every day? Greetings help us to make friends, to start a conversation calmly, and to make a good first impression. Even if they say just, “Hi,” it is good as the first step.
I have a brother. When I argue with my brother, and we say back words to each other, my mother used to say, “Don’t say things which you don’t want people to say.” This phrase can be said about behavior. For instance, when your older son hits your younger son, you shouldn’t say just “No.” Children react easily if adults scold them without letting the children explain. Children like asking, so they always ask, “Why can’t I do that? Why? Why?” Then this phrase is also useful to satisfy children.
When my mother started working at a suit shop near our house, I went there because I forgot to bring my house key. Then she was standing upright, talking with customers very politely. Basically, my mother doesn’t stand upright when informally talking with me and my brother or friend. I have never seen such a thing about my mother. I respected her again. Children grow up seeing parents’ behavior and like imitating them. Have you ever put your mother’s high heels on? Imitating your behavior is the same. It isn’t to imitate all your behavior, but you don’t forget what children are susceptible to.
I think your sons will be polite because you notice what children need
Recently, some children’s manners are so bad. They don’t be quiet when they should be quiet like during classes. They can’t say “Thank you” or “Sorry.” In Japan, TV shows sometimes feature stories about classes that have “collapsed” because students bully a teacher. I think there are a lot of way of teaching my sons to be polite, but you should grasp these three points: greeting, teaching what not to do, and showing your behavior politely.
Do your sons say, “Good morning” every day? Greetings help us to make friends, to start a conversation calmly, and to make a good first impression. Even if they say just, “Hi,” it is good as the first step.
I have a brother. When I argue with my brother, and we say back words to each other, my mother used to say, “Don’t say things which you don’t want people to say.” This phrase can be said about behavior. For instance, when your older son hits your younger son, you shouldn’t say just “No.” Children react easily if adults scold them without letting the children explain. Children like asking, so they always ask, “Why can’t I do that? Why? Why?” Then this phrase is also useful to satisfy children.
When my mother started working at a suit shop near our house, I went there because I forgot to bring my house key. Then she was standing upright, talking with customers very politely. Basically, my mother doesn’t stand upright when informally talking with me and my brother or friend. I have never seen such a thing about my mother. I respected her again. Children grow up seeing parents’ behavior and like imitating them. Have you ever put your mother’s high heels on? Imitating your behavior is the same. It isn’t to imitate all your behavior, but you don’t forget what children are susceptible to.
I think your sons will be polite because you notice what children need
Internationalization: Changes in Osaka
By Ayu Shigi
I chose to write about Osaka today and in the past. I am from Osaka. In the past, there was not an international market and millions of foreign people, but today there are many stores and a lot of people. Recently, there are many opportunities to see foreign people in Osaka. We can see them especially in the city of Namba. Also many foreign people run their own stores. So we can eat their local foods, and we can make foreign friends easily. Also our college has many foreign teachers and study-abroad students.
There are “wrong English signs that can be seen in several places. It is mixed Japanese and English. It may not be understood if I use it. I want to correct it. For example, "rice of delicious," "brightly and happiness," and "we have only two empty stomach now."
I chose to write about Osaka today and in the past. I am from Osaka. In the past, there was not an international market and millions of foreign people, but today there are many stores and a lot of people. Recently, there are many opportunities to see foreign people in Osaka. We can see them especially in the city of Namba. Also many foreign people run their own stores. So we can eat their local foods, and we can make foreign friends easily. Also our college has many foreign teachers and study-abroad students.
There are “wrong English signs that can be seen in several places. It is mixed Japanese and English. It may not be understood if I use it. I want to correct it. For example, "rice of delicious," "brightly and happiness," and "we have only two empty stomach now."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tips for Travelers
By Pamela den Ouden
If this is your first visit to Canada, I have some advice for you about politeness in North American culture. My most important tip concerns gift-giving customs when you visit a host’s home. If you’re invited for supper, it’s considered good manners to bring something for the host. Traditionally, people bring flowers, chocolates, or a small gift that they’ve brought from their own country. Next, it’s important to be on time. If you have a business meeting, show respect by arriving five to ten minutes early. Greet the receptionist and introduce yourself. This will help you make a good impression. For a dinner engagement at someone’s home, you should arrive 10-15 minutes before the stated time. For example, if the host tells you dinner is at 5:00 p.m., you should arrive between 4:45-4:50. If you are unavoidably detained, call your host and explain why you’re going to be late. Finally, if you eat out at a restaurant, you should leave a tip of 15-20%. This is a typical amount. This has not been added into the price shown on the menu. Following these simple suggestions will help you avoid awkward situations and will make your visit to Canada more enjoyable.
If this is your first visit to Canada, I have some advice for you about politeness in North American culture. My most important tip concerns gift-giving customs when you visit a host’s home. If you’re invited for supper, it’s considered good manners to bring something for the host. Traditionally, people bring flowers, chocolates, or a small gift that they’ve brought from their own country. Next, it’s important to be on time. If you have a business meeting, show respect by arriving five to ten minutes early. Greet the receptionist and introduce yourself. This will help you make a good impression. For a dinner engagement at someone’s home, you should arrive 10-15 minutes before the stated time. For example, if the host tells you dinner is at 5:00 p.m., you should arrive between 4:45-4:50. If you are unavoidably detained, call your host and explain why you’re going to be late. Finally, if you eat out at a restaurant, you should leave a tip of 15-20%. This is a typical amount. This has not been added into the price shown on the menu. Following these simple suggestions will help you avoid awkward situations and will make your visit to Canada more enjoyable.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Pros and Cons of Instant Food
Yuri Kubota
Pamela den Ouden
Writing 2
2011 November 16
Pros and Cons of Eating Instant Food
Nowadays, both women and men tend to work, so they do not have enough time to make meals at home. However, the more instant food has become popular, the easier it is for the people to get meals. Actually, there are some pros and cons of eating instant food.
One of the positive reasons of having instant food is you can eat anything, anytime when you get hungry. All you have to do is just pour some water or put the food in a microwave. When you feel lazy and do not want to cook, instant food is very convenient and it does not cost a lot. Moreover, when you get home late from work and you get very tired, instant food gratifies your hunger easily.
Another reason is instant food is very familiar to people from different age groups. For example, if both a mother and a father go out for work until late, their kids have to wait for them with hunger. Some parents do not want kids to cook by themselves because it can be dangerous. However, most instant food does not need to be cut or baked so it is very easy even for kids to prepare. Moreover, the directions for cooking are written quite simply so that everyone from kids to senior citizens can enjoy the food.
On the other hand, you need to keep in mind that instant food is not healthy - most instant food is very oily and high in calories. Recently, the more instant food is getting popular, the more people are getting fat. Many people tend to rely on instant food too much and forget to eat vegetables. You need to take balanced meals.
In conclusion, instant food has made people get meals easier; however, it does not mean instant food is good for our health. Now please think about the suppers that you usually have in your house. How many packages of instant food have you prepared this week? I recommend that you cut down on and consider how much oil and how many calories you consume.
Pamela den Ouden
Writing 2
2011 November 16
Pros and Cons of Eating Instant Food
Nowadays, both women and men tend to work, so they do not have enough time to make meals at home. However, the more instant food has become popular, the easier it is for the people to get meals. Actually, there are some pros and cons of eating instant food.
One of the positive reasons of having instant food is you can eat anything, anytime when you get hungry. All you have to do is just pour some water or put the food in a microwave. When you feel lazy and do not want to cook, instant food is very convenient and it does not cost a lot. Moreover, when you get home late from work and you get very tired, instant food gratifies your hunger easily.
Another reason is instant food is very familiar to people from different age groups. For example, if both a mother and a father go out for work until late, their kids have to wait for them with hunger. Some parents do not want kids to cook by themselves because it can be dangerous. However, most instant food does not need to be cut or baked so it is very easy even for kids to prepare. Moreover, the directions for cooking are written quite simply so that everyone from kids to senior citizens can enjoy the food.
On the other hand, you need to keep in mind that instant food is not healthy - most instant food is very oily and high in calories. Recently, the more instant food is getting popular, the more people are getting fat. Many people tend to rely on instant food too much and forget to eat vegetables. You need to take balanced meals.
In conclusion, instant food has made people get meals easier; however, it does not mean instant food is good for our health. Now please think about the suppers that you usually have in your house. How many packages of instant food have you prepared this week? I recommend that you cut down on and consider how much oil and how many calories you consume.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Book Review – Rain Man
By Yuri Kubota
I read a book called Rain Man by Leonore Fleischer. I think you might have seen this movie before since it’s popular.
The main character is Charlie. He is 26 years old and his father dies one day. His father is rich so Charlie is supposed to get his money and house. But their relationship isn’t very good so his father doesn’t leave him any money. According to his will, the money goes to a man whom Charlie has never met before. Charlie doesn’t understand this situation so he decides to fight against this to get the money back.
One day, Charlie meets the man. His name is Raymond. Actually, Raymond is Charlie’s big brother who left home 20 years before. Raymond is not like other people. He panics when something changes around him, so he eats the same thing every day, does the same thing every day. First, Charlie thinks when he gets back the money, he can leave him. However, he comes to love him as a brother and understands him day by day. Charlie learns how to love someone.
I like this book because I can feel the importance of family love. In this story, Charlie learns how to love somebody from his brother. Before, I thought I’m the oldest sister in my family, so I’d never learn anything from my sisters because they are very young. But now I changed my mind. Your age doesn’t matter. Family is important for me and they make me what I am.
I read a book called Rain Man by Leonore Fleischer. I think you might have seen this movie before since it’s popular.
The main character is Charlie. He is 26 years old and his father dies one day. His father is rich so Charlie is supposed to get his money and house. But their relationship isn’t very good so his father doesn’t leave him any money. According to his will, the money goes to a man whom Charlie has never met before. Charlie doesn’t understand this situation so he decides to fight against this to get the money back.
One day, Charlie meets the man. His name is Raymond. Actually, Raymond is Charlie’s big brother who left home 20 years before. Raymond is not like other people. He panics when something changes around him, so he eats the same thing every day, does the same thing every day. First, Charlie thinks when he gets back the money, he can leave him. However, he comes to love him as a brother and understands him day by day. Charlie learns how to love someone.
I like this book because I can feel the importance of family love. In this story, Charlie learns how to love somebody from his brother. Before, I thought I’m the oldest sister in my family, so I’d never learn anything from my sisters because they are very young. But now I changed my mind. Your age doesn’t matter. Family is important for me and they make me what I am.
Book Review - The Lightning Thief
By Pamela den Ouden
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in the series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It is a fantasy story in which the gods of Ancient Greece are mixed in with the modern world. For example, World War II is shown to be caused by a war between the gods.
The protagonist, Percy Jackson, lives with his mother, Sally Jackson and his stepfather, Gabe, in New York City. His real father left when he was a baby and he has only a very vague memory of him. Some strange things begin to happen at Yancy Academy, where Percy goes to school. He escapes to a place called Camp Half-Blood. A half-blood is a person one of whose parents is a mortal (an ordinary person) and the other is one of the ancient Greek gods. Percy’s father is Poseidon, the god of the sea. This gives Percy special superpowers in the water.
Percy has to go on a quest to recover the lightning bolt that was stolen from Zeus and the helm of darkness that was stolen from Hades, the ruler of the underworld. His quest takes him to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He is also searching for his mother, who has disappeared. He seeks advice from the Oracle. He has many adventures on his quest. His friends, Annabeth, also a half-blood, and Grover, a satyr, which is a half-goat, half-human, go with him to help him. He even goes to Mount Olympus, which is located high above the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
I usually don’t like fantasy novels at all, but I read this novel because my 10-year-old grandson, Noah, has read the whole series of five books and now he’s reading the next series by Rick Riordan. I wanted to find out why he was so interested in these books. I think it’s because there is lots of action and many surprises in the book. I recommend this book if you want an easy and exciting way to learn a lot about Greek mythology.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in the series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It is a fantasy story in which the gods of Ancient Greece are mixed in with the modern world. For example, World War II is shown to be caused by a war between the gods.
The protagonist, Percy Jackson, lives with his mother, Sally Jackson and his stepfather, Gabe, in New York City. His real father left when he was a baby and he has only a very vague memory of him. Some strange things begin to happen at Yancy Academy, where Percy goes to school. He escapes to a place called Camp Half-Blood. A half-blood is a person one of whose parents is a mortal (an ordinary person) and the other is one of the ancient Greek gods. Percy’s father is Poseidon, the god of the sea. This gives Percy special superpowers in the water.
Percy has to go on a quest to recover the lightning bolt that was stolen from Zeus and the helm of darkness that was stolen from Hades, the ruler of the underworld. His quest takes him to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He is also searching for his mother, who has disappeared. He seeks advice from the Oracle. He has many adventures on his quest. His friends, Annabeth, also a half-blood, and Grover, a satyr, which is a half-goat, half-human, go with him to help him. He even goes to Mount Olympus, which is located high above the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
I usually don’t like fantasy novels at all, but I read this novel because my 10-year-old grandson, Noah, has read the whole series of five books and now he’s reading the next series by Rick Riordan. I wanted to find out why he was so interested in these books. I think it’s because there is lots of action and many surprises in the book. I recommend this book if you want an easy and exciting way to learn a lot about Greek mythology.
Lady Gaga
By Emika Uetake
Almost all people know Lady Gaga. She is a very popular singer particularly among young people in the world. Of course her songs are so good as to have received a Grammy award. However, it isn’t the only reason she became famous.
First of all, her music is popular all over the world. Profound lyrics which she wrote struck a chord with a lot of people, especially women. Her big hit music named “Poker Face” established her status.
However, she isn’t just a famous singer. She is also famous as a fashion leader. If you know her songs, I think you know her name and her fashions. People have been surprised at her eccentric fashions which can use meat as clothes many times. Her fashion can't be imitated easily, and it isn’t too much to say that Lady Gaga has her own style called Lady Gaga. Each of the media, like magazines, can’t help picking her up and many audiences discovered and spread her fame in the world.
Her eccentric fashions and music with profound lyrics and individual promotion videos seem crazy, but her thought (especially for music) is always earnest. It gets her more famous, and many young people are impressed by that.
When I read a book about psychology, the book’s author said, "We are always looking for involuntary incentivism in our common society." I think that is why she became famous and popular. She is just different from commoners because she is a singer. Nobody puts on shoes in which the heels don’t touch the ground. Nobody meets Queen Elizabeth II of England wearing strange clothes. Nobody makes up like a crazy manga, but she does. These acts attract many people and the mass media whether people like it or not. She does many things which nobody has ever done before. I think she is going to entertain us.
Almost all people know Lady Gaga. She is a very popular singer particularly among young people in the world. Of course her songs are so good as to have received a Grammy award. However, it isn’t the only reason she became famous.
First of all, her music is popular all over the world. Profound lyrics which she wrote struck a chord with a lot of people, especially women. Her big hit music named “Poker Face” established her status.
However, she isn’t just a famous singer. She is also famous as a fashion leader. If you know her songs, I think you know her name and her fashions. People have been surprised at her eccentric fashions which can use meat as clothes many times. Her fashion can't be imitated easily, and it isn’t too much to say that Lady Gaga has her own style called Lady Gaga. Each of the media, like magazines, can’t help picking her up and many audiences discovered and spread her fame in the world.
Her eccentric fashions and music with profound lyrics and individual promotion videos seem crazy, but her thought (especially for music) is always earnest. It gets her more famous, and many young people are impressed by that.
When I read a book about psychology, the book’s author said, "We are always looking for involuntary incentivism in our common society." I think that is why she became famous and popular. She is just different from commoners because she is a singer. Nobody puts on shoes in which the heels don’t touch the ground. Nobody meets Queen Elizabeth II of England wearing strange clothes. Nobody makes up like a crazy manga, but she does. These acts attract many people and the mass media whether people like it or not. She does many things which nobody has ever done before. I think she is going to entertain us.
Insomnia
By Emika Uetake
A lot of people suffer from insomnia. For instance, tjere are a number of companies called “black companies” in Japan. This kind of company is famous for bad working conditions, too long working time, hard work, and bad co-workers and bosses. Working at these companies makes stresses and strains, and many people are caused insomnia. I think insomnia is caused easily when stress builds up. However, there are some way to releive or solve insomnia.
When you were a child, have your parents ever said, “You can’t sleep? Why don’t you count sheep?” Counting sheep is a famous way of sleeping. You imagine there is a big, beautiful, and green field. Then, some sheep gaze at a fence, and they start running and jumping suddenly. You count it. One, two, three . . . Finally, you can sleep. When I was nervous because of tests or something, I used to do that. Counting is a simple action, and a sheep is a fluffy and cute animal. These are why we can sleep by just counting sheep.
When I am in Japan, I use a chaff pillow. This isn’t fluffy like a pillow I am using in Canada, but I have used the pillow for a very long time. I like this pillow’s particular sound and feel. I think finding favorite bedroom suites is a good way to solve insomnia. There are some shops which make your original pillow. They measure up customer’s length of neck, search how balance is the ben when the customer sleeps, and so on. This is expensive, but pillows ca be used for a long time. You can also have a pillow which is only on in the world.
I have heard just closing our eyes can restore seventy percent of our energy. Therefore, if you can’t sleep at night, closing your eyes is much better than getting up and doing something. This is a very easy way, and you can work or study with more focus the next day.
A lot of people who have insomnia tend to rely on taking pills. There is a huge number of sleeping pills in the world, and you can get those for cheap prices. I think those are much cheaper than making your own pillows or beds and much easier than countin gsheep or closing your eyes until sleeping comes. However, is the best way to take pills? I don’t think so. Many people “throw away” their life by chemical poisoning. If people with insomnia keep on relying on takin gpills, they will cause another problem like this. Therefore, I don’t recommend taking pills.
Sleeping is a very important routine in our entire life. Humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping. Everyone wants to spend time to sleep comfortably, but everyone doesn’t want to have insomnia. If you have insomnia, be careful you don’t go too far.
A lot of people suffer from insomnia. For instance, tjere are a number of companies called “black companies” in Japan. This kind of company is famous for bad working conditions, too long working time, hard work, and bad co-workers and bosses. Working at these companies makes stresses and strains, and many people are caused insomnia. I think insomnia is caused easily when stress builds up. However, there are some way to releive or solve insomnia.
When you were a child, have your parents ever said, “You can’t sleep? Why don’t you count sheep?” Counting sheep is a famous way of sleeping. You imagine there is a big, beautiful, and green field. Then, some sheep gaze at a fence, and they start running and jumping suddenly. You count it. One, two, three . . . Finally, you can sleep. When I was nervous because of tests or something, I used to do that. Counting is a simple action, and a sheep is a fluffy and cute animal. These are why we can sleep by just counting sheep.
When I am in Japan, I use a chaff pillow. This isn’t fluffy like a pillow I am using in Canada, but I have used the pillow for a very long time. I like this pillow’s particular sound and feel. I think finding favorite bedroom suites is a good way to solve insomnia. There are some shops which make your original pillow. They measure up customer’s length of neck, search how balance is the ben when the customer sleeps, and so on. This is expensive, but pillows ca be used for a long time. You can also have a pillow which is only on in the world.
I have heard just closing our eyes can restore seventy percent of our energy. Therefore, if you can’t sleep at night, closing your eyes is much better than getting up and doing something. This is a very easy way, and you can work or study with more focus the next day.
A lot of people who have insomnia tend to rely on taking pills. There is a huge number of sleeping pills in the world, and you can get those for cheap prices. I think those are much cheaper than making your own pillows or beds and much easier than countin gsheep or closing your eyes until sleeping comes. However, is the best way to take pills? I don’t think so. Many people “throw away” their life by chemical poisoning. If people with insomnia keep on relying on takin gpills, they will cause another problem like this. Therefore, I don’t recommend taking pills.
Sleeping is a very important routine in our entire life. Humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping. Everyone wants to spend time to sleep comfortably, but everyone doesn’t want to have insomnia. If you have insomnia, be careful you don’t go too far.
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