PeacEzine

Book Review - One-Way Ticket

2012-02-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

Sayaka

The title is One-Way Ticket. The author is Jennifer Bassett. There are three short stories in this book. All stories are in the train. I’ll introduce one story. This is the third story. It is the best story in this book.

There is the man. He likes the train. His name is Mr Harris. This is a night train. He saw a man and woman. They are brother and sister. Her brother stole a diamond necklace. She was angry. But he didn’t listen. Suddenly she took a knife and stabbed him. Mr. Harris called a guard quickly. But there was no young man and woman when Mr. Harris came back to the carriage. This is a psychic phenomenon. There were dead 80 years ago. They were ghosts.

The Pressures of Being a Student

2012-02-22T10:06:00.002-08:00

By Arisa Shimamoto

There are many many pressures of being a student. It should be different depending on a person, and the number of pressures which stdents have also depends on a person. Someitmes, these pressures impede students from having a good school life by too mmuch worrying about them, but on the other hand, they make students work hard to overcome the prssures. Among a lot of pressures, I think the common pressures are to get high grades, keep a relationship, and think about the future.

Effort is necessary to get high grades. If students don’t have high enough grades, they can’t graduate, and their choices decrease. They hagve to study hard every day as much as they can, so that they won’t be such cases. It needs a really strong decision and mind because they know there are a lot more fun things than studying. It’s very difficult to study instead of doing fun things. In addition, their parents expect them to fulfill their potenieal. Most students think about that and they try to live up to their expectations. Sometimes, it could be a big pressure for students.

Students have to care abou tmnay things if they want to keep a relationship. Nobody can spend school life without relying on somebody else. Having friends is important because friends have a big effect. Depending on who my friends are, my life can change, but making friends is difficult for some people. Especially, it may be hard for people who are not talkative. Of course, friends aren’t the same as me and each person has a different personality and opinions. So sometimes, they may argue, but having a relationship with others means including them. Students have to move beyond such situations. Whether students can ge a good relationship or not depends on how they do. That’s why they must have big pressures while they may not realize it.

To think about the future links how students live their life. They have moch possibility and if they keep trying, their possibility can spread more and more. It’s different time when students find what they want to be or what their dream is. If it can be found early, it’s easy to know what to do for that, but some students who can’t find that have to look for what they want to do in themeantime. Sometimes, student don’t have any choice for their future because of parents. Some parents want thtie children to be the same as themselves or grant their dreams which they couldn’t grant. Students like these are charged with their parents’ expectations and pressures. On the other hand, students who have a dream can know what to do, but it will be hard work. They also have parents’ expectations. Parents devote their time, money and everything for their children. So students have to reward such big cooperation.

Consequently, being a student is work. However, nobody can avoid that. In addition, they get a job, it means starting to have more big pressures. Pressures of being a student many be practice for pressures of their future.

City or Country

2012-02-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

By Emika Uetake

If I imagine the view of Tokyo, like Aoyama or Shibuya, which are famous and popular cities in Tokyo, I picture that there are a lot of buildings, shops, stuff, and people. These kinds of cities in Tokyo are lighted up all day, so we call them “a non-sleeping city.” On the other hand, my home town, named Koshigaya, in Saitama prefecture, which takes about 30 or 40 minutes from Tokyo city by train, is totally different from Aoyama or Shibuya. There are some rice firlds, many houses, and a few pedestrians. I think this depends on which city you’re are living in, but I prefer to live in the country because there are three better points than city’s.

When I go to Tokyo to shop, I am tired the moment I arrive there and see the number of pedestrians. It is difficult to walk smoothly like in my home town. I’m always pinched by “pedestrians’ wall” one after another. Until I enter a shop, I am exhausted because I broke lots of the “walls.” Although I go there on weekdays, I have to fight with the “walls,” which were made by rich housewives with free time. In contrast, I never feel tired when I am walking on my home town streets. I pedal my bicycle, seeing green rice fields and old Japanese traditional style houses. This is a way of getting rid of stress for me. Places with few pedestrians makes me calm.

If I lived in a city area, I wouldn’t be able to sleep very well because of the noise and bright lights. It is uncomfortable for many people including me to listen to lots of noise. When the bright lights are added to the noise, I am more annoyed. In a city area, they keep on being until every midnight. A country area like Fort St. John, in which I have been, is very quiet at night. I sometimes catch a sound which is a freight train running, blowing the train whistle. In addition, there are enough lights to keep safe exept some events. These lights do not affect us badly and everyone doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Just a little sound and a few lights which need to keep us safe are better point than a city’s.

I like country areas because they aren’t filled with lots of buildings or products. I think this is the most favorite point. In Japan, basically, there is a big shopping mall like WalMart in each town, so we don’t have to go to the city with spending a long time. Moreover, we no longer need to go to the city to shop. There is a huge number of stores on the Internet. We can even buy a tank. The Internet has everything we want, and sometimes cheaper than a shop that we go out to. The stuff you ordered reaches you soon. Even if the stuff, for example, clothes didn’t fit us, we can change the size or take it back smoothly. This great invention gives people who are living in a country area a comfortable life.

I like to live in a country area due to the three points. Which do you want to live in: places which there are lots of people, lights, and stuff, and these are always shining or places with a few people, quiet and calm?

Poems

2012-02-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

by Pamela
Some of the most wonderful
Fort St. John sights
Are the stars in the sky
And the Northern Lights.

by Takashi
I drink coffee every day
the taste is good
One day I was walking
I crashed into wood.

by Ben
the winter is cold
the weather is dry
I woke up this morning
It makes me die

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:52:00.001-08:00

By Maho

Blog: I almost write blog every night. I tell my friends that interesting things in blog. I make friends.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:51:00.001-08:00

By Sayaka

I usually use an e-mail. I send to my family and my friends. I use an e-mail when I want to contact to another person. I sometimes attach some photos.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

By Chiai Yoshida

I send an e-mail every day for my family and my friends. I write about school, friends, my life in Canada for my family. And I write about each other’s things for my friends. When I meet someone, I decide everything with an e-mail. An e-mail is important for me.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

By Hozumi Nishi

I use writing on Facebook. Writing on Facebook is very easy to write message to other people and to write a comment on other people’s nmessage where they are and what they are doing or they did. In addition, we can share a lot of information easily. For this reason I use writing on Facebook.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

By Ryoko Nishimura

I write a diary during study abroad because I want to remember. Study abroad of Canada is one’s life experience. In the future, I will look at diary from study abroad. Then I will remember study abroad vividly. Therefore I write a diary.

I will write a word when I study. I don’t study without writing.

I can express everything in writing.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:45:00.001-08:00

By Erika

I use writing Twitter every day. I write daily happenings and things. I write it more than three times a day because I write comment to other people. And I can communicate with other people. So I enjoy writing it.

I sometimes use Facebook. I usually write at night. Mainly, I write about pleasant happenings.

I attach a photograph. And I write explanation of the photograph.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

By Narumi Yoshitani

I always use an e-mail to send it to my friends, my parents and so on. I usually use it every night because I have free times more than other times. It is very useful to use it for me. I write various things. For example, important message and easy message. I think that e-mail is essential for every life.

I also use Twitter many times. We can write short message, but I almost don’t do it. I only see some information about my favorite singers, actors, and comedian, and my friends. The Twitter is scary, but I can know many things at once. Also, there is a possibility of communicating with my favorite people because they sometimes reply to message which is sent by their fans.

I use Mixi very well. It is many thing to do. For example, we can write diary, play game, tak part in various communities, and send short message. I think that it is very famous among young people. We know about our feelings or our condition with each other.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

By Rika Iwasa

Diary: I’m writing every night in Canada because I will not forget what to do in Canada. Sometimes, I use blog instead of diary.

E-mail: I sent e-mail to my family and my firned. For example, in Canada, I sent e-mail about my stay.

Twitter: I write an Twitter about feeling something. These are enjoying, laughing, sad, and I’m telling things.

Shopping list: I write to not forget it. In my case, when I think of wanting to buy something. I write to the list.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

By Yukari Nakatome

I send e-mail every day. When I wake up in the morning, I always check an e-mail box. I respond to some e-mails. Sometimes I attach a document or many photos.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

By Mao

I often write Facebook. When I’m happy and sad I write it. So I want to share my happiness and sadness with my friends.

How I Use Writing

2012-02-10T07:33:00.000-08:00

By Nahomi Asa

Twitter: I use twitter when I want to tell my feelings.
E-mail: I use e-mail when I tell my information to my parents and my friend.
Shopping list: I write shopping list when I have to buy many things.
Diary: I write diary so I don’t forget daily happenings.
Blog: I sometimes write blog when special things happen.

What is Boxing for Me

2012-02-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

By Takashi

First, I began boxing when I was 17 years old. It’s so recently. The opportunity why I began boxing is my father who was a champion in West Japan. One day, I cleaned my house and found a dusty box. In the box, there are a few newspapers, trophies, and awards. And the newspapers said “The new champion was born! Taka Asuka.” So I began boxing and was taught boxing by my father.

Movies

2012-02-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

By Amandeep Dhillon

There are many kinds of movies in the world like romantic movies, comedy movies, and heroic movies. We can watch all types of movies in different languages. All types of movies are the part of entertainment. If we get bored then we can watch a movie. After watching a movie we feel better than before. We can learn many things from movies. We can learn how to face problems in our life. We can learn how to get success in our life. We can learn knowledge from movies. We can see many things which we can’t see in real life. We can visit many places which we did not visit in the life. I watched many Hindi and Punjabi movies. I love Punjabi movies. We can watch movies in our house or we can watch movies in the theater. When I used to study in my university then I watched Mail Karade Rabba movie with my friends in the theater. At that time we enjoyed it a lot. I love this movie. The day before yesterday I watched “Yar Anmulle” movie. This movie is made in my university. This movie reminded me of my university days. Now I started to watch English movies. Last Sunday I watched an English movie with my husband. This is a funny and romantic movie. I can’t get the whole movie but I like this movie. I got this movie better than before. After watching this movie I am glad because this movie encourages me to watch English movies. In the end we can say that movies are good for increasing knowledge and entertainment.

Education

2012-02-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

By Amandeep Dhillon

In these days, education plays a very important role in our life. With education we can get a good job and respect from other people. There are many types of education in the world like science, arts, computer, commerce. Firstly, I want to explain about science. If anybody does science, then they become the doctor, the engineer, the teacher. In this type of education we can get a good salary. Secondly, I want to explain about the arts. If anybody does the arts, then they become the teacher, the manager in a bank. From all types of education we can get a good job and we can enjoy our life our own way. From all types of education we can learn many things. Firstly, we can learn manners how to behave with other people in a society. We can learn how to face the problems in our life. We can learn how to get success in our life. We can learn to do hard work. In the end, we say that education is necessary in our life.

Jobs

2012-02-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

By Amandeep Dhillon

There are many kinds of jobs in the world like blue collar jobs, white collar jobs, professional, pink collar jobs, and green collar jobs. Firstly, I want to explain something about blue collar jobs. These typs of jobs are related with labour. The white collar jobs are related with office work. The jobs of the teacher, the lawyer, and the doctor are called professional jobs. The jobs done traditionally by the women are called pink collar jobs. The jobs related with the environment are called green collar jobs. All types of jobs are very important in our life. With the job we can get anything we want. We can make our family happy if we have a good job. We can give the good things to the children.

My Bedroom

2012-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

By Tanja Stoll

A bedroom should be a comforting, relaxing and calming room. Unfortunately, my bedroom is not yet. It will need some work done because the walls are dark green and the carpet is a very ugly brown. Not really the colors I would choose. But at the moment, we have to live with it.

In that dark chamber right beside the door is a drawer with a lot of knickknacks on it, right beside the next door which is the entrance to the closet. On the opposite wall is our bed with nightstands on each side. On the left side of the bed is, thankfully, a big window. On this window is a huge Dreamcatcher, made by my brother. It has lots of pearls and feathers on it and hangs right upon the furnace, which makes the feather move. I really like to look at that. It helps me to relax and fall to sleep.

Underneath the window and on the right side of the bed are two chairs. Not for sitting down; we use them for our clothes.

On all the walls are pictures and photographs of us, our son, and the animals and pets we had and have.

As soon as we will paint the walls and change the flooring, I will like my bedroom.

A Trip to Muncho Lake

2012-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

By Tanja Stoll

Every year we travel at least for a long weekend to Muncho Lake. This time, I really like to be able to see the lake as long there is plenty of snow and ice.

That would mean to travel up there in the spring break would be a good idea. A week should be long enough. I could stay there for much longer, but Niclas will be bored after a week.

Usually we just drive to Muncho Lake, having plenty of little breaks and enjoy the way as much as the stay. Sometimes we load our old camper on the back of the truck and take the dogs with us. But not always. Like sometimes before, this time we will rent one of the little cabins right at the lake. They are a little more expensive, but much more comfortable. And the dogs will stay with the house sitter and the horses. So, we will have a “real” time off.

But I’m going to miss them. When we go with the camper, Niclas and I wake up early in the morning and walk with the dogs around for hours. We are never getting tired of this. Well, maybe not “never.” But staying at the lodge can be great fun too. We still get up early, letting Dad sleep and exploring the lake and mountains, watching the little airplanes starting and landing on the lake. After breakfast we drive up the highway to the Liard Hot Springs and soak ourselves in there until we are almost “tender.” Most of the time we see the wild buffalo, and of course, other wildlife. But the buffalo are our favourites. I remember the first time I got so scared by those huge creatures. They just walked on and beside the road, sniffing our truck and looked us right into the eye. Now I’m much calmer, but still have the greatest respect when the buffalo are coming closer. I just hope we will see them again this year.

Muncho Lake and the Hot Springs are our favorite “close” place to go.

My Autobiography as a Writer - Yadwinder

2012-01-31T18:55:00.001-08:00

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.

My Kitchen

2012-01-31T10:05:00.001-08:00

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.

My Room

2012-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Puzzle It Out 2

2012-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

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!

Puzzle It Out 1

2012-01-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

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!

Chinese New Year - A Memorable Day

2012-01-27T09:49:00.001-08:00

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.

Book Review - Teacher Man

2012-01-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

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!

Sushi

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

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.

Amrinder Gill

2012-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

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.

My Family

2012-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Why I Like Music

2012-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

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 Can Be Your Tourist Guide in Urawa, Japan

2012-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

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.

My Hometown is Urawa

2012-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

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.

My Autobiography as a Writer - Tanja

2012-01-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

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.

My Autobiography as a Writer - Sehoon

2012-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

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.

My Autobiography as a Writer - Mayuko

2012-01-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Welcome to the Winter 2012 Semester!

2012-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

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!

Book Review: Stories from Greek Tragedies

2011-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Traffic Jam!

2011-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

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.

My First Big Trip

2011-12-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Children’s Book Review: The Story about Ping

2011-12-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

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

The Invention of the Cell Phone

2011-12-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

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.

The Effects of Making Decisions

2011-12-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Three Types of Athletes

2011-12-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

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.

The Effects of Global Warming

2011-12-16T07:57:00.001-08:00

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.

Legal Abortion

2011-12-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Skiing at Worsley, Alberta

2011-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

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.

The Pressure of Being a Student

2011-12-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

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.

My Ideal Person: Norihiro Akahoshi

2011-12-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review - The Promise

2011-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

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.

How to Make New Friends

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

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!

My Friend, Shota

2011-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review: The Talking Tree and Other Stories

2011-12-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

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.

How to Study for Exams

2011-12-05T09:02:00.001-08:00

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.

Characteristics of Co-Workers

2011-12-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review - Secret Daughter

2011-11-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review - Ways Harsh and Wild

2011-11-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Sushi and Diwali: The Internationalization of Fort St. John

2011-11-22T22:59:00.001-08:00

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.

My Good Trip

2011-11-22T22:41:00.001-08:00

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.

My Trip to Edmonton

2011-11-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review - About a Boy

2011-11-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

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.

How Can I Teach My Sons to Be Polite?

2011-11-22T22:06:00.001-08:00

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

Internationalization: Changes in Osaka

2011-11-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

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."

Tips for Travelers

2011-11-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

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.

The Pros and Cons of Instant Food

2011-11-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review – Rain Man

2011-11-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Book Review - The Lightning Thief

2011-11-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Lady Gaga

2011-11-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Insomnia

2011-11-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

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.

My Restaurant

2011-11-03T08:02:00.001-07:00

By Shota Itagaki

Company name: Eldoon

Type: a restaurant

Product or service: provide many kinds of noodles

Main colors: red (looks delicious), white (clean)

I’m going to establish a restaurant. This restaurant provides many varieties of noodles. This restaurant’s name is Eldoon. You don’t know the meaning of “Eldoon,” but you can read it from the opposite side. I use red and white for the main colors because red represents energy and cheer, so red can encourage people. White represents cleanness and goodness. These colors affect people’s emotions.

Cake Shop - Smileat

2011-11-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

By Hitomi

Company name: Smileat

Service: a cake shop; people will smile when they eat the cakes

Main colors: red, white, and pink

I'm going to use three colors as main colors. They are red, white, and pink. I'm going to use red because I imagined it as a strawberry. I'm going to use white because I imagined it as whipped cream. These colors can affect customers' feeling. They can imagine the delicious cake when they see these colors. It'm going to use pink because I mixed red and white. It can heal customers' feelings because this color is a mind color. It can make their emotions happy because it's a cute color.

New Business Proposal – “Sun”

2011-11-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

By Kazuna

I’m going to open a children’s clothes shop. The name of the shop is “Sun.” I’d like to use red and yellow for a signboard and advertising. The reason why I choose these colors for the main colors is that they are bright, so I think that it’s easy for customers to remember my shop.

In addition to that, I’d like to use a variety of bright colors in the interior because they make people feel powerful, joyful and funny.
My shop is for children. I think that children like these colors. Also, children are powerful and funy, too, so these colors will match children very much. For that reason, I’m going to use them on the wall. Furthermore, the clothes that are sold in this shop are colorful.

I hope that this shop will be successful.

My Karaoke Shop

2011-11-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

By Yukari

I’m going to establish my big karaoke shop, and the name will be “Cheerness.” This name is the combination of "Cheer" and "Happiness." Many songs often affect human emotion, and they always cheer us. Moreover, we’ll become happy when we sing our favorite songs. Songs are universal. My business could be a psychological service because my shop will be a good source of enjoyment for people.

The main interior colors are light orange and yellow. I’ll use light orange for the wall, and chairs will be yellow. Maybe I’ll use both colors as the base color for the advertising of my shop. Orange is my favorite color, and orange and yellow represent cheer, joy, fun, and pleasure. I want tpople to enjoy their life. Singing a song is so fun. In addition, orange and yellow will make my customers fuel more happy and joyful. Even if my customers wouldn’t be fine, these colors will help to heal the bad feeling. They’ll encourage people to be happy, and I want to make them be fine. I hope my customers feel good when they come to my karaoke shop.

My Flower Shop, "Green Field"

2011-11-02T08:28:00.001-07:00

By Saki Sekioka

I will establish the shop. It's named "Green Field" which is a kind of flower shop. I use green and white on signboard. Green is a nature color and it affects us to be comfortable. White is my favirite flower’s color, so I use these colors. The shop’s wall color is brown because the color makes us calm down. We are unaware that the color is used in many places, so this is a good color. In my shop there are many flowers, so these have many colors! Then, I don’t need a bright color. If I use the loud color on the wall, flowers’ colors and the wall color will maybe clash, so the shop will not be neat.

My Own Coffee Shop

2011-11-02T08:20:00.001-07:00

By Ayako Suzuki

I am going to establish my own coffee shop. My own coffee shop logo is this [a cup with the letter “C” on it]. This means that my own coffee shop’s name is going to be “Coffee and Comfy.” The type is going to be a specialty coffee shop. This means I’ll provide coffee beans from a lot of countries. I want to provide a lot of variety for customers. Service type is going to be a waitress brings coffee for customers.

I’ll ask an architect. He is very dependable because he has done 100 designs. The wall color is going to be dark brown. The floor color is going to be gray. The roof color is going to be light brown. The table color is going to be dark brown. The seats are going to be many kinds of seats. Why am I going to use many kinds of seats? There is a special Starbucks in my home town. There are many kinds of seats there. I can choose my favorite one by my mood. I want to provide a place where customers can feel good. I should consider customers’ feelings. An advertising of my own coffee shop is going to be “Which seat would you like?” This means “How is your present mood?”

Book Review - Titanic!

2011-10-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

By Mami Kashiwa

Titanic!

This book was written by Paul Shipton.

You know the RMS Titanic. RMS is a contraction of Royal Mail Ship. The Titanic, along with Olympic – class sister, Olympic and the soon to be built Britannic, were intended to be the largest, most luxurious ships ever to sail.

The Titanic left Southampton on the south coast of England, at noon on April 10, 1912. Even at the start of the trip, the Titanic had bad luck. There was almost an accident in the first minutes of the trip. Luckily, it was not big problem.

At this time of year, there was also a danger of icebergs in the North Atlantic, but the Titanic’s captain, Edward Smith, wasn’t really worried about icebergs because this was the unsinkable Titanic!

Suddenly, Lookouts Frederic Fleet saw a large, black shape in the ocean, so he rang the warning three times and telephoned the bridge. "Iceberg right ahead," he told Sixth Officer James Moody.

On the bridge, First Officer William Murdoch turned the ship left, hoping to miss the iceberg, and also ordered the crew to stop the ship, but the iceberg hit the side of the ship, making a few long holes below the water. The noise wasn’t very loud, but this was the beginning of the end for the Titanic.

Fifteen minutes later water was coming in. The ship could float with water in the four compartments at the front, but there was water in five of the compartments. So there was no hope. The Titanic was sinking. The crew sent rockets high into the dark sky.

There were more than 2,200 people on the Titanic, but the ship had lifeboats for only 1,178! The Titanic was breaking in two. Finally, at 2:20 on the morning of April 15, the "Queen of the Ocean”\" was gone. Hundreds of people were in the icy water of the North Atlantic. Some were holding on to furniture. Others were trying to swim. Many were screaming for help to the people in the lifeboats. The noise seemed to fill the night. Then screams became weaker and weaker. It seemed a dream.

James Cameron was writing the movie Titanic. This movie’s story doesn’t begin in 1912. It starts in the present day, when Rose is old. The movie Titanic had plenty of action, but the heart of the movie is the love story. This movie was released in 1997.

Book Review - Ned Kelly

2011-10-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

By Shota Itagaki

I would like to talk about Ned Kelly. This book is written by Christine Lindop. This is a true story in Australia.

The main character is Ned Kelly. His real name is Edward Kelly. He was born in 1855. He has 8 siblings. His family is very poor. Those days, the police don’t like poor people because the poor people steal horses and money for their lives. Kelly also committed crimes when he was young. Moreover, the police bully a lot of innocent poor people. This incident makes him angry. He decides to fight the police for poor people. He robs a bank and gives them money. He kills three police with his companions. All these are for poor people, but these are criminal. Finally, he is hanged in June 1880.

Some people say he is a brave man. Some people say he is a fool. Some people say his is a just killer. I think he is a brave man because he fights very hard for poor people. H is also loved by many people. It is very interesting. There are many books and DVDs about Ned Kelly. Would you like to read the book or watch DVDs?

Summary - "Body Scanners Coming to Canadian Airports"

2011-10-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

By Stanley

In "Body Scanners Coming to Canadian Airports," Cynthia Boll tells about the importance of the body scanners coming to Canadian airports. According to Cynthia Boll, dozens of body scanners will be installed in Canadian airports to be used on passengers for screening. The machine allows a screening office to see if someone is carrying plastic explosives and dangerous items. Bolls states that the plan to use the technology has stirred controversy because the scanner produces an outline of a person’s naked body. Boll points out that when an individual passes through, the scanning images will not be stored, but the Canadian Civil Liberties Association lawyer Natalie Des Rosiers was concerned about the behavioral screening plan because it can be used to single out some group for racial profiling. According to Cynthia Boll, travelers to the U.S. from 14 specific countries will be facing a full body pat-down before boarding. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the focus on security measures stem from the failed attempt by a Nigerian man to set off a bomb on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day.
183 words

It's Almost Impossible to Study in my Dorm!

2011-10-25T23:57:00.001-07:00

It is almost impossible to study in my dormitory. In my case, first, I like to read comics and decorate my room, so there are a lot of comics and interior decoration. When I was studying, I feel bored, so I can’t concentrate on studying. Then, I start to decorate my room or to read some comics. Second, I always listen to music during studying. Even if I concentrate on studying, I start to sing as soon as my favorite songs are being played. Third, I put my cell phone near myself during studying. When I feel bored about studying, I use the cell phone. If I use it, it takes 30 minutes at least. Therefore, I can’t study in my room! If I study in my room, I must seal myself off from reading comics, singing, and using my cell phone.

Book Review - Space Affair

2011-10-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Young-Dae Jang

The book's name is Space Affair. The author is Peter Viney. I thought this book is a kind of fantasy, but it isn't. It's a kind of love story. I don't like this book.

The main character's name is Gareth Palmer. I think this book's time is the 24th century. The starship is going to go to the star Orelia. It is a very huge starship. I guess the people find out the new planets for human life. Almost 9,000 people are living in the starship. The starship has a lot of facilities, such as sports centers, coffee shops, library, computer rooms and garden. The garden is a very important place, because it makes oxygen, ingredients of food and the necessaries of life. Gareth is working in the starship. He is a garden technician. It is a very important job. Also, they have two groups of workers. One group is called Alpha. The second one is called Beta. His number is Beta 4297. One of the starship’s regulations is when Alphas are working in the starship, the Betas are sleeping in the freezer rooms. Every two weeks they change to work.

Gareth woke up from the freezer room and went to his room. Alpha 3461 and Beta 4297 (Gareth) are using this room, but now just Gareth is using this room. Alpha 3461 is still sleeping in the freezer room. When he arrived in his room, he really wanted to take a shower. When he was taking a shower, he found a little piece of gold metal. It is a small gold earring. So he wanted to know whose earring it was. He asked his Alpha friends very carefully, but of course, they don’t know. The starship’s second regulation is people can’t know each other. If the person violates the regulations, a police man arrests him and kills him. It is a very strong law. He finished all work and went to the freezer and slept. After 2 weeks he woke up again. He went to his room. At that time, he was really thirsty. Te turned on the tap. Nothing happened for a second, then the water came out suddenly. A piece of paper came out with the water! That is a message from Alpha 3461. Her name is Sara. She is 23 years old and an education technician. They knew it is illegal, but they keep in touch by a small piece of paper message every two weeks very carefully. When Sara made a program in a compact disk and hid it in a library, the program is a heart picture and love letter. Their love grew with the times.

One day, Gareth woke up in the freezer. The starship doctor woke him up early because there’s been an accident tin the garden. There was n explosion in the pipes to the orange trees. He is the best gardener in the starship, so the other Alpha gardeners wanted his help. Gareth worked for nearly twenty hours on the orange trees. There wouldn’t be any oranges for a few months, but he was able to save the trees.

The chief of the garden technicians recommended to him to change to the Alpha shift for three or four months because there’s no one else that knows about oranges and lemons on the Alpha shift. Gareth of course consented because Sara is working the Alpha shift. Finally, he met her.

I really wanted to read a fantasy book, but it is kind of a love story book. I don’t like this book, but I guess you like this story. I heard you like a love story. This book just has 19 pages. Just 30 minutes, you can read it.

My Future Career

2011-10-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

By Manami Sugawara

I want to be an ad agent. An ad agent has these duties. First, an ad agent corrects information about products. Second, an ad agent put forward various ideas. Third, an ad agent organizes and makes a plan. The job is a good job for me. I have three reasons. First, I like putting forward an idea. Second, I want to get a lot of money. Third, I need to be creative. Therefore, I want to be an ad agent in the future.

My Good Job

2011-10-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

By Hitomi Nakayama

I want to be an English teacher. I have some reasons. First, I like teaching somebody and talking with somebody. The duties of this job are to care about the students and to teach something. I think that my skills match these duties.

Second, I don’t want to work outside. The job doesn’t need working outside because almost the whole job is teaching something inside.

Finally, I want to work the regular hours, and I need good stable pay. Almost all teachers don’t need to work overtime, and a teacher is an officer.

I hope my future plan will come true.

I'd Like a Job as an Artist

2011-10-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

By Mika Hirano

I’d like to be an artist because I like to be creative, want to make many thing and need to see the result of my work. I think an artist has a lot of duties, for example, artists learn about the company and what it needs, have to be creative for their customers, and have to practice drawing and painting to bet better skills.

If I work as an artist, I want to work with kind people, to work with my hands, and need good pay. They are important points for me on the job.

I Want to be a Nurse

2011-10-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

By Ayu Shigi

I want to be a nurse. I think a nurse is a good job. First of all, a nurse helps a lot of people. Secondly, a nurse follows the doctors. Finally, a nurse knows all kinds of information. I have three reasons. First of all, I like to study math. Secondly, I want to help people. Finally, I need to have regular hours.

A Career as a Famous Face Painter

2011-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

By Mami Kashiwa

I want to be a famous face painter because I like to draw pictures, and I want to meet many people. So I need to be creative. A face painter has these duties. First, she is creative. Next, she can travel around the world, and she has to work with her hands.

A Career in Modeling

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

By Soraida Huillery

I want a good career as a model. I will be a successful model. I know I have to work hard now, but I will see the result of my work. I can get flexible hours, good pay, and tour around the world.

Book Review - The Lost Twin

2011-10-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

By

I read The Lost Twin. The author is Raymond Pizante, and the illustrator is Liz Roberts. The book's level is 3rd.

I'll speak about the story of the book. The story is about certain twin brothers in Puerto Lindo city. A twin brother, Fadio, was kidnapped when they were four years old. The other twin brother, Ricardo, and their mom felt very sad, but they never forgot Dadio. Year later, Ricardo got the information about the kidnappers and Fadio when he was 16 years old. Fadio lived in Canada as an adopted child, so Ricardo went to Canada to meet Fadio. Fadio didn't know about the kidnapping but Ricardo explained it to him. Fadio believed the story and their relationship was special soon. Fadio could meet his real mother and spent time with her and Ricardo for days in Puerto Lindo city.

This book is interesting, so please read it.

Book Review - Love By Design

2011-10-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

By Manami Sugawara

The book’s name is Love by Design. The author is Kieran McGovern. This book was published in 2005 for the first time.

This book’s story takes place in London. There is a boy named Tom. He wanted to go to Silverton College to study art and photography, but he has failed all subjects except art, so he couldn’t pass the exam. His father was very angry and told him that he has to decide to find a job or go back to school.

A few days later, he had got a job as an assistant of the Chief Librarian. Tom tomtimes drew pictures of the people who came into the library. One day, a girl came into the library because it was raining. Her name is Rita. She is poor because she has to get some money to treat her father. Also, Rita wants to be a model but nobody employed her as a model.
One day, they found an advertisement and it said, “Model wanted.” They met Mr. Spooner in a café and signed the contract. Actually, Mr. Spooner is a swindler, so Rits fell for the trick. Then Tom couldn’t catch her. He was looking for Rita a long time. Finally, he found Rita and knew that they [Mr. Spooner and Rita] will marry. It was a serious shock for him. He studies very hard to forget Rita. At last, Tom passed the exam at Silverton College. Amazingly, Tom and Rita met again at the welcome party of the college. The fact, when Rita and Mr. Spooner married, the police arrested Mr. Spooner as a trickster. Later, she succeeded as a designer and passed the exam at the same school as Tom. They fell in love with each other again.

This story is easy to understand and a good love story. I recommend this book, so I want everyone to read it.

Book Review - The Hulk

2011-10-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

By Mika Hirano

Do you know this movie, Hulk?

The book I read is from the movie, but the original is from comics. The movie’s director is Ang Lee, James Schamus made the story for the movies, and David Maule wrote the short book.

Hulk means a large heavy person or thing.

This is a story like a diary about a man. The man is Bruce. He is different from others. When he gets angry, his body changes. It rows. It turns green. The Hulk is very strong and very dangerous. He works as a scientist at the Lawrence Berkelay lab in California.

He falls in love with Betty, who is a colleague at the same lab, and Betty too, but they cannot be happy because of the Hulk. Bruce is pursued by armies and his father. Actually, his father was a scientist and made the Hulk. At the end of the story, his father was killed by the armies and Bruce ran away to South America, and he got a new life. He was not able to be happy with Betty.

I feel easy to read this book because it doesn’t have many pages and difficult words, and it has pictures from the movie.

Book Review - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

2011-10-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

By Mika Hirano

I read a book, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. It is from the movie and this series is very famous, so I think most students in the class have seen the movies once. The book, Dead Man’s Chest, is part 2 of the movies. It was written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio for the screenplay. Johnny Depp played the main character; Jack Sparrow is popular in Japan. This time, three guys—Captain Jack, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann—looked for a chest. There is a heart in the chest. The heart was from the terrible Captain Davy Jones. Jack looked for the chest not to need to escape from a governor. The governor hoped to get the chest and to arrest Jack. Will and Elizabeth looked for the chest to get married. Now they cannot because they helped Jack to escape, so they were offenders. However, Davy Jones had other plans for Jack, but I don’t know the plans. It isn’t written in the book. I think you can know the plans if you watch part 3 of the movie.

Anyway, Davy Jones tried to catch Jack many times, and the last, finally, Jack caught Davy, and Jack went down with his ship, the Black Pearl, into the ocean.

I don’t recommend you this book because if you read the book you will want to see or read the sequel to the book.

About a Club

2011-10-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

By Emika Uetake

I decided to join a club. It is a bowling club, and I join the ladies league. I have played bowling many times in Japan, so I wasn't nervous about playing that, but I haven't experienced talking to native speakers too much. It makes me nervous. When I entered the bowling class, teammates were kind and cheerful like high school students! The bowling here is different from the bowling in Japan. Therefore, I become beginner, and I can't play well. However, they taught me how to play, so finally I could get a strike! I was so excited. I haven't understood all the rules yet, but I want to enjoy bowling.

My Generation and My Grandparents' Generation

2011-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

By Emika Uetake

When I talk to my grandmother, we sometimes feel some differences between us. I sometimes talk about people who are popular recewntly, but my greandmother sometimes talks about people who were popular before I was born. There are several differences between my generation and my grandparents’ generation.

First of all, my generation has many kinds of food like French, Italian, Indian and junk food. Almost all teenagers go to McDonalds or Japanese junk food shops called Mos Burger, Mr. Doughnut and so on to talk or study with friends after school. Of courwse, we eat Japanese foods, but we eat other kinds of food as much as them. On the other hand, my grandparents’ generation usually eats Japanese tradition foods. Basically, Japanese foods use vegetables, fish and shellfish, and rice. Japanese foods are a little salty by healthy. When I visit my grandmother’s house, I usuallyt eat rice, miso soup, pickled cucumbers or Japanese radishes,, and grilled fish. These foods make me relaxed (I want to eat them now!). She rarely eats meat or junk food. I have been to McDonald’s with her once, but then she couldn’t understand what the menu meant. I was surprised at that because it is common sense in my generation.

My generation’s education is also different from my grandparents’ generation. My generation is called “Yutori education generation.” “Yutori” means “less strenuous.” When I was an elementary school student, the system started. We had had to go to school on Saturday before then, but it was abolished. Ranges which we have to study when we are elementary school students decreased. However, my grandparents’ generation’s education was very strict and strange. When students did bad things, teacher spanked without mercy. Girls were studying about home economics while boys were studying about industrial arts. I teachers spank students now, parents called “monster parents” will come to school immediately and “spank” (argue with and bawl out) teachers. “Monster parents” means some parents are overprotective of their children, so parents complain to teachers immediately even if their kids couldn’t lead in a play. Therefore, when families go to daycare or elementary school’s concert, we can see six princesses and six prices. It is strange, but teachers did it as a last resort. It is inconceivable in my grandparents’ generation.

As you know, now life is very convenient. There are a lot of things in Japan, and even things which people don’t need can exist. For example, I have a number of pens, but I don’t need almodt all the pens which I have. Just about 10 pens are enough for me When I go to shop to buy a pen, there are many kinds of pens in a shop. It makes me confused. I always waver about which pens I buy. However, when my grandparents were children, they coulden’t buy even a pen. There weren’t a lot os things including pens in Japan after World War II. In addition, they couldn’t eat enough foods. Their life started from zero after that. They made all things from nothing. They had nothing, but that made them strong. This is the biggest difference between my generation and my grandparents’ generation.

I think my generation has to learn from my grandparents’ generation. My grandparents’ generation was strict and hard, but my generation is weak as if we soaked in a hot spring. Japanese like hot springs, but we have to step out of the tub before we feel dizzy. My grandparents’ generation has a lot of good ways to fix Japan now.

Book Review: StarGate

2011-10-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

By Manami Sugawara

The book’s name is StarGate. This is from the screenplay and novelization by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich adapted by Sheila Black. This book was first published in 1995. A new edition was published in 1999. It was published four times. Dean Devlin is an American screenwriter, producer, television director and former actor. He is 49 years old. Roland Emmerlich is a German film director, screen writer and producer. They made some films together before that time, for example Independence Day and Gojira. Emmerich’s recent films are The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, and Ice Age. Shelia Black is a writer. She was awarded many prizes.

This story takes in Cairo, Egypt, 1988. The StarGate lay under the sands of Egypt for ten thousand years. In 1928, some archeologists found a mysterious stone. Sixty years later, in the USA, a young archeologist named Daniel finds a way to open the StarGate again. Daniel and some soldiers in the USA go through the gate and find out another world where Ra is king. Ra is known as the Egyptian Sun God and he wants to kill the visitors from the Earth and close the StarGate forever. Daniel and some soldiers must fight Ra to stay alive, and find a way to go back home. In the end, they make Ra’s ship detonate a nuclear warhead. With Ra dead, the civilization can live in peace. Some archeologists and their team return home through the StarGate, but Daniel stays on the planet with a young local woman.

My Best Friend

2011-10-03T08:23:00.001-07:00

By Manami Sugawara

My best friend is Rika. I made friends with her last Spring. She likes singing a song, talking with her friends, following latest fashions and playing volleyball. I like to do these things too. Also, we have a part time job almost every day, so we sometimes complain of our job to each other. I live far from her house, so I rarely stay overnight at her house even though her house is near my university. When I feel sad, she calls me and listens to my talking. If she feels sad, I always do the same. We sometimes go to karaoke to melt stress. She sings a song very well, so her voice always heals my feeling. She encourages me whenever I talk with her. She is an important person for me as long as I live.

Social Networking Sites

2011-09-28T07:53:00.001-07:00

By Yukari Fukuyama

Social networking sites are popular trends. I think the trend is the development of communication method. Nowadays, many people in the world use their computers in their life. They surf the Internet and use e-mail to keep in touch. Before the trend became popular, people could use only e-mail. People couldn’t talk with someone on a cell phone. However, recently, they can connect with other persons with the social networking site like Facebook, Mixi, and Skype. Even if people can’t use their cell phones in foreign countries, they can be connected to their family and friends with these sites. Moreover, people can communicate with someone whenever they want to. In other words, many social networking sites help people to communciate with someone with their computers in their houses and various places.

The social network trend many improve more.

Solar Energy

2011-09-28T07:52:00.003-07:00

By Young-Dae Jang

Most people want to find a new kind of energy. The existing energy creates air and water pollution. People want to protect the earth for human life. People have already spent too much energy. We don’t have enough existing energy, so people made solar filling and saving machines.
Now some people are using solar energy in their house, such as light, stoves, some electronic machines, etc. People convert solar energy into electric energy. In addition, some researchers are studying the solar power energy of cars. It’s very powerful.

I hope after 30 to 50 years we can see slying cars working because of solar power energy.

USB: Small but Useful

2011-09-28T07:52:00.001-07:00

By Fariba Montazer

A USB is the trend that we can use on a laptop. First push a USB into the laptop. After that, go to the programs of how you can enter some documents and other things. Then you can save a lot of important information in it. Next, remove it. It’s very low weight and you can carry and take it in your pocket.

Smartphones

2011-09-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

By Ayako Suzuki

The smartphone is most popular in cell phone. The first thing, in the past, I couldn’t use the Internet, but now the smartphone can use the Internet, send an e-mail, call, read books, play a game and more. Next, the smartphone can connect someone to someone. If I have a smartphone, I can keep in touch anywhere. Finally, the smartphone is like a PC. It’s useful.