Book Review: Stories from Greek Tragedies

By Manami Sugawara

The book’s name is Stories from Greek Tragedies. The word tragedy means very sad events. The author is Kieran McGovern. This book was published in 1994. It consists of four parts. I’m going to tell about the first part.

There were King Laius and Queen Jocasta in Thebes. When they had their first son, they took the boy to Delphi. Delphi was the place where you could ask the gods for a prophecy for the future. The word prophecy means the power of being able to say what will happen in the future. They asked, “Will our son be good to us?” Then the god Apollo answered, “The boy will kill his father.” It was a terrible answer. Laius decided to kill his son while he was still a baby, but Jocasta didn’t want to do that, so they took him to a lonely place where he would never be found.

Many years later, a strange and terrible monster called the Sphinx came to Thebes. The Sphinx was a lion with wings and the face of a woman. She asked people a question. If they could tell her, she would die. But the punishment for the wrong answer was death. Many people tried to guess the answer and were killed. King Laius decided to go to Delphi to ask the gods what he should do, but he was killed by thieves on the way to Delphi. That day, a stranger could answer the question that the Sphinx asked and then she died.

The stranger’s name was Oedipus and he became a king. Oedipus married Jocasta and got four children. For many years he was a very successful and much-loved king. Then a terrible plague came to Thebes. The word plague means disease that kills a lot of people. People thought that the gods were punishing them for something they had done. Then Creon, who was Oedipus’s partner, said, “Apollo says that a murderer has brought this plague to Thebes.”

King Oedipus decided to find the murderer who murdered King Kaius. After that, he heard from a prophet that the murderer was himself. He had killed his father and married his mother without knowing it. Queen Jocasta hanged herself to hear such a terrible secret. Then King Oedipus stuck pins into his eyes in order not to see all the pain he caused anymore.

I recommend this book. The story is easy to understand and interesting.

Traffic Jam!

By Sam Cheang

The day was the middle of summer vacation. I was in my car on the road of California. There were many cars on the road, so my car could be stuck in a traffic jam. Next to my car was a red car. In the red car, there was a smokin’ hot chick! At the moment, my car crashed into the car in front of my car. I was frightened with the accident. I regretted looking at the smokin’ hot chick. Why do I like a smokin’ hot chick? I can’t understand. Anyway, I lost a smokin’ hot chick and my car at that time. I’m sad.

Sometimes Things Don't Turn Out the Way You Planned

By Hitomi Nakayama

Sometimes things often don’t turn out the way you planned. I have a good example. When I was in Japan, I planned some things what I’m going to do in Fort St. John. First, I wanted to have many Canadian friends, but actually I couldn’t do that. I have Chinese, Korean, and some Canadian friends, so I don’t care too much. Second, I was going to talk with my friends in English every time to improve my English skill. I tried to do, but I spoke Japanese when I couldn’t tell what I want to say. I reflect about this, so I want to live my life here again. I think it’s good for us to plan something even if it may not turn out.

My First Big Trip

By Hitomi Nakayama

My trip to Edmonton was very fun. I went there with my friends, Ayu, Manami, and Sam. First, we took the bus ten hours. After we arrived at Edmonton in the morning, we walked around and wasted time because every store was still closed. After that, we took the bus again to go to West Edmonton Mall. We enjoyed shopping until that night. We ate Japanese food there. Before we went to a hotel, we went to Superstore. And then I spent $52 on cosmetics and a lot of food. The second day, we went to the mall and enjoyed swimming. Also the third day, we went there and enjoyed shopping again! It will be my best memories in Canada.

Children’s Book Review: The Story about Ping

By Pamela den Ouden

This story was written by Marjorie Flack and illustrated by Kurt Weise. Originally published in 1933, it is a story about a beautiful young duck named Ping. He lives with his large duck family on a weise-eyed boat on the yellow waters of the Yangtze River. The last duck back to the boat earns a spank on the back, so one day, when Ping knows he will be the last duck to return to the boat, he hides in the grass and the boat moves on without him. The next day, Ping is enticed and caught by a boy whose father declares, “A duck dinner has come to us.” In the end, Ping must accept his punishment for being the last duck.

The pictures, drawn in ink and coloured with coloured pencils are simple but charming.

Children of all ages will love this story because they will recognize their own actions in wanting to escape punishment for misdeeds.

The happy ending sees Ping return to the comfort of his loving family.

32 pages

The Invention of the Cell Phone

By Sam Cheang

In modern society, there are many inventions in the world. I think the invention of the cell phone is a great invention. First, we can talk anytime with our friends very easily. Second, we can get information or news from the Internet on a cell phone. When you are bored, you can listen to music and play games with a cell phone. It can give you a fun time. Actually, the invention of a cell phone makes human life convenient. Finally, I’m proud of all of the inventors who invent something. I like the invention of the cell phone.

The Effects of Making Decisions

By Ayako Suzuki

Most people don’t know about effects of making decisions. We often forget about what we are thinking and what action we are doing. There are several effects for a decision on my life.

First of all, it is taking a part-time job. I think that I can experience society. And also, I can have a feeling that I am a member of society. When I was in Japan, I used to work in a bar. Then when I worked there, I have felt that I am a member of society. I think that this feeling is important for an adult.

Secondly, it is coming to an English-speaking country. Actually, about two or three years ago. I thought that I don’t need English skill in my life. However, I am in Canada and studying English. I have been talking with those who speak English and I have known about culture and customs of different countries since I came here. For instance, there are Spanish in my friends. Of course I can’t speak Spanish and also they can speak Japanese. However, we can speak English with each other. I mean, we can have a relation in English. Moreover, when I talk with those who speak English, I can think about everything as a wide field.

Most importantly, it is picking a school. I met many friends in the school, and I learnt lots of things from my friends and the school. Then I could get a lot of knowledge there. And then, I could know what I want to do in my future.

So, those three reasons are the cause of my growing so far. And also, yesterday’s actions and decisions are who I am today.

Three Types of Athletes

By Shu Murakami

There are a lot of athletes in the world. Many people like playing some sports. Actually, I was an athlete four years ago. When I was a high school student, I belonged to a baseball club. I had a goal that I will be a professional baseball player. The dream didn’t come true. I think that I have no talent and my practice wasn’t enough. If I practiced harder, probably, I might become a professional baseball player. Then I can divide athletes into three types: people who have talent, people who have no talent, and people who just like playing sports as a hobby.

First of all, the one type of athlete is people who have talent. I think that the people who have talent have an advantage to play sports.
Moreover, they can be willing to make a very hard effort. They can succeed in playing sports and being professional athletes. The other type of people who have talent is that they don’t like making an effort even if they have talent. They may admire themselves. I think that it is too bad. They lose their game finally. They waste their talent.

Next, the second type of athlete is people who don’t have talent. These are ordinary persons. So can’t they be professional athletes? Of course not, but they have to practice harder than they think. They have to be strict with themselves. If they want to be professional athletes, it is the best and only way. The other type of people who don’t have talent is that they don’t like practicing hard at all. Of course, these people never get their goal. They may think that they practice harder than others. They fool themselves.

Finally, the third type of athlete is people who just like playing sports as a hobby. These people just want to enjoy playing sports even if they have talent or not. Perhaps they don’t have a goal, and they may not think that they even want to win their game. I think that it is the best way to enjoy playing sports. They don’t have to be strict with themselves and practice hard. They just enjoy playing sports.

These are three types of athletes. A few people can be professional athletes. If you want to be a professional athlete, you have to practice harder than you think. I think that it is the most important to enjoy playing sports even if you don’t have talent. Even if you give up being a professional athlete, you should enjoy playing sports.

The Effects of Global Warming

By Ayako Suzuki

There are problems about global warming. Recently, I hear this topic even when I go to a coffee house. I see posters about global warming everywhere. And also information about global warming is in elementary school’s text book in Japan. I think the most important cause is greenhouse gases. We are producing a lot of greenhouse gases every day even when I am not in a house. Especially we produce it too much in summer. I sometimes feel cold like in winter when I am in a train, in a public library, in a theater, and in a college. I mean, people destroy nature. There are several effects of global warming.

First, there is a rise in ocean levels. In fact, there are areas that are flooded because of a rise in ocean levels. Do you know Tuvalu? Tuvalu has been independent since 1978 from the United Kingdom. Actually, Tuvalu is being covered by water. Then, people who live in Tuvalu are moving to New Zealand. In addition, it is expected that the Marshall Islands, the Maldives, and Venice, Italy will be covered by water after five or ten. They have a lot of traditional buildings. If they are covered, I'll not be able to go there.

Secondly, ecological systems change. For instance, there are polar bears on the verge of extinction because the temperatures increase in the North Pole. It means that they can't keep their life spaces from global warming.

Finally, global warming influences agriculture and fishing. For instance, it became difficult for fishermen because fishes were killed by global warming. Recently, the fishes which are disappearing have increased in number.

So, you must think more seriously about this topic in each country. I wish that you immediately change your life style after you read this.

Legal Abortion

By Emika Uetake

Legal abortions are the greatest cdause of Japanese death, but cancers are the biggest reason officially because fetuses don’t count as humans until they are born. I think everyone doesn’t want to see a list which was written, “Legan abortions is the biggest cause of Japanese deather,” and doesn’t want to acknowledge what a huge number of fetuses (about 300,000 fetuses) are kiilled before they are cared for by their mother and fathers every year. On one hand, many people think so and disapprove of legal abortions; on the other hand, many people don’t oppose it. I also don’t oppose legal abortions.

In the past, legal abortions were for women who were in their late thirties or in their forties. Although they wanted to bear and bring up their new families, they couldn’t help terminating their fetuses because they didn’t have enough money to bring up the children with other children. They had already had some sons and daughters. However, recently, a lot of teenagers terminate their pregnancies every year. Media sometimes take up about teenagers’ pregnancy like in a movie called Juno, and a Japanese TV drama series called The 14-Year-Old Mother.

Almost all of this kind of movie have happy endings. They get pregnant. Their parents are quite upset, but they acknowledge it finally. Their boyfriends try to get out of their responsibilities called “family,” but they come back to their girl friends and often say, “I love you,” or “Will you marry me?” However, in the real world, many girls have terminated their pregnancies with these kindnesses. The ways which the girls are walking and reach are often tragic. They go to hospitals by themselves or with their friends. Their parents are quite upset and some give some money and shut their door in their minds. Girls’ boyfriends get out of their responsibilities, and they never come back to the girls. Girls wait for the operations alone. After that, girls have nightmares all night about the day. This doesn’t mean all people who are around girls don’t accept them, and do these thing, but voices about legal abortions are still chilly and are noticed as a big serious problem.

I think of course legal abortion is bad and sad. No one wants to do it. However, although people especially teenages bear their babies with risks, it is sometimes wasting whole lives if they can live. Even if people decided to bear babies, mothers finally give up their abies because they give their babies to foster homes. This is a usual thing in Japan. There is a different example, too, and bringing up their children is usually so hard for girls who are in the age to want to go out and talk to friends. Some girls push their kids to thie parents, and they forget to have very many responsibilities and jobs. Moreover, poverty is still a reason that girls terminate their pregnancies. Money makes everything except nbature and humans. Legal abortions are a kind of tragedy, but sometimes work as a good solution. When women and people around them carry out abortions and wait for them, everyone can’t help thinking about their friends, families, and the fetuses. If women have legal abortions, they must live in a range their babies are supposed to live in. This is the only way they can bear children.

Skiing at Worsley, Alberta

By Mayu Takenaka

I went skiing last weekend. I had a wonderful time with my mom and my host brother. This day was the opening day of the hill. I thought many people would come there, but there were a few people. It was not busy, so we could go down many times.

The last time I went skiing, I was 14 years old. It was 8 years ago, so I worried about if I could go down without falling down. First, I borrowed the ski equipment, but I didn’t have the ski poles. I tensed taking the ski lift. I went down an easy course. The name was easy, but I didn’t think so. I fell down in the snow. However, I tried that a few times. I could go down the easy course easily. Next, I tried to go down the middle hard course. There were some big hills. I guessed I couldn’t go down there without the ski poles. Actually, I couldn’t go down easily. I fell down very hard. I flew over the snow. My body was sore. I was afraid of falling down, but actually I wanted to try again, so I tried to go down a few times. Fortunately, I didn’t fall down.

It was exciting for me, but also break times were exciting for me. We took a rest a few times, then we often ate something. There was a cafeteria. There was some delicious food in this cafeteria. I ate a hotdog, a soup, and a cinnamon roll. This cinnamon roll was so yummy. Therefore, we took out five cinnamon rolls. Eating time was my lovely time.

I could enjoy myself very well. I got one of the memories of my life in Canada.

The Pressure of Being a Student

By Kazuna Yamasaki

These days, there are the pressures of being a student. It causes a big problem in society. There are a lot of kinds of pressures. Especially they are a society that stresses academic background, comparing with other students, and strict rules of school.

A society that stresses academic background gives students a big pressure. For example, four-year college students start job hunting in Japan. Then, many companies care which college students graduate from. So, if students have good personalities or special abilities, some companies may not care. For that reason, students think they have to enter a famous college. In addition, their parents expect that their sons or daughters go to famous colleges and get good jobs. It makes students feel a lot of stress.

Comparing with other students is one of the causes that makes students feel pressures. They may want to win. For instance, scores of test, the results of sports, and so on. It may arouse the urge to make an effort for some students. However, some students feel a sense of inferiority, and they may be troubled.

Strict rules of school give students pressures. The school rules are important, but too many strict ones are not good for students. Students many want to wear clothes they like. Also, they may want to bring their cell phones. However, many schools have rules. Students have to wear the uniforms. In some schools, students can’t bring their cell phones. Students feel stress because they have to endure what they don’t want to do.

These problems need to be considered to find solution strategies. However, it hasn’t been done yet. We have to think of some solutions so that students spend their school life comfortably.

My Ideal Person: Norihiro Akahoshi

by Yuri Kubota

If I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet a baseball player who used to belong to a professional baseball team called the Hanshin Tigers. His name is Norihiro Akahoshi. He is not a professional baseball player anymore; however, many people still respect him. There are three reasons why I would like to meet him.

First of all, he makes up for his defects. He is actually not tall enough for a baseball player so almost all of the professional teams did not want him – only the Hanshin Tigers were interested in him so he decided to play his whole life in the team even though he became really popular later. He has got the Most Stolen Bases title three times. Every time I see him play on TV, I feel like no one is perfect, even professional athletes, and he always makes me want to work harder for my dream.

Second, he never plays baseball just for money. He sends a day-care place wheelchairs as many wheelcheirs as he succeeds in his base stealing every year at the end of the baseball season. Moreover, he volunteered for collecting money to help the earthquake victims last April. It was such a cold rainy day; however, he collect money hardly .

Finally, he still keeps showing us to hold onto our dreams even though he retired from his professional baseball life. He actually ended up giving up playing baseball as a professional player since he got injured seriously when he was in a game. The doctor said to him “ if you get injured on the same part as you got injured again, you might die.” Although the t igers could have waited for his coming back after his oparation, he decided to retire because he thought he did not want to stay on the team just for money. Lots of fans were shocked by his retirement and so was I. However, he started working as a sports commentator and he still keeps showing us the joy of playing baseball.

For these three reasons, if I could meet a famous athlete, I would like to meet Norihiro Akahoshi. I had never believed that one person could change others’ feelings or motivation by showing us his/her play until I got to know him. You will see how great a person he is if you see him play.

Book Review - The Promise

By Yukari Fukuyama

The title of this book is The Promise. The author is R. L. Scott-Buccleuch. The story is set in Salvador, which is the capital of Bahia, a state in Brazil. More than a million people live in Salvador, but some of them are very rich and others are very poor. In this story, Pedro Moreira lived with his wife, Maria, in a small hut there. One day, Maria was going to have a baby, but Pedro was worried about the new baby’s life because he didn’t have his work and much money. They were very poor. The new baby was born safely, but he was small and thin. One old woman held the baby in her arms, and then she told Pedro, “Your boy will grow up and become famous. Be a good father to the boy. One day, he will be a good son to you. That is my promise.”

The baby was called Paulo, but after three years, the other children called him Palito because his arms and legs were very thin, and his legs were twisted. “Palito” means “a thin stick.” Palito often played football with the other boys. Then he learnt to turn quickly and carry the ball past other boys.

When Palito grew bigger, Pedro was thinking that Palito is going to be a footballer becase his playing was good. On his fifteenth birthday, Palito became a member of the football team of his father’s company. He became more skillful, and more people came to watch his play. So his name became well-known in Bahia. He was offered a job from Bahia Central. That was one of the main teams in Bahia. However, he wanted to play for Brazil, like the best players, and he needed more experience and training. So he just asked the manager of Bahia Central to wait without refusing. One day, Chico Perez, who is the manager of a team in Sao Paulo, came to see Palito and then watched his game. Palito’s play was very good and excited people so much.

After Chico watched his game, he offered a job to Palito with his team. The team was named White Star and this was the best team in the world, so Palito started to work hard in White Star. He was still famous all over Brazil, but his legs were becoming more twisted. So working hard was very bad for his legs. While he was playing in the last game in the season, a defender kicked Palito hard on the legs and Palito fell to the ground. Then he was taken straight to the hospital. The bones in his legs didn’t grow hard and they became twisted because he didn’t have enough to eat when he was a baby. So he had to have the operation immediately.

After he had the operation, he couldn’t play for Brazil for a long time. About three months later, Palito started training again, but he had lost all his old skills. So he couldn’t play very well, like in the old days, and he was disappointed. Some days he didn’t appear at the training at all. He was drinking too mujch and his friends were really worried about hism. However, finally Palito found he could still be a great footballer again, and then he decided to work and train harder. He had trained and done many kinds of exercises in a Japanese gymnasium for a long time. He came to be able to run fast again.

One day, he was offered his job for Brazil, and he flew to Rio de Janeiro for his game. A week later, Pedro’s dream came true. In the huge stadium, Palito was playing for Brazil. His playing was very good and he scored one goal in the game. His family and all spectators congratulated hism. Six months later, Palito got married to his cousing and they built a children’s hospital. Their hospital gave help to many poor children. As the old woman said in the old days, Palito became well-known in many countries all over the world. The old woman had spoken the truth.

I was imprssed by this story because Palito’s life was very hard but very great. When I saw this title, I didn’t know the meaning of it, but finally I understood it. Exactly that was a promise. I want you to read this book.

How to Make New Friends

By Mami Kashiwa

It’s important for us to make new friends, but it’s difficult for somebody. I have some ideas to make new friends. First, you shouldn’t be shy. If you’re shy, probably you can’t speak to anyone. Don’t be afraid of people. Second, you have to smile at new friends. If you smile at them, it’ll be easy for them to speak to you. It’s wonderful for us to spend time with our friends, so you should spend time with someone. You can do it!

My Friend, Shota

By Hitomi Nakayama

Shota is one of my friends. I met him because of study abroad. We are learning English in Canada. He studies English because he wants to be an English teacher in the future. He comes from Osaka, Japan. He doesn’t have a brother or sister, but he has 6 dogs. He did a part-time job before he came to Canada. He cleaned somewhere, not one place. I think Shota is kind, so he is a good boy.

Book Review: The Talking Tree and Other Stories

By Ayako Suzuki

Today, I’m going to introduce this book. This book is called The Talking Tree and Other Stories. The author is David McRobbie. There are 13 stories and some pictures in this book. I’m going to introduce one of them.

It is called “The Talking Tree.” The main character is Zain. He is in the forest and hungry. When he is looking for some fruit to eat, he finds a tree with a big hole. He thought, “What a good hiding place! No one can find me.” His voice sounds strange when he is in the tree. It seems much longer. Then, he starts singing a song.

When Zain is singing, his friends pass beside the tree and hear his strange voice. Zain’s friend said, “The singing voice is coming from somewherem, but I can’t see anyone.” Then suddenly, Zain speaks slowly, “Ali and Abu! What are you doing on my land?” Ali and Abu were frightened. “I’m the talking tree. Everything in the forest belongs to me. While you are here, you must obey me. If you don’t I will come to your home and take you away when you are sleeping. Now, go and get something to eat for me.”

Ali and Abu obeyed. They went to get some food for the talking tree. A few minutes later, they came back with some fruit. They put some fruit at the bottom of the tree. Zain said, “You have to come here with some food again tomorrow morning.” After they went, Zain was smiling and laughing.

However, when Ali and Abu are walking, Ali said, “I don’t think that’s a talking tree. Did you see those foot prints near the tree? I think someone was hiding there and tricking us.” Abu said, “Oh, really? I didn’t notice. But let’s hide and see if anyone comes from that direction.”

A few minutes later, they saw Zain. Zain is walking a path and carrying some fruit. “It’s Zain!” Then, they thought about how to take revenge on Zain. The next morning, Zain is already standing of the tree. Then, Ali and Abu came here. “Good morning! We brought a juice pot! I shall climb up to the top of your tree and pour it for you.”

Zain was surprised and shouted, “Hey! NO! Don’t do that!” But Abu is climbing the tree. Then, Abu poured the juice over Zain’s head. Zain cried as the drink went into his nose and eyes. He couldn’t bear it. Finally, Zain shouted, “You must never come near the talking tree again! Go away!”
Ali and Abu said with laughing, “All right! We will obey!” They walked away through the forest.

I recommend this book because there are a lot of happy endings in this book. This book has 13 stories, so I didn’t get tired when I was reading.

How to Study for Exams

By Shu Murakami

There are a lot of students in the world. I am also a student in the college. All students have to take several tests. I don’t like taking tests! Most students don’t like it. When I take an exam, I worry about my grade that I can get. Most students want to get high grades. What should we do to get high grades? There are three major steps involved in studying for exams. You should study every day at least 30 minutes, understand important points, and ask your teacher or your friends.

First, you should study every day at least 30 minutes. You should review your classes. You can memnorize contents of your classes for a long time. I think that it is more important to review your classes than preparations. Then, it is the most important to keep studying every day at least 30 minutes. Thirty minutes is not so long. A difficult thing is to keep studying every day.

]Second, you should understand important points in your classes. You have to concentrate on your classes in order to understand important points. Of course, you shouldn’t sleep in your classes. You shouldn’t be shy. You should take part in your classes aggressively. If you understand important points in your classes, you ca get more than 60%.

Finally, you should ask teachers or your friends what you don’t understand. You work with someone. Then, you are taught, and you teach something. You can understand much more. It is important to teach and to be taught for students. Then you should have a rival. A rival makes you try harder to get high grades in your tests.

These are three major steps involved in studying for exams. These might not be difficult for some students, but these might be difficult for others. I hope that students try these things. If so, I’m sure that students can get high grades.

Characteristics of Co-Workers

By Stanley Anaka

My first job was with Boston Pizza Company. I worked with different kinds of people. Some are nice; some are rude and have no manners of attitude, and it makes some customers feel bad. In my point of view, there are some important characteristics a co-worker should have.
Smiling is one of the characteristics a co-worker should have. A smiling face makes someone feel welcome. A smiling face brightens the day. A smiling face makes the customers feel welcome and happy. I would say a smiling face decreases stress. With a smiling face everyone would look happy. A smiling face at the work place shows that he or she is happing seeing the guests. Smiles are a language everybody understands in the world.

When working at the work place people should not get made at each other. No matter the situation involved, people should not get mad at the work place or at each other. This is one important characteristic a co-worker chould have at a work place. If a person always gets mad at the work place or at each other, that shows the company is not organized because being mad at the work place can make the company lose customers and friendship. Customers like being treated nicely and specially so it’s really nice not to get mad at guests because it doesn’t portray a good relationship, and you might lose your customers.

To be polite is one of the characteristics a co-worker needs at the work place because being polite shows someone cares. For example, when a co-worker comes into the work place, and he sees his fellow worker he should ask him or her, “How is your day going today? I hope you are having a nice time.” Another example is if a co-worker finds out that a worker is not smiling or looking unhappy, he or she should try to ask the person, “Is there anything wrong? Can I be of help?” Doing this shows that there is love and care among the workers.

Finally, one important characteristic of a co-worker is not to be a racist. Being a racist will make the company lose many workers and customers. If a person is a racist, there will be no happiness among the workers, and customers will not be treated nicely. There will be segregation among the workers. A worker being a racist treating his co-workers and depriving them of their rights is really going to affect or lead to the downfall of the company. A racist causes division among the workers.

A co-worker should have important characteristics like smiling, being polite, should not get mad at people, and not to be a racist. Do you have these characteristics as a worker? If you don’t, I think you should start applying some of these skills at the work place because it will make the company grow faster.