Meg's Lounge Notes

One of my students called Megumi wrote some notes about her experiences in the English Lounge at Toyo Gakuen University. Megumi spends time in the English Lounge every day. She also helps organise activities in the English Lounge. Consequently (その結果), she speaks English very well. I hope you enjoy reading about her experiences in the English Lounge and I hope it motivates you to come to the English Lounge.






Wednesday, 6/20/2007

Sarah took charge of today’s lounge time. Today, a lot of students came to the English Lounge. Some of my friends and I thought too many people were in the lounge, and so we couldn’t speak English with Sarah. In addition, I wasn’t feeling well. So we ate lunch and talked at another table. My friends were worried about me because I hadn’t been sleeping well and I hadn’t been eating eat enough. My friends told me how to sleep better, and how to feel better. Next, we talked about the weather One of my friends said, “Recently, everyday is very hot, isn’t it?” Everyone answered,“Yes, too hot!” One girl said to me, “I got it. It’s the reason why you’re feeling so bad, everyday is very hot recently.” Then we talked about global warming a little until time was up. We had to go to our next class.



Thursday, 6/21/2007

Andy took charge of the today’s lounge time, but he was very very busy. He had to go to Hongo campus by 2 o’clock, because he had a meeting. He had to eat his lunch right away, and leave Nagareyama campus at 12:45. Therefore, some students and I could speak only a little with Andy. Andy left the English Lounge, and then we talked about otaku (オタク). I domn’t know much about otaku but I understand some things about them, for example their fashion. Japanese otaku are like nerds or geeks. We were talking about this university’s otaku. Maybe, there are some otaku students in Toyo Gakuen University. One of my friend said “I usually meet a boy who looks like an otaku. He has strange eyes. Maybe he is an otaku.” I see the boy almost everyday, and I think he is an otaku, too.


Friday, 6/22 /2007

Today, Mr. Wilgus took charge of the lounge. We were talking about some things. First, Mr. Wilgus and I were talking about his towel. Today he refrigerated his towel, and brought it. He put the towel on his head. It made him relaxed. He looked very happy. Later, Mr. Hardy and some students came in the English Lounge and joined us. Then, we talked about “LOST”. It has become popular in Japan. Mr. Wilgus said “LOST is boring for me.” I asked him “Why do you think so?” He answered the question with civility but I’ve forgotten his answer. I’m sorry. However, Mr. Hardy loves this drama. He said “LOST is very exiting to me”. I’ve never watched “LOST”, so Mr. Wilgus and Mr. Hardy told me about the story. I have some friends who love this drama, and they recommended “LOST” to me. To be honest, it is of no interest to me. Finally, we talked about summer vacation plans. Mr. Wilgus told us about his summer vacation plans. He is going to go to Hawaii, and he is going to the beach. He is going to come back to Japan and then he is going to stay in Shirahama, Wakayama prefecture for 3 days. I thought that he is a good vacation planner and he is lucky. I want to go to Hawaii. I will go back to my parents’ home and stay there during summer vacation.


Monday, 6/25/2007

Mr. Wilgus took charge of today’s lounge time. There was Mr. Wilgus and a boy and me in the English Lounge, so only 2 students joined lounge time at first. We were talking about some things. First, we were talking about our next my class, third period on Monday. I take a class about how to teach English to junior high school students because I want to be an English teacher. In this class, I had to to practice teaching English. I was very nervous at that time. Mr. Wilgus gave me some advice. He said, “You should use only English. You can do it. It is easy for you.” His advice relieved my stress a little. At about 12:20, some of my friends came and joined us. We talked about some herbs. Mr. Wilgus said that he is growing some herds, for example Rosemary, Sage and so on. In addition, he uses them for his own meals. I said, “You are a great chef. You make your lunch everyday, and you are growing a lot of herbs. Great!” The other students agreed with me.



Tuesday, 6/26/2007

Andy took charge of today’s lounge time. Today, a lot of visitors came from Idaho, USA. They came to the English Lounge last week, and I hung out with one boy. Therefore, I didn’t speak with Andy. I spoke English with the boy. I was very happy, because I could meet him again. He was confused and looked like little tired because there were a lot of Japanese. We talked about some things. First, we talked about Tokyo Disneyland. He told me about his trip to there. I was very envious of him. I have not been there since I was in the fifth grade. He said, “I like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.” He loves roller coasters, but I hate them. We discussed roller coasters for a few minutes. In Tokyo Disneyland, he met a lot of characters, for example, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Pooh. He wanted to take a picture with Pooh, but he couldn’t. He said, “Pooh escaped from me. I was very sad.” We love Disney, so we enjoyed talking about Disney. At 12:55, I had to go to my next class. I exchanged e-mail addresses with him, and I said, “Let’s keep in touch.” He promised to send me an e-mail.


*Teachers interested in the theory behind the English Lounge at Toyo Gakuen University should read Sarah Louisa Birchley's article, Creating Learner Autonomy: Self Access and an English Lounge.

More contemporary Japanese culture
Pepsi Ice Cucumber

Last month, Pepsi started selling a drink in Japan called Pepsi Ice Cucumber. This drink will only be sold in the summer. According to Aya Takemoto, spokeswoman of Japan's Pepsi distributor, Suntory Ltd.

"We wanted a flavor that makes people think of keeping cool in the summer heat," Takemoto said. "We thought the cucumber was just perfect."

There is an English simile, "cool as a cucumber". However, in this case "cool" does not relate to temperature. It relates to emotion. Perhaps the people at Pepsi didn't know this.
Here's a video of some people trying the new drink.

Japanese contemporary culture

This is an interesting story recently published by Agence France-Press. Upper Intermediate learners of English should be able to read this article with out too much trouble. The reading level is about the same as texts written for native speakers in the final year of high school.
Enjoy!

(AFP/Toru Yamanaka )

Japanese soak in their noodles

Sat Jul 14, 12:51 PM ET

HAKONE, Japan (AFP) - The Japanese love their noodles so much that some of them are literally ready to dive in to their bowl of ramen.

A Japanese spa on Saturday opened special baths meant to resemble ramen, complete with bath salt shaped like the dangling delicacy, a giant pair of chopsticks overhead and water the aroma of pepper.

"The aroma of pepper is said to have the effects of refreshing your mind, warming your burned-out heart and inflaming your passion," explained a statement by spa complex Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Hakone, one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts.

Ramen lovers in bathing suits turned into ingredients in the broth, jumping into the three tubs shaped like ramen bowls underneath noodle decorations hanging over their heads.

"Customers may have been puzzled first, but I think they enjoyed it ... because the hot water smells good, like pepper," said Yusuke Sato, a spa employee who poured in the noodle-looking salt.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has offered a variety of creative baths including some filled with wine and coffee. Last year it came up with one resembling curry.

"I want to think of more ideas that surprise people," Sato said.

Talking about abilities

This is another video by Real-English.com . In this video people talk about the things they can do. Enjoy!

Shibaura Institute of Technology Global Issues 1 Assignment 1

The students in the Global Issues 1 class at Shibaura Institute of Technology did a great job on their first assignment. The assignment came from their textbook, Identity by Joseph Shaules, Hiroko Tsujioka, and Miyuki Iida. Assignment 1 was a follow up to Unit 1: Identity and Unit 2: Values. Some of the students agreed to share their work. Some of the students' work is uncredited at their request. Some, but not much of the students' writing has been edited for grammar and clarity.

Identity

What is important to you?

I think that it is important to keep a promise. I think that it is necessary to keep a promise in order to build relationships of mutual trust with friends.

"My friends are important to me. I like the expression 'All for one and one for all'."

"How we dress is important to me. I think that our style of dress expresses our attitudes. For example, if we want to appear formal and serious we probably wont choose scruffy clothes. The point is that clothes make a bid impression on people." Shun N.

"Music is important to me. I belong to a brass band. In addition, I spend two hours getting to school so I pass the time listening to music. I think that music gives me energy and many ideas,". Seiya S.

What experiences have affected you?

"I belonged to baseball club. I devoted myself to club activities when I was a high school student. It made me strong, gentle and earnest."

"When I was a high school student I had an English teacher who gently admonished and encouraged me to work harder. I learned not only English but I also learned about the society that we live in. Thanks to my English teacher I continue to strive to achieve my dreams." Shun N.

"When I was in junior high school I thought the brass band club was a troublesome thing. I was the leader of the student council and some members of the student council were also members of the brass band club. I couldn't have meetings because of conflicts with brass band practice. So I hated the brass band club at that time. However, in high school, my friend dragged me to the brass band club. I tried some instruments and I discovered the joy of music. My life was changed. I'll always be grateful to my friend." Seiya S.

"I belonged to the tennis club in my high school days. It was hard for me to practice but this experience changed my way of thinking and I came to have goals." Yuto T.

What is your experience with cultural difference?

"University is a place that gathers all sorts of people together. Everybody has a variety of different ideas. I think this is wonderful and I want to meet all sorts of people." Yuto Tsunokake

Do you have a strong cultural identity?

"Yes I do. I think that Japan is a beautiful country and I love my hometown of Yokohama. I have studied Japanese calligraphy since I was six years old because my grandfather was a calligraphy instructor. I really like Japanese food and I especially love a set meal served on individual trays at a traditional Japanese dinner party." Shun N.

"No I don't. I think everybody has a variety of cultural identities. So, I don't have a strong cultural identity. Yuto T.

What similarities or differences do you have with your peers?

"I have always hated to lose. I can't stand that feeling. I wonder why my peers don't have a strong fighting spirit."

"Most of classmates are not self-centered people. Neither am I. I endeavor to improve relationships with my classmates. On the other hand, I try to do various new activities. For example, I participated in volunteer activities last year. These days I have been studying Korean. Maybe my peers haven't tried these things." Shun N.

What career do you want to pursue and why?

"I want to pursue a career in space science. I want to do a big project. I want to believe in myself and test my strength."

Would you ever live in another country? Why or why not?

"Yes I would. As of yet I've had no chance to live abroad because of lack of time and money. If I can solve this problem I would like to study abroad."

What are some hidden and visible cultural differences?

Most Japanese think that "silence is golden". Therefore, when they have a problem they usually solve it without other people helping. They think that wanting help is annoying.

Time is a hidden cultural difference. People in some countries think that 5 minutes late is ok but people in other countries think that 30 minutes late is ok. Ryo H.

Values

Something I want to accomplish in the future

I have a big dream. I want to study space science. I like physics and I'm interested in space. I think space is strange and beautiful. I want to solve many of the mysteries of space. We are a lot smaller than space but we have unlimited possibilities. I sometimes wonder about the meaning of life. However, I don't want to know the answer. I want to feel happiness through symbiosis with many people. I want to study every field including: biology, history, math, and English. I don't think I can achieve my dream by studying just one field. Achieving my dream will be very hard but I won't give up because we have only one life. I want to do my best in life.

A Family member who changed my life

My grandfather changed my life. When I was a kindergartener, I was raised by him because my parents were both holding down jobs. About 10 years ago, I was not diligent. At that time my grandfather said to me, 'Think carefully now so you wont be sorry later!'. I Since then I have seriously followed my grandfather's example. Let me tell you about my grandfather. He is a man of iron will. He has strived to succeed and worked since his father died sixty-five years ago. When he was young his family was poor but now his family is rich thanks to his efforts. I want to lead a full life like him. I don't want to regret that I didn't do the things that I wanted to do. Shun N.

The Father of Modern Medicine: Sir William Osler
Born on this day - 12 July 1849

Did you know that one of the greatest doctors in medical history was born in Canada? You can learn more about Sir William Osler by reading his biography on wikipedia.

777
7 July 2007: The luckiest day of the century

Yesterday was the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventh year. Many people of many cultures believe that seven is a lucky number. For this reason we have many phrases in English that include the word "seven". For example:

The Seven Wonders of the World


The Seven Liberal Arts


The Seven Deadly Sins

Other examples are: Double Oh Seven (007), The Seven Days of the Week, Seventh Heaven, Best of Seven, The Seven Virtues, Lucky Seven.
In North America, thousands of weddings were held yesterday.

Seven is important in Japanese culture too:

The Seven Lucky Gods


Tanabata 七夕 (Seven Evenings)

Other examples are: Team 7 in Naruto, The Seven Princesses in Kingdom Hearts, and Seven Samurai

Was yesterday a special day for you? Here's a great video by Youssou N'Dour and Neneh Cherry called Seven Seconds. Enjoy!

Tanabata
七夕
The Japanese Star Festival

Last week, the theme in the English Lounge at Toyo Gakuin University was Tanabata. This is a video made by Debbie, a teacher in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. Debbie owns and operates a school in Hamamatsu called Hands on English. Here's what Debbie had to say about the Tanabata celebrations in Bentenjima:

From the air conditioned, tatami-covered viewing room, we watched fireworks. It is Tanabata festival time. Many people dressed in yukatas. Kids are so cute in their traditional Japanese summer outfits.

Enjoy!

Language and Identity: A conversation with a Quebecois who moves to the United States

This is a video conversation between Sarah of the Daily English Show and a man called Achille. Achille was born in Quebec. Therefore, his mother tongue was French. He moved to the United States. Achille's experience was very interesting.
Watch the video. What do you think of Achille's experience? How do you think you would feel if your second language became your main language and you were unable to express yourself easily in your mother tongue?

Toyo Gakuen University Toku Toku Class - Ball Hockey

Profile of Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya

Photo by Sean Russell

Nationality: Canadian
Ethnicity: Japanese, Scottish
Born: 16 October 1974, Vancouver British Columbia
Height: 178 cm; Weight: 80 Kgs
Shoots: Left
Nicknames: Mighty Mouse, P.K.
Teams:

• St Louis Blues 1 July 2007 - present
• Nashville Predators
  
• Colorado Avalanche
• Anaheim Mighty Ducks
  

Major Achievements:

• Winner of the Lady Byng trophy as the NHL's most gentlemanly player - 1996,1997
• Gold Medal 2002 Winter Olympics

Paul Kariya with Team Canada Captain Mario Lemieux

Watch the video below to see Paul Kariya in action!

399th Anniversary of the founding of Quebec City

On 3 July 1608 Ville de Quebec was founded by Samuel de Champlain.

Quebec City is beautiful. It's the first place I travelled to on my own. I went to Quebec on a ski trip when I was 16 years old with some school mates. I went to Quebec on a ski trip again when I was in university. I hope I can go back to Quebec some day.

Canada Day
The 140th anniversary of Canadian Confederation

The first of July is a special Day in Canada. When I was a boy it was called Dominion Day. Now it is called Canada Day.

Canada Day Party 2006 in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan

On 1 July 1867, the British colonies of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined and The Dominion of Canada was born. Later, the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and the territories joined.

The video below is a school project made by a student in Canada. It is very funny but not historically accurate. The video's titles have many spelling and grammar mistakes too. Can you find them?

The project got only a B- !! The teacher must be very strict (厳しい) and a rather humourless person (くそまじめな［ユーモアを解さない］人間) because the video is very funny. You can see a more accurate video on: http://www.musee-mccord.qc.ca/scripts/projects/CH/animCH.php?tourID=GE_P1_2_EN&Lang=1&type=quicktime

Enjoy!

A Day at the Zoo
Shibaura Institute of Technology
Listening Comprehension 1
Assignment 2

This is a video from ESLpodTV. In the video you see my friend Paul Carr at the zoo with his son. Below is Paul's introduction to the video:

• Topic: a visit to the zoo (動物園の遊び)

• Level: beginner (初級)

• Language: questions, repetition (疑問の種類)

This is a beginner lesson on the topic of a visit to Ueno Zoo in Japan. Watch and listen as a four year old describes the animals. Enjoy the show!

このビデオは初級生徒の為のレッスンです。日本の上野動物園の話です。いろいろな動物を見ながら英語の勉強をします。

There are some useful words and expressions to learn below.

peepee - child language that means to urinate

favourite - like the best

spots - round black marks

just a minute - (wait for) a short amount of time

upside down - head down and feet in the air

For Japanese and Spanish translations please go to transcript.
( せりふの訳はこのページです)

Shibaura Institute of Technology Global Issues 1 Assignment 2 - An Interview with Miho: Living in another culture

This is a video interview with Miho, a young Japanese woman who lived and studied overseas. The video comes from The Daily English Show episode #320.

Click here to see the script in English.
Click here to go to the Daily English Show's Japanese webpage.

Enjoy!

Going to a Movie
Making plans and Time

In the Freshman English 4- Speaking classes at Toyo Gakuin University students learned how to read a movie timetable and make plans to go to a movie with a friend. This video by EFpodEnglish shows two people making plans to go to a movie. Enjoy!

Sushi Samurai

Many people in many countries are interested in Japanese culture. Many Japanese words are also English words now too. For example: sushi (寿司) and samurai (侍). The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has a game called Sushi Samurai on it's website. It's a fun and easy game.
Check it out!

Talking about Jobs
Homework assignment for Toyo Gakuin University FE3-Listening

This video was downloaded from Real English.com

In Unit 5 of American Headway by John and Liz Soars we studied jobs and future intentions.
This is a video about jobs.
Enjoy!

Shibaura Institute of Technology Listening Comprehension Make-up homework for class absences (欠席)

This is a make-up assignment for students who were unable to attend class on 23 June 2007.
On 23 June we studied Units 10 and 13 from Listen In Book 1 by David Nunan. The topic in Unit 10 is how things work. The goals are understanding instructions (使用上注意) and following a sequence (連続). The topic in Unit 13 is ordering food in a restaurant. The goals are understanding food and drink orders and understanding and confirming reservations. Therefore, for your homework you will watch a video about making fish and chips. Fish and chips is a popular fast-food in England. Many university students enjoy eating fish and chips.

This video downloaded from VideoJug

The tasks for this video were written by Paul Carr for his video podcast ESLpodTV. On the ESLpodTV website Paul Carr wrote the following about this video lesson:

• Topic: cooking - fish and chips (イギリスの伝統的な料理)
• Level: intermediate (中級)
• Language: listening (聞く)

There are some useful words and expressions to learn below. More are in the text.
pour - move liquid from one container to another

serve - give food to the people who will eat it
season - give flavor to food by adding salt, pepper etc.

fry - cook food in oil

flip - turn something onto its other side




For Japanese and Spanish translations please go to transcript. ( せりふの訳はこのページです)


Enjoy!

Learning English and staying in shape
The special Ball Hockey class at Toyo Gakuen University

From left to right: Mr. Stout, Masumi, Kazumi, Satoko, Takahiro, and Taka

Facing Off

Masumi passes back to Taka

Rather unbelievably intercepted by Mr. Stout

She shoots! She scores!

Giving Directions

Former Prime Minister of Thailand appointed guest lecturer at Takushoku University

AP Photo by Toru Takahashi

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be a guest lecturer at Takushoku University. He will give his first lecture on the fifth of July.

You can see more photos and read a report on Takushoku University's website.

You can read the The International Herald Tribune report on this story in English.

You CAN make a difference: A Video by Canadian band Nickelback that shows how a single person can make the world a better place

This is a video for Nickelback's song If Everyone Cared. In the video you see four people who cared: Bob Geldolf, Betty Williams, Peter Benenson and Nelson Mandela.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...

Learning English in Thailand

This is a television programme for people wanting to learn English in Thailand. It's hosted by Chris Delivery. This programme features the Thai pop star Bie.

A New Toronto Landmark Opened Today

3_ROM_Crystal_9115_square, originally uploaded by wvs.

A new Toronto landmark (目立つ建物) opened today, The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal is an expansion (増設) of the Royal Ontario Museum. The Royal Ontario Museum is usually called the ROM by people from Toronto.

One of the exhibitions (博覧会) in the The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal will be curated (展覧会の主事を務める) by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto (杉本博司).

The ROM has another connection to Japan, The Prince Takamado Gallery of Japan. Prince Takamodo (高円宮憲仁親王) studied at Queen's University in Canada.

I'm looking forward to visiting the ROM the next time I'm back in my hometown.

Sergeant Pepper Turns Forty

The famous cover of the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band record

The Beatles album Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released in the UK on 1 June 1967. It was released the next day in the USA. Perhaps it was released in Canada on the same day. So, it is forty years old now!

According to Rolling Stone magazine, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band is the greatest record of all time.

What do you think? Do you like the Beatles? Do you like Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band? Leave a comment.

The Daily English Show goes to Canada

Hokkaido's favourite English teacher, Sarah, has gone to Canada and she's producing the Daily English Show from Canada until October. This is the first show from Canada. In this show Sarah talks to a man called Matt from Oakville. Oakville is near Toronto. I lived there for 5 years after university.

One of the interesting parts of this show is that you learn about Toronto slang and Canadian spelling. You also learn about WWOOFING and organic farming.

Enjoy!

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This year in Toronto many events are being held including readings by Asian Canadian writers including Kerri Sakamoto and Paul Yee. Also, concerts including Tabla Fusion. In addition, special classes are being held including origami, tea ceremony, Kamishibai, and Chinese Opera.

According the United Nations, Toronto is the most multicultural city on earth.

Toyo Gakuen University FE4-Speaking Level 2
A Video for Unit 3

This is another video by Paul Carr from ESLpodTV. As an introduction to the video Paul wrote:

• Topic: Animated drama series (アニメ連続ドラマ)
• Level: Beginner (初級)
• Language: polite requests and invitations (丁寧語、招待)

This is the third lesson in the animated series about Edward Ulysses Cator - a teacher from Britain who moves to the USA to take up a new job. These stories are aimed at beginner level students and will relate Edward’s experiences adapting to his new life and job in America. As with other lessons on this site there will be a video, mp3 listening file and PDF lesson to download for each episode. Enjoy the show!

このビデオは初級生徒の為の新しい連続アニメドラマです。米国に来たばかりのEd. U. Catorと言うイギリス人教師の新生活の物語です。このレッスンはいつもと同じビデオ、mp3、とPDFテキストを使用します。

In part 3 of this series Ed invites Jenny to his housewarming party. Will she come? Watch the video and find out! You can see the transcript by clicking here. Spanish users can get a translation of the script by going to Rikai.com and following the instructions there. ( せりふの訳はそのページのURLをRikai.comへ)

There are some useful words and expressions to learn below.

guy - person, usually a man

anytime - whenever

nothing special - nothing different or unusual

accent - the way your voice sounds shaped by where you’re from

housewarming party - special event celebrating moving into new home

neighbors - the people living nearby

got nothing on - not doing anything at that time

few - a small number of something

funny - strange

I was wondering if… polite expression requesting somebody do something

If you’re free… - expression often used to ask for date or request favor

Enjoy!

Music for Language Learning 4

This week the music played in class has been related to Acid Jazz, Trip-Hop, Free Jazz, Nu Jazz and Fusion. Two of the artists have a connection to Japan, Kyoto Jazz Massive and Monday Michiru. Monday Michiru is the daughter of Jazz orchestra leader and award winning composer Toshiko Akiyoshi. I was able to attend a Toshiko Akiyoshi concert at the Tokyo Blue Note. It was fantastic.


This week's playlist:

US3 - Grand Groove

Miles Davis - On the Corner

Massive Attack - One Love

Monday Michiru - Yellow Bird (Incognito Flyin' High)

Miles Davis - New York Girl

Saint Germaine - Bohemian Sunset

Ornette Coleman - Spelling the Alphabet

Portishead - All Mine

Monday Michiru - Talk (Jazztronic Mix)

Saint Germaine - Jungle Jazz

Stanley Clarke - I Wanna Play for You

Massive Attack - Better Things

US3 - Knowledge of Self

The Lounge Lizards - She Drove me Mad

Ornette Coleman - Chanting

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Endless Flight (DJ Kawasaki Remix)
Underworld - Rez

Toyo Gakuen University FE3-Listening
A Video about a Burglar for Unit 3

This is a video made by my friend Paul Carr for his podcast ESLpodTV. As an introduction to the video Paul wrote:

• Topic: Burglar mystery story (泥簿事件)

• Level: (lower) intermediate (小中級)
• Language: dialogues, facial descriptions (会話、顔の説明)
• Grammar: Verb tenses, adjectives (動詞、形容詞)

Watch what happens when Ben and Yuki hear a strange noise in the middle of the night. Who’s there? A burglar or somebody else? Our brave couple go downstairs to find out. You can see the transcript by clicking here. ( せりふの訳はそのページのURLをRikai.comへ)

There are some useful words and expressions to learn below.

Wasamatter? - What’s the matter?

downstairs - On the floor(s) below

torch - a light you carry in your hand

stairs - steps

scared - afraid

granny - grandmother

gramps - granddad

dangerous - not safe

locked - closed or shut so it cannot be opened without a key

burglar - someone who steals from houses

freckles - brown spots on the face

bald - to have no hair on the head

scars - an old cut that leaves a mark on the skin

wrinkles - age lines on the face

Enjoy!

The Smallest Restaurant in the World

At the moment, the topic in my speaking classes is restaurants.
This is a video from RealEnglish.com about a restaurant.
Enjoy!

Music for Language Learning 3

Last week most of the music we heard was progressive rock. I was a big fan of progressive rock when I was a high school student. When I was a university student I hosted a progressive rock radio show called Gothic Rock on CJAM-fm radio in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Most of the records I played were by British and German bands. One of the bands played in classes this week, The Tea Party, was formed in Windsor. The Tea Party's first recordings were played on CJAM-fm. I had a chance to see the Tea Party's live concerts and meet the members.
I still like progressive rock.


Last week's playlist

Yes: Close to the Edge
Supertramp: School
The Who: Behind Blues Eyes
Pink Floyd: Hey You
Triumvirat: Viva Pompeii
Gentle Giant: Peel the Paint
Genesis: Cuckoo Cocoon
Eloy: Horizons
The Tea Party: Temptation
The Moody Blues: The Question

Toyo Gakuen University FE3-Listening

This is another video from MadridTeacher.com. It's called, "A Typical Day in The Life of Victoria Fontana". This video relates to Unit 2. Watch, listen and learn about daily life for a teacher in Madrid. Enjoy

Ball Hockey

This is a video of a coed ball hockey game in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. As you can see the game is a lot of fun. Starting this week, I will teach special ball hockey classes at Toyo Gakuen University. The classes will include the history and culture of hockey, in all it's forms, and of course, we will play the game.

Seventieth Anniversary of the Hindenburg Disaster

On 6 May 1937 one of the worst disasters in aviation history occured. The Hindenburg was the pride of Germany. You can learn more about the Hindenburg and the disaster by reading the wikipedia article in simple English. There are wikipedia articles in other languages too. This is a newsreel from Universal Studios. Newsreels were common before television. They were played before movies.

Here's a great video from ESLpodTv. In this animated video, an imaginary survivor of the Hindenburg disaster is interviewed. You can read the transcript by clicking http://kibishipaul.com/trans/script35.html. Japanese and Spanish language support are also available on Rikai.com Japanese and Rikai.com Spanish. You can take a quiz too, if you want.

Kurayami Matsuri
Fuchuu

Today was the final day of the Kurayami Matsuri (Black Night Festival) at Okunitama Shrine in Fuchuu City, West Tokyo.

Golden Week
ゴールデンウィーク

All this week many people in Japan have been enjoying a few days of rest. During Golden Week four national holidays are celebrated in Japan: Showa Day (昭和の日), Constitution Day (憲法記念日) Green Day (みどりの日) and Children's Day (こどもの日). My favourite holiday is Children's Day because I like Koinoburi and I like the matsuri and kashiwa mochi.

Speaking: Self Introduction

This is a self-introduction by Jim Smiley. Smiley is a perfect name for Jim. He has a lovely wide grin and he is always very fun to have around.
Jim is very busy as a university teacher and a member of JALT but he still finds time for hobbies. Watch the video and listen to Jim. What do you think? Leave a comment.

Conversation: More about hobbies - what to say and what not to say

Conversation Strategies: Natural versus unnatural questions

This is a video from Action Language Academy, an Eikaiwa (English conversation school) in Japan. The video is called, 英会話 名古屋 Typical English Mistakes-1: Hobby. The video talks about a common mistake students in Japan make during an English conversation. The mistake that they make is asking the question "What is your hobby?" They make this mistake because the Japanese word 趣味 (shumi) is translated as "hobby". However, "shumi" can be translated as interest or favourite pastime.