English textbooks introduce a lot of words, idioms and expressions, but native speakers often point out that some of them are not used so often or not common expressions. It's often the case, so I'm not surprised.
However, it's the first time that nobody knows a word. It's "meatware."
This word was in my textbook, but it didn't exist in a dictionary. From the explanation in the textbook and information on the Internet, I found that it means "human relationships" or "human element."
The sentence in the textbook is:
All the software and hardware is one thing, but it's the meatware that counts.
I asked about it on Lang-8.
http://lang-8.com/sand/journals/310842
Almost all of the native speakers who posted comments in my entry haven't heard this word.
Do you think that it's OK to put such a word in a textbook?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Movie: A Christmas Carol
I watched this movie wearing 3D glasses. Here are the 3D glasses.
It was a bit annoying to wear them whole the movie, but 3D images were amazing. When I was a kid, "The Wizard of Oz" was on TV with 3D. At that time, we had to wear a cheap paper glasses with blue and red cellophane in order to see 3D images. However, even though I wore them, I couldn't realize 3D. Now that I think about it, the technological advance is tremendous. I think we will able to see 3D images without glasses sometime in the future.
As you know, in this movie, the technology called "performance capture" is used. Actually I don't like humans described by it. They look very scary. They are like dolls that are too much close to humans. Look at this.
S,s, scary!!
By the way, the original book written by Charles Dickens is very hard for me to read, because there are too many words I don't know. I feel that I don't know about 70% of all the words in the book. Does Charles Dickens tend to write with a bit difficult words? It might be just because of my poor vocabulary.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Rock and Roll?!
I'm using a business English textbook for my English study. All dialogues in it are conversations at work. In a dialogue I was studying yesterday, there was the phrase, "We are ready to rock and roll."
Rock and roll?!?! I was surprised because I couldn't associate "rock and roll" with a conversation at work. However, the sentence was taken up as a useful phrase.
According to the explanation of the textbook, it expresses the situation that everything is prepared and just waiting to get started, like a band has already prepared for everything and is waiting to be on stage. It's a colloquial expression that is often used in the US.
I see, but... Do you often use it at work? What is the difference from "We are ready to go"?
Rock and roll?!?! I was surprised because I couldn't associate "rock and roll" with a conversation at work. However, the sentence was taken up as a useful phrase.
According to the explanation of the textbook, it expresses the situation that everything is prepared and just waiting to get started, like a band has already prepared for everything and is waiting to be on stage. It's a colloquial expression that is often used in the US.
I see, but... Do you often use it at work? What is the difference from "We are ready to go"?
Saturday, December 05, 2009
The draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
It's 2:20am in Japan.
The ceremony for the draw is being held. It's too long and unnecessary! There is always such aexcrescent superfluous sideshow. I think it a waste of time and especially a waste of money.
I wish the draw started soon.
----------
3:10am
The draw has already started.
The opening game will be South Africa vs. Mexco.
----------
3:30am
Finally, the draw was finished.
Here is the result.
I think England and Denmark, which I root for, can advance to stage 2. Goody!
188 days to go until the World Cup!
The ceremony for the draw is being held. It's too long and unnecessary! There is always such a
I wish the draw started soon.
----------
3:10am
The draw has already started.
The opening game will be South Africa vs. Mexco.
----------
3:30am
Finally, the draw was finished.
Here is the result.
I think England and Denmark, which I root for, can advance to stage 2. Goody!
188 days to go until the World Cup!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Charlize Theron at the World Cup draw
FIFA announced that Charlize Theron, who is one of my favorite actresses, will serve as co-host of Friday's World Cup draw in Cape Town. I thought why she, but now that I think about it, that's because she is from South Africa.
I'm very interested in the result of the draw, but in Japan, it will be broadcast on TV during midnight, so I planned to see the result on news next morning. But Charlize Theron will appear, so maybe I'll watch it.
By the way, I have no idea how I should say for the second sentence in this article. I feel that the title is also strange. I'll ask about it on Lang-8.
I'm very interested in the result of the draw, but in Japan, it will be broadcast on TV during midnight, so I planned to see the result on news next morning. But Charlize Theron will appear, so maybe I'll watch it.
By the way, I have no idea how I should say for the second sentence in this article. I feel that the title is also strange. I'll ask about it on Lang-8.
A sound made by a bone or joint
I post my article before this one on Lang-8. Of course, it got a lot of corrections. hehe.
Then I got to know how to describe a sound made by a bone or joint in English.
It's "click", "creak" or "crack."
I think "crack" is appropriate for the previous article.
Onomatopoeic words are really difficult because those are much different depending on each language.
Then I got to know how to describe a sound made by a bone or joint in English.
It's "click", "creak" or "crack."
I think "crack" is appropriate for the previous article.
Onomatopoeic words are really difficult because those are much different depending on each language.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Frozen shoulder?
I have had a pain in my right arm for more than a month. Especially I feel the pain when I lift the arm.
I felt the pain for the first time when I went to the relaxation salon to get massage in mid-October. When a massager stretched my arm after finishing massage, I felt a pain in my right arm. Since then, it hasn't cured.
I wonder if it's frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder is called 四十肩 (しじゅうかた) or 五十肩 (ごじゅうかた) in Japanese. Those mean "40 years old shoulder" or "50 years old shoulder", and it's one of the symbols of getting old. No way!
When I moved in bed this morning, my right arm made ボキッ sound. （ボキッ is a typical bone or joint sound. I wonder what you say it in English.) Then the pain decreased a little.
I still have the pain but it got much better after ボキッ. I hope it completely cures soon. I also hope it isn't frozen shoulder. haha.
I felt the pain for the first time when I went to the relaxation salon to get massage in mid-October. When a massager stretched my arm after finishing massage, I felt a pain in my right arm. Since then, it hasn't cured.
I wonder if it's frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder is called 四十肩 (しじゅうかた) or 五十肩 (ごじゅうかた) in Japanese. Those mean "40 years old shoulder" or "50 years old shoulder", and it's one of the symbols of getting old. No way!
When I moved in bed this morning, my right arm made ボキッ sound. （ボキッ is a typical bone or joint sound. I wonder what you say it in English.) Then the pain decreased a little.
I still have the pain but it got much better after ボキッ. I hope it completely cures soon. I also hope it isn't frozen shoulder. haha.
Friday, November 27, 2009
My bad listening comprehension #18
"If you look across the top of the spreadsheet, you'll see production volume XXXXX by site."
I didn't catch the part of XXXXX. It sounds "word" to me, but if it was "word", the sentence would be weird. I heard it repeatedly, then I finally came up with the word "ordered"! In this case, the sentence makes sense, doesn't it? (No?)
However, it wasn't "ordered", but "worldwide." Gah... Those are completely different.
In the dialogue, this sentence was said by a person who was supposed to be Indian. So she pretended speaking with Indian accent, but it's not so strong.
Do you think it's possible to mishear "worldwide" and "ordered"? It's probably only me...
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-bad-listening-comprehension-17.html
I didn't catch the part of XXXXX. It sounds "word" to me, but if it was "word", the sentence would be weird. I heard it repeatedly, then I finally came up with the word "ordered"! In this case, the sentence makes sense, doesn't it? (No?)
However, it wasn't "ordered", but "worldwide." Gah... Those are completely different.
In the dialogue, this sentence was said by a person who was supposed to be Indian. So she pretended speaking with Indian accent, but it's not so strong.
Do you think it's possible to mishear "worldwide" and "ordered"? It's probably only me...
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-bad-listening-comprehension-17.html
Monday, November 23, 2009
Henry's handball put Ireland out of the World Cup.
The participating countries for the 2010 World Cup have been decided.
To my delight, Denmark is playing in the World Cup this time. Goody! I will cheer for Denmark, and England as usual.
Did you see the game, France vs. Ireland? France won for a hair and qualified for the World Cup, by Henry's goal with handball. It's called "New God's hand."
The handball scene couldn't be seen by a referee, so it can't be helped. It's often the case in sports games. However, for Ireland, it's not only one game lost. They lost the qualification for the World Cup. It's a really big matter. I feel very sorry for Ireland. When I think of feeling of the Ireland's players, I can't help feeling distress.
To my delight, Denmark is playing in the World Cup this time. Goody! I will cheer for Denmark, and England as usual.
Did you see the game, France vs. Ireland? France won for a hair and qualified for the World Cup, by Henry's goal with handball. It's called "New God's hand."
The handball scene couldn't be seen by a referee, so it can't be helped. It's often the case in sports games. However, for Ireland, it's not only one game lost. They lost the qualification for the World Cup. It's a really big matter. I feel very sorry for Ireland. When I think of feeling of the Ireland's players, I can't help feeling distress.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I feel a cold coming on.
I feel I'm going to get a cold.
So I'm going to bed early. I hope I'm fine tomorrow.
So I'm going to bed early. I hope I'm fine tomorrow.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
The Giants won the championship!
Following the World Series in the US, a winner of Japan Series has just been decided. My favorite team, Yomiuri Giants won!! That's great!! However I missed the game. It's stupid of me. Now, I'm watching interviews of the manager and players.
It's for the first time in 7 years. 7 years is too long for the Giants, as well as the Yankees. It was really long way. The manager Hara must be having deep and various feelings.
Ah---! Why did I miss the game?
Giants Manager Tatsunori Hara being tossed in the air by his team members after winning the Japan Series
It's for the first time in 7 years. 7 years is too long for the Giants, as well as the Yankees. It was really long way. The manager Hara must be having deep and various feelings.
Ah---! Why did I miss the game?
Giants Manager Tatsunori Hara being tossed in the air by his team members after winning the Japan SeriesFriday, November 06, 2009
Matsui accomplished incredible thing!
The Yankees won the World Series for the first time in 9 years!! 9 years is a bit too long for the Yankees, isn't it?
And the most incredible thing is that a Japanese player Hideki Matsui, aka Godzilla, was chosen the World Series MVP!!! He showed the outstanding performance in the games, and when he went to bat, there was "MVP calls" from the spectators.
Hideki Matsui raising the MVP trophy
Although his goal had been winning the World Series, the Yankees was not able to win for a long time. The Yankees won for the first time since he joined the team 7 years ago.
When I saw him hug his teammates, such as mate Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, I was very impressed.
Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter
His contract with the Yankees expires this year, and it has been said that the Yankees wouldn't renew the contract. Although he was MVP, it seems to be unavoidable. It's a pity. But it was good that his long-cherished dream finally came true and even he was chosen MVP, in his last year in the Yankees. After the World Series, he stated positively that he came to the US and joined the Yankees to achieve this goal.
By the way, during his MVP interview, he was speaking through an interpreter. What!? He has lived in the US for 7 years. No less than 7 years!! No way!
And the most incredible thing is that a Japanese player Hideki Matsui, aka Godzilla, was chosen the World Series MVP!!! He showed the outstanding performance in the games, and when he went to bat, there was "MVP calls" from the spectators.
Hideki Matsui raising the MVP trophyAlthough his goal had been winning the World Series, the Yankees was not able to win for a long time. The Yankees won for the first time since he joined the team 7 years ago.
When I saw him hug his teammates, such as mate Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, I was very impressed.
Hideki Matsui and Derek JeterHis contract with the Yankees expires this year, and it has been said that the Yankees wouldn't renew the contract. Although he was MVP, it seems to be unavoidable. It's a pity. But it was good that his long-cherished dream finally came true and even he was chosen MVP, in his last year in the Yankees. After the World Series, he stated positively that he came to the US and joined the Yankees to achieve this goal.
By the way, during his MVP interview, he was speaking through an interpreter. What!? He has lived in the US for 7 years. No less than 7 years!! No way!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Book: "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult
(I read this in English.)
I went to see the movie, "My Sister's Keeper" the other day.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/10/movie-my-sisters-keeper.html
Whenever I see movies after reading the book, I'm a bit disappointed, so I saw the movie first this time.
I always find a lot of words I don't know when I read English books, and realize my vocabulary is very poor. In addition, there were a lot of medical terms in the book this time. It's very frustrating to read books which have a lot of words I don't know.
I don't know that was a reason but reading it was a bit painful in the first half. But in the latter half, I couldn't stop reading. I wonder if the story became interesting.
When I watched its movie, I thought each person's story and feeling could be described more deeply in the book, although I hadn't read it, and it was true.
The story and the characters were a bit different, but it's often the case when books are made into a movie, isn't it?
However, the ending was MUCH different!! Yes, it's also often the case, but it's completely different. The ending in the book was really sad and shocking.
I think the filmmaker should have followed the original story.
I went to see the movie, "My Sister's Keeper" the other day.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/10/movie-my-sisters-keeper.html
Whenever I see movies after reading the book, I'm a bit disappointed, so I saw the movie first this time.
I always find a lot of words I don't know when I read English books, and realize my vocabulary is very poor. In addition, there were a lot of medical terms in the book this time. It's very frustrating to read books which have a lot of words I don't know.
I don't know that was a reason but reading it was a bit painful in the first half. But in the latter half, I couldn't stop reading. I wonder if the story became interesting.
When I watched its movie, I thought each person's story and feeling could be described more deeply in the book, although I hadn't read it, and it was true.
The story and the characters were a bit different, but it's often the case when books are made into a movie, isn't it?
However, the ending was MUCH different!! Yes, it's also often the case, but it's completely different. The ending in the book was really sad and shocking.
I think the filmmaker should have followed the original story.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Windows 7
Windows 7 finally went on sales.
Three editions out of six are released in Japan, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.
I really want to upgrade my PC to Windows 7 because my PC is damn VISTA, but it will probably take some time. I'll wait and see. Then, I might end up not buying it. haha...
Three editions out of six are released in Japan, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.
I really want to upgrade my PC to Windows 7 because my PC is damn VISTA, but it will probably take some time. I'll wait and see. Then, I might end up not buying it. haha...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Happy Birhtday to me!
I set my goals on my birthday every year, but I have never achieved them. Too bad.
This is the year that I do my best and achieve my goals. I make a pledge to do that regarding the coming year is my last chance.
Get out of the laziness life, Sand!
Happy birthday to me!
This is the year that I do my best and achieve my goals. I make a pledge to do that regarding the coming year is my last chance.
Get out of the laziness life, Sand!
Happy birthday to me!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Movie: My Sister's Keeper
I have watched several movies in the past few months, such as "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas", "Miracle at St. Anna" etc. Those were impressed and I was going to write about them here, but I goofed off.
Today, I went to see "My Sister's Keeper."
Too see the Japanese trailer, I got the impression that the movie would revolve around the youngest child Anna. But the story focused on each member of the family.
I couldn't stop my tears throughout the movie. The story is simple and there wasn't any surprising.
I even could predict the end of the story. But Thinking and feeling which each person have were very impressed and those moved to tears.
I'm going to read the book in English.
Today, I went to see "My Sister's Keeper."
Too see the Japanese trailer, I got the impression that the movie would revolve around the youngest child Anna. But the story focused on each member of the family.
I couldn't stop my tears throughout the movie. The story is simple and there wasn't any surprising.
I even could predict the end of the story. But Thinking and feeling which each person have were very impressed and those moved to tears.
I'm going to read the book in English.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.
About just one hour ago, it was announced that the American president Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. One of main reasons of his receiving the award is kind of "the abolishment of nuclear weapons."
That isn't quite convincing for me. He hasn't do anything yet. What he did is only saying. He hasn't achieve any results yet. It's easy to just say. Everyone can do that.
I hope he will achieve the results which is commensurate with the Nobel Peace Prize.
That isn't quite convincing for me. He hasn't do anything yet. What he did is only saying. He hasn't achieve any results yet. It's easy to just say. Everyone can do that.
I hope he will achieve the results which is commensurate with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
The result of the selection of the 2016 Olympic site
Tokyo was rejected in the second vote.
I was thinking that it was difficult for Tokyo to be selected, because the 2008 Olympic was held in Beijing where is in Asia as well as Tokyo, and 2012 Olympic will be held in London where is one of the biggest cities in developed countries like Tokyo. However, that's a real bummer!! I really wanted to have an experience that the Olympics takes place in my city.
Chicago was rejected in the first vote. It was a bit surprising.
The final vote has already finished, but the result won't be announced in over an hour. The results of the first and second votes were announced as soon as the votes were finished. It was disappointedly fast. In contrast, regarding the final result, don't you think IOC keeps people waiting too much?
I'm waiting the result, then I will be back here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, IOC President Rogge announced Rio de Janeiro won the right to host the 2016 Olympic. Congratulations.
The 2014 World Cup will also take place in Brazil, which is one of BRICs. I think Brazil will more and more develop in the future.
Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, so I will see the summer Olympics in winter!?
I was thinking that it was difficult for Tokyo to be selected, because the 2008 Olympic was held in Beijing where is in Asia as well as Tokyo, and 2012 Olympic will be held in London where is one of the biggest cities in developed countries like Tokyo. However, that's a real bummer!! I really wanted to have an experience that the Olympics takes place in my city.
Chicago was rejected in the first vote. It was a bit surprising.
The final vote has already finished, but the result won't be announced in over an hour. The results of the first and second votes were announced as soon as the votes were finished. It was disappointedly fast. In contrast, regarding the final result, don't you think IOC keeps people waiting too much?
I'm waiting the result, then I will be back here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, IOC President Rogge announced Rio de Janeiro won the right to host the 2016 Olympic. Congratulations.
The 2014 World Cup will also take place in Brazil, which is one of BRICs. I think Brazil will more and more develop in the future.
Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, so I will see the summer Olympics in winter!?
Friday, October 02, 2009
The site of the 2016 Olympic will be decided soon.
The IOC General Assembly is being held in Copenhagen now and the site of the 2016 Olympic will be decided in several hours!
Tokyo's presentation has already finished. I hope Tokyo is selected. Unfortunately, according to oddschecker.com, Tokyo is in last place.
http://www.oddschecker.com/specials/olympics-specials/2016-olympic-host/win-market/
However, the selection method is the conclave way, so it's possible that Tokyo is chosen!
Tokyo's presentation has already finished. I hope Tokyo is selected. Unfortunately, according to oddschecker.com, Tokyo is in last place.
http://www.oddschecker.com/specials/olympics-specials/2016-olympic-host/win-market/
However, the selection method is the conclave way, so it's possible that Tokyo is chosen!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A business trip to Singapore part 3 - the Second week
My cold was getting worse and worse, so the second week was tougher. So it became much harder to communicate in English.
As well as the first week, people in the Singapore office were kind enough to treat us very well, such as taking us to dinner. I was really thankful to them, so, although my health condition was terrible, I attended them.
One evening after work, a person was kind enough to take us to the Night Safari. It was a bit scaring for me but amazing! It was good to go there.
By the way, F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be held on 25th, 26th and 27th. So Singapore is preparing for that. I wish my business trip would have been a week later.
My last day in Singapore (19th Saturday), I went to the National Museum of Singapore. It was nice and I spent about 4 hours there.
I was thinking about going for shopping after that, but I was very tired, so I didn't go.
Before I went to the airport, I met my friend again. We had dinner and I enjoyed chatting with him.
It was really tough business trip. I was in tatters.
And I strongly realize my English doesn't cut it at all. I have to do something, but I'm not sure what I should do. I just keep learning English with the same way as before?
As well as the first week, people in the Singapore office were kind enough to treat us very well, such as taking us to dinner. I was really thankful to them, so, although my health condition was terrible, I attended them.
One evening after work, a person was kind enough to take us to the Night Safari. It was a bit scaring for me but amazing! It was good to go there.
By the way, F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be held on 25th, 26th and 27th. So Singapore is preparing for that. I wish my business trip would have been a week later.
My last day in Singapore (19th Saturday), I went to the National Museum of Singapore. It was nice and I spent about 4 hours there.
I was thinking about going for shopping after that, but I was very tired, so I didn't go.
Before I went to the airport, I met my friend again. We had dinner and I enjoyed chatting with him.
It was really tough business trip. I was in tatters.
And I strongly realize my English doesn't cut it at all. I have to do something, but I'm not sure what I should do. I just keep learning English with the same way as before?
A business trip to Singapore part 2 - Weekend
After getting a cold on Friday, it was getting worse and worse, but thanks to my friend, I enjoyed sightseeing on Saturday. I met a friend in Lang-8 and he showed me around!!
First, he took me the URA City Gallery. There were miniatures of Singapore. Those were made very well. There were also miniatures of buildings which were built in the future. It was surprising. Although there are already a lot of high buildings in Singapore, Singapore is still improving.
Then, we had lunch at a food court. I ate typical Singaporean (Chinese?) food. Yummy!
After that, we went to China Town. Singapore is amazing. Several different cultures gather. It's amazing and interesting.
Next, we went to Little India. Almost all of the people there were Indians and most of the stores sold Indian goods and food. I felt as if I were in India. (I have never been to India though.) It was also amazing experience!
Then we went to see the Merlion!!! Wow!!
It's the first visit to Singapore for me. This is must-see, isn't it?
My friend's friend joined us there. He explained about a lot of things we could see in detail.
Three of us had Chinese food for dinner. It was the first time for me to see (and eat) black chicken! But its taste was the same as normal chicken.
If I haven't met my friend, I would have come back to Tokyo without such a wonderful sightseeing. I'm really thankful to him and his friend.
Next day (Sunday), my cold got worse. So I didn't go out. I stayed in my hotel room and did just my job. Because of a bad cold, my face was terrible. I thought I had to do something, then I called Spa of the hotel. Fortunately, I was able to reserve a facial treatment after 20 minutes. Even after the treatment, my face didn't recover, it cost 200 Singapore dollars though...
First, he took me the URA City Gallery. There were miniatures of Singapore. Those were made very well. There were also miniatures of buildings which were built in the future. It was surprising. Although there are already a lot of high buildings in Singapore, Singapore is still improving.
Then, we had lunch at a food court. I ate typical Singaporean (Chinese?) food. Yummy!
After that, we went to China Town. Singapore is amazing. Several different cultures gather. It's amazing and interesting.
Next, we went to Little India. Almost all of the people there were Indians and most of the stores sold Indian goods and food. I felt as if I were in India. (I have never been to India though.) It was also amazing experience!
Then we went to see the Merlion!!! Wow!!
It's the first visit to Singapore for me. This is must-see, isn't it?
My friend's friend joined us there. He explained about a lot of things we could see in detail.
Three of us had Chinese food for dinner. It was the first time for me to see (and eat) black chicken! But its taste was the same as normal chicken.
If I haven't met my friend, I would have come back to Tokyo without such a wonderful sightseeing. I'm really thankful to him and his friend.
Next day (Sunday), my cold got worse. So I didn't go out. I stayed in my hotel room and did just my job. Because of a bad cold, my face was terrible. I thought I had to do something, then I called Spa of the hotel. Fortunately, I was able to reserve a facial treatment after 20 minutes. Even after the treatment, my face didn't recover, it cost 200 Singapore dollars though...
A business trip to Singapore part 1 - the First week
I came back from a business trip to Singapore. Two weeks in Singapore was very long and tough. I was tired.
I left Tokyo on 7th Monday morning. I used Singapore Airlines. Of course, most of the cabin attendants were Singaporeans and I couldn't understand their English with Singaporean accent. I really worried about what things would be like during my stay.
I arrived in Singapore in the evening. It was very humid, like Tokyo's summer. Ve--ry humid!
After checking into a hotel, I went to the Raffles Hotel with my co-worker, which is the classiest hotel in Singapore, and ate and drink a bit in a place like a courtyard.
Then we went to Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, which is known for the birthplace of Singapore Sling. Of course we drank Singapore Sling!
It was my first day in Singapore.
Next day, tough situation, where everything was in English, started. To make things worse, I started to get a cold on Friday, because it was very cold everywhere inside in Singapore.
People in Singapore office were kind enough to treat us very well. They took us good places for dinner.
On Tuesday evening, we had chicken rice. It's very tasty! After the dinner, we went to the Swissotel the Standard Hotel to see the night view. It was very beautiful!
On Thursday evening, we went to a Mongolian restaurant in Clarke Quay.
Although I was srruounded in English and in the tough situation, the first week wasn't so bad. I think I did well. However, I started to get a cold on Friday and it was getting worse, it became much tougher.
I left Tokyo on 7th Monday morning. I used Singapore Airlines. Of course, most of the cabin attendants were Singaporeans and I couldn't understand their English with Singaporean accent. I really worried about what things would be like during my stay.
I arrived in Singapore in the evening. It was very humid, like Tokyo's summer. Ve--ry humid!
After checking into a hotel, I went to the Raffles Hotel with my co-worker, which is the classiest hotel in Singapore, and ate and drink a bit in a place like a courtyard.
Then we went to Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, which is known for the birthplace of Singapore Sling. Of course we drank Singapore Sling!
It was my first day in Singapore.
Next day, tough situation, where everything was in English, started. To make things worse, I started to get a cold on Friday, because it was very cold everywhere inside in Singapore.
People in Singapore office were kind enough to treat us very well. They took us good places for dinner.
On Tuesday evening, we had chicken rice. It's very tasty! After the dinner, we went to the Swissotel the Standard Hotel to see the night view. It was very beautiful!
On Thursday evening, we went to a Mongolian restaurant in Clarke Quay.
Although I was srruounded in English and in the tough situation, the first week wasn't so bad. I think I did well. However, I started to get a cold on Friday and it was getting worse, it became much tougher.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
English with Chinese accent
I had a conference call with Singapore office today.
I couldn't understand a counterpart's English with Chinese accent at all!! During my two-week stay in Singapore on business, I need to talk with him.
How should I do??
I couldn't understand a counterpart's English with Chinese accent at all!! During my two-week stay in Singapore on business, I need to talk with him.
How should I do??
Monday, August 31, 2009
English is from head to toe.
I joined a new project last Tuesday. Right away, I had a three-day meeting in English. Whew... The funny thing is that there was no native English speaker in the meeting. German, Belgian, South African and Japanese.
I was tired from 3 days in English. It was hard. However a harder thing is waiting for me. I'm going to Singapore on business and stay there for about two weeks. Two weeks in English.
I have to catch up tons of new things of the project. It's hard to conduct that in English. I want to get used to this situation as soon as possible. I'm sure that this experience would prepare me for working abroad.
I was tired from 3 days in English. It was hard. However a harder thing is waiting for me. I'm going to Singapore on business and stay there for about two weeks. Two weeks in English.
I have to catch up tons of new things of the project. It's hard to conduct that in English. I want to get used to this situation as soon as possible. I'm sure that this experience would prepare me for working abroad.
Friday, August 14, 2009
My bad listening comprehension #17
The sentence which I heard wrong today is:
The learning purpose pretice cheep.
Can you guess the correct sentence?
First, there isn't the word "pretice." It sounded such pronunciation to me, so I thought it was a new word for me. I guessed this sentence meant that a person had lost sight of his purpose of learning or something like that.
The correct sentence is:
The learning curve is pretty steep.
Even after knowing the correct sentence, "curve is" sounds nothing but "purpose" to me, I listened it over and over again though.
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-bad-listening-comprehension-16.html
The learning purpose pretice cheep.
Can you guess the correct sentence?
First, there isn't the word "pretice." It sounded such pronunciation to me, so I thought it was a new word for me. I guessed this sentence meant that a person had lost sight of his purpose of learning or something like that.
The correct sentence is:
The learning curve is pretty steep.
Even after knowing the correct sentence, "curve is" sounds nothing but "purpose" to me, I listened it over and over again though.
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-bad-listening-comprehension-16.html
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Book: The Girl with the White Flag
(I read it in English.)In August, 6th is the day the city of Hiroshima was atom-bombed, 9th is the day the city of Nagasaki was atom-bombed and 15th is the anniversary of the end of World War II. So when I was a kid, there were a lot of TV programs featuring wars in every August. However, there are few those kinds of programs recently. It's a pity.
I always think those programs are very welcome and everyone should watch them. I mean, everyone should know how wars were horrible.
This book was written by a Japanese woman, who survived a terrible horrible ground war in Okinawa when she was 7 years old.
Many of the people who survived the ground war in Okinawa or the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki describe, it was like nothing from this world, it was just a scene from hell, or it was inferno. Not only solders, but also many civilians had to experience such things.
In the ground war in Okinawa, about 240,000 people died. Among them, civilians were about 100,000.
Major attacks toward Japanese civilians by the US.
6th Aug. 1945, Hiroshima atomic bomb. Number of the dead --> about 260,000
9th Aug. 1945, Nagasaki atomic bomb. Number of the dead --> about 150,000
10th Mar. 1945, Great Tokyo Air Raid. Number of the dead --> about 85,000
There are still people who are suffering from the after effects of the bomb's radiation. The number of dead by atomic bombs are still increasing.
By the way, regarding 9.11 Terror Attacks which American were terribly shocked, made a big deal, and even they started the war, the number of dead was 2,973. I wonder if how many people will suffer from the after affects of the attacks 60 years later.
Compared with what I listed above, 9.11 Terror Attacks are really small, tiny things.
Atomic bombing is one of the most horrible things which human have done in history, as well as the Holocaust.
Fortunately for the US, they won the war, so they justified atomic bombing as necessity things to finish the war. And most of American people believe it, because they don't know about the real devastation of atomic bombing, even they don't intend to know it. It was hundreds of times as horrible as 9.11 Attacks. If you know the real devastation, you can never say atomic bombing was necessary.
The most horrible thing is, although the US saw the horrible situation of Hiroshima after atomic bombing, they did again in Nagasaki, only because they wanted to experiment. It's hard to believe. I think if people find the real devastation of atomic bombing and those were conducted by themselves, they would go stark raving crazy due to what they did.
Friday, July 31, 2009
My PC is acting up again.
It's been about three months since my PC stopped working and I reinstalled OS. My PC started working strangely again.
For example,
Even though I close the window of Firefox, its process is still alive. So when I try starting Firefox again, the message always appears and I have to end its process myself manually.
Characters sometimes aren't converted to correct Japanese.
When I move files, sometimes it remain "in moving", and it never finishes.
I'm using OneSeg on my PC, but recently, the TV programs I programmed recording failed to be recorded.
etc. etc...
Isn't it a problem that PCs have such lower reliability? I'm really disgusted.
For example,
Even though I close the window of Firefox, its process is still alive. So when I try starting Firefox again, the message always appears and I have to end its process myself manually.
Characters sometimes aren't converted to correct Japanese.
When I move files, sometimes it remain "in moving", and it never finishes.
I'm using OneSeg on my PC, but recently, the TV programs I programmed recording failed to be recorded.
etc. etc...
Isn't it a problem that PCs have such lower reliability? I'm really disgusted.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2009
Today, I went to see a festival in my neighborhood. It's Shinjuku Eisa Festival.
It's a contest of Eisa dance. Eisa is actually Okinawa's dance. I don't know why Okinawa's dance festival is held in Tokyo, but this festival is held every year. I know the similar Eisa festival is also held at Sapporo in Hokkaido every year.
About Eisa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisa_(dance)
Traffic was blocked over 300km of Shinjuku street, and many groups danced Eisa there.
Okinawa's traditional culture is pretty unique compared with other areas in Japan. It sometimes seems to be another country. It's interesting.
I've never been to Okinawa and I've always wanted to go there. I hope I can go there October this year. (I say it every year though. ^^;)
Performers waiting for their turn
It's a contest of Eisa dance. Eisa is actually Okinawa's dance. I don't know why Okinawa's dance festival is held in Tokyo, but this festival is held every year. I know the similar Eisa festival is also held at Sapporo in Hokkaido every year.
About Eisa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisa_(dance)
Traffic was blocked over 300km of Shinjuku street, and many groups danced Eisa there.
Okinawa's traditional culture is pretty unique compared with other areas in Japan. It sometimes seems to be another country. It's interesting.
I've never been to Okinawa and I've always wanted to go there. I hope I can go there October this year. (I say it every year though. ^^;)
Performers waiting for their turnPerforming to the Okinawa-style music
My bad listening comprehension #16
I heard the following sentence from a dialogue which I studied today.
There's a load of technical manuals tree.
I wondered what "manuals tree" was.
I imagined that it refers to the manuals which are gotten lined up systematically.
I checked the text book and it actually wasn't "tree", but "to read." Gah!
By the way, although "manuals" is plural, I wonder why it's "there's", not "there are." OK, I'll try asking it on Lang-8.
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-bad-listening-comprehension-15.html
There's a load of technical manuals tree.
I wondered what "manuals tree" was.
I imagined that it refers to the manuals which are gotten lined up systematically.
I checked the text book and it actually wasn't "tree", but "to read." Gah!
By the way, although "manuals" is plural, I wonder why it's "there's", not "there are." OK, I'll try asking it on Lang-8.
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-bad-listening-comprehension-15.html
Friday, July 24, 2009
Rain, rain, rain
Although the finishing the rainy season has been announced, it has been raining this week.
Today is also rainy day, but the sun came up a little while ago, so I decided to go out by bicycle.
When I thought of going home, it started raining again, then it is raining heavily now!
I have an umbrella but bicycle... so I'm waiting for the rain to let up.
Today is also rainy day, but the sun came up a little while ago, so I decided to go out by bicycle.
When I thought of going home, it started raining again, then it is raining heavily now!
I have an umbrella but bicycle... so I'm waiting for the rain to let up.
Oh!! While I'm writing this article through my cell phone, the rain is letting up! Goody!
I'm going home.
But the saddle of my bicycle must be very wet...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I dumbed down my English material.
I had used "Advanced Business English" material, but I changed to "Introductory Business English." I dumbed down a notch.
In the Advanced material, although the conversation of each episode was conducted among co-workers and their boss at work, its topics were always away from business itself, and I often felt that the idioms or expressions which were introduced in were not commonly used.
When I browsed the Introductory material, I thought that it was really useful for actual English conversations at work. So I decided to change to it.
The dialogues became a bit easy. It's easy to distinguish words, and there are not so many new idioms and words. On those points, changing the material doesn't seem to be good. However, I can learn many common expressions in business. It has been two weeks since I started using it. I think that it was good decision.
In the Advanced material, although the conversation of each episode was conducted among co-workers and their boss at work, its topics were always away from business itself, and I often felt that the idioms or expressions which were introduced in were not commonly used.
When I browsed the Introductory material, I thought that it was really useful for actual English conversations at work. So I decided to change to it.
The dialogues became a bit easy. It's easy to distinguish words, and there are not so many new idioms and words. On those points, changing the material doesn't seem to be good. However, I can learn many common expressions in business. It has been two weeks since I started using it. I think that it was good decision.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A new cell phone charm
I bought a new custom-made cell phone charm today.I had it make with power stones. "Power stones" seems to be a Japanese-English word, but I don't know what they are called in English, so I'm using this Japanese-English word here.
First, I want stones which are good for job-related things. There are some, and I chose Chrysocolla. (Green ones.) I also chose Chrystal (transparent ones) and my favorite stones Rhodochrosite (Small pink ones). Then I ordered making a charm with those stones.
A shop staff designed and added one more stone, Madagascar Rose Quartz. (A big pink one.)
I'm really satisfied and happy. And I'm expecting those stones will show their power maximally!
Movie: Empire of the Sun
This is a Spielberg's move and it's the story of a 13-yaer British boy during World War II.
The boy, Jamie, grew up in a rich family in Shanghai. Japan invaded China and he was separated from his parents. Then he was sent to a camp. The movie describes the growth of the boy in the terrible situation.
The child actor was great. He played Jamie very well. So I wondered he is still active in the front lines. I checked the child actor and I was very surprised. He is Christian Bale who plays the role of Batman and John Connor in Terminator 4. I didn't know he has been an actor since he was a kid. In Japan, it's often said that child actors can't achieve great success though.
John Malkovich also appeared in the movie as an important role. Although the movie was made about 20 years ago, he was not different from the current him at all. Haha.
John Malkovich and young Christian Bale in the movie
The boy, Jamie, grew up in a rich family in Shanghai. Japan invaded China and he was separated from his parents. Then he was sent to a camp. The movie describes the growth of the boy in the terrible situation.
The child actor was great. He played Jamie very well. So I wondered he is still active in the front lines. I checked the child actor and I was very surprised. He is Christian Bale who plays the role of Batman and John Connor in Terminator 4. I didn't know he has been an actor since he was a kid. In Japan, it's often said that child actors can't achieve great success though.
John Malkovich also appeared in the movie as an important role. Although the movie was made about 20 years ago, he was not different from the current him at all. Haha.
John Malkovich and young Christian Bale in the movie Friday, July 17, 2009
Meeting my friend of Lang-8
One of my friends on Lang-8 came to Japan and I met him yesterday.
We had lunch and I enjoyed conversation with him.
Although he rarely has opportunity to speak Japanese in his country, his Japanese was very good. On the other hand, my English was... very bad as usual.
His good Japanese conversation proves that people can improve their language skill they learn even though they are not surrounded by the language.
I have to do my best.
We had lunch and I enjoyed conversation with him.
Although he rarely has opportunity to speak Japanese in his country, his Japanese was very good. On the other hand, my English was... very bad as usual.
His good Japanese conversation proves that people can improve their language skill they learn even though they are not surrounded by the language.
I have to do my best.
New job opportunities
Last week, a recruiting agent contacted me to introduce job opportunities. I have been contacted by several recruiting agents before, but he was the first person (and I think he would be the last person) to contact me through LinkedIn. So I was surprised. I don't input much information of mine on LinkedIn. I just input my job summary. There is no information about my job history, education etc.
I met him this week at a coffee shop. He introduced me two job opportunities. Each situation is different, but both are very interesting. I hope I get good feedbacks from the companies.
I think both of the positions require high level English. Again... What I worry about the most is English.
The agent is from the US, but he has lived in Japan over 10 years. So I think he can speak Japanese fluently, we spoke in English though. Whenever I meet someone who speaks a foreign language well, I'm a bit depressed because of my poor English.
I checked the photo of the agent on LinkedIn before meeting him, but I bet he didn't know what I looked. In spite of that, he found me before I noticed him in the coffee shop. I wonder why???
I met him this week at a coffee shop. He introduced me two job opportunities. Each situation is different, but both are very interesting. I hope I get good feedbacks from the companies.
I think both of the positions require high level English. Again... What I worry about the most is English.
The agent is from the US, but he has lived in Japan over 10 years. So I think he can speak Japanese fluently, we spoke in English though. Whenever I meet someone who speaks a foreign language well, I'm a bit depressed because of my poor English.
I checked the photo of the agent on LinkedIn before meeting him, but I bet he didn't know what I looked. In spite of that, he found me before I noticed him in the coffee shop. I wonder why???
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The rainy season has finished.
There was the announcement of the end of the rainy season in Tokyo today. It's very earlier than average year. Terrible horrible humid summer has finally come. Gah---!
I have to have patience for about two months. Although the summer has just come, I'm already inpatient for autumn.
I have to have patience for about two months. Although the summer has just come, I'm already inpatient for autumn.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Book: Norwegian Wood
(I read it in English.)
About a month ago, I heard Norwegian Wood written by Haruki Murakami will be made into a movie, though he had refused it for a long time.
When I heard this news, I somehow realized I have never read any of his books, they are Very popular not only in Japan but also in other countries though.
So I decided to read Norwegian Wood, and even in English.
Whenever I read books in English, I feel stress because I can't read in English as fast as in Japanese. I can hardly go ahead. I need to be patient.
While I was reading it, I was wondering why this book became a bestseller around the world. Nothing special. And there are too many people who died in the story. Besides, most of them killed themselves. Suicide tends to become a shocking and surprising matter in a story, but because of too many suicide, when I found third suicide person, I thought "Ah, again."
Reading what the characters in the book said, I guessed those must have expressed much more subtle nuance in Japanese. English tends to be simple.
And I found that my guess was correct. After reading it, I checked Japanese people's impression about the book on the Internet. They said, for example, "the choice of words is extremely great!", "I felt that it was good for me to be born as a Japanese because I can read it as my mother language." and so on. Ah---! I should have read it in Japanese. I seemed to miss the greatest part of this book. So I will try reading it in Japanese.
During reading it, I didn't think the book was so good, but after finishing it, I thought it was quite good. But I still can't understand why it became a bestseller around the world.
About a month ago, I heard Norwegian Wood written by Haruki Murakami will be made into a movie, though he had refused it for a long time.
When I heard this news, I somehow realized I have never read any of his books, they are Very popular not only in Japan but also in other countries though.
So I decided to read Norwegian Wood, and even in English.
Whenever I read books in English, I feel stress because I can't read in English as fast as in Japanese. I can hardly go ahead. I need to be patient.
While I was reading it, I was wondering why this book became a bestseller around the world. Nothing special. And there are too many people who died in the story. Besides, most of them killed themselves. Suicide tends to become a shocking and surprising matter in a story, but because of too many suicide, when I found third suicide person, I thought "Ah, again."
Reading what the characters in the book said, I guessed those must have expressed much more subtle nuance in Japanese. English tends to be simple.
And I found that my guess was correct. After reading it, I checked Japanese people's impression about the book on the Internet. They said, for example, "the choice of words is extremely great!", "I felt that it was good for me to be born as a Japanese because I can read it as my mother language." and so on. Ah---! I should have read it in Japanese. I seemed to miss the greatest part of this book. So I will try reading it in Japanese.
During reading it, I didn't think the book was so good, but after finishing it, I thought it was quite good. But I still can't understand why it became a bestseller around the world.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The Tanabata Star Festival
Today is the Tanabata festival in Japan.
People write their wishes on strips of colorful paper and hang them on bamboo branches.
One Tanabata event is been held in a high rise commercial building in my neighborhood, and tree bamboo branches and strips of colorful papers are prepared.
I wrote my wishes on the papers and hang them on the branch. Of course my wishes include the two which I wrote on the previous entry.
The papers are a bit too much for the branch. haha. There are my papers in that.
They are going to be burned in a shrine near there to hope people's wishes come true.
People write their wishes on strips of colorful paper and hang them on bamboo branches.
One Tanabata event is been held in a high rise commercial building in my neighborhood, and tree bamboo branches and strips of colorful papers are prepared.
I wrote my wishes on the papers and hang them on the branch. Of course my wishes include the two which I wrote on the previous entry.
The papers are a bit too much for the branch. haha. There are my papers in that.They are going to be burned in a shrine near there to hope people's wishes come true.
Declaration
I declare two things which I am achieving.
To join an up and coming company and conduct business internationally as a Human Resource Development/Talent Management expert, then help the company to grow.
To internationally play a role in activities that help children all over the world receive educatioin.
To join an up and coming company and conduct business internationally as a Human Resource Development/Talent Management expert, then help the company to grow.
To internationally play a role in activities that help children all over the world receive educatioin.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
I really want to improve my conversation skills!
On the comment of the article on 24th, Herm was kind enough to offer me to talk on Skype.
I finished talking with him just now.
We talked for 30 minutes in English and for 30 minutes in Japanese. I enjoyed chatting with him. Thank you very much, Herm.
However, my English was terrible as usual.
Ah---, I hope I can speak and hear English much better!! Practice, practice!
I finished talking with him just now.
We talked for 30 minutes in English and for 30 minutes in Japanese. I enjoyed chatting with him. Thank you very much, Herm.
However, my English was terrible as usual.
Ah---, I hope I can speak and hear English much better!! Practice, practice!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Movie: The Reader
As I wrote, I have read the book "The Reader" a couple months ago, and I had been looking forward to watching the movie.
I think it's a great movie. Although I didn't cry when reading the book, the movie caused eyes to water.
However, I'd prefer the book to the movie. Because, in the movie, I thought the early years of the leading character was described a bit flimsily.
The leading character is Michael. The story consists of two parts, his young age and adult age. As long As I read the book, I thought the main part of this story was his young age and the leading character was obviously a young Michael, not an adult Michael. He had many kind of complicated feeling toward a woman whose name was Hanna. Hanna did, too. The book described them very well.
On the other hand, the filmmaker described the movie with another approach. They put the adult Michael on a leading character, and described the story of young Michael as just a page of his youth. It's a pity.
Whenever I watch movies after readng original books, I'm a bit disappointed. It can't be helped. It's hard to condense a story into an only two hours movie, especially if the book is a masterpiece.
All actors were great, especially Kate Winslet who acted Hanna. She won the Oscar for best actress in a leading role.
I heard that the filmmaker pushed her to the best supporting actress nomination, but the Academy recommends the best actress nomination. She was great in the movie.
I think it's a great movie. Although I didn't cry when reading the book, the movie caused eyes to water.
However, I'd prefer the book to the movie. Because, in the movie, I thought the early years of the leading character was described a bit flimsily.
The leading character is Michael. The story consists of two parts, his young age and adult age. As long As I read the book, I thought the main part of this story was his young age and the leading character was obviously a young Michael, not an adult Michael. He had many kind of complicated feeling toward a woman whose name was Hanna. Hanna did, too. The book described them very well.
On the other hand, the filmmaker described the movie with another approach. They put the adult Michael on a leading character, and described the story of young Michael as just a page of his youth. It's a pity.
Whenever I watch movies after readng original books, I'm a bit disappointed. It can't be helped. It's hard to condense a story into an only two hours movie, especially if the book is a masterpiece.
All actors were great, especially Kate Winslet who acted Hanna. She won the Oscar for best actress in a leading role.
I heard that the filmmaker pushed her to the best supporting actress nomination, but the Academy recommends the best actress nomination. She was great in the movie.
Friday, June 26, 2009
I'm not feeling very good.
I'm not feeling very good today. I wonder what is a cause.
I went to watch the movie "The Reader" today, but I'll write about it tomorrow.
I'm going to bed.
I went to watch the movie "The Reader" today, but I'll write about it tomorrow.
I'm going to bed.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Talking on Skype
I talked with one of my friends on Lang-8 on Skype yesterday. It's the first time for me to talk on Skype fully.
At first, we communicated on IM, then we talked. He spoke Japanese very well with good pronunciation. I wish I were you!
In contrast, my English conversation skill is terrible as usual. My weakness has been conversation, especially listening, since a long time ago. It hasn't been changed.
I have been using English almost at work, but in a new project I'm joining next month, I don't need to speak English. It means I wouldn't have any opportunity to speak English. It's a critical situation for me to improve my English, isn't it?
So, I think I should have more opportunities to speak English outside of work, like talking on Skype. I wonder if I should look for more people I can get together with on Skype to improve each language.
We tried to do video call on Skype. I could see his video, but he couldn't see mine. I changed the setting of video, but it didn't work. I wonder why. I should get used to using Skype as well as speaking English. haha.
At first, we communicated on IM, then we talked. He spoke Japanese very well with good pronunciation. I wish I were you!
In contrast, my English conversation skill is terrible as usual. My weakness has been conversation, especially listening, since a long time ago. It hasn't been changed.
I have been using English almost at work, but in a new project I'm joining next month, I don't need to speak English. It means I wouldn't have any opportunity to speak English. It's a critical situation for me to improve my English, isn't it?
So, I think I should have more opportunities to speak English outside of work, like talking on Skype. I wonder if I should look for more people I can get together with on Skype to improve each language.
We tried to do video call on Skype. I could see his video, but he couldn't see mine. I changed the setting of video, but it didn't work. I wonder why. I should get used to using Skype as well as speaking English. haha.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Movie: Terminator 4
I went to watch "Terminator 4 (Salvation)" yesterday. It was awesome!
The visuals were really powerful. And the battle and action scenes continued in almost all of the parts, so I hardly had a chance to breathe. Those were too powerful, so I was scared and sometimes I had trouble keeping watching a screen. Although I don't like movies filled by battle and action scenes, I think it was a great movie. It was a definitely different movie from the past Terminators.
A special note of the movie is Marcus Wright. I think it's fair to say that this is a movie of Marcus Wright, not of John Connor. John Connor was as if he was just a supporting role.
I didn't know Sam Worthington who acted Marcus, but thanks to this movie, he must become a famous actor.
When I saw the face of John Connor in the movie, the first thing I thought was why he didn't have scars on his face. Haha. He was supposed to have scars, wasn't he? I could understand it at the last of the movie though.
A 9 year-old girl whose name was Star appeared in the movie.
Her facial expression was very cute and I was very impressed by her. And I bet she will be a key person in Terminator 5.
There was a pity. When John Connor got a serious injury at the end of the movie, I easily could see what would happen next.
Terminator 1 was made as a low-budget B film, after all, it become a big hit though.
I like the past Terminators, but I deeply felt that the Terminator series have grown up well. haha.
--- Addition ---
There was another one that has also grown up.
Actor who played Kyle Reese is Anton Yechin.
He appeared the movie "Hearts in Atlantis" starring Anthony Hopkins. Yes, he is that boy.
The visuals were really powerful. And the battle and action scenes continued in almost all of the parts, so I hardly had a chance to breathe. Those were too powerful, so I was scared and sometimes I had trouble keeping watching a screen. Although I don't like movies filled by battle and action scenes, I think it was a great movie. It was a definitely different movie from the past Terminators.
A special note of the movie is Marcus Wright. I think it's fair to say that this is a movie of Marcus Wright, not of John Connor. John Connor was as if he was just a supporting role.
I didn't know Sam Worthington who acted Marcus, but thanks to this movie, he must become a famous actor.When I saw the face of John Connor in the movie, the first thing I thought was why he didn't have scars on his face. Haha. He was supposed to have scars, wasn't he? I could understand it at the last of the movie though.
A 9 year-old girl whose name was Star appeared in the movie.
Her facial expression was very cute and I was very impressed by her. And I bet she will be a key person in Terminator 5.There was a pity. When John Connor got a serious injury at the end of the movie, I easily could see what would happen next.
Terminator 1 was made as a low-budget B film, after all, it become a big hit though.
I like the past Terminators, but I deeply felt that the Terminator series have grown up well. haha.
--- Addition ---
There was another one that has also grown up.
Actor who played Kyle Reese is Anton Yechin.
He appeared the movie "Hearts in Atlantis" starring Anthony Hopkins. Yes, he is that boy.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Book: "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink
(I read this book in English)
I read this book several months ago.
This story was made into a movie, and Kate Winslet who played the leading character of this movie, won the Oscar for best actress in a leading role. I didn't know about this book till then although it has become a bestseller in the world. I checked the sites of the movie and I found its ad copy, "5 million people cried reading the original." That's why I decided to try to read it.
First, I didn't cry.
The story is developing quite calmly without any surprising or exciting matters. However it was profound. And most people must think "why" at the shocking ending, but there was no answer to why in the story. Each person has to imagine "why" by themselves.
The movie will hit the screen in a week in Japan. I'm going to watch it.
I read this book several months ago.
This story was made into a movie, and Kate Winslet who played the leading character of this movie, won the Oscar for best actress in a leading role. I didn't know about this book till then although it has become a bestseller in the world. I checked the sites of the movie and I found its ad copy, "5 million people cried reading the original." That's why I decided to try to read it.
First, I didn't cry.
The story is developing quite calmly without any surprising or exciting matters. However it was profound. And most people must think "why" at the shocking ending, but there was no answer to why in the story. Each person has to imagine "why" by themselves.
The movie will hit the screen in a week in Japan. I'm going to watch it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Book: "Holes" by Louis Sachar
(Reading this book in English)
It was very interesting story.
A main character is a boy whose name is Stanley. But other 3 episodes are also told in this story, about Stanley's great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and another one which is very important.
At first, those episodes seem to have nothing to do with each other, but there are many foreshadowings and the episodes link each other. It might be a commonly-used approach, but it's really superb and fun.
After reading this book, I read the brief plot of this story in Japanese. Then I found there were some links between each episode which I didn't realize when I read the book. Oops! One of them is revealed around the last part of the story. Before that, readers must be impressed with a lot of amazing links. Then when they read the last part, they must be surprised, "Oh, even this is linked!" Due to my poor English, I missed some fun parts. It's often the case for me.
I need much higher English skill to understand stories in English perfectly.
It was very interesting story.
A main character is a boy whose name is Stanley. But other 3 episodes are also told in this story, about Stanley's great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and another one which is very important.
At first, those episodes seem to have nothing to do with each other, but there are many foreshadowings and the episodes link each other. It might be a commonly-used approach, but it's really superb and fun.
After reading this book, I read the brief plot of this story in Japanese. Then I found there were some links between each episode which I didn't realize when I read the book. Oops! One of them is revealed around the last part of the story. Before that, readers must be impressed with a lot of amazing links. Then when they read the last part, they must be surprised, "Oh, even this is linked!" Due to my poor English, I missed some fun parts. It's often the case for me.
I need much higher English skill to understand stories in English perfectly.
Friday, May 29, 2009
My English doesn't improve at all.
I'm taking TOEIC exam on Sunday. I didn't do any preparation for that again. Lazy Sand, as usual...
I took a mock exam just now.
I'm depressed. I realized that my English doesn't improve AT ALL!!
My weaknesses are as the same as before. One is that I can't read English quickly. The other is listening. I wonder what I have been doing.
Should I rebuild my studying scheme more strictly?
Anyway, I will take another mock exam tomorrow in order to getting used to an exam, then I'm going to take the real exam the day after tomorrow.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Book: "Buddhism for Busy People" and going to Meditation classroom
I've been interested in Tibetan Buddhism, and recently I thought I wanted to know its teaching a bit more deeply. (A little bit)
First, I tried to read "Buddhism for Busy People" written by David Michie. Japanese title is different at all. If I translate it into English, it's "Travel of Awareness."
I was not going to belong to any religion and not going to do any training. I just want to know the teaching. However, after I read this book, I started to think about doing meditations. The book says that just knowing is meaningless and practice is important.
There seems to be many kind of meditations. The book introduced some of them and I paid attention to Thong Len meditation. Anyway, any meditations seem to be difficult.
------------------------------
A few days after reading the book, I found that Thong Len meditation workshop would be held soon. What a coincidence! I applied for it soon, then I went to participate in it yesterday.
Hmm... I was a bit disappointed with the workshop, but at least I could learn correct pose (the way of sitting). I think I got much less value for money though...
I'll start doing meditations, anyway.
First, I tried to read "Buddhism for Busy People" written by David Michie. Japanese title is different at all. If I translate it into English, it's "Travel of Awareness."
I was not going to belong to any religion and not going to do any training. I just want to know the teaching. However, after I read this book, I started to think about doing meditations. The book says that just knowing is meaningless and practice is important.
There seems to be many kind of meditations. The book introduced some of them and I paid attention to Thong Len meditation. Anyway, any meditations seem to be difficult.
------------------------------
A few days after reading the book, I found that Thong Len meditation workshop would be held soon. What a coincidence! I applied for it soon, then I went to participate in it yesterday.
Hmm... I was a bit disappointed with the workshop, but at least I could learn correct pose (the way of sitting). I think I got much less value for money though...
I'll start doing meditations, anyway.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
My Sansevieria was reborn!
I got a small Sansevieria about a year ago.
Sansevieria should become very big (tall), but my sansevieria doesn't grow at all. On the contrary, it started dying.
The left photo is a year ago. The right photo is now. It doesn't grow at all and I left a few leaves because they have died. Poor sansevieria.
It's my fault. I should have taken care of it more carefully. But I didn't give up. I was trying to make it alive again.
Then yesterday, I found that new small leaves came out!!!!!
I'm really happy!
Look at the small leaves!!
OK, I will cherish it.
Sansevieria should become very big (tall), but my sansevieria doesn't grow at all. On the contrary, it started dying.
The left photo is a year ago. The right photo is now. It doesn't grow at all and I left a few leaves because they have died. Poor sansevieria.
It's my fault. I should have taken care of it more carefully. But I didn't give up. I was trying to make it alive again.
Then yesterday, I found that new small leaves came out!!!!!
I'm really happy!
Look at the small leaves!!
OK, I will cherish it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My PC became alive again.
Finally, finally my PC made a comeback!!
OS's reinstall was easy. However, after that, it took me a long time to setup several softwares and drivers. Some of drivers weren't working correctly, Norton software couldn't be installed, USB wasn't recognized... etc...
Now, it's mostly going well. I started to use Firefox. It works faster than IE.
Thank you for all of your advice!
OS's reinstall was easy. However, after that, it took me a long time to setup several softwares and drivers. Some of drivers weren't working correctly, Norton software couldn't be installed, USB wasn't recognized... etc...
Now, it's mostly going well. I started to use Firefox. It works faster than IE.
Thank you for all of your advice!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I'll conduct a surgery on my PC (<-- exaggerated)
Yesterday, I was very tired after calling Microsoft Customer Support. I usually don't call any customer support centers. I always fixed something myself. So I decided that I'll do it myself this time, too.
1)
Fist, I need to back up my data. I bought a DVD-RW for that just now and will go home from now.
2)
After the back-up, I'll reinstall OS clean, which is a big surgery. (Sorry. I just wanted say it exaggeratedly.
Next, I have to install softwares and drivers I use. Those are many... I also need to set up some things.
3)
I'll download and install Firefox. I'm going to use it instead of IE.
I hope those go well.
Havarlan,
Thank you for your advice.
I have used Linux and UNIX a bit at work, but I don't feel like using them at home. haha.
My PC was pre-installed OS when I bought it. I see. I should have reinstalled it as soon as I bought it. I'll keep remember it and do it when I buy a new PC sometime.
Thank you for detailed explanation!
Fx Tio,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, those happened suddenly.
I'll back up my data soon. It is very inconvenient that I can't access the Internet.(T_T) I hope everything will be fixed. Thank you!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Calling Microsoft Customer Support
I called Microsoft Customer Support. I tried many kinds of operations on my PC talking with a support engineer on the phone for about AN HOUR AND A HALF, but nothing was solved.
Do I need to call DELL next? Whew...
Pandamilk,
Thank you for your comment on my previous entry.
I can't read any comments on Lang-8 now because of IE problem, so it's nice of you to put your advice here. I'll try it. Thank you!
Damn Microsoft, again!!!!!!
Another problem happened on my PC. My PC is almost dying.
This morning, I tried to check a website but I couldn't that. At first I thought it the Internet access problem, but it was working. In spite of that, Internet Explorer didn't show anything as if my PC didn't connect with the Internet. Why? It was working last night.
Windows Update info shows a security patch for IE7 was installed on my PC during the night. Did it cause?
Anyway, now, there isn't MS-Office and I can't see any website on my PC. It means my PC isn't PC for me. It is just a piece of refuse. What a inconvenient situation!
I'm really disgusted with Microsoft! Give me back time which I will spend to fix those problems!! I wonder if they will be fixed for sure...
Is there anybody which has the same problem of MS-Office 2007 and IE 7 on Windows Vista?
Rick-san,
Thank you for your comment on my previous entry. As I'm putting this entry through my cell phone, I can't write anything in comment columns.
Things got worse, almost worst. I wonder if I should switch to Mac...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Damn Microsoft!
On my computer, MS-Office stopped working a few days ago. What a stupid software! Boo!
So, today, I tried recovery with CD-ROM. However it didn't work. Boo, boo!
As a last resort, I decided to try to re-install. At first, I deleted MS-Office. Then I had to get "Open Product key" first to install, but I had trouble finding the website where I got it. The place where Microsoft gave seemed to be changed and the websites related to the product keys were complicated. It's not user-friendly at all. Boo, boo, boo!
I finally found it and tried to install. However an error message appeared. What? It seems that some files in the CD-ROM were broken. Boo, boo, boo, boo!
So I tried to access Microsoft Help Center through the Microsfot website, but it was impossible. I don't know why, but when I tried to access the site, it took a long time, then it ended up hang up. I can't believe! Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo!
I have to call Microsoft tomorrow.
I was really disgusted! Microsoft sucks!
So, today, I tried recovery with CD-ROM. However it didn't work. Boo, boo!
As a last resort, I decided to try to re-install. At first, I deleted MS-Office. Then I had to get "Open Product key" first to install, but I had trouble finding the website where I got it. The place where Microsoft gave seemed to be changed and the websites related to the product keys were complicated. It's not user-friendly at all. Boo, boo, boo!
I finally found it and tried to install. However an error message appeared. What? It seems that some files in the CD-ROM were broken. Boo, boo, boo, boo!
So I tried to access Microsoft Help Center through the Microsfot website, but it was impossible. I don't know why, but when I tried to access the site, it took a long time, then it ended up hang up. I can't believe! Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo!
I have to call Microsoft tomorrow.
I was really disgusted! Microsoft sucks!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Do you like learning language?
I met a non-Japanese in business yesterday. He could speak Japanese fluently.
There are a lot of non-Japanese who can speak Japanese well, but his Japanese is a bit different from others'.
He spoke very slowly but used difficult business words perfectly, as well as native Japanese business people. I think that Japanese business words are distinctive and difficult for non-Japanese to use them. In fact, I haven't heard that non-Japanese speak having a good command of Japanese business words.
So, I couldn't help asking him how he mastered Japanese language.
He said he started learning it when he was 12 years old. He also studied Japanese at university in Japan. Several years after graduation, he came to Japan again and worked there for a couple of years with a working holiday visa. He came back to Japan and now is working.
Hmm... I think there is nothing special. There are a lot of people like him.
I bet that he is VERY interested in and REALLY likes learning Japanese language, so he has an inquiring mind of the language. Those are very important to improve language skills. I'm sure I'm lack in them.
The reason I am studying English is that I have to use it. Just it. I don't like English so much. On the contrary, I sometimes take a dislike it when my studying isn't going well. And I'm probably not interested in English. Those facts may be obstacles to improve my English... It may be just an excuse.
Anyway, I will get over them and improve my English for sure!
There are a lot of non-Japanese who can speak Japanese well, but his Japanese is a bit different from others'.
He spoke very slowly but used difficult business words perfectly, as well as native Japanese business people. I think that Japanese business words are distinctive and difficult for non-Japanese to use them. In fact, I haven't heard that non-Japanese speak having a good command of Japanese business words.
So, I couldn't help asking him how he mastered Japanese language.
He said he started learning it when he was 12 years old. He also studied Japanese at university in Japan. Several years after graduation, he came to Japan again and worked there for a couple of years with a working holiday visa. He came back to Japan and now is working.
Hmm... I think there is nothing special. There are a lot of people like him.
I bet that he is VERY interested in and REALLY likes learning Japanese language, so he has an inquiring mind of the language. Those are very important to improve language skills. I'm sure I'm lack in them.
The reason I am studying English is that I have to use it. Just it. I don't like English so much. On the contrary, I sometimes take a dislike it when my studying isn't going well. And I'm probably not interested in English. Those facts may be obstacles to improve my English... It may be just an excuse.
Anyway, I will get over them and improve my English for sure!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
My bad listening comprehension #15
I was taking English dictation as usual.
One of the sentences is;
We saw that during the dot-com boom in the midnighty.
But, I haven't heard the word "midnighty" before. What does it mean? I wonder if it expresses the middle of midnight?? what relation are there between the dot-com boom and the midnight?
Then I checked my textbook. Oh, no! It's "mid-'90s."
How stupid of me! There was the word "the dot-com boom" in the sentence, so if I had have thought a little more, it would have been easy to figure out "mid-'90s." However, once I thought it was "midnighty", I couldn't hear it other words.
You should use your brain more usefully and flexibility, Sand!
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-bad-listening-comprehension-14.html
One of the sentences is;
We saw that during the dot-com boom in the midnighty.
But, I haven't heard the word "midnighty" before. What does it mean? I wonder if it expresses the middle of midnight?? what relation are there between the dot-com boom and the midnight?
Then I checked my textbook. Oh, no! It's "mid-'90s."
How stupid of me! There was the word "the dot-com boom" in the sentence, so if I had have thought a little more, it would have been easy to figure out "mid-'90s." However, once I thought it was "midnighty", I couldn't hear it other words.
You should use your brain more usefully and flexibility, Sand!
My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-bad-listening-comprehension-14.html
Friday, April 10, 2009
I'm really thankful to Lang-8 friends.
Many friends at Lang-8 were kind enough to care and worry about me while I was absent from Lang-8. I'm very impressed and thankful to them. It's difficult to describe how impressed I was.
I realized my poor English vocabulary and expressions. I wanted to express how thankful and happy I was, but I could say only cliches. Whew...
I've never met them but I'd like to cherish Lang-8 friends.
I realized my poor English vocabulary and expressions. I wanted to express how thankful and happy I was, but I could say only cliches. Whew...
I've never met them but I'd like to cherish Lang-8 friends.
Monday, April 06, 2009
It has already been spring!
It's been for 3 months since I put the article on my blog last. Long time no see.
I hadn't access my blog for some reasons... not some... many reasons. Then I finally came back here!
I also haven't studied English for a while. Too bad. I rebuilt my English learning scheme and am going to start studying it again.
When I wrote the last article, it was in the middle of winter, but it's already spring! It's the season Japanese people love. It's the cherry blossoms season now!
I took this picture in my neighborhood this morning.
I hadn't access my blog for some reasons... not some... many reasons. Then I finally came back here!
I also haven't studied English for a while. Too bad. I rebuilt my English learning scheme and am going to start studying it again.
When I wrote the last article, it was in the middle of winter, but it's already spring! It's the season Japanese people love. It's the cherry blossoms season now!
I took this picture in my neighborhood this morning.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
A touching letter to a mother
Today, I found the article about one letter to a mother. The letter was written by a university student, who died in the Great Hanshin Earthquake 14 years ago.
I'm very impressed by it.
He needed to move to Kobe because he would go to university. His mother came to Kobe to help his movement. When she was on the train to go back her home, she was in tears due to sorrow for living far from him. He saw her from the platform and conveyed with gestures to look in her jacket pocket. There was a letter from him in it.
After his death, his mother framed his letter and is treasuring it.
I think when touching words or phrases are translated into other languages, its impression is decreased. However I'll try to translate it because I want to you to know it.
--------------------
Dear my mother,
It's been already 20 years since you gave me a life. I never had any time which I didn't feel your kind, warm, great and strong love. I have been given a lot of feathers by you. To love people, to admonish myself, to be loved by people... Worthy feathers have gathered in my wings. Now, I'm going to take off with those wings which enable me to fly higher, stronger and freer than anybody else. I'll try to do them with my best. I'll try to keep flying as long as my strength lasts, not to bring your and everyone's hopes and expectations to naught. Please keep watching me.
I look forward to seeing you again. Finally, I'm thankful to God for giving me you as my mother.
--------------------
If you can speak Japanese, it's much better to read it in Japanese.
親愛なる母上様
あなたが私に生命を与えてくださってから、早いものでもう二十年になります。これまでに、ほんのひとときとして、あなたの優しく温かく大きく、そして強い愛を感じなかったことはありませんでした。 私はあなたから多くの羽根をいただいてきました。人を愛すること、自分を戒めること、人に愛されること……。この二十年で、私の翼には立派な羽根がそろってゆきました。そして今、私はこの翼で大空へ翔び立とうとしています。誰よりも高く、強く自在に飛べるこの翼で。 私は精一杯やってみるつもりです。あなたの、そしてみんなの希望と期待を無にしないためにも、力の続く限り翔び続けます。こんな私ですが、これからもしっかり見守っていてください。
また逢える日を心待ちにしております。最後に、あなたを母にしてくださった神様に感謝の意をこめて。
翼のはえた“うし”より
I'm very impressed by it.
He needed to move to Kobe because he would go to university. His mother came to Kobe to help his movement. When she was on the train to go back her home, she was in tears due to sorrow for living far from him. He saw her from the platform and conveyed with gestures to look in her jacket pocket. There was a letter from him in it.
After his death, his mother framed his letter and is treasuring it.
I think when touching words or phrases are translated into other languages, its impression is decreased. However I'll try to translate it because I want to you to know it.
--------------------
Dear my mother,
It's been already 20 years since you gave me a life. I never had any time which I didn't feel your kind, warm, great and strong love. I have been given a lot of feathers by you. To love people, to admonish myself, to be loved by people... Worthy feathers have gathered in my wings. Now, I'm going to take off with those wings which enable me to fly higher, stronger and freer than anybody else. I'll try to do them with my best. I'll try to keep flying as long as my strength lasts, not to bring your and everyone's hopes and expectations to naught. Please keep watching me.
I look forward to seeing you again. Finally, I'm thankful to God for giving me you as my mother.
--------------------
If you can speak Japanese, it's much better to read it in Japanese.
親愛なる母上様
あなたが私に生命を与えてくださってから、早いものでもう二十年になります。これまでに、ほんのひとときとして、あなたの優しく温かく大きく、そして強い愛を感じなかったことはありませんでした。 私はあなたから多くの羽根をいただいてきました。人を愛すること、自分を戒めること、人に愛されること……。この二十年で、私の翼には立派な羽根がそろってゆきました。そして今、私はこの翼で大空へ翔び立とうとしています。誰よりも高く、強く自在に飛べるこの翼で。 私は精一杯やってみるつもりです。あなたの、そしてみんなの希望と期待を無にしないためにも、力の続く限り翔び続けます。こんな私ですが、これからもしっかり見守っていてください。
また逢える日を心待ちにしております。最後に、あなたを母にしてくださった神様に感謝の意をこめて。
翼のはえた“うし”より
Sunday, January 04, 2009
One sad affair
Yesterday, I visited some my favorite blogs as usual. One of the bloggers told that her nephew passed away.
He was 15 years old and suffered from cancer.
I had read the article about him just once in her blog before. Then I thought I would read the book written by him and wrote down its title "Hope and the Dragon". Just it. Although I read about him just that one, I was really shocked to hear his death, and I couldn't move my hand operating my PC for a moment. I was almost crying. I don't know why.
I grew up healthfully and am still health. I should be thankful for my current situation.
I was very impressed by the blogger's word, "after a hard and courageous battle with cancer".
He had been battling against cancer all his life, for 15 years. It must be terribly hard. However he was always smiling in his photos.
I believe that he is now enjoying life without cancer in heaven.
He was 15 years old and suffered from cancer.
I had read the article about him just once in her blog before. Then I thought I would read the book written by him and wrote down its title "Hope and the Dragon". Just it. Although I read about him just that one, I was really shocked to hear his death, and I couldn't move my hand operating my PC for a moment. I was almost crying. I don't know why.
I grew up healthfully and am still health. I should be thankful for my current situation.
I was very impressed by the blogger's word, "after a hard and courageous battle with cancer".
He had been battling against cancer all his life, for 15 years. It must be terribly hard. However he was always smiling in his photos.
I believe that he is now enjoying life without cancer in heaven.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year 2009
As I wrote, I might have moved to Okinawa for business. It was decided on 29th not to move, so it was the hectic year-end. Now I can relax on New Year's Days.
I made a New Year's visit to shrine today. I wanted to avoid terribly crowded shrines and temples. I can't move at all, jostling and shoving, taking for hours to reach a main hall. It's far situation from praying.
So I chose a neighborhood Kumano shrine. I guessed it was not so crowded.
When I was out of my apartment, the sky is very clear.
I think you can see such a beautiful sky every New Year in Tokyo.
This is the gate of Kumano shrine. Wow! I can't believe it! It's empty rather than uncrowded.
Look at this short line! Hmm... I predicted it was not crowded, but there are much fewer people than I expected. Even though it is not such a famous shrine, it's in the center of Shinjuku. (Shinjuku is one of the biggest towns in Tokyo.) I can't believe it.
I could reach the main hall soon.
This is a charm shop. In popular shrines, it's hard to reach a charm shop as well as a main hall. Buying a charm is always like a battle. I used to be worried about my obi of kimono. But here is... haha. I didn't buy any charm. I focused on my job for wishes of this year, but there were any charms for job luck.
It was good that I chose Kumano shrine! I might come here again next year.
It is my custom to drink amazake whenever I visit to shrine on New Year, I don't know why though. Although my family didn't drink it, I always drank it since I was a kid.
It's yummy. But I burnt my tongue. Uh... It's painful.
I made a New Year's visit to shrine today. I wanted to avoid terribly crowded shrines and temples. I can't move at all, jostling and shoving, taking for hours to reach a main hall. It's far situation from praying.
So I chose a neighborhood Kumano shrine. I guessed it was not so crowded.
When I was out of my apartment, the sky is very clear.
I think you can see such a beautiful sky every New Year in Tokyo.
This is the gate of Kumano shrine. Wow! I can't believe it! It's empty rather than uncrowded.
Look at this short line! Hmm... I predicted it was not crowded, but there are much fewer people than I expected. Even though it is not such a famous shrine, it's in the center of Shinjuku. (Shinjuku is one of the biggest towns in Tokyo.) I can't believe it.I could reach the main hall soon.
This is a charm shop. In popular shrines, it's hard to reach a charm shop as well as a main hall. Buying a charm is always like a battle. I used to be worried about my obi of kimono. But here is... haha. I didn't buy any charm. I focused on my job for wishes of this year, but there were any charms for job luck.It was good that I chose Kumano shrine! I might come here again next year.
It is my custom to drink amazake whenever I visit to shrine on New Year, I don't know why though. Although my family didn't drink it, I always drank it since I was a kid.It's yummy. But I burnt my tongue. Uh... It's painful.
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