In my neighborhood, there are some hotels, such as Hilton and Hyatt. So you can see many tourists from abroad, especially in summer. (I never recommend foreigners to come to Japan in summer though. It's TOO humid.)
Tonight, I went to a convenience store. There were 2 young girls who seemed to be tourists from Korea. One of them asked me something in Japanese, but I wasn't able to understand her Japanese. She asked me if I can speak English. I said "Yes." Then we spoke English. They wanted to go back to their hotel but they lost.
Her English was excellent!! On the other hand, my English was terrible. I was ashamed.
Yesterday's interview, today's conversation with the Korean girl... Those made me realize that I had better improve my English.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Prepare more and more and more for job interview!
I had a job interview today... in English. I prepared for that more than the previous interview in English, but it didn't go well either. I had better become be able to explain specific example in more detail.
My two recovery plan
Returning to the starting point, I'll try to do build my explanation from scratch in Japanese first.
I'll attend more English conversation clubs regularly to have more opportunities to speak English.
My two recovery plan
Returning to the starting point, I'll try to do build my explanation from scratch in Japanese first.
I'll attend more English conversation clubs regularly to have more opportunities to speak English.
Monday, July 19, 2010
It's already hot and humid summer.
In Tokyo, the rainy season has finished and it's very hot summer. In this long weekend, we had considerable sunshine, with high temperatures 35 degrees C. Whew... I have to be patient for about 2 months until mid-September.
Ah---, come soon, Autumn!
Ah---, come soon, Autumn!
Monday, July 12, 2010
The World Cup 2010 the Final game - the Netherlands vs. Spain
It was a VE--RY high level game, at least for me. Compared with that game, Japanese soccer is a baby soccer.
Both of the teams hardly scored. Spain finally got a goal 4 minutes from the end of extra time, then they won the World Cup.
After a big game, I always have mixed feelings to see a winner and a loser. If it is the final game at the World Cup, the difference between a winner and a loser is much bigger.
As soon as the game ended, Spain team was going crazy like kids, while the Netherlands team were not moving and dissolved in tears.
A Spain goalkeeper, Iker Casillas was crying bitterly. As a captain, he must have been under intense strain and pressure. He also took a bashing about his girlfriend who is a sports reporter.
The man of the match I choose is him. Without his some miracle saving, Spain couldn't have won.
Finally, the World Cup finished. I feel a bit lonely. The final game ended at about 6am this morning Japan time. I went to work as I had the mixed feelings after the game and an empty feeling.
In the history of the World Cup, it's the first time that a team which lost their first game has won the World Cup.
===== AWARDS =====
Golden Ball for best player: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) <--- I strongly agree with it.
Golden Boot for top scorer: Thomas Mueller (Germany)
(from an article of other site) There was actually a four way tie at the top of the goalscoring chart with Mueller, David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (the Netherlands) and Diego Forlan (Uruguay) all scoring five goals each. Tie-breaker was assists, which put Mueller on top with three.
Best Young Player: Thomas Mueller (Germany) <--- I strongly agree with it.
Golden Glove for best goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain)
I think he deserves the best player award.
Both of the teams hardly scored. Spain finally got a goal 4 minutes from the end of extra time, then they won the World Cup.
After a big game, I always have mixed feelings to see a winner and a loser. If it is the final game at the World Cup, the difference between a winner and a loser is much bigger.
As soon as the game ended, Spain team was going crazy like kids, while the Netherlands team were not moving and dissolved in tears.
Crying Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands
A Spain goalkeeper, Iker Casillas was crying bitterly. As a captain, he must have been under intense strain and pressure. He also took a bashing about his girlfriend who is a sports reporter.
The man of the match I choose is him. Without his some miracle saving, Spain couldn't have won.
Among Spain teammates in high glee, Casillas collapses into tears.
Finally, the World Cup finished. I feel a bit lonely. The final game ended at about 6am this morning Japan time. I went to work as I had the mixed feelings after the game and an empty feeling.
Congratulations, Spain!
In the history of the World Cup, it's the first time that a team which lost their first game has won the World Cup.
===== AWARDS =====
Golden Ball for best player: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) <--- I strongly agree with it.
Golden Boot for top scorer: Thomas Mueller (Germany)
(from an article of other site) There was actually a four way tie at the top of the goalscoring chart with Mueller, David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (the Netherlands) and Diego Forlan (Uruguay) all scoring five goals each. Tie-breaker was assists, which put Mueller on top with three.
Best Young Player: Thomas Mueller (Germany) <--- I strongly agree with it.
Golden Glove for best goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain)
I think he deserves the best player award.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The World Cup 2010 the Third-place match - Uruguay vs. Germany
Germany won 3-2.
It was a nice game! As I wrote in the previous article, silly Japanese terrestrial broadcasts didn't air the game. So I decided to see a website which showed us text-based updates on the game in real time. That means I had to READ the game, not to WATCH the game.
But!! There was a kind of chat section in the site and many people were on the chat line. Many people were bemoaning that they weren't able to watch the game on TV. Then, some people introduced some websites which were showing the game. So I tried to access the sites. I didn't know there were such websites!!
Then, luckily, I was able to watch the game from the latter half! It was really good because it was a very good game.
With Germany team, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Philipp Lahm didn't attend the game. When I knew that, I thought Germany might not have a will to win, because they were the leading players of Germany. Klose was injured but why Podolski and Lahm... Then I found out that they caught a cold. A person who had the most terrible cold was a coach Loew. haha. A goalkeeper wasn't Manuel Neuer. I wonder if he also caught a cold, or a coach gave another goalkeeper the opportunity to attend the World Cup game.
In spite of the fact that some leading players didn't attend the game, Germany did really well. Uruguay did well too, especially Diego Forlan. His free kick in extra time was almost!!
As an aside, first name Diego seems to be a very common name in Uruguay. Among 23 players of the team, there are no less than 4 Diego!
The man of the match I chose is Thomas Mueller.
Although he is very young, he is already a leading player in Germany. As an aside again, I knew today that he is married although he is still 20 years old!
Germany placed the 3rd for the second time in a row. I guess they will advance to the final game at the next World Cup.
It was a nice game! As I wrote in the previous article, silly Japanese terrestrial broadcasts didn't air the game. So I decided to see a website which showed us text-based updates on the game in real time. That means I had to READ the game, not to WATCH the game.
But!! There was a kind of chat section in the site and many people were on the chat line. Many people were bemoaning that they weren't able to watch the game on TV. Then, some people introduced some websites which were showing the game. So I tried to access the sites. I didn't know there were such websites!!
Then, luckily, I was able to watch the game from the latter half! It was really good because it was a very good game.
With Germany team, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Philipp Lahm didn't attend the game. When I knew that, I thought Germany might not have a will to win, because they were the leading players of Germany. Klose was injured but why Podolski and Lahm... Then I found out that they caught a cold. A person who had the most terrible cold was a coach Loew. haha. A goalkeeper wasn't Manuel Neuer. I wonder if he also caught a cold, or a coach gave another goalkeeper the opportunity to attend the World Cup game.
In spite of the fact that some leading players didn't attend the game, Germany did really well. Uruguay did well too, especially Diego Forlan. His free kick in extra time was almost!!
As an aside, first name Diego seems to be a very common name in Uruguay. Among 23 players of the team, there are no less than 4 Diego!
The man of the match I chose is Thomas Mueller.
Although he is very young, he is already a leading player in Germany. As an aside again, I knew today that he is married although he is still 20 years old!
Germany placed the 3rd for the second time in a row. I guess they will advance to the final game at the next World Cup.
Congratulations! And aim at the final at the next World Cup!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The World Cup 2010 Semi-finals - Germany vs. Spain
Germany lost 0-1. I'm sure that many people expected Germany to win. Their performance until before the semi-finals was outstanding. On the other hand, Spain was terrible.
However, in this semi-finals, Spain seemed to finally get their form and started to show their real abilities.
As a result, the game I want to watch is the third-place match Uruguay vs. Germany, rather than the final the Netherlands vs. Spain.
But!!!!! Any Japanese terrestrial broadcasts don't air the third-place match!!!!! They air every game in the knockout stage except for the third-place match!!!!! I can't believe the fact!!!!!
However, in this semi-finals, Spain seemed to finally get their form and started to show their real abilities.
As a result, the game I want to watch is the third-place match Uruguay vs. Germany, rather than the final the Netherlands vs. Spain.
But!!!!! Any Japanese terrestrial broadcasts don't air the third-place match!!!!! They air every game in the knockout stage except for the third-place match!!!!! I can't believe the fact!!!!!
Thursday, July 08, 2010
The World Cup 2010 Semi-finals - Uruguay vs. the Netherlands
The game ended 2-3. Uruguay, almost! Almost!!
Although I wrote that I expected Germany and the Netherlands to win, as I was watching the game, I found myself cheering for Uruguay. Their play, especially the defense was really well. I wanted them to win.
The man of the match I choose is Diego Forlan of Uruguay.
Your World Cup hasn't ended yet, Uruguay! Aim at the 3rd place!!
Although I wrote that I expected Germany and the Netherlands to win, as I was watching the game, I found myself cheering for Uruguay. Their play, especially the defense was really well. I wanted them to win.
The man of the match I choose is Diego Forlan of Uruguay.
Your World Cup hasn't ended yet, Uruguay! Aim at the 3rd place!!
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
European countries are strong in the end.
It was said that South American countries were strong in this World Cup. However, 3 in the top 4 teams are European countries in the end.
I expect Germany and the Netherlands to play in the finals.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
According to a dictionary, both "the final" and "the finals" are OK. I wonder if they are used interchangeably. The final game is only one unlike semi-finals and quarter-finals. In spite of that, why is it "finals"?
I expect Germany and the Netherlands to play in the finals.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
According to a dictionary, both "the final" and "the finals" are OK. I wonder if they are used interchangeably. The final game is only one unlike semi-finals and quarter-finals. In spite of that, why is it "finals"?
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Oberammergau Passionsspiele (Passion Play)
I watched a TV documentary about a passion play in a very small village Oberammergau with a population of 5,000 in Germany.
The play is conducted only by village people, which means all performers and staffs are the village people. It is played once every ten years since 1633 and it is being played this year.
I was very impressed that it is created by all of the village people and has a long history. A 13-year boy is participated in the play as a member of an orchestra with his family, and he performed one of person in the crowed 10 years ago when he was 3. A long time ago, a woman acted the roles of Mary Magdalene, and her granddaughter (or great-granddaughter?) acted the same role this time.
What a great event!!!
I didn't know about that but it seems to be very famous. The population of the village is only 5,000, but 500,000 people come to watch the play from around the world. It's hard to get a ticket.
Here is the information;
http://www.ammergauer-alpen.de/en/oberammergau/index.html
http://www.oberammergau-passion.com/en-us/home/home.html
I want to go to watch it next time, 2020. But actually what I'm interested in is not the play itself, but the process of creating the play by the village people.
The play is conducted only by village people, which means all performers and staffs are the village people. It is played once every ten years since 1633 and it is being played this year.
I was very impressed that it is created by all of the village people and has a long history. A 13-year boy is participated in the play as a member of an orchestra with his family, and he performed one of person in the crowed 10 years ago when he was 3. A long time ago, a woman acted the roles of Mary Magdalene, and her granddaughter (or great-granddaughter?) acted the same role this time.
What a great event!!!
I didn't know about that but it seems to be very famous. The population of the village is only 5,000, but 500,000 people come to watch the play from around the world. It's hard to get a ticket.
Here is the information;
http://www.ammergauer-alpen.de/en/oberammergau/index.html
http://www.oberammergau-passion.com/en-us/home/home.html
I want to go to watch it next time, 2020. But actually what I'm interested in is not the play itself, but the process of creating the play by the village people.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Here it is! Germany vs. Argentina!
(10:40pm)
The game starts in 20 minutes. I have to prepare for that!
(10:56pm)
OK. I've been already prepared to watch the game. I put a drink by me (with some chocolate). I opened the players' lists of both of the team on my PC. I have already gone to the bathroom. I had plenly sleep.
I'm ready!!
(in the 3th minute of the first half)
Wow! Germany got a score as soon as the game starts! After that, Germany is continuing to attack aggressively.
(half-time)
Germany is functioning very well as a team so far. Great.
The players of Argentina are really short-tempered as usual. That's one of the traditional features of Argentina team. The reason that Messi is not at all like them is, probably because he has been playing in Spain since he was a child.
The latter half starts. Go for it, both the teams!!
(in the 23th minute of the latter half)
Germany got a second goal.
I can't take my eyes off the game. It's a very exciting game! Watching high level of sports is really fun!
(in the 29th minute of the latter half)
Germany got a third goal! German Chancellor Merkel is standing in the stands with excitement!
(in the 44th minute of the latter half)
Argentina seemed to lose power. Then Klose got a score again. 4-0. In this time, he showed a flip instead of sliding with his knees.
Messi, show us your real performance!!
(the game ended.)
I expected Germany to win, but it's surprising that Argentina lost a game 0-4!!
Messi is a real genius. There are some genius players in the world, especially in South America, such as Ronaldinho and Kaka. But I think Messi is a genius among genius. I'm sure that Argentina should have taken advantage of Messi. They don't use him effectively at all.
I wanted to see Messi's play more.
Messi, everyone knows you are a great player. You are still young. I'm looking forward to seeing your play in the future including the next World Cup!
Germany team is incredibly strong. They seem to be rock-solid team so far.
One concern is that Mueller can't attend the next game due to getting two yellow cards. But there might be no need to worry about it, with their current condition.
The man of the match I choose is Miroslav Klose of Germany. At the previous World Cup, I mentioned he was very strong physically. Even though opponent players push or bump against him, he rarely loses his balance. Although he became 32 years old, he is still strong and shows high performance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[A side story]
A Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio came to the stands to watch the game.
Also, one of my favorite Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, who is from South Africa and served as co-host of the World Cup draw, came to the stands, I think. But when a camera captured her, a Japanese announcer didn't mention her at all. He must not have noticed that she was Charlize Theron.
The game starts in 20 minutes. I have to prepare for that!
(10:56pm)
OK. I've been already prepared to watch the game. I put a drink by me (with some chocolate). I opened the players' lists of both of the team on my PC. I have already gone to the bathroom. I had plenly sleep.
I'm ready!!
(in the 3th minute of the first half)
Wow! Germany got a score as soon as the game starts! After that, Germany is continuing to attack aggressively.
Thomas Mueller of Germany got a goal.
(half-time)
Germany is functioning very well as a team so far. Great.
The players of Argentina are really short-tempered as usual. That's one of the traditional features of Argentina team. The reason that Messi is not at all like them is, probably because he has been playing in Spain since he was a child.
The latter half starts. Go for it, both the teams!!
(in the 23th minute of the latter half)
Germany got a second goal.
I can't take my eyes off the game. It's a very exciting game! Watching high level of sports is really fun!
Klose often slides on the grass with his knees after getting a score.
I wonder if he doesn't burn his knees.
(in the 29th minute of the latter half)
Germany got a third goal! German Chancellor Merkel is standing in the stands with excitement!
Teammates celebrate with Arne Friedrich after his scoring.
For your information, No3. is Friedrich.
(in the 44th minute of the latter half)
Argentina seemed to lose power. Then Klose got a score again. 4-0. In this time, he showed a flip instead of sliding with his knees.
Messi, show us your real performance!!
Flipping Klose
(the game ended.)
I expected Germany to win, but it's surprising that Argentina lost a game 0-4!!
Messi is a real genius. There are some genius players in the world, especially in South America, such as Ronaldinho and Kaka. But I think Messi is a genius among genius. I'm sure that Argentina should have taken advantage of Messi. They don't use him effectively at all.
I wanted to see Messi's play more.
Messi, everyone knows you are a great player. You are still young. I'm looking forward to seeing your play in the future including the next World Cup!
Dejected Lionel Messi and Diego Maranona after the game
Germany team is incredibly strong. They seem to be rock-solid team so far.
One concern is that Mueller can't attend the next game due to getting two yellow cards. But there might be no need to worry about it, with their current condition.
The man of the match I choose is Miroslav Klose of Germany. At the previous World Cup, I mentioned he was very strong physically. Even though opponent players push or bump against him, he rarely loses his balance. Although he became 32 years old, he is still strong and shows high performance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[A side story]
A Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio came to the stands to watch the game.
Also, one of my favorite Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, who is from South Africa and served as co-host of the World Cup draw, came to the stands, I think. But when a camera captured her, a Japanese announcer didn't mention her at all. He must not have noticed that she was Charlize Theron.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
I can't wait for Germany vs. Argentina!
Tomorrow, there is the game Germany vs. Argentina. I'm SO excited! Their playing styles are much different. I'm expecting them to show us an entertaining game!
Oops, it's already 3:00am. I have to go to bed.
*-*-*-*-* Comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I wonder if "entertaining game" is an appropriate expression. Soccer games are not entertainment shows which are movies, amusement parks or TV shows, from Japanese point of view. I somewhat feel that the meaning of "entertainment" of English is different from the meaning of "entertainment" of Japanese. Japanese people might use it in a different way.
Oops, it's already 3:00am. I have to go to bed.
*-*-*-*-* Comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I wonder if "entertaining game" is an appropriate expression. Soccer games are not entertainment shows which are movies, amusement parks or TV shows, from Japanese point of view. I somewhat feel that the meaning of "entertainment" of English is different from the meaning of "entertainment" of Japanese. Japanese people might use it in a different way.
I realized that Japan did very well against the Netherlands.
The Netherlands beat out Brazil. Brazil's performance seemed better than the Netherlands though.
Of course the Netherlands was also great. Especially Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, to say nothing of Arjen Robben are excellent players!
I happened to find the photo of the 3 people.
In the Group E, the game the Netherlands vs. Japan was 1-0. Japan allowed the Netherlands to score only 1 goal. Watching the game The Netherlands vs. Brazil, I realized Japan played solid defense.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I tried to use the new idiom "to say nothing of" in this article. I just learned it the other day. I think it is the same as "not to mention."
Of course the Netherlands was also great. Especially Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, to say nothing of Arjen Robben are excellent players!
I happened to find the photo of the 3 people.
In the Group E, the game the Netherlands vs. Japan was 1-0. Japan allowed the Netherlands to score only 1 goal. Watching the game The Netherlands vs. Brazil, I realized Japan played solid defense.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I tried to use the new idiom "to say nothing of" in this article. I just learned it the other day. I think it is the same as "not to mention."
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Consideration the difference between the male and female brain about acquiring language
I tried to write the title of this article like a dissertation's one, but it ended up being too long. haha.
Recently, I found out that women are much better at acquiring English than men.
Living in English speaking countries is of great advantage to acquiring English, and I've always felt that it's almost impossible for me to be able to speak English like people who have lived abroad. In fact, among people who live in English speaking countries, 99% of women I've ever met can speak fluently. However, I've met some men whose English is not so good that I can't believe they have live abroad. Their skills of grammar, idioms and vocabulary are bad, but most of all, their pronunciation is too bad. Probably many people doubt that they have lived abroad.
I wonder why there is this difference between male and female. Female brain might be good at acquiring language, at least English. If so, actually I've thought my brain is close to male brain rather than female brain. I wonder if that's why I can't improve my English. hehe. It's just an excuse.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I wrote in this article, "is of great advantage to." But actually I'm not sure why "of" is necessary. Is "is a great advantage to" wrong?
Other examples are;
"is of great importance"
"is of great difficulty"
"is of much help"
I wonder why "of" is necessary and what "of" means in this case.
Recently, I found out that women are much better at acquiring English than men.
Living in English speaking countries is of great advantage to acquiring English, and I've always felt that it's almost impossible for me to be able to speak English like people who have lived abroad. In fact, among people who live in English speaking countries, 99% of women I've ever met can speak fluently. However, I've met some men whose English is not so good that I can't believe they have live abroad. Their skills of grammar, idioms and vocabulary are bad, but most of all, their pronunciation is too bad. Probably many people doubt that they have lived abroad.
I wonder why there is this difference between male and female. Female brain might be good at acquiring language, at least English. If so, actually I've thought my brain is close to male brain rather than female brain. I wonder if that's why I can't improve my English. hehe. It's just an excuse.
*-*-*-*-* comments about English in this article *-*-*-*-*
I wrote in this article, "is of great advantage to." But actually I'm not sure why "of" is necessary. Is "is a great advantage to" wrong?
Other examples are;
"is of great importance"
"is of great difficulty"
"is of much help"
I wonder why "of" is necessary and what "of" means in this case.
Cruel penalty shootout
Japan lost the game by the penalty shootout. In the World Cup, I don't cheer for Japan, but I was shocked. They played much better than we expected. Deciding winner by the penalty shootout is TOO cruel. That reminds me the game England vs. Portugal in the in the quarter finals in the previous World Cup. England lost by the penalty shootout after 120-minute draining duel.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/draining-duel-again-world-cup-quarter.html
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/mens-crying-remains-me-my-days-as.html
Another quarter finals, Germany vs. Argentina was also finished by the penalty shootout. At that time, Germany won.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/after-draining-duel-world-cup-quarter.html
Also, The finals France vs. Italy ended the penalty shootout.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/les-bleus-vs-azzurri-world-cup-final.html
Considering a defeated team, especially a person who missed a shot, I feel pain in my chest. I hope a winner and a loser are decided in a game, and not by the penalty shootout. I don't want to see such a sad and cruel scene anymore.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/draining-duel-again-world-cup-quarter.html
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/mens-crying-remains-me-my-days-as.html
Another quarter finals, Germany vs. Argentina was also finished by the penalty shootout. At that time, Germany won.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/after-draining-duel-world-cup-quarter.html
Also, The finals France vs. Italy ended the penalty shootout.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/07/les-bleus-vs-azzurri-world-cup-final.html
Considering a defeated team, especially a person who missed a shot, I feel pain in my chest. I hope a winner and a loser are decided in a game, and not by the penalty shootout. I don't want to see such a sad and cruel scene anymore.
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