http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/rss straightforward's latest journal entries Lang-8 Inc. Tue May 21 06:53:57 UTC 2013 Tue May 21 06:53:57 UTC 2013 Lang-8 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Lang-8
There are some charts in the end of the textbook in order to let students drill English sentences orally, and six English names are written in the chart. They are "Mark Clark","Clair Blair","David Davis","Bill Hill", Anne Mann","Paul Hall". To tell you the truth, I didn't realize that first names rhymes with family names until he pronounced that way.

An editor of the book might intentionally chose such names to let students learn English in a fun way. Do you think it's an American way of humor?



Posted at Sun May 12 11:33:43 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/272248737704241529618212295188132372068 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/272248737704241529618212295188132372068 straightforward Sun May 12 11:33:43 UTC 2013
Good morning, my dear friends!
Thank you for correcting and commenting my previous post. After reading your comments, I realized "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" is a kind of set phrase, because of a famous song by Simon & Garfunkel. Yesterday, I checked the names of the herbs while looking at some pictures on the net, but even now I can't distinguish "Thyme" from "Oregano".

Actually, I'm wondering whether my friend gave me "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme" that is a popular title of the song, intentionally. Is there anyone who can recognize the herb I attached?



Posted at Thu May 09 00:34:31 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/73419658379136389745755419545996756645 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/73419658379136389745755419545996756645 straightforward Thu May 09 00:34:31 UTC 2013


A few days ago, one of my friends gave me some different kinds of herbs that she grew. They are rosemary, sage, oregano and parsley. It is said that rosemary may have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and detoxicating effects. Furthermore, it's good for stimulating blood circulation.

I thought there's no other way without taking advantage of this, since I'm a health conscious.
So, I decided to cook "a rosemary flavored grilled chicken with some potatoes and tomatoes" today.

The second picture is the chicken that is marinated in olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper and rosemary. The third one is the dish I made. I wish I could invite you to the dinner!



Posted at Wed May 08 11:38:53 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/292617413624024280176871445504065144485 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/292617413624024280176871445504065144485 straightforward Wed May 08 11:38:53 UTC 2013
Soon after I paid with cash at a drug store, I left a register without my purchases. The shopkeeper called me to stop, "YOU forgot to bring the things you bought! I was embarrassed.

The other day, I was looking for my folding umbrella for a few minutes when I was about to leave my house. I tried hard to find it since I knew it would be rain on that day. I move around my house frantically, and finally I noticed it was in my hand. Do you think I'm forgetful or just preoccupied with something?

P.S. I wrote this entry to make you laugh. ^^

Posted at Mon May 06 03:58:24 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/68099474589102404848597843139602914916 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/68099474589102404848597843139602914916 straightforward Mon May 06 03:58:24 UTC 2013
I think shorter titles are better than longer ones, since blog readers don't want to waste their time. I've just learned on the Net that active voice and present tense verbs should be used. I think such techniques make a title succinct and impressive.

My latest entry's title was "I Watched a Film, "Lincoln". It was boring! Now I need to do brainstorming as a training. Here are the possible ones I came up with.

"Lincoln as a Human Being" "Lincoln's Agonies" "Lincoln Who Made American History" "Lincoln in the Latest Film"

I'd like to hear your opinion. Is there any title you prefer? What do you think of today's title? If you have any tips, let me know.


Posted at Thu May 02 11:48:07 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/53335237892087112003428453389013112527 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/53335237892087112003428453389013112527 straightforward Thu May 02 11:48:07 UTC 2013
Recently I talked with one of my female friends who is in her 40s. She said she usually go shopping or eat alone and travel all by herself. I haven't counted the number, but I have approximately six or seven friends who enjoy their single lives and they don't hesitate to do what they want to do by themselves.

I also personally like going to a movie alone. When I have a spare time and like to see a particular movie, I'll go to a nearby theatre just like dropping by a cafe.
Also, I sometimes treat me a fine dinner out all by myself. Recently, some restaurants give single customers special favor, so I seldom feel uncomfortable being alone. Being alone and happy seems to be a new trend in Japan.


Posted at Wed May 01 05:03:24 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/153936540795442268695666056266735656548 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/153936540795442268695666056266735656548 straightforward Wed May 01 05:03:24 UTC 2013
Several weeks ago, some of my junior high students and I coincidently read a very short story of "Abraham Lincoln" in the textbook. On that day, I recommended them to watch the movie, because, I thought, it helped them understand more about Lincoln and the American history during the Civil War.

"Lincoln"in the book was a legendary hero who was honest, brave and righteous, but in the film, he was rather described as a human being who was in extreme distress. Approaching some lobbyists for getting votes, and persuading congressmen to abolish slavery must have been his last resort. My present biggest concern is that whether my students can understand Lincoln's real situation and his agonies.



Posted at Thu Apr 25 02:32:05 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/108670826947996811983939107986294310565 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/108670826947996811983939107986294310565 straightforward Thu Apr 25 02:32:05 UTC 2013
In Western countries, making eye contact is a basic and courteous manner when people have a conversation. I personally understand its importance, but we Japanese are not accustomed to doing it, because we think it's not polite to stare at people.

Furthermore, some Japanese people feel nervous or intimidated if a talker looks at their eyes all the time. In that case, we are advised to look at a talker's Adam's apple or a tie knot. I think it'll take a long time for us to master it.

Posted at Fri Apr 19 10:34:06 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/225643825626465226714847266939352358500 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/225643825626465226714847266939352358500 straightforward Fri Apr 19 10:34:06 UTC 2013
From time to time, I 'd like to know why some of my friends gave me a cold shoulder, but if I come to think of it, I was the one who didn't send an email back to my friends, either.
Generally speaking, we focus on other's behavior, and frequently find faults, or make harsh or severe judgements, but I don't think that's a good idea, because nobody's perfect. At a point of time in the past, I stopped judging others to be stable and calm. When you feel disappointed or betrayed, you should remember this saying, "Learn wisdom by the follies of others".

Posted at Wed Apr 10 07:04:53 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/321531880951063733763306555074178320037 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/321531880951063733763306555074178320037 straightforward Wed Apr 10 07:04:53 UTC 2013
We, Japanese take it for granted that we can use a plenty of fresh water whenever we want. As for me, I've never experienced water shortage except only when water supply was stopped due to water pipe repair. However, it's a different story in Europe and other developing countries. After hearing her talk, I thought we should realize more about the value of fresh water.



Posted at Fri Apr 05 00:54:48 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/141127169158258558947431500739345254053 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/141127169158258558947431500739345254053 straightforward Fri Apr 05 00:54:48 UTC 2013
When I saw the clock second time, it was 8:50am. All my family must have been terrified when they heard my long continued shriek. I changed my clothes frantically while grabbing some bread, and 15 minutes later I could leave my house. Somehow I made it. The lesson that I leaned on the day was "Be prepared and have no worries"! I'll definitely set the alarm next time.




Posted at Tue Apr 02 01:06:50 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/203976748116079252503038385094203672229 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/203976748116079252503038385094203672229 straightforward Tue Apr 02 01:06:50 UTC 2013
Child-motivation specialists found that parsing intelligence makes it harder for children deal with difficulty, makes them shy away from a challenge.

I was shocked to read the specialists article, since I realized for the first time that I might have given her a lot of pressure. If I were in her shoes, I've had hard times to live up to parents' expectations.

From now on, I'd like to say, "You must have worked hard." instead of "You are smart." As a teacher, I should tell students that as a result of their hard work, they can make progress in their study.


http://www.nea.org/home/42298.htm

Posted at Fri Mar 22 14:24:29 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/70804476164573396746028495330283069028 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/70804476164573396746028495330283069028 straightforward Fri Mar 22 14:24:29 UTC 2013
During the Middle Ages, it is said that 30 to 60 percent of the European population died because of the Black death. In those days, people rarely took a bath, because they thought water was contaminated. I think they were awfully scared to use unclean water. From the public hygiene point of view, they lived in filth. European people used perfumes a lot to remove such bad smells, didn't they?

It was irony if this expression was used under such terrible circumstances, but I thought it might have been used as a warning for people's health and well being.


Posted at Sun Mar 17 06:39:15 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/131287792276697229169999320649833619044 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/131287792276697229169999320649833619044 straightforward Sun Mar 17 06:39:15 UTC 2013
When my family and I went to a hotel restaurant at a health resort, we were asked to disinfect our hands with the alcohol spray at the entrance. Also, various kinds of anti-bacterial sprays are sold at drug stores. It's impossible to get rid of all bacteria from our houses, but there are some who are abnormally particular about cleanliness.

Nowadays, many Japanese may think that cleanliness is synonyms for beauty, good health and decency, but it seems to me that the more we keep ourself clean, the more we lose resistance to a disease.
Is cleanliness next to godliness?




Posted at Wed Mar 13 11:44:55 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/144704101703652716842499437212434669156 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/144704101703652716842499437212434669156 straightforward Wed Mar 13 11:44:55 UTC 2013
Yesterday afternoon, I participated in a charity concert that was held at the YMCA in my neighbor town, and listened to classical and gospel music. The proceeds from the concert will be donated to charity, and that money will be spent to plant flowers in the affected areas.

In March, I started getting involved in a "Refresh @ Kanagawa" program, which is organized by a Christian organization in Japan. The purpose of this program is to offer children in Fukushima an opportunity to play outside without worrying about radiation exposure. Around 15 families will stay at a hotel in Yokohama for a few days in May. The committee members and I had a meeting last night, and we talked about the budgets and detailed programs for them. I really want children to have a good time.



Posted at Mon Mar 11 06:34:00 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/224156469300719464688181212179379074162 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/224156469300719464688181212179379074162 straightforward Mon Mar 11 06:34:00 UTC 2013
In 1985, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommended us to eat 30 different kinds of food in one day, which was a nationwide campaign. I thought that was a good idea to enhance people's balanced diet. In Western countries, there are also similar expressions such as "You are what you eat". or "One apple a day keeps a doctor away". I hope you 'll be able to maintain a healthy diet and stay fit.



Posted at Sat Mar 09 10:30:06 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/105939735357966132242945867992076885604 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/105939735357966132242945867992076885604 straightforward Sat Mar 09 10:30:06 UTC 2013 A cleaning robot, Roomba sits still at the corner of my living room. He's usually very quiet, but when he works, he moves around very rapidly making unpleasant noises. He plays an active and important role on weekends.

Yesterday, I saw three remarkable and innovative robots on TV, which were created by Japanese companies. The first one was a robotic baby harp seal, Paro. These robots were made to help elderly people with dementia. I saw an old Danish lady smiling while touching it lightly in a loving manner.

The second one was a humanoid robot, Asimo created by Honda. It stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. When I saw him, I thought someone is inside the robot, because he walked just like a human being.

The third one was also a humanoid robot, Syowa Hanako 2 for novice dentists. She immediately reacts when she feels pain. After watching this program, I thought Japanese companies have potential power to develop advanced technologies. I bet, in the very near future, various kinds of robots will appear in different places in the world, and they'll contribute to our societies.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJq5PQZHU-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZngYDDDfW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekcbvgfpwf0


Posted at Thu Feb 28 08:25:53 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/159161739827174797178366957993875854499 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/159161739827174797178366957993875854499 straightforward Thu Feb 28 08:25:53 UTC 2013 Have you ever thought that we live in a wired world because of widening of the internet? Actually, many Lang-8 users including myself write about various personal things such as our hobbies, our daily activities or experiences in the past, or the challenges we are facing. The reason why I think this is wired is that when I meet my neighbors, I just say hello or only talk about the weather. Also, I seldom talk about my personal problems to my old friends.

On this site, even though we have never seen each other, we often share our inner thoughts, and talk about some interesting topics. I think this might be an ideal community because many of us don't care about people's sex, occupations or nationalities as far as I know. Furthermore, most people don't have an intention to make a profit using this site.

These days, whenever a floods of thoughts course through my mind, I take a note and later I write an entry. Of course, learning English is my first priority, but deep in mind, I want to learn about foreign people's way of thinking and their culture. So it's my great pleasure to get your corrections and feedback.


Posted at Mon Feb 25 11:56:01 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/110407101023300927532025761787085299300 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/110407101023300927532025761787085299300 straightforward Mon Feb 25 11:56:01 UTC 2013
A Refreshing Breeze That Blows After the Rain Will Bring Spring
I wrote "光風動春” in indian ink. Each kanji stands for light, wind, moving and spring. So, four-letter compound means a refreshing breeze that blows after the rain will bring spring. According to the calendar, it has been spring for two weeks, but it's still very cold.

The other day, I bought some rape blossoms at a local supermarket, and cooked ohitashi. I boiled it for a minuite and ate it with soi source and some dried bonito shavings. Whenever I see spring vegetables, I feel the promise of spring. They have a unique bitterness that helps remove poison from a human body. When I was a kid, my mother and I used to go out to pick wild plants like Japanese parsley or field horsetail. I like spring vegetables because they are soft, fresh and juicy.


Posted at Fri Feb 22 10:39:20 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/39001845986858030542414402575299223140 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/39001845986858030542414402575299223140 straightforward Fri Feb 22 10:39:20 UTC 2013
Foreign people who come to Japan for the first time will probably be surprised to see the number of vending machines in big cities. Those machines are everywhere such as in an office, at a train platform or on the street.

Nowadays, a heated toilet seat is equipped to every household and public places such as a hospital, a hotel or a department store. Heated seats on the train are comfortable in winter, but t's sometimes too hot in winter or too cold in summer inside a train because of excessive use of heaters or air-conditioning. Convenience stores are open 24 hours a day.

After the disaster of March 11, 2011, we, Japanese endured regular planned blackouts because of the shortage of electricity. However, we started to use a large amount of energy resources again as if nothing happened in the past. Japan isn't rich in natural resources, and I wonder why we can't stop our extremely luxurious life.


Posted at Sun Feb 17 13:51:04 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/24170767657965811251061562728065410558 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/24170767657965811251061562728065410558 straightforward Sun Feb 17 13:51:04 UTC 2013
If you were told that way, you would get a picture of a blue elephant instantaneously. The author is Havener Torsten, who is a German psychologist and a mind-reader. After reading the following tips, I said to myself, "So, indeed, it is."

There are some hospitals in the US, where a medical device called corset is used for a patient who suffers from depression. A patient is asked to look up and his neck will be fixed by that device. This might be a rough treatment, but it is said that many patients recovered from their mental illnesses. I don't know how long their necks are fixed, though.

When you feel down, you should look up deliberately. People's minds and bodies are deeply connected and affected each other, so if you change your behavior, your feelings will also be changed for the better. This is quite simple and effective form of behavior therapy, right? One more benefit is that you don't need to worry about side effect.



Posted at Thu Feb 14 06:45:18 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/32867794223689166987885149768817183166 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/32867794223689166987885149768817183166 straightforward Thu Feb 14 06:45:18 UTC 2013
As soon as children get into schools, they have to compete each other, whether they like it or not. They take examinations regularly, and in a sport festival, they compete with their friends in running races. They may think that it's admirable to be winners, and victories make them happy.

Competition and cooperation are total opposite words. Teachers encourage students to cooperate one another in school, but they can't escape from competition.
Isn't it contradictory? I wonder whether competition is really necessary in schools?



Posted at Thu Feb 07 15:01:25 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/82865469653773959408810270233987779006 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/82865469653773959408810270233987779006 straightforward Thu Feb 07 15:01:25 UTC 2013
I came to know more than 400 Japanese school teachers are penalized for giving physical punishments to their students in a year. Obviously, this number is the tip of the iceberg, because most Japanese students don't like to make their personal incidents public. They tend to put up with hard trainings and even bodily punishment to win the game.

I think it's dangerous to have an idea that victory is everything.



Posted at Mon Feb 04 15:10:42 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/14672169327270153878538458767818566288 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/14672169327270153878538458767818566288 straightforward Mon Feb 04 15:10:42 UTC 2013
I can't forget the day when my friends and I were received corporal punishment. Actually I don't remember exactly why he slapped us on our faces. I just thought it was because we couldn't live up to his expectations, or he just wanted us to win the game. Oddly enough, when I was a student, I took it as an inspiring story of my adolescence.

In retrospect, it was nothing but a abuse of power. A teacher who uses violence is lacking of self-confidence and teaching skills. Now I would say no to any unrestrained and violent behaviors. I think physical punishment should be forbidden from school.


Posted at Thu Jan 31 11:18:59 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/3614206107056718422764606953925895755 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/3614206107056718422764606953925895755 straightforward Thu Jan 31 11:18:59 UTC 2013
She and the other members of the organization collect radiation values regularly that are measured in different places in the town, and send the information to the rest of the world. Also, they organize various study sessions to let people know more about radioactivity that affects people's health. I thought what they do is crucial since the accident should not be forgotten.

Denuclearization must be tough to achieve under the current Japanese political circumstances, but I think nuclear power generation must be abandoned at any cost in the near future. The reason is quite simple. Nobody wants a nuclear power plant in their own town.



Posted at Sat Jan 26 07:47:54 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/235570957497527530265528960200588125771 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/235570957497527530265528960200588125771 straightforward Sat Jan 26 07:47:54 UTC 2013
Yae was a woman who lived through the ever‐changing and turbulent times from the late Edo period to the Showa period. Her father was a gunnery master, so naturally she became interested in it. In spite of her family's strong objections, she continued to ask permission to learn, and finally could master it. During Boshin Civil War, she was dressed like a man and bravely fought against government forces using a spencer rifle.

Later on, she got married to Niijima Jo who established Doshisya University. Here is an interesting anecdote. He wrote a letter to his friend in the US.
"Yae is not a pretty woman, but her way of life is handsome. That's enough to me."

I think Yae must have been an energetic woman who acted out her belief. According to Weblio, when you use "handsome" for women, it means striking, impressive and elegantly proportioned, though not typically beautiful. Have you met a handsome woman before?



Posted at Mon Jan 14 10:28:32 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/49311835445947638054411069999202690635 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/49311835445947638054411069999202690635 straightforward Mon Jan 14 10:28:32 UTC 2013
It was a three-hour film, but we couldn't believe how quickly the time had gone by. We agreed that the scrip was flawless, and three main character's performances were great, especially Hugh Jackman's role was beyond description.

As a matter of fact, when I was in elementary school, I read the short version of Le Miserable that was designed for children. The Japanese title was "ああ 無情". If I translated it in English, it would be "Ah, no mercy". All through the ages, what people want the most is a little more mercy, do they?



Posted at Fri Jan 11 12:53:16 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/294943735939426275335055403233050879563 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/294943735939426275335055403233050879563 straightforward Fri Jan 11 12:53:16 UTC 2013
I like to find small happiness in everyday life.

There were times when I had been suffering from insomnia for many months. Fortunately, I got my health back and now I can sleep well every night. So I wake up every morning with a sense of great happiness. I don't stretch my arms like a cartoon character, but I often think, "what a nice day!" even it is cloudy or rain.

This morning I saw a beautiful sunrise from my living room. It was a big surprise. Immediately, I ran to my room and grabbed my iPhone to take a picture. A brilliant sunshine gives me a lot of energy and transcendent joy. How lucky I was!

As you may know, I can feel numerous number of blessings in a day. I often think that today is the prime time of my life. Let's count our blessings tomorrow!


Posted at Mon Jan 07 13:23:34 UTC 2013
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/148551674155849149553656598091063839955 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/148551674155849149553656598091063839955 straightforward Mon Jan 07 13:23:34 UTC 2013
Many of you probably have a number of unforgettable memories that are extremely happiest ones or excruciatingly painful ones. Happiest memories are fine, but you definitely want to forget the most disastrous misfortunes. If you remembered such worst memories including all dialogues or your emotions vividly, you couldn't be in your right mind. It's nothing but a torture.
You can live a healthy life because you have an ability to forget memories.

When Scarlett O'Hara in the film, "Gone With the Wind", lost everything, she said to herself, " I'll think of it all tomorrow." I think she might have been healed only a little bit the following day, because of an oblivious slumber.



Posted at Mon Dec 31 07:09:22 UTC 2012
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/1271346619727083256178296844153212115 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/1271346619727083256178296844153212115 straightforward Mon Dec 31 07:09:22 UTC 2012
I thought it would be a good idea to show them the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve. I must tell them a shocking fact that people will forget 80% of new information within a week. It would be a waste of time if you forgot almost everything what you had learned in class. If you review at least four or five times, you'll be able to retain most of the information. Repetition is the key.



Posted at Sat Dec 29 12:45:38 UTC 2012
]]> http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/219964078738739644011943626652760886483 http://lang-8.com/342407/journals/219964078738739644011943626652760886483 straightforward Sat Dec 29 12:45:38 UTC 2012