Daio Paper Corporation - English Class Journal 2004 . 大王製紙　英日記

Jun 18, 2005 about English Mike

2005-06-22T12:04:00.001+09:00

Jun 18, 2005
Mike
A collection of skills is necessary for people to talk with other people in English. Even if a person who masters an extensive English vocabulary, he wouldn’t always be able to communicate with English speakers. Likewise, having only an outstanding interpersonal communication skill but a small vocabulary will also restrict someone’s ability to talk. In my case, thanks to taking this English course, my speaking ability has improved. I think that my interpersonal communication skills, like choosing the most suitable words for various situations have also developed more. First, I feared to talk with English speakers and avoided communicating with them. Now, I can talk with them and am comfortable looking them in the eye. But my confidence is limited to the time when we can talk about topics I am familiar with. Second, I had difficulty in making quick responses. Conversation requires us to respond as soon as possible. If no suitable words occurred to me, I had to choose words which were different from what I wanted to mean. But, now, a few words occurs to me the instant I understand the speaker’s intention and while I am listening to the rest of his speech. I can make sentences which are close to what I really want to say. But, I’m not content with my current level. In English conversation, speakers are responsible for the conversation. They must use the most appropriate expressions to make themselves understood by listeners. However, I still often have to force myself or my partner to make efforts to recognize what I want to say. So, I need to be more familiar with English conversation to improve my other skills such as fluency, listening or active vocabulary.

Jun 11, 2005 about spending personality Mike

2005-06-22T12:04:00.000+09:00

Jun 11, 2005
Mike
I have two aspects which are extremely different from each other in my spending personality. One aspect is that if what I want to spend money on is very clear, I always make a plan for the goal and follow a schedule. During that time, even if I feel like buying something else or going drinking, I can bear not doing these things.The other aspect is that I often end up short at the end of the month if I have no specific reason why I need to save money. It reflects on my personality. I always want to do something interesting first without planning and do troublesome things later. The same thing happens when I get an allowance every month. After I get it, I think about how much money I will spend that month on things such as haircuts, farewell parties, or clothes. After that, I know how much disposable money there is in my allowance and I spend that money on toys for myself or gambling right off the bat. That’s why if something unexpected happens, I need to borrow money to my wife, but usually I seldom have to borrow money. I know that I should always have a future plan for such purchases as a condominium or a new car. Particularly, seven years from now, my family won’t be able to live in our company’s apartment any longer or receive a housing allowance. Now it may be time for my wife and I to make a solid plan for our future. I think I can’t afford any longer to waste my money or my time.

May 04, 2005 about fishing Mike

2005-05-10T12:43:00.000+09:00

On May fourth, my family went to Kochi to fish and play on the seashore. We left in the early morning and arrived at a long breakwater which is ten kilometers away from the airport around 7 am. We hadn’t caught fish since last summer and then my son just looked like he wanted to go back home as soon as possible. This time he was much more interested in fishing and he wanted to do everything that he could do by himself, such as setting the bait, reeling in to replace bait, or checking whether fish were hooked or not. He often reeled in too quickly as if he believed that once he threw the hook in the sea, he could get a big fish immediately. In two hours he got bored and asked to stop fishing. But we continued fishing until we used all the bait up. We caught ten fish whose length was less than four inches and one small crab and released all of them. My wife and I had thought that we wouldn’t get any fish. So, we were content with this result. Some fish interested my son and the crab became his friend for about an hour. While we were fishing, my son saw a fish jump out of the water and a very big school of fish swimming at our feet. They amazed him and it was completely different from the scene which we can see in an aquarium. If we hadn’t come here, we would have never seen such a great scene. I think that it’s one of privileges that people in Shikoku island have. From now on, I would like to make use of as many such privileges as possible.

Theme (about the activities that I had did during my vacation)May 2.2005

2005-05-06T18:05:00.000+09:00

On Friday, I joined Michael’s second party in Matsuyama. Of course, Lloyd’s classmates also came. However, though they attended his wedding party, I wasn’t invited. Therefore, while I was waiting for the party, I had five hours ’ free time. At first, I had planned going to Dougo hot spring, but because it takes about 40 minutes to go there and back, I changed my mind. Instead, I decided to go to some museums. It took about 10 minutes to go there on foot. At one museum, one famous poster painter’s pictures were exhibited. Especially, I was very interested in Taisho day’s posters about Mitsukoshi department Co. and Yamasa soy sauce Co. As a result of looking at these prints, I was reminded of times long ago. It was a valuable experience. Next, I moved to another museum. I looked at a lot of stuffed animals and fossils. There was a big lion and a crocodile among the displays. I was overpowered by the realistic and powerful atmosphere. What’s more, because I liked looking for fossils when I was a boy, I was very impressed with them. Afterwards, I joined Michael’s party. I could make some new friends. And I spent time drinking and talking with them for six hours. Because their jobs were very different from mine. Their stories were very interesting to me. I understood that they have pride in their work and seriously tackle their tasks. I thought I should follow their attitudes and tackle my job earnestly. On Saturday and Sunday, because I had drunk too much, I didn’t need togo drinking again and had to lose weight, but I appreciated my holiday very much.

Theme (what is the ending of a movie called Time Line?)March27.2005

2005-03-30T17:15:00.000+09:00

At first, three people come back to the present‐day world and received their fellow’s blessing. Afterwards, they talked about their adventures in the old war between France and United Kingdom. What’s more, they noticed the clay figures that they found before they went are their compatriot and his girlfriend. They hug the clay figures and said to them, “ Please rest in peace forever”. Next, one man of three people starts working as an archaeological apprentice with his father. The man marries and he has a child and spends his life happily. However, he had one regret that was he couldn’t bring his friend back. Therefore, he decided to go to the old war days again because he didn’t want to change his friend into the clay figure. When he arrived in the past, the war had finished and the city that he had seen before had come alive again. At that time, he found his friend who was working as a farmer happily with his wife. Immediately, he starts persuadinghis friend to return to the future. At last, though his friend was satisfiedwith his wife, he decided to return and they did so.As a result, history was changed but their friendship grew more tight. The legend of their bravery was handed down from generation to generation. Their children went forth for another days and history was changed again.

March 06, 2005　about a mover's ad Mike

2005-03-13T17:02:00.000+09:00

March 06, 2005
Mike
When you have to move to another place, which company do you choose? Do you choose a company only for its popularity? ABC company is definitely competitive and can provide you with services which you will be happy with. We are very proud of our less expensive fees and more considerate attitude toward customers.
All our movers are good at transporting electronic appliances and offer customers services such as removal and re-attachment of air conditioners, de-installation and re-installation of television and personal computer systems without extra surcharges.
Also, we clean both your former house and your new one for you.
Now we are in a special campaign and will give the first one hundred people to call us a 30 percent discount on their next move. Please call us right now and we will come to your house to estimate the moving cost and explain how we can contribute to your next move.

February 16, 2005 about four goods Mike

2005-02-23T18:22:00.000+09:00

February 16, 2005
Mike
If I were going to stay on an island for six months, I would take fishing tools, some seasonings, kitchen utensils, and a lot of books with me. Every day, I would get up early in the morning and start fishing on the beach. Recently I haven’t gone fishing but still now I like fishing. I would be able to enjoy it as well as get fish as fresh food. Before the sun rises and it becomes hot, I would stop fishing and start to prepare breakfast. During this stay, I would give priority to eating. I would cook not only fish which I would catch but also some local food which I could get there. I would eat them with seasonings peculiar to Japan. After I finish eating, I would read some books and take a nap alternately until the evening. In the evening, I would start fishing again and eat the fish for dinner. After dinner, I would sleep on the beach.
By the time I get back home, I think that I would be accustomed to cooking and be good at it. Now I can’t cook but after the vacation, even if I were ordered to move to Tokyo, I would leave alone for my new post there because I wouldn’t have to be worried about whether I could fix my own meals.
But I may be tired of this life after a week. Surely, six months is so long that I doubt if I could stay there for such a long time. So, instead of the books, I think that I had better take a radio to ask for help.

Theme (if you are going to go to the island for six months, what would they be? why would you choose them?)February16.2005

2005-02-23T08:28:00.000+09:00

Since I could easily get food and water, first, I obviously would choose to bring a tent. Of course, the size of the tent should be more than five meters square. It might rain very hard and a tent is essential to surviving for a long time. If I don’t have it, I will die quickly.Secondly, I need to choose a sleeping bag. Because the climate may be hot and cold or the weather may be clear and rainy, I need to select the thing that corresponds to any climate and change in the weather. I think if I have food and water, I can live until I hate this life by using this type of sleeping bag. Thirdly, I would choose to bring a lighter full of fuel so I can make fires. The reason why I wouldn’t choose matches is that if they become wet, they can’t be used. Because it is bad to continue eating raw things for my health, I need to cook them over a fire. What’s more, because there won’t be any light, I have to make light. I can make light by making a good fire. The lighter helps making light. If I am about to die, I can inform others where I am with a fire. Finally, I would choose a boat. Even if the island sinks, I can continue living on the boat. While I am on board on it, someone may help me. Of course I don’t want to consider it but it might be necessary as a final alternative to stay alive. However, I don’t think it is enough to just continue living. As long as this earth is peaceful, I don’t want to think about how to survive. In any event, I think now I am very happy and I don’t want to upset my life. Maybe, I am a conservative man.

Theme (about how to improve anything after I negotiate with Japan ’s government)January23.2005

2005-02-07T13:14:00.000+09:00

In my case, I’m angry about taxes. Let me tell you why. The Japanese prime minister always says the most important thing is to revitalize the Japanese economic environment, but it hasn’t recovered at all. His cabinet hasn’t taken any action about it. On the contrary, his cabinet is going to abolish the reduction of income tax this year. That is like pulling the trigger on the Japanese economy. I’m very impatient with that sort of thing. What’s more, he is concentrating on the privatization of the posts and telecommunications departments. However, his action is beside the point. He must appreciate what the most important problem is. The health insurance system and over issuance of government bonds is a similar problem. Especially, the worst incident is that the government used our health insurance money to build many unnecessary rest rooms all over the place in Japan. Now they aren’t used effectively. I am very angry with the Japanese government. The Japanese nation can’t request the government to straighten up their act. We must follow the example of other countries. First, I’ll type my opinion on a website in detail and gather my allies. Next, I run for the Diet with my allies’ cooperation. When I become a member of the Diet, I will strongly act to reduce taxes as a representative of all the people. Finally, I want to realize the hope of the nation.

Theme (about the experience that I was surprised when I took a test)January26.2005

2005-02-07T13:13:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I took a TOEIC test. However, I was very disappointed at the result of the test. The reason was because I couldn’t get more than 700 points although my teacher practiced TOEIC skills with us for more than seven hours. To be honest, I don’t have the ability to review this TOEIC test. However after I reviewed this test, I decided on a new goal for myself；I want to get more than 750 points next time. That is to say, this is my duty to continue studying English. In any event, whatever the cost, I am going to achieve this goal. Next, I am going to talk about this result of this TOEIC test in detail. First, I couldn’t get a high score on section three in the listening part. In this part, I always want to rest because I am tired after doing section two. Therefore, unless I don’t understand the meaning of some questions and answers, I try to solve all of them. Though I know this is a bad way, nevertheless I can’t stop doing it. What should I do? If there is the way I can easily understand the spoken dialogs in section two, please tell me. Second, I couldn’t get a high score on section seven in the reading part. I understand my reading speed is slower than Mike’s. This time I couldn’t solve the section seven questions easily. Though I know time management is a very good point, I couldn’t do it. Anyway, everyday I want to improve my reading speed by solving some TOEIC questions while measuring my time. From now on, I will give my whole time to studying to achieve my goal.

Theme (about the jogging contest)January29.2005

2005-02-07T13:11:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I joined a jogging contest with my next door classmates. My attitude was good because the weather was very clear but a little cold. First, I woke up at 7 AM and took a shower. Next I joined up in front of the cafeteria with my classmates and we drove to the Yamaji park. Because the entry deadline was 9 AM, we hurried up and somehow arrived there by 9 AM. We felt relief at getting entered because the starting time was 10:30 AM. Finally, the starting time came and we started running the 10 kilometer race. In my case, because I had never done a 10 kilometer long jog I was very anxious about it. Certainly, my anxiety proved right. Though I wanted to run quickly, because my leg was over－stretched, it didn’t permit me to run ahead. As it hit me when I felt down, it seemed like l was suffocating. Therefore, I thought I had better drop out of this contest, but because there were a lot of supporters, I couldn’t do it. While I was running, I found a beautiful lady who was also running. I thought I could continue running along side her. As a result, somehow I could finish running 10 kilometers but I left the woman behind. My time was 61 minutes. I couldn’t reach my goal of 10 kilometers in 60 minutes. Nevertheless I felt good. Really, it was a very enjoyable day for me. If I have a chance to join another race, I obviously will. I want to thank my next door classmates. But, I thought I have to train before doing this again more than I did this race.

January 30, 2005 about a discount shop Mike

2005-02-04T13:33:00.000+09:00

January 30, 2005
Mike
Today, my family went to a very famous discount chain shop, called “Don Quixote” in Takamatsu. This chain is mostly located in the Kanto district and they are so well known as discount stores that the name is sometimes used by comedians on TV shows to express a thing’s cheapness. But, recently the name has come to be equated with victimhood because of a series of successive arson fires which happened last year. I arrived there at noon and could park our car in the parking lot on the roof without having to wait for a spot fortunately. The shop is a one-story building and a lot of merchandise including food, electrical appliances, famous brand bags, toys, furniture, goods for cars, etc., is exhibited in the store and each aisle is very narrow. In addition, some aisles are dead ends with no signs overhead. Therefore, if a fire happens in the shop, some customers might not be able to find their way out. But, I was able to enjoy shopping as if it were a kind of exploration except that I sometimes bumped up against others’ shoulders. During my exploration, I tried to check if the merchandise was really cheap because the shop is regarded as one of the cheapest discount stores. Surely, some food like eggs and instant noodles were cheap compared with the price in supermarkets around here. But, most merchandise in the shop was more expensive than the prices which I remembered in other shops like shoe shops and car goods shops. Nevertheless, people seemed to like shopping there. I didn’t know the reason why the store was popular with them. I decided that I would never go there again.

January 26, 2005 about TOEIC Mike

2005-02-04T13:32:00.001+09:00

January 26, 2005
Mike
I was surprised that I was able to answer correctly more than 80 percent of the part two questions on today’s TOEIC examination. Usually my percentage correct is, at most, 60 percent and this part is the worst or the second worst of the four listening parts. I thought that I owed my teacher this result because he took a lot of time to help us get used to this part. Nevertheless, the score of part four was bad compared with my typical score. As a result, both of them offset with each other and my score was the same as usual. But, this test gave me some confidence because it was the first time that I got more than 800 points in one of the regular examinations which have been held in our classroom. As for the reading parts, my score is recently steady but even in the grammar parts which I have been bad at I am apt to find mistakes or correct answers faster and faster. I feel my progress though it is increasing little by little. Now, I am not contented with my current reading skill. I need to make it faster and more reliable in order to read English newspapers and enjoy net surfing in English. Finally, I won’t study English exercises which are partial to TOEIC because the better score I get, the more my coworkers’ expectation of me becomes. I only need the score which correctly reflects my skill. Anyway, my goal is to attain a well-balanced English skill and obtain a semi-first grade on the English examination which is authorized by the Minister of Education and includes speaking tests.

January 22, 2005 about Iyomishima Mike

2005-02-04T13:32:00.000+09:00

January 22, 2005
Mike
Iyomishima city faces the sea but every part of the coast has been reclaimed. So, there are no coasts which people can see in their natural state in this area. Most parts which face the sea are manmade artifacts like wharfs or breakwaters. Among them there are only a few places where we can fish. Among those the wharf in front of our factory is famous among anglers like me because we can catch fish which come from the ocean regularly. But soon we won’t be allowed to fish there because it was registered as one of the more important international ports in Japan. Later, long fences are supposed to be built in the area on the wharf for the purpose of keeping out foreign stowaways and the anglers will be banned from going in our fences in order to fish. I know that the wharf is very important in view of business. Maybe a group including our company asked for a subsidy in order to make our company more competitive. But, we don’t have enough places to enjoy fishing around here though we live near the sea. Now I am angry about the fact and if I had more free time and I didn’t have any relation with our company, I would complain to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and demand they leave the place open at least when no ships are anchored there. At the same time, I would collect a lot of signatures and lobby Shikokuchuo City Hall to assure a place where we can fish. Of course, I wouldn’t expect the place to be built soon but by the time my son would become a junior high school student.

January 18, 2005 about discount Mike

2005-01-27T13:31:00.000+09:00

January 18, 2005
Mike
In the first winter after I joined this company, I was forced to buy a computer with a Windows 95 operating system and had to learn how to use it. While I was getting my master’s, I was used to using a Macintosh but never touched any other types of computers. But, in Daio only Windows 95 systems were used and I was struggling with them every day because I didn’t know how to operate them well. In addition, there weren’t enough computers for all the employees to use one whenever they wanted to. So, I often had to stop my work and hand over the computer I was using to a senior coworker because I was a freshman. To finish my work by deadline, I was sometimes obliged to come to work on weekends. These circumstances made me decide to buy a new computer. During that winter vacation, I asked my father, who ran an electronics shop in Matsuyama, to order a laptop computer and give me a good deal on it. The regular price was about 280,000 yen with the latest printer. He gave me a discount on them and I paid 220,000 yen. He assured me that he got no profit by selling me the computer. I was sure that it was the cheapest way for me to get a computer. But, now I don’t use it and my parents have taken it. I doubt very much whether I could really recover my investment.

Theme (about anything I got the best deal)January18.2004

2005-01-27T08:19:00.000+09:00

I bought a new car in Osaka six years ago. At that time, one of my customers was connected with a Toyota car shop. What’s more, I thought it was time to consider whether I should buy a new car or not. I requested my customer introduce me to one of the shop’s salesmen. A few days later, I met him. Before I met him, I had thought if I bought a new car, I would want to buy an RV. The moment I met him, he asked me if I would be interested in an RV car because those were currently popular. Because our thinking was the same, we were able to move the negotion on quickly and I ended up taking a test drive. Next week, I negotiated with him about trading my old car in for 50,000 yen discount off the price of the new car. Almost, his asking price was very high. However because I wasn’t satisfied with his offer, I refused it. His opening price was 3,200,000 yen. However, it was his company’s sales campaign season. Therefore, he had extra motivation to sell me a new car. Because of that, he and I negotiated for more than five hours. I told him that if I were to buy it, I wanted to pay about 2,500,000 yen. First he objected, but he said to me, “Please wait a moment, I have to consult with my boss. I’ll be back soon.” A few minutes later, he came back and said to me, “ I can’t discount the price to 2,500,000 yen but I can do 2,700,000 yen. How’s that? ” Because my car’s automobile inspection was coming due and I thought this was the best deal I could get, I decided to buy it. Still now, I’m satisfied with this action.

January 15, 2005 abut kidnap Mike

2005-01-18T10:44:00.000+09:00

January 15, 2005
Mike
A few weeks ago, the police arrested a man for the kidnapping and murder of a schoolgirl in Nara prefecture. Everyone in Japan thinks that Japan is no longer as safe a country as it used to be. We are getting used to watching news about terrible crimes on TV. We are also less and less surprised at news like simple murders, robberies, cheats and so on. But, this case was different from such crimes. The suspect had been arrested a few times for similar crimes before. Besides, though a counselor who tried to rehabilitate the suspect during his term of imprisonment recognized that the suspect wouldn’t be rehabilitated, he was released eventually. In Japan even though a criminal commits crimes again, Japanese judicial system always gives priority to the criminal, not the victim. I have watched news about a woman who involved in a miserable case. She had gas poured on her and was set on fire by her male coworker whom she had refused to date. She was forced to quit her job because of serious burns to her body. But he didn’t have enough money to compensate for her damage. She was given some money by the government every month but she could barely make her ends meet. On the other hand, the assailant completed his sentence and later got married. I am sure that he is much happier than she and I can’t accept that these things are commonplace and unresolved. If I had known I would feel this way in my high school days, I would have entered law school to be admitted to the bar.

Theme (about my hobby)January17.2004

2005-01-17T17:12:00.000+09:00

I have never thought about hobbies before. But now, because I don’t work at the forefront of Daio’s business scene and studying English is my job, I have started thinking about it more. That is to say, I ’m bored with this life. Therefore, if I keep wasting my free time, perhaps I’ll regret it forever. At present, when I have free time, I go to hot springs near this city. Of course any hot spring is OK. I go there to forget my problems. But now it doesn’t satisfy me anymore. As a result, I found something better than going to hot springs. That is to watch foreign movies broadcasted on TV or that I can rent at a video shop. When I started studying English, I disliked watching movies as a part of class on Friday. That was because I was beat studying English and I could hardly understand what the characters were saying. At that time, I wasn’t interested in watching movies. I had thought watching movies was an activity that I did when I didn’t have anything else to do. However, my attitude has changed. Once I could understand English more than before, surprisingly I changed my mind. At last, I could find a hobby that satisfies my heart. Now I want to watch a movie called “ Ocean’s 12 ” as soon as possible. That is a sequel of Ocean’s 11 which was broadcasted on TV on Saturday night. Of course I didn’t watch the subtitles. Especially, I paid attention to the spoken content. From now on, more and more I want to watch movies for relaxation and to improve my English ability.

Theme (about the Lloyd’s class)January12.2004

2005-01-14T08:24:00.000+09:00

I have been taking Lloyd’s class already taken the class for three days. As a result, I have found several of my weak points. First, as well as Ron always says to me, I can’t produce long speeches fluently. That is to say, I can’t quickly make more than two sentences. What’s more, my vocabulary is too small to explain my opinion. Second, my pronunciation is very bad, I can’t tell Lloyd my opinion clearly. Therefore, when I spoke to him, he wants to correct my pronunciation. I often don’t know what pronunciation is correct. Even if I speak to him slowly, the situation doesn’t improve. Third, because I am unaccustomed with presentation style, I couldn’t explain my assigned theme in detail. When I have to explain my opinion in public, I tense up and I can’t speak fluently. Though I have recognized it as one of the worst points for a businessman, I can’t overcome it. Really, I’m impatient with it. I also can’t discuss topics with my partner well. Because I don’t have good opinions, I can’t challenge my partner’s opinion. I don’t have any sense to speak English. I think Daio wastes a lot of money on me. Honestly, I have lost my confidence to study English. However I have to improve my skill continuously. Therefore, I’ll throw my negative thoughts away and because I believe continuing studying English is the nearest road to improvement, I try to do my best without abandon.

January 12, 2005 about tsunami Mike

2005-01-13T08:24:00.000+09:00

January 12, 2005
Mike
The news about big tidal waves which hit a very large area in southern Asia world has been on broadcast TV every day since it happened. Every day I watch the news in both English and Japanese and I have gotten used to the news. But, when I watched news concerning the tsunami on ABC News during English class, I was surprised again. Indonesia residential areas which were three miles away from beach were also flooded by the tidal wave. People who were checking how much buildings were damaged by the big earthquake were washed away and drowned. Since people who evacuated to higher places and survived saw other people die in front of them, the unforgettable tragedy will remain in their mind. I wouldn’t like to experience such a tragic accident but no one can predict when disasters will happen and it is impossible to avoid them. Recently Japan also suffered from several natural disasters such as heavy rain, earthquakes, and landslides. But, compared with the damage by the tsunami the damage in Japan seems to be minor. I heard that when a typhoon hit our factory last summer, my former coworker’s car, which he had parked near the factory, was flooded and totaled. Fortunately only his car was damaged because of the heavy rain. I was very surprised at the story and I thought that all tragedies always happened suddenly.

January 10, 2005 about Loyd's class Mike

2005-01-12T08:25:00.001+09:00

January 10, 2005
Mike
After Jack and I took Lloyd’s class all day for the first time on January seventh, I felt that that class methods were different from ours but it was a more useful class than I had expected. Before I attended the class, I requested Ron give us some time apart from the other classmates to review the class or to talk with Jack without being concerned about Lloyd’s students. I thought that our speaking time would be shorter than our typical class and we should compensate for the lost time. Obviously our speaking time with the English teacher got shorter because six classmates in addition to Jack and I were three times as many students as are in Ron’s class. It meant that my opportunity to speak with Lloyd became one third less in theory. But I was able to speak with Dave for a long time. I thought that his attitude during the class was very helpful to me because he tried to speak a lot, eagerly make him understood and use some words which were appropriate for our vocabulary level. I also had enough time to think about my answers and listen to others’ answers when Lloyd gave us some questions. This was new to me. When I take Ron’s class, I usually think about answers in turn while Jack is answering questions and I sometimes fail to listen to his answers because I can’t afford to do both things at the same time. Now I have four days left and I would like to absorb the others’ ideas and adopt some exercises which will be useful to our class.

January 5, 2005 about Jack's story Mike

2005-01-11T17:28:00.000+09:00

January 5, 2005
Mike
When Jack was seven years old, he always got on trains for free. In Japan, kids who are 6 years old or over only have to pay half the regular fare until they graduate from elementary school. Since he knew that he had to pay the fare but he pretended to be younger and didn’t pay any money, I think that he committed a small crime. But, it is hard for everyone, especially conductors to judge children’s ages only from their faces. But, I have never seen that any children have been punished for this crime. In theory it’s a crime but in practice it really isn’t.
When Jack was 18 years old, he helped a young boy who had lost his way to get back home before it became dark. He came across the boy and asked the boy his address. The boy told him the address and some landmarks near his home. Finally, he was able to take the boy to his home safely. I think that this behavior made him a good person because the boy’s parents would thank him and he may have prevented the boy from getting kidnapped. But, if I were him, I couldn’t do the same thing. I’m afraid that I may be regarded as a kidnapper if I talk to a child who I don’t know.

Theme (about Sunday activity)January9.2004

2005-01-11T08:17:00.000+09:00

Because I stayed at a hotel in Tokushima city on Saturday, I could easily go to see the Naruto whirlpools the next morning. I could enjoy the beauty of the sight because the weather was not bad. Additionally, I looked around the area for a while. Then, because I was satisfied with sightseeing and wanted to watch a movie, I went to Niihama. It took about five hours to go there by car using the highway. As soon as I arrived there, I started looking for an interesting movie. I decided to watch a movie called “Terminal”. I had thought if I had a chance to watch it, I obviously would. Therefore, I was lucky to see it. This movie was appropriate for me to listen to without looking at the Japanese subtitles because there were a lot of common phrases and the actors’ pronunciations were easy to hear. Of course, the movie’s story was very funny and impressive to me. I want to recommend it to my classmate and the students next door. I think they had better watch it as soon as possible.After I watched it, I ate dinner and dropped by a bookstore. I found a book about Japan’s hot springs. I looked up an interesting location for me to visit.Finally, I settled on found Iya hot springs and decided to go there tomorrow. The reason why was that I could take a cable car to reach the hot spring.Certainly, the cost was very expensive ( 1,500 yen). Nevertheless, I feel it willbe very memorable. If I have an another chance, I want to another weekend trip like this again.

Theme (about the illegal thing and good thing of Mike)January5.2004

2005-01-11T08:16:00.000+09:00

1) about the illegal thingmike always crosses roads if no cars are approaching him even if the signalsare red. That is to say, he always can’t stand waiting at crossroads until signals change from red to green. Perhaps, he’s an active and aggressive person becausehe never wastes time while studying English. I think this action shows his character. However, needless to say, this action is dangerous, let alone illegal.In addition, he has a beautiful wife and a pretty child. If he dies, who can helphis family? In any event, from now on, I want to request him not to cross roads when the signals are red. If he doesn’t listen to my advice, he might as well be at death’s door. I seriously hope he changes his mind while he’s part of Ron’s English class.2) about the good thingOne day, he ate dinner at a restaurant. After he finished dinner, he went to thecounter to pay money. At that time, the shop clerk was a foreigner. First, he handed a 5000 yen bill to the clerk. A few seconds later, he received backa 5000 yen bill. His eating and drinking change was 500 yen. Therefore, heimmediately said to the person, “I think you made a mistake. I handed you a 5000 yen bill.” He was an honest man because he knew that if he received this much change, this clerk must be confused. In fact, he had experienced the same situation when he had worked at a convenience store. As a result, the clerk could avoid making a mistake. In my case, I obviously wouldn’t return the change, because I would think it is a lucky thing for the clerk to make an error in my favor. In any event, in this story I could understand his character in detail. Perhaps, because he is an honest man, he will be respected by everyone.

Theme (about the earthquake and the tidal wave that happened around Sumatora Offing)January4.2004

2005-01-05T18:23:00.000+09:00

I was shocked at the news about the earthquake and the tidal wave becauseI have never seen such a miserable accident. Now more than 150,000 people have already died. Twenty-two Japanese people are among the dead. The scale of the tragedy is already much greater than the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923. Recently, I can’t always believe the sight of the damage when I watch TV. Still now, I can’t understand why this big accident happened. Even though it is rare that such a large earthquake happens, everyone must know that a tidal wave could come after the earthquake. I think this is a man‐made disaster. How is the weather information system? How is the rescue operation progressing in these areas? I can’t be secure about traveling in these areas. In fact, if I had free time, I had thought I could travel there.Because of this accident, needless to say, the number of visitors will decrease to near half of the previous year. Therefore, I think the price of a packaged tour willalso go down. But, because the danger hasn’t gone down for the time being, I won’tgo there. Nevertheless, because still now, many people are traveling around these areas, many foolish people will die in the next earthquake. Really, foolish peopledon’t change their minds until they die. Recently people aren’t conscious about crisis situations. If this situation continues, perhaps a great amount of people will die. What’s more, people have to learn about tidal waves. Otherwise, people on the earth might as well vanish like in a movie. I hope countries change the warning systems for disasters like earthquakesand tidal waves and immediately start helping each other more than now.

January 4, 2005 about a license Mike

2005-01-05T17:50:00.000+09:00

January 4, 2005
Mike
When I was a third grade student in college, I stayed for two weeks at a driving school in Shimane Prefecture to prepare to get a driver’s license. The school was away from both Fukuoka where I lived and Ehime which was my hometown but I decided on the school. First, the tuition was the most inexpensive of all the other schools. Second, I had heard that the school provided students with delicious meals every day and that fee was included in the tuition. Third, even if I failed my examinations and needed extra lessons, I didn’t have to pay any additional money. At that time I was suffering from a cavity and I hadn’t had it treated. While I was eating dinner on the first day, I was conscious that the pain was stronger. But, I didn’t have enough money with me and wasn’t able to find any dental clinics around the school either. As the days went on, the pain was getting stronger but I couldn’t be absent from the school because any absences owing to personal reasons weren’t allowed. I tried a few things to relieve the pain. During a lecture, I tried to cover the decay with chewing gum but I failed. Before I went to bed, I took some aspirin. I never had cold drinks though it was summer. But, about a week later I got used to the pain and was able to withstand it. The hole in the tooth was big and I felt the tooth was already irreparable. I thought I might as well continue studying till I passed the final examination. After I graduated from the school, I saw a dentist soon. But I lost my tooth and he replaced it with a false tooth. Since then, I have continued brushing my teeth but it is too late to save my other teeth.

Theme (about what you did for New Year’s Day morning and compare that to how you usually spend New year’s morning)Janualy2.2004

2005-01-03T11:08:00.000+09:00

I woke up around 6 AM and I went to Katsurahama seashore to see the sunrise on New Year’s Day with my friend by car. This was the first time I spent on New Year’s Day morning because I usually spent eating New Year food with my family. Fortunately, I could see the sunrise on New Year’s Day. At that time, I thought I could gain the sunrise power in my body. Perhaps, I will be able to recognize English more than before. Afterwards, I dropped in my brother’s house and ate New Year food with my relatives. I ate raw fish, crab, salmon roe and so on while enjoying talking with relatives. I thought this food was really more delicious than I have experienced because I could rarely eat them. After I ate breakfast, I played with my very charming niece for a while. I thought I felt refreshed by this thing and I wanted my baby as soon as possible.Afterwards, I visited a shrine called kochi Big Shrine with my brother’s family and friend because my niece spent the festival day for children aged seven, five and three. Because really many people had visited there, we waited visiting there for ten minutes. After visiting, we took out fortune slips from the box. The results were four good fortune and one last good fortune. Because for the time being we were satisfied with their results, we tied their fortune slips into a tree. We immediately went to eat lunch because we were empty. After lunch, my friend and I went back our home town called Sakawa Town. These activities were first time I had experienced because my parents were working without the New Yearholidays. I could spent this day without I missed my family by grace of my brother’s family. This holiday became my unforgettable day.

January 2, 2005 about New Year Day Mike

2005-01-02T20:44:00.000+09:00

January 2, 2005
Mike
On New Year’s Day my family was going to get to Matsuyama by 10:00 a.m. to avoid expected traffic jam. But the snow which had lain deep on both highway and route to Matsuyama prevented us from leaving for Matsuyama. Of course I knew it had been raining or snowing last night. So, I was worried that two possible accidents would happen. First, the heavy snow would strand us in my home. Second, even if the snow had melted, it would freeze on the road and only cars which were equipped with spikes would be passable. After my wife and I got up at 6:00 a.m., we left our son asleep and checked on the internet whether the highway was passable or not. We found that no one was allowed to drive on the highway and route 11 was impassable near Niihama city as we had expected. We couldn’t but wait for the cancel of the warning and continued to check the information every 30 minutes. Finally, we could start a trip to Matsuyama around 3:00 p.m. But, the road was very crowded because there might be a lot of people like us. It usually takes us about two hours to get to my parents’ house in Matsyuyama on route 11 but it took about three hours on the day. We were supposed to go to a theater and go shopping with my parents. But it didn’t come true. Next week, we have to go to Matsuyama again to get our another personal computer and adjust my contact lenses. After we complete our own chores, we will do what we couldn’t do on the New Year day.

Theme (about my New Year’s Eve plans) December29.2004

2004-12-30T11:06:00.000+09:00

I don’t need to buy anything for New Year’s, I ’m going to go bowling with my old friend in Kochi City around 3 PM. Afterwards, we are going to go back our hometown around 6PM by car. We are going to go to the bar that we always spend New Year’s Eve. Perhaps we’ll talk about our current situations while drinking or eating until the watch‐night bell starts ringing. Also, because we are single, I want to talk about his and my marriage plans. However because he isn’t very interested in marriage, I’m not confident whether I can talk to him about it or not. Nevertheless, I want to ask him because we are already 34 years old and our parents fairly worry about whether we’ll ever get married. At the same time, I also have to know what he thinks about my marriage plan. This year I really want to talk all night long about our future families. In addition, I want to discuss world news. After we hear the watch‐night bell begin to ring, we’ll quickly move to the temple that is ringing the bell. The reason why we go there is that I can ring the temple bell by paying ten yen and drink reddish brown soup for free. Of course I’ll throw some money into the offering boxes while praying for a happy life and an improved English ability. Afterwards, I am going to go home with my friend and perhaps we’ll fall asleep while watching TV and eating the oranges at the “kotatsu”. Finally, I think it is really enjoyable to be able to spend New Year’s Eve in a simple way. What’s more, I want to safely reach the New Year. Really I just can’t wait to see the day.

December 28, 2004　about the Eve Mike

2004-12-28T21:13:00.000+09:00

December 28, 2004
Mike
My plan for winter vacation is to stay in Kochi from December 29th to 31st and to stay in Matsuyama from January 1st to 3rd. On New Year’s Eve, I am supposed to be in Kochi until noon and then go back home to Iyomishima. I sometimes went to my wife’s home in Kochi this year to show my son some fish, insects, and plants so that he could feel nature. In contrast to him, I was always bored after I finished fishing in Kochi as the surroundings were peaceful but uninteresting. While I stay in Kochi, I will go fishing with my family as usual. After fishing, I want to tackle a lot of assignments and my monthly report there. However, it is difficult to study English while I'm with my family and parents in law because they don’t understand my current situation and will ask me to drink with them. So, at least on New Year’s Eve, I will go back home and have to start doing my assignments. On NewYear's Day I used to watch TV all day with my family while eating candy or chocolate which I had bought earlier. But, recently each TV program on that day has been getting longer. I think that the longer the programs are, the less interesting they are and I don’t want to watch TV for a long time. Ideally I‘d like to devote myself to studying English because I have to go to Matsuyama the next day. Also, I have to keep in mind that to complete my assignments aren’t my only task during winter vacation. I‘d like to spare time to work on overcoming my weakness in English ability, especially focusing on talking as much as possible as well as complete the assignments.

December26.2004Theme (about the job I had wanted to become)

2004-12-27T13:49:00.000+09:00

When I was an elementary student, I wanted to become a pilot or a prime minister. I wrote about this in my graduation yearbook. At that time, being a pilot was one of the best jobs a man could have. Therefore I longed to become a pilot because a pilot can fly many places by plane,make a lot of money and associate with lots of beautiful ladies. Without fail, every year that job was listed as one of the best ten jobs that elementary students wanted to do. And I determined I obviously would become a pilot and obtain a happy life. My other wish was to become the Japanese prime minister. Once when I was a child, the Japanese prime minister suddenly resigned because having heavy problems and the next prime minister suddenly died. I worried about Japan’s future even though I was a young child.Also, I was very interested in the world and had a desire to work for Japan. Therefore I wanted to do that job. When I was a high school student, I wanted to become a doctor. I wanted to help treat diseases because some my relatives had died of cancer. At the same time, I thought I could marry a good nurse. However, I couldn’t pass the entrance examination for medical school. Therefore I had to change my goal. Finally, I studied management in college. Nevertheless, still now, I regret that I chose management. Really, I was too quick to abandon my original desire to become a doctor. I realize how my decision changed my future. Finally, I haven’t put my experience to good account in my company. Perhaps, I never will. Anyway I have to make a new goal as soon as possible after I graduate this English course. I feel keenly that there are few people who have realized their dream.

December 25, 2004 about Christmas Mike

2004-12-27T13:32:00.000+09:00

December 25, 2004
Mike
Since I started a college and started living on my own, I have never had a chance to enjoy Christmas. At first when I was a freshman, I wanted to enjoy the day with my friends and girlfriend. But, most of my friends had decided to work part time jobs and so had I unwillingly. There were two reasons for us not to be interested in Christmas. First, we had studied together everyday, had dinner together very often, and sometimes drunk alcohol till midnight. So, we had no reason to do what we usually did on account of Christmas. Second, in contrast to us, almost everyone doesn’t want to work on that day and employers give people who are willing to work a premium for their work. The premium tempted us to work late shifts. We were able to use the money for our trip to a hot spring in January.After I joined this company, I wanted to enjoy the day with my family but I always had to work late. So far, my wife hasn’t complained to me that I should come back home early on Christmas because she knows that I am very busy confirming purchases that are scheduled to be shipped during winter vacation.Yesterday was the first time that I had a good time with my family. But I couldn’t have any cake because I always feel sick when I eat even a small piece of cake. In addition, my son was into his presents and wasn’t concerned about his parents. I was aware again that Christmas is a day only for children in Japan and parents have to entertain their children.

Theme (about the easy and difficult jobs that I had worked in my former department)December23.2004

2004-12-24T13:34:00.000+09:00

When I worked in Osaka one year ago, I experienced easy and difficult jobs. At first, a case of an easy job, my company had dealt with a business called Big Nippon Business Company. Incidentally, the company was a subsidiary of Big Nippon Printing Company that is the largest printing companies in Japan.Recently the relationship between our company and Big Nippon Printing Company has become very good because of a contract between our two companies. Therefore it was easy to sell our products to them. My job was only to inform Big Nippon Business Company about our products’ stock amounts. As a result, my sales score increased twice compared to the previous year. Afterwards, I was recognized as a good salesman and got a 10,000 yen bonus.Next, a case of a difficult job, I was selling specific printing materials to building materials. I stressed our company’s product’s features but because another rival company product’s quality was better and the company delivered their products faster than us, the companies wanted us to the price, improve our product’s quality and the speed up our delivery. However I couldn’t boost our products’ sales. What’s more, my sales dropped to half of what they were in the previous year. As a result, my evaluation changed to the worst among my section’s coworkers. I realized it was very difficult to sell specific products and at the same time, I felt I couldn’t improve my situation.

December 23, 2004 about the last job Mike

2004-12-24T13:22:00.000+09:00

December 23, 2004
Mike
Before I moved to my last job in the purchasing department, I had been working at the newsprint research department for about three years. At that department, I had to come to work by 7:00 a.m. even though, according to our official rules, we were supposed to arrive by 8:00 a.m. . After I went to a waiting room next to paper machines to check daily reports about operations the day before, I had to do exercise to music. At first, I was reluctant to do the exercise because I had never done such exercise since I graduated from junior high school. But, it made me wake up completely and I was willing to do it gradually. Finally, I liked it. After the exercise, I had to sweep around our office and the parking lot no matter how cold it was or hot outdoors. I came back my workstation immediately and started my work. During working time I often had to receive some people who had made appointments with my coworkers because my desk was next to the visitor’s reception counter. At that time, a female coworker next to my desk was a receptionist and she usually had to do the job but she was an technician as well. She had to test our company’s newsprint as well as other competitors’. That’s why she wasn’t often at her desk and I had to substitute for her often. Perhaps someone who saw me working as a kind of receptionist made the decision that I be moved to the purchasing department.

Theme (the experience that I did a foolish thing)December21.2004

2004-12-22T13:30:00.000+09:00

When I was twenty‐two years old, I was making graduation papers while staying up all night. I was filling out forms in pencil and sometimes had to make corrections. Because there wasn’t enough time to finish, I hurried up to complete them and skipped my meals. Therefore while I was making them around midnight, suddenly I felt very hungry. However because I didn’t have any food, I started to unconsciously eat the eraser. After a few seconds, I noticed what I was doing. Afterwards, I wanted to go buy something to eat but I couldn’t. And I then made another mistake. I started eating the top of the pencil a little after I licked the top. It seemed as if I were starving. After a few seconds, I again noticed what I was doing and immediately stopped. Anyway, it was difficult but I could finally finish making my graduation papers around 4 AM. Next I thought I should bind the papers with some staples. I looked for a stapler and quickly found one. Because I felt relieved, I happened to look at my fingers. At that time, I noticed my nails were very long. I again made another mistake. I started using the stapler instead of the nail clipper without thinking. But because I immediately noticed, I didn’t hurt myself. But I thought in the future I mustn’t stay up all night so that I can avoid doing dangerous things. Therefore I have refused staying up all night since I join this company. In any event, I make sure to go to sleep soon every night.

December 21, 2004 about my VCR Mike

2004-12-22T13:13:00.000+09:00

December 21, 2004
Mike
About two years ago, my VCR was out of order. Before it completely broke, I had noticed that its condition had been getting worse and worse. Sometimes I wasn’t able to take videocassettes out of the VCR easily nor could I get a clear picture.One day when I pushed the eject button on my remote, I heard the noise that the VCR usually made when it tried to eject a tape but the tape didn’t come out. After I tried many times, the problem seemed to be different from its typical symptoms. I unplugged it and took it out of my television stand. As soon as I opened the cover, I understood what had caused this problem. There were some pieces of paper such as candy wrappers or Japanese animation character’s cards, a few buttons, and some small plastic balls in it. So, I removed the trash. At the same time, I saw the tape had wrapped around some internal parts. It was wrapped around the parts so tightly that I couldn’t do anything but cut the tape. Then, I brought it to my father who ran an electronics shop to have it checked and it turned out to also be out of order. My father advised me not to repair the VCR because it would be too expensive. Until this happened, I hadn’t believed that a caution like “don’t put anything but a videocassette in a VCR” was necessary. In this case, my son wasn’t able to read Japanese and this caution was meaningless. But, I guessed there might be other people like my son in Japan. So, I understood that the caution was necessary.

Theme ( the experience that I bought a novelty good in the past and what did youDecember19.2004

2004-12-21T13:43:00.000+09:00

Once,when I was living in Osaka, I joined a customer’s year‐end party. The requirement to join the party was to bring a novelty good. The goods were scheduled to be used as free gifts for a bingo game. They wanted goods that were funny and strange. And because I couldn’t refuse this requirement for my business ’s sake, I went to a variety store called Tokyu Hands to buy some novelty goods. Because there were several kinds of party goods there, it took more than an hour to select a few goods. The next day, I went to the party with the goods. At first, the party was peaceful, however when the people who joined started to get drunk, the bingo game started. A few minutes later, the people got several kinds of goods one after another and they immediately opened them. They were bald wigs, black net tights, a sexy costume, a wing fan and so on. In fact, I had brought the sexy costume and the wing folding fan. Therefore, because I had to improve the party’s atmosphere, I wore the suit and danced to juliana music while holding the wing fan. Then the party got mad crazy and other people started dancing with me. One person started hugging me under the influence of alcohol and because I didn’t dislike the person, I hugged the person back. Finally we kissed each other. I enjoyed it very well. As a result, I started fraternizing with the customer often and got a lot of business out of it. At first, I hesitated to take a few goods to the party, but by doing so, I could make new contacts and new friends. Still now, I keep in good contact with the customer and send a new year card, midyear gifts and year‐end gifts every season. And those goods became my trademark.

December 19, 2004 about a novelty Mike

2004-12-21T13:23:00.000+09:00

December 19, 2004
Mike
When I was a fifth or sixth grade school student, my mother bought me a pair of unique slippers. The slippers looked like dinosaur legs because each of them had three big yellow claws and green legs. They were also so stuffed and big that they were able to keep my legs warm once I put them on. They sometimes made my legs rather hot but I liked it. At least in my family the novelty was in because my mother, my sister, and I used them at that time. It had a few weak points as well as strong points like warmth and funny appearance. First, the durability was not great because I wore them out after a few months of wearing them every night in the winter. I think it should have been durable for at least one winter. Second, it was very dangerous. Of course, it was a kind of slipper and they had the same rubber soles as normal ones. But, they were very slippery especially on steps. They were very big and longer than steps’ length. Whenever I went up and down the steps, I was unstable. I sometimes fell down and landed on my back. When my mother saw me suffer from it, she never asked me if I was okay. On the contrary, she blamed me for my carelessness. After I wore them out, I didn’t buy the same type ones again and neither did she. So, I think those slippers were just a novelty.

December16.2004Theme ( how to cook something)

2004-12-17T13:27:00.000+09:00

When I was living in Okayama, I cooked this meal once every two weeks because it only needs to be boiled, the cooking procedure is simple and there are few ingredients. I served it to a friend once who had never eaten it. My friend said, “ It is very delicious. If I have a chance, I want to eat it again.” I ’ll explain to you how to cook it.First, you need 200g of sliced beef, 3 potatoes, 1 onion, 1 carrot, some stock, some water, two or three big spoons of sugar, milin, soy sauce and oil.Second, cut the beef into 3 or 4 centimeter long strips with a knife on a chopping board.Third, peel the potatoes, cut them to a cube with a knife and put them in a pot filled with water for 5 or 6 minutes. Next, slice the onion and cut the carrot into wedges. Fourth, get a pot and put the oil in the pot. While heating the pot on a stoveadd the beef to the pot and fry it until it turns brown. Afterwards add the sliced onion, potatoes and carrots into the pot and fry them sufficiently.Next, after the onions became pliable, the surface of the potatoes can be seen through and the carrot’s color has become slightly white pale, add the stock into the pot and boil it all with a strong fire while skimming the scum off the top. Afterwards, add the sugar, close the pot with a lid and boil for more than half an hour. Then check the taste. If the taste is not good, add some more stock and sugar.Finally, add some milin, soy sauce and boil again for 5 or 6 minutes. Before it’s finished ,add a little soy sauce.As a result, you can eat a good meal. Please do it by yourself. It is very easy tocook it.

December 16, 2004 about a meal Mike

2004-12-17T13:07:00.001+09:00

December 16, 2004
Mike
I haven’t cooked any meals since I cooked dinner for my family last summer. I sometimes knead dough to make udon noodles from flour and water. However, I neither boil nor prepare it because I feel like meals cooked by my wife taste more delicious than ones I make by myself. Last summer, she was working at a restaurant. Whenever she came back home, she was too exhausted to make dinner for my family. So, one day I made up my mind to make spaghetti and soup for dinner.First, I boiled spaghetti in a pot and drained it using a colander. Second, I moved it into a frying pan which was preheated and coated with melted butter. Third, I cracked two eggs on top of it, opened a can of tuna and put it on it, and poured a little soy sauce over all of it. After I turned the gas on, I stirred it until the eggs cooked. Finally, I divided them into three portions and put them on three dishes. At the same time, I boiled water in a pot and put in some sausages, sliced onions, cut cabbage and sliced carrots. Then, I boiled it again and I added a small cube of buillon and some salt to it. After I tasted it, I poured it into three cups and served it. Though it tasted delicious and my son and I ate everything on our plates, my wife was so tired that she couldn’t have very much. I couldn’t forgive her for that and stopped cooking for my family.

December 15, 2004 about a song Mike

2004-12-17T13:07:00.000+09:00

December 15, 2004
Mike
This song is an ode to a mountain in Japan in that it is very tall. In the song, they are many sentences which express its height in detail. “The mountain itself looks down on all the other mountains. The summit is so high that it is always above clouds. So, thunder always rolls under the summit. There are snows on the top even in the summer. It looks like the mountain wears the clothes which are made of snow.” The mountain is very famous for not only its height, but also its shape. The shape is so unique and familiar to all the Japanese that they can recognize the mountain with only a glimpse at its shape. When I was an elementary school student, one time on the way to Tokyo I was able to see the mountain clearly from the window of a bullet train. To see it was one of the purpose of my trip and my expectation had been very large. The shape was the same as I had expected and I was satisfied with it. Compared with other mountains in the world, the mountain is not very high. But, I believe the mountain has a character that is attractive to the Japanese.

Theme (about an elementary day’s song)December15.2004

2004-12-16T17:32:00.000+09:00

When I was an elementary school student, I usually sang this song because it was easy to understand and sing. Especially, I sang it on the way home along the river.
“I live in a river. I go to school in the river on weekdays. I can’t live out of water. I need to keep staying in the water. If you look into the river, you can see many divers including me are swimming. Then you can understand we are a kind of pickerel. I don’t know who is my teacher. Because we are all the same shape, we can’t distinguish each other. Therefore we are swimming frequently with our friends . What’s more, because we are vigorous, we can enjoy our life very much.
We are very happy because we can go swimming anytime. Therefore we takeno note of the time. We are wandering everywhere everyday. We like floating anywhere. However our activities are dominated by water. We are drifting along with the current of the river.”

December12.2004Theme (1.the last time someone recommended me

2004-12-15T08:21:00.000+09:00

When I was a pupil, I was studying for two years at a cram school to enter a private junior high school. The season to take the entrance examination came up. However I had been agonizing about what school I should try to enter becauseI was worried my grades wouldn’t be good enough to pass an entrance examination. I decided I was going to take an examination for a junior high school that I knew I certainly could pass. But, the cram school teacher recommended me to take the exam of a more advanced junior high school than the one I was planning to take. At first I refused the suggestion. However, after I consulted with my parents, I changed my mind and accepted my teacher’s suggestion. Nevertheless, I thought I should have taken the safe way. I took the advanced school’s examination but I failed it. Really, I regretted it because I knew it would have been better to have tried to enter the other school. As a result, afterwards, it affected my life very much. When I was 30 years old, I recommended to a male coworker that he should change jobs because he had been considering whether his situation was good or not. Because I wanted him to feel better quickly, I tried to give him sincere advice. And he seriously listened to my opinion. As a result, three months later, he left our company with a broad smile. Since then, he has made more money than he used to and he enjoys his new job. That is to say, he made a happy life for himself. Still now, I keep in touch with him. He always says my recommendation was the best answer to get rid of his worries. Perhaps my recommendation was good for him. What’s more, ironically, now he is constantly recommending that I change my job.

December 12,2004 about recommendation Mike

2004-12-14T17:13:00.000+09:00

December 12, 2004
Mike
Whenever I talk with my mother on the phone, the last thing she always says to me is, “You had better see a doctor. ” She is worried about my disease, allergic nasal catarrh, and so am I. I only suffered from symptoms of the disease periodically until last year. Recently, though, I am always suffering from it. That’s why I think that her opinion is right. I think that I had better go there before my disease gets worse. Nevertheless, I don’t feel like seeing a doctor because I am used to the symptoms.
I have known the co-worker who lives next door since I joined this company. He is three years younger than I, but he has worked here four years longer than I. In addition, he and I happened to graduate from the same junior high school. So, he is my senior coworker at work but my junior when we’re off the clock. Now, his wife is pregnant and will give birth in January. One day, I said to him, “Why don’t you come to my home for dinner while your wife is in the hospital in January? ” He accepted my invitation and will probably come to my home from time to time until she gets back.

December 9,2004 about speeding Mike

2004-12-14T13:20:00.000+09:00

December 9, 2004
Mike
Two months after I joined this company, I was stopped by an officer on the way to Matsuyama. Until then I had been lucky to have been stopped by the police. Of course, I knew that I was riding on my scooter at about 60 kilometers an hour and the limit for scooters was 30 kilometers an hour. I thought that I would be fined for speeding, but I was so confused that I couldn’t think of any excuse. So, I took my helmet off and kept quiet. The officer came and asked me to show him my license. While he was checking it, he wrote a blue ticket for speeding. Then, I signed it as he instructed. His behavior was just businesslike and I didn’t feel like apologizing or asking for his pardon. He told me to go to a police station and pay 15,000 yen for the fine by the deadline and gave me the ticket. At that time, it cost about 2,000 yen for me to go to my home to Matsuyama by train. As I was a freshman and didn’t have enough money, it was expensive. So I had to walk to the station, which was also inconvenient. By contrast, it cost about 300 yen to go there by my scooter. To go by my scooter was much cheaper and more convenient than by train. That’s why I went there by my scooter without hesitation.Still now I regret it. First, I didn’t have to go there in a hurry. Second, I couldn’t check behind me and see the officer because I had had my mirror stolen. If I had had my mirror, I could have avoided this situation.

December9.2004Theme (the last time I was stopped by the police)

2004-12-14T08:28:00.000+09:00

The last time I was stopped by the police was three years ago. While I was driving on a highway from Himeji to Okayama, I was followed by the police from Bizen. I was carrying our company’s products to a customer while I was speedingand continuing to drive in the passing lane. When I arrived at Oku, a siren suddenly began ringing from behind my car. And the next message I heard was,“ Please stop at the next parking area. Drive safely and slow down.” I thought “Oh no, I’ve done it now.” When I looked in the side mirror, I could see a police car following my car. So I had to stop at the next parking area.However, I was more worried about the materials I was delivering. In fact, they were the reason I was driving fast on the highway. After I stopped at the next parking area, I approached the police car. A policeman came out from the police car. He said to me,” You were speeding andcontinuing to drive in the passing lane. Did you know that? ” I replied, “ I didn’t notice because I was concentrating on carrying these things to my customer.” The police said, “ Anyway, please get in the police car. We will continue talking with each other.” So I got in the police car. The police continued talking, “ You made two traffic violations. However I ’m going to give you only one traffic ticket. Which one do you prefer?” I replied, “ The light one, please.” The police again said,“ Ok, your traffic violation is continuing to drive in the passing lane and your penalty is one point. The fine is 6000 yen. While going back home, please pay more attention to your driving.” Then, I thought I was lucky and happy. I determined this time I was lucky. Such a thing mustn’t happen again. From now on, I must pay more attention not to speed.”

December8.2004Theme (the last time I went fishing)

2004-12-14T08:26:00.000+09:00

The last time I went fishing was about 11 years ago. After work I went out on the sea on a cruiser owned by one of our company’s executives. There were three main reasons I went on this trip. First, because when I feel disgusted with my job I could feel refreshed by the wind and beauty of the sea. Second, because when I catch fish, it feels better than anything else. And lastly, because I hadn’t experienced going fishing on a cruiser, I was looking forward to riding on one. We went to a place near an island about 10 kilometers north from Iyomishima port. The sea was very beautiful and I could see clearly deep into the water. I caught some fish called Kochi there as my senior coworker had decided we all would fish. I rode on the cruiser along with 10 other people who were strangers to me. One of the sons of an executive in our company also came with us. If I have another chance to go deep‐sea fishing, I want to go because I want to catch a fish and enjoy the accomplishment of catching fish. Especially, I want to catch rock breams because they have a very interesting shape and are delicious. I haven’t really experienced going fishing. However because I like trying new things, if I have a chance, I would be glad to go anywhere. What’s more, I think it is a good activity to try to forget troubling things. Please ask me to go fishing if you ever go.

December7.2004Theme (what do you take to go to camp and what do you buy as a souvenir)

2004-12-14T08:25:00.000+09:00

On a Friday night last summer, I prepared what I need to go camping. First,I packed some cooking tools, like knives, a cutting board, a frying pan, a stove and so on. Next, I gathered my bedclothes which included a mattress, a sleeping bag, some sheets and similar things. Finally, I put some food into my trunk such as noodles, meat, vegetables and other things that would be good to be cooked outdoors. I went to a campsite near a river. The river was long, wide and beautiful.The campsite itself was near Matsuyama so it was very easy to get to. The main reason I went there was because I could catch some fish in the river. I also wanted to go swimming in the river. While I was staying there, I also strolled around the campsite and found several kinds of flowers which turned out to be good souvenirs. Afterwards, I brought them to my girlfriend and she was very glad to see them.

December 8,2004 about fishing Mike

2004-12-09T17:11:00.000+09:00

December 8, 2004
Mike
I had never gone fishing until I became a junior high school student because my father wasn’t interested in fishing and we didn’t live next to the ocean. But, a few friends who were crazy about fishing invited me often. I became more and more interested in it and went to the sea by bicycle on weekends with them. Though I moved to Fukuoka and went to a university that was close to the sea, the sea was so dirty that I was sure that no fish could live there and so I stopped fishing all together. After I joined this company, I went fishing again along with my colleagues. I have two reasons why I like fishing. Firstly, I like to watch the sea without thinking. Secondly, when I am about to catch a fish and reel in, I have no idea how large the fish is until I pull it out of the water and that moment of possibility excites me. In July, I went to Kochi and fished with my family because my son asked me to take him to the sea and fish there. We were able to catch some small edible fish and inedible starfish. He was playing with the starfish and wasn’t afraid of them. At that time, he didn’t bother my wife and I nor the other anglers. So, we planned to go fishing again, but had to call it off because of typhoons. In the future, I want to go to a place where we can go fishing and camping. When I was a teenager, I thought that if I had lived near the sea, I could have fished every day. Now, my dream has come true, but I don’t fish in the sea near here.

December 7,2004 about weekends Mike

2004-12-09T13:02:00.000+09:00

December 7, 2004
Mike
I usually take my family to downtown, Matsuyama, Takamatsu, or Kochi on weekends. We usually take a soccer ball and a towel for our son along with us. After we go shopping and on our way home, we drop by a park to play soccer. My son enjoys playing soccer very much and it’s a reward for him for good behavior during the trip. We also take a bicycle for the same reason. When we go on these trips, we often buy souvenirs for my wife’s and son’s friends. We look for them in the basement floors of department stores while we are shopping for souvenirs. For my son’s friends we get a large box of small sweets and for my wife’s friends, some cheap cookies. To spend money and do exercises is enjoyable. But, recently it has been getting colder and colder so, I want to stop doing this exercise until spring returns.

Theme (the way to from Fuji in front of Iyomishima station to Fuji Gran supermarket)December5.2004

2004-12-06T17:53:00.000+09:00

Yesterday around 7 PM, I went to buy some dinner food at Fuji supermarket in front of Iyomishima station. I parked in the north parking lot on the ground floor. I immediately looked for something for dinner. However because almost all the food was sold out, I decided to go to Fuji Grand supermarket near Elleair Briton restaurant. I got in my car and I went out of the parking lot. First I turned right on to the road. When I drove about 20 meters, I reached a red traffic signal and stopped near Oishii Hiroba. After I waited until the traffic signal changed from red to green, I veered to the left and went onto Route 11. Next when I went past the second street, I could see Mishima shrine on the right. Then I remembered that there were many booths around it during the Mishima summer festival. When I passed through an intersection with a traffic signal and drove about 50 more meters. I could see Daio’s R and D building where my English class is located. I went straight ahead onto the first street. I could see the north gate of Daio company on the right. After that, I went straight along the Daio company site to the first junction. This is where I would turn right if I wanted to go to Elleair sports club. Continuing straight ahead, I passed Ehime paper corporation and a convenience store called Circle K. I arrived at a cellular phone shop, NTT Docomo, at the end of a corner. South of NTT Docomo is Colombo 13 pachinko parlor. Next I turned right and went straight ahead over an overpass. Then I could see Fuji Grand very easily. Afterwards, I went across the next street and drove about 200 meters. Finally, when I turned right at the corner of Fuji Grand supermarket, I could park in the supermarket’s parking lot. I enjoyed shopping for food for dinner. I thought it was difficult to describe the way.

December 5,2004 about the way Mike

2004-12-06T17:13:00.000+09:00

December 5, 2004
Mike
I‘ll tell you the way to the sushi restaurant close to Fuji Grand supermarket from the self-serve udon shop on the by-pass. When you come to the exit of parking lot at the udon restaurant, you are facing north and you can see a street in front of you. You turn right and go east until you can see the corner where there is a TOYOTA shop on the right, a hardware shop, TIME, on the left and a pedestrian overpass that crosses overhead. On the way there, you can see a pachinko parlor on the left, Daio’s big smokestack on the left, and a few convenience stores on the right. You turn left at the corner I mentioned before and go past TIME on the left and go straight for a while. When you come to the second major intersection that has a lane for right turns only, you can see a pedestrian overpass on the left and a pizza shop across the street on the right. You turn right and go straight until you can see the big sign for Fuji Grand supermarket on the right. When you come to Fuji Grand supermarket, you go just past the building and turn right and go to a street between Fuji Grand supermarket and Mister Donut. You can see a big parking lot and can park anywhere there. The sushi restaurant is next to Mister Donut and you go there and eat what you want.

Theme (what do you do for fun and recreation in your spare time?) December2.2004

2004-12-03T18:10:00.000+09:00

I have two different schedules, a weekend one and weekday one. On the weekdays, I sometimes go to a bar with other English trainees to relieve my stress. Fortunately, now I have nice and reliable English trainees. Therefore, I can pleasantly spend weekdays in Shokoku Central City. What’s more, because I joined Elleair sports club in July, I have been going to the gym twice a week. I always train for an hour and sweat during that time. Because recently I bought a CD Walkman, I train at the same time I listen to CDs. What’s more, I have started to talk to some sport instructors and some front desk clerks. I sometimesfeast my eyes on the women who do aerobics on the dance floor. After I train, I take a shower to feel refreshed. I think this is very fun and I can forget all the unpleasant things. The other day, I went to a hot spring near Fuji Grand supermarket as I usually do once a month. Because their spa is bigger than my dorm’s bath, I can feel refreshed while thinking of my favorite things. On the other hand, on weekends, because I want to leave from here, I usually drive to Takamatsu to buy something, to eat Udon noodles and to do sightseeing while listening to English CDs. Therefore, I always can feel the mood of city. It reminds me of my Osaka days. After all, I want to live in a big city. I want to enjoy my life more than now. In any event, I think I find new relax way and want to enjoy my spare time. By doing this, I will concentrate on studying English more than before. I think a person who can plan the their spare time is very intelligent. Also I want to exploit my spare time fully by copying such a person.

December 2,2004 about spare time Mike

2004-12-03T17:32:00.000+09:00

December 2, 2004
Mike
In my spare time I like to take exercise with my son for fun. I am happy to see him grow as well. But, before he was four years old, I didn’t like it because he didn’t want to do anything that I wanted to do with him; for example, playing catch, kicking a ball with each other, or flying paper airplanes. At that time, I had to play with him in a sandbox or watch him play on a slide instead. Now, he goes to play soccer with me, but that’s because he neither can play catch nor can bat. To play soccer moderately is good for both his health and mine. But, if possible, I would rather play baseball with him than play soccer. In addition, I am worried that I always eat more for dinner than usual as I mistakingly believe that I consume many calories exercising with my son.

November 29,2004 about a punishment Mike

2004-11-30T17:27:00.000+09:00

November 29, 2004
Mike
When I was in the first or second grade, I wouldn’t eat any vegetables. Nevertheless, vegetables were served with dinner every day because my grandparents on my mother’s side were, and still now are, farmers and my mother went to their house regularly to get some vegetables. One day, I didn’t really want to eat my salad and turned the bowl of salad over on purpose. I felt like I was released from that stress immediately. But, my plan didn’t succeed. I picked the salad up quickly and when I tried to throw it away, my parents ordered me to stop. My mother told me that I had to eat the salad completely as she had just cleaned the floor. I was reluctant to eat it because I knew my family walked around in bare feet on the floor, but I also realized that my grandparents worked hard to grow the food. So, I felt they tasted worse than usual. I thought that it was enough punishment to change my behavior. Since then, I have kept the importance of food in mind.

Theme (an American president visits my home town)November 16.2004

2004-11-29T20:16:00.000+09:00

Welcome to Kochi prefecture. I’m glad to see you. There is much nature here. Please enjoy your stay. First of all, I would take him to Katsura beach. Then I would show him the statue of Ryoma Sakamoto who was a famous hero in the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Then I would explain that Japan had become a modern country through his works. Also, there are many people who come here to see his footprints. Many people say that they enjoy this activity. Next, I would take him to Kochi castle. I would stress to him that the view from the dungeon is wonderful. Perhaps he would enjoy it very much. I would state that the lord of the castle could make big achievements only with his wife’s help. Still now, women work more than men in Kochi. And I would jokingly ask him whether this was also the case for his family. Next, I would take him to Tosa Shimizu fishing port. It is famous for bonito fish. There we would be able to eat them by broiling them on shiskabobs. He would be sure to say, “ It is very delicious. I have never tasted anything. I want to take some back home. I want to advertise it in front of the nation.” Finally, I would take him to the Shimanto river. It is famous as Japan’s last clear stream. He can see many mild animals there. They are also many types of fish such as eel, sweetfish and several other rare kinds. He could enjoy going out on a boat, catching some fish and grilling them on board. I would recommend he try them fried. If he requested me to go to some other places, I would do so with pleasure. Then my English conversation skill would become more improved.

Theme (about the way I learn English)November 10.2004

2004-11-29T20:01:00.000+09:00

I have several ways I learn English. First, I listen to English conversations for half an hour everyday. I especially pay attention to where the subjects, verbs and objects are in each sentence. I also listen for interrogative pronouns and tense. However because I can’t distinguish them while listening to English conversations well, my TOEIC score is bad. Therefore, from now on, I am going to listen to part 2 sections from the TOEIC and practice doing dictation. As a result, I am going to improve my listening ability. At the same time, I will answer the questions and improve my performance on the part 2 section. I also want to improve on the part 3 section. Second, I am working to understand grammar. Because if I don’t understand how to say what I want to say, I can’t convey to another person what I want to say clearly. From now on, I am studying it by using basic grammar book for at least a half hour or more everyday. I also am working on my ability at solving questions in parts 5 and 6 of the TOEIC. Additionally, when I practice speaking English, I willingly use grammar that I have started and try to memorize the patterns. Finally I read a book for more than half an hour everyday. Then I read it out loud and record my voice. Afterwards, I check my pronunciation. What’s more, I want to make efforts at improving my reading speed. I check the number of words I can read in a minute everyday. Finally, I read one section from part 7 of the TOEIC in three minutes and practice answering the questions. I want to study English only in a way that improves my TOEIC scores.

Theme (How are you punished by your parents?)November 29.2004

2004-11-29T19:55:00.000+09:00

When I was a ten –year old boy, I took some matches from my father’s office. Next, I went to a lane with my friend. I started to strike matches to burn the weeds on the lane. After we finished burning half of the weeds, the neighbors came to us and they quickly started to extinguish the burning weeds with water. Afterward the neighbors got angry with us and told my parents to scold me. So, I was punished by my parents very much. My father got angry with me, hit me on my rump and shut me into the shed. Four hours later, I was allowed out of the shed. Still now, I think about why I did this.

Theme (about cutting my finger)November 25.2004

2004-11-26T13:38:00.000+09:00

When I was twenty-three years old and a recruit at this company, I cut the top half of my left forefinger’s fingertip with a cutter. It happened when I was making budget meeting materials in Kawanoe factory. Blood flew everywhere and I could see part of the bone. However I immediately applied tissues to the cut to stop the gush of blood. Next one of my senior co-workers drove me to the Mishima central hospital. With his help, I was able to get my finger properly disinfected. The hospital staff used rubbing alcohol and a swab. I could avoid further damage to my finger. I recovered in only a month.

November 25,2004 about an emergency Mike

2004-11-26T13:25:00.000+09:00

November 25, 2004
Mike
Three years ago, my son had a cold. After he saw a doctor, I gave him several types of medicine for children and he was willing to take them, nevertheless, he got worse and worse. A few days later, he constantly threw up what he had eaten and he couldn’t keep anything down. Finally, even if he had some drinks, he threw them up as well. My wife and I became very worried about him because he got a cramp in his body that lasted for about one minute. We took him to a hospital in a hurry. He got an injection, but he was so weak because of his sickness that he wasn’t able to cry. As we had heard cramps in the body sometimes affect the brain, we asked the doctor about the aftereffects. He told us not to be worried about it and we were relieved.

November 10,2004 about English Mike

2004-11-26T13:03:00.001+09:00

November 10, 2004
Mike
What is the best way to study English? If I knew, I could improve my English speaking ability dramatically. I have developed my study method based on my experience. Though I have no idea whether my current methods are good or not, I am sure that they are suitable for me. To improve my listening ability, dictation in English is the best way. Now, I can copy down only short sentences because I can’t keep long sentences in my head. So, whenever I listen to more than two sentences or a long sentence, the first part is erased and I forget what I’m trying to write. Hence, by repeating exercises in dictation, I try to expand my mind’s capacity. On the other hand, to improve my speaking ability, talking to myself and mixing some words which I often use with a few words which aren’t familiar or are new to me is the best way. Now, there are many words in my head whose meanings are vague. When I find these words in books or a newspaper, I generally figure out their meanings from the context of the stories. But, I can’t use them freely in conversation. So, by repeating this exercise, I want to increase my active vocabulary. In addition, my attitude in studying English is important as well. I sometimes enjoy and sometimes resent studying English. If I feel resentful for a long time, I feel very tired and feel like avoiding English. So, I think that I should always be relaxed when studying English.

November 16,2004 about a president's visit Mike

2004-11-26T13:03:00.000+09:00

November 16, 2004
Mike
If the president of the United States came to my hometown, Matsuyama, for a one-day visit, which places should he visit? When a foreign celebrity comes to Japan, the person is usually supposed to come to Tokyo. As Tokyo is more the center of Japan than the capital, everything is concentrated there and a person can enjoy themselves there to their heart’s content. But, although Tokyo is by far more modern and larger than other Japanese cities, Tokyo doesn’t reflect the real figure of Japan. So, I think that Matsuyama which is a middle-sized city, would be more suitable to get to know Japanese life, people and so on. For a one-day visit, I would recommend Matsuyama castle. As its design is common in Japan and there is a museum in the castle, I would want him to see the castle as well as its exhibits such as suits of armor and swords. In addition, as it is located on a mountain, he would be able to survey the whole city from the top of the castle. I also want to recommend Dogo hot springs. These hot springs are famous for not only their long history, but also the quality of the water. The building of a public bath is peculiar to Japan and it is popular with all her people. Generally, people like things that are special. These hot springs are said to be the oldest ones in Japan. So, it’s worth visiting there even if he doesn’t take a bath. Finally, I thought what kind of meal he would enjoy eating, but, I couldn’t decide what would be best. So, he had better eat something delicious in Tokyo.

Theme (How to cook “katsudon” ) November 11.2004

2004-11-17T17:32:00.000+09:00

When I was an elementary school student, my mother used to cook “katsudon” for me several times a month. Therefore, I can’t forget how to cook it. So I will explain how to cook a bowl of rice with a pork cutlet and egg on the top. First, please put some blocks of pork on a chopping board, coat them with a stirred egg mix and then sprinkle them with some bread crumbs. Afterwards, put them into a pot of boiling oil and deep‐fry them until they turn brown. That finishes making the some pork cutlets. While waiting for the pork to finish frying, slice some onions with a kitchen knife on a chopping board. Cut the pork cutlets into pieces about 3 centimeters wide on a chopping board. Crack and stir some eggs in a bowl. Stew the cooked pieces of pork cutlets with onions, soy sauce, sugar, salt and milin in a small pot for about five minutes. Next, pour the stirred eggs on them and spread some green onions on it; stop the fire immediately. Finally, put rice into a big bowl and cover rice with the contents of the pot. You now have a bowl of rice with a pork cutlet and egg on the top. You can grill beef and prepare it in the same manner, replacing the pork, to make “gyudon”. I think food that is prepared in a big bowl is part of Japanese culture. From now on, I will eat and cook it more and more.

November 11,2004 about udon Mike

2004-11-17T17:05:00.000+09:00

November 11, 2004
Mike
I’ll tell you how to cook udon noodles. First you’ll need flour, salt, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, Japanese radish. The process of cooking udon for a person is as follows. First, weigh 15 grams of salt and put the salt in a cup. Then, I pour 150 milliliters of hot water in the cup and dissolve the salt in the cup. I weigh out 300 grams of flour and put it in a bowl. I add a little salt water at a time in the bowl and stir it all by my hand until all the water is used. I knead it and make it into a ball. I put it in a small plastic bag and leave it to proof for at least 30 minutes. When I take it out of the bag later, it has become glossy and elastic. Then I knead it again. After a few minutes, I roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is a few millimeters in thickness. I cut it into 5 millimeter wide sections with a knife. Now, I’ve finished making the udon. To cook the noodles, I boil the noodles in a pot for ten minutes and then run them under cold water and drain them. Fourth, I slice a green onion into small pieces and grate ginger and a Japanese radish. Then, I put the noodles in a bowl and put the sliced onion and grated, ginger, and Japanese radish on top. Finally, I pour soy sauce on them to taste. Then, I mix it all together with chopsticks and eat.

November 2,2004 about the election Mike

2004-11-09T17:08:00.000+09:00

November 2, 2004
Mike
I didn’t have any idea that the presidential election was supposed to be successful for Mr. Kerry until just when the voting started. I had thought that Mr. Bush would shake off his robust opponent. So, after I heard Mr. Bush had successfully defended his position, the news didn’t come as any surprise to me. I watched Mr. Bush declare his victory gladly and some major countries’ leaders make their speeches about it on a TV news program. Among them, the French Prime Minister’s speech was the most impressive. Of course, I couldn’t understand what he said. But, by listening to the English translation, I could understand that he hoped to restore the relationship between France and America. At the same time, I understood his speech did not reflect his real thinking but was a superficial attitude.　This difference held true for Mr. Kerry. Surely, in his speech he accepted his defeat manly and praised Mr. Bush who he had fought with in his campaign. Also, he asked his supporters to cooperate with Mr. Bush and put his hand on his wife’s shoulder after his speech. But, his wife was apparently disappointed at the result and didn’t try to conceal it in front of the public. Her attitude seemed to speak for her husband. Now, I have no idea whether Mr. Bush is a true winner or not because critical events may happen to him abruptly in the next four years. In addition, as all his speeches have been recorded by media, he wouldn’t be able to change his statements even if he noticed a mistake. As a result, it may drive him into resignation. That’s why I doubt he will complete a second term.

Theme (When did you know about the result of the presidential election and What did you think about?)November 4. 2004

2004-11-09T13:44:00.000+09:00

I knew the result when I got up at 7 A.M. this morning. Of course, I had waited for the result till 1 A.M while typing my journal, but I couldn’t know the result because there was a delay in counting the votes. Why doesn’t the counting system work the same way as it did during the previous vote? I think that this trouble was unworthy of the USA. I suggest the government of the USA must restructure the system by the next election. By the way, Mr. Bush defeated Mr. Kerry. That is to say, the second term of Mr. Bush begins next year. From now on, the problems of Iraq will be front and center more. As a result, this problem will lead the world economy to become worse and worse. Recently the prices of many products have already been affected by the rise of oil prices. Because of it, inflation will happen around the world in the near future. Can we continue to live in Japan ? Besides, how about the problem of the Self‐Defense Forces that are stationed in Iraq ? Obviously, now the Self‐Defense Forces have been targeted by groups in Al‐Queda. In the near future, maybe some of them will die. Now the Self‐Defense Forces had better go back to Japan regardless ofthe thinking of Bush and Koizumi who is a foolish man. The diplomacy of Koizumi cabinet relies on the USA’s leadership. Therefore , it is very woeful forand capricious towards Japanese citizens. I want to request Koizumi retire without delay. Certainly other countries, apart from Japan, don’t support Bush. Therefore, Bush has to revise his peace policy. At last, I hope Bush brings about a lot of peaceful activities.

November 2 2004 about beer Mike

2004-11-05T18:08:00.000+09:00

November 2, 2004
Mike
Beer is a better drink when drinking with friends, I think. In fact, I have hated drinking sake since I was a university student. At first, I believed that when I got older, I would understand why a lot of Japanese were willing to drink sake and would agree with them. But, I still don’t think it tastes good though I have tried a lot of sake. All my friends believe they are supposed to drink beer at the beginning of a banquet. So, we would drink some beer for a while. As the time went on, we would order our favorite drinks. At this time, I would continue to drink beer as usual. However, there is a bad custom peculiar to Japan. It is that one person takes a bottle of beer or sake and pours it into the others’ glasses or cups even if the others are drinking their favorite alcohol. Of course, I can’t avoid drinking some sake. Whenever I drink sake, I suffer from a bad hangover. In Japan, the Tohoku region and the Chuetsu region are famous for delicious rice as well as delicious sake because sake is made from rice. So, all the people who live there usually like to drink sake and are good at drinking sake because they’ve done it for generations. However, I am not originally from there and I haven’t inherited that skill. So, it will be impossible for me to appreciate sake’s taste even far in the future. That is why I assure you that beer is much better than sake. If possible, I want to have rice not as sake, but as it is.

Theme (Which is better beer or sake when drinking with friends?)November 3. 2004

2004-11-05T17:50:00.000+09:00

I think beer is better than sake when drinking with friends. First, beer’s percentage of alcohol is lower than sake’s . Because of that, even people who have little resistance to alcohol can drink it easily. I think that this is especially true for women. What’s more, even if I drink too much beer, I will be less drunk than if I were drinking sake. Therefore, I can continue to talk to my friends without losing control. Second, there are more beer vending machines than there are sake ones. Often, a few beer machines are located within a several hundred meter radios of bars or residential areas. So even if beers become short, I can get more beers immediately until eleven pm. I can continue to enjoy talking to my friends without breaking our atmosphere. On the other hand, I couldn’t find sake vending machines because the popularity of sake is less than that of beer and shochu. Especially, recently the popularity of shochu is increasing regardless of age or sex. As a result, shochu took the place of sake. Therefore, I often don’t have the chance to drink sake. There are many convenience stores all over the place where both beer and sake are sold. But sometimes, only beer is sold in some convenience stores. I think after all, beer is more useful than sake. Third, there are more kinds of beer than sake. There are several kinds of beer : dark, light, bitter, clear, dry, sparkling beer and so on. On the other hand, there are only two types of sake : bitter and sweet. Obviously, I can enjoy the different tastes of beers. All in all, generally beer is more useful for me when drinking with my friends than sake. However from now on, I want to be careful not to drink too much.

Theme ( How do you learn best? )October 31. 2004

2004-11-02T17:28:00.000+09:00

I think the best way to learn a computer program is to use it on a machine to understand both the procedure and the concept. Because I want to learn in a way that it is rational, speedy and certain, I conclude that this approach is more pragmatic than other ways for business needs. However even if I practice using a device, I can’t understand how to use the program without reading manuals. In other words, I think that it is necessary to improve my conceptual knowledge about the computer. What ’s more, it is important for me to review my mistakes by using the keyboard over and over. Therefore, this action leads to learning by my body movement. In the case of watching a presentation, the best software is Power Point by Microsoft. If I say it concretely, I can explain my presentation more briefly and logically by using it. As a result, everyone can understand my opinion in detail. In any event, I must try to use the program in different ways by mastering it. Even if I read the manuals in detail more and more, I don’t think I can explain the way to use it easily. That is to say, to continue to use it is the royal road to using the computer better more quickly. What’s more, I can learn more lastingly by making mistakes. Leaning from your mistakes is the source of success. If you want to learn the computer more completely, you had better make mistakes more than other people. Because using computers is indispensable in the business world. It is necessary to devote much time for learning. That is to say, it is “ slow and steady wins the race”.

October 30, 2004 about a computer Mike

2004-11-02T17:06:00.000+09:00

October 30, 2004
Mike
If I were going to learn a new computer program, I would try to use the program to learn how it works. However, I am neither fond of computers nor interested in them. So, I think that I should read a book about it first. However, My experience teaches me that the most important way to learn something is to actually do it. For example, I have learned English by reading textbooks for 12 years and have got a lot of good grades on English examinations, but I can’t speak English very well. I know a lot of English vocabulary as well as fundamental grammar owing to that learning. But, I can’t make the most of them. Only reading didn’t make me an English speaker. Books certainly give me clear and accurate instructions. But, I think it is a partial method to learn English. This also holds true in learning how to drive a car. Even if I understand which pedal is an accelerator or a foot brake and how to start and stop it, as soon as I get in a car, I would forget it. To actually step on them and feel the actions is more effective than any other methods. So, whenever I learn something, I must become a kinesthetic learner first. Then, I want to master the details of the subject by reading books.

October 28,2004 about a hostage Mike

2004-10-29T19:09:00.000+09:00

October 28, 2004
Mike
Yesterday, I watched an astonishing news story about a Japanese hostage in Iraq. I remember watching similar news several months before. At that time, three people were eventually released, fortunately, but were later exposed to sharp criticism in Japan. At first, I was glad to hear the news about their release, as they were voluntary working for recovery of Iraq. But, I heard that the Japanese government acted behind the scenes to save their lives. In fact, a lot of bribes from Japan were the only things that moved the terrorists. Hence, I couldn’t forgive neither Japanese government nor the three hostages. To begin with, the Self-Defense Forces were dispatched by Japanese government and it changed completely the terrorists’ mind toward Japan. So, these three people shouldn’t have gone to such an unsafe country. By contrast, the current hostage will be executed, unfortunately. Japanese newspapers usually comment that the Japanese government should give lives priority. But in this case, they blame the hostage for his ignorance and recklessness and I agree with them. Recently, Koizumi’s cabinet is suffering a number of adversities like typhoons, earthquakes and the hostage situation in Iraq. If Bush loses in the Presidential election, Koizumi will lose his position as Prime Minister.

Theme ( about Iraq problems )October 28. 2004

2004-10-29T17:42:00.000+09:00

The presidential election will be held in the USA on November 1st . Which is better for Japan, Bush or Kerry? I can’t answer this question. However I think neither candidate has a future plan to create a peaceful world. Especially they don’t have any specific plans to improve Iraq. At last, they have never brought their ideas into focus on TV panels. On the other hand, what idea does the Japanese government have? I believe because the Japanese government can’t insist for anything from the USA, perhaps they will continue to say the decision of the USA is correct for other nations. In the name of God, what should the Japanese Self－Defense Forces do in Iraq ? Besides, what can they do ? I feel they don’t have any intention to improve Iraq, for recently, the results of their activities haven’t been broadcasted clearly. I want them to stop spending useless money right now. What’s more, recently, one Japanese man waskidnapped by a group of Al- Queda. Al-Queda requested the withdrawal of the Japanese Self－Defense Forces. However , Japan’s foolish prime minister declared that the Japanese Self－Defense Forces won’t withdraw out of considerration for the feelings of the USA. Nevertheless, in this case, I believe the Japanese government immediately must decide to withdraw the Japanese Self－Defense Forces. A few people have already been killed by Al-Queda over the past six months. I hope this incident is solved without delay.

Theme ( about watching movies )October 27. 2004

2004-10-29T13:41:00.000+09:00

Last Saturday, I went to Utazu to watch a movie. However I couldn’t decide what I should watch. Therefore I checked all the movies listed in front of the ticket counters. Then a ticket lady recommended a bargin movie to me. The movie had just been released that day. Also, the entrance fee for the next showing was cheaper than usual and I had arrived in time. Finally I decided to watch the movie “Collateral” even though I didn’t know the story. So I hurried up and got a seat. Because there were few people around me, I could relax while watching the movie. But in the end it wasn’t interesting to me because it was a boring story. What’s more, I was disappointed by the acting of Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. I thought my valuable time was wasted by the movie. I would never recommend this movie. If you want to watch a movie at the theater, please go to the theater after you make your decision. Recently I am enjoying watching movies during movie time on Friday. I have begun to watch movies more strictly than before. I also want to use that time as efficiently as we use time in English class. That is to say, I want to dwell a great deal on the contents of the movie for English study. Recently I look forward to watching movies in class because Mike is good at selecting movies. As a result, I have a new hobby. From now on, when I watch a movie, I want to tell my classmate the contents of the movie. What’s more, I want to improve my listening, grammar and vocabulary. In any event, now I’m looking forward to watching a new movie on November 3.

October 27,2004 about a drill Mike

2004-10-29T13:10:00.001+09:00

October 27, 2004
Mike
I have been working at the Shikoku head office for about three years. The employees have an obligation to train for disasters annually. But, there are only a few places where there is a risk of fire like smoking areas or kitchens. In addition, the building is not tall and it is easy to get out. So, this training is more a formality than practical training. The method of the drill has never changed. Maybe it’s the same as when I used to be a student. First, it is announced that an earthquake has occurred and my boss orders all his members to evacuate. Second, we then gather in the parking lot next to the head office and confirm whether all the staff members have evacuated safely. Third, we then pretend that a fire breaks out in the kitchen on the first floor. Fourth, we practice putting out the imaginary fire by using a fire hydrant and some fire extinguishers. Finally, the chief of the general affairs division comments on the drill. He complains about our attitude and requests us to be more serious and prompt. Of course, what he says is reasonable. But, in a real disaster I would be so confused with the situation that I wouldn’t be able to act according to our drill. So, I have already decided simple things that I should do in the event of an emergency. Even if I am very upset, maybe I can remember at least two actions. The most important things to do are to evacuate quickly and to salvage as many indispensable contracts as possible.

October 26,2004 about a temblor Mike

2004-10-29T13:10:00.000+09:00

October 26, 2004
Mike
Since a massive temblor happened in Niigata Prefecture, the terrible situation has been broadcast on TV. Whenever I watch it, I can’t but sympathize with a lot of the sufferers. As the roads were seriously damaged and aftershocks are still happening now, they can’t do anything but wait for the restoration of supply routes. So far I haven’t experienced any serious natural disasters. Hence, it’s difficult for me to imagine life without water, electricity and gas. I have experienced blackouts caused by lightning. But, it was only a few hours at most. As for gas, I have never had that trouble. But I have been perplexed a few times when the gas alarm went off after I sprayed insecticide toward it by mistake. As for losing water service, I have experienced this, which is the worst situation of the three. When I lived in Fukuoka, the water supply was cut off because of a shortage of water. It lasted for a few months and water stopped between 8:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. every day. But, I could take a bath every day. Also, I could flush the toilet by using water which I had stored in the bathtub beforehand. At present, I take my current life for granted. I think that no disaster will happen to me. So, I have to change my mind and prepare for a time when supplies have to be rationed. By the way, I found what my most important commodity is. I noticed that I couldn’t do anything without my glasses or contact lenses. So, I will go to bed with my eye glass case closely tonight.

Theme ( about an earthquake in Niigata )October 26. 2004

2004-10-29T08:26:00.000+09:00

There are many earthquakes in Japan. You obviously know about the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that happened in Niigata four days ago. Now the death toll is more than 31. It is very regrettable. However why does the death toll increase day by day? It is reported that the cause of the latest death was a brain hemorrhage brought on by exhaustion. In fact, without regard to age or sex, there were few people who died in their cars. I thought though the earthquake had happened, it was a disaster caused by human carelessness about urban expansion. The government should help victims of natural disasters. Because he is the head of the government, the prime minister should go to Niigata as soon as possible. He can help getting relief supplies to the people in Niigata quickly. For example, he can request Red Cross assistance, improve the condition of the shelters and coordinate with local government agencies. Besides, this time, the past experience of 1995 hasn’t really helped. Really, is Japanese crisis management effective? I believe if the same thing happens again, perhaps we will again suffer a great loss. Japanese government must quickly change their principles. They soon have to start building temporary housings around the disaster area. If the disaster area is still now dangerous, they have to build temporary housings in other areas. What do they want to do in this situation? In any event, I think they must throw away their bureaucratic thinking. That is to say, their reactions have been haphazard. Otherwise, more and more, the situation will come worse. I don’t really want to see this sorry sight anymore. From now on, if possible, I want to help these victims.

Theme ( about your future goal and your five plans to get your goal )October 24. 2004

2004-10-26T13:57:00.000+09:00

A current goal for me is to find ongenial and enjoyable work. In fact, I’m not satisfied with my current job. Therefore I can’t concentrate on it. It is not a good way for me to spend my life. However, now I must do my best to improve my ability. That’s my job. Nevertheless, everyday I have a lot of frustration. If my situation continues, I won’t be able to maintain my spirit. So, I began to change my thinking. If I say it concretely, to use English functionally is the most important way to make myself appealing to other companies. More over, if I could do this, my teacher would praise me. Strictly, I never give up studying English. First, now I must study English very hard. I have to improve my vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening and speaking skills. Everyday after class, I must sacrifice no fewer than four hours of my free time to understand English better. In any event, I believe that by doing so, I can do better than I have recently. Second, I must connect with my past business partners to exchange information about the company. At present, I am left out from the recent business scene. Under this situation, when I return to my old post, I will be useless. Therefore, from now on, everyday I’ll read Japanese economic newspapers more than English newspapers. Third, I’ll apply to a congenial and enjoyable company. I am going to take an interview for getting new work. I believe even if I can’t get a new job, my attitude will give birth to getting better work. Recently I haven’t been very active. I have to change my mind. Fourth, I must try to take care and stay in touch with everyone. That is to say, if I can’t maintain communication with everyone related to my work, I won’t succeed in businesses. For it is necessary to accommodate every situation in business. Business scenes constantly change and the change is faster than before. Now I need to ride this business tide and fit myself into a situation. That is to say, I can never rest if I want future success. Fifth, I must save money for moving to another company. At least I must save one million yen over the next two years, because even if I immediately want to retire from this company after graduating this class, it would be a bad action. Therefore I am going to work for this company for two more years. However I’m not interested in this company’s business very much.I should have noticed my mind more quickly. Now I regret working for this company.

October 22,2004 about my goal Mike

2004-10-26T13:02:00.000+09:00

October 22, 2004
Mike
I have owned my current car since I was 26 years old. When I bought it, I was in my second year at Daio Corp. Though I really didn’t have enough money, I was compelled to buy it. At that time, I worked at newsprint department and was engaged in developing super light weight newsprint. Therefore, night and day I had to travel between paper machines near “Elleair Tower” and our test printing office near the south gate with many sheets of trial newsprint. So, I needed a car which had a large space and could be used for transport. Of course I like my current car, but in the near future I have to take my next car into consideration. In addition, I would also have to decide on a car with which my family is satisfied. Hence, I would buy my next car according to following process. Firstly, I would discuss with my family and narrow down our choice to a few cars. Probably, this step would need the longest time of the five steps. My wife is very concerned about the design and how easy the car will be for her to drive. On the other hand, I think mostly about the practicality and how comfortable the car is. Secondly, I would go to car shops and collect the sales pamphlets. Thirdly, we would decide which optional features we need. Fourthly, we would ask the dealers to estimate the cost of our ideal cars and have test drives. Finally, we would compare their estimations and decide on the best one.

Theme ( What about my experience that I rode on an ambulance and went to a hospital )October 20. 2004

2004-10-22T13:52:00.000+09:00

When I was eight years old, I had an accident where the side of my skull was damaged by a fall to the ground. That day I went to a mountain for looking for edible wild plants with my mother and my brother. Fortunately, because we got a lot of them, we were merrily going home. Along the way, I tried to sneak up on them and startle them. First I planned to hide in the shade of a building and suddenly jump out in front of them. Really it was a very infantile action. However when I jumped over the space between two buildings, I lost my balance. Even though I tried hard to keep my balance, eventually I fell onto the ground from a height of three meters. I remember hitting my head but I immediately lost consciousness. When I arrived at the operation room of the nearest hospital , I came back to back for a short time. Nevertheless, I again soon lost consciousness. The next time I came to was while I was in an ambulance. There my mother sat down beside me. She said, “Don’t worry. Everything’s OK.” Finally I had an operation at a good hospital that was thirty kilometers from my house. It seemed to me that I was more comfortable inside of the ambulance than I am in my dorm room now. I think the driving technique of the driver was good because almost all the time the ambulance didn’t swing. That was the first and the last time that I rode in an ambulance. Fortunately I could get out of the hospital after only two days. I really think I don’t want to go into the hospital again and it’s best to maintain my health.

October 20,2004 about a hospital Mike

2004-10-22T13:06:00.000+09:00

October 20, 2004MikeWhen I was a third grade elementary school student, I was in the hospital for a week owing to appendicitis. On the day before the operation I had dinner at a restaurant and went to bed at 9:00 P.M. But, I couldn’t fall asleep on account of a terrible stomachache. I had never had such a terrible pain that I tried to ask my mother to take me to a hospital. But, she only gave me a few pills. Maybe she misunderstood and thought that my illness was due to overeating at the restaurant. Naturally, my condition got worse and worse. So, the next morning I saw a physician and he diagnosed me with appendicitis. He added that I needed an emergency operation. Then, he wrote a medical certificate and a letter. Immediately, we went to Red Cross hospital with them and I was operated on there. While I was in the hospital, I was so lonely that I wouldn’t allow my mother to go back home. It’s not an excuse but as I shared a room with three other serious cases and they sometimes groaned, I always felt something dreadful. Hence, my grandmother stayed at my home to help my family with their household chores in my mother’s place. After I came out of the hospital, two things astonished me. One thing was that my classmates had learned things that I never saw nor heard. Another thing was that my sister preferred my grandmother to my mother and asked that I stay in the hospital for a longer time.

October 18, 2004 about a first impression Mike

2004-10-20T13:02:00.000+09:00

October 18, 2004
Mike
This story is about a golf competition which was held on February two years ago. Some Daio’s employees including a few members of my department and our suppliers and dealers are supposed to participate in these golf competitions. But, the competition was different from ones before. It was very cold the day before and the weather forecast for this day called for snow. Regardless of this, we didn’t call it off. Unfortunately, from the night before it had been snowing. Though it stopped in the morning, the snow was at least ten centimeters deep. So, on the way there, I couldn’t see anything but snow all over the place. After I arrived there, I could see the staff removing snow on a few greens. Immediately, I understood it was impossible to start the competition. In the lobby, some people who changed their clothes crowded in and were complaining about the situation. Then, I was attracted by someone who complained loudly enough for his anger to reach my ears. I gazed at him and was startled after I realized who he was, because my first impression of him was of a polite and sensible man. Whenever I saw him, he seemed to know how to manage his business. So, until that time, my good first impression had lasted in my head. But, his behavior was anything but praise-worthy. I knew that their precious holidays were sacrificed for the competition and we should have called it off in advance. But, almost all the other people never complained. Apart from their real thoughts, I wanted to follow their behavior. In addition, I think that a first impression sometimes changes into a bad one by a trifle.

Theme ( When did you change from good to bad about someone in the last time and what did the person do to make you change your assessment of them? )Oc

2004-10-19T17:17:00.000+09:00

I met a businessman in Osaka last year. Of course he was negotiation counterpart and I wanted him to buy our products. At first, when I met him with his boss, I thought he was serious, talkative and reliable because he had often replied politely. Especially, he said,“We very much want to buy your products. Please don’t worry.” At that time I needed only five minutes to understand his character. However the next time we met , my thoughts changed about him. The reason was because when his boss was absent he said angrily, “Why must I sell your products? I hate the way that you sell your company’s products. Your company is narrow－minded. Why does your company cut my company’s profit? ” Then I thought even if his opinion is against my company, he shouldn’t formally display his opinion. Besides, he groundlessly insulted me about my polite behavior. On the other hand, when he and I joined in our customer’s golf competition, his behavior to me was polite and kind. Then I couldn’t see his faults. Finally I decided him that he is an honest man, because he did his job, kept his thoughts to himself and he never lied to me for a year. Eventually I need at least two days to understand other people’s characters. I can’t completely understand other people’s characters in two seconds. It isn’t easy to understand other people. If you have a good way, please tell me what it is. Perhaps I will immediately try to do it.

October 18, 2004 about a first impression Mike

2004-10-19T13:03:00.000+09:00

October 18, 2004
Mike
This story is about a golf competition which was held on February two years ago. It is supposed that some Daio’s employees including a few members of my department and our suppliers and dealers participate in the golf competitions. But, the competition was different from ones before. It was so cold the day before and weather forecast about the day was snow. Regardless of the fact, we didn’t call off it. Unfortunately, from the night before the day it started snowing. Though it stopped in the morning, it snowed at least ten centimeters in depth. So, on the way there, I couldn’t see anything but snow all over the place. After I arrived there, I could see all staffs removing snow on a few greens. Simultaneously, I could understand it was impossible to start the competition. At the lobby, some people who changed their clothes crowded and saw the outside with complaint. Then, I was attracted someone who complained aloud enough to reach my ears in anger. I gazed at him and was startled after I knew who he was, because on the first impression I regarded him as a polite and sensible man. Whenever I saw him, he knew how to manage his business. So, until that time, my good first impression had lasted in my head. But, his behavior was anything but praised. I knew that their precious holidays were sacrificed in the competition and we should have called off in advance. But, almost all the people never complained. Apart from their actual minds, I want to follow their behavior. In addition, I think that a first impression sometimes changes into a bad one by a trifle.

Theme (Now, If you record a message for mine of twenty years ago, What do you leave a message ?)October 17. 2004

2004-10-18T17:52:00.000+09:00

Hello, nice to meet you. I am your future self twenty years from now. First
I want to advise that you had better find a girlfriend because now I am still single and I’m not living a happy life. In any event, I absolutely want to inform you to make the effort to meet someone, it is difficult for me to find a partner in the future. I want you to understand the proverb that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Finally I instruct you to find a very cute and talented girl before you graduate from university. What’s more, in college you belonged to the track and field club. I want you to get third place in the 100 meter, final race at the Kochi track meet in Shikoku because I couldn’t enter the race. I think to prevent regret, you should get cracking on exercising harder than before. Your college days will surely become the most enjoyable time in your life. Besides, I want to inform you that you can get a lot of money from Internet businesses and the cell phone business. From now, you should study about the IT industry. You should recommend your parents to buy NTT stocks as I can inform you, the stocks absolutely will rise. By this incident, your future course will certainly change. As a result, you will get a better occupation than I have now. Anyway you immediately should consider an interesting occupation where you can aim at becoming a big wig. It brings you a happy future if you do your best every time. Do your best!!

October 14,2004 about a joke Mike

2004-10-18T13:06:00.000+09:00

October 14, 2004
Mike
When I was a fourth or fifth grade student, to scrawl in others’ textbooks was popular in my class. None of the textbooks were supposed to be scrawled on. We decided to scrawl on great historical figures’ pictures. So, social studies, music, science, and Japanese textbooks, which include some portraits were sacrificed in this way. I hardly ever went out of my classroom and left my textbooks on my desk that they were not scrawled on by my friends. The scene looked like some ants which crowded around a sweet. But, in fact, I drew pictures on more books than drawn on mine. So, I didn’t think that they were teasing me. We added glasses, wigs, wrinkles, beards, mustaches, and so on, on each picture and transformed them into foolish men. Finally, my all pictures were defaced. There was no way to see what the real figures looked like because they had been so disfigured. One day, I asked my teacher why all great composers always wore glasses and wigs as a joke. My friends laughed. But, she tilted her head and came to my desk to check my textbook. She was rather more disappointed than angry at me. She believed that I scrawled on it myself and I didn’t deny that because it might be revealed that I had scrawled on others’ textbooks. Then, I erased almost all the scrawls and the pictures turned into white space. But it was a momentary calmness. A week later, there were cartoons which my friends drew in the white space. Still now, some names of great men don’t correspond to their actual pictures in my head. So, I still regret this event.

Theme (about one joke story)October 14. 2004

2004-10-15T14:54:00.000+09:00

One day after a long time apart, my friend and I met and we went to a museum. The museum was spread over an acre and was three stories tall. The admission was 70 dollars. Because the day was a holiday and there were many people, it was difficult for us to move around. Nevertheless, we got cracking on trying to see all the exhibits. The theme of the museum was the biology of fish. For example, bonito, tuna, horse mackerel, bream and so on were explained in detail with display models. Then one pretty, foreign university student approached us. Because she was perplexed, we asked to her, “What’s the matter ? ” and she pointed to one model and replied, “What is this fish? ” We gently answered, “ This is a model of a young yellowtail. Its Japanese name is Hamachi. If you have the chance, you should try this fish raw.” She said, “ OK. Thank you. But I want to ask one more question. How much is this one? I want to take it home.” Then we were surprised, however we politely explained, “ This is an exhibit. This isn’t for sale.” Then she said, “ It’s a joke. I know that. Now I am studying Japanese. I’m sorry. I wanted to try to use my Japanese knowledge.” From then, we became friends with each other. Because this name is Hamachi, we fell into the key point of laugh each other.

October 13,2004 about love or money Mike

2004-10-15T13:04:00.000+09:00

October 13, 2004
Mike
Frankly speaking, I can’t live without having both love and money. They give me pleasure as well as wealth in my life and they are no less indispensable than food and water are. So, it is difficult for me to choose either love or money. If I was rich, I would only have to gain love which would be linked closely with my money. Nevertheless, I would continue to waste my money without considering how important it would be. Likewise if I became bankrupt, I suppose I would lose both of them. A proverb says that pride leads to destruction.
But, if I were poor but shared love with a girlfriend, we would be able to get along with her. Surely, it’s difficult to find such a strange woman who would be indifferent to money. Besides, her feeling wouldn’t always remain unchanged. As love consists of mutual emotions, either she or I may become impatient with our situation in the future. So, no one can affirm that love is eternal because it sometimes is transient.
As for me, if eternal love exists, in other words, my ideal woman loves me forever, I choose love without hesitation. But, even if I wait for such a woman for a hundred years, I wouldn’t find her. So, I want to choose half love and half money. Compared with real life, I need a little more love as well as a little more money.

Theme (Which do you choose love or money ?)October 13. 2004

2004-10-15T08:30:00.000+09:00

It is difficult for me to choose love or money. It is because both are necessary to live in human society. For example, if someone falls in love with another person, that person must take care of the partner and do their best to get along. As a result, the person might gain an unforgettable experience and wealth in life. The incident absolutely will remain the heart of the person’s life and will make them mature. Surely it leaves the person happy. On the other hand, if you have a lot of money, you must consider your future. Maybe you will start your own business, others would choose to buy land, buildings or other expensive things; go around the world; eat delicious food from around the world and so on. All of them can have happy lives. In fact, they could buy their wife with money. Though I wouldn’t want to do so. In my case, I would chose to change the situation that I have been placed in. If I had married, I would have chosen to pursue money without hesitation. Eventually I need money to support my family and can’t continue to live without it. Besides, I would have to answer for my family’s welfare since I would be the breadwinner. On the other hand, if I were single, I immediately would get cracking at finding love. It is because I believe I can live happily and can stand or overcome any situation by vocation to being in love. In addition, love can’t replace money and money can’t buy love. I think love explains the nature of humanity and love is eternal. Finally I will choose love. From now on, I want to experience unforgettable passionate love. What’s more, I want to make my heart flutter with love.

October 12 2004 about savings account Mike

2004-10-14T13:14:00.000+09:00

October 12, 2004
Mike
When I was a schoolboy, my parents gave me an account at Iyo Bank for the purpose of saving some of my New Year’s presents and my allowance. I didn’t save money in my account from my monthly allowance. But after I had spent a part of my New Year’s present, I saved the rest until I entered university. For a while, I handed my money not to tellers but my mother to deposit it. But, I never withdrew it. So, I didn’t know how to deposit or withdraw my money until I became a university student. My parents apparently forgot to teach me such methods that are necessary in actual life. But, these savings helped me to get a driver’s license. In addition, after I got one, the money also helped me to buy a scooter. I spent the rest of the money in my account. Of course, I couldn’t afford to buy a car, even a used car. Then, I forgot about the account because I used another account at Fukuoka Bank. So, there was less than a thousand yen in the account and I left it as it was for a few years and I thought it would disappear. But, fortunately, I left my account there with a few thousand yen in it. So, my account didn’t disappear. Now, this account is still used as my family’s. So, I have kept the account for about twenty five years.

Theme (How about the first time that I made my account ?) October 12. 2004

2004-10-14T08:26:00.000+09:00

When I was a university student, I signed up for my first bank account.
At that time I had a part‐time job where I tought pupils at a tutoring center. The center directed me to make a new account at a bank, because it was necessary for me to receive my part‐time salary there. First, I printed my name and the sum of my first deposit on the deposit slip. Next, I handed my slip to a teller. The teller checked it thoroughly. Finally I could start my account by depositing one thousand yen in Yokohama Bank. It took an hour for me to do it because many people were waiting for their turns. There I learned that it was well‐known that at least I need this much money to make a new account in Japan. I think my attempt to deposit one yen was a foolish way to open a new account. Of course the bank didn’t accept my proposal. Even if everyone opens a new account by depositing only one yen, perhaps the bank wouldn’t go bankrupt. The next month I withdrew my salary that I earned as a part‐time worker by using my cash card at an ATM. As of now, I have made ten accounts at several banks. Each initial deposit was the same as my first deposit. On the other hand, my parents have deposited money into my account that they made when I was a pupil for my future marriage. In two months, in any event, I want to check how much is in my accounts. As a result, if I can integrate several accounts, I want to clear out some of them.

Theme (How much did you spend during three holidays?)October 11. 2004

2004-10-13T13:41:00.000+09:00

I had a three-day holiday. The first day I went to Okayama by car with George to meet my parents. But while my parents were working, I had much free time to spend. So I looked up some useful information on my cell phone. Finally I decided to go to see a movie “Van Heising” in a movie theater. The story was that a monster hunter named Van Heising battled against the evil Doracura in the Transilvania region of the 19th century Europe. I was very interested in it, because the computer graphics were very beautiful and the hero defeats the monster. I spent dinner with my parents in a Japanese style restaurant. That day, in all, I spent 7,000 yen. The second day, I spent time with my friend. We went to a hot spring by my friend’s car and enjoyed talking about the old days. I clearly remembered the days when I had worked in the Okayama office. I said, “ Please let’s talk about the good old days.” We drank too much and ate fresh fish and meat in a cheap restaurant. On that day I spent 5,000 yen. The third day I planed to come back to my room by noon to prepare for the night’s soft volleyball game. But because the train wasn’t running on time, it took about three hours for me to arrive at Iyomishima station. Of course the source was that the tracks were blocked by landslides caused by continuous typhoons. In any event, I could enjoy soft volleyball in Mishima gym with 12 people including the next English class members for two hours. Afterward we moved to a bar and enjoyed talking to each other. On that day I spent 6,000yen. Finally I spent 18,000 yen,total,over all three days.

October 9 2004 about weekends Mike

2004-10-13T13:25:00.001+09:00

October 9, 2004
Mike
Every Saturday morning, I go shopping at Jusco or Grand Fuji in Kawanoe city. I go with my wife and my son there as their driver and porter. Frankly speaking, I don’t want to go there in the morning because I want to sleep at least until 9:30 A.M. To get up late is a happiness as well as an extravagance for me. Nevertheless, my wife doesn’t approve of it. She insists that my lazy attitude affects my son and I can’t argue with her. After shopping, we go to fast food restaurants like Mcdonald’s or some udon shops for lunch. Then, we go to parks near here or playgrounds in Jusco or Grand Fuji to give my son some exercise. After I confirm my son’s satisfaction, I usually go back home and take a nap or study English. So, I need about five thousand yen for shopping and lunch on Saturdays. On Sundays, I sometimes drive to Matsuyama or Kochi to see my parents or parents in-law. My son enjoys boarding trams or private trains and shopping at department stores in Matsuyama and catching insects or playing with his nephew who is one year older than him in Kochi. Then, after we eat dinner there, we go back to my home. So, it costs about five thousand yen to go out on Sunday excluding gas and the fee for the expressway. But, recently I study English on Sundays, and my son is also apt to practice writing Japanese script. My son always watches me. So, I have to be careful of my actions, especially in front of him.

October 7 about a black sheep Mike

2004-10-13T13:25:00.000+09:00

October 7, 2004
Mike
My father, Hiroyuki was the black sheep in his family. It’s funny that, as his son, I speak ill of him. But, his behavior when eating meals was the most terrible of everyone in my family. Now, I have few opportunity to eat meals with him. So, I don’t know whether his manner has improved or not. But, I want to believe that it has. When I had lived with my parents and my older sister, he always belched inconsiderately a few times at dinner. Despite my sister asking for patience from him many times, he didn’t improve. So, my sister was apt to avoid eating meals with him. Besides, he always smoked in front of me as soon as he was full even if the other people hadn’t finished eating yet. To avoid breathing his smoke, I used to try to eat faster than him. Now, he has stopped smoking since he suffers from a smoking related disease. I was a little sad when I heard he had stopped smoking, because he didn’t stop when we asked him to. After smoking, he pressed us to finish dinner and clean up all the dishes because he wanted to use the dining table, to do his work on. It is said that to chew food slowly and thoroughly the helps human brain. So, if I had eaten meals more slowly, I would have become a doctor or a government official.

Theme (Who is a black sheep in my family?) October 7. 2004

2004-10-13T13:01:00.000+09:00

My family is composed of six people. But there is no one who is a black sheep in my family, because my family always helps each other when bad things happen. My family has a good relationship. Even if our job locations are far away from different each other, we usually keep in touch by cell phone.
Now my brother’s wife is pregnant. Maybe their baby will be born in May 2005. From now I have to help prepare for the baby. This situation also causes my parents to help out. Our family can unite during this critical time. I think I am happy to have been born into my family. From now on, our family ties will become stronger as the time that the first baby of my brother will be born approaches. Additionally, if I got married, maybe my family would anticipate my baby more than they have my brother’s. Then my family would absolutely be commited to caring for my new family. Likewise, I also want to take care of my family. It is nonsense to look for black sheep in my family. I hope this relationship will last forever. If a black sheep was born in my family, we would
immediately ostracize him. Perhaps a black sheep won’t have common sense. I think I am a good person because my parents educated me strictly. If I had a baby, I would want to educate it in the same way as my parents did me.

Theme (if you had a vote in the US election, who would you vote for and why)October 3. 2004

2004-10-06T18:59:00.000+09:00

If I had a vote in the US election, I would vote for Kerry. The first thing we must consider is about the war in Iraq. This war isn’t an orthodox war that the UN permitted. What’s more, now in spite of aiming to help recover the country from war, US armies are useless for Iraqi. For example many foreign people are being killed by rebellious troops. This is really a wrong incident. In the case of economics, this war caused the price of oil to soar. Because almost all things cost more than before and my salary has decreased, it is difficult for me to continue to live. The war in Iraq doesn’t contribute to any economical development. What is Bush thinking? I’m angry with him. Now Bush is acting only to increase his popularity. What is his planned result? I think he doesn’t have a plan. If Bush says in power for four more years, the world economy will collapse. If we don’t act now and vote against Bush, the world’ s failure will be irretrievable. America, please wake up from your dark society. The possible result of the election has already been determined. On September 30th, a poll about the president election was held. The response of Americans was that Kerry’s ideas were logical, however Bush’s weren’t. Bush only said the same things compared to four years ago. I can’t find a future vision of the USA in Bush’s thoughts. Perhaps Bush will be defeated by Kerry at the polls. Right now, I’m looking forward to the presidential election on November 1st.

October 3,2004 about the election Mike

2004-10-06T17:38:00.000+09:00

October 3, 2004
Mike
If I had a vote in the United States election, I would vote for Kerry. When Bush started the war in Iraq, the United Nations didn’t approve it. Surely, allied countries such as Japan approved of it. But, it was only because Bush asked for their approval at the start of the war. After the terrible terrorism in the United States, no one in the world could forgive the terrorists and revenge couldn’t be avoided. So, the American people were expected to look for the organization responsible and destroy it. Of course, I agreed with that. But, Bush insisted on invading Iraq and overthrowing Hussein’s government though it was not proved whether Hussein’s government had relation with terrorists. If Bush is re-elected, he would do similar actions again. I think that the American president is not only the leader of America, but also of the international society. A person who doesn’t try to listen to various opinions and forces his way isn’t qualified to be a leader. I think that Hussein and Bush are in the same class. I don’t know Kerry. But, I might as well vote for Kerry as vote for Bush. In addition, I don’t think that politicians should make their children become politicians as the Bush family has done. Generally speaking, parents want their children to live wealthy lives. So, even if a politician regards his son as incompetent, he will help his son succeed at his job so he can earn a high income. I can’t trust a person like Bush.

Theme (about my family)September30. 2004

2004-10-01T13:35:00.000+09:00

The Tokaji’s are comprised of six people, my farther, mother, brother, my brother’s wife, their daughter and me. My father and mother are working in Okayama. My brother got married three years ago. Now he is working in Kochi. His wife works also; she is a bank clerk. His wife is shorter and prettier than my mother. My brother’s daughter has softer skin than his wife. She is more attractive than her mother. She speaks English more fluently than me, but I am not happy about this. My father speaks louder than my brother. Now my father has headaches and hypertension. So my mother is healthier than he. My mother is the thinnest in my family. She is working harder than he. My father is four years younger than she. Now I am worried about my mother’s health. I think after graduating this class, I immediately have to marry and help my mother. I am two years older than my brother. I am the tallest in my family. I eat more food than my brother. I am heavier than my father. My brother has more money than I. But my car is larger than my brother’s one. I can run the fastest in my family. But I will be the last to marry in my family. In the future I want to have the biggest house in my family. I will have more babies than my brother.

September 30, 2004 about family Mike

2004-10-01T13:08:00.000+09:00

September 30, 2004
Mike
My family consists of my wife, my son, and me. My son usually goes to bed the earliest and I, the latest. Nevertheless, my wife gets up the earliest and my son sleeps the latest of everyone in my family. In addition, my son has the worst temper in the morning. So, my wife usually has a bad temper in the morning, too.She plans to take a qualifying examination next month to be a administrative assistant. The closer the day comes, the longer she spends studying. Recently, she studies harder than I. So, I take care of my son more than before. But, I study English as much as before. Therefore, my current free time is shorter than before and it is a problem. But, there is another problem concerning myself. It is more serious than the one about my free time. I have gained weight and feel a tightness when putting on my old business suit. I am sure that my waist is larger than before. Recently I eat until I am full. But, to lose weight, doing exercise is more effective than decreasing how much I eat. So, I want to do exercise with my son for the purpose of losing weight and for a change after studying English.

Theme (why did you buy a car?)September28. 2004

2004-09-29T13:54:00.000+09:00

I had driven a Honda Civic car before I bought a Toyota Ipsum car. I have driven this Toyota for four years. there are three main reasons why I bought a new car. The first is the passenger capacity of the two cars. The Ipsum holds seven people but the Civic has room for five. What’s more, when I bought the Ipsum, I thought that I would get married sooner than it seems I will. At that time I was very busy, so my job prevented me from getting married. I really think I don’t have any luck regarding marriage. The second is the difference of space in the cars. The Ipsum is twice as large as the Civic. Because I ’m six feet tall and I thought it was difficult to ride in a Civic because of its narrow driver’s space. So I decided to buy the Ipsum. The third reason is the difference in power. The Ipsum is one and half times as strong as the Civic. When I was driving on slopes, The Civic sometimes almost stopped on the way. If I buy a big-ticket item again, I will again consider at least three factors. However I sometimes have bought things without any thinking. From now on, I will stop doing so. Next I want to buy a house. From now, I will start to consider three factors that make a good house.

September 28,2004 about microwave Mike

2004-09-29T13:39:00.000+09:00

September 28, 2004
Mike
A few months ago, I bought a new microwave because the old one which my wife had used since she entered college broke. The function, the size, and the price were the factors which we considered when deciding to decide to buy a new one. My wife and I went to a few electronic shops to collect information about microwaves. There were some newer microwave ovens which could warm only a designated part of a meal or melt frozen things more quickly than before. But, we weren’t interested in any special functions. We only wanted to buy a microwave equipped with both an oven and a toaster along with the basic oven. We wanted to set the new one in the same position where the old one was set. So, we had to consider size when making our choice. In addition, we looked for one with a large interior that would be able to warm a big boxed lunch.We also wanted a cheap one and didn’t think much about of the name of manufacturer. Finally, we found one that satisfied us.

Daio Paper Corporation - English Class Journal 2004 . 大王製紙 英日記