Friday, November 30, 2018

My November

November was a good month. I didn't drink...until last Saturday and Sunday. Things were going so good that I just had to drink. Of course, I enjoyed it. Other than that it was work, the gym and Tokyo. Work was good. And as it is nearing the end of the year I had some extra time off when the kindergarten cancelled some lessons. That's cool. I went to the gym 14 times this month. That is a new record for me. As a matter of fact, the gym is going very well. I got some tips on training form the trainer. It seems that I was doing some things incorrectly. My Tokyo visits were plenty. I visited Meiji Shrine, Roppongi Hills, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Marunouchi, The Imperial Palace, The Japanese Diet building, the Supreme Court building, Ginza, Omotesandou, Asakusa, Kappabashi and Sky Tree. I learned a lot about transportation around the capitol for Japan. There are many subways and I now know a few. I am became more familiar with the trains, especially, of course, the Yamanote line. I had lunch at several places including several hotels. Back home I am busy with work. The best news is that the vacant lot next door HAS NO WEEDS! Hallelujah! So, I have some extra time to enojy myself. I guess that's it. I am looking forward to December and some more time off, hopefully with my family.
The vacant lot next door...Be-a-u-ti-ful!

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Chiyoda-ku

I made a trip to Tokyo two Saturdays ago. I went to see the Japanese Diet building and the Supreme Court building. The Japanese Diet building is where the Japanese lawmakers work. The Japanese call ti their "DIET". These two buildings are located in Chiyoda Ward, very near the Imperial Palace. I checked my maps. I found that the nearest station was Asakusa Mitsuke. I got on at Okegawa and changed to the Saikyo line at Omiya. This took me to Shinjuku where I transferred to the Marunouchi subway line. I avoided a big mistake by NOT getting off at Ikebukuro. I saw that the Marunouchi line starts there but it goes around to Tokyo before heading to AsakusaMitsume and then Shinjuku. Anyway, I finally arrived and started looking for the place. Of course I was immediately lost. I found some street maps and used them. There were hardly any people on the streets. But, I did see cops (police officers) at every corner. They looked so B-O-R-E-D! I reached my destination, the Diet bolding and then on to the court house. Pretty easy actually. Next I visited the Hotel NyuOtani which has a display of Bentleys and Rolls Royces. I checked them out but didn't buy any. Finally I took the METRO Nanboku line one stop and had lunch at Hotel Okura. Very good....and expensive. I was back home before dark. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Timing

This was interesting. I woke up about 4:30 AM yesterday. It was a bit early but I got up anyway and went downstairs. I opened one windowshade and looked outside. It was still dark. I switched on the TV. I found CNN news. It's my favorite thing to watch on TV. The lady newscaster was talking to two people about...of course...Donald Trump. They were talking about him lying again. I did a couple of things while listening to that news when suddenly they changed the scene to a new story. It was a live broadcast form USA NASA Mission Control in Pasedena, California. There were 50 or so people sitting in four rows at long counters. They were all wearing purple uniforms. They were counting down a landing of a probe called "Insight"on Mars. One woman announced: "gravity turn, 300 meters...200 meters...80 meters...60 meters...50 meters...40 meters...30 meters...20 meters....17 meters....standing by for touchdown....................................touchdown confirmed! Insight is on the surface of Mars." Then everyone started applauding and giving high fives and cheering and hugging. It was a happy and proud moment for all. I was pretty lucky to see it live. 
You can see it here.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiufjRUmndE 


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Strange

There was a strange bug in my school last week. I don't know what it was. It suddenly appeared on the floor. Let me explain.
The floor in our school is off-white. So, anything dark is easy to spot (see). That includes dirt. After one lesson, at 6PM, the students left and I saw a small, dark thing moving very slowly on the floor. It was maybe 2.5 centimetres long. It was dark grey and had many black legs. It had a pointy front. It looked harmless (not dangerous) so I got an old piece of paper and placed it in front of the critter. It continued to move onto the paper. When it was completely on I took it outside and placed it in the grass next door. I did some computer work. When the next student arrived we saw another of the same kind of critter walking along the floor. I got the same paper and took it outside and deposited it (put it) in the same place as its twin. When this student left I returned to my office space and found another one crawling of the floor. This one left a brown slime behind it as it advanced. I took this one outside and again left it with its friends. At 9PM I went home. The next day when I came to the school I found two long pieces of that slime on the floor but no critters. I cleaned that. Since then I have not seen these critters again. Strange.
I couldn't find a picture of he bug, so I used this one instead.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Puzzler Answers

I was dry this month so I'm scheduled to begin drinking again next weekend. But, will I? It will be interesting. Puzzler Answers: Click Here.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.









































DEFACE               OATHES             COUNTRY/SWUNG           ORNERY 

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Puzzler Hints

Now, this Sunday I will visit Tokyo. I will go to Asakusa and Sky Tree, perhaps. I'll know Sunday. ITM Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

December Home Project
interesting (面白い)VS. interested (興味を持っています)
「interesting」は「(物が)(人にとって)興味深い、面白い」、「interested」は「(人が)(物に)興味がある」という意味の形容詞です。
主語に注意して以下の例文で違いを確認しましょう。
例:My brother is not interested in golf. But I think that golf is very interesting.
私の兄(弟)は、ゴルフに興味がない。しかし、私は、ゴルフは大変面白いと思う。
I am interested in ~ 私は~に興味がある。
He is interested in ~ 彼は~に興味がある。
They are interested in~ 彼らは~に興味がある。
ALSO boring / bored, tired / tiring, surprised / surprising, amazed / amazing confused / confusing.
これらの例を、ブログの中から探してみてください。皆さんも、それらの単語を使って会話をしたり文を作てみましょう。Good Luck!

Japanese Diet Building in Chiyoda-ku


Saturday, November 24, 2018

Puzzler

We start the December Puzzler this week. That's because of the holidays coming up. Holidays? I can't wait!  Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

December Home Project
interesting (面白い)VS. interested (興味を持っています)
「interesting」は「(物が)(人にとって)興味深い、面白い」、「interested」は「(人が)(物に)興味がある」という意味の形容詞です。
主語に注意して以下の例文で違いを確認しましょう。
例:My brother is not interested in golf. But I think that golf is very interesting.
私の兄(弟)は、ゴルフに興味がない。しかし、私は、ゴルフは大変面白いと思う。
I am interested in ~ 私は~に興味がある。
He is interested in ~ 彼は~に興味がある。
They are interested in~ 彼らは~に興味がある。
ALSO boring / bored, tired / tiring, surprised / surprising, amazed / amazing confused / confusing.
これらの例を、ブログの中から探してみてください。皆さんも、それらの単語を使って会話をしたり文を作てみましょう。Good Luck!

National Diet Library




Friday, November 23, 2018

Thanksgiving

It's a holiday here in The Land of the Rising Sun. Labor Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place annually on November 23rd. This holiday was established as an occasion to commemorate labor and production. It also lets everyone give thanks to one another. In America, Thanksgiving day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Why is it celebrated? 
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. The feat lasted three days and was attended by 90 native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. In New England the colonists always celebrated by thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. 
When I was a kid we had a big celebration every Thanksgiving. As our family grew, more and more people, new husbands, wives and kids came to my parents house. My mom cooked all day. She made the turkey and apple pies and pumpkin pies and salads and desserts. We watched TV and played cards. It is a fond memory for me.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

A trip to Hieizan by Kazuko

I visited Mt. Heii last week. You have heard that name, haven't you? But many people, especially those who live in Eastern Japan, don't know where it is. Mt. Hiei is on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. There are two routes to climb the mountain. One is from the Kyoto side and the other is from the Shiga side. I chose to climb from the Kyoto side and took the cable car and rope way to the top of the mountain. It was a little early for the Autumn leaves. But the view from the top was amazing as the weather was fine. Mt. Hiei is a sacred mountain. The Buddhist priest called Saicho, began to practice asceticism there 1200 years ago. After that, many priests have practiced Buddhism there. Mt. Hiei is roughly divided into three stupa areas that are collectively called Hieizan Enryakuji Temple. Many buildings are dotted around there so you have to walk a lot to see them all. And there a lots of slopes and steps. It was tough for me to walk around. Two hours later, I went down to Shiga side while viewing Lake Biwa. I was completely exhausted. Needless to say my legs were sore the next day. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A trip to Tokyo Part 2

So, from Roppongi I took the subway (Tou-Ei O-Edo line stations) one station, E23 to E24, to Ayoyama 1 Chome. There I walked around. I went through one small park. There were a couple dozen people painting the trees with water colors. I then walked over to the Meiji Jingu GaiEn, and finally to the Ginkgo tree lined avenue. There were many people and a parade was brewing (getting ready). There were lots of people. There was a baseball game going on at the stadium and I could hear the crowd. I walked along when I got a call from Miwako. She had come by car to meet me. She was waiting in line to get into the parking lot. We got in and then went to a nearby cafe. It is called Green Cress. The other restaurants were full and people were lining up to get in. We ordered lunch and relaxed on the outdoor deck. We used the parasol to block the bright sunshine. It was a beautiful day! We chatted and watched the pedestrians stroll by. After lunch we started to go to Shinjiku Gyoen. It didn't look too far away, but it was getting late. And it was becoming cooler. So, we changed our minds and made our way (walked) back to he car. We went home. I slept all the Ageo.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

A trip to Tokyo Part 1

Two Sundays ago I took the train to Tokyo. Why? Because my new hobby is discovering Tokyo. On this day my plan was to go and explore Roppongi. I was considering (thinking about) how to get there. I looked at my Tokyo map and my Tokyo guide book. That guide book is my Tokyo "Bible". It has tons of (lots and lots of) information about Tokyo. I considered the train and then the subway. However one student told me that I could also walk from Ebisu to Roppongi. I chose that. I was lost as soon as I left Ebisu station. I checked the signs at the station and got oriented. I headed in the correct direction and found the huge sign that pointed to Roppongi. (Actually I asked two people for help.) I kept my eyes on Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. I got there and went to the observation deck on the 54th floor. (I got a senior discount after showing my ID.) It was a nice day so the views were good. I saw Tokyo station, Tokyo Tower, Sky Tree. Mieji Jingu, Aoyama Cemetery, Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya station area, Shinjuku station area, Tokyo Midtown, and even Tokyo Bay. I took a lot of pictures. I wanted to look at them later and get some info.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Puzzler Answers

Another week starts today. And...Friday is a holiday! A special trip to Tokyo is planned. Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.







































MEANT/MEANING              LOVE                 FESTERED

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Puzzler HInts

Sunday! It's back to Tokyo this day. I hope the weather cooperates. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。

I-chou Namiki

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Puzzler

Saturday! Well, I've been on the wagon for 17 days now. I will be dry unitl December. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。
Aoyama Cemetery, Meiji Jingo, Shinjuku statioin area from Mori Building.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Veteran's Day at Arlington Cemetery


WASHINGTON - The 65th annual National Veterans Day Observance, to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces during war and peacetime, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery.
There will be a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It will be immediately followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Arlington’s Memorial Amphitheater. A prelude by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m.
Both the wreath-laying ceremony and the observance program are free and open to the general public. Tickets are not required to attend these events; however, space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive to designated locations no later than 9:30 a.m.
Free parking is available for vehicles at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center’s parking lot from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to the Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 8 a.m. Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited. After the observance, shuttles will provide transportation back to the welcome center until 2 p.m.
Attendees will be required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the cemetery and ceremony. Prohibited items include: large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, umbrellas, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns, personal protection sprays, and insulated beverage containers.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Baseball by Shogo

We had a game in Maebashi city last Saturday. It was the first round of the Kantou Kanreki baseball tournament. I left home with my wife around 8:30 in the morning and headed to the ballpark in Maebashi City. The game began at noon. Our opponent came from Yokohama City and they were a very good team. I thought that it would be very hard to defeat them when I saw them practicing before the game. The game went on 0 to 0 until the 4th inning. It changed in the top of the 4th when we got 2 runs, but then we gave up two runs in the bottom of that inning. Before you knew it, we were down by five when we gave up 5 more runs next inning. However, we came back with 3 runs in our half of the 6th. But our opponent got one more run in the bottom of that same inning. In the end, we lost 8 to 6. I was one for four in the game. I had four ABs (at bats). I had a ground out, a single, a strike out and a walk. I played short and made one fine play. Anyway, I thought I have to practice some more to improve my skills. But, my batting is improving. Our next game is tomorrow. I am looking forward to it.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Chichibu by Ima

There are 34 sacred places in Chichibu. I wanted to visit all of them so I began in October of last year, 2017. It's a kind of pilgrimage. I am not interested in temples or religion but, I like walking. I visited the 34th and final temple October 22nd. I completed this journey. The 3 temples are scattered here and there. Some are very near a station and some are far away from a station. Some were in towns while others were in the mountainside. I used the train and the bus, and then walking. I went to Chichibu 14 times. I had my "visited" card signed at all 34 temples. I went there 3 times this October. I also saw signs that said "Beware of Bears." (I always walk alone and I didn't  wear a bell that scares away bears. If I met (encountered) a bear, I wouldn't run away. I would move slowly back gazing at the bear.) At each temple the Buddhist priest wrote his message in my pilgrimage booklet. Fortunately I didn't see any bears. So, I came back home safely. I achieved my goal.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

USA Midterm elections

Last Tuesday, November 6th, the midterm elections were held in my home country, the US of A. In this election people vote for the representatives for their state. There is no voting for the POTUS (President Of The United States). That vote took place (happened) two years ago in 2016 and will happen again two years from now in 2020. So, what does it mean? It is very difficult to explain in this small BLOG space. The citizens for each state vote for their state representatives. As I live in Japan I cannot vote now. Why? Because I do not live in any state. However I can vote for president because I am a US citizen. In this election there were no surprises. The results were as most people predicted. The Republican Party won their share and the Democratic party won their share. There were two things that I noticed. One was that many women were elected to seats in the House and Senate. Also, the voter turnout (how many people voted) was only 49%. That was very disappointing. I look forward to voting in 2020.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Puzzler Answers

Back to Monday. I think this is gonna be a good week. Do you believe so, too? Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.




































JAIL                HEAP/PLENTY                POUNCED           FLAP/FLIP/FLOP

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Puzzler Hints

So, it's Sunday. We are planning a trip to the Tokyo....or was it to the mountains? I just hope it's beautiful weather. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。


Outside Tokyo station



Saturday, November 10, 2018

Puzzler

Let's see...it's Saturday and we have a special guest coming to our KenK lesson. He's from Germany. I'm looking forward to it. Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。


Ginza

Friday, November 9, 2018

Star gazing by Atsuko

The Orion meteor shower would peak on hte night between the 21st and the 22nd thin month. I woke up before daybreak on the 22nd because I was anxious to see this meteor shower. It was 3AM. It was dark and cold outside. I put on my coat and socks before I went out on the veranda. To my surprise the Orion constellation caught my eye. I hadn't seen it for a long time. The stars were twinkling in the clear night sky. How Beautiful! My eyes sparkled at the moment. I enjoyed watching the stars for quite a while. You need lots of patience for this experience. Finally, I saw a thin line in the Southeast after 30 minutes or so. Wow! How dramatic! It was streaking too fast to make a wish. I was very, very happy. I stayed there for one and a half hours. But, I saw only this one meteor. I don't know whether that's a lot or not. What do you think?

Thursday, November 8, 2018

One day trip to Tokyo

I was free on Sunday. My plan was to take an early train and go to Lake Haruna and see the autumn colors. But, before I went, I thought that it would be too much trouble. So, I did get up early, make breakfast, and watch some TV. I then did a Super Scrabble puzzle. I was bored, so I decided to take a trip to Tokyo. The goal was to visit the Imperial Palace near Tokyo station. Then I wanted to go check out the Ginza. I went to the station. I took the train to Tokyo. The bad news was that I had to stand until Ikebukuro. After that all went smoothly. I had lunch near Toyko station. I walked to the Palace. It was raining slightly all day. But, I had my umbrella! I walked around the Imperial Palace garden. It was opened. I talked to some foreigners. I met several Germans, two Swedes and a New Zealander. Then I went to the Ginza. That was nice as I walked the wide, wide street with many people. I bought some chocolates at Mitsukoshi and greetings cards at Ito-ya. I walked back to Tokyo station and was home by 4PM. It was a relaxing day outside.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Christopher Robbin Part 2 by Naomi

All the while, Pooh was waiting for Christopher. The forest was gloomy every day and Pooh couldn't see any of his friends. He was very lonely. Then he decided to visit Christopher. Of course the story ended happily because it's a Disney movie. But it made me think about many things. My son and I didn't talk on the train on the way home. It was not because the train was crowded. Rather, It was because we were thinking about Pooh and Christopher. And I was thinking that it might be the last time that I go to a movie together with my son. Next spring he will enter the university and he may go to the movies with his girlfriend instead. I enjoyed "Christopher Robbin", the time with my son and my day off. (This will probably be Naomi's final BLOG for RAM English. She is an English teacher at a cram school. She has gotten very busy with her work so she has decided to stop her lessons with us. It has been a pleasure to teach English to her. Good luck, Naomi.)

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Christopher Robbin Part 1 by Naomi

October 19, 2018 Friday
The other day, on my day off, I wanted to see a movie. So, I sent a mail to my son and said "If you want to see a movie with your mom, get off the train at Omiya Shintoshin station on your way back home." His reply was "I'm tired. I want to go home as soon as possible." I thought he wouldn't show up (come). But, when I was on the train I received a mail from him. He was at the station! He mailed "Where are you?" So, we watched the movie Christopher Robbin. The opening scene was the farewell party for Christopher. Pooh said to him "I'm waiting for you forever." Christopher left the forest of 100 acres and entered a dormitory. 
He grew up, got married, and went to war. After the war he got a job at a traveling bag company. He got into financial (money) trouble, was super busy and got stressed out. He completely forgot about Pooh. 

Monday, November 5, 2018

Puzzler Answers

I have a very full schedule this week. At the final lesson of the week a guest from Germany will visit our class. I look forward to it and it should be interesting. Puzzler Answers: CLICK HERE.

以下はスーパースクラブルパズルです。よく見ると、4つの空白のタイルが見つかります。 空白のタイルとは、何も書かれていないタイルのことです。それら空白のタイルは、ある単語の一部です。空白のタイルに、どの文字があてはまるかを考えてください。おわかりですか?答えは、ページを下にスクロールして下さい。GOOD LUCK

Below is a Super Scrabble Puzzle. If you search carefully you will find four blank tiles on it. BLANK means that nothing is written on it. But, they are part of the word. Try to determine what letter the BLANK tiles are. After you have your guess you can scroll down the page to find the answers. As always, GOOD LUCK.





































JUNKED/JUNKE          QUOTE        SCHOOL         REMET/REMIT

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Puzzler Hints

I may pull some weeds this morning. But then I'm free. I hope it's a nice day. Puzzler Hints: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
今月のHPは、"be”を含む単語です。下記のように、”be”で始まる単語です。 
because ーだから
before 前に 
behave ふるまう
behind のうしろに
believe 信じている
below の下方に
beside の近くに
between の間に
beware 気を付ける
beyond の向こうに
もちろん他にもありますが、私のブログの中の文章もよく見てみてください。
みなさんも使ってみましょう。

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Puzzler

Welp, it's November. What is happening this month? I do see a couple of holidays on the calendar. How about checking out the autumn colors? Puzzler: CLICK HERE.

November Home Project
interesting (面白い)VS. interested (興味を持っています)
「interesting」は「(物が)(人にとって)興味深い、面白い」、「interested」は「(人が)(物に)興味がある」という意味の形容詞です。
主語に注意して以下の例文で違いを確認しましょう。
例:My brother is not interested in golf. But I think that golf is very interesting.
私の兄(弟)は、ゴルフに興味がない。しかし、私は、ゴルフは大変面白いと思う。
I am interested in ~ 私は~に興味がある。
He is interested in ~ 彼は~に興味がある。
They are interested in~ 彼らは~に興味がある。
しかし;
Rap music is very interesting. ラップ音楽は非常におもししろい。
Speedskating ins not interesting. スピードスケートは、おもしろくない。
That movie is pretty interesting. あの映画は、なかなかおもしろい。

ALSO boring / bored, tired / tiring, surprised / surprising, amazed / amazing confused / confusing.
これらの例を、ブログの中から探してみてください。皆さんも、それらの単語を使って会話をしたり文を作てみましょう。Good Luck!

ALSO boring vs. bored.
これらの例を、ブログの中から探しみてください。皆さんも、それらの単語を使って会話をしたり文を作ってみましょう。Good Luck!

これらの例を、私のブログの中から探しみてください。皆さんも、それらの単語を使って会話をしたり文を作ってみましょう。Good luck!

Friday, November 2, 2018

Culture Day in Japan

Tomorrow is Saturday. It also just happens to be the Japanese Cultural Day. I found the following interesting news on the Internet.
This day was formerly observed as the birthday of the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), who ruled Japan from 1868 until his death. Meiji Tenno abolished feudalism, raised the people's standard of living, and secured Japan's reputation as a great world power. It was during his reign that Japan made rapid progress toward becoming a modern nation by using Western institutions, technology, and learning as its model. It was during this period that a constitution was adopted, a parliament was convened, civil and criminal laws were codified, and an educational system was established. Railways were built,  and electric lights and telephones were put into use. 
ALSO, Bunka-no-hi is a day to honor traditional Japanese culture a promote the love of freedom and peace that was established in hte Japanese Constitution. 
As part of the celebration of Culture Day the order of Culture Awards ceremony takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
So, how will you celebrate Culture Day?




Thursday, November 1, 2018

At the gym

I workout at the SUN ARENA gym in Okegawa. I have been going regularly for about three years now. There are all kinds of people who come. Sometimes kids come with their  mother or their father. Junior HS and High school kids come, too. There are also a lot of seniors. And I must say, 95% are all in very good shape. There are also a lot of body builders. These are younger guys who have these very muscular bodies. Sometimes younger ladies will come. Everyone has their own reasons for coming. One exercise that I do is using the barbell. I sit at the rack and raise the barbell up and down. Then I rest and adjust the weights every time. It takes about 10 minutes or so. While I am do this there is a large mirror right in front of me. During the lifting I take a break between lifting. I have to let my muscles rest unitl the next lifting. At that time I can see all the people doing various exercises in that mirror. Some are running. Some are stretching. Some are "pumping iron". Some are chatting. It is a sea of motion. It's pretty cool.