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652 items (652 unread) in 4 feeds

091kumiall (652 unread)

• Ayaka T (237 unread)
• Keiko W (84 unread)
• Ayako N (168 unread)
• Yoshie H (163 unread)

Unread items (100)

Ayako N

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  Spring Vacation

  Posted: January 24th, 2010, 4:21pm PST

  Spring vacation comes soon. I must study because I want to pass civil service examination. So I must study very hard all day. My friends will do job-hunting very hard in spring vacation. I hope that they will get good jobs. And I don’t do part-time job. I don’t money. So I must save money. In spring vacation, I will walk with my dog. She likes walking because when she goes to walking, she can get snacks! So she is fat. And I want to learn cooking because I am poor at cooking. So I want to be good at cooking. (101words)
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  America

  Posted: January 24th, 2010, 4:02pm PST

  I like America because when I visited America about two years ago, I had a very good time. My host mother was very kind and her dog was very cute. I love them. Our teachers are very good and other people are also kind. I think America is good country. America is wide and has clear sky. Someday I want to visit America again and I want to meet my host family. Recently, I like President Obama. I hope that he lead world to peace. The way may be rugged because there are many problems. But this is proof we are advancing. Yes, we can!!(105words)
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  Book Review 15

  Posted: January 24th, 2010, 3:42pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Papua New Guinea.’ I know Papua New Guinea, but I didn’t know detail of the country. The book showed me about Papua New Guinea. The country is in the Pacific Ocean, just to the north of Australia. Most of the country is very hilly and covered in thick rainforest. There are many diverse cultural groups. Its population of five million is made up of people from around 1000 different cultural groups who speak more than 800 different languages. When I read this sentence, I was surprised. There are many cultural groups. And they mainly follow traditional lifestyles. Today, there are a number of towns and small cities in Papua New Guinea where people lead Western lifestyles. However, about 80 per cent of population lives in the country, some in very remote areas. In Papua New Guinea, there are over 800 different languages. So people may not understand each other. Tok Pisin is the language that is spoken most often in Papua New Guinea. It is also known as Pidgin. Tok Pisin is a mixture of local languages, English and German. It was first used in the 1930s. It helps people from different tribes to communicate with each other. I am interested in Papua New Guinea to read the book. Their art are very great! They have traditional lifestyle and deep culture. I want to know Papua New Guinea more.(236words)
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  English Process

  Posted: January 24th, 2010, 2:36pm PST

  Language has base language and separated various language groups. For example, base language of English is The Indo-European languages. The languages are separated some language group. I will write English process today. When Anglo-Saxons invaded in Britain from vicinity north of Germany, English process began. They used the West Germanic languages. They were ancestry of British. They ejected Celt who is native people. And they settled in Britain. It is beginning of English. In the 8st century, the Norman began to invade. And the Britain was conquered by Norman in the 11st century. It happened in 449-1100. The then English is called Old English. Old English had various inflections. But English changed simple and level after Norman Conquest. The English of time until beginning of Renaissance from Norman Conquest was called Middle English. The period was in 1100-1500. In 1476, printing office first opened in London. And Modern English began. The then English has many dialect. But people must unify spelling to print. People used London spelling. And the spelling spread around many parts of the country. In 1500-1650, English adopted a lot of words from Latin and Greece because people studied Latin and Greece in Renaissance. In 1611, the Authorized King James Version was published. And William Shakespeare flourished in the period. His works gave big influence to English. In 1607, Britain settled in America. And English entered in America. After 1700, America became independent from Britain. And American English was born.(243words)
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  The Tale of the Heike

  Posted: January 23rd, 2010, 3:28pm PST

  Recently, I am interested in literature. In Japan, there was a book ‘The Tale of the Heike.’ The work is very famous in Japan. The work was written by simple and fluent Japanese. The author is unknown. And the day the work was written is also unknown. I like the beginning sentences of the work. So I introduce the sentences. I think that the sentences mean that life is an empty dream.
  
  The Tale of the Heike
  ‘The sound of bells echoes through the monastery at Gion Shoja, telling all who hear it that nothing is permanent. The flowers of the sala trees show that all that flourishes must fade. Proud men, powerful men will fall, like dreams on a spring night, like dust before the wind.’
  
  平家物語
  「祇園精舎の鐘の声、諸行無常の響きあり。
  娑羅双樹の花の色、盛者必衰の理をあらわす。
  　奢れる人も久しからず、ただ春の夜の夢のごとし。
  　猛き者も遂にはほろびぬ、ひとえに風の前の塵に同じ。」
  
  (221words)
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  Book Review 14

  Posted: January 23rd, 2010, 2:26pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Pompeii.’ The city of Pompeii was a part of the Roman Empire in the first century AD. Pompeii was a busy trading center. And there were 20000 people. The morning of 24 August, 79 AD, began like any other summer day in Pompeii. People were up and about before the sun rose. By sunrise, Pompeii’s streets were busy. Farmers began to sell food. In the forum, shops, government buildings, temples and the baths were open for business. Children began their lessons at school. After sunrise, the people of Pompeii felt the first earthquakes. The cause of the earthquakes was the eruption of Mount Vesuvius-only a few kilometers away. Soon after, hot ash and rocks began to rain down on the city. Within a short time, the ash blocked out the sun and was black. The air was full of sounds of the volcano. And the air was hot. Fires broke out all over the city. The people of Pompeii panicked. Some people reached the city gates quickly and left by the city. They were lucky. Other people ran to the nearby beach because they wanted to leave by boat. But, the sea was wild. People decided to wait the beach. There were many people in the city of Pompeii. Poisonous gases were now seeping out of Mount Vesuvius. Within a few minutes, the gases drifted across the city and down to the beach. The gases killed everything. The ash covered the bodies of the dead and slowly buried the city. Pompeii was not discovered again until the 1700s. A farmer found ruins of the city under his land. And most of the city of Pompeii has been uncovered. Now thousands of people visit Pompeii each year. I heard the city of Pompeii on TV. And then I shuddered. The people of Pompeii were very sad. And the calamity is very scary. Japan has a lot of earthquakes. 15 years ago, there was very big earthquake in Hansin and Awaji. The earthquake broke many cities and killed many people and animals. It is very sad. And we don’t know when the earthquakes will happen. Perhaps, the big earthquake will happen tomorrow. We don’t know. We don’t stop the earthquake. But we can prepare for the worst. I think that I must buy flashlight and some things to useful. And I decide to learn ways to lifesaving. Pompeii is in Italy. In Pompeii, Visitors can walk along the streets and see art and graffiti on the walls of the buildings. And there is the museum. Someday I want to visit the city of Pompeii. And I am interested in Roman Empire. Italy has long past and deep culture. And Italy had a lot of the historic sites and arts.(464words)
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  Book Review 13

  Posted: January 22nd, 2010, 3:44pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Wind Power.’ The main place is the Gale Hills Town Hall. The town has the issue. The issue is that a company called Wind Future wants to erect wind turbines in Gale Hills. And they will discuss about wind power. The Mayor of Gale Hills is Sarah. She is chairperson. She introduces two people. Dave is from Wind Future. Wind Future wants to set wind turbines and generate electronic power. Eva is from P.A.W.T-People Against Wind Turbines. And they present their points of view. I read their presentation. And I could know that wind power. Wind power is created by wind turbines. The blades of the turbine are powered by the wind, and when the blades turn, they power a generator that is inside the turbine. This generator creates electricity. There are more than 35000 wind turbines around the world. Wind power is a clean form of energy. The more wind power we use, the less we need to use other energy sources, like coal. Using coal to produce electricity aerates a lot of greenhouse gases. And the wind turbines will attract tourists to the town. These people will spend money in local businesses. But wind turbines destroy the landscape. The town has a beautiful landscape with unspoiled hills. And wind turbines are noisy. The town has the amount of wind. So the wind turbines are going to be very noisy. And birds and bats might fly into the blades and be killed. I thought the wind power issue is very hard problem. Wind power has good points and bad points. I want to know the town’s conclusion. In Japan, there are such problems. For example, dam problems and nuclear power plant problems. It is important for us to do talk such town. (300words)
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  Book Review 12

  Posted: January 22nd, 2010, 1:13pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Dogs at Work.’ Dogs are often called ‘people’s best friends.’ They make good pets because they are loyal, playful and intelligent. Dogs don’t just make great pets. They help people in many different ways. For example; helping people with sight problems to move around safely, helping make stays in hospital more enjoyable for people, care for people with a disability and stop drugs and other illegal goods from coming into a country. The book shows me their works. Guide dogs help people who have major sight problems to move around safely. Hospital dogs are dogs that are companions for people who are in hospital or in homes for the elderly. Care dogs help people who have an illness or injury that affects the use of their hands, arms, legs or back. Sniffer dogs are trained to detect certain smells. Most sniffer dogs are used to detect illegal drugs, explosives or other dangerous devices. Dogs that help people are trained when they are puppies. And they make people happy. I thought dogs are great. They make people happy. I follow them. I love dog. I think dogs are very loyal and pure. I have a dog. But she is lazy and she always sleeps. But when she finds food, her eyes are brightening. I love her.(222words)
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  Book Review 11

  Posted: January 22nd, 2010, 12:39am PST

  I read a book ‘Hot and Cold.’ I learned temperature. Temperature is measured on a scale. There are two scales; Celsius and Fahrenheit. The Celsius scale is named after a man called Ander Celsius. He lived from 1701-1744. On Celsius scale, water freezes at 0 degree and water boils at 100 degree. The Fahrenheit scale is named after a man called Daniel Fahrenheit. He lived from 1686-1736. On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32 degree and water boils at 212 degree. Some countries use the Celsius scale. And some countries use the Fahrenheit scale. Japan uses the Celsius scale. And I didn’t know what ℃ is. But the book told me ℃ means Celsius. Most parts of the world have hot season and cold season. Some parts of the world are hot all of year. For example, Libya is hot all of the year. Some parts of the world are cold all of the year. I live in Kumamoto. Kumamoto is comparatively worm. But I feel very cold now. So If I visit Antarctica, I will freeze because Antarctica is very cold. If I visit Libya, I will fall down because Libya is very hot. But the frigid climate is one of the attractions of Antarctica. The hot climate is also one of the attractions of Libya.(218words) 　　
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  The Expansion of Latin

  Posted: January 21st, 2010, 2:58pm PST

  Latin extended this territory around the Italian peninsula with extending Rome’s power. And Latin contacted other languages which were already in this area. There were Oscan, Umbrian and Etruscan; these languages were spoken in ancient Italian peninsula. And Latin contacted The Celtic languages; these languages were spoken by Celt in north Italy. In south Italy, people spoke Greek; Greek had big prestige and high culture at that time.
  Rome advanced their power to other countries which were outside Italy. Also, French and Egypt were conquered too. Rome commanded his territories by Latin. And Roman settled many parts of the territories. So Latin was carried by them and gradually took root. Rome made schools many part of the territories and used Latin for education. So people who lived outside Italian peninsula gradually used Latin as mother tongue too.
  Especially, Latin was affected by Greek. Greek was country which had high civilization. Greek civilization’s progress was earlier than Rome. But Greek was overthrown by Roman armament on the war. But Greek had high culture. So Greek gave Rome big influence. Especially, Rome adopted Greek words in Latin. First, Greek was taken in Latin by the common people because Rome extended the territory and increased people whom had civil rights. There were many people who spoke Greek in them. Second, Greek was taken in Latin by the learned people after adoption by the common people. They adopted Greek words for the progress of literature. Greek had rich vocabulary so Roman learned people adopted Greek as it is in their works.
  Latin extended the territory and was grown by other language with extending Rome’s territory. (271words)
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  Growth of Latin

  Posted: January 20th, 2010, 2:55pm PST

  Now, Italian speaks almost Italian. There are German and French in some area. But a long time ago Latin was spoken. Latin originally was spoken by the Latin races in Italian Peninsula. And Latin became official language in Roman Empire. And Latin was official language in the Roman Catholic Church. Now Latin is still official language in the Vatican City. Now Latin wasn’t almost spoken. But Latin influenced various languages and left this vestige in around the world.
  About B.C.1000 ago, Latin originally was language of the Ural-Altai family. They called them ‘Latini’ and called their area ‘Latium.’ So their language was called ‘Lingua Latina.’ It is origin of ‘Latin.’
  About B.C. 800 ago, ‘Rome’ started. Roman didn’t have their letters. But they knew Greek letter through Etruria. And they follow Greek and make their letter. It is the Roman alphabet. There is a close relation between Rome and Etruria. Etruria had big power. This state was golden age in B.C.700. But Rome attacked Etruria. And Rome won the battle and got Etruria in B.C. 300. Etruria was influenced by Greece.
  Rome expanded their territory and Latin for their big power. And they knew the high civilization of Greek. Latin was still poor then. So they got many loan words from Greek. And Latin became the high language. Latin was used to politics, justice, administration, literatures and sciences. (228words)
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  Book Review 10

  Posted: January 20th, 2010, 2:15pm PST

  I read a book ‘Ice on Earth.’ The book showed me some kind of ice on earth. Earth was covered by different things; grass, rock, water. Some of this water is in the form of ice. There are different kinds of ice on Earth. There are ice sheets, ice caps, ice shelves, icebergs and sea ice. Ice sheets are the biggest kind of ice form on Earth. Ice sheets cover areas bigger than 50000 square kilometers. The biggest ice sheet on Earth covers Antarctica. Ice caps are like ice sheets. But ice caps are smaller than 50000 square kilometers. Ice shelves are very big of ices that are on land and on water. The Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica is the biggest ice shelf on Earth. The Ross Ice Shelf is bigger than 500000 square kilometers. Icebergs are big lumps of ice that float in sea. Sea ice is ice that forms on sea water. The book showed me their pictures. I feel cold. But the ices and the scenes are very beautiful. The ices are very big. I was surprised. And Antarctica’s sky is very clear. I think Earth is very beautiful and great. I was born in Kumamoto. And I live here now. Kumamoto doesn’t have a lot of snow. Aso in Kumamoto has a lot of snow. But areas I live in Kumamoto don’t have a lot of snow. But few days ago, when I got up, it is a lot of snow. I was exciting and I slipped. The pictures on the book are very beautiful. But there is problem. It is global warming. Global warming melts the ices. This is very serious problems. We live on Earth. Earth is very beautiful. We must protect our Earth. I don’t like cold. But I want to visit Antarctica someday.(302words)
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  Roman Empire

  Posted: January 19th, 2010, 2:52pm PST

  Rome is the capital city of Italy. Rome has a glorious past for more than 2000 years. Now, Rome retains the atmosphere. Roman Empire had flourished for 400 years. Roman Empire was first huge city in the history. Roman Empire was political power, economy power and many folk powers. This city have various race, language and religion, but this city could pull together them. The reason is integration. Roman Empire aimed cultural assimilation with Roman culture and another. And this city aimed folk integration and assured comfortable city. This effort catches people heart. This city laid the foundation of huge nation and carried prosperity, because this city did not strong armament but adaptable peace policy.(115words)
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  Book Review 9

  Posted: January 19th, 2010, 2:07pm PST

  I read a book ‘Aspirin.’ I heard the name. But I didn’t know what it is. So I looked up the word in my dictionary for the meaning. And my dictionary told me that aspirin is a medicine. I often take the medicine. The book showed me about aspirin. Aspirin is the most widely used medicine in the world. People take aspirin around the world for over 100 years. When they have a fever, they take aspirin. And aspirin help to stop headaches and other aches and pains. In 500BC, people made tea with willow bark. And they found that it helped to stop pain. In 1828, Johann Buchner used salicin as a medicine. In 1853, Charles Gerhardt added some other chemicals help to stop stomach pains to the salicin. In 1883, Felix Hoffman used Gerhardt’s notes to make medicine. And the medicine worked. In 1898, the factory began to make it. And they sold it as a powder. In 1915, aspirin powder was made into a tablet. Today, one billion aspirin tablets are taken each week all over the world. As well as for pain and fevers, aspirin is now used for other things, such as heart problems and some cancers. It is no wonder aspirin has been called a wonder drug. I was surprised aspirin’s material. It is willow bark. I found plants have various powers. And people made aspirin are very great. There are many and various medicines now. I must choice best medicine for my symptom. I am glad to progress medical science and pharmacy. So we can live a long life. I hope to be invented a medicine win cancers. (275words)
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  Book Review 8

  Posted: January 19th, 2010, 10:30pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘The Great Wall of China.’ The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure on earth. The wall has a distance of more than 4000 kilometers across north of china. The wall is an important historical site. And the wall was joined on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. The wall was originally built as a form of defense to keep invader out. But today, millions of tourists visit China to see The Great Wall. The book’s narrator is a girl love China. She studies Chinese language at school. As a part of their studies, she and her classmates visited China. It was their best time. Their best memory was visiting the Great Wall of China. When she saw the wall first, she was amazed and impressed. They had a guide called Ran. And she told them about the wall and the wall’s history. And narrator showed me about Chinese history and the wall. The narrator says the wall is like a dragon rising up from the ground. I think so too. I know the wall from childhood. China has strong civilization and deep history. I was surprised that the wall is MAN-MADE structure on earth. The workers were very hard. I think the workers had a lot of guts. I like china. And I am interested in Chinese history. China has very long past. I learned Chinese history in world history class when I was junior high school student. But I couldn’t learn the words by heart. So I want to learn Chinese history again. I want to visit China. If I visit china, I will go to the Great Wall of China. China has very great places. I know some great places because I saw the places on TV. For example, I want to visit Guilin. Guilin is very beautiful site. Someday, I want to visit Guilin and see beautiful scene. I have Chinese friend. She speaks Japanese and English. I think she is great. I went to go to Kumamoto castle with her. We took a lot of picture. And we eat lunch. We had a good time. In March, she go back China. So I want to do a lot of talk with her.(377words)
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  Book Review 7

  Posted: January 17th, 2010, 10:30am PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Dams.’ The book showed me four kinds of dams and these features. A dam is structure built across a river or other body of water. Dams are built retain water in reservoir or to hold water back. There are four kinds of dams. They are arch dams, buttress dams, embankment dams and gravity dams. Arch dams are curved. Buttress dams have supports on one side to help make them strong. Embankment dams huge dams made of earth and rock and hold water in a reservoir. Gravity dams are huge and heavy dams. I don’t know the kinds of dams. I thought dams have all same structures. I found dam’s function and structures. And I thought dam’s scale were very big. It is very important to hold water back. Today, Japan has some dam’s problems. The problem’s solutions are very hard. Maybe, the solution has long time. I hope that the problems will be solved through the best ways. The book showed me some pictures of dams. I could know various dams. And I thought dams in the world are bigger than Japan’s them because other countries rivers are very big. Someday, I want to see the dams. (204words)
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  Rising Sun Speech

  Posted: January 16th, 2010, 6:10pm PST

  Our first prime minister is Hirobumi Ito. He was born in 1841 in Yamaguche. When he was child, he was poor. He learned in Syouka Sonzyuku. And he joined the campaign for overthrowing Tokugawa government. And they overthrew the Tokugawa government. After the Meiji Restoration, he became first prime minister. When he is 31 years old, he spoke in California. The speech was called ‘Rising Sun.’ And He was killed in Harbin in 1909.
  I am interested in this speech. I introduce the speech.
  
  Rising Sun
  "The red disc in the centre of our national flag shall no longer appear like a wafer over a sealed empire, but henceforth be in fact what it is designed to be, the noble emblem of the rising sun, moving onward and upward amid the enlightened nations of the world."
  
  日の丸演説　
  「わが国旗にある赤い丸は、もはや帝国を鎖（とざ）す封印の如く見えることなく、今まさに洋上に昇らんとする太陽を象徴するものであります。そしてその太陽はいまや、欧米文明の中天に向けて躍進しつつあるのです」
  (241words)
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  Book Review 6

  Posted: January 14th, 2010, 11:47am PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Discovering Planets.’ The solar system is made up of the sun, the planets and other bodies, like comets. There are nine planets. People could see five planets in the sky without the use of telescopes. The five planets were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. There are another three planets that cannot be seen without the use of telescopes. They are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. And the book shows me three astronomers discovered the three planets. Uranus was discovered by William Herschel in 1781. Neptune was discovered by Johann Galle in 1846. Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. I am interested in space and planets. Space is very mysterious and very big. When I was child, my dream was being the astronomer. And I wanted to research space and planets. I didn’t know the astronomers discovered the three planets until I read the book. They are great and cool! Space is infinity. Before, I had worries. But when I looked up in the night sky, I found we and my worries are very tiny. And I was comfortable. Space has a lot of mysteries. I hope that space mysteries are solved.(200words)
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  Shakespeare

  Posted: January 14th, 2010, 10:28am PST

  I like Shakespeare. So I introduce his famous poem.
  
  Sonnet 18
  William Shakespeare
  
  Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
  Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
  Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
  And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
  Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
  And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
  And every fair from fair sometime declines,
  By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
  But thy eternal summer shall not fade
  Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
  Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
  When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
  So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
  So long lives this and this gives life to thee.
  (127words)
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  Book Review 5

  Posted: January 14th, 2010, 1:00am PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.’ The book say next things. There are three things we can do to cut waste and help the environment. The first thing is Reduce. This is to reduce what we use. For example, when we go shopping, we can take our own shopping bags or baskets. The second thing is Reuse. This is to use things that don’t have to be thrown away after one use. For example, refilling water bottles, using both sides of paper when printing, using shopping baskets, giving other people clothes that we no longer want. The third thing is Recycle. There are many things that can be recycle; food, paper, metals, glass and plastic. I thought it is very important for environment to do Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Now environment is destructed more. We have to protect the environment from destruction. Plastic shopping bag and garbage bag were free until now. But recently, these things are pay. This is good idea. More people bring own shopping bags. And more people reduce garbage. Recently, many people know the environment is very important and hope to keep the environment clean. In world, the meetings for the environment held. Our prime minister decided that we will reduce CO2 more. I agree. The goal is hard and there are many problems. But we can succeed. I will do something for environment. (232words)
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  Proverb

  Posted: January 13th, 2010, 12:46pm PST

  I like proverb. So I looked up English proverbs.
  ‘Marriage without love is not marriage.’
  ‘There's no place like home.’
  ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’
  ‘Seeing is believing.’
  ‘Slow and steady wins the race.’
  ‘There is no royal road to learning.’
  ‘Heaven helps those who helps themselves.’
  ‘The die is cast.’
  ‘Life is short and art is long.’
  ‘A wonder lasts but nine nights.’
  ‘Sweet is pleasure after pain.’
  ‘Truth is stranger than fiction.’
  Proverbs tell me important things. (80words)
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  Italian Religion and History

  Posted: January 12th, 2010, 2:49pm PST

  Religion is almost Christianity. Catholic is 97%. There is a close relation between Christianity and Italy. In 64, Nero persecuted Christianity. But, in 380, Christianity became the established religion in Rome. There is the Vatican City. It is enclave of Italy, because it is surrounded by the city of Rome. Vatican is the center of Catholicism and has the Roman Catholic Church. The chief of state is The Holy Father. The Vatican City has close relation Rome and it is very important city in Roman past.
  
  History of Italy is huge. Italy has a glorious past.
  　　 The Italian peninsula was made by activity of The Alpine belt. Before Rome age, there are some folks and they lived in the Italian peninsula. And the Roman Empire started in about B.C. 800. Rome expanded their territories and had the golden age. But the golden age was collapsed by increase of civil strife and invasion. In 962, the Holy Roman Empire started. About 15 century, Renaissance came to the height of prosperity in Milan and Florence. Napoleon became king of Italy in 1805. In 1915, Italy entered the First World War. Mussolini made the Fascist and established autocracy in 1922. In 1929, the Vatican City started by the conclusion of treaty between Italy and Vatican. In 1940, Italy entered the Second World War and lost. In 1946, kingship was abolished. (227words)
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  Book Review 3

  Posted: January 12th, 2010, 2:06pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘Making a Cake.’ The book asked us, ‘Is making a cake like making a work of art? Or is making a cake science?’ I thought making a cake is like making a work of art. But the book says next things. Some people think making a cake is art because it is all how good the cake looks and taste. But some people think that making a cake is science because it is all the changes that happen when many ingredients are mixed together to make something new. To conclude, the best cakes are part science and part art. I agree this. I often eat a cake. I think cake is deep sweet. The book has a lot of cakes pictures. Cakes make me happy. But I can’t make cake. So I want to try making cake. (144words)
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  Snow! Snow! Snow!

  Posted: January 12th, 2010, 9:33am PST

  Good morning! It is snow today. Kumamoto hasn’t snow so much. When I was high school student, I went to Shiga as school trip. We tried skiing. And I saw much snow. In Kumamoto, I couldn’t see snow. So I was excited! And I slipped. And I was late for first period class. I like winter. But road is very slippery. Be careful accident.(64words)
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  Ltalian climate

  Posted: January 11th, 2010, 2:45pm PST

  Italy has a genial climate and the four seasons. But there are differences between each area. For example, North Italy has continental climate, which has big difference of temperature between day and night, between summer and winter. South Italy has Mediterranean climate, which has mild climate through a year and it has little rain in summer and it has a lot of rain in winter. Rome’s temperature is similar to that of Tokyo. In spring, various flowers come out. In summer, it is light until about 8:00 PM because Italy is high latitudes. Italy doesn’t have the rainy season and has low humidity. In fall, there are various festivals for form products. In winter, it is hard cold and sunset is early. The area is 301,230 km2. Italy is smaller than that of Japan. Population is 58.9million. Rome’s area is 1,285.3 km2 and population is 2million. Rome is most big city in Italy. Milan is 181.8 km2 and population is 1.3 million. (162words)
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  Book Review 3

  Posted: January 10th, 2010, 4:45pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘The Water Cycle.’ Water moves from Earth to the sky and then back to Earth. The process is called the water cycle. Water change the form in water cycle; Liquid, gas and solid. The liquid form is rain, rivers, lakes and ocean. The gas form is vapor. The solid form is ice, snow and hail. And there are four stages in the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation and runoff. I thought the water cycle is very well. Water is very important resource. If water is nothing, we can’t live. The book shows me the water cycle by plain explanation. Nature is wonderful! (109words)
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  Book Review 2

  Posted: January 10th, 2010, 7:57pm PST

  I read a book. The name is ‘World Heritage.’ The World Heritage List was set up in 1972 by UNESCO. The list was set up to save and care for special places around the world. There are three kinds of sites. Some places are natural sites, like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Other places are cultural site, like Venice in Italy. Some places are natural and cultural site, like Kakadu National Park in Australia. But some places in danger because of global warming, pollution and war. We must protect the places. I decided recycling and saving. The book showed me many world heritage sites. The places are very wonderful. I want to visit the sites someday.(115words)
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  Judo Club

  Posted: December 29th, 2009, 10:00pm PST

  When I was high school student, I belonged to Judo club. Today, I went to club reunion. It was held in downtown. My club members are unique. They have each dream. I hope that they succeed. Our teacher joined in the party. He is very good teacher. I respect him. I enjoyed the party. I had a good time. (59words)
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  My Cat

  Posted: December 26th, 2009, 1:33pm PST

  My cat is Lili. She is cute and quick. But she is selfishness. When I come in Kotatsu Lili is, she bite my foot. And she is very active. She goes out every day. And she always catches insects and birds. I want to make her to stop the bad action because insects and birds are very pitiful. But I love her. (62words)
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  My Birthday

  Posted: December 26th, 2009, 9:27pm PST

  Today is my birthday. Some my friends gave me birthday mails. I was happy. I am 21 years old. Time is very fast! I don’t want to get old. When I looked back my life, I was emotive. My mother bought birthday cake. It was fruit cake. It was very delicious. Recently, I often eat cake. So I am fat! (60words)
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  Places I want to go

  Posted: December 25th, 2009, 9:07pm PST

  I want to go to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is very wide and has big nature. When I went to department store, Hokkaido market took place. There were a lot of specialties of Hokkaido. I ate some foods. Especially, seafood was very delicious! And I bought cake. And I went back my home. I ate the cake with my grandmother. It was very delicious. I thought Hokkaido was very good place! So I decided to go to Hokkaido someday. But Hokkaido is very cold. I was bone and live in Kumamoto. So maybe I can’t stand the cold. I hope Hokkaido market come in Kumamoto again.(104words)
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  Christmas

  Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 4:52pm PST

  Today is Christmas Eve and tomorrow is Christmas. I went to downtown after class. There were some people wear Santa Claus costume. And cake shops looked very busy. Clerks sold Christmas cakes front of their shop. I wanted to buy Christmas cake. But I have no money, I have only 100 yen. When I was child, I was looking forward to give me present from Santa Claus. I used to get up early in Christmas morning. And when I found present near my pillow, I was so happy. Today, there aren’t Christmas cake in my home, but our dinner was sushi. So I am so happy.(106words)
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  Movie Review 6

  Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 11:43pm PST

  I watched a movie. The movie is ‘Whale Rider.’ This is New Zealand’s movie. The main character is Paikea. She was born in Maori line. She is only child in the line of the tribe’s chief because her mother and her twin brother died during childbirth. But Maori has traditional rule. In Maori, the leader should be the first-born son. She was named same name to hero ‘Paikea.’So her grandfather ‘Koro’ always thinks Pai is useless child. But he had the other side of loving her. Her father ‘Polo’ came home when she was 12 years old. Koro hope Polo will be next leader. But he rejected the proposal. And Pai suffered her being. Polo asked she go out the town with Polo. But she heard whales voice in the car. So she stopped that she go out the town. Koro trained boys in the town because he must decide next leader. But he didn’t find next leader. He found some whales were thrown on beach. They tried to return the whales to beach. But whales didn’t move. They gave up. But when Pai rode on biggest whale, the whale and other whales returned to sea. And Pai became leader.
  I think Koro suffered between his vocation and his love. Finally, he liberated the worry. And Pai became leader. So I am happy. The movie is so mysterious. I heard Maori. But I didn’t know the folk. The movie showed me about Maori. The legend of Maori is mysterious and fantastic. I am interested in Maori. My friend ‘Narumi’ likes New Zealand. So I want to talk about Maori. I found every area has mysterious legend. Japan has a lot of legend. So there are more many legends around the world. I could be interested in the legends. I want to know Maori more. And someday, I want to go to New Zealand. (313words)
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  Countries I want to visit

  Posted: December 23rd, 2009, 5:23pm PST

  I want to visit Italy because I like Italy. Italy is traditional country and has deep culture. Especially, I want to go to Rome. I studied history of Rome Empire. So if I go to Italy, I will see a lot of historic site. But I heard there are many snatches in Italy. So I must hold my bag very hard. I want to go to Egypt too. I want to see pyramid and ride a camel. Egypt is very mysterious. I don’t know Egypt very much. So if I go to Egypt, I learn the country. Let’s go together!(100words)
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  Winter Vacation

  Posted: December 21st, 2009, 3:29pm PST

  Winter vacation is coming soon! The vacation has some events. It is Christmas and New Year. And 26 is my birthday! I have not plan in Christmas. But maybe I will go to sushi restaurant with my family. Next day, there is my birthday. I will eat birthday cake. And New Year is coming soon! I will go back my home. And I am looking forward to eat rice cake. I have a lot of things I want to do. But I have one thing I must to do. It is study! I want to pass the public employee test in next year. So I must study very hard. So I must study in Christmas, New Year and my birthday!(120words)
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  History

  Posted: December 20th, 2009, 3:28pm PST

  I went to Kumamoto castle with my friends last month. I was born and live in Kumamoto for twenty years. But I had never been to the castle because I wasn’t interested in the castle. But sometime, when I taught Japanese to exchange student, I thought what the fascination of Kumamoto is. So I decided to visit Kumamoto castle. When I saw Kumamoto castle, I was surprised by the scale and skill. We went to Tensyukaku. The view is very good. And we took a lot of pictures. I like Kiyomasa Kato. I want to go to Kumamoto castle again. (100words)
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  The Book I Read

  Posted: December 19th, 2009, 5:10pm PST

  I read various books. I read a book last summer. The book’s name is ‘Himawari-no-sakanai-natsu.’ The book was mystery story. But when I began to read the book, I felt horror. But I gradually entered the story. The book was very fun. By the way, I want to read classical literature because I am interested in the literature. I want to read ‘Heike-Monogatari’ and ‘Houzyouki.’ The books are very famous and important in Japan. And the books were written by fluent Japanese. I decided to read the books someday. And I want to read modern literature too. Especially, I will read books written by Souseki Natsume. (106words)
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  Places I Want to Go

  Posted: December 17th, 2009, 4:28pm PST

  I want to go to Okinawa. I went to Okinawa with my club members two years ago. But then it was raining. So next time, I want to go to Okinawa in fine weather day. Okinawa is warm and there are fantastic views. Especially, I like sea around Okinawa. The sea is very beautiful. Its color is clear blue. And there are a lot of fishes which have beautiful colorful skin. In Okinawa, there are a lot of delicious foods. They are very unique. When I go to Okinawa, I want to see beautiful views around the island. I will go to Okinawa with my family. (106words)
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  Country I Want to Visit

  Posted: December 16th, 2009, 10:11am PST

  I want to visit Korea. Korea is neighbor. And there are closely relation between Japan and Korea. Korea has traditional culture. And airport is very wide and useful. I don't know the airport's name. Korean women are very beautiful. Kimchi is good for beauty. When I go to Korea, I go to beauty salon and buy a lot of cosmetics. And I want to eat broiled meat. My mother and my grandmother love Korea. They always watch Korea dramas. They love the actors. I don’t understand their mind. It is secret! 笑 I am looking forward to visit Korea. Let’s go! (101words)
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  My Friend

  Posted: December 15th, 2009, 9:45am PST

  I have some friends. They have each dream. Narumi is going to go to New Zealand and study English next year. She loves New Zealand. She was study hard. When I was happy, she passed the test. But I will be sad because I will not meet her during her stay in New Zealand. Yuki wants to be a stewardess. So she studies hard and she prepares for employment test. The test is very hard. But I believe she will be stewardess. I want to listen to the experiences story when she becomes stewardess. I follow them and I study hard like them. (103words)
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  My friend

  Posted: December 14th, 2009, 4:26pm PST

  Ai is my friend. She is funny girl! She is very fun and unique and active. She has long hair. I want her hair. My friends went to my house last Thursday. And they said ‘Call your friend (girl).’ So I called Ai and asked to come to my house. Ai answers soon ‘Yes!’ And we drank in my house. They were very fun. We enjoyed talk in all the night. Ai’s talk is very fun because she has a lot of various experiences. And I like to hear her talk. Today, she is going to come to my house. I am looking forward to talk with her. (108words)
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  My Pets

  Posted: December 13th, 2009, 4:07pm PST

  I have two pets. The one is dog. Her name is Caramel because her hair color is like a caramel color. She is very friendly. So she can’t be watchdog. She is always hungry. When I eat something, she always tries to rob my foods. And she likes to go to walk because she is given snacks after walk. So she is little fat. The other is cat. She name is LiLi. She is fickle and active. But especially, she is little friendly. When I use PC, she often go on the keyboard. They are very cute. I love them. (100words)
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  The Book I Read

  Posted: December 11th, 2009, 4:00pm PST

  My favorite writer is Ryotaro Shiba. He is very famous author in Japan. He had written a lot of books. Especially, he had written a lot of history novels. When I read his book, I thought history is very interesting. I read a book ‘Yonisumuhibi’ written by Ryotaro Shiba. The main characters were Syoin Yosida and Shinsaku Takasugi. They were very favorite persons in Japan. But I didn’t know them. But when I read the book, I like them. Still, I read the book only. So I want to read his other books. And I want to gain my interest. (100words)
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  Places I Want to Go

  Posted: December 11th, 2009, 10:08pm PST

  I want to go to Kyoto because Kyoto has a lot of attracting. When I was junior high school student, we went to Kyoto in school excursion. Then I saw some temples. When I was high school student, we also went to Kyoto in school excursion. Then I enjoyed the green tea parfait and shopping than sightseeing. So I want to go to Kyoto again. If I go to Kyoto, I will see temples. And I want to visit Kyoto when the cherry blossoms are at their best. And I want to see Maiko because they are very beautiful. I am looking forward to visit Kyoto someday. (107words)
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  Country I Want to Visit

  Posted: December 9th, 2009, 10:52am PST

  I have a lot of countries I want to visit. Especially, I want to go to London and Paris. My sister visited the cities with her friend last year. She stayed in the cities for two weeks. She told me the attraction of the cities. So I decided to visit London and Paris. She said ‘The fashion in the cities was very cute.” And she bought a lot of clothes. They were very cute. She showed me a lot of pictures. The scene was really attractive. So I want to go to the cities. Now I don’t have money. So I can’t go to there now. I hope I will go to there someday. (114words)
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  Japanese

  Posted: December 9th, 2009, 5:25pm PST

  I want to the International Interchange Center as teaching Japanese volunteer last Sunday. It is first time. So I did free talk with Chinese student. She is really good. Her husband works in Kumamoto. So she came to Japan with her husband. She is brilliant person. She said ‘I had to read a newspaper everyday from six.’ I respect her. I found I am happy that various country people come to Japan and know about Kumamoto. I want to tell them attraction of Kumamoto and Japan. So I am going to go to the center next Sunday and teach Japanese. (100words)
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  My Dream

  Posted: December 7th, 2009, 10:15am PST

  I don't have big dream. But I have a lot of things I must do. First, I must get Writing credit because I want to graduate university.　Second, I must study for employment test. I want to be public employee. So I must study very hard. If I can be public employee, I want to save money. And I will travel alone. I want to visit foreign countries.　And I must pay back my scholarship! Finally, I want to visit Tokyo because Tokyo is a center of politics and economy. I’m interested in these fields. I want to know change my country and around the world. (106words)
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  Movie Review 5

  Posted: December 7th, 2009, 9:14pm PST

  I watched the movie ‘Groundhog Day.’ The main character is Phil Connors. He is TV meteorologist. He was selfishness and has a lot of confidence. His producer is Rita. She was very pretty and kind. His cameraman is Larry. He has some mustache. In winter, they went to Pennsylvania because they must report the festival at February 2. The festival is the annual Groundhog Day festival with Punxsutawney Phil. Phil Connors didn’t want to report the festival because he thought he is very famous and he should report more big news. But strange occurrence came to him. When He got up at 6:00a.m, he notices strange. He looked out. He notices that today is Groundhog Day, it is February 2! He repeated Groundhog Day every day. He had an idea. It is to do wrongs because tomorrow didn’t come. First, he enjoyed the situation a little. But he tired the situation. He killed himself again and again. But when he got up at 6:00a.m, he returned the Groundhog Day. He tried telling the situation to Rita. First, Rita didn’t believe him. But he was eased by time with Rita. And he changed himself. He became very kind. And everyone trusted him. Rita loved him. He loved her too. They had a happy time. Next day, he also got up at 6:00a.m. There was Rita next him! And the day wasn’t Groundhog Day! It was February 3! He was very happy. And he decided to live the town with Rita.
  I thought he is tough because if I encounter such situation, I go mad soon. When I watched the movie half, the movie confused me. The movie’s end was happy. So I was really happy. The movie told me very important things. I thought that I will do a good deed. (300words)
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  My Favorit Sweet

  Posted: December 6th, 2009, 3:56pm PST

  I like sweets. Especially, I like sweet potato because it is very delicious. Today, I ate a potato steamed. It was good and sweet. I always eat sweet potato when I am hungry. My dog likes sweet potatoes too. She always comes to me when I eat a sweet potato. She always tries to rob my potato from me. So I finish eating early. My grandmother likes sweet potato too. She always eats it. And she makes some potato steamed for me. She can tell delicious potatoes from other potatoes. I think potatoes are very good food. Let’s eat potatoes! (100words)
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  A Book I Read

  Posted: December 4th, 2009, 11:40am PST

  I read a book 'Gakumonno-Susume' written by Yukichi Hukuzawa. He is very famous person and he is a face of ten-thousand-yen. He founded Keiougizyuku University. The book is very famous too. The book was written by easy Japanese. He told me the relation between government and nation through the book. Now, a lot of people don't have interest for politics. But politics affects our live. So we should have interest for politics more. Yukichi said 'Bad nation make bad government.' I agree with you. I think we can change Japan better. And our live will be better. Let’s go election.(100words)
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  Places I Want to Go

  Posted: December 4th, 2009, 10:33pm PST

  I have many places I want to go. Especially I want to go to Yamaguti. If I can go to Yamaguti, I will go to Hagi because Hagi is Syouin Yosida's hometown. First, I will go to Syoukason-Jyuku. The place is very important historically. And I will go to Hagi museum because the museum shows me the interesting things. Next, I will go to Monzi. The town is fantastic place. There are many retro buildings. Finally, I will eat blowfish dish. I have never eaten blowfish dish. So I want to eat it once. I think Yamaguti have many fantastic places. Let's go Yamaguti! (104words)
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  History

  Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 11:55am PST

  I like history because it is very interesting. I like to know change of Japan and world. It is very important to know history. When I was high school student, I hate history. But when I read a book written by Ryoutarou Siba, I found history is very interesting. And I can learn good things by people in history. Especially, I like Syouin Yosida. He was a thinker, and he was a teacher in Syoukason-jyuku in Yamaguti. He loved Japan. And He had crazy passion. I think his action was very great. Someday, I want to Yamaguti for knowing him more. (101words)
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  My Favorite Flower

  Posted: December 1st, 2009, 10:41am PST

  I like flower. I think every flower is beautiful. But I can't do the gardening because I don't like insects. So I always do the watching flowers only. I like any flower. Especially, I like cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom is the traditional flower in Japan. The cherry blossom is fantastic but fall soon. The look is empty. So it is beautiful. The cherry blossom is like firework. Japanese love them because they are tasteful. I want to go to Kyoto because Kyoto is the sight of cherry blossoms. I go out to see the cherry blossoms in Kumamoto castle every spring. I am looking forward to seeing it next year. (111words)
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  My High School

  Posted: November 30th, 2009, 11:56am PST

  My high school students study hard. Many students go to a higher school. But I didn't study hard. So I regretted not studying hard in my high school. My high school was far from my house. I went to school by bicycle. So I left at 6:30 because we had extracurricular course start at 7:30. My high school teachers are good teachers. They are very unique. I like them. I belonged to Judo club. I was poor at Judo. But I met my best friends. Our Judo teacher is very good. He is good Judo player. And He is very fun. I like my high school. (106words)
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  My Favorite Foods

  Posted: November 29th, 2009, 11:13am PST

  I don't have foods I hate, and I have a lot of favorite foods. I eat any food I can get. ...But...I can't eat insects!!笑
  I have a lot of favorite foods. Especially, I like Japanese foods because I am Japanese. Recently, I worry my weight. But I don't want to be on a diet! So I decided to eat rice every meal. In the result, I don't eat snacks and sweets too much because I am full. I like to mix white rice with brown rice and millet. I think the mix rice is better than only white rice. Please try it! (104words)
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  My classes

  Posted: November 26th, 2009, 9:49pm PST

  Today, I got up at 9:00. So I missed 1 period class. I regretted missing class. My second period class was Japanese modern history class. I like this class because I like history. I learned the First World War. I think Japanese army's actions were very dirty and cruel. In lunch time, I went to cafe with my friends. I ate Soba. Marina ate Soba too. Chie ate ice-cream cone. We didn't know that there are ice-cream coneｓ in this cafe. The ice-cream cone was cheap and very delicious. So I decided to buy it next time. After lunch, I came to my home and took a nap. And I went to school for attending fifth period class. I learned health in this class. The teacher always tells us useful things. (131words)
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  Movie Review 4

  Posted: November 22nd, 2009, 8:39pm PST

  I watched the movie ‘Drumline.’ The main character is Devon, he loves drum and he has preeminent ability. Lee supervision command the marching band club of A&T university in Atlanta. Dr. Lee picked on Devon and invited him to enter A&T university. And Devon entered A&T university. But his attitude was but. So he oppose against Sean. Sean is reader in drum part. And Dr. Lee expelled Devon from A&T marching band club. But Sean help Devon and they made music together. And then, Devon changed his heart. And A&T university won the biggest contest.
  I thought A&T university looked very hard and there were many fast foods. And there were many parties. The parties looked fun. When I was high school student, the marching club in my school practiced very hard. And their sounds were very good. The movie has tension and power. I was very excited. I like Sean. He is very cool and strong a sense of responsibility. And I like Laila too. She is so pretty. (170words)
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  Oversleep

  Posted: November 18th, 2009, 9:02pm PST

  Today, I slept late in this morning. So I missed Writing class. And I decided to make a box lunch yesterday. But I can't make it. In evening, I met Mr.Tomei. And he told me 'No credit.' So I reflected my life. And I decided to write diary in my blog after class in library. Now, I am writing diary in library. I am hungry. (65words)
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  Cold

  Posted: November 17th, 2009, 8:50pm PST

  Today, it was very cold. So I wore many clothes. But it was not enough. So I decided to buy Hokkairo. And I wanted to drink warm milk. (28words)
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  Obama

  Posted: November 16th, 2009, 7:07pm PST

  I had a slight cold in the few days. So I couldn't write my blog.
  
  Obama came to Japan and spoke about Japan and America relations. I don't know diplomacy. But I think his speech was great. I hope he visit atom-bombed areas in Nagasaki and Hirosima. And I hope he solve various diplomacy problems and cooperate with them for world peace. (62words)
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  Grocery Store

  Posted: November 12th, 2009, 11:29pm PST

  I want to grocery store in the noon because there were not any things to eat in my house in lunch. But there were rice. So I wanted side dishes. In Grocery store, there were many foods and side dishes. I bought various foods and a Manju. The Manju was so delicious. I was happy.(55words)
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  Again

  Posted: November 11th, 2009, 9:37pm PST

  Today, I made miso soup again. The miso soup I made yesterday was tasteless because it was not enough stock and miso. So I made it again today. The ingredients were a piece of Japanese radish, a half of onion, some mushrooms and Tofu. I used a plenty of miso because I fail yesterday. And I added stock before adding ingredients. So today's miso soup was good! I was happy. (70words)
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  MIso Soup

  Posted: November 10th, 2009, 9:16pm PST

  

  
  Today, I made miso soup in the morning. I always make miso soup with my grandmother. But I made it alone today. The ingredient was a piece of napa cabbage, one potato, a half of onion, some mushrooms, a piece of Japanese radish and Tofu. But the miso soup was very tasteless! It was not miso soup! I ate such miso soup for the first time. I requested my grandmother to tell me why it is tasteless. My grandmother said 'it is not enough stock and miso.' She added some stock and miso. And the soup became good. I decided to practice cooking. (103words)
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  Kumamoto castle

  Posted: November 8th, 2009, 9:58pm PST

  

  
  Yesterday, I went to Kumamoto castle with my friends Narumi and Siryou. Siryou is exchange student. She have gone to Kumamoto castle sometimes. But I hadn't gone Kumamoto castle yet. So I wanted to go to there because I like castle.
  First, we went to Tensyukaku. It was fine weather and very hot yesterday. So I was sweaty. But the view from top was very beautiful. And I saw many things which related Kumamoto castle. Next we went to Honmaru-Goten. The place is very artistic and beautiful. I was surprised by architecture skills. And we saw Higo-chrysanthemums. They were pretty. And I found Higo-chrysanthemums are simpler than general ones. I like Kumamoto castle. I want to go to visit again. (120words)
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  Book Review 1

  Posted: November 8th, 2009, 9:13pm PST

  

  
  I read a book 'The Hula.' The book tells me the story of how the Hula dance started. In the far past, "Hi'iaki" and her friend "Hopoe" went down to the beach. And then, they noticed the waves. And they imitated the waves. And then, they started to use their hands; like portraying the waves. I didn't know such hula's history before reading the book. I think hula is pretty. But the fula isn't an easy dance to do. The practice is very hard. And the book says fula is a very spiritual dance. It is interesting for me. I found fula has deep history and is important traditional culture in Hawaii. I want to go to Hawaii. And I want to see fula dance. (125words)
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  Movie Review 3

  Posted: November 7th, 2009, 9:17pm PST

  I watched a movie ‘Cars.’ The movie’s main character is Lightning McQueen; he is a promising new racing car and he has great ability. But he was selfish, so he provoked cooperator’s antipathy. So he didn’t have friends. He had a tiebreaker race scheduled for one week later at the Los Angeles International Speedway. But when he went to Los Angeles, he met accident and arrived in a country town. And he met tender peoples and found the best precious things.
  I was greatly touched by the movie. First, I thought McQueen is bad. But I found he have tender heart. Especially, I was touched by the scene which he reached the goal with pushing King. He said “that is empty trophy.” He is very cool. I feel he is best racing car. I like Radiator Springs cars. They have very tender heart. And I feel warm and happy. Especially, I like Mater and Doc. Mater’s charm is composed of gaiety and friendly. His front teeth are very cute. I am glad that he rode in helicopter because riding helicopter was his dream. Doc is so cool. I respect his. His smile makes me happy. I want to go to Radiator Springs and want to be their friend.
  By the way, TOYOTA will withdraw from F1 after this season. The reason is sluggish of achievement; TOYOTA is into the red now because depression happened around the world. When I heard the news, I feel pity. I hope that TOYOTA flourish again.
  The movie told me precious things; such friendship and love. The movie excited me. I want to be wind like McQueen. I think it is very comfortable. I am a poor driver. I must practice driving car. I found car is very cool through the movie. I like car. I want my car and go to a lot of places. (311words)
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  Practice Examination

  Posted: November 5th, 2009, 8:58pm PST

  Yesterday, we took practice examination for job-hunting. I can't answer math questions because there is not enough time. I found I don't know current affaire because I can't answer the questions. I decide to read a newspaper everyday. I already have retired from my club. So I decide to study something I need for job-hunting. (55words)
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  My Skin

  Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 10:07am PST

  Recently, I care about my skin because my skin isn't fine. Especially, I hate my pimples, pores and stains. My aim is getting very clear skin. So I decided I don't wear a lot of makeup. And I try to eat healthy and well-balanced diet. (45words)
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  Stomachache

  Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 9:03am PST

  I had a stomachache in the morning because maybe it was so cold. So I want a wool pants with a wide stomach band. It may be so warm. Yesterday, I found a nice thing in Net. This is pink and have apple pattern. It looks warm. I'm looking forward to come to my house. And I need gloves and a scarf. I will go to shopping in this weekend. (70words)
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  Cold!

  Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 12:45pm PST

  Today, it was very cold. I felt coming winter. It was snow in Kanto. I will not be able to get up early because it is cold. So I set a Kotatsu. I like Kotatsu. I feel happy when I eat oranges in Kotatsu. We must be care of new type influenza. (52words)
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  School Festival

  Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 11:52am PST

  

  
  School Festival,"Takumasai", was held at October,30~November,1. I belong to the sightseeing club. We sold the croquettes; the croquettes were mix with rice and Mabo-Tofu. I like it!
  I retired from my club. My club's friends are like brothers and sisters. I found I love them very much. (47words)
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  Movie Review 2

  Posted: October 26th, 2009, 7:58pm PDT

  I watched a movie ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’ The movie is fun. Main character is Daniel. He lives with his wife and three children. He is always merry, but he haven’t job. His wife is Miranda, she is serious. She was always worried by him. So she decides to divorce. But Daniel loves his children, so he wants to live with his children. So he disguised as a woman. And he was employed as helper by Miranda.
  The movie has various characters. Especially, I like Natalie because she is very cute and pure. This movie has a lot of fun scenes and touching scenes. I like the restaurant scene. I was excited by the scene because Daniel runs around the restaurant desperately. The look is very funny. I hoped he doesn’t come out when I was watching the scene.
  There are a lot of forms of family. Love is best. I think it is important to find answer, not dwell on form. (160words)
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  Common Day

  Posted: October 19th, 2009, 5:53pm PDT

  Today, I got up early in this morning. But I slept again! And I got up in this evening. So I missed 1 class. In evening, I went to class. This is Changing English class. This class is good, and I'm interested in changing English. (45words)
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  Shopping

  Posted: October 17th, 2009, 3:27pm PDT

  

  I went to go to shopping with my mother and my sister in the morning. First, we walked around the mall and bought some clothes. We went to UNIQLO shop, because I wanted to HEATTECH shirt. I heard this shirt is very warm. I bought this shirt and sweater. I wanted a wool pants for protection against cold. But I didn't buy it. Today, we bought many clothes. Next, we went to Muzirusi in the mall. I bought a file. I wanted a pumpkin cake, but I bore to buy it. My sister bought brown sheet. Finally, we went to grocery store and bought foods. And we bought cakes before coming home. It was delicious and I was happy. (119words)
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  Movie review 1 The Incredible

  Posted: October 17th, 2009, 11:31pm PDT

  First, I think it looks not interesting. But this movie is cheerful and fun. Finally, I watched this movie with laugh.
  This movie is Hero movie. There are a lot of hero and they have superhuman and each different powers. Mr. Incredible have very strong body and strength. Elastigirl is his wife and she has strange body like a rubber. Violet is their daughter. She has the ability to turn invisible and create a force shield. Dash is their son. He can run superhuman high speed. Frozone is their friend. He can freeze everything. My frank thinking is “Do they have eaten ‘Akumano-mi’?” ‘Akumano-mi’ is in Japanese comic ‘ONE PIECE.’ This fruits bring superhuman power to a person which eats it. I guess Elastigirl have eaten ‘Gomugomuno-mi’ because she is like Luffy. My favorite character is Elastigirl and Mirage because Elastigirl is cute and cool and Mirage is beauty and a sophisticated lady. I long for tough and clever lady like them.
  This movie has exciting, fun and emotional scenes. Dash always quarrel and fight with Violet. But when Violet is in a serious crisis, Dash saved her and shouted to enemies “Stop! She is my sister!” I was happy. My favorite scene is battle scene. It is cool and exciting. Mr. Incredible and his family showed me their good teamwork. It is comfortable. This movie showed me love in family. (231words)
• 

  The Nobel Prize for Peace

  Posted: October 13th, 2009, 11:05pm PDT

  Obama president got the Nobel Prize for peace because he showed a deep hope to peace. He spoke about peace in Prague. He said "We aim to abolish nuclear weapons in the all world." I think he is best recipient of a prize. I think this prize shows a hope to Obama. People hope to realize the abolition of nuclear weapons. I feel waves of peace are rising in around the world. (72words)
• 

  Ophthalmology

  Posted: October 9th, 2009, 4:34pm PDT

  I went to ophthalmology this morning because my right eye was red. The clinic is near my house so I walk to there. It was good and comfortable weather. And I was examined in the clinic. The doctor told me my eyes. My eyes are Dry Eye. And there are many injuries. So she advised that I stop to wear contact lens briefly. When I paid fees, I got three kinds of eye lotions. Now I wear glass. (78words)
• 

  Health Science Class

  Posted: October 8th, 2009, 7:12pm PDT

  I have a class about Health science every Thursday. Today, we learned health and life at school education. I think we knew many things by friends, TV and magazines. It is more than school education. I remember I didn't hear such class seriously. But it is so important to teach correct information.
  I think health is most important because if we are unhealthy, we can't do our best. We must take care of own health more. (76words)
• 

  Economic Articles

  Posted: October 7th, 2009, 10:10pm PDT

  Today, I took guidance for job hunting after class. We learned how to read economic articles. I hadn't read economic newspaper. So I thought it looks difficult. But I found if I catch important points in article, I can read it easily. The lecturer told us various useful things. For example, he told us how to read, where to be important point and today's economic condition etc. I found it is important for me to read economic newspaper through this guidance, so I try to read economic articles. (88words)
• 

  My Right Eye

  Posted: October 6th, 2009, 10:41am PDT

  When I got up this morning, my right eye was red and swelled. I felt pain from yesterday. I don't know why my right eye swelled. If my eye is well, I must go to the doctor.
  By the way, the typhoon No.18 is approaching to Japan. The typhoon No.18 has very strong power. If the typhoon hit the Japan, We will suffer economical damage. So we must take care about weather forecast and prepare for the damage.
  In this season, I want to a chestnut and sweet potato. I feel this foods make me happy. And fall turned the leaves, so I want to see colored leaves. (108words)
• 

  Japanese class

  Posted: September 29th, 2009, 4:18pm PDT

  Today, I had Japanese class. I think Japanese is deep and interesting. Especially, Japanese launguage history is interesting. I like classic literatures and tanka poetry because the writings have taste and flaver. And I think this is beautiful.
  I have same books which I want to read. One of the books is "Houzyouki" writting by Kamono tyoumei. "Houzyouki" says 'Life is but an empty dream.' I want to feel this mood. I want to read "Heike Monogatari" too. This is a book of unknown authorship. When I was high school student, I studyed it. I wasn't interested in it. But I want to read it now because I heard "Heike Monogatari" have beautiful sentence and Japanese.
  Each writing have 'sense of mortality' and said fine piece of writing. (129words)
• 

  Oversleep

  Posted: September 29th, 2009, 2:05pm PDT

  I slept late this morning! So I missed Writting class. Last night, I set alarm before going to bed. But, When my alarm called me in this morning, I stopped alarm and I slept again. I regreted sleeping late and missing class. So I'm going to go to bed early. (50 words)
• 

  The fish

  Posted: September 28th, 2009, 9:57pm PDT

  Our summer vacation finished, and a fall come in Japan. Recently, I often feel a fall because foods are very delicious! Especially, I like fishes. Today, I had grilled fishes. It is Saury and mackerel. This is the best season for this fishes. I like to eat it with grated radish and rice. Let's eat!! (55words)
• 

  New Cellphone

  Posted: August 16th, 2009, 11:27pm PDT

  Today, I brought new cell phone because my old cell phone was outworn and didn't take a beautiful picture. So I brought a cell phone which can take a beautiful picture. And it has a lot of newest functions which my old cell phone didn't have. It was very expensive. But I was so happy. (55words)
• 

  Calamity

  Posted: August 12th, 2009, 11:15pm PDT

  In this summer, calamities struck Japan. There were downpour like a guerilla, Landslide, flood and earthquake. These calamities killed and hurt a lot of people and broke their house and a lot of buildings. It is very grievous state. We don't know when calamity strikes us. We must prepare for the calamities. (52words)
• 

  The Dentist

  Posted: August 10th, 2009, 12:32pm PDT

  Today, I went to the dentist because I have a wisdom tooth which I have to be pull out. There were some patients in the waiting room. My wisdom tooth was taken roentgen. The doctor said "It's bad. It will swell and have numbness after surgery. You will come with preparation next Wednesday." I will go to the dentist and my wisdom tooth will be pulled in next Wednesday. I was scare!! (72words)
• 

  Summer Festival

  Posted: August 7th, 2009, 12:19am PDT

  Today, I watched fireworks in Kumamoto castle with my friend. I met my friends Saiko in downtown. We went to Kumamoto castle. It was very hot and there were many people. We enjoyed talking for waiting fireworks. When fireworks started, people shouted for joy. Fireworks have various colors, many shapes and good sounds. It was so beautiful. I felt summer. Japan has four seasons and enjoys season's testes. Fireworks had been since Edo period. I think that fireworks are nice culture. We were hungry after festival, so we went to a bar. We had some foods and drink. I was happy. (101words)
• 

  Summer Vacation

  Posted: August 1st, 2009, 11:23pm PDT

  I finished tests yesterday. Summer vacation starts! Hot! Hot! Hot! I want to go to summer festival and enjoy watching fireworks. And I will study English and somethings. Especially, I want to know about Kumamoto's history and culture. So I will go and watch around the Kumamoto. I think it is important for me to know my town. And I will read a newspaper everyday. It is important too. I hope this vacation will be fruitful. Have a nice vacation!

Yoshie H

• 

  Clean

  Posted: July 31st, 2009, 10:19pm PDT by Yoshie

  I went to KGU today because I had to clean in the club's room. I went to school at 1 o'clock. When I arrived in club's room, Kensuke doesn't forget a key of club's room. So I could not into the room. We waited him about one hour. He came to us after half an hour. Then, we cleaned in the room. There were a lot of things in the room. There were paint, a kitchen articles, and many nails here. We cleaned it hard. We cleaned it for about one hour. The room became very beautiful. The start settled very much after it had cleaned it though there were a lot of things. It sweated a lot because it was very hot today. However, I’m very glad because the room is very beautiful.
  
  (134words)

Ayako N

• 

  Book Review 5

  Posted: July 30th, 2009, 4:19pm PDT

  

  
  I read a book 'Columbus and the New World.' This was written about Columbus's life.
  Christopher Columbus was born in Italy, in 1451. At the time, a lot of people n the world thought that the earth was flat. But a lot of educated Europeans realized that the earth was indeed round. It was also of great intrest to a young Columbus. And when he was a young man, he studied geography and decided to go to sea. In 1492, Columbus received enough money for the voyage. He had big hopes for his new sea route from Europe to Asia. He and his group sailed west. And he could see land. The land was called 'the Americas.'
  When I was high school student, I learned Colunbus in the history class. I wasn't interested in him. But now I am interested in him. I like his big curiosity and action. Columbus risked his life for New World. I wouldn't be able to risk my life for anything. The voyage always have romance. Someday, I want to travel around the world. Life is often compared to a voyage. There are such proverb;"A journey of a shousand miles begins with a single step." I hope I will achieve something. (206words)
• 

  Essay 5 The worst day in my life

  Posted: July 29th, 2009, 2:19pm PDT

  This is today!! Today will be bad because I must study for a test and post a lot of thing on my blog. I'm in a corner; I'm going to get credit or no credit.
  I have a test tomorrow. The test is about Japanese. I'm Japanese but I don't know that Japanese is deep and hard. There are a lot of words which I didn't hear in textbook. Unfortunately, the range is very wide. And I cut this class six times, so I must get over 80 point in this test for getting the credit. I hate me!!
  Next, I must post a lot of thing on my blog for getting Writing3 credit. There are deadline, I must post two essays and some book reviews by tomorrow otherwise I will get the credit. I didn't get the credit last year. And I must get the credit, because we have job hunting next year. I regret that I didn't post regularly. I hate me!!
  I found it is important to work regularly and industriously. (174words)

Keiko W

• 

  Astronaut Snoopy Exhibition!!

  Posted: July 28th, 2009, 4:46pm PDT by keiko

  
  I have two tickets of Astronaut Snoopy Exhibition.
  My friend gave me because I like Snoopy!
  The reason why I like Snoopy is it is from Minnesota.
  I saw big figure at Minnesota Airport.
  I took a picture there.
  We went the exhibition about Minnesotan History in Minneapolis. We heard explanation about Snoopy by staff.
  I bought a cup at one dolor shop near my host family’s house in Minnesota.
  Now I use the cup in my house♪
  After back to Japan, I said to many my friends that I like Snoopy! Do you know how cute Snoopy is? And so on…
  So they know that I like Snoopy.
  I am going to see the exhibition with my boy friend in summer vacation.
  I am looking forward to go there so much!
  Thank you Asami and Tsubasa!!
  I want you to go this exhibition if you are interested in Astronaut Snoopy!
  Than you for reading my blog. (158words)
• 

  spring BR14 My Best Friend's a Genius

  Posted: July 28th, 2009, 4:21pm PDT by keiko

  I read a book “My Best Friend is a Genius.”
  So I would like to write about this book as book review.
  In this story, there were two boys. They were so friendly.
  Gary is a usual boy. His friend, Miles, is a genius. He is smart and he invents things.
  One day, Miles thought he would like to make hyper phone to connect alien.
  He believed that aliens are exit and he can talk if he invent hyper phone!
  Gary did not think it is enabling but Miles did not listed voices when he wanna make something.
  Miles made a hyper phone few days after. They tried to call…but they did not know what number they should call.
  But suddenly, the mobile phone rang! Miles pressed the speaker phone button.
  A high pitched, squeaky sound came out of the phone. Slowly, the strange sounds turned into words…
  “Who are you and where are you from?” the voice said.
  “My name is Miles. I am from Earth. This is my friend Gary. We are in Australia on Earth. What planet are you from?” said Miles.
  “Planet? I am on Earth.” The voice said.
  “You are not an alien??” said Miles but the voice laughed.
  Miles looked really disappointed.
  At that time, Miles’s mother called Miles and she was angry.
  Miles went downstairs.
  As Miles left the room, the voice on the phone asked, “You say you are in Australia?”
  “Yes,” said Gary.
  “But Australia does not exist any more. It became a part of the Oceanic Republic over 100 years ago.”
  He was surprised and said “What!? …What year is it?”
  The voice said “It is 2156, of course.”
  Suddenly, there was another crackle of electricity and phone went dead.
  Gary pressed “Last number” button.
  But…
  “I am sorry, but the number you are trying to reach is unavailable.”
  Strange voice said.
  It was most strange experience Gary had never had.
  
  I think this story is scary. And I think that I can not put up with these trouble if I was in this situation.(345words)

Yoshie H

• 

  Rechel, See you again.

  Posted: July 28th, 2009, 11:11am PDT by Yoshie

  

  Rechel go back to Canada this morning. She is my friend. She stayed in Kumamoto for a year. I was teached her a lot of things. For example when I'm very hungry, I should say " I have a batufly in my stomack." She teached me a lot of English. I like her very much. I want to see you again soon her.

Keiko W

• 

  spring BR13 Clever Rabbit and the Lion

  Posted: July 28th, 2009, 5:39pm PDT by keiko

  Hello. I am going to talk about a book “Clever Rabbit and the Lion.”
  
  Once upon a time, in a great big jungle lived a great big lion. He had a great big paws and very sharp claws.
  “I am king of the jungle!” He often roared.
  “I am going to eat you all up.”
  “No!” Many small animals cried.
  “Don’t worry,” said clever rabbit. He had a plan.
  One day the lion roar “Where are you all animal? You are small and weak so I am going to eat.”
  Small animals hid from the lion then the clever rabbit was stand front of the lion and he said “I am here. You can eat me!”
  “I tried to come before, but a great big lion stopped me…” he said.
  “I am the only lion in this jungle!” lion said.
  “Not you. This lion has bigger paws and sharper claws!” rabbit said.
  Lion was surprised and he said to rabbit to take him to the lion.
  Clever rabbit led lion to the deep, wide river and said “He lives in there.”
  Lion looked into the water. Another lion looked back. It was his picture but the lion did not notice.
  Lion shoo; his head so other lion did too.
  He leaped at the lion in the water…and he was swept away!
  
  All animals pleased lion has gone. Lion called “Help!” but they said “We can not! We are small and weak!!”
  Lion let out one last roar…and he was never seen again.
  
  I like the last speech, ”We are small and weak!”
  It is funny story and it is easy to read so I did not get tired.
  I would like to recommend this book to everyone.
  Thank you for reading.(292words)
• 

  spring BR12 The Hare and the Tortoise

  Posted: July 27th, 2009, 12:04pm PDT by keiko

  Hi. I would like to talk about the book I read today as a book review. The title of this book is “The Hare and The Tortoise.”
  This is famous story all over the world. The story is one of Aesop’s Fables. Nobody knows exactly who Aesop was, but the stories are still popular today, and they are known all around the world.
  
  In this story, there were a hare called Harry. He is fastest around many animals. They respect him and he thought that he should be fastest in the world. He often be boasting to his friend tortoise called Tom. Tom did not think that Harry was not especially good animal. But Harry was proud of himself and he was always laughing at Tom.
  One day, Harry held a race and Tom tried to run with Harry. Harry never believes that Tom is going to win. They thought so too and they could not understand why Tom decided to join the race.
  Harry did training harder than before but Tom did nothing.
  After start the race, Harry ran so fast and many audiences could not see Harry soon. Tom was running so slowly but he did not in haste.
  As soon as Harry was out of sight, He stopped beside a tree to rest. After all his early morning training, he was very tired. Nobody was looking. He had plenty of time t sit down for a while. He would still win the race easily.
  His eyes started closing. But he thought taking nap would make it even funnier when he won the race.
  Meanwhile, Tom Tortoise was slowly making his was along the course. Most of the audiences had gone straight to the finish line. Nobody saw Harry sleeping under the tree.
  Hours passed. The sun was setting and the air was cool. Harry woke with a start. He remembered the race! He hadn’t meant to sleep for so long… Anyway he stared running.
  He could see the finish line and there were many animals. At that moment he saw a small. Broun shell shape coming up to the line. He ran faster than ever before. But he could not beat Tom…
  
  I think that this story tells us “slow and steady wins the race.”(378words)
• 

  Summer and Autumn

  Posted: July 27th, 2009, 12:51am PDT by keiko

  Hi. I would like to talk about my summer vacation.
  I thought that this summer is last summer for me to enjoy as a university student! But I have no time to use freely maybe.
  I would like to do everything I can for club so I want to use my summer vacation for preparing school festival.
  I do not think that is not most important thing in the university but I wanna do my best and I wanna get prize at last!
  So I am going to spend my summer time with my friends in my club and I am going to make many memories with them.
  Of course I have to go class and study in autumn for graduation!
  Anyway, I am going to do my best in this summer and autumn.(134words)
• 

  spring BR11 MAKING HEADLINES

  Posted: July 27th, 2009, 12:10am PDT by keiko

  Hi. Today, I am going to talk about the book “MAKING HEADLINES.”
  I knew that headline is the words on the news paper because we took the class about Reading three. We learned about news paper and headlines by Mr.Kamimoto.
  In this story, one boy named Magee was warned by teacher,Ms Cramble, because he did not listen her saying. She said to him to work on news paper as his task.
  He joined the team making news paper. There are only one girl whose name is Tilly. She is good at everything. One day, they looked a doubtful boy at the corner in the school ground. Brad Biggens sneaking into the office. And he came out with something in his hand. He quickly pushed whatever it was under his shirt, and ran to the gate.
  Few days after, they could take some photos about Brad and he was arrested by police.
  Tilly and Magee made news paper about the story.
  Next Monday, Ms Cramble was holding the newspaper. “Good headline,” she said. She was giving to Magee funny smile.
  Magee thought that she is talking about the headline “BRAD TAKES NOTES, POLICE TAKE BRAD.” But then Magee saw she was looking at a different story “CLOCK COLLECTOR NOT SO CUCKOO AFTER ALL.”
  
  I could enjoy reading this story. It is funny for me. And I like the ending with Ms Cramble’s speech. I think headline is important for the story and it sometime appears rhythmic sentence.(246words)

Ayaka T

• 

  Hello! OB!

  Posted: July 25th, 2009, 4:08pm PDT by Ayakaaaaa

  Yesterday, I had drink party with OB and OG of circle. One of OB came to Nagasaki for today for the way. I was looing forward to coming today, because we, third glad, like the siniors by the two.
  Today's shop was 'Kyodo-ya-Nono'. When we ordered drinks, we saw a clerek. He was cool!! Girls talked about them!! We are girls!!
  We listened about thier job, today's news. I could get flesh news on jobor hunting job!!. The time when we have to go out came. After that, We took purikura! I had to say good-bye because the last bus will come soon.
  I came home. For a while, my moblie ohone rang. It was "Let's driving by friend's part time job shop" .We went there!!
  I had a great time!! We are going to meet in August! (145 words)

Keiko W

• 

  MY REPORT

  Posted: July 25th, 2009, 12:09am PDT by keiko

  I don't know that it is OK to put my report of KAIGAIKENSHU. But I heard that most of the students who had the class about KAIGAIKENSHU put their reports to their blog so I try it.If it is bad thing, I will not count these words. So if it is not allowed please tell me...
  
  1. Introduction
  How do you welcome Christmas and New Year? Japanese think these days are special days, and American people must think these days are special days, too. This idea is same among both countries.Christmas is a memorial day of the day Jesus Christ was born. Christians have celebrated this day since a long time ago. But now, many people all over the world are joining this celebration even if they are not Christian. For example, in Japan, some people believe in another god, but they celebrate Christmas day with family and friends and boyfriend or girlfriend.New Year is the beginning of a fresh year. Japan has many customs around New Year’s Day. Maybe some other countries have their own customs as well. It is interesting to compare their different customs and life style on New Year’s Day in America and Japan.To explore these different customs, I made a questionnaire for both Japanese and Americans. They answered the same questions. I will compare the differences and similarities that the questionnaire has.
  
  2. In Kumamoto
  In Japan, we spend Christmas with family or friends or boyfriend or girlfriend. We get together in our house or restaurant to eat something special. Children get Christmas presents from Santa Claus, even though it is actually a surprise from their parents.New Years Eve’s is welcomed with family eating buckwheat noodles and going to temples. We ring the watch-night bell each time we go there. We also go to a shrine on New Year’s Day, and often draw a fortune slip. Of course some people spend New Year with their boyfriend or girlfriend. They go to a shrine and draw a fortune slip, too. There are fortune slips especially for “LOVE” so many Japanese couples buy them. But they enjoy these events after cleanup. It is one of the main customs in Japanese end of the year. We have a custom to clean the house. The reason why we clean our house before welcome New Year is to have “TOSHIGAMI” in our house. It is a name of god who comes to each house on New Years Day. From old days to now, many Japanese have continued this custom.According to the questionnaire, some Japanese tend to take a lot of time to spend some events; for example, New Year's visit to a shrine, with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Of course they like their family and friends. But they had an idea that they should to spend these events with their boyfriend or girlfriend.
  
  3. In the US
  According to the questionnaire, American people tend to spend Christmas day with their family and friends. Surprisingly, they do not spend Christmas with their boyfriend or girlfriend. They have a lot of time to spend with their family; they often go to dinner with their family to eat chicken or Mexican foods.Before New Year, they do not clean their house especially like Japanese. They spend time relaxing, eating some foods and watching TV. They do not do any special work. Some Americans wrote on the questionnaire that they were lazy.On New Year’s Day, they gather at someone’s house and eat foods they brought. It is similar to Christmas in America. They enjoy New Years days without customs. If they have boyfriend or girlfriend, they spend New Year’s Day as a couple. They may go to parties with their boyfriend or girlfriend.A few weeks later they do clean their house like Japanese year-end cleanup because the temperature gets warmer. They do this with the good weather in spring, and this is called “spring cleaning.”
  
  4. Conclusion
  Japanese people have some stereotypes about American people. It was that Americans must be crazy about their boyfriends or girlfriends. So I thought that maybe the questionnaires’ answers would be filled by the word “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” and that surely they must be deeply in love. In Japan people are ashamed to be close to their boyfriend or girlfriend in the public places, and they tend to spend annual events only by themselves. They spend with their family before or after that. But, in America, they spend these events with family and friends and it includes their boyfriend or girlfriend. They are so friendly and parents do not mind that their daughter or son is necking.I could not experience the Christmas and New Year in Minnesota directly, so I asked people how they spend Christmas and New Year. My host mother, Alaina, said that they always gather at a friend’s house and all of them bring some special foods. They have a buffet party and they play some games. There are many foods in the kitchen so they go there and dish out what they want to eat as they like.In Japan, they often go outside. They go out to dinner, they go shopping and they go to see Christmas illuminations. If they spend Christmas in their house, they buy or make some special foods and they put dishes which have these foods on the table. They sit on the chair and surround the table. Then, they start to eat and talk together. In Japan, there are Christmas presents for children from their parents. According to the interviews to the Japanese students in Kumamoto Gakuen University, they get these presents on the bedside. In America, they put these presents from parents and relatives under the Christmas tree.In Japan, they prepare the house for New Year. They clean their house and their office hard. They buy round rice cakes offered to the gods at New Year’s time. They eat special foods in the New Year Eve and go to temple to ring the watch-night bell. On the New Year Day, in Japan, children can get New Year’s presents of money from relatives. We eat “Osechi.” It is traditional meal in Japan.After New Year’s days, when it is coming that warm season, Americans begin spring cleaning. They do cleanup their house. It is similar to Japanese year-end cleanup. They are wiser than Japanese because they can do it without cold. They have this opportunity so they do not clean their house at the year-end. They do not do any special work before New Year.(1097words)