Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Everyday English: Heat Wave
Happy Wed to you. Hope you're doing well after a long three-day weekend from Labor Day. It's been hot here -- really hot. There's a great expression for the type of weather we've been having lately: "heat wave."
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Lucky number 7
July 7, 2007 is Earth Day and an important day all over the world. It's important because of the growing need for the world to address fuel, pollution, energy and other issues that are affecting and will affect us in the future.
It also turns out that many couple chose this day to get married. I guess 7/7/07 with it's many 'lucky 7's' is not only an easy anniversary date to remember, but triple lucky as well.
It also turns out that many couple chose this day to get married. I guess 7/7/07 with it's many 'lucky 7's' is not only an easy anniversary date to remember, but triple lucky as well.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Fireworks
Customs
Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated (or parodied), it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism.
Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Fourth of July celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, society and people. Speeches and editorials may invoke American Revolutionary themes such as the founding fathers (including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Washington), the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, and democratic principles such as liberty, freedom, equality under the law, inalienable rights, and representative government.
Families often celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the long weekend or off-day to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue due to the colors of the American Flag. Parades are often held in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at various places, such as public parks and casinos.
[edit] Fireworks
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812. While the "1812 Overture" refers to Russia's defeat of Napoleon, it has been traditionally used by the Boston Pops and broadcast nationwide on PBS, so many Americans also associate this musical work with the July 4th fireworks.
"The Star-Spangled Banner", the USA's national anthem, commemorates the United States flag that was visible by the light of the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. This view of the flag through a night of bomb bursts inspired the captive Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and provided hope for the United States as it defended Fort McHenry.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many firecrackers from less restrictive states, showing that the American people have nevertheless found a way to celebrate "with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations."
Most fireworks shows in the United States end in an intense finale, with a volley of fireworks rapidly launched almost simultaneously. Major displays are held in New York and Boston harbors and on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, also host one of the largest fireworks displays in the world over the Detroit River each year to celebrate both American Independence Day and Canada Day during the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival.
Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated (or parodied), it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism.
Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Fourth of July celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, society and people. Speeches and editorials may invoke American Revolutionary themes such as the founding fathers (including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Washington), the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, and democratic principles such as liberty, freedom, equality under the law, inalienable rights, and representative government.
Families often celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the long weekend or off-day to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue due to the colors of the American Flag. Parades are often held in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at various places, such as public parks and casinos.
[edit] Fireworks
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812. While the "1812 Overture" refers to Russia's defeat of Napoleon, it has been traditionally used by the Boston Pops and broadcast nationwide on PBS, so many Americans also associate this musical work with the July 4th fireworks.
"The Star-Spangled Banner", the USA's national anthem, commemorates the United States flag that was visible by the light of the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. This view of the flag through a night of bomb bursts inspired the captive Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and provided hope for the United States as it defended Fort McHenry.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many firecrackers from less restrictive states, showing that the American people have nevertheless found a way to celebrate "with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations."
Most fireworks shows in the United States end in an intense finale, with a volley of fireworks rapidly launched almost simultaneously. Major displays are held in New York and Boston harbors and on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, also host one of the largest fireworks displays in the world over the Detroit River each year to celebrate both American Independence Day and Canada Day during the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival.
July 4th holiday
Why the fourth?
Though the Fourth of July is iconic to Americans, some claim the date itself is somewhat arbitrary. New Englanders had been fighting Britain since April 1775. The first motion in the Continental Congress for independence was made on June 4, 1776. After hard debate, the Congress voted unanimously, but secretly, for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2 (see Lee Resolution). The Congress reworked the text of the Declaration until a little after eleven o'clock, July 4, when the twelve colonies voted for adoption and released a copy signed only by John Hancock, President of the Congress, to the printers. (The New York delegation abstained from both votes.) Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration with public readings and bonfires on July 8. Not until August 2 would a fair printing be signed by the members of the Congress, but even that was kept secret to protect the members from British reprisals.
John Adams, credited by Thomas Jefferson as the unofficial, tireless whip of the independence-minded, wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
Adams was off by two days, however. Certainly, the vote on July 2 was the decisive act. But July 4, 1776 is the date on the Declaration itself. Jefferson's stirring prose, as edited by the Congress, was first adopted by the July 4th vote. It was also the first day Philadelphians heard the official news of independence from the Continental Congress, as opposed to rumors in the street about secret votes.
[edit] Observance
In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked the Fourth of July with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday July 5.
In 1781, Massachusetts was the first legislature to recognize the Fourth of July.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina held the first celebration of the Fourth of July in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled the Psalm of Joy.
In 1791, the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a holiday, albeit unpaid, for federal employees [1]
In 1941, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a federal paid holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi celebrated the Fourth of July for the first time in 78 years, since the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War on July 4, 1863.
Though the Fourth of July is iconic to Americans, some claim the date itself is somewhat arbitrary. New Englanders had been fighting Britain since April 1775. The first motion in the Continental Congress for independence was made on June 4, 1776. After hard debate, the Congress voted unanimously, but secretly, for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2 (see Lee Resolution). The Congress reworked the text of the Declaration until a little after eleven o'clock, July 4, when the twelve colonies voted for adoption and released a copy signed only by John Hancock, President of the Congress, to the printers. (The New York delegation abstained from both votes.) Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration with public readings and bonfires on July 8. Not until August 2 would a fair printing be signed by the members of the Congress, but even that was kept secret to protect the members from British reprisals.
John Adams, credited by Thomas Jefferson as the unofficial, tireless whip of the independence-minded, wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
Adams was off by two days, however. Certainly, the vote on July 2 was the decisive act. But July 4, 1776 is the date on the Declaration itself. Jefferson's stirring prose, as edited by the Congress, was first adopted by the July 4th vote. It was also the first day Philadelphians heard the official news of independence from the Continental Congress, as opposed to rumors in the street about secret votes.
[edit] Observance
In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked the Fourth of July with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday July 5.
In 1781, Massachusetts was the first legislature to recognize the Fourth of July.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina held the first celebration of the Fourth of July in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled the Psalm of Joy.
In 1791, the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a holiday, albeit unpaid, for federal employees [1]
In 1941, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day a federal paid holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi celebrated the Fourth of July for the first time in 78 years, since the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War on July 4, 1863.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Study English: A Case of the Monday's
"A Case of the Monday's" is a phrase from the cult classic movie, "Office Space." It means that the person with this condition feels depressed because the weekend is over and usually has to go back to work (where he or she doesn't want to be).
For example:
X: You look like you've got a case of the Monday's
Y: Yeah, the weather is way too nice to be couped up in a small cubicle all day.
For example:
X: You look like you've got a case of the Monday's
Y: Yeah, the weather is way too nice to be couped up in a small cubicle all day.
Friday, June 22, 2007
English lesson: TGIF
Do you know the meaning of TGIF? This is an acronym (abbreviation) that stands for, "Thank goodness it's Friday."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Improve Your English Fast
Tips to Improving Your English – FAST!
Write a Journal
Improving your English is like exercising to get fit. You wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) go to the gym for 8 hours a day, everyday. Nor would you spend only a little time only once in a while exercising. Getting fit requires a regular, frequent training schedule. You should take the same approach with studying English. Just start doing a little everyday – start with three sentences per day. Write down thoughts, feelings, make a historical record etc. Anything is fine; just write it down in the same place every time. You should be trying to establish a habit, and habits become part of your routine sooner with repetition and without breaks. Use a notebook or make a journal on your computer. Writing will reveal the gap between what you WANT to say and what you CAN say, as well as grammatical mistakes and word choice issues. When you discover what you don’t know, THAT’S what you should prioritize, memorize and utilize. TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say.
Read Books
Read simple, elementary school or Jr. High school level books. Now, some of you will not believe me on this and go and read trade magazines or other (difficult) things that interest you. But take my word when I say that you’ll improve faster my way. Novels and short stories either fiction or non-fiction are best. Stories will contain the kind of natural, daily English you’ll want to know and use. Memorize the organization of sentences and how thoughts and expressions are written. Then TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say. This will help you become comfortable with simple grammar and make good word choices.
Watch TV & Movies
Start slow. I repeat, start slow. I suggest a routine of 10-15 minutes per day. Again, some of you won’t take my advice and you’ll watch for hours and hours. That’s fine, but I don’t think it’s the most effective way to study. Don't just watch to be entertained. Watch with a pen, paper and dictionary. Turn on the “captions for the hearing impaired” also know as the subtitles. English subtitles should be standard on American DVDs. Pause often to get the word or rewind to hear it again. Watch it once or repeat the same section many times. The key is to understand it. Movies and TV are another good way to get new words and learn how things are said by native speakers. TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say.
Make Everyday an English Lesson
One step out the door means you probably have the opportunity to make conversation with English speakers. But be careful. Don’t wait for someone to speak to you. You have to be proactive. Leave the house every day with a goal to speak at least a little of the English you’ve been studying. Even one or two words are fine. It’s surprising how much easier it is to remember something after you’ve actually used it once successfully. Making mistakes isn’t bad either. If you try and fail, ask the person to correct your English. Then write it down and try it again until you get it right. Think about the English vocabulary you have now. How do you remember it? Your vocabulary is probably limited to the words you must use or like to use everyday. It’s called your comfort zone. The problem is, your “zone” is probably very small and you’re not breaking out of it because you’re not trying to learn anything new. Moreover, the words you’re comfortable with and use daily may even be incorrect, but you don’t know it.
Live like an American
This could be the hardest thing to do on the list. Naturally you’re most comfortable with your native language. I’m sorry to say that you have to let go! Living in a foreign country might feel at times like being thrown off a ship into the deep cold water of the ocean all alone. The water is dark and unfamiliar. You’re afraid that sharks below will devour you and a non-stop flow of giant waves crash in your face as you struggle to keep your head above water. As the ship sails away in the distance you see a lifesaver floating in the water near you. You swim to grab it and hold it tightly to your body. At times you panic and forget you can still swim, but you have the floating device and now the ship is out of sight and left you alone in a huge ocean. The sun is going down and you can see a glimpse of the shoreline as the huge waves carry you up and down. Let’s compare falling into the ocean to the shock of living in a new country with a new lifestyle, culture, language, diet, time zone etc. The ocean and what lies beneath represents your fear of the unknown and what might happen if you make language or cultural mistakes. The waves are the spoken English you can’t catch or understand that you hear daily and mentally pushes you down, makes you tired, and makes you feel like you want to give up. The ship represents your home country and the lifesaver or floating device is the lifestyle, culture, language that you left behind. You feel it’s the only thing keeping you alive. The irony is you have to let go of the floating device to survive. The reality is that you can swim, the water is safe from sharks during the day and the beach is only a few minutes away – if you decide to swim. You can swim faster without the lifesaver and you have to hurry before the sun goes down –before you go back home! Live life, as much as possible, like Americans do. Hanging on to Japanese life, culture and language will only slow you down. Go to American grocery stores, American restaurants, join a club at the YMCA, fitness club etc. where there aren't many Japanese. Watch less Japanese TV, fewer Japanese movies, and read fewer Japanese newspapers. Don't cling so much to Japan and the Japanese way. You will not have a rich, full experience living here if you do.
Write a Journal
Improving your English is like exercising to get fit. You wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) go to the gym for 8 hours a day, everyday. Nor would you spend only a little time only once in a while exercising. Getting fit requires a regular, frequent training schedule. You should take the same approach with studying English. Just start doing a little everyday – start with three sentences per day. Write down thoughts, feelings, make a historical record etc. Anything is fine; just write it down in the same place every time. You should be trying to establish a habit, and habits become part of your routine sooner with repetition and without breaks. Use a notebook or make a journal on your computer. Writing will reveal the gap between what you WANT to say and what you CAN say, as well as grammatical mistakes and word choice issues. When you discover what you don’t know, THAT’S what you should prioritize, memorize and utilize. TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say.
Read Books
Read simple, elementary school or Jr. High school level books. Now, some of you will not believe me on this and go and read trade magazines or other (difficult) things that interest you. But take my word when I say that you’ll improve faster my way. Novels and short stories either fiction or non-fiction are best. Stories will contain the kind of natural, daily English you’ll want to know and use. Memorize the organization of sentences and how thoughts and expressions are written. Then TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say. This will help you become comfortable with simple grammar and make good word choices.
Watch TV & Movies
Start slow. I repeat, start slow. I suggest a routine of 10-15 minutes per day. Again, some of you won’t take my advice and you’ll watch for hours and hours. That’s fine, but I don’t think it’s the most effective way to study. Don't just watch to be entertained. Watch with a pen, paper and dictionary. Turn on the “captions for the hearing impaired” also know as the subtitles. English subtitles should be standard on American DVDs. Pause often to get the word or rewind to hear it again. Watch it once or repeat the same section many times. The key is to understand it. Movies and TV are another good way to get new words and learn how things are said by native speakers. TRY these expressions in real conversation with someone to test how well it expresses what you want to say.
Make Everyday an English Lesson
One step out the door means you probably have the opportunity to make conversation with English speakers. But be careful. Don’t wait for someone to speak to you. You have to be proactive. Leave the house every day with a goal to speak at least a little of the English you’ve been studying. Even one or two words are fine. It’s surprising how much easier it is to remember something after you’ve actually used it once successfully. Making mistakes isn’t bad either. If you try and fail, ask the person to correct your English. Then write it down and try it again until you get it right. Think about the English vocabulary you have now. How do you remember it? Your vocabulary is probably limited to the words you must use or like to use everyday. It’s called your comfort zone. The problem is, your “zone” is probably very small and you’re not breaking out of it because you’re not trying to learn anything new. Moreover, the words you’re comfortable with and use daily may even be incorrect, but you don’t know it.
Live like an American
This could be the hardest thing to do on the list. Naturally you’re most comfortable with your native language. I’m sorry to say that you have to let go! Living in a foreign country might feel at times like being thrown off a ship into the deep cold water of the ocean all alone. The water is dark and unfamiliar. You’re afraid that sharks below will devour you and a non-stop flow of giant waves crash in your face as you struggle to keep your head above water. As the ship sails away in the distance you see a lifesaver floating in the water near you. You swim to grab it and hold it tightly to your body. At times you panic and forget you can still swim, but you have the floating device and now the ship is out of sight and left you alone in a huge ocean. The sun is going down and you can see a glimpse of the shoreline as the huge waves carry you up and down. Let’s compare falling into the ocean to the shock of living in a new country with a new lifestyle, culture, language, diet, time zone etc. The ocean and what lies beneath represents your fear of the unknown and what might happen if you make language or cultural mistakes. The waves are the spoken English you can’t catch or understand that you hear daily and mentally pushes you down, makes you tired, and makes you feel like you want to give up. The ship represents your home country and the lifesaver or floating device is the lifestyle, culture, language that you left behind. You feel it’s the only thing keeping you alive. The irony is you have to let go of the floating device to survive. The reality is that you can swim, the water is safe from sharks during the day and the beach is only a few minutes away – if you decide to swim. You can swim faster without the lifesaver and you have to hurry before the sun goes down –before you go back home! Live life, as much as possible, like Americans do. Hanging on to Japanese life, culture and language will only slow you down. Go to American grocery stores, American restaurants, join a club at the YMCA, fitness club etc. where there aren't many Japanese. Watch less Japanese TV, fewer Japanese movies, and read fewer Japanese newspapers. Don't cling so much to Japan and the Japanese way. You will not have a rich, full experience living here if you do.
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