The Doll Festival

Today is the Doll Festival in which we celebrate for girls in Japan.

I wanted to make "chirashi-sushi", but I was not sure that I could do it, so I prepared something similar to it for my dinner tonight.

This is totally my original dish. What do you think of it!? The yellow part is boiled yolks which were already separated from egg whites. The green one is boiled Nanohana.

This is Tsurushi-bina which I bought in Izu several years ago. I can enjoy such a beautiful ornament at this time of the year!!

IE3 Core Book Report #2

Book Report No.2

1)MLA CITATION
Steinbeck John, East of Eden, London: Penguin Books Ltd, 97 pages, 2001

2)RESPONDING TO THE PLOT
If I were Adam, I wouldn’t have married Cathy even if she was beautiful. Even after Adam found out that Cathy cheated on him with his brother, he chose to raise the twins as his own children. This is beyond my understanding, but I wonder if Adam was trying to show his love to Cathy. If I were the author, I wouldn’t describe Cathy as an evil woman in nature. I would rather think her evilness was not from biological reason but acquired in her childhood. However, I found Cathy tried to be a mother of Aaron by killing herself to leave her fortune to him. I think she could gain humanity at the end of her life even if the way she showed her love to her son was wrong.

Quotation 1: “How do I know? I’m supposed to look after him?” (Page 91)
This is a word of Caleb to his father, Adam when being asked about his missing brother, Aaron. The reason I choose this quotation is that I find the same expression in Cain and Abel story in the Bible as follows. “The Lord said to Cain, ‘where is your brother?’ And he said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’” I have known East of Eden was written from the Bible and used many direct quotations from it. However, in this case, I think that Steinbeck used the indirect quotation cunningly and effectively. He was trying to say that Caleb was in the same situation as Cain whose offerings were not accepted by God. I found Caleb was lying in anger and just crying for being loved by his father.

Quotation 2: “He acted in anger, Adam, because you had rejected him. The result of that anger is that his brother and your son is dead. Your son is marked with guilt---- almost more than he can stand. Adam, can you hear me? Forgive him!” (Page 96)
This is a word of Lee to Adam who is a Chinese housekeeper of the Trusks. I choose this quotation because it also reminds me of Cain who killed his brother in jealousy and then suffered from guilty and destiny. I think Lee was playing an important role in mediating between Adam and Caleb and in telling Adam how important forgiveness was.

3) ANALYZING 7 LITERARY TERMS
1.Setting: The time is between the mid 19th and the beginning of 20th century, and the location is in Salinas Valley in Northern California. During that time, Civil War and World War I took place.

2. Point of View: Omniscient
3.Conflict: Cyrus vs. Charles, Charles vs. Adam, Adam vs. Caleb and Caleb vs. Aaron. There are always conflicts between fathers and sons and between brothers from generation to generation. There is also a struggle between Caleb and evil in him.
4.Climax: His father’s rejection made Caleb become desperate and cause his brother’s death. Adam who was too shocked to become sick in bed realized all humans were imperfect and could have a choice to live a moral life.
5.Symbols: The Salinas Valley symbolizes East of Eden where humans have perpetually struggled with the choice between good and evil as Cain and Abel have in the Bible. Charles’s scar corresponds to “marks of Cain” which means a proof of guilt.
6.Irony: Adam realized Aaron’s death was resulted from his preference for one son over another. What Caleb did for his father was rejected by his father. Abra found herself falling in love with Caleb because he was imperfect.
7.Theme: “Humans are inevitably caught “in a net of good and evil.” However, they always have a freedom to overcome evil, with love, acceptance, generosity and forgiveness.

4) REFLECTINHE STORY
What I found shocking is that how evil Cathy set her house on fire to kill her parents and shoot Adam on his shoulder and exploited many people to her own advantage. It was surprising that Cyrus, Adam’s father, stole money when he was in the army and left fortune to their sons. In addition, it was also surprising that Abra actually loved Caleb. I found out that she became more matured and realistic than I thought, so Aaron who didn’t experience struggles and was innocent for his age was not enough for her. Also, it was burden for her to be ideal and perfect. I think she found Caleb more humane and felt comfortable with him. Compared to people in Salinas Valley, I found my life very ordinary. Many immigrants came to New World to realize American Dream. However, Lee’s choice in life was more restricted than others because of his racial background. I guess racial discrimination was harsh at the time in the U.S, so I am lucky I have never experienced it in my life. The original book was written about three generations of the Hamiltons and the Trusks but only the last one was made into a film. I watched the film in which James Dean was playing Caleb vividly. In the book, Caleb was described as a boy with dark skin and hair, so I thought Dean’s looks didn’t match Caleb’s image, but his performance was incredible. In the film, I wonder why Lee’s part was removed from the story even though his role was very important. Extraordinary human histories of Salinas Valley including his grandfather, Samuel Hamilton’s autobiography have inspired him to write this book. I agree with the author’s view of people because I think we always have struggles between good and evil in our everyday lives. I learned it is natural for humans to find themselves an evil such as jealousy, anger and hatred, but they have a freedom to overcome their evil. After reading this book, I am relieved to know that humans are imperfect and so make a mistake, but can also do good by their own choice. Although I didn’t expect Abra actually loved Caleb, but I was glad that he was loved by someone and saved by her love and acceptance.
Works Cited: SPARK NOTES
http://www.sparknote.com/lit/eantofeden/themes.html

My Fall Semester!!

In fall semester, I started to attend a regular church service on campus occasionally because I was required to do for Religion class. At first, I was reluctant to do it, but I was getting interested in it and found it a good opportunity to reflect on myself. Many lectures have encouraged me to keep a healthy mind. In addition, Religion class also inspired my thoughts in many respects.

Next, I could finish my computer literacy program which made me sick all the time. Hope my computer skills have improved.

Finally, IE 3 course was challenging for me sometimes. Especially, my writing teacher was tough!! However, I definitely think that my writing ability has improved. This blogging is also included in IE course assignments. I believe that this has helped me to brush up my writing skills. In this course, I have experienced making drama in English with my classmates!! I was so embarrassed about it because of my poor English and performance... However, I have to be more confident if i want to be an English teacher. Unfortunately, I think I could not improve my communication skill, compared to writing one, so I would like to improve my speaking ability in the next semester!!!

Reviewing the last year, I became a AGU student worrying I could get along with my classmates who were much younger than me. I was prepared to be like a fish out of water in class, but every one treated me friendly and warmly. So, I would like to show my appreciation to all of my teachers and classmates!!

Thank you everyone and hope your great success in English!!!

IE3 Core: Newpaper Article Discussion #3

Summary:

A draft version of new teaching guidelines requires high schools to give English classes in the language, in principle. The revised guidelines are to be implemented in 2013 and some schools have already introduced the new approach. However, English teachers have been accustomed to give lessons focusing on grammar and direct translation into Japanese, conducting lessons in the language has caused anxiety among English teachers and also a huge challenge for them. The issue is whether English teachers are really capable of adopting the new approach. Many can adjust it because they are professionals in English education. However, according to an expert in Education, there is concern that local school teachers can meet the level required for them. To begin with, they should be offered training programs designed to improve their teaching skills in the language.

Discussion:

1) What do you think of the new approach?

2) Are you interested in teaching English? If so, do you want to teach
English in the language?

3) What do you think about a growing gap among teachers between the
city (metropolitan) and the local area?

Vocabulary:

1) rephrase 発言・質問などを（わかりやすい言葉で）言い換える、書き換える
2) plot-school　実験的な、試験的な学校
3) start from scratch 最初からやり直す、仕切り直す

IE Writing 3 #2

TYPES OF FEMALE FASHION STYLES

After World WarⅡ, women became fashionable with “the advent of cheap color printing in 1960s which led a huge boost in sales of fashion magazines,” according to Wikipedia. Nowadays, through the media including TV, fashion magazines and fashion blogs, women can easily catch on to trends and satisfy their desire to experience something new or interesting. In addition, celebrities and charismatic fashion models have accelerated the atmosphere in which women try to imitate their styles. On the other hand, women try to express their own sense of beauty which represents identities or individualities. Female fashion styles have become more diverse than ever and can be roughly classified into five types on the basis of popular tastes in women’s clothing.

The first type is called “Classic.” It has images that are basic, elegant and conservative and can also be identified with “Trad” (Traditional.) For example, British styles such as tailored suits and trench coats are included in this category. Based on monotone colors, this style is not affected by trends and suits a formal setting.

The second type is called “Mode.” It has images that are stylish, modern, urban and sophisticated. According to Wikipedia, this style appears in the so-called “high fashion” magazines covering designer brands such as Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Therefore, the design seems artistic but unsuitable for daily activities. In this sense, celebrities can be regular customers of this style.

The third type is called “Feminine.” This style has images that are soft, gentle, cute and romantic. Pastel colors such as ivory and pale pink are frequently used for this taste. In addition, the design is characterized by floral patterns, ribbons and frills, and heart and star motifs. A see-through blouse and a flared skirt are also included in this category. Many young women tend to select this style for a date.
The forth type is called “Sporty & Casual.” This style has images that are active, mannish and functional. In general, designed in unisex size, it is the opposite from “Feminine.” T-shirts, parkas and jeans are typical examples of this style. The so-called “American Casual” including “Country & Western” is included in this category. This style is the most common and popular in the world.

The fifth type is called “Natural.” This style has images that are simple, comfortable and relaxing. Made with natural materials such as cotton or linens, it is regarded as eco-friendly. Ethnic style of dressing is also included in this category. In general, “Natural” clothing is suitable for relaxing at home or gardening.

In this way, female fashion styles vary from one taste to another. Women can enjoy a variety of fashion in many ways. Some copy the latest fashion in magazines while others choose the dresses which can express their characters and originality. In this sense, fashion can be a mirror in which they can see the reflection of themselves. On the other hand, it can also be a mask which enables them to become someone different or ideal.

Works Cited:
Wikipedia / Fashion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion
Wikipedia / モード系:
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E7%B3%BB
ファッションの分類:
http://color.kagennotuki.jougennotuki.com/colore/fashion-classification.html

Arnie Grape

In the film, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”, Leonardo DiCaprio is playing a mentally-handicapped boy, Arnie Grape, while Jonny Depp is playing a main character, Gilbert Grape, who is Arnie's brother. However, Leo is more impressive than Jonny in this movie and I believe Arnie is the best one among Leo’s performances ever. Of course, he is great in Titanic as well. Anyway,I like when he was younger better than he is now!!

BAGEL

When I was in Boston, I got used to eating bagel for a break, so after coming back to Japan, I had it almost everyday. However, I haven't had it since I started orthodontic four years ago. If the orthodontic is over half months from now, I would like to eat bagel a lot again!!

Korean Cuisine

Tonight, I visited my sister's house to have dinner together. She has learned to cook Korean for three years and so invited me to show her skills. Toppoki and Wakame soup were so delicious!!! I like Korean, so I'll ask her how to cook them sometime. I also had strawberries as a desert. It was so sweet that I couldn't stop eating them!

Cooked Radish ★★★

On my way home from school, I stopped by some supermarkets and saw a radish look delicious. I decided to buy one for dinner tonight. I never cooked a radish, so I was worried if I could do well. However, the taste was better than I expected maybe because it was the best in winter. Today, I realized that the prices are quite different depending on supermarket. I was little shocked that I bought some food with higher price... I should be more creful to buy something as cheaply and reasonably as possible.

Kagurazaka

I lived alone in Kagurazaka three years ago because my workplace was close to it. It took about 25 minutes on foot, which was a good exercise in the morning. My place was pretty small and could get little sunshine, but it was located in the center of Kagurazaka with many nice restaurants. Some fancy Japanese-style restaurants which is called Ryotei in Japanese still remain and so we can enjoy the classical Japanese atmosohere here and there in Kagurazaka. Some French restaurants are also there because French embassy is located nearby and many French people live there. I had a lot of chances to try them, but never did either. Tori-chaya is the only place where I used to go often. Every time my mother visited me, we had Udon-suki which was a speciality of the house. Tori-chaya is located in front of Torii of Bisyamonten which is a symbol of Kagurazaka. I sometimes miss Kagurazaka, but I don't wanna go back to the small apartment. On February 4th which is my mother's birthday, I would like to take her to Tori-chaya for the first time in three years !!!

Bath & Body Works

Bath and Body Works is a famous body care shop in the United States. When I lived in Boston, I liked to look around the store to try items with various fragrances. The items were fairly cheap and so useful as a gift. I often bought them for my American friends. Even after I came back to Japan, I have wanted to use them, but I knew there was no chain store in Japan. I can order them from online-shopping, but I know they are not that expensive in the U.S., so I never bought them in Japan.

However, one day, my sister got some from her friend who came back from the U.S. and gave me one which was a hand soap with a rainkissed leave's fragrance. It smells very good! Then, I checked the latest lineups on the Internet. I found nice items with Coconut Lime fragrance, so let me introduce them!!! One is a shower gel and the other is a hand cream.

Chi-chi & Sally

This manga has been favored by regular readers for about 50 years. When I was a child, I found some of the series of this manga in my house and very much enjoyed reading them. I didn't expect this manga has still continued, so I was very pleased about it. I would really like to resume reading the following series. This manga is like a four-frame cartoon, so it's very easy to read. Chi-chi who is a main character of this story is very short while her boy friend, Sally, is very tall. Chi-chi is funny and cute while Sally is handsome and kind. They seem imbalanced on first sight, but reading this book, you can find them the best couple soon. Even her jealousy on Sally seems very cute!! Sally seems a perfect guy, so I envy Chi-chi!!!

IT'S A COLD DAY!!

It was so cold today that I felt blue all day. In addition, I didn't do well on the final tests either in Education or in Listening class. I became even blue because of that. When I was leaving school after 6 pm, it got much colder. My friend and I walked to Fuchinobe Station complaining about that cold! On my way home from the nearest station, I came by a supermarket to buy some groceries for dinner. As soon as I come home on Fridays, I'm always feel hungry, but didn't this time because I had late lunch after 4pm. So, I prepared dinner after 10pm. and now finished it. Eating this late at nigh, I 'm worried if I'm gaining weights! I definitely need some exercises!!

SCHOOL'S GOT STARTED

Sadly, my winter vacation has passed so quickly. Not until today, did I realize that I had a final test in Education class tomorrow!! I got upset about that and I started working it right away. I'm going to have another test in tomorrow morning, so I have to go to bed as soon as possible, but I have to study for Education Psychology. I'm already sleepy though. I have no idea when I can get a sleep...

ITCHY SKIN

These days, I have been suffering itchy skin in the back from dryness. Have you had that itchiness? I always take care of other part of skin with moisturizing cream, but it's hard for the back to be cured. Maybe, oral medicine could relieve the trouble, so I should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

CAME BACK TO MY PLACE

Last night, I returned to Yokohama where I live alone from winter vacation.　My sister and her daughter also came to spend New Years celebration with us, so I was brought to Tokyo by her car on her way back home. I was dropped off the car before Nakameguro station then took a train to Yokohama. Although I had been away from my place just for a week, I found my own place more comfortable than my family home maybe because it's smaller and cozier. I felt hungry but didn't feel like cooking, so I rewarmed a beef stew like this!!

Oshogatsu②

Yesterday, my parents and I went to Akasaka to visit Hie Shrine. It was so crowded that we had to wait our turn to stand before the altar. Then, I consulted an oracle which meant fairly good fortune. On our way back home, I saw a bunch of people waiting for runners joining Hakone Ekiden to pass through the street. Fortunately, we happened to see a runner in light blue passing by the street while our car was stopping at the red light. However, it was little far from my sight, so I couldn’t see which university the runner was belonged to. As far as I know, AGU was supposed to have joined the race for the first time in 33 years… No matter what the result was, just to participate in such a big event is honorable.

Oshogatsu①

It was a beautiful day today, so I felt like taking pictures. First, let's take pictures of Oshogatsu items! Seeing these things, I can steel myself and want to make a fresh start for New Year. My New Year's resolution is to be punctual!!

My mom makes Zoni every year like this!! I feel like eating it at this time of the year!

This is my house's garden! It's a very Japanese style, isn't it!? I rarely watch the garden carefully, but I found it quiet, beautiful and relaxing this time. I took pictures of it to show you some!!

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

I wish your happiness and good health for the year !!

2009

Memories in N.Y

When I was in Boston about ten years ago, I spent New Year's Eve in New York with my friend. It was first time for us to visit N.Y., so I remember that we were very excited about that. First day, we stayed at Carlton Arms Hotel because it was fairly cheap for New Years. My friend, Hiroko found the hotel in Chikyu-no-Arukikata and reserved it. I didn't expect how unique and strange it was, so I was shocked into silence as soon as I came into the hotel. Everything displayed in the hotel made me frightened. However, I didn't say to Hiroko that I wanted to change the hotel, because she kindly arranged for the hotel. For some, it could be artistic, but for me, it meant nothing other than weird. In addition, we had to ask the caretaker for the room key every time we went in and out of our room, so it was quite inconvenient!! Moreover, to our surprise, we saw a mouse in our room!!! We couldn't stand anymore and decided to leave the hotel as soon as possible. However, every hotel was crowed with tourists coming to celebrate New Years at that time, so we couldn't find another hotel easily. However, we finally found a hotel which was located in Korean town and were totally released from the nightmare experience. Next day, Hiroko and I could fulfill our mission that we joined the countdown at Times Square in N.Y. We were just overwhelmed by many people there. Personally, I found it not that exciting and thought just one time was enough...

This is a image of 2009's countdown in Times Square. Just feel the atmosphere!!