"Real English13-15 minutes of fame"

Recently, because of twitter and facebook, many more people are getting their 15 minutes of fame.

"15 minutes of fame" means that "everyone will become world-wide famous for at least 15 minutes some time during their life."

The below photos, taken by Mr.M, really inspire me. Breathtaking views!! Thanks!

"be sure to"

Yesterday, Ms. M sent me an email, and in the end of the email she said, "I will be sure to check the blog before the next class."

I was happy.

The blog is a good way to study and improve your English, and more people should check the blog more often I think...

Anyway, let's get to it. I want to explain the meaning of "be sure to" and some other expressions which have a similar meaning.

1. Be sure to call me when you arrive. (Whenever I visit my parents in America, my mother says this to me every time without fail.)

2. Be sure to take your umbrella with you today, the forecast is for rain!!

And some other expressions which have the same or similar meanings to "be sure to":

"Remember to"

1. "I will be remember to check the blog before the next class."

2. Did you remember to take out the trash this morning? (My father always said this to me when I was a child.)

"not forget to"

1. Don't forget to call me when you arrive.

2. Don't forget to take your umbrella with you today, the forecast is for rain!!

"make sure to"

1. Make sure to call me when you arrive.

2. Make sure to take your umbrella with you today, the forecast is for rain!!

As you can see, the above expressions all have basically the same meaning.

One more expression, which also means like "remember," but is used in a different way than they above expressions is:

"bear in mind that"

1. You should bear in mind that he is just a child.

2. Bear in mind that he just began working here, and still doesn't know the ropes.

On to a completely different topic, did you know that I LOVE pizza and HATE olives!

How about you?

Is there any food which you hate? How about love?

Cherry Blossom Forecast

I went to the park yesterday, but to my surprise the cherry blossoms had not bloomed yet...I thought "Why? This year the cherry blossoms are late..."

So, then I came back to the classroom and I googled "cherry blossom report Osaka 2012."

And, this is what I got: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html

According to the above site, the cherry blossoms will bloom on April 2nd, and the best viewing time is from April 9th to the 17th.

Wow!!! That is really late...But I am excited to do my two or three annual cherry blossom picnics with my wife this year. Weather permitting, that is...

To change the subject, "What's your favorite Korean import?"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111108vf.html

My answer: Girl's generation!! Just joking!!

My wife's answer: Korean seaweed.

What's your answer?

"Real English 12-on a roll"

"Roll" has many meanings.

For example:

a bread roll:

Can I get another bread roll please?

Roll down the window (of a car)

Please roll down the window, I want to get some fresh air.

Roll around on the floor (in pain)

After the player sprained his ankle, he was rolling around on the ground.

Roll up one's sleeves

I rolled up my sleeves and got a lot accomplished yesterday at work.

Roll the dice

You have to roll the dice sometimes...

And my favorite, "on a roll"

Recently, I am on a roll!!!

Do you get all of the above?

I have hay fever.

I can't believe it....

I just realized it yesterday while I was walking with my wife.

Here is our dialogue:

Glenn: A few weeks ago, my nose, the inside of my nose, hurt. I didn't know what was wrong...and after about a week, it got better. But then again, this morning, it hurt...What do you think it is?

Wife: Oh! Welcome to the club! You have hay fever.

Glenn: No way. My nose is not itchy, and my eyes are not itchy. Just my nose hurts. That can't be hay fever...

Wife: As usual, you are wrong my darling. There are many types of hay fever. You have to study more.

So, I googled "hay fever" this morning. And, she was right. I never used to pay attention to the "pollen count reports" on the tv news because I thought it had nothing to do with me. But from now I have to keep my eye on those reports.

Do you know of any good ways to protect myself from the terrible pollen flying around everywhere? If yes, please give me some advice!!

"Real English 11-Linsanity"

Have you ever heard of "Linsanity"? It will probably be one of the top 10 new words of 2012, so you should pay attention.

Linsanity refers to the craze over a man named Jeremy Lin.

For your reference:

insane=crazy

He is insane=crazy.

That is insane.=That is crazy(ridiculous, unbelievable!)

insanity=craziness

Lin + insanity=Linsanity

The following excerpt is from Wikipedia:

"Jeremy Shu-How Lin[1] (born August 23, 1988) is an American professional basketball player with the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). After receiving no athletic scholarship offers out of high school and being undrafted out of college, the 2010 Harvard University graduate reached a partially guaranteed contract deal later that year with his hometown Golden State Warriors.

Lin seldom played in his rookie season and was assigned to the NBA Development League (D-League) three times. He was waived by Golden State and the Houston Rockets the following preseason before joining the Knicks early in the 2011–12 season. He was again assigned to the D-League and continued to play sparingly. In February 2012, he unexpectedly led a winning streak by New York while being promoted to the starting lineup, which generated a global following known as Linsanity. Lin is one of the few Asian Americans in NBA history, and the first American player in the league to be of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.[2]"

I love basketball, but I was never very good at it. Last year I actually bought a basketball and shot some hoops at a park near my house. It was fun and one day I played a pick-up game against a high school kid. We played to 11. After about 10 minutes, I was winded. Then, after he beat me 11-9, I was huffing and puffing and completely out of breath. That's why now I prefer to only watch.

"Real English 10-A moment of Silence"

This Sunday at 2:46pm will mark one year since the earthquake hit...triggering the tsunami and the catastrophe that followed...

So, I would like to take a moment of silence now for all of the victims of this tragedy.

On Sunday, the Nagoya's Women's Marathon will be held. Mr. T told me in class yesterday that the time limit to finish this marathon is 7 hours and 1 minute. He said that usually the time limit is on the dot, for example 7 hours. But he said that at 2:46pm all of the runners and the supporters will stop and take a moment of silence for the victims of Great East Japan Earthquake.

I think it is a good idea and I will do the same on Sunday too.

Speaking of that marathon, Ms. T and her sister and friend will run in it.

Good luck and be safe girls!!

"Real English 9- Bread and Butter"

I went to a Le Comptoir de Benoit, a french restaurant in Nishi Umeda, last Saturday night with my wife. I wined and dined her.

(FYI, this restaurant got ONE STAR from Michelin Restaurant Guide.)

Whether you want to hear it or not, here is my restaurant review.

The pros:

The good is very good. I especially recommend caviar to start off, sauteed pork for the entree, and the chocolate whiskey something for dessert.

The atmosphere is very nice.

If you sit at a regular table, the view of the city is breathtaking!

If you sit at the bar, which is in front of the "open" kitchen, like we did, you can watch the chefs do their thing. That is always fun. Plus, drinks are 20% at the bar!

There is a large selection of wine, ranging from around 3000yen to VERY EXPENSIVE.

The service was good.

The cons:

The last order is at 9:30pm. This is because the restaurant is in the building "Breeze-Breeze" which closes at 11pm. 9:30pm is not too early for last order for food, but if you want to relax and drink slowly, it is a little too early I think.

It is a little expensive.

The portions are a little small (for a big American guy with a big appetite like me).

It is French (enough said).

All in all, if your budget is around 15,000yen for two people, I recommend it for a special night out.

And now let's get to Real English, Bread and butter.

Can you understand all of the below?

1. The bread and butter was delicious. Can I get some more please?

(I always order extra bread and butter in a restaurant. In America, it is NORMAL!!! Many not-so-intelligent Americans like moi get full on bread and butter(which are of course free) even before the appetizers come! But Japanese never do such a stupid thing. Plus, in Japan, there is usually an additional cost for bread and butter.)

2. Although Mr. X appears on TV sometimes as a "television personality," his bread and butter is writing.

3. Darvish's fastball is his bread and butter.

March 1st

Today is the first day of March.

I like March because it means:

no more cold weather so I can put away my kairo hot pads until next winter

warmer temperatures and more sun so I can get a suntan and wear shorts

the beginning of spring so I can see and smell the flowers

and cherry blossoms so I can have a "cherry blossom viewing party"

and much more!!

How about you?

Do you like March?

What do you think of when you think of March?

And, one more question:

What animal do you think of when you think of Japan?

from The Japan Times Online

Read the below for various answers.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120221vf.html

"Real English 8-It's a wash"

I know that you think you know the meaning of "wash", like when used like this:

1. It was a gorgeous day, so I washed my car last weekend.

2. I am going to wash up before dinner.

3. Would you like a cut only, or also a wash?

But do you understand this one!?

4. It's a wash!

Read the below dialogue and maybe you can infer the meaning.

If not, look it up in the dictionary or ask me!

Glenn) Thanks for lending me 2000yen the other night at Karaoke.

Friend) Don't worry about it. I know you would do the same thing for me.

Glenn) I was really embarrassed that I ran out of money. I lost track of how much money I had, and you know, times are tough, and I am on a tight budget recently... Anyway, I want to pay you back now, so here you go (handing over two 1000yen bills.)

Friend) What about the interest?

Glenn) The interest?! What are you kidding me?! Are you a bank, or loan shark, or somethine.

Friend) I am just pulling your chain!! Now we are even. It's a wash.

Glenn) Cool. I appreciate it.

To change the subject, on Wednesday night, the Japan Under 23 (or 21, I forget) Olympic Soccer team advanced to the next round in the upcoming summer London Olympics with a 4-0 win over Malaysia. So, while on the Olympic topic, how about this:

"Tokyo: Do you think Tokyo should bid for the 2020 Olympics?"

from the Japan Times Online

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20110705vf.html

Tomatoes

I heard that the supermarkets are out of tomatoes, tomato juice, and other tomato-related products recently.

Do you know why?

The reason is that the results of a recent study on the relationship of tomatoes and the metabolic system were released. The study found that tomatoes can boost the metabolic system which can lead to weight loss.

Basically the headlines in Japan are like "If you eat tomatoes, you can lose weight!"

Just eat tomatoes, and you can lose weight.

That is ridiculous and the craziest thing I have ever heard.

Well, not actually the craziest...

This is a repeat.

A few years ago, the "Natto (fermented soy beans) Diet" and the "Banana Diet" were big hits in Japan, and there weren't any natto or bananas on the shelves then either.

Are people really that gullible?

No sweat, no tears, no pain, NO GAIN!

There aren't any shortcuts people!!

"Real English 7- Whatever"

Situation 1:

Friend) What do you want to do tonight?

Glenn with a smile) Whatever.

Situation 2:

Friend) What do you want to do tonight?

Glenn with a straight face or frown) Whatever.

Do you understand the difference of the meaning of "whatever" in situation 1 and situation 2?

If not, I'll explain it in class, just remind me!!

To change the subject,

"What website could you not live without?" from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120117vf.html

My answer: I couldn't live without the site for "JLTP Kanji Project" because I use it every day to study Japanese.

Top 3 Favorite Things

It has been a grey and dreary couple of days, with a lot of cold rain.

But, I don't want to sulk about it. "Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow..."

Besides, it is Valentine's Day!

As many of you know, Valentine's Day in America and in Japan are VERY different.

If you don't know how different, then just ask me and I will explain.

(Or if you search in the archives from February of past years on this blog, you can find the answer for yourself.)

This article and question from The Japan Times Online is interesting:

"What are your three favorite things about Japan?"

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120207vf.html

My answer is easy! My three favorite things in Japan are:

Go-han (white rice), Shochu (no translation), and Kyoko (my wife)!!

But not necessarily in that order!!!

How about you?

"Real English 6-Call the shots"

1. "Let me clue you in. He may not be the boss, but he is the one who call the shots."

2.

Friend:Who calls the shots in your house?"

Glenn: That's easy...my wife.

To change the subject, I am an avid bicycle rider, so I am interested in the following article.

"What do you think of the recent police crackdown on bicyclists who break the rules?"

From the Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120124vf.html

Crunch

That's the sound my glasses made when I stepped on them this morning...Needless to say, they broke.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......................................................

Great start to the day...

I think I need to get away for the weekend and go skiing or something....

Wing Bowl

Have you ever heard of the Wing Bowl!? If not, you are missing out!

From Wikipedia:

"Wing Bowl is an annual eating contest founded in 1993 by Philadelphia talk-radio hosts Angelo Cataldi and Al Morganti as a celebration of gluttony. The contest was first broadcast on WIP (AM). About 10 people attended Wing Bowl I (held in a hotel) in 1993 to see a competition between two contestants. The event pits competitive eaters in a chicken wing eating contest. The Wing Bowl is traditionally held on the Friday preceding the Super Bowl. The event, which began as a radio promotion, has grown to encompass television, the Internet, and a contest for women who are termed "the Wingettes."

It is currently held at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center, where it is still broadcast live on 94-WIP-FM. There are currently no television deals to broadcast the event live; however, a replay is usually shown on WPSG, Comcast SportsNet, or one of the other local stations within the following week. The Wing Bowl now draws crowds of 20,000 or more."

This year, the famous Japanese eater Kobayashi was crowned the Champ!

"Kobayashi wins chicken wing crown"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120205a3.html

And this is my father's take on this year's event and Kobayashi's triumph:

"won 20K.......downed over 300 in 30 minutes

(2nd Place got a car & nicest "Wingette" got a Harley)

two 14 minute halfs....

with a bonus round for another 2 minutes.....

shattered previous record....

he was only 90 behind the record at the end of the first half.

and has a woman translator with him who talks on the radio. "

"Real English 5-Heads up!"

Before I get to Real English 5, let me touch on a few subjects.

First, it is really cold recently!! If you are a skier, then this is the perfect weather for you. But if you hate the cold like I do, then this season is tough. I saw on the news that many people have been going to their chiropractor or massage therapist to get treatment for bad backs, stiff shoulders, and various other tight muscles. According to my massage therapist, the cold is not good for such ailments!

Yesterday, I saw snow for the first time this winter. There was just a flurry, and only for a few minutes. Even though I despise the cold, I have to admit that this scene was beautiful.

But, snow makes the roads treacherous, and driving is dangerous on the icy roads, especially if you don't have special tires, or chains on your tires. Also, did you see the news about the avalanche the other day...very sad news.

On to a more light topic, the spring season of the Japanese Baseball League began this week. Most, if not all, of the teams conduct spring training in Okinawa where the weather is warmer, which makes it easier to for the players to stay healthy. Cold weather can cause muscles to tighten, thus making it easier for the players to get injured. Similarly, many teams in the Major League do spring training in sunny Florida and Arizona, where the weather is ideal to get ready for the long season ahead.

Now, on to "Real English 5-Heads Up!"

Do you understand the meaning of the below two examples?

1. Heads up!

2. I just want to give you a heads up. The boss ain't in a good mood today!

And before I take a break, some more fodder for the blog.

Osaka: What do you think of the new mayor, Toru Hashimoto, and his plan to merge the Osaka city and prefectural governments?

From The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120131vf.html

"Real English 4-Occupy"

Actually, "occupy" was selected as the "Number 1 word of 2011" by the "Global Language Monitor." Every year the GLM makes a "Top 10 Words" list after analyzing the use of language(words) in social media, the Internet, blogs, and both print and electronic media all over the world.

"1. Occupy — The preferred verb of protesters occupies the top spot this year. Not only has "occupy" risen to fame because of the Occupy Movement (Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Oakland, etc.), it is also used in the context of the occupation of Iraq and the so-called "Occupied Territories." "

In addition to the above meaning, "occupy" also has some other meanings.

For example;

1. The gym I go to, Konami Sports Shinsaibashi branch, occupies the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th floor of the XXX Building.

2. "Excuse me, is this seat occupied?"

3. "We are very sorry Mr. Gross, but there are no vacancies. All of the rooms are occupied tonight."

And, this is a little extra tidbit. I was surprised to see that this word?,, or maybe I should say term, was Number 8 on the Top 10 list:

" 8. 3Q — This texting shorthand for "thank you" may have arisen as a combination of the Mandarin and Japanese word for the number three, which is "san," and Q; put together, they sound like "thank you." The slang has been banned from official Chinese dictionaries, but is commonly found elsewhere."

"Only in Japan"

After I got back from my trip, this is the first conversation my wife and I had.

Me: I'm home!

Wife: Welcome back! I missed you so much!!! How was the flight back?

Me: Fine, a smooth flight with no turbulence. I watch a movie, and slept the rest of the flight.

Wife: That's good. Anyway, you won't believe it, but I lost my train pass on Friday! And, I just bought it...so it is about 30,000yen. I was really shocked and miserable.

Me: Really?! Didn't you say the other day "I have never lost anything-my wallet, cell phone, train pass..." the other day?! You should have knocked on wood!! Did you also lose your Subway card?! (FYI, recently my wife and I are hooked on Subway-a franchise sandwich shop-sandwiches. And I knew that she credited 20,000yen to that card just before the New Year.)

Wife: No!! I just lost the train pass!! It must have fallen out of my pocket or something.

Me: Ahhhhhh...That's a shame....... :(

Wife: But!!! I was lucky!! Cause on Sunday, a train officer called me and said "Are you Mrs. Gross? YES. Is your address XXX? YES. Are you XXX years old? YES...Well, I have some good news for you. Someone picked up your train pass and we have it now at that station. Please come by the office at the station at your earliest convenience and pick it up."

Me: Unbelievable!! Only in Japan!! You are a luck girl!!

Wife: I know!!! Because I am married to you! :)

To change the subject, "What's your wish for the world in 2012?" (From The Japan Times Online)

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120110vf.html

"Real English 3-Game"

Today's Real English is related to the word "game," which is used in many expressions.

Do you understand the meaning of the below sentences?

Either way, we will review them in class.

1. Game on!

2. She's ahead of the game.

3. I beat him at his own game.

4. You have to play the game. (You have to play his/her game.)

5. Anyone's game.

6. Don't play games with me!!

7. Two can play at that game!