"Real English 39-seize the moment"

I watched President Obama address the United Nations the other night.  He spoke for 20 minutes and touched on many issues facing the world today. When he said "We must seize this moment!", I got goose bumps.  It was my favorite quote of the speech.

Do you understand the meaning of "seize the moment"?

And, Ms. M went to America, specifically around the Grand Canyon last week with her friend.  She told me that when she was driving on Route 66, she came to a fork in the road.  The following is their dialogue:

Ms. M:  What should we do?! Should we go left or right?

Friend. I have no idea.  It's your call!

Do you understand "It's your call"?

This expression means "you have to decide" or "it is your responsibility to decide."

The word "call" is used in various ways.  Do you know all of the below?

1.  Excuse me, I have to take this call.

2.  Please call me Glenn. What may I call you?

3.  While you were out, Mr. X called.  He left a message and told me to tell you, "It's urgent.  Call me ASAP."

4.  Let's call it a night.

5.  I can't believe I forgot the word for that...What do you call that?

6.  The game was called due to rain.

7.  That was a terrible call.  The referee needs to get new glasses!!

8.  I think I hear someone calling for help.  We should call the police.

9.  I'd like a wake-up call at 6:30am please.

10.  That's a tough call to make.

The below is just for fun.

What 10 words or phrases sum up Japan for you?

From The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120925vf.html

"Real English 38-Zap it!"

How was your 3-day weekend?
I had a wonderful dinner at home on Saturday night, spent the whole day outside on Sunday, and took it easy on Monday.

And because I had a lot of time, I cooked and ate all of my food fresh!  Usually, I just zap it!
Do you understand "zap it"?

"Zap it" means to heat something up in the microwave.

Here are a few expressions with the same meaning:

1.  Zap it for two or three minutes (in the microwave) and it will be fine.
2.  Heat it up for two or three minutes (in the microwave) and it will be fine.
3.  Nuke it for two or three minutes (in the microwave) and it will be fine.
3.  Microwave it for two or three minutes and it will be fine.

"Real English 37-It's a wrap"

"Extra, Extra, Read all about it!! Kanemoto Retires!!!"

I am sure that's what the guys were screaming on the street yesterday when they passed out the extra edition of the paper announcing that the Hanshin Tiger's Legend Kanemoto called it a wrap.

Before the game yesterday, Kanemoto held a press conference.

Kanemoto was choked up and had tears in his eyes while answering the reporters' questions.

Here is a rough translation of the press conference.

Reporter:  How do you feel right now?

Kanemoto:  On one hand I feel relieved, but on the other hand I have some regrets.  But basically, I feel more relieved than regretful.

Reporter:  What was the deciding factor?

Kanemoto:  I began thinking about it about 10 days ago.  Then, the day before yesterday, I knew it was time.  I told my mother first.  When I told my kids, they started crying.

Reporter:  When you look back on your career, what do you think?

Kanemoto:  I regret that I didn't swing the bat (=practice) more when I was younger.  If I would have done that, I could have been able to produce better numbers.  And the consecutive game full inning record was really something.  All in all, I did alright I think.  But at the same time, these past three years have really been miserable...My first three years in the pros, and my last three years, they were really tough...

Reporter:  What's your best memory?

Kanemoto:  First, I really regret not winning a championship with the Carp.  Secondly, being able to play on the Tigers, be a part of the Tiger's history, when I was in my prime and popular...I am really grateful and fortunate I think.

Reporter:  What is "baseball" to you?

Kanemoto:  My life.  I began playing ball when I was ten.  Since then, my career was about ten or twenty percent pure enjoyment, but never truly satisfied.  After that, about seventy, eighty per cent was a  struggle.  

More example of "wrap"

1.  Let's call it a wrap.

2.  Let's wrap up the meeting.

3.  Please wrap that sandwich up for me.

4.  Can you wrap that present for me?

"Real English 36-Hit the Jackpot"

Have you ever watched the famous TV series "LOST"?
Have you ever played the "LOTTO 6"?
Have you ever bought a lottery ticket?

"I hit the Jackpot!!!"

I bet that is what many people thought when they checked their lottery tickets for the "LOTTO 6" the other day.  Unfortunately, they were mistaken...

Let me explain.  After I explain it all, I think it will make sense.

The winning numbers for last week's LOTTO 6 were: 4,7,8,15,16,42
And the Bonus Number was 23.

In "LOST,"  one of the characters is a guy named Hugo.  He is a big, heavy-set, grungy looking guy, with a really likable personality...the kind of guy who everyone likes.  He worked in a fast food fried chicken shop before he won the lottery and became filthy rich!  The numbers he played in the lottery, which also play an integral role in the plot of the TV show, were:    4,8,15,16,23,42

If you look closely, you will see that they are almost exactly the same as the winning LOTTO Numbers.

So, if you played the same numbers in last week's LOTTO 6, then you would have won the second prize.  

If I had played these numbers last week, then when I checked the numbers in the paper, I would have been running up and down Midosuji Street with no clothes on because I would have thought that I won around 10 million yen or so. (about $100,000). !! (Running naked on Midosuji would have been a big problem, but that is another story). But then after I calmed down and checked the second prize winning payout, I would have been very disappointed, and maybe a little pissed off too.  Because it was only 57,100yen (about $570).  ONLY!! Of course 57,100yen is better than zilch, but the first prize was 134,131,500yen (about $1.3 million).  3 people got it!  
  

The reason for this abnormally low second prize payout is 3,470 people played these numbers!!!  3,470 "LOST" fanatics played these numbers and all of them won, but that means the total amount of prize money allotted for the second place prize had to be divided up by 3,470 people!!! THAT IS TOUGH LUCK!!  FYI, the third place prize money was 338,700yen (about $3,400).  702 people won the third prize.  So that means that the third place prize money was more than the second place prize money.  I have never heard of anything so crazy in my life...

Here are eleven other uses of "hit":

1.  Ichiro had 3 hits in the game yesterday.

2.  We hit it off.

3.  Don't hit your brother.  If you have a problem, work it out through talking.

4.  It hasn't hit me yet, but I just graduated Uni!.

5.  That song was a big hit in the 90`s.

6.  His inconsiderate comment hit a nerve with me.

7.  The tension between Country A and Country B hit a boiling point yesterday!

8.  Stock X's price hit rock bottom this morning.

9.  That really hit home.

10.  He really hit it big!

11.  Mike is always hitting on girls at the bar.

Same taste?!

It looks like my mother has the same taste in pillows, and poems, as Ms. F.  After reading last week's blog, my mother sent me the following text with the below photo:  

"You won't believe this, but I have the same poem on my pillow too!  I guess Ms. F and I have the same taste!"

"Life isn't about waiting 

for the storm to pass...it's 

about getting out there 

and dancing in the rain."

"Real English 35-a flash in the pan"

There was big news in the Japanese entertainment industry this week.  

First, Atsuko Maeda retired from the biggest all-girl pop idol group in Japan, AKB48.
If you live in Japan, and have never heard of AKB48, well then, you have a problem.
Ms. Maeda is an original member of the group, which formed in 2005, and she was elected the "Number One Favorite Member" in 2009 and 2011.  She said she will take some time off, maybe study abroad in New York for a few years, and then pursue a career as an actress.  Personally, I am not a big fan of AKB48, but I am in the minority. Many guys in Japan are crazy about this group.  Btw, do you know what AKB48 stands for?

The second big news was Somegoro, a famous Kabuki Actor, fell off the stage during a performance earlier this week and was injured.  (In case you didn't know, Kabuki is a classical dance-drama.)  Because of this accident, the play he was starring in was cancelled and it is not known when he will be able to return.  But according to Ms. e, who is his number one fan in Osaka, his injuries weren't too serious and he shouldn't be out too long.

So, that bring me to Real English 35, "a flash in the pan."
Comedy is big in Japan, especially Osaka.  My wife always says, "Osaka people are hilarious! Their sense of humor is so much better than people in Kyushu, where I am from."
And, every year there is a new guy or gal who becomes really popular with one gag.  For example, this year is "Wild!" Guy, a few years ago was the "Gu-gu-gu-gu GOOOOOD!" Lady, and there was also the "I don't care!! (That means nothing!!)" Guy who danced around the stage in only a speedo!!

The latter two of these comedians were a flash in the pan.  This means, their popularity skyrocketed one year, and then they vanished into thin air the next!!  I don't know if the "Wild" Guy will also disappear or not, but if I was a betting man, which I am not, I would bet YES.

For some more serious news, please click on the below and find out what 6 people think about the Mayor of Osaka, Toru Hashimoto.

Osaka: Where will Mayor Toru Hashimoto and his 'One Osaka' vision be in 2022?
From The Japan Times Online
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/print/fl20120828vf.html

Good advice!

Last weekend I had a problem.  It wasn't a huge problem, or the end of the world or anything, but nonetheless,   I was stressed out. At that time, Ms. F tried to cheer me up and sent me the below photo-words of advice. They helped me, so I wanted to share them with everyone.  Maybe they will help you when you are in a pinch too!!

"LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING

 FOR THE STORM TO PASS, 

IT'S ABOUT LEARNING

 TO DANCE IN THE RAIN."

"Real English 34-let loose"

First, just like I do every year, I want to hype my two favorite festivals in Japan,  the Obon Odori Festivals.  I really love both of the festivals.  It is doubtful that I will be able to go this year, but that is OK!  Please go instead of me, and let loose and have enough fun for you and me together!!

For details refer to the below:

When: Tonight from 5pm to 8 or 9pm

Where: at Kita-Mido Kaikan (North Mido Hall) in Honmachi

*If it rains, the Festival will be canceled, not postponed.

AND

Date: Monday August 27th and Tuesday August 28th.

Time: from 5pm to 8 or 9pm

Venue:  Minami-Mido Kaikan (South Mido Hall) in Honmachi.

"loose" has many meanings.

Check out the below sample sentences for some of those meanings.

1.  Last weekend was my first time out in a while, so I really let loose!  Every once in a while, it is necessary.

2.  At the Football game in England, suddenly all hell let loose and a riot started...

3a.  "The Juice is loose!!" (*Note: Skip this one!!!  Without an explanation by yours truly, it will be impossible for you to understand what this sentence means, so don't worry about it, and if you want to know and have some time-it will take a while-I will explain it.  Just ask.)

3b.  Usually I walk my dog on his leash, but when I went to the dog park the other day, I let the wild guy loose! (Hint: to let someone/something loose)

4.  I lost about 5kg since last summer, so a lot of my old clothes, especially my pants, are loose.

5.  That guy is a loose cannon.  Watch out!

6.  I want to tie up all the loose ends before I go on vacation next week. 

7.  Hang loose dude!

8.  He's got a screw loose. Don't listen to anything he says!

9.  She cut her bf loose last month. Now she is free bird!

10.  I really hate to loose.  OR  I really hate to lose.  Which one is correct?

Koshien High School Baseball

Last weekend, I had fun! I went out solo for the first time this year. On Sunday I met Ms. T for dinner and drinks after work.  We had an interesting and serious and deep conversation about running and the differences and similarities between men and women regarding training.  Then, on Saturday I met a bunch of friends for Happy Hour, and then dinner and drinks, and then After Hours. It was a long, but fun night.  Then on Sunday I went to Koshien Stadium to watch the high school baseball tournament.  It was my first time to go to Koshien in about two years.  I wanted to sit on the third-base side, infield seats, but those seats were sold out.  Actually I waited in line for about 30 minutes for these seats, and then just as I got to the ticket window, the window closed right in front of my face!! And there was an announcement "We regret to inform you that all of the first and third and back-net seats have just sold out for the second game..."  Ahh....but I quickly regrouped and changed lines and luckily I could get the third-base side outfield seats for 500yen apiece.  

It was my first time to sit in those seats.  Basically they were great and I could get a seat in the first row for the second game so that was lucky.  But the best part of sitting in those seats was that I could experience "Okinawa" again! What I mean is, in the first game I watched, a team from Okinawa played, and I sat in their cheering section.  So many people who sat there were from Okinawa, everyone was singing and dancing and whistling and talking and looking like Okinawa! It was cool!!

I spread my wings and soared like a Philadelphia Eagle last weekend.  But next weekend I am really looking forward to returning to the nest!!!

"Real English 33-run the numbers"

I took it easy over the Obon vacation.  I walked, cycled, went to the spa, read a lot, watched a little TV, took some naps, drank some good beer and wine, and ate "take-out"sushi twice.  My favorite sushi is yellowtail, but "white tuna," otherwise known as Toro, isn't too far behind.  In addition, sea bream, shrimp, salmon roe, eel, mackerel, squid, and octopus are also on my "Like!" list.  Sea urchin and herring roe are on my "I'll eat it, but I would never order it!" list.  At the moment, there isn't any sushi on my "Pass!" list.  

Going back to the TV I said I watched above, I watched a lot of CNN.  As I have gotten older, I watch CNN more and more.  When I was a child, my father always used to watch CNN.  He was addicted to it...a CNN-aholic!  I thought CNN was boring and I could never understand why he watched it all of the time, until recently.  I guess you could say I am following in his footsteps.

Anyway, because of the Presidential Election coming up in November and the Olympics ended, there are a lot of political shows on CNN recently.  On one of these shows, I saw an announcer interview Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's running mate and the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the GOP.  A short excerpt from their interview was something like this:

Announcer:  So what about the Budget plan?

Ryan:  I haven't run the numbers on that yet.

Announcer:  OK, well then, how about the medical plan?

Ryan:  I haven't run the numbers on that either.  But, as soon as I do,  I will let you know.

In the news about this election, as well as in a lot of other business and economic and political-related news, you will hear this expression used often.  "Run the numbers" means "do the calculations (especially of financial data)" or "to analyze or evaluate economic data."  Consultants and financial advisers and politicians use this expression regularly.

Some useful expressions for you are:

1.  Run the numbers by me and let me see if it makes sense (to do it.*)

to do it=to make an investment, to make a purchase, to begin a project

2.  At first, I thought that I could afford that car.  But after I ran the numbers again, I realized that it was out of my league.

"Real English 32-go with the flow"

I like rules.  And I follow many rules, in my house, the classroom, when I go out, etc.  One of the rules which I follow when I travel is "Always go with the flow."  And on my trip to Seattle, that is exactly what I did.  

To be honest, I didn't expect much of the city.  I had never been there, and I had only heard "The weather is never good, but there are lots of good coffee and 'grunge music' places."  But, to my pleasant surprise I really liked it.  I like "walkable" cities, and cities near or adjacent to water.  In my opinion, Seattle fulfills both of those requirements.  On the first day, after I checked in to my hotel and met my parents, we went directly to Pike Place Market which is really cool.  There is a farmer's market with many fruit and vegetable and fish and pasta and flower and you-name-it shops, plus diners and cafes and restaurants, and souvenir shops, and much much more. It is really fun!  We had lunch at a nice place with a view of the water.  I had a crab cake sandwich with french fries.  After that, I went to a try on and pick up my tuxedo.  Then, we walked along the water.  I was surprised cause there were so many people, tourists I think! I know it is summer vacation for many, but I don't know where they all came from!!  After all, it was a Friday!  For dinner, we ate a great place right next to the water. The food was excellent-I had the best mussels, with red Thai curry sauce, that I have had in a while!! And the sunset, well, breathtaking!

On the second day, after a short walk and some "slow time" sipping coffee at one of the "famous" coffee shops, we took a 30-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island.  On the island, we walked around-it is a very small island, but there are some nice shops and easy walking and cycling roads.  We spent a few hours there walking around and then had lunch in front of the pier.  It was great and if you ever go to Seattle, it is a must!!  For more on Bainbridge Island, google it!

On the third day was the wedding. It was a wonderful event!

And coming back to Japan, as always, I had some flight trouble.  So my flight schedule was changed and instead of flying into KIX, I had to fly into Narita Airport.  But this was actually lucky!  Because the Japan Olympic Swimming Team arrived at the airport at the same time that I did...so I could see ALL of them.  I thought:

Mr. Kitajima is smaller than I thought.

Ms. Terakawa is more beautiful than I expected.

Mr. Hirai, the coach, is a much better looking guy in person than on TV.

Great Trip!

I had a wonderful time.  The wedding was fabulous and the two days before the wedding, which I spent mostly with my parents walking around the city of Seattle and Bainbridge Island, were also fantastic.  Seattle is known to be cloudy, overcast, dreary, and rainy, but fortunately, the three days I was there were the three best--weather days of the year.  Sunny, around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and DRY!! It wasn't humid at all!!  What a relief!  I will write some more and post some more photos on the blog tomorrow.  

"Real English 31-off the top of my head"

The top of my head is bald.  But that is not the topic of this week's Real English.

I am going on a trip tomorrow.  My cousin is tying the knot so I will go to Seattle to attend his wedding.  I have never been to Seattle before so I am looking forward to check out the city. In addition, I can't wait to see my parents.  We should have a good time.

About my flight, I don't know the exact flight numbers of the times off the top of my head, but I can tell you that on the way there and back I am flying ANA(domestic flights) and United Airlines(the flights over the Pacific Ocean).  The journey begins at Itami Airport around noon, and then I fly into Haneda Airport, take a 90 or so minute bus to Narita Airport, and then head to Seattle.  (This is called "the poor man's route." FYI, there is a direct flight from KIX to Seattle which leaves KIX every day, but this option was 50,000yen more, so I passed this time.) The ETA in Seattle is 10am.  Just in time for lunch!

On the way back, it is a little easier. I depart Seattle around 8am on Monday, have a short layover in San Fran, and then direct to KIX.  Much easier.

That's about all for now folks.  After I get back, I will tell you about my time in Seattle.  Take care!

"Real English 30-blunder (+ Olympic English special)"


The Games are underway in London. 


And, as I am sure all of you know by now, Japan's Men's and Women's soccer team both won. 
(They both actually played before the Games officially started.  This is one of the things that I don't like about the Olympics.) As expected, The Women's Team beat Canada.  However, the Men's team's upset of Spain dropped some jaws.


Please look at the below dialogue between two guys who sat next to me at the bar the other night. I eavesdropped on their conversation.  I know it is not polite to eavesdrop...but I was bored.


Mr. A:  The Olympics started.  I am excited to watch them on TV.
Mr. J:   I want to watch them too, but because of the time difference with England, most of the events are only on TV in the early morning or in the middle of the night in Japan.  I have to work in the morning, and sleep at night, so maybe I am just going to watch the highlights.
Mr. A: What event are you most interested in?
Mr. J:  I am most looking forward to Bolt.  If he doesn't make a blunder like he did in the World Championships, he should win the gold medal easily! Do you remember the World Championships?
Mr. A:  Yeah, of course.  Bolt jumped the gun and was disqualified.  But I don't think that is gonna happen this time.  I expect that he will take his time in the blocks and come out of the blocks slowly.  
Mr. J:  I hope...Because I really want to see his famous winning pose, "The Lightening Bolt"!!  How about you? What do you want to see?
Mr. A:  I want to see The Dream Team destroy the world, and the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team beat China, Phelps win some more gold medals, and the U.S Women's soccer team get revenge from their disappointing performance in the World Cup.
Mr. J:  Keep dreaming!  Anyway, you know what else I can't wait for?
Mr: A: No, what?
Mr. J:  I can't wait to watch the interviews of the athletes after they win!  Their words give me energy!
Mr A: Yeah, but if they choke and lose, and then cry...I feel bad for them because the Olympics is only once every four years, and for some of the athletes, only once in a lifetime.
Mr. J: Can I change the subject a little?
Mr. A:  Of course. 
Mr. J:  Do you know about the Olympic Village?  I read a bunch of interesting facts and figures in Time Magazine the other day.
Mr. A:  Really. Like what?
Mr. J: Well, nearly 15,000 athletes from all over the world will stay there.  800 chefs will cook for them.  The kitchens will be stocked with: 232 tons of potatoes, 19 tons of eggs, 21 tons of cheese, more than 82 tons of seafood, over 100 tons of meat, and more than 330 tons of fruit and vegetables...


Osaka: Which sports or athletes will you be following during the London 2012 Olympics?
from The Japan Times Online


http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120724vf.html#.UA5m-7R3iPs

"Real English 29-summer fatigue (and more summer words)"

I want to go over some words related to the summer, the humidity, the heat, and stuff like that.

See if you understand the meaning of all of the words and expressions in the dialogue below between Ms A and Ms. B.

Situation:  Ms A and B talking in the ladies' room before work.

Ms. A:  Recently I am depressed and I feel sluggish.

Ms. B:  I know what you mean.  The hot and sticky summer in Japan gives many people, especially women, the blues.  I heard that one of the reasons for this is the change in air pressure.  

Ms. A:  Really?  I didn't know that. But, I saw on TV that it is soooooo hot in Osaka because of the heat island phenomenon.  

Ms. B:  Yeah, I saw that too.  Besides feeling so bad all of the time, my hair is out of control because of this humidity! How about you?

Ms. A:  Oh my god!  That's so true!  My hair is frizzy, jumping all around and sticky...I don't know what to do!

Ms. B:  Me neither.  When I was little, my grandmother told me, "A woman grows old in the summer."  She was right! The ultra-violet rays damage our skin and give us wrinkles and sun spots, and we have to suffer from the abnormally cold air conditioner in the company which makes us dehydrated among other things...I could go on and on...

Ms. A:  I know!! And what about makeup! What a pain in the butt! By the time I get to work, after commuting on the crowded and smelly train,  and then walking to the office in the unbearable heat while sweating profusely, all of my makeup, which I spent a lot of time on to put on, is gone!! Then, after I arrive at the office, I have to put my makeup on all over again.

Ms. B:  Yeah, yeah...Every time I get to the office I am dripping with sweat too.

Ms A:  Ahhhh, I can't stand it anymore!! The only good thing about summer is eel is delicious!    But, this year, eel is unbelievably expensive!!

Ms.  B:  Yep! I can't afford that! "Eel over rice" is over 700yen at Yoshino-ya! 

Ms A:  I wouldn't be caught dead there!

Ms B:  Really?!  Why not?  I go there often.  Recently many women frequent those kind of places because they have gotten cleaner and have a "healthy" menu too.  

Ms A:  I read that in the paper, but those kinds of places are just not me  Anyway, I have been eating a lot of cold noodles and watermelon too this summer!  I love watermelon! It's my favorite fruit!

Ms B:  Me too!!!

Are you experiencing summer fatigue this year?  If so, hang in there (for about another month or so)!!!

Cicadas

 I heard the Cicadas singing(or crying) for the first time yesterday morning.  That means the rainy season is officially over, and the unbearable humidity and heat has arrived!  Really, yesterday when I walked in the sun, I thought, "It is hot."

Because of the heat and strong sunlight, I changed my usual Sunday routine.  Instead of walking about two and a half hours in the early afternoon like I always do, from last week I decided to split it up, and walk about one and a half hours in the early morning, and then another one and a half hours in the late afternoon.  That way, I don't have to walk when the sun is the strongest and the temperatures are the highest.  And as I expected, last Sunday when I walked, it was much more pleasant.  I am a smart guy, I know.

Anyway, I will talk more about the heat, the humidity, and how to stay cool later.

Below are some photos from Mr. S's retirement trip to Hawaii.  Mr. S told me the weather was beautiful, the food was OK, and speaking English was no problem! Oh yeah, he also said "I saw many girls wearing bikinis!"  Happy Retirement Mr. S!! :)

"Real English 28-momentum"

Right after the new year, in the beginning of January, I had some momentum.  Then, in February and March, I gained momentum.  But recently, because of the rainy season or something, I don't know, I lost momentum.


But I will find a way to get that momentum back.


To get a better feel for how to use "momentum," read the below examples.


1.  The typhoon had tremendous momentum as it approached Okinawa's coast.  Then, it gained momentum as it hit the coast.  After that, heading inland, it lost momentum.


2.  The American Soccer team had the momentum in the first half, but in the second half, it was a different story. (=The American Soccer Team lost momentum and the Japan Soccer Team gained momentum.)
*FYI, this is my prediction for the finals of the Women's Soccer Olympics.  Final score:  America 3, Japan 1.


3.  Recently, the economic recovery has really gained momentum.


On to another topic, it rained A LOT this rainy season.  But soon, the rain will stop, and then the heat and humidity will arrive.  The hints in the below article may be useful!


Tokyo: Aside from stripping down to Super Cool Biz attire, what tips do you have for keeping cool at work this summer?
From The Japan Times Online
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120710vf.html

"Real English 27-give props to"

I have to give props to Yu Darvish.


"Give props to (someone)" means "to praise (someone), take one's hat off to (someone), acknowledge (someone's) excellence or superiority," etc.


Yu Darvish has been superb so far this year.
He has already exceeded many peoples expectations.
But not mine.
I predicted before the season that he would get 18 wins.
He is on pace to do that, if not more!


As of today, he has 10 wins, has stuck out 117 people, and leads the voting for All-Star votes.
You can't ask for more than that.


Concerning his 10 wins, I will admit that there have been some games in which he didn't pitch so well, gave up four or five runs, but still won because of his team's VERY GOOD offense. But, on the other hand, there have been some games in which he pitched very well, only gave up a run or two, and still got the loss.  So, it's even I think.


What do you think about Yu Darvish this year?  How about the other Japanese players in the Major Leagues?   

"Real English 26-slipped my mind"

I have to apologize.  

I broke my New Year's resolution.

Did you notice?

Last week I was really busy with stuff.  And after I wrote the  "restaurant review blog," the "Real English 26" totally slipped my mind.

But fortunately, since neither my secretary nor I received any emails saying:

"What happened?!"

"Is everything OK?"

"Why didn't Glenn write the 'Real English' this week?  Is he sick?"

"Did you forget to write Real English 26?" 

At first, I was relieved.

But after I thought about it a little longer, I was a little sad.

Because nobody noticed...

But don't worry!! I will get over it! And I will renew my resolution and write 52 Real English on schedule this year!!

Restaurant Reviews

I haven't written a restaurant review in a while.
The reason is I haven't been out for a long time.
Actually, except for one or two Saturdays a month with the Mrs., I haven't been out at all this year.


Last Saturday night the wife and I tore up the town!
First we went to a place I like, "Sawamura," in Honmachi(or maybe it is Higobashi, either way it is close to the classroom), for some drinks and appetizers.  Basically, it was our "Happy Hour."
Last year I went to Sawamura a few times. The owner, Mr. Sawamura, is a friend of a friend.  I like it, the food and atmosphere are good, the prices are reasonable.  In addition, it is convenient for me because it is on my way home.  Every time I walk by, it is crowded.  This is the sign of a good restaurant!!
For more on Sawamura, check out this site if you are interested.


http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270102/27014633/




After taking care of the check at Sawamura, we walked to "Dojima-Seiniku-ten."  It is located in Kita-shinchi, and about a 15 minute walk.  You could call "Dojima-Seiniku-Ten"a meat shop, or an izakaya, or an outside food stall, or ??? To be honest, I don't really know what to call it.  It is not exactly any one of these, instead, the eatery has a little bit of each.  The atmosphere is like an outside food shop. Hot ans sweaty in the summer, and perhaps cold in the winter.  (I don't know for sure because I haven't been there in the winter yet.) There is a counter with about six seats, and there are two or three more seats literally in the middle of the kitchen.  Just as we arrived, two seats at the counter, the best seats in the house in my opinion, opened up, so we sat there.  We ordered some beers, a bottle of Bordeaux wine for 3500yen, and the following, but not necessarily in the following order.  Two orders of ham cutlet(one order was to go), two orders of fried chicken (again, one was for the next day's dinner!), grilled beef, special grilled beef, mixed "hormones"(various innards or organs), and maybe one more dish, but I can't remember.  All of the food was delicious!! In addition, the service(two twenty-something year old semi good-looking guys) was decent, and the price was good, about 8000yen for everything.  FYI, each dish is about 500yen.  I only noticed one dish, the "super super special beef" which was over 1000yen. I think it was 1200yen.  The only demerits are the vegetable menu is extremely limited and also a little pricey (for example, 500yen for a few slices of tomato).  But I don't need vegetables when I eat out, so I didn't care.  (FYI, I eat A LOT of vegetables in my house, not-cooked celery, carrots, cucumber, and tomato practically every night.)  One interesting point I learned about DST after I went there, Mr. K told me, is :"This is funny. Listen to this.  White rice is 500yen.  But beef over white rice is also 500yen.  Go figure!"


Below is a link to "tabelog" for some other comments about this restaurant.
http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27044588/

Typhoon #4

Last Tuesday, Typhoon #4 was in the headlines and was reported to be heading directly for the Kansai Area.  It is highly unusual for typhoons to hit right smack in the middle of Osaka, but nonetheless, everyone made a big fuss about it, and as I wrote last week, many companies closed early, or at the very least "recommended" the employees to go home if they didn't have any urgent work to do.  Some companies also send only women home, which is very gentlemen-like, but I thought was funny.  Anyway, Ms S sent me an email in the latter part of the week.  

Here it is:

Ms. S:  Was that really a typhoon?!  Nothing happened in Osaka.
Glenn:  I know. It was a joke.
Ms. S:  I regret cancelling the class because of the typhoon. I should have gone...
Glenn:  Nah, that's not necessarily correct.  As the proverb goes, "Better safe than sorry!!"
Ms. S:  You're right!  Safety is the number one priority! I can always go to a class another time.

Real English 25-minute

Did you know that the word "minute" has a few different meanings.  In addition, "minute" is used in a bunch of expressions.  See if you understand all of the below.


1.  Do you have a minute?


2.  I'll be with you in a minute.


3.  I'm expecting an important fax at any minute.


4.  The minute I got home, the phone rang?


5.  The secretary took the minutes of the meeting.


6.  Even though only a minute amount of a banned substance was found in the ball player's urine sample, he was suspended 50 games anyway.


7.  Superman arrived to save the day not a minute too soon.


8.  I am really sorry for the last-minute notice, but something came up and I have to cancel our meeting this afternoon.


9.  I don't believe that for a minute.


10.  His pulse was 110 beats per minute.

Typhoon and Shoes

Yesterday, Typhoon # 4 hit Japan.  Even in Kansai (Western Japan) many companies, including the company where my wife works, ordered all of the employees to go home early.  In my wife's case, 3pm.  Did your company issue a order to leave the company and go home, or something like this:  "Due to Typhoon #4, all employees must leave the company by 3pm."
There are some reason why companies do this. One reason is for the safety of all of the employees. Another reason is, if the trains stop because of the strong winds or rain from the typhoon, then all employees are stuck in the company and can't go home. This is a problem!!


Anyway, to change the subject, I read an interesting headline the other day on yahoo.com.
The headline goes like this:  "You can judge 90 percent of people’s personalities by their shoes." 
Do you agree? I do.


What kind of personalities do you think are connected to what kind of shoes?
What kind of shoes do you wear?
What kind of shoes do you like? not like?

"Real English 24-par for the course"

A friend of mine, who lives in the countryside in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, called me the other day.  Here's the dialogue:

Friend:  Hey man, what's happening?

Glenn:  Not much, everything is status quo.  How about you, what's up?

Friend:  Actually, I wanted to invite you to my house next weekend.

Glenn:  Sounds good. What's the occasion?

Friend:  I am gonna have a "Firefly Party!"  Recently, there are fireflies everywhere at night!  It is really a spectacular phenomenon.  

Glenn:  Are you serious?   There aren't any lightening bugs where I live.

Friend: That's cause you live in the suburbs. As you know, I live in the deep country!  It is par for the course for here.

Glenn:  Gotcha. Then see you next weekend. Looking forward to it!

"Par for the course" means "a regular occurrence" or "something that happens often."

The above expression has nothing to do with golf!!

But since I mentioned golf, I thought I should say "Congrats!" to Mr. F because he hit a hole in one the other day.  What are the chances of that?  I don't know the actual statistics, but I do know that doesn't happen every day... (=pure luck!!)

Have you ever hit a hole in one?

"Real English 23-on the fence"

As you know, I usually don't like to talk about politics.  However, since this week's Real English is related to a politician, I will make an exception.


Tokyo Governor Ishihara always has an opinion on something.  He never sits on the fence on an issue.


"What do you think of Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's plan to buy the disputed Senkaku Islands?"
from The Japan Times Online
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120424vf.html

Here are some other more casual examples of how to use "on the fence":


1-At a restaurant:
"I can't decide what to order as my entree. I am on the fence...the steak or the fish?  Can you help me out?  Which do you recommend?"


2-At a voting booth
"I am sitting on the fence on who to vote for in the next election, Mr. X or Ms. Y.  They both have pros and cons..."


And the expression  "opposite sides of the fence" means "to have opposite opinions."


3-Current political news in Japan:
"Prime Minister Noda and Ichiro Ozawa, who leads the DPJ's largest faction with 120 members, are on opposite sides of the fence concerning the consumption tax hike. "

June 

I can't believe it is already June. Almost half of the year is already over...

As the proverb goes, "Time flies."  

And, did you know that there are two versions to this expression? 

One is, "Time flies when you are having fun."  

The other is, "Time flies when you are busy."  

Which one applies to you?  The first one? The second one? Both? Neither?

In June, the rainy season will begin.  And after that, the dreaded humidity will arrive...

Let's enjoy the last dry days before that humidity comes!!!

(Below are some photos from Ms. e's trip to Nagano Prefecture. Thank you!)