"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!

Chuo Ward Facts and Ginko Tress

Today is a continuation from Wednesday.

I work in Chuo Ward, so I found these facts interesting too.

What is the population?

80,484 people

What is the average age?

42.7

How many households are there?

50,299

What is the average temperature?

17.0 (degrees Celsius)

What is the area?

8.88km2(=kilometers squared)

The Ginko Tree photo was taken by Ms. K. The yellow leaves of these trees are really beautiful. But, the when the ginko nuts fall from the trees, they really stink!! I hate it!!! Did you know that the trees that drop nuts are "female trees"? And, did you know that "male" Ginko trees don't smell!? It's true, and I heard that the Osaka Government is replanting the "female trees" with "male tress" recently in order to get rid of that horrible odor!! Thank God!!

"Real English 2-Tebow"

I love American Football. And it is the playoffs now, and there are two big games tomorrow. In one of the games, the Denver Broncos play the New Englad Patriots. The Quarterback is of the Broncos is Tebow. And, he is a big phenom in America now!! So big, that his name has become a a new word. Actually it is a verb, "to tebow." Check out the below site and definition:

http://tebowing.com/

"What is Tebowing?
(vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different."

A Jack Fruit photo from Mr. T.

"Real English 1"

I decided my New Year's resolution for this year!! My resolution is to teach one "Real English" word or expression a week on the blog. (Don't fret!! I am also going to continue the "Vocabulary and Expressions Study"!) So since there are 52 weeks in a year, that means you can improve your vocabulary with 52 "Real English" words just by reading the blog! If you ask me, that is pretty good value for your dollar! Not bad, not bad at all!!

And, since it is already the second week of 2012, I will one today, and one more tomorrow.

"Real English 1"-go viral (=to become extremely popular, or "hot," on the net)

While I was in America last week, I saw this word in the paper and heard this word while speaking to a lot of people and also on tv. The below excerpt from Wikipedia explains the meaning of "viral video":

"A viral video is one that becomes popular through the process of Internet sharing, typically through video sharing websites, social media and email.^[1] Viral videos often contain humorous content... and include televised comedy sketches..., amateur video clips... on YouTube; and web-only productions... Some eyewitness events have also been caught on video and have "gone viral"...

With the proliferation of camera phones,^[10] many videos are being shot by amateurs on these devices. The availability of inexpensive video editing and publishing tools allows video shot on mobile phones to be edited and distributed virally, by email or website, and between phones by Bluetooth or MMS. These consumer-shot videos are typically non-commercial, intended for viewing by friends or family. A video becoming viral is often unexpected, and an accident, and therefore a video cannot be called viral purely in the creator's intention at the time of recording."

Here is a simple example of how to use "go viral":

1. Did you see those photos of the accident? They went viral and have since been published in various magazines and newspapers.

2. The GOP candidate for President decided to go viral with his message to the young folks!

3. The video appeared on You-Tube on Monday, and quickly went viral!

"What's your New Year's resolution?"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120103vf.html

Osaka Facts and Cake

I found the below facts about Osaka in the "mi-ru-to magazine."

I love Osaka (even though I live in Hyogo Prefecture) so I wanted to share them with you.

What is the shipping fee of chocolate per year?

70,268,000yen *This is the highest amount in all of Japan. No. 1!!!!

How much garbage is recycled?

11.8%

What is the number of hospitals?

539

How many parks are there?

3,832

What is the average amount of money spent on education per household a month?

11,667yen

How many passengers use JR Osaka Station a day?

401,486

Below are some photos courtesy of Ms. Y.

Do you prefer cake with beer, or with tea?

I'm back!!!

I had a great trip in Philly with my parents and I will tell you all about it later since I am busy with a lot to catch up on now...

How was your vacation?

I hope it went well!!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great 2012!!!

The Year of the Dragon!!!!!

This is the last blog of 2011.

What a year it has been...

Last week, I wrote about the "Kanji of the Year-BOND."

Today, I want to ask you all the following question:

"What word for you sums up 2011?"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111227vf.html

In the interviews in the above article, people cited the words; Change, Nuclear Power, and Vibrancy.

How about you? What sums up 2011 for you? What is your "Word of the Year"?

Mine is resiliency. Resiliency was the theme of the year for most of Japan, including myself.

To change the subject, I will go back to Philly to visit my parents over the New Year's vacation. I am looking forward to seeing them, taking it easy, drinking a variety of micro-beers, and eating a lot of food which I haven't eaten in a while! Maybe I will gain a few pounds, but that is alright.

Hope everyone has a great vacation, Thanks for 2011,

and really hoping for a great 2012!

Happy New Year!!

3-day weekend

What did you do over the 3-day weekend?

On the 23rd was the Emperor's Birthday, so it was a national holiday. He turned 78 years old.

Because I went out on Thursday night, I slept in on Friday. After that I went for a 10k jog, and laid around til around 2pm. Then, with my wife, I went shopping, bought some rice and stuff, and went for a walk along Mukogawa River for about an hour. Then she made hot and spicy yellow curry for dinner, and we watched Lady Gaga, and hit the sack. It was a nice day.

Saturday night was our "Christmas Date". After walking in the "Nakanoshima Christmas Lights Illumination," we had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in Fukushima.

And then on Sunday, I went out with my friend all day for our "annual event".

All in all, it was a good weekend!

The below photos are courtesy of Ms. e.

She spent Christmas overseas, in Germany, for the first time.

Happy Holidays!

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Well, if you don't, that is OK, but please pretend that you do for a few minutes, and answer this question: What do you want from Santa Claus this year?

Come on...think of something! Me? That's easy. If there was really a Santa Claus, then I would want a...(I'll tell you when I see you!)

Anyway, to everyone, Happy Holidays, Season Greetings, Happy Hannuka, Merry Christmas, or whatever floats your boat!!

Bond (Vocabulary and Expressions Study)

The Japanese Character"Kizuna," which translates to "Bond" in English was selected as the "Kanji of the Year." This is an excerpt from The Japan Times Online:

"Seihan Mori, chief monk of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji "kizuna" (bond) as he unveils the Chinese character of the year on Monday. The kanji was chosen because the word came under the spotlight as the nation strives to rebuild the Tohoku region hit by the March 11 disasters."

Bond has a variety of meanings. Read the below sentences and test yourself! Do you understand all of them?

1a. There is a strong bond between the governments of America and Japan.

*Since this is debatable, please refer to the next sentence for an easier example.

1b. Company A and Company B have a tight bond and have successfully worked together on various projects over the years.

1c. I have a strong bond with my brother.

2. My word is my bond! (This is a proverb.)

3. Recently, because of the financial crisis in Europe, the stock and bond market has crashed.

4. The man, who was arrested for burglary, was released from the police on a $2000 bond.

5. Bond, James Bond! :)

Lit-up Foliage, courtesy of Ms. Y