Here are my Gofun ha Juubun stats so far.
Monday, July 2, 2018
The Young Karl Marx, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for The Young Karl Marx. It's about Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the young philosophers, economists, and political theorists who wrote The Communist Manifesto in the 19th century. Their work was to become the inspiration for the Soviet Union and The People's Republic of China, as well as many other socialist republics such as Cuba. The movie is playing at Denkikan, but will end this Friday. It's probably another one that I will have to miss. Hopefully, it will me out soon on iTunes or DVD.
(91 words)
(91 words)
Monday, June 18, 2018
LADY BIRD, and other matters…
Saoirse Ronan
Greta Gerwig
Today we watched the trailer for Lady Bird, a new movie starring Saoirse Ronan. It is directed by Greta Gerwig, who has become very popular over the last few years as an actress and more recently as a writer and director.
Have you been watching the World Cup? Both England and Japan will play their first matches tomorrow (Japan Time). Please get up at 3 tomorrow morning to watch England!! Japan is playing at 9 in the evening, I think. Go, Okazaki!
I think Spain will win the World Cup. Their first match against Portugal was very exciting.
[96 words]
Greta Gerwig
Today we watched the trailer for Lady Bird, a new movie starring Saoirse Ronan. It is directed by Greta Gerwig, who has become very popular over the last few years as an actress and more recently as a writer and director.
Have you been watching the World Cup? Both England and Japan will play their first matches tomorrow (Japan Time). Please get up at 3 tomorrow morning to watch England!! Japan is playing at 9 in the evening, I think. Go, Okazaki!
I think Spain will win the World Cup. Their first match against Portugal was very exciting.
[96 words]
Notes on the rest of the semester
- Remember that there is no class next week.
- To get a credit, you need at least 10 posts in June and 10 posts in July on your blog (NOT including Speaking posts).
- Make sure that you have the tags (labels) Book Reviews, Gofun ha Juubun, My Diary, and Trio Writing on your blog.
- Please finish your list of errors. (Later, we will talk about how to classify and prioritize them.)
Lady Bird, and other matters…
Greta Gerwig
Saoirse Ronan
Today we watched the trailer for Lady Bird, a movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan. It will come to Denkikan in the middle of next month. Greta Gerwig has been very popular for the last few years as an actress and now as a director. The movie is kind of about her life, and Saoirse Ronan is kind of a young version of her. I like Saoirse Ronan. Recently, I saw her in Brooklyn, and I'm looking forward to seeing her in Lady Bird.
Has anyone been following the World Cup. Spain 3 – 3 Portugal seems to have been a great match! I'm looking forward to England's and Japan's first matches.
[114 words]
Saoirse Ronan
Today we watched the trailer for Lady Bird, a movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan. It will come to Denkikan in the middle of next month. Greta Gerwig has been very popular for the last few years as an actress and now as a director. The movie is kind of about her life, and Saoirse Ronan is kind of a young version of her. I like Saoirse Ronan. Recently, I saw her in Brooklyn, and I'm looking forward to seeing her in Lady Bird.
Has anyone been following the World Cup. Spain 3 – 3 Portugal seems to have been a great match! I'm looking forward to England's and Japan's first matches.
[114 words]
Listening errors
I like watching movie. movies singular/plural
I have big family. a big family articles
Monday, June 11, 2018
Unlocked, Isle of Dogs, and other matters…
Unlocked
spy thriller
Noomi Rapace
Orlando Bloom
Isle of Dogs
stop-motion animation
Wes Anderson
Bryan Cranston
Today we saw two movie trailers. The first was for Unlocked, a movie playing now at Denkikan. It stars Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom, Michael Douglas, and John Malkovich. It's a spy thriller featuring some kind of plot to attack an American military site in the UK. Rapace's character Alice finds out that there's a mole somewhere in the CIA.
Isle of Dogs is a Wes Anderson stop-motion animated film. Most of the characters are dogs who can talk. It reminds me of his movie from a few years ago, Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you haven't yet seen that movie, I recommend that you check it out. Isle of Dogs is playing now at Hamasen.
[113 words]
spy thriller
Noomi Rapace
Orlando Bloom
Isle of Dogs
stop-motion animation
Wes Anderson
Bryan Cranston
Today we saw two movie trailers. The first was for Unlocked, a movie playing now at Denkikan. It stars Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom, Michael Douglas, and John Malkovich. It's a spy thriller featuring some kind of plot to attack an American military site in the UK. Rapace's character Alice finds out that there's a mole somewhere in the CIA.
Isle of Dogs is a Wes Anderson stop-motion animated film. Most of the characters are dogs who can talk. It reminds me of his movie from a few years ago, Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you haven't yet seen that movie, I recommend that you check it out. Isle of Dogs is playing now at Hamasen.
[113 words]
The Ugly Duckling
That made the ugly duckling curious. He looked into the shiny water. Wow! He had grown into a beautiful swan, just like them! (pp. 14-15)
Today, I read The Ugly Duckling, in the Folk & Fairy Tale Easy Readers series from Scholastic. The series features 15 titles, with five copies of each title packaged in a nice, colorful box. Check out the whole series!The Ugly Duckling is a well-known story written by Hans Christian Andersen. I find the message of the story a little confusing. On the one hand, it seems to celebrate superficial beauty: if you look like a swan, you're going to be fine, but if you look like a duckling, you will be the target of ridicule. On the other hand, it does seem to celebrate self-confidence and also kindness:
From that day on, the once ugly duckling lived happily ever after. And he was always kind to all living things, from peacocks to potato bugs. (p. 16)
The set of books comes with a teacher's guide, with some background and activities to use in class.Although it's good to read stories with which you are familiar, I recommend that you use this series to familiarize yourself with stories that you haven't read before. Another series that's also good for that is Usborne First Reading. Here are links to levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.
 |
Scholastic Teaching Resources
発売日 : 2006-03-01
|
Unlocked, and other matters…
Unlocked
Noomi Rapace
Orlando Bloom
Today we watched a trailer for Unlocked, a new movie starring Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom, John Malkovich, and Michael Douglas. It's a thriller about a terrorist plot against an American military target in the UK. It's playing at Denkikan now (at 11:10 and 18:30!). It looks rather exciting, and I want to go and see it!
Another movie I want to see is Isle of Dogs, still playing (but only once a day) at Hamasen.
[74 words]
Noomi Rapace
Orlando Bloom
Today we watched a trailer for Unlocked, a new movie starring Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom, John Malkovich, and Michael Douglas. It's a thriller about a terrorist plot against an American military target in the UK. It's playing at Denkikan now (at 11:10 and 18:30!). It looks rather exciting, and I want to go and see it!
Another movie I want to see is Isle of Dogs, still playing (but only once a day) at Hamasen.
[74 words]
Monday, June 4, 2018
Some good recent movies
Recently, I watched Deadpool 2. After enjoying Deadpool very much, I was looking forward to it. But I got tired of the metacommentary and wanted to leave early. Some better recent movies are The Shape of Water and Darkest Hour. Darkest Hour stars Gary Oldman, who is also famous for Leon, the Harry Potter movies, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and so on.
Damascus Cover, Red Sparrow, and other matters…
spy thriller
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Jennifer Lawrence
Today we watched two movie trailers, both of them spy thrillers. The first one was Damascus Cover, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. It's coming out in the U.S. in summer, so will probably come to Japan in winter. The second one was Red Sparrow. That was a Jennifer Lawrence movie that played in Japan a month or so ago. I enjoyed it very much. Actually, I like spy movies very much. Another one that's worth watching is Spy Game, starring Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. A more recent one was Atomic Blonde. And a good old one is The Little Drummer Girl.
[91 words]
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Jennifer Lawrence
Today we watched two movie trailers, both of them spy thrillers. The first one was Damascus Cover, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. It's coming out in the U.S. in summer, so will probably come to Japan in winter. The second one was Red Sparrow. That was a Jennifer Lawrence movie that played in Japan a month or so ago. I enjoyed it very much. Actually, I like spy movies very much. Another one that's worth watching is Spy Game, starring Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. A more recent one was Atomic Blonde. And a good old one is The Little Drummer Girl.
[91 words]
Damascus Cover, and other matters…
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
spy thriller
Mossad agent
Today we watched the trailer for Damascus Cover, a new spy thriller starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. I don't know Jonathan Rhys Meyers so well, but I think he was in the Woody Allen movie Match Point starring Scarlett Johansson.
The World Cup will be here in a week or so. Who do you think will win? I think Spain will win, but Germany and Brazil are also very strong.
[68 words]
Monday, May 28, 2018
The Little Red Hen
Once upon a time, a little red hen decided to plant some wheat.
"Who will help me plant this?" she asked.
"Not me!" said the dog.
"Not me!" said the cat.
"Not me!" said the duck.
The little red hen is a hard worker. She plants wheat, cuts it, grinds it, and bakes it into bread, all by herself; the other animals never offer to help. After she has baked it, she asks "Who will help me eat this?" What do you think the other animals said, and how did Little Red Hen respond?
 | Scholastic Teaching Resources 発売日 : 2006-03-01 |
Vocabulary
grind: 粉にひくFindley, V. (2006). The Little Red Hen. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Mission: Impossible — Fallout, and other matters…
- hyphen
– en-dash n (Option-Hyphen)
— em-dash m (Option-Shift-Hyphen)
Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half goal was magnificent.
Many strikers score 30–40 goals a season.
Cristiano Ronaldo—one of the world's top players—didn't play well in the Champions League final.
Tom Cruise
Simon Pegg
Today we watched the trailer for Mission: Impossible — Fallout, a new Mission: Impossible movie starring Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames, as usual. It looks very exciting, also as usual. I have enjoyed all five Mission: Impossible movies so far, though I don't remember number 3 or Rogue Nation so well. It seems that the recent ones have all had good reviews. I just checked on Rotten Tomatoes, and it seems that the TV series began in 1966! I didn't realize quite how old it was.
(88 words)
– en-dash n (Option-Hyphen)
— em-dash m (Option-Shift-Hyphen)
Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half goal was magnificent.
Many strikers score 30–40 goals a season.
Cristiano Ronaldo—one of the world's top players—didn't play well in the Champions League final.
Tom Cruise
Simon Pegg
Today we watched the trailer for Mission: Impossible — Fallout, a new Mission: Impossible movie starring Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames, as usual. It looks very exciting, also as usual. I have enjoyed all five Mission: Impossible movies so far, though I don't remember number 3 or Rogue Nation so well. It seems that the recent ones have all had good reviews. I just checked on Rotten Tomatoes, and it seems that the TV series began in 1966! I didn't realize quite how old it was.
(88 words)
Mission: Impossible — Fallout, and other matters…
a one-year-old baby
about 4–5 years
I like films—especially British ones—and I watch them at the cinema.
Tom Cruise: Ethan Hunt
Simon Pegg
Ving Rhames
Today we watched one of the trailers for Mission: Impossible — Fallout, the 6th and latest of the Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible movies. Apparently, it's due to come out at the end of July, but since the length of the movie is not yet posted on Rotten Tomatoes, I wonder if it will be finished on time.
Did you see the Champions League final? I couldn't get up in time, but the match was a bit disappointing because Mohammed Salah, Liverpool's top player, was fouled after a short time and had to withdraw. In addition, Liverpool's goalkeeper made two very big mistakes to give Real Madrid two goals, and Liverpool lost 1–3 in the end.
(114 words)
about 4–5 years
I like films—especially British ones—and I watch them at the cinema.
Tom Cruise: Ethan Hunt
Simon Pegg
Ving Rhames
Today we watched one of the trailers for Mission: Impossible — Fallout, the 6th and latest of the Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible movies. Apparently, it's due to come out at the end of July, but since the length of the movie is not yet posted on Rotten Tomatoes, I wonder if it will be finished on time.
Did you see the Champions League final? I couldn't get up in time, but the match was a bit disappointing because Mohammed Salah, Liverpool's top player, was fouled after a short time and had to withdraw. In addition, Liverpool's goalkeeper made two very big mistakes to give Real Madrid two goals, and Liverpool lost 1–3 in the end.
(114 words)
Monday, May 21, 2018
pp. 23-25: C, D, F
C
- My classmates and I usually eat outside. We do not sit in the cafeteria. We relax in the warm sun.
- When I talk to new people, I always try to be polite. I never interrupt them. I often compliment them.
- When I have…
- Sometimes…
- My classmates and I…
D
- I am polite. I never interrupt people.
- When other people compliment me, I usually smile.
- My coworkers…
- My neighbours…
- I…
- Close friends…
- Children…
- When my classmates and I…
F
- I like to be at home.
- My friends like to ask me questions.
- I…
- My parents…
- I…
- I…
Darkest Hour, In the Fade, and other matters…
Today we watched two movie trailers. Both were from movies currently playing at Denkikan. The first was In the Fade, a 2017 movie starring Diane Kruger. That is a German movie about a terrorist incident in which Diane Kruger's character's husband and child are killed. The second was Finest Hour, the biopic, directed by Joe Wright, about Winston Churchill and his determination to fight Germany.
On Saturday, the FA Cup final was played between Manchester United and Chelsea. Chelsea won 1–0. That is basically the end of football until the World Cup begins on June 15th.
[95 words]
Textbook pp. 23-24: C & D
- My classmates and I usually eat outside. We do not sit in the cafeteria. We relax in the warm sun.
- When I talk to new people, I always try to be polite. I compliment them. I don't interrupt them.
- When I have meetings at work, I often use my computer. I read emails from my coworkers. I write emails to friends.
- Sometimes people in the community get together. They meet other people from the neighbourhood. They become closer to their neighbours.
- My classmates and I always work hard in English class. We practice our English. We don't speak other languages.
D
- I am polite. I never interrupt people.
- When other people compliment me, I always smile.
- My coworkers often offer to help me.
- My neighbours are friendly. They always talk a lot.
- I usually feel nervous when I meet new people.
- Close friends often have common interests.
- Children sometimes play soccer on my street.
- When my classmates and I have conversations, we often practice our English.
Darkest Hour, The Only Living Boy in New York, and other matters…
Gary Oldman
Kate Beckinsale
Pierce Brosnan
Jeff Bridges
a movie starring Gary Oldman
a 2017 movie directed by Marc Webb
Today we watched two movie trailers. Both movies are currently showing at Denkikan, the famous cinema on Shinshigai downtown. It's a great place to see movies that aren't showing at the United or Toho cinemas. They always come rather late, but better late than never!
The first one we saw was Darkest Hour, a movie about Winston Churchill starring Gary Oldman. The second was The Only Living Boy in New York, a 2017 movie directed by Marc Webb. Another one currently showing is In the Fade, starring Diane Kruger.
Try getting a cinépass at Denkikan. It's only 5,500 yen for 5 shows. And multiple people can use the same pass.
[108 words]
Kate Beckinsale
Pierce Brosnan
Jeff Bridges
a movie starring Gary Oldman
a 2017 movie directed by Marc Webb
Today we watched two movie trailers. Both movies are currently showing at Denkikan, the famous cinema on Shinshigai downtown. It's a great place to see movies that aren't showing at the United or Toho cinemas. They always come rather late, but better late than never!
The first one we saw was Darkest Hour, a movie about Winston Churchill starring Gary Oldman. The second was The Only Living Boy in New York, a 2017 movie directed by Marc Webb. Another one currently showing is In the Fade, starring Diane Kruger.
Try getting a cinépass at Denkikan. It's only 5,500 yen for 5 shows. And multiple people can use the same pass.
[108 words]
Monday, May 14, 2018
Another Kind of Wedding, Adrift, and other matters…
the trailer for Adrift, a movie starring Shailene Woodley
a movie directed by Baltasar Kormákur
Shailene Woodley stars in Divergent.
Today we watched two movie trailers. The first one was for Another Kind of Wedding, a romantic comedy about two brothers, one of whom marries his brother's ex-girlfriend. The other was for Adrift, a movie directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin. It's based on a true story about a couple who sail the South Pacific but come across the largest storm in history.
(68 words)
a movie directed by Baltasar Kormákur
Shailene Woodley stars in Divergent.
Today we watched two movie trailers. The first one was for Another Kind of Wedding, a romantic comedy about two brothers, one of whom marries his brother's ex-girlfriend. The other was for Adrift, a movie directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin. It's based on a true story about a couple who sail the South Pacific but come across the largest storm in history.
(68 words)
Another Kind of Wedding, Adrift, and other matters…
Shailene Woodley
Sam Claflin
I saw the trailer for ________,
a movie starring Shailene Woodley.
Shailene Woodley stars in Another Kind of Wedding.
I watched the trailer for Tully, a movie directed by Jason Reitman
Today, we watched two movie trailers. One was Another Kind of Wedding, a movie starring Kathleen Turner, a kind of comedy about two brothers, one of whom is getting married to his brother's ex-girlfriend. The other was Adrift, a movie starring Sam Claflin and Shailene Woodley. It's based on a true about a couple who sail across the Pacific (?), and encounter a category 5 hurricane.
The Premier League season has come to an end. Manchester City managed to get 100 points, a new record. They also broke the record for goals scored, and number of wins.
(96 words)
Monday, May 7, 2018
Whitney, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for Whitney, a new movie about the life of Whitney Houston. I like her singing very much, and she has a lot of good songs. I also liked the movie Bodyguard, starring her and Keven Costner.
There has been a lot of exciting football recently. The Champions League semifinals had lots of goals. The Roma–Liverpool semifinal was especially exciting, ending in a score of 7–6. I am looking forward to the final, between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
81 words
There has been a lot of exciting football recently. The Champions League semifinals had lots of goals. The Roma–Liverpool semifinal was especially exciting, ending in a score of 7–6. I am looking forward to the final, between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
81 words
Whitney, and other matters…
Today we watched a trailer for Whitney, a new documentary about Whitney Houston. I haven't heard any of her songs for a long time, so it was nice to be reminded of them. The song that played in the background was I Have Nothing, so we listened to that on Youtube, both a version with lyrics and a live version. Probably her most famous song, though, is I Will Always Have You. One way to listen to her songs is in the movie The Bodyguard.
Did you watch any Champions League football? Liverpool will lay Real Madrid in the final!
(98 words)
Did you watch any Champions League football? Liverpool will lay Real Madrid in the final!
(98 words)
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Writing 3 (May 7th)
Hi, everyone,
I hope you enjoyed Golden Week.
This week, let's work mainly on book reviews. We will read a book and write a review of it during the class time. We will start by doing it in Manaba, and then transfer the work to the blog.
You will notice that Book Review 3 is now open in Manaba. Unfortunately, there are several students who haven't done Book Review 2 yet (and even a few who haven't done Book Review 1 yet!). I am worried that people who have fallen behind so early in the semester may be on course to fail the class.
If we have time, we will do some more work with the textbook.
I hope you enjoyed Golden Week.
This week, let's work mainly on book reviews. We will read a book and write a review of it during the class time. We will start by doing it in Manaba, and then transfer the work to the blog.
You will notice that Book Review 3 is now open in Manaba. Unfortunately, there are several students who haven't done Book Review 2 yet (and even a few who haven't done Book Review 1 yet!). I am worried that people who have fallen behind so early in the semester may be on course to fail the class.
If we have time, we will do some more work with the textbook.
TRIO
Please remember that May 14th is the deadline for finishing the Chapter 1 exercises in Oxford Learn!Monday, April 23, 2018
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Book review 1-1)
When Muff woke up, he found the knife in his hand.
"Why'd you do it?"
"I never meant to!"
I read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It's a very exciting story. Did Muff kill someone?
settle:
thief:
Twain, M. (2007). The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Mankato, Minnesota: Stone Arch Books.
 | Atama-ii Books 発売日 : 2015-09-21 |
Johnny English Strikes Again, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for Johnny English Strikes Again, the third movie in the Johnny English series starring Rowan Atkinson, of Mr Bean fame. The film costars Olga Kurylenko. The film looks very similar to the other Johnny English films, with Johnny messing everything up, but finally things working out.
In the UK, the FA Cup semifinals have both been played, and the final will be between Chelsea and Manchester United. As I mentioned last week, Manchester City have already won the Premier League, and now they are trying to reach a total points record. They won easily yesterday.
(99 words)
In the UK, the FA Cup semifinals have both been played, and the final will be between Chelsea and Manchester United. As I mentioned last week, Manchester City have already won the Premier League, and now they are trying to reach a total points record. They won easily yesterday.
(99 words)
Monday, April 16, 2018
Incredibles 2, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for Incredibles 2. It's the new Pixar movie, scheduled for release in June this year. (That is the American schedule; I'm not sure about the Japan release.) Probably, we won't be able to see the subtitled version in Kumamoto, though, so I may have to wait until it comes out on Google Play. I like Holly Hunter, so I'm not interested in the dubbed version.
The last week or so has been exciting in football. In the Champions League, Liverpool knocked out Manchester City, and Roma also went through to the semi-finals. In the Premier League, Manchester City have already won the title, with five games left to go.
(113 words)
The last week or so has been exciting in football. In the Champions League, Liverpool knocked out Manchester City, and Roma also went through to the semi-finals. In the Premier League, Manchester City have already won the title, with five games left to go.
(113 words)
Incredibles 2, and other matters…
Today, we watched the trailer for Incredibles 2, a Pixar movie due to be released in June this year. That schedule is the American schedule; Japan's may be different. Incredibles was one of my favorite Pixar movies—I particularly liked the Holly Hunter character—so I'm looking forward to seeing it. Unfortunately, however, Pixar movies in Kumamoto are nearly always dubbed rather than subtitled, so we may have to go to Fukuoka or wait for the movie to be released on Google Play or iTunes.
This last weekend was an eventful one in the Premier League. Manchester City won the title!
98 words
This last weekend was an eventful one in the Premier League. Manchester City won the title!
98 words
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Welcome to Writing III!
Hi, everyone. I'm Rick, your teacher for Writing III and IV. I hope you will enjoy these classes, and improve your writing over the year.
Let's talk about Writing III first. The first thing to say is that we will use a textbook, TRIO Writing 2, published by Oxford University Press. The second thing I want to mention is that we will use three different online tools for this course. In this way, while improving your English, you will also learn more about using computers, and I think this will be useful for your future. We will learn about them little by little, so don’t panic! Just remember to make notes of URLs (web addresses), usernames, and passwords!
The three online tools are:
Let's talk about Writing III first. The first thing to say is that we will use a textbook, TRIO Writing 2, published by Oxford University Press. The second thing I want to mention is that we will use three different online tools for this course. In this way, while improving your English, you will also learn more about using computers, and I think this will be useful for your future. We will learn about them little by little, so don’t panic! Just remember to make notes of URLs (web addresses), usernames, and passwords!
The three online tools are:
- TRIO Writing 2 Online Practice: This is a companion to the TRIO Writing 2 textbook.
- A blog: Most of you already have a blog. Let’s use it regularly. We will often do timed writings on the blog. You will also post book reviews, after writing them in Manaba. In addition, you will post your corrected essays on your blog, after first writing them in Manaba. You will use Tags (called Labels in Blogger) to organize types of posts together.
- Manaba: I will ask you to write 3 essays (in Microsoft Word) and upload them to Manaba.
Class schedule
April
9th: 1th class
16th: 2th class
23rd: 3th class
May
7th: 4th class
14th: 5th class
21st: 6th class
28th: 7th class
June
4th: 8th class
11th: 9th class
18th: 10th class
25th: [This will probably be cancelled, and there may be a 補講. To be confirmed later.]
July
2nd: 12th class
9th: 13th class
16th: 14th class (海の日) (regular classes)
23rd: 15th class
ACTIVITIES
TIMED WRITING
Fluency is important in writing, just as it is in speaking. To help you learn to write faster and more confidently, we will do an activity called Gofun ha Juubun at the beginning of most classes. You will just write for five minutes and count the words. At the end of the first semester, and at the end of the year, you will make a table and a graph of the number of words you wrote. (The number of words will not affect your grade; the purpose is to know how your fluency has changed.)WORKING WITH THE TEXTBOOK
We will use the textbook in Writing III and Writing IV. It has 9 chapters. We will do 4 or 5 chapters in Writing III. You will also do some of the online practice. You will notice that the book contains the Oxford 2000 vocabulary list. Those are the most important 2000 words of English. It’s important that you learn not only what the words mean, but how to use them together in a natural way.
BOOK REVIEWS
In order to improve your writing, it is important to read as much English as possible. To practice reading and writing together, you will need to read a book and write a review of it every week. You can write them in Manaba, and then post them on your blog after getting some comments from me.ESSAYS
You will write three essays during the first semester. The first one is a self-introduction. It should be a corrected version of the one you submitted to Mr Tomei and that he commented on. You should submit it to Manaba, making note of the deadline. After I have commented on it, you should write an improved version on your blog. I will tell you about the other 2 essays later.Monday, January 22, 2018
Hotel California (The Eagles) and Samson, and other matters…
Today we listened to Hotel California by The Eagles. It is their most famous song, and it's number 20 on a list of top rock songs. The video I found was a live performance, but the lyrics were also added. I like music with lots of guitars, so I enjoy listening to this song and watching the playing. If you are interested in that list of 100 songs, you can start here at Number 100!
The end of term is approaching. I am sure you are all busy preparing for exams. What will you do in the spring vacation? I will be working most of the time. It looks like there aren't too may exciting movies coming. [116 words]
The end of term is approaching. I am sure you are all busy preparing for exams. What will you do in the spring vacation? I will be working most of the time. It looks like there aren't too may exciting movies coming. [116 words]
The Boy Downstairs, Hotel California (The Eagles)
Today we watched the trailer for The Boy Downstairs, a movie written and directed by Sophie Brooks and starring Zosia Mamet. It seems to be about a young woman who split up with her boyfriend some time ago, but she discovers him living in her apartment block. They become friends again, and his current girlfriend gets angry. Recently, we have watched a lot of animated features, as well as a lot of suspense and action movie, so I thought a romcom would be a nice change.
We also saw a live video of The Eagles performing Hotel California. Unusually for live videos on YouTube, it had the English lyrics as well as a Japanese translation. Two things that stand out about The Eagles is that the vocalist is also the drummer, and that there are three guitarists. The guitar sound is quite full, and two of the guitarists clearly enjoy playing off each other.
The Premier League has become a bit more interesting. Manchester United have bought Alexis Sanchez, and he is expected to improve the team, meaning they can put some pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table. [190 words]
We also saw a live video of The Eagles performing Hotel California. Unusually for live videos on YouTube, it had the English lyrics as well as a Japanese translation. Two things that stand out about The Eagles is that the vocalist is also the drummer, and that there are three guitarists. The guitar sound is quite full, and two of the guitarists clearly enjoy playing off each other.
The Premier League has become a bit more interesting. Manchester United have bought Alexis Sanchez, and he is expected to improve the team, meaning they can put some pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table. [190 words]
Monday, January 15, 2018
Supper's Ready, Get Out, and other matters…
Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams
Today we watched three videos. The first two were of Supper's Ready by Genesis, the first being the animated version, and the second a live version from around 1974. The third was the trailer for Get Out, a suspense/horror movie directed by Jordan Peele and starring Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams. I have seen that movie, and it's very interesting. It's still playing at Denkikan, so please check it out!
In the Premier League, many, many matches were played over the Christmas and New Year break. The table has not changed so much at the top. Here it is.
One feature of this year's table is that many teams are still at risk of relegation. Let's look at the bottom half:
As you can see, not very many teams are safe.
[128 words]
Today we watched three videos. The first two were of Supper's Ready by Genesis, the first being the animated version, and the second a live version from around 1974. The third was the trailer for Get Out, a suspense/horror movie directed by Jordan Peele and starring Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams. I have seen that movie, and it's very interesting. It's still playing at Denkikan, so please check it out!
In the Premier League, many, many matches were played over the Christmas and New Year break. The table has not changed so much at the top. Here it is.
One feature of this year's table is that many teams are still at risk of relegation. Let's look at the bottom half:
[128 words]
Supper's Ready, by Genesis, and other matters…
Peter Gabriel
Today we also watched another music video. The song was Supper's Ready, by Genesis. We watched the live performance first, followed by the animated version on YouTube. Watching the animated version, we can see a little the world that Peter Gabriel is trying to enact in his live performances.
Genesis is also famous for their word games. Supper's Ready features the famous
mum to
mud to
mad to
dad
sequence, and several others.
[68 words]
Today we also watched another music video. The song was Supper's Ready, by Genesis. We watched the live performance first, followed by the animated version on YouTube. Watching the animated version, we can see a little the world that Peter Gabriel is trying to enact in his live performances.
Genesis is also famous for their word games. Supper's Ready features the famous
mum to
mud to
mad to
dad
sequence, and several others.
[68 words]
America (Simon & Garfunkel), Molly's Game, and other matters…
Jessica Chastain
Idris Elba
Kevin Costner
Paul Simon
Art Garfunkel
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first class of the new year. Today's and next week's class will be the last of this semester and academic year!
Today we watched two videos, one music video and one movie trailer. Until now, we have watched mainly British music videos (Genesis, Yes, David Bowie) and two Irish artists (The Cranberries, U2), but today we watched a live performance of America by Simon and Garfunkel. They are very different from the British artists we have seen so far, who generally have a full rock sound. Simon and Garfunkel are basically folk singers who also add a band. Their main attractions are pleasant melodies and evocative lyrics sung with nice harmony.
Jessica Chastain is one of my favorite actors. We saw the trailer for her new movie, Molly's Game. It looks very interesting. It's based on a true story of a woman who set up a high-stakes poker game featuring billionaires. Idris Elba plays her lawyer.
[161 words]
Idris Elba
Kevin Costner
Paul Simon
Art Garfunkel
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first class of the new year. Today's and next week's class will be the last of this semester and academic year!
Today we watched two videos, one music video and one movie trailer. Until now, we have watched mainly British music videos (Genesis, Yes, David Bowie) and two Irish artists (The Cranberries, U2), but today we watched a live performance of America by Simon and Garfunkel. They are very different from the British artists we have seen so far, who generally have a full rock sound. Simon and Garfunkel are basically folk singers who also add a band. Their main attractions are pleasant melodies and evocative lyrics sung with nice harmony.
Jessica Chastain is one of my favorite actors. We saw the trailer for her new movie, Molly's Game. It looks very interesting. It's based on a true story of a woman who set up a high-stakes poker game featuring billionaires. Idris Elba plays her lawyer.
[161 words]
Monday, December 25, 2017
The Twelve Days of Christmas, and other matters…
Today, we listened to the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Most of the students didn't seem interested in learning about Christmas, so we didn't talk about why there are 12 days, when Christmas ends, and so on. Memorizing songs is a good way to learn a language, and The Twelve Days of Christmas is a good song to choose, because it features so much repetition.
There are no Premier League matches on Christmas Eve, so the last matches I know about are the Saturday matches. Manchester City won as usual, and so did Spurs. Chelsea drew their game, as did Manchester United, and Liverpool and Arsenal also played to a draw. Manchester City's lead is now at 13 points, I think.
There are a few good movies playing now. I recommend Miss Sloane, a story about a lobbyist, playing now at Denkikan. I also think Nocturnal Animals looks very interesting. Get Out also looks interesting, but I'm worried that it may be too frightening. You can check the timetable here.
169 words
There are no Premier League matches on Christmas Eve, so the last matches I know about are the Saturday matches. Manchester City won as usual, and so did Spurs. Chelsea drew their game, as did Manchester United, and Liverpool and Arsenal also played to a draw. Manchester City's lead is now at 13 points, I think.
There are a few good movies playing now. I recommend Miss Sloane, a story about a lobbyist, playing now at Denkikan. I also think Nocturnal Animals looks very interesting. Get Out also looks interesting, but I'm worried that it may be too frightening. You can check the timetable here.
169 words
Twelve Days of Christmas, Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie), Paddington 2, and other matters…
Today, we watched three videos. One was The Twelve Days of Christmas song, the second was a 1972 performance of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie, and the third was a trailer for Paddington 2, the sequel to the 2015 hit, Paddington.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a very popular Christmas song in the west. It's a very useful song to learn, because it features a lot of repetition of the same pattern, e.g. twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, and nine ladies dancing. Furthermore, it features up to eleven repetitions of some phrases such as "and a partridge in a pear tree". I recommend that you try to memorize the song; it will help you master English phonology and grammar. (120 words)
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a very popular Christmas song in the west. It's a very useful song to learn, because it features a lot of repetition of the same pattern, e.g. twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, and nine ladies dancing. Furthermore, it features up to eleven repetitions of some phrases such as "and a partridge in a pear tree". I recommend that you try to memorize the song; it will help you master English phonology and grammar. (120 words)
Monday, December 18, 2017
The Musical Box, Ferdinand, and other matters…
Today we watched a live performance from 1973 of Genesis's The Musical Box. It was a very dynamic performance, featuring Peter Gabriel's theatrical performance and the musicians all in good form.
Then we watched the trailer for Ferdinand, a 20th Century Fox animated feature. It looks really good and it shows the kindness of a bull who is just assumed to be fierce because he is a bull.
Have you seen The Last Jedi? I hope to see it soon. In preparation, I saw Revenge of the Sith on video the other day. When it was released, it didn't make much of an impression on me—maybe I was tired of George Lucas's direction—but on reviewing it looked pretty good, and I could partly understand why Anakin changed so much.
If you are not familiar with Star Wars but want to watch the movies, try the Ernst Rister order.
[145 words]
Then we watched the trailer for Ferdinand, a 20th Century Fox animated feature. It looks really good and it shows the kindness of a bull who is just assumed to be fierce because he is a bull.
Have you seen The Last Jedi? I hope to see it soon. In preparation, I saw Revenge of the Sith on video the other day. When it was released, it didn't make much of an impression on me—maybe I was tired of George Lucas's direction—but on reviewing it looked pretty good, and I could partly understand why Anakin changed so much.
If you are not familiar with Star Wars but want to watch the movies, try the Ernst Rister order.
[145 words]
The Musical Box, Ferdinand, and other matters…
Today we watched a music video and a movie trailer. The music video was a 1973 performance of The Musical Box by Genesis, and the movie trailer was the animated feature Ferdinand by ２０世紀狐.
As you may remember, Genesis was considered part of the progressive rock movement but was also the founder of the theatrical rock movement, and their music had a lot of elements of folk and British culture as well. Peter Gabriel had a great stage presence and was able to express a lot with his face. He also wore masks and various headgear. The Musical Box is one of Genesis's most famous songs, and it features a wide dynamic range, with some very quiet passages and also some very loud ones. As usual, the camera work is a little disappointing, with not enough attention paid to the hands of Steve Hackett, the guitarist. I would also like to see more of Phil Collins (the drummer) when playing the more busy passages.
Ferdinand is about a bull who is very peaceful and doesn't want to harm people or other animals. He lives in Spain, and people want him to take part in bullfights, but he refuses. One day, he is stung by a bee and goes wild, and people capture him because they are scared. The other animals set about trying to free him.
Last week, you may have heard that Manchester City visited Manchester United in the Premier League. Although Manchester United were at home, Manchester City won and extended their lead at the top of the table. This week, Manchester City played Tottenham. This time Manchester City won quite easily, and now everyone is saying that no-one can catch them.
[281 words]
As you may remember, Genesis was considered part of the progressive rock movement but was also the founder of the theatrical rock movement, and their music had a lot of elements of folk and British culture as well. Peter Gabriel had a great stage presence and was able to express a lot with his face. He also wore masks and various headgear. The Musical Box is one of Genesis's most famous songs, and it features a wide dynamic range, with some very quiet passages and also some very loud ones. As usual, the camera work is a little disappointing, with not enough attention paid to the hands of Steve Hackett, the guitarist. I would also like to see more of Phil Collins (the drummer) when playing the more busy passages.
Ferdinand is about a bull who is very peaceful and doesn't want to harm people or other animals. He lives in Spain, and people want him to take part in bullfights, but he refuses. One day, he is stung by a bee and goes wild, and people capture him because they are scared. The other animals set about trying to free him.
Last week, you may have heard that Manchester City visited Manchester United in the Premier League. Although Manchester United were at home, Manchester City won and extended their lead at the top of the table. This week, Manchester City played Tottenham. This time Manchester City won quite easily, and now everyone is saying that no-one can catch them.
[281 words]
Monday, December 11, 2017
The Last Jedi, New Year's Day, and other matters…
Episode 8
Daisy Ridley
Rian Johnson
Carrie Fisher
Today we watched two videos. One was a concert video of U2 performing New Year's Day at Slane Castle in Ireland. The performance was quite energetic. One problem is that the camera focuses too much on Bono, the vocalist, and not enough on The Edge's hands; I'd like to see his guitar technique more.
The other one was a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the latest Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. I'm hoping to go and see it on an IMAX screen in Fukuoka.
Did you hear about the Premier League matches played this weekend? Things went very well for Manchester City. They won their match away against Manchester United. At the same time, Arsenal and Liverpool drew their matches, and Chelsea lost theirs, so Manchester City gained ground on all their rivals. If you look at the table, you can see how well they are doing. [154 words]
Daisy Ridley
Rian Johnson
Carrie Fisher
Today we watched two videos. One was a concert video of U2 performing New Year's Day at Slane Castle in Ireland. The performance was quite energetic. One problem is that the camera focuses too much on Bono, the vocalist, and not enough on The Edge's hands; I'd like to see his guitar technique more.
The other one was a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the latest Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. I'm hoping to go and see it on an IMAX screen in Fukuoka.
Did you hear about the Premier League matches played this weekend? Things went very well for Manchester City. They won their match away against Manchester United. At the same time, Arsenal and Liverpool drew their matches, and Chelsea lost theirs, so Manchester City gained ground on all their rivals. If you look at the table, you can see how well they are doing. [154 words]
New Year's Day, The Last Jedi, and other matters…
Episode 8
Today we watched a music video and also a promotion video for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is Episode 8 of the saga. The music video was a live performance at Slane Castle in Ireland of New Year's Day, by U2. U2 is the most successful band ever in Ireland's history, and Slane Castle looks like a great place to have a concert. New Year's Day is a fan favorite, and the performance had a lot of energy. I think I need to use white to show the lyrics!
The promotion video for The Last Jedi was not a trailer; it featured interviews with Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher (who died after filming was finished), and some of the people who made the film. It looks quite exciting. The film starts on December 15th (this Friday!).
[135 words]
Today we watched a music video and also a promotion video for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is Episode 8 of the saga. The music video was a live performance at Slane Castle in Ireland of New Year's Day, by U2. U2 is the most successful band ever in Ireland's history, and Slane Castle looks like a great place to have a concert. New Year's Day is a fan favorite, and the performance had a lot of energy. I think I need to use white to show the lyrics!
The promotion video for The Last Jedi was not a trailer; it featured interviews with Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher (who died after filming was finished), and some of the people who made the film. It looks quite exciting. The film starts on December 15th (this Friday!).
[135 words]
Monday, December 4, 2017
Soon, The Star, and other matters…
Yes
Soon (from The Gates of Delirium)
Relayer
1975
The Star
Sony Pictures Animation
Today we watched two videos. The first one was the trailer for The Star, a new movie from Sony Pictures Animation. It's a Christmas story, told from "a different perspective". It looks very funny, but I wonder when it's coming to Japan? I hope it doesn't come in April or May but they manage to bring it here before Christmas!
Talking of movies coming before Christmas, next week What Happened to Monday is starting at Denkikan. If you get the chance, you should go and see it. Remember that it will play for only one week!
The second video was a Yes concert video from 1975. They performed Soon, the last part of The Gates of Delirium, a 20-minute song from their album Relayer.
[122 words]
Soon (from The Gates of Delirium)
Relayer
1975
The Star
Sony Pictures Animation
Today we watched two videos. The first one was the trailer for The Star, a new movie from Sony Pictures Animation. It's a Christmas story, told from "a different perspective". It looks very funny, but I wonder when it's coming to Japan? I hope it doesn't come in April or May but they manage to bring it here before Christmas!
Talking of movies coming before Christmas, next week What Happened to Monday is starting at Denkikan. If you get the chance, you should go and see it. Remember that it will play for only one week!
The second video was a Yes concert video from 1975. They performed Soon, the last part of The Gates of Delirium, a 20-minute song from their album Relayer.
[122 words]
Backstage Pass
“You know you shouldn't touch Stevie Helix's guitar, but you can't stop yourself. You look around again, then you grab it. The guitar feels so good in your hands—like it was made for you!”
I read Backstage Pass, another book in the Atama-ii Books series. It’s pretty exciting. Check it out!
The Final Year, Soon, and other matters…
Yes
Soon (from The Gates of Delirium)
Relayer 1974
Today we saw two videos. The first was the trailer for The Final Year, a documentary about the foreign policy team in the Obama administration in their final year in office. It covers things like the war in Syria and the time very near the end when the result of the presidential election was announced and they found out that Donald Trump would be the new president. That meant that the continuity they had hoped for, with Hillary Clinton as president, would not be possible.
The second video was a live concert video from 1975, with Yes performing Soon, the last part of The Gates of Delirium, the main track from their album Relayer. Although I added lyrics to the video, I'm worried that people may not have been able to read them. So I post them below.
The Gates of Delirium, Close to the Edge, and Awaken are three of Yes's epic songs. Although you may not be used to such long songs, I recommend that you try listening to them sometime. Like 1970s movies, they take some time to get used to but are rewarding if you put in the effort.
[191 words]
Soon (from The Gates of Delirium)
Relayer 1974
Today we saw two videos. The first was the trailer for The Final Year, a documentary about the foreign policy team in the Obama administration in their final year in office. It covers things like the war in Syria and the time very near the end when the result of the presidential election was announced and they found out that Donald Trump would be the new president. That meant that the continuity they had hoped for, with Hillary Clinton as president, would not be possible.
The second video was a live concert video from 1975, with Yes performing Soon, the last part of The Gates of Delirium, the main track from their album Relayer. Although I added lyrics to the video, I'm worried that people may not have been able to read them. So I post them below.The Gates of Delirium, Close to the Edge, and Awaken are three of Yes's epic songs. Although you may not be used to such long songs, I recommend that you try listening to them sometime. Like 1970s movies, they take some time to get used to but are rewarding if you put in the effort.
Soon, oh soon the light
Pass within and soothe this endless nightAnd wait here for youOur reason to be hereSoon, oh soon the timeAll we move to gain will reach and calmOur heart is openOur reason to be hereLong ago, set into rhymeSoon, oh soon the lightOurs to shape for all time, ours the rightThe sun will lead usOur reason to be here
[191 words]
Monday, November 27, 2017
Peter Rabbit, and other matters…
Rose Byrne
Domhnall Gleeson
Daisy Ridley
Today we also saw the trailer for Peter Rabbit, a new movie by Sony Pictures Animation. I'm not sure when it will be released in the US, not to mention Japan, but it looks like a lot of fun. Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, and Daisy Ridley are some of the voice actors who feature in the movie.
December looks like being an exciting month for movies. On December 9th, Seven Sisters begins at Denkikan. On the same day, Miss Sloane also begins.
[81 words]
Domhnall Gleeson
Daisy Ridley
Today we also saw the trailer for Peter Rabbit, a new movie by Sony Pictures Animation. I'm not sure when it will be released in the US, not to mention Japan, but it looks like a lot of fun. Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, and Daisy Ridley are some of the voice actors who feature in the movie.
December looks like being an exciting month for movies. On December 9th, Seven Sisters begins at Denkikan. On the same day, Miss Sloane also begins.
[81 words]
Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, and other matters…
Genesis
1974
Today we watched a video of Genesis performing Dancing with the Moonlit Knight. The video was from 1974, and the picture and sound were quite bad. But I enjoyed seeing them play. Unlike most videos of Genesis from that period, the camera sometimes showed Steve Hackett playing the guitar.
In British politics, arguments are still continuing over Brexit. The main problem being discussed now is how to ensure trade between the UK and Ireland. While the UK is in the EU, trade is easy. But after Brexit, there has to be a border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
[97 words]
1974
Today we watched a video of Genesis performing Dancing with the Moonlit Knight. The video was from 1974, and the picture and sound were quite bad. But I enjoyed seeing them play. Unlike most videos of Genesis from that period, the camera sometimes showed Steve Hackett playing the guitar.
In British politics, arguments are still continuing over Brexit. The main problem being discussed now is how to ensure trade between the UK and Ireland. While the UK is in the EU, trade is easy. But after Brexit, there has to be a border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
[97 words]
Peter Rabbit, and other matters…
Peter Corden
Rose Byrne
Today we also watched the trailer for Peter Rabbit, a movie that is "coming soon". It looks extremely funny. It is mixed animation and live action. Peter Corden does the voice of Peter Rabbit. Other voices are done by Rose Byrne, Daisy Ridley, and Domhnall Gleason. It seems to me that animation is a very creative field now. There always seem to be new twists.
In football news, both Manchester United and Manchester City won at the weekend. Manchester City maintain their 8-point lead at the top. Chelsea and Liverpool drew, which is probably good news for the Manchester teams.
[99 words]
Rose Byrne
Today we also watched the trailer for Peter Rabbit, a movie that is "coming soon". It looks extremely funny. It is mixed animation and live action. Peter Corden does the voice of Peter Rabbit. Other voices are done by Rose Byrne, Daisy Ridley, and Domhnall Gleason. It seems to me that animation is a very creative field now. There always seem to be new twists.
In football news, both Manchester United and Manchester City won at the weekend. Manchester City maintain their 8-point lead at the top. Chelsea and Liverpool drew, which is probably good news for the Manchester teams.
[99 words]
Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, and other matters…
Genesis (1973)
Peter Gabriel
progressive rock
theatrical rock
Today we listened to Dancing with the Moonlit Knight by Genesis, watching their live performance. It is from their album Selling England by the Pound. That was their last album before The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, after which Peter Gabriel left the group. We could see one of Peter Gabriel's costumes. Genesis was my second favorite group of the time.
Check them out if you get the chance.
[72 words]
Peter Gabriel
progressive rock
theatrical rock
Today we listened to Dancing with the Moonlit Knight by Genesis, watching their live performance. It is from their album Selling England by the Pound. That was their last album before The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, after which Peter Gabriel left the group. We could see one of Peter Gabriel's costumes. Genesis was my second favorite group of the time.
Check them out if you get the chance.
[72 words]
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Monday, November 20, 2017
Incredibles 2 and other matters…
Today we also watched the teaser trailer for Incredibles 2. It was a teaser trailer because the movie is not completed yet. It is scheduled to be released next year in the U.S., and probably won't be too far behind in Japan. However, I'm worried that the subtitled version won't be released in Kumamoto, as that has been the case with several recent Pixar movies.
You can see all a list of all Pixar's long films here. My favorites are Monsters Inc and Toy Story 2. [85 words]
You can see all a list of all Pixar's long films here. My favorites are Monsters Inc and Toy Story 2. [85 words]
Forever My Girl, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for Forever My Girl, a movie written and directed by Bethany Ashton Wolf and starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe. It's about a country singer who calls off a wedding to go and tour and become famous, but can't forget his old girlfriend. When he visits his hometown, he finds that he has a daughter. He has to decide what things are most important in his life. The movie will be released in the U.S. early in 2018. I'm not sure when it will be released in Japan. It looks interesting so hopefully Denkikan will show it. [102 words]
The Incredibles 2, and other matters…
Today we watched the trailer for The Incredibles 2. It is of course the sequel to The Incredibles, and the director, Brad Bird, is the same. (Brad Bird has also directed Ratatouille, The Incredibles, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.) The movie is not yet finished, so the trailer is just a teaser, but it looks very funny. The Incredibles was one of my favorite of the Pixar movies, losing out only to Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc. The cast includes Samuel Jackson and Holly Hunter, Samuel Jackson is one of Hollywood's top actors, and is well-known for The Avengers. Holly Hunter has played fewer roles but is a great actress. [111 words]
Turn of the Century
Today we watched a concert video of Yes performing Turn of the Century. It's about a sculptor who creates a statue of his wife. She dies in the winter, but the statue comes to life (maybe) or at least enables him to remember his wife.
Recently, there have been some international football matches. England played Germany and Brazil, the number 1 and number 2 teams in the FIFA rankings, and drew 0 – 0 each time. Although the lack of goals is not so exciting, in general English people are happy because our defence has improved; usually we would lose to such strong teams.
In the Premier League, Manchester City are still winning every game. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal all won at the weekend. Paul Pogba, United's star midfielder, is back in the team, so United look much stronger than they have done the last few weeks.
I spent a few days in Montana last week. I met the governor and lieutenant governor and many state officials and university officials. The food was very good there, and we had beef steak two or three times. The university meals we had there were all made from food sourced in Montana. The beer in Montana is also very good. [206 words]
Recently, there have been some international football matches. England played Germany and Brazil, the number 1 and number 2 teams in the FIFA rankings, and drew 0 – 0 each time. Although the lack of goals is not so exciting, in general English people are happy because our defence has improved; usually we would lose to such strong teams.
In the Premier League, Manchester City are still winning every game. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal all won at the weekend. Paul Pogba, United's star midfielder, is back in the team, so United look much stronger than they have done the last few weeks.
I spent a few days in Montana last week. I met the governor and lieutenant governor and many state officials and university officials. The food was very good there, and we had beef steak two or three times. The university meals we had there were all made from food sourced in Montana. The beer in Montana is also very good. [206 words]
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