RLE Blog

happy setsubun!

2012-02-04T09:08:00.003+09:00

Yesterday was setsubun. Until the afternoon I didn`t know actually! But I got to buy my biiiiiiig maki and Jesus! I promise I tried really hard but there was just no way I could eat the whole thing! Of course I had ponzu with it! Still there are always a few ingredients in there I do not like and even my dear ponzu couldn`t help... I will try to make my own maki next year! (said "try"!!!)

Funky Monkey Babys

2012-02-03T12:12:00.002+09:00

Here is a Japanese band I really love! Their PVs always make me cry!! Do you know and like them?

FANTAILS

2012-02-03T12:08:00.002+09:00

Today's chocolate caramel question is....

WHO AM I?

Born in Nigeria in 1960,
he arrived in Australia with his family in 1976
and graduated from NIDA in 1981.
He has starred in a variety of films including
The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994),
The Matrix (1999),
The Lord of the Rings (2001)
and V for vendetta (2005).
He has voiced characters in Babe (1995),
Happy feet (2006)
and Transformers (2007).
His fight scene against Neo in the film "The Matrix"
in which he played Agent Smith
took 27 days to shoot.

SNOW!

2012-02-02T13:15:00.003+09:00

I keep seeing little flakes of snow falling.
It's not a big problem at the moment,
but if it gets heavier and you still want to ride your bike,
this looks like a cleaver idea.

Click the photo to enlarge it.

New Restaurant Opening In Hawaii!

2012-02-02T12:21:00.002+09:00

Hey do any of you remember this TV show?

Any guesses?

Still can't figure it out???

Well, for those of you who gave up, its the Iron Chef! (料理の鉄人) I used to watch this show when I was in junior high school and high school. This show actually helped me learn some basic cooking skills. I sometimes wish that they would start this again. Well, anyway, one of the chefs, Hiroyuki Sakai (Iron Chef French), will be opening a restaurant in Hawaii. It is going to be located on the 1st floor of DFS in Waikiki. It is expected to open in July, but knowing Hawaii's working style, I think it might open in September. So if any of you are planning to take a trip to Hawaii after July, you should try this new restaurant. And, let me know how it is. :)

FANTAILS

2012-02-01T12:37:00.003+09:00

Fantails are lollies that are popular in Australia.
On the wrapper there is a question about the movie industry.
Today's question was an easy one.

What movie am I?

Written and directed by George Lucas, the first film in the franchise was originally released on May 25, 1977, by 20th Century Fox and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The movie spawned two immediate sequels. Starring in the film were Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. Sixteen years later after the release of the trilogy's final film, the first in a new prequel trilogy of films was released.

Idiom of the day

2012-02-01T12:29:00.002+09:00

Speak of the devil and he appears
A person comes just when one is talking about him.
We were just talking about Tim when he came in the door. Speak of the devil and he appears. (Tim came when we were talking about him and did not expect him.)

Scary maze prank

2012-01-31T14:42:00.002+09:00

Last weekend I found this video and it made me laugh soooo hard I just had to share! I am sorry but seeing pranks and people`s reaction always makes me laugh a lot!

New Age of Cafes

2012-01-28T16:29:00.002+09:00

I know most of you go to cafes normally, but have any of you ever been to maid cafes? Slowly this trend is growing popular and even some people do business there as well. But for the more "normal" people out there, a new breed of cafes are popping up all around Tokyo. There is a new type of cafe called the Daikanyama T-Site. Basically, it is a chic cafe, book store, music store, with a Starbucks all in one. So people can go in to relax and listen to music while reading a book. Or, even have a business meeting in style. So if you are ever in the Tokyo area, you should check this place out. I know I will!

Once upon a gyoza

2012-01-27T13:24:00.002+09:00

In Reunion we eat gyozas too. Don`t be surprised, we have lots of chinese people so of course we eat lots of steamed buns and other delicious stuff with shoyu. However, I was pretty surprised the first time I had gyozas in Japan coz` they are grilled/fried. In Reunion we eat them steamed so it was a big surprise for me when I ordered my very first ramen set in Tokyo! IT is good, I love gyozas but to me suigyozas is still number one ^^
Reminds me that I haven`t had ramen for an awfully long time and I love it so much!!

New Generation of Superbikes!

2012-01-27T12:21:00.003+09:00

I don't know how many of you like motorcycles, but I am a pretty big fan of motorcycles. I have always wanted a motorcycle since I started watching Kamen Rider. Most of the Kamen Riders looked really cool riding them so I wanted to be just like that. I got my first motorcycle when I was around 22-23 years old. This was my first bike.

It's a Yamaha R6S. I know in Japan you don't have 600cc bikes, but in America we have 600cc. I don't think we have any 400cc sports bikes, but Japan has a few right? Well anyway, I broke my collar bone while riding her and she got stolen in the end. So maybe riding was not for me :(

But, I wanted to introduce a new super bike to you all. It's the Ducati 1199 Panigale! Now this bike is really nice! I mean it looks great and it comes with all these high-tech features, which makes it a state-of-the-art superbike. I really want this bike, but now I have a family and the price is not very friendly. You could buy a decent car for the same price. Here's a picture of the bike and you can also check it out at the Ducati website. What do you all think?

Earthquake in Hawaii?!!!

2012-01-26T12:13:00.007+09:00

Yup, believe it or not, there are earthquakes in Hawaii! There was just one earthquake about 2-3 days ago. It was about a 4.7. Most of the earthquakes occur near the Big Island, where there is still an active volcano. I actually experienced my first earthquake in Hawaii about 5-6 years ago. It was probably around a 5, but I slept through most of it. Because of the earthquake, there was no electricity for one day! Most restaurants were closed and almost all supermarkets, convenience stores, and many other stores were closed. So, it was really hard to find food and to also cook food. Most homes in Hawaii use electric stoves so most people could not cook. We went to one restaurant at night, but it was about a 3 hour wait! Most areas had electricity by 11pm.

The largest earthquake in Hawaii occurred on April 3, 1868. It was 7.9 earthquake! A tsunami also hit Hawaii as well.

spa world

2012-01-26T12:13:00.005+09:00

Last weekend after I had a blast at USJ I decided to head to World Spa (yes, again, I know!). I had a fantastic time!!! I just love the baths, the saunas and I enjoyed the pool and the water slides soooo much (I screamed so much I bet the guys on the 1st floor could hear me)!!! I usually always go the 6th floor with all the Asian style decorations but for the first time I went to the 4th floor which is European style. It was beautiful. Plus, right now it is just 1,000 yen which makes the place even more...attractive, hehehe!!
Do you know some other spas which are fun to go to??

USJ

2012-01-24T12:09:00.002+09:00

Last weekend I went to USJ. My friend offered me a free ticket so I happily went there.I had never been to the Terminator attraction so I gave it a try. It was ok. Not a fan but you know! However I looooved the one with Spiderman!!! It was so much fun!!! Really liked it even though I had a terrible face on the photo T-T I wanted to try the glamorous Hollywood one (if I remember correctly) but it was too late so I will go another time, no choice!
Do you like USJ? What`s your favorite ride???

Who is this Marvel Character?

2012-01-21T16:02:00.003+09:00

Since the last post was about X-Men and we had talked about Marvel characters today, here's a mini quiz for everyone. Does anyone know who this character is?

Here's a hint. He made a short appearance in the Thor movie. If you combine an animal and a body part, you get his name.

Good luck!

X-Men

2012-01-20T14:15:00.003+09:00

I have been a really reaaaalllly bad girl yesterday! I watched the first X-Men movie a few weeks ago and I had completely forgotten to watch the two other movies when it popped in my mind last night. I could have watched the second one only and enjoyed the last one tonight but no! I was like a little girl in front of my Christmas presents and the temptation was just too much! I ended up watching the two movies in a row...but they were good! I don`t know why the first time I watched them I didn`t like them but I was shocked I had such a good time watching them yesterday! Have you watched them? Do you like Marvel or other super heroes movies?
Ah! Looking forward to Wolverine`s movie already!!!

Research shows whale is tasty

2012-01-20T13:03:00.006+09:00

Wow! I had no idea how much Japan loves whales!
Every year the japanese government spends money to conduct whale "research".
Why is the whale so special?
Why does the government not research other animals?
The above is of course sarcasm.

I just read another article in the news about Sea Shepard fools fighting with a Japanese whaling boat. Now please understand that although I am Australian, I have tried eating whale meat (it was meh...) and I don't think that whales are special or have feelings any more than a cow or a pig does. (And I LOVE steak & bacon) But I think hunting ENDANGERED species is selfish. I don't eat panda or rhino for the same reasons even though they may be DELICIOUS.

The Minke whale is not endangered, eat as much as you like, the Fin whale is however and therefore should not be on the menu. Taiji dolphin hunting? I so totally don't care. The species of dolphin killed at Taiji are not endangered and although it may look horrific to see, so does what happens inside a slaughterhouse where they kill cows. (However dolphin meat, and that of most other large sea animals, does contain a lot of mercury which is dangerous for people to eat.)

This shouldn't only apply to mammals that we think are cute. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is endangered & should not be commercially hunted, Pacific Bluefin tuna is not on the endangered species list at the moment, so throw some on the grill tonight.

All in all, Japans whale "research" wastes money that could be spent on more important things like helping the people in Tohoku who still don't have houses. Or at least Japan should stop hiding behind the "research" nonsense and just be honest, and show the IWC that it is only hunting whales that are not endangered.

Oh and I hate the Sea Shepard idiots, they are silly hippies that are only making the problem worse. Indians believe the cow is a holy animal and don't eat it, that is not going to stop me from having a burger. But if the cow was endangered I would not eat it.

Please let me know what you think.
:Phil

Beautiful

2012-01-19T17:35:00.003+09:00

Have at look at her photo-blog link

Japanese New Year's Cuisine: Ozoni!

2012-01-19T12:44:00.005+09:00

I didn't know that there were many types of ozoni! I ate ozoni as a child, and since my grandma is from Kyoto, we usually ate white miso ozoni. Then, one of my friends from Japan made red miso ozoni. So, I basically thought there were only 2 types of ozoni.

But, now! I found 2 more types of ozoni. My wife made sumashi ozoni. It was just basically dashi with mochi and some mitsuba. This was really good! I can eat shiro miso ozoni but I never really liked it that much, but this sumashi style is sooooo ono ("delicious" in Hawaiian)! One of my students also told me that she makes sumashi ozoni using shoyu. Now that sounds good too! She also puts chicken and many other vegetables. I've never had any meat with ozoni so I would really want to try this style.

Here are some styles that I found on wikipedia:

Sumashi Style: salt, usukuchi shoyu, karakuchi shoyu, shiro shoyu
Miso Style: white miso, red miso, mixed miso, wheat miso, rice miso
Natto Shiru
Komame Shiru

What kind of ozoni do you eat? And is there something special you put in your ozoni?

presidential elections

2012-01-19T12:42:00.003+09:00

This year a new French president will be elected. As a French person, I am of course, allowed to vote for the president of my country even though I do not live in France right now. I was pretty astounded when I heard that Japanese people aren't allowed to vote in Japanese elections if they leave their country.
I mean even though I don`t live in France at the moment I don`t know if and when I will go back there. It is still my country and my family lives there. What happens to them and any major change related to the country would matter to me, obviously.
Therefore it is important to me to vote this year and to give my opinion.
What do you think? Would you mind if you left your country and were not allowed to vote anymore? Or do you think this is normal?

VOCABULARY

2012-01-18T15:11:00.002+09:00

Today's word is

PROS·PER·OUS

adj \ˈpräs-p(ə-)rəs\

1: auspicious, favorable

2 a : marked by success or economic well-being
b : enjoying vigorous and healthy growth : flourishing

— pros·per·ous·ly adverb

— pros·per·ous·ness noun

Examples of PROSPEROUS

The company had a prosperous year.
He predicted a prosperous future.

nikuman

2012-01-17T13:01:00.002+09:00

If there is one thing I love, it is nikuman. Until recently I ate it without mustard but I have to admit adding some karashi on it makes it even yummier! We do have nikuman in Reunion but it tastes different. Can be sure I will get one tonight at Family Mart. Feels good to eat something warm when it`s so cold!

Creepy photos

2012-01-17T12:46:00.004+09:00

The Izu Islands are a group of volcanic islands
stretching south and east from the Izu peninsular near Tokyo.
Wikipedia link
Due to the volcanic activity the residents of some
of the islands, sometimes need to wear gas masks
to protect them from dangerous sulfur gas.
The old photos below are particularly eerie.

Are you my mommy?

A wedding wow!
Remember not to complain if it only rains on your wedding day,
it could be worse!

Very punny

2012-01-14T15:22:00.000+09:00

VOCAB

2012-01-12T12:49:00.002+09:00

Today's word is

mod·est

adj \ˈmä-dəst\

1 a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth
b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence

2: arising from or characteristic of a modest nature

3: observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent

4 a : limited in size, amount, or scope modest means>
b : unpretentious modest home>

— mod·est·ly adverb

Examples of MODEST

They own a modest home near the beach.
She enjoyed modest success with her singing career.
He earns a modest income.
We live on a modest budget.
New cars are now available at relatively modest prices.
He has only a modest amount of knowledge on the subject.
It is a book of only modest importance.
She's very modest about her achievements.
Don't be so modest. Your performance was wonderful!
“I'm not a hero. I was just doing my job,” he said in his characteristically modest way.

Grey`s anatomy

2012-01-11T15:55:00.002+09:00

Recently I have been watching this show a lot! Even a bit too much... but I can`t help it! The ending of each episode is always so stressing I have no choice but click on the play button when it comes to the next episode!
Have you watched it or are there any other American TV show you love???

Way past tense

2012-01-10T15:49:00.002+09:00

The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both American and British English, however, the irregular form is generally more common in British English (the first form of the two) and the regular form is more common to American English.

Burn
Burnt OR burned

Dream
dreamt OR dreamed

Lean
leant OR leaned

Learn
learnt OR learned

Smell
smelt OR smelled

Spell
spelt OR spelled

Spill
spilt OR spilled

Spoil
spoilt OR spoiled

2012-01-06T15:33:00.003+09:00

These are Ugg boots.
They are originally from Australia.
They were first manufactured in 1933.
They are SLIPPERS!!!
They should NEVER under any circumstances,
ever, ever, ever been worn outside your house.
They are for indoor use only!
Thank you for reading.
-
:Phil

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2012-01-05T14:13:00.002+09:00

Happy New Year!!!
We hope everyone has a great 2012.

2012-01-05T13:59:00.000+09:00

Christmas in Reunion

2012-01-05T12:59:00.002+09:00

Here are some pics of my Christmas in Reunion. I had the greatest time thanks to my family!!! Looking forward to going back there already! There`s nothing like home!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:19:00.004+09:00

Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
See you all again soon!

There and back again

2011-12-22T14:23:00.004+09:00

Jingle bells

2011-12-21T14:58:00.000+09:00

2011-12-17T15:47:00.004+09:00

2011-12-17T15:35:00.004+09:00

2011-12-17T15:25:00.001+09:00

Kids christmas party!

2011-12-17T15:09:00.004+09:00

This morning we had the kids` Christmas party and we had sooooo much fun! Thanks a lot for coming. We really had an amazing time!! Here are some pics!

Osaka Renaissance

2011-12-16T14:11:00.002+09:00

Yesterday night as I left the office I rushed and got on the train to Osaka station. Then I went to Yodoyabashi station to have a glance at the illuminations around the city hall. I had only 20 minutes to enjoy the show (which was really short) but I really wanted to enjoy it even though I couldn`t see the whole thing (the lights are turned off by 10). I was pretty happy and it was not crowded like it can be on weekends so it was even mooore enjoyable! Next year I will try to go again and spend more time if possible!

Shhhhhhhh.....ushi

2011-12-16T12:24:00.000+09:00

2011-12-15T12:34:00.002+09:00

Its vs It's

"Its going to be sunny tomorrow."

This is INCORRECT.

It’s is the contraction of It is:

* "It’s going to be sunny tomorrow."

This is CORRECT.

"What’s that? I can’t remember it’s name."

This is INCORRECT.

Its is a possessive pronoun that modifies a noun:

* "What’s that? I can’t remember its name."

This is CORRECT.

Kobe & Luminarie

2011-12-13T13:17:00.003+09:00

Last Saturday night I went to Kobe to see the Christmas illuminations. I expected a lot of people. There were lots of people. I expected to queue for hours. Idid wait but it was not as terrible as I had imagined! I really had the worst scenario in mind and it was not that bad at all. The hardest part was the wind. Oooohh! the wind!!! But as soon as the the illuminated arcade appeared in front of me, I just forgot about it. Plus, I didn`t know there were other illuminated spots. I thought it was the arcade was all there was to see! Therefore I was even more excited and overjoyed when I saw the arena kind of thing and the other lightnings. Had a fantastic time!!!
I will try to have a look at the Renaissance Christmas illuminations in Osaka before I leave. Not sure I can make it but I will try!!
Have been there already or are you planning to???

2011-12-09T13:56:00.002+09:00

LINK

Found this on the BBC world news website.
I like birds.
:Phil

Pink Floyd could do with some grammar tips...

2011-12-07T12:28:00.004+09:00

Double negative

"I'm not speaking to nobody in this class."

This is INCORRECT.

Since 'not' is a negative, you cannot use 'nobody' in this sentence:

* "I'm not speaking to anybody in this class."

This is CORRECT.

Christmas Crossword

2011-12-02T19:40:00.001+09:00

Let's eat...

2011-12-01T12:58:00.000+09:00

pop corn lovaaaa

2011-11-30T14:39:00.002+09:00

HI there! I finally went to the movie theater last Saturday night. In Japan it is pretty expensive so I hardly ever go to the movies. Remember when I used to live in France and it was 700 yen so I would every week or two weeks........ Wow! Stop complaining, Marine! You`re soooo French! Sorry!
Anyway, I went to Mycal and I had some fantasssssstic popcorn!! salt & vinegar flavor! Ohhh my!!! I am a huge fan of vinegar and it was the first time I had it... looooved it! Next time I will have a bigger box! Not a caramel popcorn lover but salt & vinegar.... out of words!

Facepalm

2011-11-29T13:36:00.002+09:00

Have vs Of

"I never would of thought that he’d behave like that."

This is INCORRECT.

It should be would have:

* "I never would have/would’ve thought that he’d behave like that."

This is CORRECT.

It’s the same for should and could:

"He should of come with me."

This is INCORRECT.

* "He should have/should’ve come with me."

This is CORRECT.

"She could of had anything she wanted."

This is INCORRECT.

* "She could have had anything she wanted."

This is CORRECT.

It's funny & clever.

2011-11-25T14:13:00.000+09:00

Get it?

IMMORTALS...

2011-11-24T12:33:00.005+09:00

Yesterday I went to see the film "IMMORTALS"
It was not good.

It was not boring, there was lots of action and special effects,
but the story was weak and the acting was pathetic.

It was made by Tarsem Singh, the same film maker
who brought us "THE FALL" & "THE CELL"
two films that I really enjoyed.

His costumes and scenery are amazing,
and his films are always beautiful, if nothing else.
But "IMMORTALS" didn't even look good.

Look at Mickey Rourke's hat!

That is not scary, that is ridiculous.
He was supposed to be the terrifying bad guy,
but the hat just made us laugh!

So don't go and see "IMMORTALS" but have
a look at "THE CELL" if you like scary,
or "THE FALL" if you like cute fantasy.
(Plus you will save money because you can rent them.)

Socially Awkward Penguin

2011-11-17T13:41:00.003+09:00

Socially awkward penguin has a few small problems.
He is a nice guy but a little too shy sometimes,
and when he gets nervous he panics.

Follow this link for more Socially Awkward Penguin

2011-11-15T12:31:00.004+09:00

Present perfect

"He has took the train."

This is INCORRECT.

The correct form for the present perfect is:

would + have + past participle

* "He has taken the train."

This is CORRECT.

PIE!

2011-11-12T09:26:00.002+09:00

UM...........

2011-11-11T15:00:00.000+09:00

Philosoraptor says

2011-11-10T12:42:00.001+09:00

Words

2011-11-09T12:32:00.002+09:00

Some interesting words.
LINK

Stay clam &...

2011-11-08T13:17:00.001+09:00

Don't panic!

Double negative

2011-11-02T12:36:00.003+09:00

Double negative

"I'm not speaking to nobody."

This is INCORRECT.

Since 'not' is a negative, you cannot use 'nobody' in this sentence:

* "I'm not speaking to anybody."

This is CORRECT.

Halloween at RLE!!!

2011-11-01T13:00:00.005+09:00

Here are some Halloween pics taken last Saturday. We had a great time with all you guys, thanks a lot!!

2011-10-29T09:06:00.003+09:00

Don't forget today is the
RLE HALLOWEEN PARTY!
We hope to see you there!

Whenwolf

2011-10-28T12:30:00.001+09:00

Wrath of the mummy

2011-10-27T12:44:00.000+09:00

10 items or less?

2011-10-26T15:06:00.001+09:00

Fewer vs Less

Sign at the checkout of a supermarket: “Ten items or less”

This is INCORRECT.

You can count the items,

so you need to use the number word “fewer”.

These nouns are countable.

* "Ten items or fewer."

This is CORRECT.

If you can’t count the substance,

then you should use “less”.

These nouns are uncountable.

* "You should eat less meat."

This is CORRECT.

What Phil did on the weekend.

2011-10-25T14:19:00.007+09:00

I was really lucky last weekend.
It rained on Saturday so jidai matsuri was
postponed to Sunday! Yay! I have never
been able to see it before and I always wanted to.

I love horses, this is a "Draught Horse".
He was huge! With fluffy socks.
Wikipedia article

This samurai was known as
"stupid hat" among his friends.

Ashigaru preparing to battle some kokosei gyaru.

"I think I need a bigger flag,
This tiny thing will never strike
fear into the hearts of my enemies."

"What did you say? I'm not too young to fight!"

2011-10-21T17:57:00.002+09:00

Last Sunday I went to Kyoto Imperial Palace
to look for mushrooms with my girlfriend.
(She thinks they are cute.)

You can't take anything from Gosho,
so we could only look.
But it was good fun.

So cute your head may explode!

2011-10-20T12:49:00.007+09:00

Cyril Ruoso from France took the picture high in China's Qinling Mountains.

BRAAAAAAAINS?

2011-10-19T12:29:00.002+09:00

Get your dictionaries ready people,
this one has some difficult words in it.

Bring Vs Take

2011-10-18T12:32:00.007+09:00

Bring vs Take

"When we go to the party on Saturday, let’s bring a bottle of wine."

This is INCORRECT.

When you are viewing the movement of something from the point of arrival, use “bring”:

* "When you come to the party, please bring a bottle of wine."

This is CORRECT.

When you are viewing the movement of something from the point of departure, use “take”:

* "When we go to the party, let’s take a bottle of wine."

This is CORRECT.

choco lovaaaaaa!!!

2011-10-13T14:13:00.003+09:00

I don't know why but this week, yesterday especially, I just felt like having chocolate! I have a sweet tooth and as far as I can remember I have ALWAYS loved sweets, cakes and chocolates. I hadn't eaten chocolate for a verrrrrry long time so yesterday I just rushed to the first convienience store I could find and immediately bought a pack of M&M's... should I mention I got another one this morning...???!!!!

Do you see an old or young lady?

2011-10-13T12:24:00.004+09:00

Don't vs Doesn’t

"He don’t care about me anymore."

This is INCORRECT.

Doesn't, does not, or does are used with the third person singular

- words like he, she, and it.

Don't, do not, or do are used for other subjects.

* "He doesn’t care about me anymore."

This is CORRECT.

Unless of course you want to sound like a

southern woman from the 1950's wild west...

Then you should say "He don't care 'bout me nomore"

Halloween joke

2011-10-12T12:47:00.004+09:00

What do vegetarian zombies eat?

GRAAAAAAAAAAAINS!!!

The third conditional

2011-10-11T12:07:00.002+09:00

1. Third conditional

"If I would have known about the party, I would have gone to it."

This is INCORRECT, although commonly used, especially in American English.

The correct form is:

If + had + past participle, would + have + past participle

* "If I had known about the party, I would have gone."

This is CORRECT.

Oh and the picture is a little joke/pun,

if you can tell me what it is and how it relates to the post

you will win one million awesomeness points

which can be redeemed for a feeling of self satisfaction.

Blah!

2011-10-07T12:34:00.005+09:00

Do you have any ideas for your Halloween costume yet?
Well how about this one?
I can't decide if it is so bad it's good, or just plain bad...
What do you think?

What are you afraid of?

2011-10-06T17:54:00.006+09:00

Well it's October,
and that means Halloween is just around the corner.
So what are you afraid of?
Here is a list of odd phobias.
TOP 10 UNUSUAL PHOBIAS
oh an in case you didn't understand the cartoon above,
here is a link for XENA

Enough is enough

2011-10-05T12:17:00.003+09:00

Just to make things more difficult,
"OUGH" can be pronounced at least nine different ways.

"UFF" tough, enough
"OFF" cough
"OW" bough, slough
"OH" though, dough
"OR" thought Pronounced "AW" in American English
"OO" through
"UH" thorough Pronounced "OH" in American English
"UP" hiccough variant spelling of "hiccup".

Words you don't need to know

2011-10-04T12:23:00.006+09:00

I often discover new English words,

and sometimes they are rather strange.

Today's example is

Erinaceous

An adjective which means

Like a hedgehog

"The flock of birds is flying in a rather erinaceous shape."

So bad it's ...good?

2011-09-30T12:56:00.003+09:00

What do you get when you combine
the agility of gymnastics
and the awesome power of karate?
You get GYMKATA!!!
I watched this movie the other day
and honestly it is perhaps the worst film
I have ever seen.
The plot, script, acting, sets & costumes are all terrible.
But that's what makes it so great.
I really enjoyed it.
It is bad but in a good way,
you know good-bad.
If it was just a little bit bad it would just be boring,
but because it is SO bad, it's funny.

You can watch the whole movie on Youtube
Just follow the link below
GYMKATA part 1

Well done!

2011-09-29T12:46:00.001+09:00

Too much pun

2011-09-28T17:08:00.003+09:00

Do you get it?

Sleepy meerkats are sleepy

2011-09-27T12:29:00.001+09:00

I watched the first few episodes of the
BBC documentary series "LIFE" over the weekend.
My favorite part was the sleepy meerkats.

What's the diff?

2011-09-22T12:20:00.004+09:00

You may have heard the words typhoon,

cyclone and hurricane used to refer to bad storms.
So what's the difference?
Well first of all they are all cyclones,
typhoon and hurricane are simply local terms
used to refer to cyclones that originate in Asia and the Americas.

Arrr!

2011-09-21T20:04:00.008+09:00

In the spirit of "international talk like a pirate day"
here is a list of good "pirate" themed movies.
(Not including "Pirates of the Caribbean")

#5 Hook
Peter Pan has grown up
and returns to never land to fight his old foe.
Not your traditional Peter Pan story but good fun.

#4 Master & Commander
I hate Russel Crow but I love this time period.
Iron men in wooden ships fight for control of the new world.
More swashbuckler than pirate I suppose.

#3 Muppet Treasure Island
As the name says it's "Treasure Island" Muppets style,
and the Muppets movies are always hilarious.

#2 The Princess Bride
Not really a "Pirate" movie I guess,
but the main character is "The Dread Pirate Roberts"
so I can put it on the list.
One of my favorite movies when I was a kid.
"My name is Inigo Montoya,
you killed my father,
prepare to die."

#1 The Goonies
No pirates in this movie, but a lot of pirate treasure.
Watched it again recently,
didn't remember it had so much swearing in it.
Kids movies were not so uptight in the 80's.

:Phil

Storm the walls!

2011-09-20T12:48:00.004+09:00

How well do you know your castles?
Can anyone tell me where this is?

Murder Mystery Riddle

2011-09-16T16:21:00.004+09:00

For all you wannabe detectives out there, here are a few murder mysteries for ya!

1. A man was shot in his car. All of the doors were locked and all the windows were up. There were no bullets holes in the car and there were no scratches or dents in the car. How was the man murdered?

2. A man was found murdered one Sunday morning.

His wife immediately called the police.

The police questioned the wife and staff and was given these alibis:

The Wife said she was in bed reading a book.
The Cook claimed she was cooking breakfast.
The Gardener claimed he was planting seeds.
The Maid claimed she was getting the mail.
The Butler claimed he was polishing the silver.

The police instantly arrested the murdered. Who did it and how did they know?

(Hint: This murder happened in America.)

3. A man hung himself in a room with nothing in it. There was only the rope that he used to hang himself with and a puddle of water below him. How did he hang himself?

1. The car was a convertible.

2. The maid because there's no mail on Sunday.

3. He used a block of ice and as time passed the ice melted away, and he was able to hang himself.

Tell me why...

2011-09-16T12:33:00.005+09:00

I have a question for you. Why do people on the train hate the folding seats so much? Do you know what I mean? The folding seats next to the doors on JR. Every time the train stops people sitting in the folding seats look around to see if the regular seats are free, and if so jump up and move. I don't understand why. What is the difference? Am I missing something? I really can't work it out. It doesn't seem to matter what time it is, whether the train is busy or not etc. I guess it doesn't really matter, if they want to move OK, but why stand up and move when you are already sitting down?

Oopsy daisy

2011-09-15T13:22:00.004+09:00

Can you fix these mistakes?

"If I would have known about the party, I would have gone to it."

"He don’t care about me anymore."

"When we go to the party on Saturday, let’s bring a bottle of wine."

Sign at the checkout of a supermarket: “Ten items or less”.

"I never would of thought that he’d behave like that."

"I'm not speaking to nobody in this class."

"He has took the train."

"I should have went to school yesterday."

"Its going to be sunny tomorrow."

"What’s that? I can’t remember it’s name."

2011-09-14T12:26:00.007+09:00

Well summer is over
(although it still feels like summer outside today)
Here is an interesting list of
summer theme words and their origins.
Top 10 summer words

Another Riddle!

2011-09-13T13:43:00.003+09:00

I guess the riddle was a little too easy so here is something a bit more difficult.

A man was locked in a room with only a bed, a calendar, and a piano. How did he drink, how did he eat, and how did he get out? Another man was locked in a room with only a mirror and a table. How did he get out? A third man was locked in an empty room. How did he escape?

So there are a total of 3 answers for this one. Good luck!

The first man drank from the springs of the bed, ate the dates off the calendar and played the piano until he found the right key, which he used to unlock the door.

The second man looked in the mirror to see what he saw. Then he took the saw and cut the table in half. Next, he put the two halves together to make a whole. Finally, he crawled out through the hole.

The third man broke out with the measles.

I ate dessert in the desert....

2011-09-07T15:48:00.005+09:00

Does English confuse you sometimes?

Yeah me too...
Click this link
TOP 10 COMMONLY
CONFUSED ENGLISH WORDS

My private pool

2011-09-06T13:01:00.003+09:00

Yesterday I went to Nishigawara pool. I know, I know, it was cloudy and even a little rainy (however once you`re in the water that doesn`t really matter right?!) but I really wanted to enjoy one last summer pool because they will close the pool next week. So it was my last chance!
As I happily got to the pool I realized I was the only one there! The staff kind of looked at me like I was a weirdo probably thinking "What`s that gaijin doing here?! No one came because of the bad weather..."
It was kind of embarrassing but after a few minutes I just jumped into the pool and enjoyed my private pool for fours hours, hehehehehe!!! Loved it!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

2011-09-03T15:41:00.003+09:00

This looks SO bad.
I am embarrassed to be Australian.

http://www.materock.com

Riddle me this,

2011-09-02T14:27:00.000+09:00

What comes once in a minute,
twice in a moment,
but never in a thousand years?

THUNDERCATS HOOOOOOO!!!

2011-09-01T14:29:00.006+09:00

I am very happy because the Japanese animation
company Studio 4°c has made a new series
of one of my favorite childhood cartoons.
THUNDERCATS was very popular when I was a kid,
but the original series now seems very cheesy.
The new series however looks great
and is a bit darker & more serious.
I enjoy watching it while I eat breakfast.
(just like when I was a kid)
What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
:Phil

Even more PUN!

2011-08-31T17:25:00.005+09:00

Can anyone explain this one ?...

oh... and if you are wondering why it's a raccoon,
his name is "LAME PUN COON" and he loves bad puns.

So much PUN!

2011-08-30T12:20:00.006+09:00

A "PUN" much like a 駄洒落 or 親父ギャグ
is a joke that uses a play on words.
They often contain two words that are
homonyms, homographs or sound very similar.

In the above example the word "RACKET"
can mean both a tool for playing ball games
and a loud noise.
:PHIL

TOEIC TIME

2011-08-26T12:25:00.005+09:00

Match each question with the two best responses.

1. Would you like some help with those?
2. Do you need any help with setting up the room?
3. Can I get you anything?

a. Actually, it's already done.
b. No, I've already eaten.
c. Yeah, could you take this box.
d. A cup of tea would be lovely
e. No, that's alright. They aren't as heavy as they look.
f. That would be great. Let's start with the tables.

Let's eat!

2011-08-25T15:23:00.003+09:00

I try to cook Japanese food for my girlfriend sometimes.
I'm not very good but it's fun to try.
If you would like to practice your English and cooking
at the same time here are some nice websites that I use.
BENTO.COM
JAPAN FOOD ADDICT
But when I feel lazy or a little homesick I use this site instead.
BBC GOOD FOOD GUIDE
:PHIL

Why curry ?

2011-08-24T12:30:00.004+09:00

This is not a popular idiom at all,
(in fact I've probably only heard it a hand full of times).
I was reading the other day when I came across it
and I thought it was rather unusual.
CURRY FAVOR
v. To flatter someone to get their help/friendship.
Joe tried to curry favor with the new girl in class
by telling her she was the prettiest.
(He tried to make her like him.)
But I wondered why we use the word "CURRY"
so I looked it up but could not find a good answer.
Hmmm... just one of those mysteries I guess.

The verb "To curry" @ Websters online dictionary

What I did on the weekend.

2011-08-23T12:43:00.005+09:00

I watched the movie "SUCKER PUNCH".
It's called エンジェル　ウォース　in Japanese.
I thought is was really cool.
Giant samurai with Gatling guns.
Clockwork Nazi zombies.
Dragons, robots and pretty ladies!!!
Not sure my girlfriend liked it so much.
(She said she enjoyed it though.)
It' s on DVD now at Tsutaya.
If you're a bit of a nerd (like me) then check it out.
Internet Movie Database
Wikipedia
Wikipedia in Japanese
Official website

:PHIL

Hunt for the elusive comment...

2011-08-23T12:24:00.004+09:00

We have noticed that not a lot of people write comments,
so we have installed a new feature.
Say hello to the "INTERESTING" button.
When you see something interesting on this
blog please click the "INTERESTING"
button at the bottom of the post.
You will not have to write anything, just click.
It's super easy and really helps us.
This way we will know which post
you enjoy the most and we can then tailor
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THANK YOU!!!