The following are some of the letters I received from my friends. Please write to me about anything, preferably concerning English teaching/learning or my homepage. I won't put any personal letters here. Please let me know if you prefer not to see your letter here. I'll delete it as soon as possible.Thank you for your understanding.

Takeshi Suzuki

Tuesday, July 16
(Ivan Wine, Saint Louis, Missouri)
Hi.  I ran across your page while doing a search for more information about a song called"Ringo No Uta" The Little Apple Song.  I was wanting more information about it because a musician I like recorded a version a few years ago and I wanted to know the lyrics.  The other reason is that I have a friend who is Japanese and her Father owns a Japanese restaurant with a kerioki and he often sings old Japanese songs.  Ringo No Uta is one of them.

  My friend Keiko says that one day she may invite my wife and I to go with her to Japan to visit her grandmother.  That would be fun.  I have always been interested in other cultures.  Especially their old stories and mythology.  Celtic (Irish and Scottish) are my favorite stories, and I also like the few Japanese stories I have read.  I am currently reading an adaptation of the Monk and the Fox.

  I am an artist.  I do graphic design when I am able to find work doing that.  My wife is a graduate student in genetics.  We both like learning about other cultures.  Keiko has introduced us to many new Japanese foods.  I think I like the Soba best, but also the soup which has mushrooms and something that looks like onion.  It is very good!

  Anyway I was looking over your page and I enjoyed what I have read so far. I now want to learn more about Genki :)

Also as far as the paper about the English language halting progress:  I can see the writers point.  With the English language becoming the world standard it has made American students lazy toward learning other languages because they feel no need.  Everyone speaks English now.  My wife was somehow able to become a graduate student and never take any foreign language classes.  I only took two classes in French but I lived in a small town and only had a few choices for language classes.  I would like to learn more, but it is always easy to get distracted.

  I'm not sure why I am writing you, but I thought it would be fun. 

Oh!  A little more about me.  I live in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA and I am 27 years old.  I like to read allot, especially the old stories of the world.  It reminds me of the stories I was told as a child.  I find that many stories are the same regardless of culture, such as Cinderella and the Golden Carp.  I also like art and playing video games.  Because my wife has to work so hard with her studies I now do the cooking.  She eats mostly vegetables and likes Asian foods.  She is partly Korean.  We both really like Thai food.  the hotter and spicier the better. 

I hope you are having a genki day!

  -Ivan Wine

Wednesday, May 15
(September Smith)

Dear Mr. Suzuki:
Please excuse my writing to you unintroduced.  I saw your information on the JALT website and thought you may be able to give me some information or advice.

I am currently living in Nagoya but am very interested in moving to Akita.  I have lived in Japan, in various locations, for a total of 7 years. I am currently teaching English in high school and doing technical editing and proofreading (my background is Mechanical Engineering) .  I have also taught in a community college, 専門学校、I have taught business and technical English, and have done technical proofreading, editing and some translation.

If you could give me any advice or information about how to find work in Akita City, I would be very grateful.  Any information would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
September Smith

Mr. Smith's email address
septemba@mb.nma.ne.jp

Friday, May 10
(Motofumi Arai)
I'm happy to inform you that I've reached Invercargill, the nearest city to the South Pole, in New Zealand. The middle school is called Intermediate School here. I'm working for Rosedale Intermediate School, in which there are about 500 students and 39 staffs.

I teach Japanese, including Japanese cultures to all the students here with the help of home room teachers. This means I have to teach 17 classes a week. Most of the students are very eager to learn Japanese. Though I still have much difficulty in understanding what they say, I can enjoy every minute of my life here.
Arai Motofumi

Thursday, May 2
(Susan Briscoe)
Hello from Yuza-machi via North Wales!

I found your interesting site today.  I wish there had been such a site and internet access when I was JET Program AET in Yuza-machi, Yamagata.  There is so much to read, I haven't had chance to read everything yet. Your honesty of approach is interesting. 

I used to be the AET in Yuza-machi in 1991-92, a long time ago now.  At the moment, in the UK (Wales), I teach Shonai sashiko and other textile arts.  Something different from baseball, which I know little about!  I will continue reading your site with interest.
Best wishes!
Susan

Sunday, April 7
(Motofumi Arai)

I'm very sorry to be late in informing you that they gave official approval for me togo to New Zealand. I've long wanted to go to one of  English speaking countries before I come to retirement age. I'm so happy now. The organization, named International Internship Programs, sends those who want to teach Japanese language and culture at public schools overseas on a genuinely voluntary basis. I go to Intermediate School and stay in a dormitory (they call this a canteen ) with high school students. I'm staying there for 9 months starting from April 20 this year. I'm happy to be able to send News from NZ.

After reading your English written web page diary, I couldn't but feel your devoted stance towards English.

I'd like to express my sincere delight at MSU-A's promotion to a new international university. In the near future, Akita will become one of the international hubs in Asia.
Motofumi Arai

Friday, April 5
(from Masako Sasaki in Brisbane, Australia to Yoko Kamada in Monterey, California)

Yoko-san, how have you been doing?  I'm sure you have been committed to your study as well as enjoying your life there to the full.  The word, "Monterey" reminds me of my visit there and to Frezno and San Francisco more than 10 years ago.  It's a sophisticated and comfortable place to relax, though I know you enjoy your study too much to have leisure for the time being.  But when you actually settle down and have room to look at another aspect of life, I wish you find a lot of happiness in doing nothing, surrounded by just absolutely gorgeous atmosphere. 

As Takeshi (I'm now in English mode!) told you, I've been in Brisbane, Queensland (QLD), Australia.  The climate here is so wonderful that I cannot help feeling hesitant to go back to ....., but Akita will show me the symbol of Japanese sensitivity, blooming cherry blossoms.  

I'm absorbed in the enjoyment of doing research, though it is incredibly in slow pace (Never mind!).  Fortunately, I could encounter with a great person, David E. Ingram, who is my supervisor.   For the first time in my life, I burst into tears, moved by an 'academic paper', which was written by him.  Some day after you come back to Japan, I'd like to share the emotion with you, because I know anybody that has stayed in a foreign country over a certain time will be supported and helped by his comments.

Thank you for reading.  I wish you every happiness in your stay in the U.S.   Best of luck to you with everything!!
Best wishes,
Masako Sasaki

(Masako Sasaki to Takeshi)

I'm looking forward to seeing and chatting with you at the 2nd skill training of April (27 April).  Please say hello to our mutual friends when you see them.

Today there was a shower with thunders for the first time for me during my about 1 month stay here in Brisbane, Queensland.  Queensland is called Sunshine State.

Enjoy the soft pink colour and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.  I hope I will be in time for appreciating them in Akita.
Best wishes,
Masako Sasaki

(Masako Sasaki to AES TEFL members)

Hello! How is the meeting going? I'm now in Brisbane, Australia, and have been struggling with my research. I have huge work I'd like to do while I'm here, but it will be close to impossible...(never mind...!). I just wanted to say hello to you and express my sincere thanks to you for keeping coming to the meeting! Here the weather is so beautiful to make you so envious. (Without study, my stay here would be much happier. See Koala bears. The seem relaxed.)
Best wishes,
Masako Sasaki

((* Sorry but I can't put a picture of cute koalas here, which was attached to her message - Takeshi))

Wednesday, March 27
(Naoto Sato)

     I got briefed on the international university at the prefecture government office yesterday.   I am overwhelmed by the amount of information that I have to absorb to have a good grasp of how the whole system will work.    I'm going to read through the papers during my four-hour Shinkansen ride tomorrow.
    The international university will establish ties not only with MnSCU but also with the Metropolitan State University and the Winona State University, with all these institutions providing many of their own curriculums.   Here again,  I have to familiarize myself with the courses to be offered at the international university.     Looks like I have a tremendous amount of homework ahead!
     At the first meeting to be held on Friday,    the Founding and Preparatory Committee and the General Education Working Group will be discussing the curriculums of the international university.
     To my great surprise(and dismay),  Mr. Masami Muramatsu is a member of the General Education Working Group.     He is a trailblazer in the field of simultaneous interpretation.     The thought of  interpreting in his presence is indeed intimidating.    Well,  anyway,   I'll see what I can do. He might give me some pointers as to how I can improve my interpreting skills.
     I'll write again after I get back from Tokyo.   Take care.

Naoto Sato

(Scott Gorman)

It was so good to hear from you. I think of you often, as well as the wonderful people from the study group; like you, some of the best people I have ever known. Please give them my greeting and express to them my affection. I know we will all meet again someday.

It is a hard adjustment coming home, with all the domestic difficulties I told you about and more. But it will all work out.

Takeshi, I was very moved by your letter to Sam. This is what I hope to be in this world, just as you so kindly said I was. It makes me feel very humble. You are a special soul and always will be in my mind and heart as a friend.

Please take care and let's stay in touch.

With friendship and appreciation,

Scott

(Takeshi Suzuki wrote to Samuel Shepherd)

First of all I'd like you to know that your decision to send Scott Gorman to Akita as well as his desire to stay here for six months was a good one. My friends and I greatly appreciate your giving us a golden opportunity to get to know him. Thank you very much! His contribution to Akita is beyond my imagination, but I am sure he made a lot of difference here in Akita. In the meantime I can tell you about what I went through.

I was extremely lucky enough to see and talk to him several times during his stay here as well as exchanging opinions by email. He inspired me personally a great deal by his seemingly limitless knowledge about human beings, Japan and the world, social and political problems, gender issues and others and maybe more importantly by his great wisdom and his eloquence in expressing himself. I have to confess he is one of the very few intellectuals I have ever encountered in my whole life.

Scott was also kind enough to accept our request to be a guest speaker at our study group meetings held at Akita University twice. He definitely charmed and inspired the group members each time. Many of us learned a lot from him. Above all his sincere attitude to keep thinking struck us. I was graduated from Sophia University many years ago. ;-) They taught us 'so' means love and 'phia' means philosophy and therefore it means to love thinking. Many of my friends who saw and listened to him might have felt that the precious trait really belongs to him.

Thank you very much, Mr. Shepherd, for letting us know Scott Gorman again.

Takeshi Suzuki

Sunday, March 24
(Naoto Sato)

     How are you doing?    The yellow sand from China has been flying around.  Some has landed on my car, giving it a new look.   I hope that rain will wash it away tomorrow.
     There is something I need to tell you.   A few weeks ago  I got a phone call from the Akita prefectural government office asking if I could act as interpreter at the meetings of the preparatory committee of the international university to be established in Akita in 2004.    It came as a pleasant surprise to me.   I knew it would be quite a challenge for me,  but I decided to accept it.   The first meeting will be held in Tokyo on March 29.   Before that,  I am going to visit the office in Akita to be briefed on the project.    While I am delighted to be involved in it,   I hope I will measure up for the job.
     This offer came to me directly from the Akita prefectural government office,  and I feel bad about AIS not having been asked first.    I intend to tell you and the other members of AIS more about the daunting task I am faced with at the next training in April.
     Anyway,  I will try hard to live up to the expectations of everybody concerned.   I will be leaving Noshiro for Tokyo on Thursday morning.   Keep your fingers crossed.

Naoto Sato

Sunday, February 17
(Helen's questions)

Comprehension/Discussion
1. Why did Rieko Ueda start her company "Mothers' Net?"
2. What are some pressures that working women face?
3. Why are women faring better in the current job market?
4. Do women currently have equal opportunity at Japanese companies?
5. Why are the Equal Opportunity Law of 1986 and the provisions of 1999 rather useless?
6. How does Japan compare with other industrialized countries in regards to gender equality?
7. Why is the government worried about Japan's falling fertility rate?
8. Are women to blame for Japan's falling fertility rate?
9. Why is the imperial household's decision about the new princess important?
10. Do you think companies and society in general will ever change in their attitudes toward women?
11. Foreign women from other industrialized countries find Japanese companies and society extremely sexist. Why is that so and is that image changing?
12 Women in companies who experience sexism, discrimination and harassment often complain to each other but not to the company. Why is this so?
13. How can Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Law be better enforced?
14. If companies and the government make it easier for married women to work in responsible positions, do you think this will help the falling birth rate?
15. Are younger men taking more responsibility for the household and children in two-income families?
16. How would gender equality affect the Japanese economy?

Sunday, February 10
(Chieko Shibata)

I hope you and Scott-san got back safely home.

Thank you very much for your arrangement giving us a chance to listen to and talk with the brilliant international journalist today.  I was impressed not only by his broad-based knowledge but also by his approachable character.  Although I missed his presentation last time, I was glad to get to know him in time right before his setting off.

Please bring the original of his articlehe read at the outset of his session when we get together at Helen's on Tuesday, and I'd appreciate it if you could make copies of it for us your friends who got interested in it. 

Friday, February 8
(Helen's questions)

COMPREHENSION/DISCUSSION
(from Helen Korengold's community education class, Feb 5, 2002)

*Questions from 1 to 6 are for those who have read the article.

1. How much TV do Americans watch? Do you think statistics are similar in Japan?
2. What did the organization "Girls Incorporated" find about TV images?
3. What is Girls Incorporated's objective?
4. Does the writer feel she is represented on TV?
5. How does American TV reflect its societal problems?
6. What did the article have to say about "addiction to celebrity'' and how it affects girls?
7. Have you ever seen any U.S. TV shows? How are they similar to or different than Japanese shows? What did you notice about the show?
8. Do Japanese TV shows depict "real'' people?
9. Describe your favorite Japanese sitcom or drama. How are women and girls portrayed? How are men and boys portrayed?
10. Is TV harmful to children and teenagers? Why or why not?
11. How would (your) children be different had they never watched TV?
12. In the U.S., there is a growing number of parents who are banning TVs from their houses. Is this also happening in Japan?
13. How much TV do you watch, what do you watch, and how do you think it affects you? If you have kids, answer the same questions for your kids, TV viewing.
14. Both Japan and American society seem obsessed with celebrities. Why do you think this is true? Is it harmful? healthy? unimportant?
15. How would the absence of a TV change family culture in Japan?
16. Which Japanese TV shows do you feel are harmful? which are good?
17. What are some of the good points of TV?
18. Do the questions the writer asks in the last column of the article.

Thursday, February 7
(The 52nd Skill Training Session)

Date:     February 9, 2002
Place:    the 4th conference room, Building 3 of Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita University

Time:    10:00-11:20 Reading and Discussion (by Mr. Scott Gorman)
           11:30-12:50 Parliamentary Debate (by Ms. Michiko Konno)

Who Scott Gorman is:
On Feb.9, we are inviting Mr. Scott Gorman, who we met last October. He is a 2001-2002 Fulbright Journalist/Researcher, one of the three chosen from a nationwide search in the United States. Besides teaching as a visiting lecturer, he works as an independent writer, writing for newspapers like the Boston Globe, the Seattle Times and the Toronto Star. This will be the last chance to listen to him as he is about to leave Japan. Scott will bring the story he wrote for the Asahi Shimbun, which was published Friday, Jan. 18, all about Akita and Kisakata.

Thursday, January 31
(Helen's questions)

COMPREHENSION/DISCUSSION
(from Helen Korengold's community education class, Jan 29, 2002)

*Questions from 1 to 9 are for those who have read the article.

1. Because of China's growth and low-wage economy, what have Japanese manufacturers been doing?
2. How has the growth in Chinese factory output affected factory employment in Japan?
3. How will China's entry into the WTO affect its relationship with Japan?
4. Why is the expansion of Chinese industry regarded as the "defining new factor for 2lst century Asia?
5. How has Japan moved from an industrial economy to an investor economy? Has this shift affected you personally?
6. How has Japan benefited from China's low wages?
7. Why are some Japanese blaming China for the recession here?
8. How has the quality of Chinese products been changing?
9. How does Japan's powerful farm lobby affect its political and economic decisions in regards to China? Do you think this group is helping or hurting the economic situation in Japan?
10. All over the world, multi-national companies are relocating from high-wage industrialized home countries to low-wage developing nations in order to save money on employment costs and increase profits. Talk about this trend: how long will it continue? How does it affect both the home nation and the developing nation? What are the good and bad points? When and how will it end? What are some of the ethical issues raised?
11. Do you think China is in some way responsible for Japan's recessionary woes?
12. What do you think Japan should do (economically) to benefit from China's growth?
13. Will Chinese (and all Asian) wages eventually match Japan's?
14. What are the social and economic repercussions of shifting from a manufacturing economy to a service or investor economy?
15. Nine out of the ten most polluted cities in the world are located in China. How does this situation affect Japan and what can Japan do to protect itself from the air/water pollution emanating from China? Is this a U.N. issue? Why or why not?
16. How does the average Japanese person feel about China? What historical events influence the feelings between these two countries?
17. How does the "editing" of Japanese textbooks (i.e. the omission of the Nanjing massacre, etc., and Japan's military behavior in Asia during World War 2) affect current relations between Japan and China, or other Asian countries?

Wednesday, January 23
(Helen's questions)

COMPREHENSION/DISCUSSION
(from Helen Korengold's community education class, Jan 22, 2002)

*Questions from 1 to 6 are for those who have read the article.

1. How did Becky Boyd's boss exhibit incompetence?
2. Why does an incompetent person rarely realize s/he is incompetent?
3. What is "failing upwards?"
4. What tendency is described in the book "The Peter Principle?"
5. What is one skill that incompetent people often do have?
6. Why are senior executives often unaware of a supervisor's ineptitude?
7. What experiences have you had with incompetent people?
8. Have you ever had an incompetent boss?
9. Have you ever been promoted to a position in which you felt unable or not skilled enough to do the job competently?
10. Why do you think incompetent people get promoted in companies?
11. What effect does incompetence have on coworkers and underlings?
12. Have you ever supervised someone who was incompetent?
13. Have you ever had an incompetent teacher?
14. Do you think incompetence and laziness are the same thing?
15. What would you do if you found yourself overwhelmed and unable to do your job in a new position?
16. What would you do if you were in a company and the boss was clearly incompetent?
17. Do you think someone incompetent can become competent? How?
18. What qualities do you think a good leader or a good boss has?
19. How do you define competence?
20. Why do incompetent politicians continue to be elected?
21. Where does the line between incompetent and unethical fall? How are the two related (or are they completely distinct)?

Thursday, January 17
(Robyn Fairhall)
Hello everyone,

I just wanted to thank you all for the warm welcome, friendship and fun that you have shown me during my time in Akita.  Thank you for helping to make it such a good experience for me and for including me in your activities.  I return to Australia tomorrow and I will miss your smiling faces.  Special thanks to Okakoi san for the wonderful photo collage which will always bring back happy memories. If anyone wants to keep in touch my email address in Australia is:
Robyn.Fairhall@Nursing.monash.edu.au

Farewell
Robyn Fairhall

**********************************************************

Monday, December 24
(email message from Yoko Kamada)

I was working hard to the point that I almost forgot such an attractive person like you!!

Seriously, though, I always consider all the members of the study group, wondering how you are thriving. I will not forget you any day. I'm just afraid you'll forget me. All I do here is just improve myself in order to survive here and eventually do my bit for the AES or Noshiro ESL(I hope it keeps working.).

It's still a long way to go to be an authentic linguist. But I believe myself and seek as many opportunities as possible to get exposed to real English. I feel I'm progressing inside me. That's still far from satisfactory. It's cliff hanger, but so fulfilling to me too.

What I have recently realized is that I can figure out which phrases are favorably used and which are not. The expressions which I assumed would not be used regularly turn out to be common phrases here, and vice versa.

They might depend on which part of the State you live in. For example, here in California, 'Oh, man!' is frequently used as a colloquial expression instead of 'Oh, boy!' which I hardly hear.

For another, 'reiterate' is used often on the news. I thought it was somewhat a big written expression back in Japan. These are a part of the examples. It's really exciting to get such hands-on knowledge living here.

Above all, this is my first foreign country and everything is interesting for me, whether it is negative and positive. I meet more and more new people from all over the world.

I learned a lot about Japan from many American people. A guy I just met the other day told me that he paid the most attention to Japan. 

I keep dancing here! I just added Salsa and Quiva dancing to my repertoire, taught by a Mexican couple. Just look forward to my performance when I come back!

This is an international university. I have met many ethnic people here. It means I'm learning their cooking too. I have a lot of opportunities to go to pot luck parties. There I have learned Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and American cooking.

I came to be a great fan of thrift shops. Outfits are incredibly inexpensive there. Almost all I do not like because of low quality. But you can find at least one or two quality product for almost nothing, compared with Japanese outrageously expensive clothes.

I bought a winter suit for 8 bucks and a corduroy vest less than 2. I started to be serious shifting into a new business exporting them when I failed as a linguist!

I wish you a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I'm attending Christmas Mass tomorrow evening. (Here we are in the middle of Christmas atmosphere. Even I, a Buddhist, might convert to a Christian. People here are so excited to celebrate it, decorating big, real pine tree at each house and street, and exchanging gifts. It's just like our New year Celebration. They decorate Christmas wreath on the car just like we put pine decoration there.)  

I heard you were in high winter in Akita. Take good care of yourself not to catch cold. Please remember me to every other member of the study group.

Best,
Yoko

Friday, December 21
The 49th Skill Training Session and the Annual General Meeting

The holiday season is coming. I suppose this is one of the most exciting times of the year for most of us. Let me send you this notice of the 49th Skill Training Session and the Annual General Meeting following the session. Prior to the General Meeting, please find time to have a look at the statement of accounts in the 2001 fiscal year and the budget for 2002 that I've sent all of you as an attachment.

*Timetable for the 49th Skill Training*
Date: December 22, 2001
Place: the 4th conference room, Building 3 of Faculty of Education and
Human Studies, Akita University

*Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Content : 10:00-12:30 Reading and Discussion (by Ms. Robyn Fairhall)
12:30-13:00 The Annual General Meeting (by Pf. Kono)

Let Erina Tateyama (tateyama@venus.rcakita-jc.ac.jp) know about your attendance by Wednesday, December 19.

(Junya, who has a Japanglish page and others)
Thank you, Takeshi, for your e mail.
Things have been hectic around here as the gift shopping season is hitting its peak. (I am in retail business).  Since I have been extremely busy, I have not had time to work on the culture pages of my site. BUT, when I do have time I will add your suggestion.

Thank you again for your message! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Junya

Tuesday, December 18
(email from Scott Gorman)
Just back from a week in Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Tokyo. Quite an interesting time.

The proverb from the Yiddish, as I know it, is:"You walk in with nothing to see people who want nothing, and yet you walk out having sold them what you didn't have and they didn't want. This is a true businessman."

To me, the essence is that they are buying you, the person, that they have found something in your company and inspiring nature that makes them want to back you. This is the most important principle in many things, not just business.

I have been very worried for more than 35 years about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. It is the classic case of two oppressed people who become oppressors themselves to so as to try and prevent what has happened to them from ever happening again. The Jewish people were the victims of all Europe EXCEPT for Muslims for 10 centuries, culminating in Hitler. Then they embraced a racist culture of their own (zionism) in response. The Palestinians are a colonized people, first by the powerful Arab states around them who used them as pawns, and then by Europeans who decided they had no real say in the fact of the establishment of Israel. I see no solution other than a world coalition that tells either or both parties that they will be hit, and hard, the next time they attack each other, and follows through. In this way the two warring parties have no choice but to become allies for their own survival -- all they really understand at this point.

Anyway, one man's view.

Take care, friend, and let's stay in touch.
Scott

Friday, December 14
Tie Meeting
Hello, Tie members,
We have a regular meeting in the morning at Joinus and Bonen-kai in the evening at "Shun".
Regular Meeting:
Date: December 15 (Sat.), 2001
Time: 10:00am -- 12:00pm
Place: Joinus 3F #5
Fee: 500yen
Speaker: Mr. Ikeda Yoshiharu
Topic: My Basic Idea - Freedom
Yumiko Okakoi
Tie Office

(email from Ms. Omi)
Thank you so much for sending your web-site page to me! Yes, I saw you so earnestly and passionately challenging the debate in the session on Dec. 8th.  Seeing you trying to persuade listeners with logical way based on accurate information taught us many things, I believe.  That debating trials sure were productive and worthwhile, weren't they?

And after you went back home you wrote a paper on exploring in ANWR area! amazing!  How can I NOT respect you?  I want to write more about what you wrote on your thesis, but recently, I have so many mails to write, more than I can handle, that I want to get away from them.  We can have a talk in the sessions!

In January, we are likely to have two brilliant ALT's who teach exclusively at Minami High School.  We are expecting to have exciting discussion with them.

I cannot attend the next session, the last one this year, so, I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Omi

Saturday, December 8
The 48th Skill Training Session
*Timetable for the 48th Skill Training*
Date: December 8, 2001
Place:the 4th conference room, Building 3 of Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita University

*Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Content :
10:00-11:50 Reading and Discussion (by Ms. Amy Morrison)
12:00-13:00 Parliamentary Debate +PM/LO Constructive Speech Practice

Thursday, December 6
(from a mass service given by Father Nissel and others at Sophia University chapel)
The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 13 (Excellence of the Gift of Love)
Verses 1-7

Now I will show you the way which surpasses all the others.

If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I had to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous. It does not put on airs. It is not snobbish. Love is never rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Jesus is patient: Jesus is kind. Jesus is not jealous. He does not put on airs. He is not snobbish. Jesus is never rude. He is not self-seeking. He is not prone to anger; nor does He brood over injuries. Jesus does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to Jesus' forbearance, to His trust, His hope, His power to endure.

I will be patient; I will be kind. I will not be jealous. I will not put on airs. I will not be snobbish. I will never be rude. I will not be self-seeking. I will not be prone to anger; neither will I brood over injuries. I will not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoice with the truth. I will bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.

Saturday, December 1
(email from Sean)
Thanks for your message. I read your essay on your thoughts on MSU-A. Very nice indeed. I really hope the best for MSU-A faculty and for the future of English education in Akita.

Best wishes,
Sean

Friday, November 30
(email from my former student, Hiroki Honma)
It's been ages since we met last time ! I wonder if you remember me. I was in your class 19 years ago with Emi Abe. (wa-o , I can't believe it's already 19 years ago....) I just got your mail address from my family in Honjo and I am glad to hear you are doing fine.

I've been in US since Feb. this year due to my job transfer. The place I live in is a town called San Jose which is known as a world famous "Silicon Valley", the center of world High Tech. development. (However, it doesn't necessarily mean I am a high tech person...ok ?)

Anyway, make long story short, I happened to spend my life with speaking English which I never imagined when I was 17years old....

I understand the days in your class gave me the great opportunity to feel the out side of the world I had never saw and it encouraged me to step out. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.

When I was in a college in Tokyo, I happened to get out of Japan (didn't mean to change a life) and since then I lived in out side of Japan couple of years(England) and back to Japan and joined the company I am now working for. I've been working for 10 years now and finally had a chance to move to US.

My family (wife, 7 yrs boy, 3 yrs girl and 8mo boy) moved in here 3 weeks ago and we are happily living together. My boy doesn't speak English but he will soon get used to and speak better than I do soon, I bet.

Anyway, it's time to go home. Keep in touch , ok ?

Best Regards
Hiroki HONMA

Saturday, November 24
(47th AES TEFL meeting)
Place: the 4th conference room, Building 3 of Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita University
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Content: 10:00-11:50  Reading and Discussion (by Ms. Sher-Li Liew)
             12:00-13:00  Watching a model debate of Parliamentary Debate

New administration of AES TEFL
     Chair: Minoru Kono
     Director of Secretariat: Erina Tateyama
     Assistant Chief of Secretariat: Yoshie Omi
     Members of Secretariat: Sonoko Hiramoto, Michiko Konno, Masako Sasaki

Wednesday, November 21
(Helen's questions)
Comprehension and Discussion Questions prepared by Helen Korengold, Chair, ESL Department
for her community education class, November 20 at MSU-A

l. What does the writer mean by "globalization"?
2. How does location and level of affluence affect people's feelings about globalization?
3. How has globalization evolved historically?
4. What is the difference between globalization now and globalization 100 years ago?
5. Why are some social scientists and anthropologists unhappy about globalization?
6. What did the book China Can Say No propose?
7. What does Watson think about Western cultural influences?
8. How are critics of Western culture hypocritical?
9. How are proponents of Western culture hypocritical?
10. Why do you think LA is considered the ''fountainhead of cultural degradation?"
11. How has westernization/globalization affected Japan?
12. What is the historical background of globalization in Japan?
13. What do Japanese opponents of westernization argue?
14. What do Japanese supporters of westernization argue?
15. Do you think Japanese culture is being harmed by western influences?
16. How has Japanese culture changed in the last 50 years?
17. How do you think Japanese culture will look in 50 years?
18. What will the world be like in 50 years (if we don't all kill each other)?
19. Do you think there is a better way to globalize than the way it is being done now?
20. Can cultures retain their own unique identities and still be "globalized"?

Tuesday, November 20
(email from Al Evans)
I'm doing well, although I am suffering from a severe lack of snow.  People in Miyazaki are warm-weather people and they hate to go outside in the cold. Even now they are wearing heavy coats and scarves.  Next week they will probably begin to wear gloves.  But as I write this I am wearing short-sleeves.

Our JALT chapter is genki and we are in the process of change.  I am now membership chair.  I will be in Kitakyuushu for the big conference.  I hope I see you there.
--
Al Evans

Friday, November 16
Topic: Changes in middle Europe in the last ten years and the historical background.
by Dr. Geza Prinz

Summary:
The borders of these countries markedly changed, a lot of new countries were stabled. The economical and political characteristics dramatically altered. The so-called socialism collapsed. How was it possible?

The roots of the causes lead back to the first world war, closing peaces in Versailles. On the ruins of Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy there were new countries being created - mainly following the French ideas. Most of the new states were carrying new ethnic problems, having the geographical, territory and border problems, having the unequal economic development problems. In a lot of these new countries religious conflict carried cultural differences. The wish - to change the decided borders - led to the second word war. There were "peaceful" border changes between 1938-41 in middle Europe according to the first and second decision in Vienna. These new borders followed the ethnic borders much better. But after the second word war peace in Paris confirmed the earlier borders. Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were kept together only with a dictator manner, like many nationalities in Soviet Union.

The economic development in socialistic countries was much slower than in capitalistic countries.

In 1980 Ronald Reagen began a new competition in producing weapons. In the 80's the Red Army was defeated in Afghanistan. The old Leonid Brezsnev and contra selected old Russian leaders, who could not manage to solve economic, political and social problems. As a result the problems got more and more serious.

In Hungarian development the most important were the revolution in 1956, the beginning of new economic mechanism in 1968, the beginning of the new groups (which wanted changes) in 1987 and the first free election in May of 1990.

I wait for the meeting with you, and other friends
Geza Prinz

Tuesday, November 13
(Elin Melchior, JALT)
At 11:10 AM +0900 11/11/01, takeshis wrote:
>Hi. I am interested in getting information about the new born Eikaiwa SIG not only for myself but for some members >of our chapter. Thanks.

JALT members who are interested need to send me their membership # and JALT expiry date. We need to get 50 names to petition JALT to become an official SIG.

If people will be at JALT in Kitakyushu, the best thing to do is to come talk to us at our SIG table.  However, we understand that many language school teachers are unable to make it to the JALT conference.  If people cannot come to JALT, we will contact them after the conference to let them know what was decided there.

I will keep your email message and write to you after the Kitakyushu JALT conference with more information.

Sincerely,
Elin

Monday, November 12
(email from Yoshinori J. Watanabe)
Thanks for joining us, which is much appreciated. I also enjoyed reading your report. As usual, I learned a lot more from audience than perhaps they learned from me.

I am becoming aware that we are talking and looking at too much about gloomy aspects of life. But life is neutral; it's us that make it hell or heaven. One professor that I met at a post-presentation party kept talking about how unhappy he has been. I thought that it's that kind of attitudes that makes his life unhappy. Testing is, I claim, only one aspect of life. It's us that produces examination hell or examination heaven.

Thanks again, and see you soon.

Yosh (in the USA)/ Josh (in the UK)

Sunday, November 11
(email from Jacob Schnickel)
Thank you for the message of welcome you sent last week.  I enjoyed the JALT meeting I attended last Saturday.  Sean's talk was both informative and encouraging.  I left feeling energized and ready to get back to teaching on Monday.

Jon did tell me about the lectures you mentioned in your e-mail.  Actually, I've just received your account of the one you attended yesterday.  I'm glad it went well.  As for the one on Monday, I'll be working.  It does sound interesting and, given the context in which I teach, it would certainly be relevant.

I'll see you at the next JALT event or perhaps at another lecture.  Take care.

Best,
Jake
(Yes, please call me Jake.)

(email from Duane P. Flowers through JALT)
Attention JALT Members!!!

JALT is happy to (finally) announce the formation a new SIG (Special Interest Group) especially created for teachers/owners/employees of Eikaiwas (English Conversation Schools) in Japan. The Eikaiwa SIG is dedicated to the special needs and interests of the Eikaiwa teacher, including (but not limited to) resources for teaching, resources for living in Japan (including information on taxes, insurances, visas, passports, unions, etc.), professional  development, conference presentations/participation and mini-conferences geared specifically towards Eikaiwas, SIG listserve, monthly newsletter, etc.

As this SIG is presently in the formation stages, we need a petition of 50 signatures in order to be awarded official SIG status. There will be a table at the upcoming JALT2001/PACIII conference supplying more information, as well as someone to talk to (on and off). So please feel free to drop by and sign up or just lend an ear. Per JALT regs we are also currently in need of a Program Chair and Newsletter Editor, so anyone interested please contact me ASAP. Anyone interested in membership is urged to contact Membership Chair Elin Melchior at <elin@gol.com>. For information in Japanese, please contact Eikaiwa SIG Treasurer Tadashi Ishida at <BYY05562@nifty.ne.jp>.

Thank you very much and we look forward to your participation.

Truly,
Duane P. Flowers, Eikaiwa SIG (forming) President
<duane@purple-dolphin.com>

Friday, November 9
(email from Jon Fischer)
Thank you for the welcome, Takeshi. I'm happy to be a member.

You did send the information about the lectures, and I would love to go, but I will have a visitor staying with me this weekend. As it is such a short visit, it would be hard for me to leave for several hours for a meeting in which my friend wouldn't be interested. They do sound good, though, particularly the first.

I'll be gone for about a month this winter, and I've got more guests coming soon, so it works out well for me that we might not have a meeting for a while. I'll be looking forward to the spring edition.

Thanks.

Jon

(email from Mio Kimura)
I just got home from a gathering for the WGs. This was organized by Graham and Catherine also came with him. We showed our photos each other and talked about them. One of my friends took a trip to China from September 13 for eleven days and brought her album to show us. I had a great time. 

Well I should say thank you too. We could have a pleasant time with Sean. Everybody must think he was easy and comfortable to talk and has a good atmosphere as you had told us. Too bad I had to hurry home. I always miss something because of my Saturday class. Oh, well, they'll graduate next year......

Yeah, I'm gonna attend the lecture by Prof. James Robinson again. Let's meet and talk then.

See you soon.

Mio

Thursday, November 8
(email from Sean Izumi)
You wrote many interesting things in your message. I don't have time to respond to all of the points right now. But let me say that I generally agree with you that English is an easy language to use when it comes to open discussion and debate. But it does not mean that Japanese cannot handle it. Language, I mean any language, evolves to suit the need of the time. This is indeed a tricky issue, as it is related to the fundamental relationship between language and culture as represented in the classic 'Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis'. Have you ever heard of it? Basically, it raises a quest