Runaway Jury.

This film has excinting or a little thriller scene, so I could enjoy watching it.
I thought they concern about other shooting victims but don't care about their life with chagrin.
I thought it good that the ending was happy one. But seen Wiki and understood about the content, I thought a little about them after the incident again. I wonder if their way to get the money is not good one. Then I had a question. Is practicing like this deception against wrongdoer is proceeded for it ? Do you think the money is sully or not?

Runaway Jury is great

I saw the whole movie and my doubts got clear because of an explanation from Professor Philips and outline on a website. SO now I feel refreshed and I feel that I have understood the interest of the film.

I think, one of the good points of this film is the woman, Marlee. Her real identity and background were not told us as well as Fitch and Rohr until the end. So we can see from beginning to end caring her behavior without getting tired. Past history of her sister’s death from a gun shooting had an important meaning! This is interesting point of mine. I also think it nice that Nick and Marlee have given a lot of money sent by Fitch for victims.

It was really hard for me to read faster English subtitles yet. But I will try other films again to improve my reading and listening skill.

Impression of the movie

The movie was very interesting for me. I can enjoy not only the story but also the difference of the system of the judgement in Japan. But I have some questions:

1,What secret does Nick Easter have? Is he related to the accident which happened at the beginning of the movie?

2, What secret does the woman who contacted both of the lawyers have?

3, And what is the relation of Nick Easter and a woman? Are they a couple actually?


Koichiro Sasaki

runaway jury

"runaway jury" was so exciting movie. I drawed into it moie though watch only bigining. It was start happy take that one family singing "happy birthday to you ...". But soon, shot changed that we hear a gunshot. After that, tense shot continue. It made lively for me thorugh last.
I was happy to watch it. But there were some points that I couldn't to hear and to read. So I couldn't understand of all. I want to can more understand to English.

runaway jury

I'm so so so happy we could see that movie !!! it"s really the kind of movies I appreciate, with a lot of suspense !! Of course, as Caroline said it, the end was totally predictable (but was it indeed for everyone ?), because I think that in America, people tend to prefer happy endings.

And, as Caroline said it too, unfortunately, a defeat in a trial won't force the gun industry to file for bankrupcy, or stop its trade ! Too many people (from the highest classes) are involved in this business (which is one of the most thriving ones in the world)

I have to said that, even if i knew the end was going to be a happy one, I was bluffed when Nick Easter and Marleen's real motivation is clarified !!
I truly believed they were in only for the money, as a cunning blackmailer couple!
But come to think of it, it's true that I have never seen John Cusack playing a villain in a movie until now, so I should have expected him for being on the right side after all !
I have a question for you guys :
do you think the jury can be manipulated so easily ? Would Nick Easter be able to succeed in real life ?

What I think about RUNAWAY JURY is...

Today,we finished watching "RUNAWAY JURY."Last time,I had many things that I couldn't understand and I was confused,but I could understand most of the content.
I couldn't imagine the ending! I was very surprised. It was amazing!
But there were one phrase that I didn't know a meaning. I didn't remember clearly but it's like "more little cat,more less mouse." What does it mean?
In this movie,there were some violent scene and the matter was about trial and juror. I don't like violent scene but through this matter,I could think about Japanese trial system. This problem is really serious. I can't help imaging when I am selected as Saibanin.
The cclimax kept me in suspense,so I was expecting many thing. Anyway,I feel happy because Nick and Marlee's purpose wasn't making money. And I thought that Rohr is honest and nice man!.....Happy End!!

My impressions of Runaway Jury

I have finished watching Runaway Jury. What impressed me most about this movie was the scene that people fought over the decision of the defendant. It was terrible for me to try to change the decision by having the jury on the string. However, I felt relieved to watch the scene that the defendant had been judged "guilty" and the plaintiff had been pleased with this decision. Although there were some grotesque scenes in this movie, I could enjoy watching it.

runnay jury

Now, we have seen all the movie, and I have no more question because everything is revealed in the very last minutes of this movie. So everything is become clear.
I think it is real an Amercian movie because, as all or almost all American movies, there is a happy end. Unfortunately, I am not sure that returning a verdict of guilty against such a firm (I mean gun firm) is so easily. There is so much money at their disposal.
However, it is an interesting movie.

Runaway Jury

OK, folks, you've all seen the complete film "Runaway Jury" based on the John Grisham novel of almost the same name. So what did you think about it? How much did you understand? Do you still have questions about it? Can you answer any of your fellow students' questions? Wikipedia has an article about the film that might help you understand it.

Runaway Jury

I could hardly understand what was happening in this movie because all things go very fast in this movie. This movie refers to the jury system of America. I have some questions about this movie.

1. Are there consultants of jury(like Fitch) in real?

2. What is the purpose of Nick and Marlee? and What are they really?

In the next class, I want to watch this more carefully to understand.

Runaway Jury

That movie was difficult for me. I couldn't understand what jury system was. Is jury system in the US the same as saiban-in system(citizen judge system) in Japan? I'll study, but I want the explanation.
I'll watch the movie carefully to understand the next time.

Runaway jury

I thought that I hadn't had hard time when I heard such faster speed.
I could scarcely understand how the story was developed. It was unclear for me the reason the man was researced, though it may be the most important... And another thing what I could guess was that he has leadership.
I have a question about American judges such as What other forces do they have? Are they just like chairmans?

Runaway Jury

I couldn't understand outline of the film, Runaway Jury last time. But I somehow understood who was key and who did something wrong. One of the factors that makes me feel confused is the jury system. I think the jury system is different from that of Japan in some points. I want to know how a jury is selected or how a sentence is given.

Runaway Jury

I rarely watch foreign films.So it is a good for me at this chance."Runaway Jury" is much interesting!!
But I have any scenes that I cannot understand.First,the woman negotiating with both sides of lawyers and defendants appeared in ths movie,who is she??And what is her purpose?Because of her,I'm very confused...

Runaway Jury

The last time, I watched "Runaway Jury". I couldn't understand this movie's outline very much, but its pictures were so exciting for me.
I have some questions about this movie. For example, I couldn't understand the relationship between the scene that a woman was shot and the scene that a man was walking around town.
I couldn't understand the reason why the battle scene changed to peaceful scene immediately.

Runaway Jury

                     Runaway Jury

    After saw the first half of the film, Runaway Jury, I did get some interesting plots. But I didn’t understand these plots when they connect together. Why are these plots happened in the movie? Of course language barrier is one reason, but the biggest reason is that I know a little about jury system in USA, which is totally different from China’s.  

I talked this movie and also my query with one of my friends who happened to major in law and this film is included in the list of must-see films top 10 for student who majors in law. After the talk with him, although I didn’t get all he told me, but I am not utterly ignorant with USA jury system any more.

I hope I can connect all the interesting plots in series when I finished the film.

Runaway jury

I watched the movie "Runaway jury" last Friday class for the first time. It was difficult for me to understand the story completely but it was interesting and exciting. Though the story was a fiction, I though it was likely story! I want to know the conclusion early. I'm looking forward to tomorrow English class!

RUNAWAY JURY

I've never seen　this movie. And this was a bit difficult for me. I couldn't understand the content,so I examined the outline.
Then I have a question. Why did Celeste decide to take the weapon's company to court? In America,gun control is not so strict like Japan. Is there any possibility that Celeste can win a suit?
I was really surprised that juryman wear casual clothes. And it seems that they weren't nervous. They look free and even comfortable. If that scene is near to real American juryman,it is quite different from Japanese,I think.

The Run Away Jury

I had never known 《the run away jury》before I saw it this time.It caught my eyes when I saw the actress is who acted in the film 《2012》. But in fact，the most important point I liked is that the film is about law and fair.
I have known that even now American soceity is troubled with the problem of gun. The film is very sharp with this problem . I don’t konw the ending of it，but no matter who win the lawsuit，the film shows the problem of the gun.
I really don’t know if it is real that the jury is so easy to be controled，but what I konw is that the system of jury has some flaws. Because a jury which is made up by some people who don’t know law very well is difficult to show their point in fair. They only show their own point and naturely will be influenced by the other people. Certainly，the system of jury is very good. but it is idealist.it lets more people take part in the adjudication. But as the film says，everyone has weakness. So，it is very easy to control them. And i think that the jury’s decide will be become smaller and smaller.

ran away Jury

My question that

1.　Why the big man sheded blood at couthouse? He was so angry and sweared, but why?

2. What clothes do American wear when participate in as juryman? In Japan, the newspaper said that if we participate in as juryman, we should carefull for wearing. We should wear not like jeans but like suit. How about America?

Impression of the movie

Although we didn't watch the whole, there are some points I couldn't understand.

1, I don't know the connection of the scene which a man was fired(first scene) and the next scene.
2, What is the true color of a woman who met both of lawyers.
3, Why a man who was burned his house was investigated.
4, The truth of the accident
5, The difference of the system of the trial between U.S and Japan.

Koichiro Sasaki

Effects of coffee

This is previous homework. I like to drink coffee so much. After I get up in the morning, when I start to study, while I taking a train, and so. It makes me feel comfortable and I can change my mood. In fact, I know only that coffee contains much caffeine and it sweeps away our sleepiness. When I investigated I learned other surprising effects.

The first is other effects of caffeine. In addition to sweeping away sleepiness, it can relieve our feeling tired and increase the ability to think and concentration too. Moreover, it has a diuretic effect and a calming effect on migraine. And interestingly enough, it is also said that the aroma of coffee keeps DNA from oxidizing and heart from aging.

However, not everything is good for our body. Coffee often causes anemia because an ingredient of coffee works to prevent the absorption of iron. So an anemic person have to drink carefully.

In short, coffee is good for us with correct way of drinking. So I will enjoy drinking it.

runnayway jury

when the movie began, I was quite deconcerted." What happens? Who is who? who does what?" there are so many informations in the same time.
Once everything was clear in my mind, I thougt "ok, I understood, this guy and his girlfriend are manipulated the other members of the jury. Right, but why? to get money? to get their revenge? It appeared they did it before in different other cities; what happened at that time?"
And I wonder if pepople can manipulate others people as puppets? Of course, we can see that kind of behavior everyday in our ordinary life and many movies dealed with this thema before.
In this movie, this is well described but I think it is too much and sometimes it becomes ridiculous.
However I want to know how it will finish? How those two guys will be able to escape from that? Because they can play with fire without burning themselses.

Blue Screen ?

This topic may be maniac...

Do you know "Blue Screen" ? This is an error message screen of Windows. When we use computers, this appears rarely. This prevent our data or computer's system from being damaged when Windows become unstable state. This shows messages to resolve the computer's problems. But, it appears rarely and suddenly, so people may usually be surprised. Although I'm accustomed for using computers, I was very surprised when this appeared about 2 weeks ago. Also, error messages which this shows are difficult for common people. So, when this appears, some people may be panic. But, a few seconds after this appears, the computer will restart automatically. So, it is good to leave it as it is calmly. Please don't be panic !

the troubles i have recently

It has been 3 months since i came here in hirosaki. In this 3 months，I have experienced happiness，sadness and also，coldness.
Frankly，one of the most important reasons I decided to come to Japan is that I wish I can speak native Japanese. But I found that my thought is so easy. Now，it is hard to speak with Japanese students，it is hard to show my point in the classes. In fact，I was not a shy girl，I had a lot of friends in my school. but even came here 3 months，I have not japanese friends. Furthermore，I feel that my Japanese is more worse than before.this is my biggest trouble.
Hirosaki is very very cold these days. I have never seen so big snow before I came here. my room is very cold that one day ，I got up and saw that the water in the water channel became to ice . the snow’s length is 60 centermeters. I feel very tired to walk on the snow.
Now it is time for text. I often feel tired and no feeling of study. I become to understand culture shock and feel it as goust. I become angry with everything and worried about all my classes.
In all，recently ，I have a lot of troubles. these things all make me unhappy. But i will try my hard to begin my new life here.

Wet ice

My village have some public bath. One of them is near my house. On the rode around it, no snow or wet ice plate. The hot water flows through the pipe under the road especially on the clossing, so it is easy to turn at a crossing near the . Speaking of wet ice, I have a precious experiences.
My grandfather has take me home by his own car. It is good but a little frightening. He has me see how smooth the tires slip with using a sudden braking. It is begun suddenly. His timing. Surprisingly, Feeling of slipping is enjoyable rather than scaring. He must have practiced the handling of wheel harder and harder. I wonder if it can be done only by him.

I think I'm sick today.

It often happens with me, I'm not really ill, just don't feel in a good mood !
I guess I'm what people call "a moody person" : I can be smiling at one moment,
and cry the second after.


It's not particularly pleasant to be like that, especially for my friends, but I can't help it, it's my nature.
Fortunately, I have been able to change a little bit from Junior High, but there's still work
to do.

And I can guess the cold won't help matters !! I have to add that I'm missing my best friend these days, more than ever. We met at High School, during our 2nd year, and we just clicked !
We've been together since that moment, except for the year she spent abroad in New-Zealand; but even then, we kept talking via MSN, sending each other lots of letters, etc ...

But now, she's busy with her interior design studies, and we haven't been able to talk via Skype since I came here :(

I can't wait to see spring coming, I want to see the cherry blossom, I want sunny days, I want to swim in the Asamushi sea. And in spring, my friend's studying year will be over, so we'll be allowed to talk at last (I hope ^^)

winter morning

    

  Early in the morning, I struggled to get up from my warm bad. Pulling back the curtain and all that you could see was white. The ground was almost entirely covered with a thick quilt of snow! Snowflakes were dancing around in the air, so densely that I had to narrow my eyes to find my way. I turned by chance, to where I had come from, and found only two lines of footprints solitarily behind me. I should feel excited when I see view like this just one year ago, but not now!  Because this scenery have last for almost one month and anyone who have seen the same scenery for a month would feel boring.
 

  Just that time, an old man that was pulled by his dog passed by. It was hard for the dog to walk through such deep snow, but he bravely struggled forward. Being curious about this white thing, he appeared a little excited, jumping, running or sometimes scrambling.
 

  Finally, I found a thing that can make me feel a little fresh in the morning.

Catenary

Do you know " Catenary" ?

This is the catenary equation. cosh is the hyperbolic cosine function. Catenary means chains or electric cords. In fact, that is the equation which indecates a dip of a cord and used when catenary arches are built because catenary forms are very stable. Is it coincidence or necessity ? I don't know.

L = 2Csinh(S/2C)

D = C(cosh(S/2C) - 1)

catenary number, C = T/W

For example, when a electric cord is built, in this case, catenary formularized in this way. (L is the length of the electric cord. sinh is hyperbolic sine function. S is the span. D is the dip. T is the tension of a horizontal component. W is the whight per 1 meter.) It is very mysterious and interesting, isn't it? Math is closely connected with nature.

Specialty I want to study

I introduced control engineering I want to major, but I waver in my judgment which I choose in this field.
One field is to control the operate trains. For example, Automatic Train Control (ATC) and Train Automatic Station Stop Control(TASC) are famous examples. In short, they lighten the fatigue of drivers and help the operation not to delay. There are many lines which don't adopt these system so I think this field will be needed in the early future.
Another field is to control the oscillation of cars. In short, it gives us comfortable ride. Actually, sound is also vibration of air. Have you ever experienced such a thing; the faster the super express is, the louder the noise is. I think it is necessary to control not only the oscillation of cars but also sound and travel by using trains will become more comfortable.
Of course, I want to study about train but these fields can apply for vehicles, planes and so on. Anyway, I have plenty of time to consider it, so all I have to do now is to study hard.

Koichiro Sasaki

The pleasure of cooking

These days, I am crazy about cooking. Because of snow, I spend most of my time at home in this season. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to improve my skills of cooking. Especially, I am absorbed in cooking hot foods, using foodstuffs that warm people's bodies such as long grean onions, gingers, and Japanese white radish. If I have more time, I want to challenge making sweets next time!

Seijinshiki

On January 9th, I joined " seijinshiki ". Then, I received many leaflet about elect, AIDS and so on.
Before class, I learned that the age limit is different each country. I'm interested in it. In Japan, we can drink alcoholic dorink by twenty years old, because adult is by twenty. But I'm nineteen yet, so my mother doesn't permit it.
It was in like a flash that from morning till night. So I can't feel adult. I want to can self help as soon as possible.

Enjoyable winter vacation!

During winter vacation, I have returned my hometown and had a good time! I have spent it with my family and best friends. I was so happy because I was able to meet them after a long separation. My family had a Christmas party and we ate delicious foods that were made by my mother. In the New Year, we have been staying at home and relaxed very much.
In addition, I stayed overnight at my friend's house and spent the night talking. My friends are always busy at their part-time jobs, so I was very happy to meet them and talk with each other after a long separation. I was able to spend a full winter vacation!!

my trip to tokyo

During my holiday, I went to tokyo with some friends.It was really awesome place.Compared to the weather here, it's like spring there.It was really warm there and every girl wore miniskirt.

Harajuku is a fashionable place.There is a cosplay party every weekend there.When I took a train there, I saw a girl dressing as maid.It really surprised me.After arriving there, I saw more people dressing up in different ways and realized there must be a cosplay party or something.Both guys and girls were all really cute.Near the train station,there was a park.And there were three undergraduates there giving free hugs to everyone.I didn't know that Japanese hug a lot.But it was really cool.They left us good memories.

Ginza is a really fancy place.There were some big stores of Sony and Apple to show the latest production.Other stores like Prada, Dior and Swarovski were also fancy and expensive.I guess that's why there were not many young people there.

Shibuya is another fashionable place.There was a big department called 109.THe clothes there were all beautiful.I bought several clothes there and I love that place.

Akihabara is my paradise.There were so many stores of  comics figure and model.Although I can buy those from Amazon and have it delivered to my house.I just couldn't help it and bought two big models of Gundam.When I was in  China, I always wanted to go to the maid bar in Akihabara.The maids there call you master and they are all cute.It did cost me a lot to see the cute girls and have them call me master.They charge you 500 yen to get in,and 1000 yen for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.If you want to take a picture with the maids,its another 500 yen.Those maids must earn a lot.

Anyway,I had a really good time there.And I really want to go there again sometime.

My winter vacation

This winter vacation, it snowed very much. On December 31, after we ate dinner and taking bath, we were watching TV. But, at about 19:30, it became dark suddenly! The power supply was cut off because of the heavy snow. After a few minutes, the electricity came back on once. But, it was cut off again soon. After a more few minutes, it came back completely. When it was cut off, I used a computer. So, I worried the going down. Luckily, nothing happened. In this winter vacation, I have my breath taken away.

Party with my old friends

On January 2, I and my friends who are my junior high-school classmates gathered together and had a party at the cottage in WeSPa Tsubakiyama in Hukawura. There are 7 men and 3 women except me. We had a good time eating, drinking, watching TV, playing games, and talking. We met after a long time and there were someone who I hadn’t met for 6 years. Everyone’s appearance has changed. For example, someone has changed one’s hairstyle, someone has dyed one’s hair, someone has gained weight, and someone has lost weight. However their character has never changed since I last saw them. It made me happy and made me feel nostalgia.

There are some themes that we earnestly have thought of and have talked about together during this party. They are our dream and future. I have many types of friends. Everyone has his own dreams and everyone is going his own road. A man goes to a technical school in Sendai to become a physical therapist, a man became a fisherman as successor to his farther, a women goes to a nursing school in Saitama, a man works at a town office, a man tries to be a cook, a man became a Self-Defense Forces, and so on. Among people who live alone, there are who has got homesick, and who can’t be getting along with others. Furthermore, there is a person who is distressed to think the job he aims is suitable for him true. We listened to each one’s distress or anxiety and cheered up each other. It was a precious and memorable time.

Through this party, I recognized how important local friends are. I think that the friends who have lived in same town, have played together, and have experienced same things in childhood are a little different to the friends who have known each other in high school or college. I think so especially because our town and scale of our school are so small. We can talk about our real feelings feeling relieved just because we know real character each other. In fact, the friends who were distressed gave me courage conversely although my role was to cheer up. So I will live without forgetting my precious friends and hometown.

My winter holiday

During my winter holiday，I came to Tokyo and take part in an event called “experience Japan’s new year”. To my surprise，it is very very interesting. I also learned a lot from the three day’s activity. There are 363 foreign students participated our activity，everybody is now studying in japan.
We talked to each other ，understood each other and make friend with all of the students. For me，the most happy things is that I knew the Japanese how to spend the new year with family. I ate the Japanese new year food and looked the most famous program “koukaku utaggasen” .
The last day I stayed in Tokyo，I went to one of the famous market ------shibuya 109. it is terrible when I stood at the gate of 109. I spent 2 hours to stand in a queue. And then，when I came in the 7th storey market，I found that it is hard to breathe. It is very crowded. I had never seen that a lot of people shopping at the same time. Everyone was crazy in shopping. I was also infected with the virus called “shopping”and bought “fukubukuro”，which is very famous in Japan.

My New Year's Holiday

I went fishing two times. At first, I went fishing with my friend. As usual, he use bait and I use lure. Then the waves were high so it is difficult for me to contact to the bottom. But there were some small bites and he caught a few small fish. From my experience, if there are small fish, there is a big fish there at least. So I keep casting. Finally, he caught a good size fish!! Not me! (as a result, I couldn't catch any fish) Anyway, I was glad to go fishing with him.
And then, I went revenge. the point is I harbor. The waves were higher than before. So I use heavy sinker and long rod. And bait fishing was good so I brought a bait fishing tackle. Like before, there are many small bites. I caught small fish. But finally, a big bite attacked for my bait tackle!! About 50cm fish!! BUT..... the person who caught this one is NOT ME!! My companion caught it by using my tackle. Oh my God!!! After this, the waves became higher more and more, so we moved to O harbor in Y bay. But there isn't any reactions of life. As a result, I could catch small fish only.
But I had a good time both of then. Certainly, if I catch big fish, it is fun. But I like the situation of fishing. I can refresh because I can escape from the din and bustle of the school. Next time, I want to catch big fish.

Koichiro Sasaki

My New Year's Day

On New Year's Day,my family went to a shrine. This is a costom in my family. The shrine sacred to Sugawarano Michizane who is famous historical person. We drew a fortune slip and mine was...not so bad.
After that,we went to a big shopping mall. It was just like a battlefield! There were no
spaces to park cars. So many people came to shopping. But my family didn't shrink from that. Finally everyone could get what we wanted.It was really exciting,full shopping.
I spend a happy New Year's Day with my family. And I hope this year will be wonderful year for me.

Christmas party

On December 23, I went to my friends' houce. We had Christmas party. So, I went to the mos berger shop before going to there, because I ordered fried chicken few days ago.

When I entered this shop, there were four or five clerks, and they saied together " irasshaimase! ". And I saied my name, then one clerk saied big voice to another clerks " Ms.Uchiyama coming! " though there were near her. When I went out, all clerks saied again " arigato-gozaimasita!".

There action is overdone I thought. It was funny. After that, I had good time with my friends.

My Last Year and New Year

On 25th December, an orchestra in Aomori give a Daiku concert in Mutsu which lies about the top of Aomori prefecture. Daiku stands for symphony No.9 composed by Beethoven.
Though I began to play percussion from last April, I was invited by a senior of mine and played this instrument; Bass Drum what is called Gran Cassa.
I had to wait for my turn for long time. I felt it may be 40 to 50 minutes. Just before the turn, the most sleepy melody I think was about to make me into the world continuously, but I endured and endured and.... Anyway I had hard time.

Luckily, after the concert, we could have a big dinner ; beef, abalones, prawns, tuna, and so on.
This tuna weighted about 80 kilograms. But it dissapeared in about a half hour. What great memners this orchestra had!

This man with this tuna took a picture of the people taking a picture of this tuna.

Few relative visited our house and worship this god. This is a wall shelf for the god. From 1st Janually, our family let this shelf decorate with

However this god may be screaming. I heard that his broken right arm was taped! I wonder if this treatment is hiden with a cup of liquor now.

happy new year everyone !!

I spent a week in Tokyo during winter vacation, and it was super great, because I could meet my brother and stay with some friends.

I took a night bus on wednesday the 22th, my japanese friend drove me to the Hirosaki station. It was empty, so I have been able to lie down in the back, and I slept quite well. My friends took a different bus the day after, and that one was crowded, not comfortable.

On thursday the 23th, in the morning, I had to take my little brother Léo at Narita airport. He had difficulties to fill down the questionnaire, because he didn't know the name of the hotel we were supposed to sleep. Thus, I had to wait for him like two hours and a half, after his flight arrived. I was worried because I had no way of joining him, since he didn't have a cell phone. Finally, he came and we took a free shuttle bus to the Narita Port Hotel.

This hotel was very luxurious, and of course very expensive : 1200 yens for an internet access per day. The hotel cafeteria was an all-you-can-it buffet, and costed us 3000 yens for the diner, 1500 yens for the breakfast the day after (per person). But the food was delicious so I didn't bother. In the end, we only stayed one night in this hotel, before moving to New Tohoku Hotel, in Ueno, the next day.

It was much cheaper, and the owner was very sympathetic. She could speak a little bit french. We met my friends at 11 a.m. in front of Ueno station, and all together we visited the Ueno park, where there're a lot of cats, and the shrines next to it. then, in the afternoon, we went to visit the Tokyo bay, we took a ferryboat, and saw Palette Town, which was so colorful. There was this statue, with a crowd of people (most of them were couples) waiting for it to be illuminated : it was amasing, and very romantic. At last, we watched the christmas illuminations, split up in two groups, and my brother, one of my friends and I bought some food at the convenience store, and ate it at the hotel, while the others stayed visiting the city by night.

The following morning, I went to pick one friend up at Ueno station : he was the last missing in the group, and in total we were 7 : Agota and Ferenz (a hungarian couple), Sonia (german), Andrea (romanian), Shoki (chinese), my brother and I (from France). Occasionally, Andrea's romanian friend, Alex, would join us and act as a guide, since he lives and work in Tokyo.

On saturday the 25th, we visited Asakusa in the morning (where we saw a gigantic shrine, and a crowded market place). And in the afternoon, it was the Yoyogi park. The next day, we went shopping to Shibuya's 109, we took pictures of the Hachiko statue, and saw cosplayers in Harajuku. It was very funny, and our feet would hurt at the end of the day. We visited Chinatown, then Yokohama bay.

On monday, we visited Ginza (the imperial palace), and Akihabara in the afternoon. We had diner in a Sukiya near the hotel, then most of my friends had to take the night bus back to Hirosaki. In the end, only 3 of us stayed in the hotel.

On tuesday, we went again to Shibuya and Harajuku, since my brother wanted to do some shopping. On wednesday, we went to Ikebukuro, because I read the novel "Ikebukuro West Gate Park", which is also a manga, and I wanted to watch the suburb where the story took place in.

On thursday, I led my brother back to the airport, then my friend and I took a night bus again, ack to Hirosaki. We arrived the next morning at 7h30 a.m. , greatly welcomed by the snow and a cold wind, which we almost forgot while being in Tokyo.

I spend all the day in bed, and had a nabe party in my room, on the evening, to celebrate the New Year's Day. The party lasted until 2 a.m. , and was very fun, although we didn't come out to see the firework launched at Hirosaki park.

After that, I spent most of the time in my room until now, because it's very cold outside. Yesterday, it was my father's birthday.

Hope you too are having a good time during this winter vacation.
See you on friday !!!

My winter vacation experience

A happy new year! I have spent winter vacation in grandparents' home which is in Aomori city for more than a week. My parents who live in Saitama also have spent their winter vacation there. I'm going to return to Hirosaki on January 6 Th. I am watching TV "The Hakone ekiden" and enjoying it very much now. Last year, I was hospitalized with viral gastroenteritis at Christmas so I wasn't able to eat many delicious foods. But I recover my health and eat many delicious foods such as sukiyaki, rice cake or sashimi now. I really enjoy spending my winter vacation with my family!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy new year 2011!I greeted the New Year with my family.But it was a heavy snow on the last day of the day so my family removed snow when new year began.After we removed snow,I went to "Hatsumode" with my mother.Next day,I went to "Hatsumode" again.And I pulled a sacred lot in the Shinto shrine.The fortune I drew predicted so-so.
This year I will be a sophomore.I regret that I didn't study hard last year.So I am going to study more hard this year!!

Winter vacation!

Winter vacation is around the corner! Do you have any plans? I don't have special plan,but I'm really looking forward to it. All I have to do is to come to university for three days! Then,there is a paradise! We have a winter vacation for about two weeks. We have a some events at the end of the year. Christmas,New Year's Eve,and New Year's Day.
I will have a Christmas party with my family so I have to go back my home as early as possible because I have to decorate a Christmas tree. Without a Christmas tree,it isn't Christmas for me.
Next,we take a New Year's Eve. I will eat many foods entirely. And I spend a leisurely time with my family. We stay up for new year then we go to bed. Next day, on New Year's day,we get up at 8:00 or 9:00,then we go to greeting for our relatives,go to shrine,and go to shopping.
I have many things that I want to do,I hope I can have a good time with my family.

its cold

 Although I wan born in winter,I'm not a fun of it especially here in Hirosaki.See,in China we have heater in every single room.So although it's cold outside,when you get home you'll be warm.But here in Hirosaki,I have only one heater in the living room.So the other rooms are only about 5 degrees.I haven't cooked for myself in like a month.I just hope the spring will come soon.

Enjoyable events

The winter vacation is drawing near! I have been looking forward to it for a long time. There are some reasons why I am thinking so. First, I can return to my family home. I have not seen my family's faces for about four months. So, I want to see their cheerful faces. Second, I need not do a lot of housework. For example, washing clothes, cleaning rooms, preparing meals, and so on. I am sometimes tired of doing them and neglect to study. So, I want to devote myself to study in winter vacation. Third, I can spend Christmas and New Year's Day with my family. I usually spend these events with my family every year. So, I'm happy to spend them with my family this year, too! Finally, I can meet my friends. At the end of this year, they certainly return to their family home. So, I want to enjoy playing and talking with them!

Be a early riser

I always believe that getting an early start on the day is the best way to go. You have the opportunity to get focused early on and tackle the day's tasks and projects with little to no distractions. Then, when the rest of the world wakes up, you're already a few hours ahead of the game.
There are many benefits of being an early riser, but the most important, long lasting and powerful effect of this is that you will grow an eye for the opportunities. You will learn how to wake up on something just before anybody else does, being it a career opportunity, a new relationship opportunity or just something that nobody sees yet. You will be trained to spot that subtle movement which will lead to something extraordinary. Since you've been already convinced of those benefits of being an early riser, it's time for you to start doing it.
Don't make drastic changes. Start slowly, by waking just 15-30 minutes earlier than usual. Get used to this for a few days. Then cut back another 15 minutes. Do this gradually until you get to your goal time.
Put your alarm clock far from you bed. If it's right next to your bed, you'll shut it off or hit snooze. Never hit snooze. If it's far from your bed, you have to get up out of bed to shut it off. By then, you're up. Now you just have to stay up.
Make waking up early a reward. It might seem at first that you're forcing yourself to do something hard, but if you make it pleasurable, soon you will look forward to waking up early. Find something that's pleasurable for you, and allow yourself to do it as part of your morning routine.
Take advantage of all that extra time. Don't wake up early and waste that extra time. Get a jump start on your day!

The Darwin's theory of evolution

I’m interested in the evolution of life. I have attended the lecture about the Darwin’s theory of evolution since the beginning of second semester and I got the basic knowledge. So I will introduce it.

The first thing is just the Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is said the theory of natural selection. It can be explained by the example of giraffes. How did the neck of giraffes get longer and longer? The long neck is good to get and eat leaves on high trees. The theory shows that only the giraffes that have relatively long neck survived and the characteristic genes were passed from generation to generation. In short, the giraffes that can eat the leaves on the high tree have a greater probability of survival than that can not. As a result, the number of the children of the former gets larger and larger on the whole.

Another theory is the Lamarck’s theory of evolution. It is said the theory of use and disuse. This theory says that, in a giraffes’ lifetime, the harder they tried to crane their neck, the longer their neck got, and the acquired genes were passed from generation to generation. In other words, by trying to adapt to the environment, the organs of their body that are frequently used improved and the new genes were passed to the next.

The crucial difference between the two theories is where the characteristic genes come from. The potential genes they keep naturally are passed in the theory of natural selection. On the other hand, the genes they catch during their life are passed in the theory of use and disuse. In fact it got clear that the former theory is correct by after studies. In conclusion, the one who has naturally the body suitable for that environment can only survive and leave offspring. I studied this theme and felt it drastic and wonderful.

HTV

Do you know HTV? HTV is a Japanese space ship carrying things to International Space Station (ISS). Until now, almost all things for ISS are carried by Space Shuttle (the United States) and Soyuz (Russia). But Space Shuttle is going to retire on June 2011. So, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) made H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) to carry to ISS.

HTV is launched with H-2B rocket. After launched, it cruses to ISS automatically and dock with ISS using robot arms of ISS.This is a new technology. So, HTV must be very reliable transfer vehicle, and very high technology is needed. After carry things to ISS, HTV retry and burn with garbage of ISS.

In 2009, the first HTV completed all the missions. And, the second HTV will be launched in January 2011. HTV may be used to carry people to the space in the future. So, I hope the success of it.

http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/htv/index_e.html

my trip to Iwate

Hello everyone, tonight I'd like to talk about the trip to Iwate I made this week-end!

First, I had to wake up at 6 am on saturday, and believe me when I'm telling you that is a thing I hate the most, being forced to wake up early in the week-end ;) , but because it was for a travel I could handle it, and promised me to sleep in the bus.

It was really difficult to ride our bikes from the International House to the station, with this awful cold, and trying to follow 3 Chineses who don't feel the rudeness of the temperature, and who love riding very fast even with a cold wind isn't a simple thing to do !!

We were about twelve Hirosaki students to leave for Iwate : 5 chinese and 2 corean friends, my Caro chan, some japanese girls and my good friend, Kohei sempai ^^ (even if he's younger than me I call him like this for the fun)! I was astonished to see him when I got in the bus !!

When we arrived, we first introduced ourselves, then started the activities : we played games like "paper, scissor, stone" (in a 3 people team, whose members had to stand on a sheet of a newspaper, to fold it in 2 when they lost at "paper, scissor, stone" and were eliminated when they finally couldn't stand on it), we did some pantomimes (Kohei was really funny on stage), and we had lunch !

The cafeteria food was so good, and as it was included in the price we had to pay for the trip, we could eat as much as we want, and I didn't deprive myself from this ! I ate to much for sure, I'm certain to weight 2 kgs more than before the trip ! There was this excellent miso soup, and such a good rice too ! the noodles weren't that bad either, but the fish was the best (even in the morning, for a european girl like me, such a breakfast was delicious)! It was also the first time I ate some nattô, and I can tell I don't appreciate it particularly, I dind't finish it.

After the lunch, we were supposed to write a story about some picture we chose. My team selected a picture about a family sitting around the breakfast table, which is full of food ! We decide to describe each member's dreams: the father got a promotion, so there are plenty of foods on the table, the mother wants a new dress, the boy wants a new toy, and the grandma wants to be young again to have a new handsome husband ! Unfortunately, our team didn't win the price !

After the diner, we went to the bath (very hot !) and then began to sleep at 10h20 pm. On the morning, we had to clean the rooms (and the bathroom), then it was breakfast time. I had to wake at 6h30, I was so tired but happy because it was warn in the room (unlike in the kaikan)!

When the breakfast was over, we finished the story, exposed it, and then say hello to our dear friends for Iwate and Akita universities. On the way back, Kohei, Yuki and I decided to stop a moment in Morioka to visit the mall !! It was really big, but I didn't buy anything.

We came very late by the next bus, and it was already 22h25 when I finally reached the kaikan !! I was exhausted but very happy to have done this trip, because I made some new friends, and had fun with them ! wonderful experience !!!!

backgammon

Backgammon is one of my favorite board games. It is said that there are about 300 million backgammon players around the world.
Do you know backgammon? It is played with 30 pieces, 2 dice and 2 players. At the start, both players throw a dice and a player who gets higher number can move his/her pieces. This is the end of the first turn. And next, the opponent throw two dice and move his/her pieces. After this, both players do this in turn. At the end, a player who move all dices to goal faster is a winner.
Fate is on of the factors how to win the game because of using dice, but thinking is more important to win the game.
I like backgammon because I need both good luck and smart brain.

The thalidomide scandal

I'm sorry about to delay submitting homework.

Today, medicines help us in various cases. We can't imagine the daily lives that there are no them. They are very useful. However, They are often harmful. These facts are important and very interesting for me majoring in chemistry. "The thalidomide scandal" is the one of damage from medicines. I want to tell about influence of chemical substances against human bodies through the example.

First of all, I have to explain "The thalidomide scandal". In 1957, thalidomide was made as a sedative drug by a German company. It was used as a excellent medicine because it had little side effects. It was also made use of to inhibit morning sickness. However, nobody knew it has teratogenic effects. As a result, many children was born with deformities such as phocomelia.

Next, this is the structural formula of thalidomide. It cause terarogenicity, however, in fact, all of them always don't cause teratogenicity because of optical isomer. Optical isomer is that molecular configurations are same. But their relations are like between right hand and left hand. Such a few difference causes terarogenicity. Those two molecular can be divided by new technology now.

Finally, medicines can make people happy or unhappy. If we use it correctly, it is very useful. For example, thalidomide is very useful for leprosy and cancer patients. I think not only people who manufacture medicines but also others should be careful about them.

3,000,……,000?

My favorite books are "The Dream-Science Guide" series written by Rikao YANAGITA. These books say what the writer tested and calculated about animation characters.
There are an interesting subject in the 8th part of the series. It is nearly these content.

It is said that his IQ is 400, so he is a great genius at least in
3,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 people.

3,000,......,000 is 3 followed by 114 zeros (3*10^114) ! However, even the number of molecules in the galaxy is smaller than the number.
My eyes were caught by them. Then I thought like that ; How was it called more easily in English? and I felt like knowing, so I researched naming of large numbers (in the Wikipedia on 12/15 wed.). But I could find from million to just Googol (10^100).
And large numbers in America are not same as ones in Europe. I couldn't get enough information to call this number in American ways.
Any way, it is called 300 septdecillion (100*10^112) in Europe. I'm satisfied.

Tetsuwan DASH

This TV program is TOKIO member do various things. To be restored tidal flats, to make dream mascine such as "Takekoputa"(This is one of the most famous secret tool in Doraemon) and so on.
Especially, DASH village is very interesting feature. DASH village have many kinds of crops not only we can eat but also we can use for various scenes but we can't eat. This is the perfect self-sufficiency. In addition, there are very many kinds of animals in DASH village because they also maintain the mountain which is in DASH village. However, where is the DASH village? Rumor has it that DASH village is in Fukushima or three prefectures are in Kitakanto region. I want to go.
By the way, there are some features. For example, TOKIO member visit a place and look for something in this place. We can know the difference of the culture in Japan.
So this TV program is very nice not only the people who want to enjoy watching but also the people who study biology, engineering and so on.

Koichiro Sasaki

MOS BURGER

I living the dorm, and there is a "mos burger" , this is the hamberger shop, near the my dorm. So, I often go to this shop. I want you to eat this shops' dessert. There are many variety and every one is good. Especially, I like "souffle custard pudding". This is limited this season, and 260 yen. This is warm, so, I suggest to eat it when cold day.
Hamburger is good, too. But price is little more higher than another humburger shops' it.
If you have never go to this shop, I want you to go to there. I think, you'll like this shop, too.

Casablanca

The story happened during the Second World War. Rick worked for American Intelligence Agency in Paris. One day he met with Ilsa in Paris. They soon fell in love and planned to marry. However, with the German's march into Paris, they had to give up the plan and wished to get to Marseilles by train and married there. But just before the leaving by train, Rick received a letter from Ilsa, saying that she couldn't go with him. So he had to pass through many places to Casablanca and runs a Cafe there. One night, he met Ilsa at his Cafe, who escaped with her husband to Casablanca. They hoped to obtain exit visas here and escaped to the New World At first, Rick can't forgive that Ilsa's gone back on her word. At first he refuses to help them get the exit visas. Learning this Ilsa determines to go alone to see Rick.

Then Ilsa tells Rick that why she had to leave him without any explanation. In fact when Ilsa met Rick, she had married Laszlo, one of the leaders of French underground Party organization. Shortly after their marriage, Laszlo was apprehended by Gestapo. Soon the word came that Laszlo was shot to death when trying to escape the concentration camp. When she met Rick, she found he is her true love. But when she planed to leave Paris with Rick, her friend came to tell her that Laszlo was alive. He was very sick and needed her. She had no choice but left without saying goodbye. Another important reason is that she dared not tell anybody she had married Laszlo, an important leader of the French Resistance. If Gestapo found out she was Laszlo's wife, it would be dangerous for her and Rick. Learning this Rick forgives Ilsa. When Rick see that Laszlo also loves Ilsa deeply, and for their more important cause, he decided to sacrifice his love. Rick takes a risk to help the Laszlos get the exit visas. At the airport Rick see off his loved women and her husband leave Casablanca。

How to learn a second language well

I want to say a little about language learning. actually,after I chose japanese as my major,I used to be regret.I didn’t know how to learn a foreign language well.It is like that you drop into the sea,unfortunately,you can’t swim.But fortunately, I met a lot of good teachers.They help me to find 4 effective ways to learn japanese.
First， Spend the time.By far the most important factor is how much time you are immersed in the language. The more time you spend with the language, the faster you will learn. This means listening, reading, writing, speaking, and studying words and phrases. This does not mean sitting in class looking out the window, nor listening to other students who do not speak well, nor getting explanations in your own language about how the language works. This means spending time enjoyably connected to the language you are learning.
Second，Listen and read every day.Listen wherever you are on your MP3 player, this will create you a environment about what you are learning. Read what you are listening to. Listen to and read things that you like, things that you can mostly understand, or even partly understand. If you keep listening and reading you will get used to the language. One hour of listening or reading is more effective than many hours of class time. If you put your heart into.
Third，focus on words, phrases, grammars.Build up your vocabulary, you’ll need lots. Start to notice words and how they come together as phrases. Learn these words and phrases through your listening and reading. Read online, using online dictionaries, and make your own vocabulary lists for review, this would be helpful. Soon you will run into your new words and phrases elsewhere. Gradually you will be able to use them. Do not worry about how accurately you speak until you have accumulated a plenty of words through listening and reading.

Forth，take responsibility for your own learning.If you do not want to learn the language, you won’t. If you do want to learn the language, take control. Choose content of interest, that you want to listen to and read. Seek out the words and phrases that you need to understand your listening and reading. Do not wait for someone else to show you the language, nor to tell you what to do. Discover the language by yourself, like a child growing up. Talk when you feel like it. Write when you feel like it. A teacher cannot teach you to become fluent, but you can learn to become fluent if you want to.
Learning a foreign language is very difficult.And the point is that if you can find some ways to help you. now I found it.And you？

Akatsuki

I'm sorry. This is the previous homework.

Do you know "Akatsuki" ? Akatsuki is a Japanese satellite which investigating the Venus. It was launched from Tanegashima with H-2A rocket on May 21th. But, it failed the orbital injection. I'll talk about this satellite.

The Venus is very similar to the Earth. For example, the Venus is 0.82 times as heavy as the Earth, and its diameter is also 0.95 times as long as that of the Earth. And, it is thought that the inside structure of the Venus is similar to that of th Earth. Therefore, if the Venus is investigated, the birth of the Earth may be revealed. So, the investigation of the Venus is very important.

To investigate the Venus, Japan launched this satellite, Akatsuki, the official name "PLANET-C". It had cruised on the right track. But, on December 7th, it failed to attain the orbital of the Venus. To attain the orbital, Akatsuki's reverse jet must last for 12 minutes, but this time, it lasted only for a few minutes.

Akatsuki has the next chance to attain the orbital after 6 years. But it made for using 4.5 years. So, it is difficult to complete the next chance. Now, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is researching the cause. They succeeded to return "Hayabusa", a satellite to investigate a small planet, from the space miraculously. So, Akatsuki may miraculously succeed the attain the orbital to the Venus after 6 years.

Exercise is important!

Do you exercise? It is cold these days, but you should not be idle long time at home. If you do not exercise, your body saves a lot of fats and your muscles get thin and weak. Muscles are important to keep your body healthy because about 40% of basal metabolism is consumed by muscles. This is the highest consumption of basal metabolism.

If you determine to exercise, I suggest that you do two types of exercise.
First, anaerobic exercise is efficient to get muscles strong and consume a lot of energies. It is also good point of anaerobic exercise that you can finish exercise in short time. But anaerobic exercise is very hard both physically and mentally. Especially you must not do anaerobic exercise if you have a problem of heart or blood vessel of brain.
Differently from anaerobic exercise, aerobic exercise is easy to do. Generally speaking, fats are consumed 20 minutes after starting aerobic exercise, but it is not true. Fats are consumed just after starting exercise. So you do not have to worry about your exercising time. The fault of aerobic exercise is that it is difficult to do that in room.
So you need to change your exercise type to fit into the situation.

If you understand the importance of exercise, let's try some exercises!

University students' everyday lives

These days, university students are becoming busier than before because of the many things that they have to do. For example, studying, doing part-time jobs, taking part in club activities, and living by themselves.

University students are always studying hard to realize their dreams in the future. In contrast to compulsory education, they have to study on their own resonsibilities.

In addition, they do part-time jobs if they have free time. They save a lot of money and spend it buying the things that they use for their everyday lives, enjoying their hobbies, and so on.

They are also joining in club or circle activities. They enjoy their activities with their friends and have a good time.

Some of university students are living by themselves. They have to do a lot of housework, for example, washing clothes, cleaning rooms, preparing meals, and so on.

People often say, "University life is very enjoyable and it is like a paradise." However, it may be true that university life is busier than any other school life.

Zombiepowder

There is Voodoo sorcery in Africa. The religion has a original formality. They punish wrongdoer with "Zombiepowder". Voodoo was brought to haiti in the early 16 century, so their formality had taken place and some people regained in the past.

According to my memory, when a man broke their rules, he would be made to take "Zombiepowder" and killed once and buried in their formality. And after hours, he was dug up and was to be a slave.

I heard that a professor was interested in its powder and studied about ingredients in it. The powder contains two main poisons.
First one is Tetrodotoxin which can be find in blowfish organs. This poison prevent motor nerves from working normally.If he took the drag, his body would be just stiffened.
Another one is stramonium. The plant is the member of eggplant. Ths poison acts on a brain directly and take the self away from the taker.

To sum up, a zombiepowder taker just cannot move the body but the brain. They want him to be a slave, so they bury him and show his family that he has been dead. This is the way they deal with wrongdoer.

I got this information from a TV program namd "Tokumei research "200X" twelve years ago. I have a recollection about it that I did not think that I want to be brought back to life.

High cost of living in HIROSAKI

Having seen Josua’s complainment about the high cost of living in HIROSAKI in her blog, a willing crossed my mind and after checking my wallet I was stunned! 210,000 yen has been spent. That means over a quarter of the whole money I brought from CHINA for this one year’s life. That also means not even another 6 month I will run out of money! Life in HIROSAKI is really expensive!

  Firstly, the food here is very expensive. When I went to the U-MATO the first time, I was surprised to find 10 kg rice with price tag written 3588! At this price in my hometown you can buy 80 kg tasty rice. Besides,  meat and vegetables are also five times of my hometown averagely. However, the most expensive food is fruit, which is almost ten times when compared with my hometown.

  Secondly, the house rent is very high. Although I live in the international house and it is much cheaper than renting house outside, if count in cost of gas、water、internet fee and electricity it will up to 15,000yen a month. That is as much as I paid in my past university for one year.

  Thirdly, the cost of social contact here is very expensive. Most time I have to decline invites from my friends for the short of money, even though I’m so willing to go with them. However, I need friends and I can't spend all my time in my room.

  I have tried my best to keep the living expense low. I even begin to cook almost every meal by myself ,which is unusual for a man to cook in CHINA. However, the money just burns a hole in my pocket.

Avian influenza

You know, the influenza goes around every year in winter. Have you already been inoculated against it? If you already have done so, you are right. However, maybe you are not always safe. Because, unfortunately, new kinds of influenza viruses is becoming a social problem. I want to tell about one of them "Avian influenza".

What's "Avian influenza"? It is viruses mainly to be infected with birds and increase in their intestinal tracts. Infected waterfowls with it don't appear the symptoms. On the other hand, infected fowls with it often appear the symptoms because the viruses have strong poisons when they infect fowls. For example as their symptoms, subcutaneous hemorrhages of legs, bleeding of cockscombs or crib death.

As the route of infection, the viruses mostly mediate excrements and infect other birds. It is thought that Avian influenza doesn't infect easily from the bird to a person since birds and human beings species are different.

Then, why Avian influenza is so dangerous for human beings? The reason is that viruses often vary in RNA. In other words, there is a possibility that they infect human being. The problem is very serious. In fact, some people have been infected with them. However, fortunately, they can't infect a person to another person as yet.

If the spread of an infection happen, it is expected that many people will die from it. I hope that such bad situations don't happen.

HIROKO NEPUTA

I will talk about a summer event. I graduated from Hirosaki high school. In Hirosaki high school, there are not only lessons but also many events. One of the most exciting events is a school festival. The name of the festival is “HIROKOSAI”. The main is Neputa. It is said "HIROKO NEPUTA".

Neputa is one of the traditional events in Aomori prefecture. It is called “Nebuta” in Aomori, on the other hand, called “Neputa” in Hirosaki. In the event, people parade with big dolls that are made of bamboo, wood, wire, paper, and so on. There are three types of Neputa. The shapes are fan in Hirosaki, doll in Aomori, and standing doll in Goshogawara. The latter is so high and called “Tatinebuta”. In our school, we make a doll Neputa every one class for the annual festival. Students are divided into some groups in class. One group make the frame of dolls out of wire, another group make a car to put the dolls out of wood, and the other group make the electrical wiring to light up the dolls from the inside.

The remarkable point is that the period of preparation is short. We have to finish making it within about ten days.During the period, classes are shortened and all students work after school. In addition, even if it’s holiday, we work as much as we can. Some classes, however, go on working until just before the start every year. Anyway the 21 kinds of Neputa stand in line in front of a school building in the end and we go out to town in evening. At the moment, we forget how tired and our emotion reaches a peak. While we are parading, some people play a Japanese flute, others beat a Japanese drum, and all the others say “ya-yado-.“ It is so hot and exciting time.

Through this event, I found it important to work together and accomplish a common purpose. And by getting experience from beginning to end, I could realize how great the tradition of Aomori is. So, “HIROKO NEPUTA” is one of the most memorable events in summer.

This week, I would like to speak about the cost of living in Hirosaki, especially about my own expenses, which are quite higher than I was expecting them to be.


First, I'm getting lost with all those bills for the electricity, gas and water I receive each 2 or 3 days. Because it's written in Japanese, I don't quite catch the meaning, and always think "Hey! Haven't I already paid for this last week ?" . The only I can read for sure is the price, written much bigger than the rest of the paper, and it often makes me feel so astonished that I have to sit for a while.

There is also the health insurrance to pay, and I just did it today with a korean friend. The lady first told me that, because I was late, I was expected to pay a supplement ! But even if it's the same way in France with any insurance contract, I still don't understand why I had to pay for october and november, which are already finished and when I wasn't even sick !


Next problem is the price of food, especially the meat, in Japan. Before coming here, I was thinking that life in Japan surely had to be much cheaper than in France !!! In my country, I barely complained about the high cost of the products I bought in the supermarket ! I must confess that I'm a bad cook, so I'm used to buying food that is easy to prepare (or already made), and I can tell you that in France the way of living is very expensive ! But if I do the same in japan, I'm often surprised by the total price it can reach. Since I came to Japan, I haven`t been eating breakfast like I used to, and I eat less and less meat (only at the university cafeteria).


Besides food, my other expenses are limited. Sometimes, I spend some 1000 or 2000 yen for a karaoke party, or else, with my friend, but most of the time I have to decline their invite.
Surely, I can't spend all my time in my room, so I get out sometimes for trips too. Thus, I went with some friends to Asamushi by train, to visit the aquarium, go to the onsen, eat at some restaurant, and somehow, even if the price was not so expensive but well-calculated, my wallet was empty after that day.


But I don't think I have much more to complain about, because I live in the International House, Which rent is really low (5900 yen per month), and I must confess that one of my japanese friends always takes me out to some restaurants (maybe 2 or 3 times a week), and elsewhere too, and the person who payes is alway him. And I have found a job, quite easy, very interesting, and well paid so I should consider myself very lucky, compared to other students.


I would really like to know your opinion about the cost of living in hirosaki, my fellow foreign students, and you too of course, dear japanese friends in the same class as me.

see you

visual kei or visual rock

In the 1980's, Japan discovered a new kind of music, harder than rock music. Moreover, bands wore gothic costumes and used make-up. It was the birth of visual kei. Visual kei means a visual movement. At that time, its particularity was a strong kind of visual identity in which music was nearly placed in the second place. If, for a long time, visual kei was specially based in Japan, it had been spred, since few years through out the world.

Due to the indies labels and notably the label of the drummer of the japanese band X Japan, who was the first band to create and use visual kei, this movement grew up quickly. Soon, this recording label had contracts with almost all the visual kei bands of that period.

However, this music was still considered as "post-punk rock music". The term "visual kei" has been used for the first time by one of the guitarist player of X Japan. It shows the obviousness of visual esthetic. In fact, each band is defined by its look: hair colored, extravagant costums, overdone make-up...

Thanks to the label of the drummer of X Japan, Visual kei has been developped through out of the world. This is due to broadcasting of those bands on internet. So, everyone is the world can listen to visual rock.

Nowaday, visual kei has changed tack: a tendency of less overload of effects and a new stronger place for music. Bands think it will be a good mean to enter the international market.

Fibonacci number

Today, I want to introduce a mysterious progression "Fibonacci number" because I thought it is very interesting when I knew it. My mathematics teacher taught it for me last year.

"In mathematics, the Fibonacci numbers
are the numbers in the following integer
sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34,
55, 89, 144, ...

By definition, the first two Fibonacci numbers are 0 and 1, and each
subsequent number is the sum of the previous two. Some sources omit the
initial 0, instead beginning the sequence with two 1s.In mathematical terms, the
sequence Fn of Fibonacci numbers is defined by the recurrence relation "

A lot of Fibonacci number appear in the phenomena of the natural world. For example, the number of petals is almost Fibonacci number or the number of sunflower seeds is Fibonacci number. They are very mysterious.

My high school life

I was a member of T&F club and student council in my high school. So this time, I want to write about that.


At first, I want to talk about the club. I was a discus thrower(but no one can guess my event once a time) Although I couldn't leave good result, I had a good time. Sometimes we quarreled and fell out, but it is precious thing to exist friends who can talk true feeling. So we tried practicing hard with encouraging each other and we overcome any difficulties. If I tried only me, I might miscarry. I think the thing which is the most important is not result but connection and process or I COULDN'T think it is a good memory. Although training is very hard then, I want to come back at that time.

Then, I will write about Student Council. Anyway, I must apologize to Student Council members because I work what I want. I examine myself that I should have been more sensible. I am not good at speaking in public so I avoid it. So my work is almost behind work such as making materials, adjustment. But I force Student Council members to work. I think it is natural to have hard feeling about me. That's because I didn't do most important work, speaking in public. Maybe another factors are in hiding. But the vengeance of Heaven comes down on me, I must read the reply.. At first, I am afraid of the failure. But to my surprise, some of he people(not only Student Council) encouraged me. I thought they(Student Council members) bear against me, so I was glad to hear that. Although the reply was not perfect, I didn't mangle our graduation ceremony. Now I can write these sentences thanks to the friends' support. I must appreciate to them.

Koichiro Sasaki

In the holiday

There are many coffee shops in hirosaki. Pecullarly, there are near the hirosaki castle. I like coffee, so, in the holiday, I go to there. It is interesting to go into old style shop. I think that the decorate the outside and inside is beautiful. I always order coffee and some cakes. It is good time for me to spend lazily with eat it alone. Of course, with friends is good, too. But, it has a problem that it is expensive. So, I can go to there only in the holiday. I want to go all coffee shop that in hirosaki.

My favorite comic book

I like to read comic books very much. So, I want to introduce one of my favorite comic books to you. The comic book is "ONE PIECE". It teach me the importance of companions. The main character called "Luffy" has a dream of becoming the king of pirates and is looking for a secret treasure, gathering his companions. He always thinks much of them and never forgives people for hurting them. The phrases that he says always move me deeply. "Risk our lives with your life!! you are one of our number!!" he says is one of the favorite phrases for me. Nowadays, the comic book is popular not only in Japan but also many countries. If you have free time, please read "ONE PIECE"!!

Black

Actually I was going to introduce the big big news about the discovery of new type of life. from NASA. However Mr.KOUEI have already written the topic. So I will write other topic news from NASA and please read Mr.KOUEI's blog too. The article I paid attention is about the development of the matter blacker than black. This is very interesting too.

Black is black, right? Not so, according to a team of NASA engineers now developing a blacker-than pitch material that will help scientists gather hard-to-obtain scientific measurements or observe currently unseen astronomical objects, like Earth-sized planets in orbit around other stars.

The nanotech-based material now being developed by a team of 10 technologists at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., is a thin coating of multi-walled carbon nanotubes — tiny hollow tubes made of pure carbon about 10,000 times thinner than a strand of human hair. Nanotubes have a multitude of potential uses, particularly in electronics and advanced materials due to their unique electrical properties and extraordinary strength. But in this application, NASA is interested in using the technology to help suppress errant light that has a funny way of ricocheting off instrument components and contaminating measurements.

The black improved by the carbon nanotubes will be use to many kinds of study. For example, We can get to measure smaller lights from the universe. Now the current telescope use black paint to reduce the reflection of lights, but it is not perfect. The carbon nanotubes will make the black paint 10 times darker than it is. So it enables us to see the materials that we have seen as black.

If you want to know the details, please access.

http://www.nasa.gov/home/index.html

Strange Organism?

On December 3rd, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that NASA discovered a strange organism. This can grow without phosphorus. General Organisms need phosphorus. Phosphorus is a central component of carrying energy in all cells and it constructs DNA and RNA. So, it had been said that all life need phosphorus. But, this organism can use arsenic instead of phosphorus. Arsenic is deadly poison, so general organisms cannot use it. NASA says like this:

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur are the six basic building blocks of all known forms of life on Earth. Phosphorus is part of the chemical backbone of DNA and RNA, the structures that carry genetic instructions for life, and is considered an essential element for all living cells.

Phosphorus is a central component of the energy-carrying molecule in all cells (adenosine triphosphate) and also the phospholipids that form all cell membranes. Arsenic, which is chemically similar to phosphorus, is poisonous for most life on Earth. Arsenic disrupts metabolic pathways because chemically it behaves similarly to phosphate.

"We know that some microbes can breathe arsenic, but what we've found is a microbe doing something new -- building parts of itself out of arsenic," said Felisa Wolfe-Simon, a NASA astrobiology research fellow in residence at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., and the research team's lead scientist. "If something here on Earth can do something so unexpected, what else can life do that we haven't seen yet?

This organism is quite different from others on earth. So, this discovery activate discussions about life out of the earth. And, the beginning of the earth, there is a lot of arsenic. So, this discovery may reveal new facts about the evolution of life.

Do you know him?

Do you know Steve Jobs? Recently,he became very famous. ...He is a president of Apple Computer. You know Apple Computer,I think. It is famous for iPod. I want to show you his speech. When I first read his speech,I was a high school student. I met his speech on my english textbook. I was impressed by his speech. He says as follow but this is only a part of the speech.

"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything ― all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma ― which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. "

After you read that,what did you think? Nobody can make that speech I think. Only Steve Jobs can make it. That's because he did many many experience so far. He did happy experience,but he also did bad experience that you can't imagine. I learned a lot from his speech. I realized that what I should do is what I love and what I want to do now.

About Christmas!!

The Christmas season will come a little!When I was a child,Christmas was the day when I could get some presents by Santa Claus.So I love him and believe Santa Claus exist.But my friends told me Santa Claus wasn't exist and I was so disappointed.Santa Claus exist,however!!The international society for Santa Claus says "Santa Claus lives in Greenland.There are many Santa Claus all over the world and they have licenses to be a Santa Claus.And they have a World Santa Claus meeting in July.In this meeting,Christmas shows and palades are held.Please watch this events by all means."

Slow Food

My english II A teacher had told us to see this cite. http://www.slowfood.com/
Slow food is not any food but a way to have everyday meals. It is not like my way to do so. I always ignore my alarm clock, and jump to get up, and eat some bread with milk poured into my mouth.
By the way, Slow Food is a group working toward their phylosophy. They say about themselves like the following in the cite.

Slow Food is an international grassroots membership organization promoting good, clean and fair food for all.