Gulf Coast warned oil may leak until August
It's been passed 41 days since the oil platform blasted on the coast of southeast Louisiana, and at least 3 people critically injured and 11 others missing. The explosion has caused serious spill of oil and U.S. history and officials are calling it the country's biggest environmental catastrophe.
BP, British major energy company, had carried out the measure called "top kill" which covers over the damage part with mud to stop the spill in the deep sea. However, it ended up complete failure and the official report says the Gulf of Mexico leak may not be stopped for two months which means until August.
The Gulf Coast is one of America's richest ecosystems and a vital breeding ground for a $6.5 billion seafood industry and seven of the top ten busiest ports in the U.S. are on this Coast. Although the area have serious natural disaster like hurricanes as well as severe thunderstorms and floods, the coast has been developing since it's abundant in rich seafood and moderate climate and convenient for research.
So this disaster hit these industries and made tremendous loss than we expect. Now the interest of environmental issues has spread out worldwide, so this happening gather world people's attentions. I have to say BP should take another action to stop spill as soon as possible, or it will bring the country more tragedy.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Coffee has given the positive changes in Rwanda
The New York Times-Coffee, and Hope, Grow in Rwanda
I remember when I saw the movie 'Hotel Rwanda', I couldn't move from the chair for a while. I didn't know about the genocide in Rwanda and I was shocked and really ashamed of my ignorance.
In 1994, after the genocide that killed 800,000 people, Rwanda was literally like a hell. People couldn't have hope and the economy had fell down.
So what saved their life and hope? We can say coffee is one of them. Since the demands of coffee beans has expanded, A.I.D. has invested $10 million in helping Rwandans improve the quality of their coffee, mainly by providing farmers’ cooperatives and small entrepreneurs with financing for washing stations and training in their use.
“By improving the quality of their coffee, about 40,000 of Rwanda’s 500,000 coffee farmers have at least doubled their incomes. Coffee has played a crucial role in the positive changes in Rwanda” said Kevin J. Mullally, who runs the office of the United States Agency for International Development.
These days, coffee is the most main export product in Rwanda and they hosted "Cup of Excellence", the noted worldwide competition for the quality of coffee, in 2008 as a first host nation in Africa.
“My coffee gave me hope for a better future” said one farmer who runs small but pretty harvest coffee garden. This article makes me possible to believe that hope is always somewhere no matter where people are.
I remember when I saw the movie 'Hotel Rwanda', I couldn't move from the chair for a while. I didn't know about the genocide in Rwanda and I was shocked and really ashamed of my ignorance.
In 1994, after the genocide that killed 800,000 people, Rwanda was literally like a hell. People couldn't have hope and the economy had fell down.
So what saved their life and hope? We can say coffee is one of them. Since the demands of coffee beans has expanded, A.I.D. has invested $10 million in helping Rwandans improve the quality of their coffee, mainly by providing farmers’ cooperatives and small entrepreneurs with financing for washing stations and training in their use.
“By improving the quality of their coffee, about 40,000 of Rwanda’s 500,000 coffee farmers have at least doubled their incomes. Coffee has played a crucial role in the positive changes in Rwanda” said Kevin J. Mullally, who runs the office of the United States Agency for International Development.
These days, coffee is the most main export product in Rwanda and they hosted "Cup of Excellence", the noted worldwide competition for the quality of coffee, in 2008 as a first host nation in Africa.
“My coffee gave me hope for a better future” said one farmer who runs small but pretty harvest coffee garden. This article makes me possible to believe that hope is always somewhere no matter where people are.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Unexpeted factor might cause serious condition on you
CNN-Brush your teeth, save your heart?
Do you brush your teeth?
You might be stunned by this unexpected question, but if you read this article, you would understand the reason why I asked.
According to a new British study appeared on the British Medical Journal, people with poor oral hygiene have a 70 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with people who brush twice daily. And this research also says bad oral condition can lead to problems including clogging of arteries.
Researchers from the University College London collected 11,000 adults samples about their oral hygiene including smoking, physical activity, and frequency they visited the dentist and brushed their teeth, and blood pressure was also taken.
And that results showed About 71 percent brushed their teeth twice a day and 62 percent said they visited a dentist twice a year. Maybe general dentists would be surprised by seeing the poor figures.
We need to bear in mind following words, especially lazy guys for brushing their teeth, "Just because they’re pearly and sheen, it doesn’t mean they’re clean."
Do you brush your teeth?
You might be stunned by this unexpected question, but if you read this article, you would understand the reason why I asked.
According to a new British study appeared on the British Medical Journal, people with poor oral hygiene have a 70 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with people who brush twice daily. And this research also says bad oral condition can lead to problems including clogging of arteries.
Researchers from the University College London collected 11,000 adults samples about their oral hygiene including smoking, physical activity, and frequency they visited the dentist and brushed their teeth, and blood pressure was also taken.
And that results showed About 71 percent brushed their teeth twice a day and 62 percent said they visited a dentist twice a year. Maybe general dentists would be surprised by seeing the poor figures.
We need to bear in mind following words, especially lazy guys for brushing their teeth, "Just because they’re pearly and sheen, it doesn’t mean they’re clean."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What would happen on FIFA 2010 World Cup
Reuters-Special courts set up for World Cup offenders
To my knowledge, South African Republic has a most dangerous city named Johannesburg all over the world. So I wondered strongly why FIFA made a decision to host this world biggest sports festival to Olympic in this country.
According to the article, 56 courts start operations immediately and wind up two weeks after the month-long tournament ends on July 11. These courts has been set up to make lawsuits smooth as more collisions about World Cup issues are expected.
The courts would apply normal legal processes, and and be housed in existing judicial facilities. But still they are also condemned for the another problem that they got a lower foreign booking which is 300,000 compared to an original estimate of 450,000.
Furthermore, We should not forget hooligan. Hooligan's name became popular among Japanese owing to 2002 FIFA World Cup which is hosted by Japan and Korea. They might occur the serious problem including national issues.
Soccer fans are concerned about what their countries would be ranked of this amazing festival. But in this time, they would have to be concerned not only competition but also that the spectators could really go home.
To my knowledge, South African Republic has a most dangerous city named Johannesburg all over the world. So I wondered strongly why FIFA made a decision to host this world biggest sports festival to Olympic in this country.
According to the article, 56 courts start operations immediately and wind up two weeks after the month-long tournament ends on July 11. These courts has been set up to make lawsuits smooth as more collisions about World Cup issues are expected.
The courts would apply normal legal processes, and and be housed in existing judicial facilities. But still they are also condemned for the another problem that they got a lower foreign booking which is 300,000 compared to an original estimate of 450,000.
Furthermore, We should not forget hooligan. Hooligan's name became popular among Japanese owing to 2002 FIFA World Cup which is hosted by Japan and Korea. They might occur the serious problem including national issues.
Soccer fans are concerned about what their countries would be ranked of this amazing festival. But in this time, they would have to be concerned not only competition but also that the spectators could really go home.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Where is the pledge?
REUTERS-Okinawans angry over U.S. base plan, PM at risk
Our prime minister Yukio Hatoyama announced that they abandoned the plan which make an U.S base move to another prefecture. Almost every people in Okinawa anticipated that he would keep his words, so this bitter end of an affair depressed the people greatly.
"Concerns and anger that people in Okinawa have are understandable," Hatoyama told Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima in a meeting at the Okinawa prefecture office. During that time, a lot of protestants were standing with the signs like 'Go home' and some of them were printed just one simple character means 'angry'.
This dismal consequence will definitely lead to declined rate of Hatoyama cabinet.
We must show determined attitude for such international issues regardless of the good-term partnership, otherwise Japan would have been still a leashed dog of U.S.
Be not only friendly but strongly for the world. These two words seems difficult to maintain both existence, but I believe we can find the good balance for that to survive this mixed-up globalization.
Our prime minister Yukio Hatoyama announced that they abandoned the plan which make an U.S base move to another prefecture. Almost every people in Okinawa anticipated that he would keep his words, so this bitter end of an affair depressed the people greatly.
"Concerns and anger that people in Okinawa have are understandable," Hatoyama told Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima in a meeting at the Okinawa prefecture office. During that time, a lot of protestants were standing with the signs like 'Go home' and some of them were printed just one simple character means 'angry'.
This dismal consequence will definitely lead to declined rate of Hatoyama cabinet.
We must show determined attitude for such international issues regardless of the good-term partnership, otherwise Japan would have been still a leashed dog of U.S.
Be not only friendly but strongly for the world. These two words seems difficult to maintain both existence, but I believe we can find the good balance for that to survive this mixed-up globalization.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Only weapon against the poverty and social exploition
Time-Do the Math
Today, competitiveness of education is getting harder in global scale, and each country has a better subject compared to others. In India, they found the concept of 'zero' first, and have many prestigious mathematician. Yes,mathematics is the strongest subject prominently.
According to the article, 230,000 students take the notoriously difficult exam for a spot in one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology, but only 5,000 pass. 30 of them came from one particular cram school and it's a pass rate of 100%.
Today, competitiveness of education is getting harder in global scale, and each country has a better subject compared to others. In India, they found the concept of 'zero' first, and have many prestigious mathematician. Yes,mathematics is the strongest subject prominently.
According to the article, 230,000 students take the notoriously difficult exam for a spot in one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology, but only 5,000 pass. 30 of them came from one particular cram school and it's a pass rate of 100%.
For more thing, students passed the exam are all from poor home. So they feel painfully the importance of having weapon named wisdom.
Rahul, the son of a print worker and a successful Super 30 alumnus, said 'People who never acknowledged us before started smiling and nodding at us'. This means, I think, they are recognized as beneficial citizens for India. He also gave us an ironic expression: Education is our only weapon to rid ourselves of poverty and social exploitation.Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Prominent Airplane Company in the U.S.
Southwest Airlines-Wikipedia
No sooner had I researched this airline than I regretted about my tickets for my vacation. I purchased a Delta Airlines' round-trip ticket, but I want to try this company now!
If you've ever lived in the U.S, you would hear this popular airline company named 'Southwest Airlines'. It's one of the most successful companies in this industry, and their unique strategies accounts for their success.
Southwest Airlines focus on thorough their own strategy. They had no assigned seats, paid its crews by trip, and used less congested airports like Baltimore. These efforts resulted in having the lowest operating-cost structure in the domestic airline industry and consistently offering the lowest and simplest fares.
They also put emphasis on online booking. In 2002, the cost per booking via the Internet was about $1, compared to the cost per booking of $6-8 through a travel agent. Now, Southwest received 50 percent more searches than any other airlines. Nowadays IT is developing very sharply, so this ratio means tremendous advantages.
I found out that Southwest Airlines is very heart-warming companies for their employees. CEO Herb Kelleher said “If they are happy, satisfied, dedicated, and energetic, they’ll take real good care of the customers. When the customers are happy, they come back. And that makes the shareholders happy.” So I think this company prioritized the happiness of employees first, and this point is most different part compared to other competitive airlines.
Also, hiring system is very unique. That is, peers screened candidates and conducted interviews; pilots hired pilots, and gate agents hired gate agents. By this system, they can identify their common strengths, and hire capable person for the position.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The change of the very fabric of the modern economy
Joseph Pine on what consumers want
In this video , Joseph talked about the essence of what people really need.
According to his words, first, we moved from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. And in the process, goods are being commoditized. Then we moved from an industrial economy to an individual person, but over the past 10 to 20 years, what's happened is that services are being commoditized as well.
In addition to that, he also said it's about time we moved to a new level of economic value. That is an experience economy. What if people could get what they exactly need at this moment in time? That's would be a greatest memory.
Now I'll talk about Starbucks. Actually, I used to work for Starbucks Japan as a part-time worker. In that time, I was told to provide customers with not just coffee itself but 'experience'. That experience includes all the moment from entering the store to until going out. So partners are always required to be professional. Then this authentic experience we provide would make the price of one cup of coffee from two or three cents to two dollars.
Authenticity is becoming the new consumer sensibility. We might had better trust more our intuition and instinct.
In this video , Joseph talked about the essence of what people really need.
According to his words, first, we moved from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. And in the process, goods are being commoditized. Then we moved from an industrial economy to an individual person, but over the past 10 to 20 years, what's happened is that services are being commoditized as well.
In addition to that, he also said it's about time we moved to a new level of economic value. That is an experience economy. What if people could get what they exactly need at this moment in time? That's would be a greatest memory.
Now I'll talk about Starbucks. Actually, I used to work for Starbucks Japan as a part-time worker. In that time, I was told to provide customers with not just coffee itself but 'experience'. That experience includes all the moment from entering the store to until going out. So partners are always required to be professional. Then this authentic experience we provide would make the price of one cup of coffee from two or three cents to two dollars.
Authenticity is becoming the new consumer sensibility. We might had better trust more our intuition and instinct.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Name of Newborns
Today I'll talk about name trends in the U.S.
Every human receives their name from the precious person, and they have to live with it throughout their lives unless they tries to offer the administration to change it. Generally speaking, people names their baby after that of name trends because no one likes to be that unique. Certainly if their names after their babies unique, in other word strange, names like Keighty instead of Katie, Danyale instead of Danielle, they would probably resent it after growing up.
This article shows the particular figures concerned about racial name divide. According to the authorities in this field, 40% of all African-American babies born in California are given a name that doesn't appear on even a single white baby's birth certificate. This considerable divide originated in 1970s, when hospitals began seeing a rise in so-called black names.
Japan also has name trends.According to the investigation of Meiji Yasuda Seimei Cooperation,that is one of the biggest life insurance company in Japan, 'Hiroki' has been in the top spot as boy's name for three years in a row and 'Haruna' has been the top spot as girl's name for two years.
Personally, I prefer the short and simple name to long and unique name because simplified name can contains quite deep meaning.
What would you think about this trends?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Mcdonald's Japan
Most students in Japan would go to these burger chain stores often. So they, including me, are sensitive to McDonald's new foods and service.
Then how to catch new information? Surely they know it by seeing the ads and web site, but they have a more convenient source. It is a cellphone.
We can register membership and get newest information by e-mail or provided web cite for cellphone. But they wouldn't register by just getting information. Therefore McDonald's started providing so many kinds of coupons for cellphone. Thanks for this technology, we don't need to print them accessing to PC and can bring them quite easily. Plus we don't have to worry about forgetting coupons. So eventually, this system enabled it to promote growth in the number of customers.
They also have unique strategy for their price. That is called "100 yen Mc and 120 yen Mc". Explaining this strategy, they provide standard products with 100 yen and 120 yen such as regular burger, cheese burger(which costs 120 yen ),chicken burger, apple pie, soft ice cream, coffee, carbonated drinks, and so on.
This price is quite attractive for us and we can buy freely. And this round number gets check order more smooth.
They failed several times for their strategies in the past and deficit had swelled and swelled. But they recovered and got unparalleled burger chain stores because CEO of the day have deep insight for current industry. If I understand correctly, Japan is the second largest market for McD with 4000 restaurants .That's really interesting, isn't it?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Greatest College Dropouts
Top 10 College Dropouts
Today's topic is about dropouts. You would imagine that dropouts are not sociable or delinquent or have a bad grade on exam.
But the dropouts that this article introduced are absolutely exceptions. They have tremendous influence for our daily life and culture. I'll pick up two people who fascinates me through the article from them.
Buckminster Fuller was an American who had many titles such as thinker, architect, inventor, designer, poet. He dropped out of Harvard University in 1915. He founded a company about but it resulted in complete failure. And in that time, His beloved daughter passed away and he began to hit the bottle. He even contemplated suicide but ended up having a second thought.Then he started his research about energy geometry and had created a lot of ideas based on dymaxion that is the coinage he created. This ideas created to make sustainable living in coming 50 years(which means this time). But sadly, this supreme idea is almost wasted today.
I didn't know that Tom Hanks dropped out of his college. Needless to say, he is one of the most famous actor all over the world and starred in famous movies including Academy award received. I really like his movie 'Philadelphia'. that movie cast a new light on the social subject about gay and make us think of what our ethic is for a while.
Today's topic is about dropouts. You would imagine that dropouts are not sociable or delinquent or have a bad grade on exam.
But the dropouts that this article introduced are absolutely exceptions. They have tremendous influence for our daily life and culture. I'll pick up two people who fascinates me through the article from them.
Buckminster Fuller was an American who had many titles such as thinker, architect, inventor, designer, poet. He dropped out of Harvard University in 1915. He founded a company about but it resulted in complete failure. And in that time, His beloved daughter passed away and he began to hit the bottle. He even contemplated suicide but ended up having a second thought.Then he started his research about energy geometry and had created a lot of ideas based on dymaxion that is the coinage he created. This ideas created to make sustainable living in coming 50 years(which means this time). But sadly, this supreme idea is almost wasted today.
I didn't know that Tom Hanks dropped out of his college. Needless to say, he is one of the most famous actor all over the world and starred in famous movies including Academy award received. I really like his movie 'Philadelphia'. that movie cast a new light on the social subject about gay and make us think of what our ethic is for a while.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Endless Patent Problems
Nokia sues Apple over iPad patents
Today's topic is about patents.
In the breakthrough of technology, countless companies has come into being. And many attendant problems, however, have occurred. Patent is biggest one of them.
Nowadays IT has far developed and the ideas of technology have some in common even compared to others. But the ideas are created from customer's demand, so they cannot help it.
In all likelihood, nobody living in metropolis has never heard the company 's name 'Apple' and 'Nokia'. They have the most advanced computer technologies in all over the world and their products are really handy and stylish. According to the article, Nokia sues Apple on account of having been violated five patents Nokia owns.
In the formal statement, Paul Melin, Nokia general manager, said "We brought the case before the court to make Apple stop using continuous innovation illegally and perotect advanced developments toward this industry."
Apple has just come out new remarkable product called 'iPad'. But these issues lingers on them.
I should say lawsuit always haunt companies behind.
Today's topic is about patents.
In the breakthrough of technology, countless companies has come into being. And many attendant problems, however, have occurred. Patent is biggest one of them.
Nowadays IT has far developed and the ideas of technology have some in common even compared to others. But the ideas are created from customer's demand, so they cannot help it.
In all likelihood, nobody living in metropolis has never heard the company 's name 'Apple' and 'Nokia'. They have the most advanced computer technologies in all over the world and their products are really handy and stylish. According to the article, Nokia sues Apple on account of having been violated five patents Nokia owns.
In the formal statement, Paul Melin, Nokia general manager, said "We brought the case before the court to make Apple stop using continuous innovation illegally and perotect advanced developments toward this industry."
Apple has just come out new remarkable product called 'iPad'. But these issues lingers on them.
I should say lawsuit always haunt companies behind.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
添削王に・・（｀・ω・）＝＝○ノД）
さて、ちょっと休憩も兼ねてブログ書きます。
ブログタイトルの説明のある通り、これからライティングの練習も 兼ねて英語で様々なトピックの感想を書いていくつもりです。
ただ書いているだけではあまり意味がありません。
書くだけ書い て、「あー俺今日も頑張った。俺ってちゃんとやってるんじゃん～」って軽度のナルになりかねません。
「そういうのをな、オナニープレイって言うんだよ、デスよ。意味はひとりよがり」
by 野田恵
のだめさん、、肝に銘じます。
・・・
っ つうことで初投稿からお世話になっているサイトがあります（笑）！
こちら→大人の英語添削
いやー、こういうサービス を待っていた！
やり方は簡単。ブログで感想書いてこのサイトのポストページにコピペするだけ。
後はネ イティブが添削してくれます。
午前中投稿したら、大体その日に修正された文章が送り返されてきます。
１つの投稿で ２５０wordまで許されているので、僕はそれに合わせて英文書いているようにしています。
既にアップしている３つ のトピックを投函しているのですが、いやー間違いが出てくる出てくるw
「ここはtheじゃなくてaだろうが！何 combineこんなとこで使ってんだよ、場所違うだろタコ。weじゃなくてyouだろ、自分含めるとか訳わかんねーよ」
と いった感じで返ってくるので、非常に分かりやすいです（嘘）。
印刷した物に一つ一つ赤ペン入れてって、しっかり復習 していきます。そして少しずつ少しずーつネイティブの自然な英文近づいていきたいと思っています。
TOEFLにはライティングがあります。 しかもパソコンに直接タイプするので、様々な面で僕にとって理に適っていると言えますね。
さ て今日のTo do、実はまだ３分の１しか終わっていないのでこれから集中していきまっす(`・ω・´)
ブログタイトルの説明のある通り、これからライティングの練習も 兼ねて英語で様々なトピックの感想を書いていくつもりです。
ただ書いているだけではあまり意味がありません。
書くだけ書い て、「あー俺今日も頑張った。俺ってちゃんとやってるんじゃん～」って軽度のナルになりかねません。
「そういうのをな、オナニープレイって言うんだよ、デスよ。意味はひとりよがり」
by 野田恵
のだめさん、、肝に銘じます。
・・・
っ つうことで初投稿からお世話になっているサイトがあります（笑）！
こちら→大人の英語添削
いやー、こういうサービス を待っていた！
やり方は簡単。ブログで感想書いてこのサイトのポストページにコピペするだけ。
後はネ イティブが添削してくれます。
午前中投稿したら、大体その日に修正された文章が送り返されてきます。
１つの投稿で ２５０wordまで許されているので、僕はそれに合わせて英文書いているようにしています。
既にアップしている３つ のトピックを投函しているのですが、いやー間違いが出てくる出てくるw
「ここはtheじゃなくてaだろうが！何 combineこんなとこで使ってんだよ、場所違うだろタコ。weじゃなくてyouだろ、自分含めるとか訳わかんねーよ」
と いった感じで返ってくるので、非常に分かりやすいです（嘘）。
印刷した物に一つ一つ赤ペン入れてって、しっかり復習 していきます。そして少しずつ少しずーつネイティブの自然な英文近づいていきたいと思っています。
TOEFLにはライティングがあります。 しかもパソコンに直接タイプするので、様々な面で僕にとって理に適っていると言えますね。
さ て今日のTo do、実はまだ３分の１しか終わっていないのでこれから集中していきまっす(`・ω・´)
New findings in Disney movies
Time- Top 10 Disney Controversies
This article aroused me huge interest since I am working at WDW now.
We can find new and astonishing facts we've probably never known and noticed even if have ever watched these animated flicks.
Let me pick up one remarkable fact from them.
I'll mention about the most famous Disney movie 'Aladdin'. I really like this movie and every time I watch this, it always makes me feel great and have hope that this world is not that bad. So this finding staggered and depressed me a little.
According to the article, as the movie begins, a character describes his Arabian home as a place "where they cut off your ear/ If they don't like your face," and concludes, "It's barbaric, but hey, it's home."
"Can an Arab-American child feel good after seeing Aladdin? The answer is no,"
This is the problem caused by the idea 'stereotype'.
From one Japanese viewpoint, sometimes I face this problem living in U.S. Surprisingly, a few people even now ask that Japanese wear Kimono like samurai in daily life. I don't know why they are in the know about Otaku culture but such awful stereotype.
Nowadays with glowing of globalization, we must identify other country's latest and traditional culture properly. Otherwise tangled conflict might occur.
明日やるは大バカ野郎リスト
5/9
DUO→ 1-400
DIALOGUE1800→ 26-56
This article aroused me huge interest since I am working at WDW now.
We can find new and astonishing facts we've probably never known and noticed even if have ever watched these animated flicks.
Let me pick up one remarkable fact from them.
I'll mention about the most famous Disney movie 'Aladdin'. I really like this movie and every time I watch this, it always makes me feel great and have hope that this world is not that bad. So this finding staggered and depressed me a little.
According to the article, as the movie begins, a character describes his Arabian home as a place "where they cut off your ear/ If they don't like your face," and concludes, "It's barbaric, but hey, it's home."
"Can an Arab-American child feel good after seeing Aladdin? The answer is no,"
From one Japanese viewpoint, sometimes I face this problem living in U.S. Surprisingly, a few people even now ask that Japanese wear Kimono like samurai in daily life. I don't know why they are in the know about Otaku culture but such awful stereotype.
Nowadays with glowing of globalization, we must identify other country's latest and traditional culture properly. Otherwise tangled conflict might occur.
明日やるは大バカ野郎リスト
5/9
DUO→ 1-400
DIALOGUE1800→ 26-56
Saturday, May 8, 2010
誠実な態度
先ほど旧マネージャーからメールがあり、君のバケーションがどうなるかは新しいロケーションのマネージャーに任せているから私達にはどうすることも出来な いと言われました。
流石にこの返事には僕も耐えかね、彼にメールを即送り返しました。
"Mr.---
Seeing your e-mail, I'm a little disappointed.
I don't really want to say like that, but I can't see your sincere attitude from this e-mail.
Perhaps you don't realize but the action you guys carried out to me hurt my feeling and I managed to bear that.
I did my best throughout 5 training days. They were really hard days for me because there are 8 individual attractions in --- and we had to memorize how to operate them one by one. Besides, other trainees are all American and they can understand easily and precisely. But I've never whined about them and did my best as much as I could.
However you drove me out of ---.
I can understand your decision. Because from objective viewpoint, we must prioritize 'Safety' of guests and I have some possibilities not be able to deal with problems. So probably your decision couldn't help it considering that.
But what about my feeling? You guys are working as Disney Managers. Most Disney fans including me are longing for your works.
I also feel sorry for --- because she taught me everything seeing my eyes with patience until I understood.
I would like you to show your sincerity just checking all my requests are all approved in new location.
I'm sorry for my complaint but I couldn't resist it.
Sincerely,
Ken"
*--- はspecific wordsなので伏せておきます
色々考えさせられます。
ちょっとのことなんですよ、ちょっと気が配れれば結果的に人間関係は大きく変わります。
「誠実さ」とは何 な のか。
本質的にはシンプルなものであると僕は思っています。
ただまだ直感的にしか捉えていなくて、曇りがかっていますが。
あー 脳が熱い。
流石にこの返事には僕も耐えかね、彼にメールを即送り返しました。
"Mr.---
Seeing your e-mail, I'm a little disappointed.
I don't really want to say like that, but I can't see your sincere attitude from this e-mail.
Perhaps you don't realize but the action you guys carried out to me hurt my feeling and I managed to bear that.
I did my best throughout 5 training days. They were really hard days for me because there are 8 individual attractions in --- and we had to memorize how to operate them one by one. Besides, other trainees are all American and they can understand easily and precisely. But I've never whined about them and did my best as much as I could.
However you drove me out of ---.
I can understand your decision. Because from objective viewpoint, we must prioritize 'Safety' of guests and I have some possibilities not be able to deal with problems. So probably your decision couldn't help it considering that.
But what about my feeling? You guys are working as Disney Managers. Most Disney fans including me are longing for your works.
I also feel sorry for --- because she taught me everything seeing my eyes with patience until I understood.
I would like you to show your sincerity just checking all my requests are all approved in new location.
I'm sorry for my complaint but I couldn't resist it.
Sincerely,
Ken"
*--- はspecific wordsなので伏せておきます
色々考えさせられます。
ちょっとのことなんですよ、ちょっと気が配れれば結果的に人間関係は大きく変わります。
「誠実さ」とは何 な のか。
本質的にはシンプルなものであると僕は思っています。
ただまだ直感的にしか捉えていなくて、曇りがかっていますが。
あー 脳が熱い。
Naoshima
To tell the truth, I didn’t know the existence of the major island called ‘Naoshima’ despite I have a Japanese nationality.
Naoshima is located between Kagawa and Okayama
Why is that? We can consider following several reasons.
The main purpose for visiting there is to see and appreciate contemporary arts. Japanese publishing company Benesse carries out many projects concerning about it and creates their own original place. They have the contemporary combined museum including small hotel and restaurants and spa and library and it’s called ‘Benesse house.’ So visitors can stay there and take their time and appreciate those arts.
The article fascinates me is about 007 memorial house. That house was inspired by Naoshima-based 007 novel of the same name. I have no idea why the author, Raymond Benson, made a story based on Naoshima though. So fanatic 007 fans must be eager to go there!
Eventually this article made me wanna visit there someday. But since there are also many attractive and well-organized museums in
Friday, May 7, 2010
Grocery customer donates kidney to favorite cashier
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/03/cashier-to-receive-customers-kidney-today.html
Today's topic is about organ donation.
This news reminds me of my ethics in my elementary school terms. To be honest with you, I had been thinking whether I should register the donor card.
Generally, when doctor pronounces our brain dead, he/she makes sure if we have this card. And if we have and our family also permit to donate organs, they start to search for patient who is suitable to our organs.
I think this is one of the biggest social problem that ask us what virtue and ethic are.
To see this article, I'm really curious about character of this donor and make me wanna talk with him. What on earth made him think so?
I have my own answer to this problem. That is I can give them my organs if they or governments pay much money to my family. I can't imagine how much I get my parents in troubles thorough my life, so I'll do that if I can reduce their financial burdens.
Today's topic is about organ donation.
This news reminds me of my ethics in my elementary school terms. To be honest with you, I had been thinking whether I should register the donor card.
Generally, when doctor pronounces our brain dead, he/she makes sure if we have this card. And if we have and our family also permit to donate organs, they start to search for patient who is suitable to our organs.
I think this is one of the biggest social problem that ask us what virtue and ethic are.
To see this article, I'm really curious about character of this donor and make me wanna talk with him. What on earth made him think so?
I have my own answer to this problem. That is I can give them my organs if they or governments pay much money to my family. I can't imagine how much I get my parents in troubles thorough my life, so I'll do that if I can reduce their financial burdens.
お勉強計画 ぱーと２
では個人的な勉強について触れましょう。
今手元にある英語学習テキストは
１．ＴＯＥＩＣテスト新公式問題集 Ｖｏｌ．４ （略→TOEIC公式問題集）
２．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 基本動詞 （略→ネイティブ動詞）
３．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 動詞トップギア （略→トップギア）
４．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 形容詞の感覚 （略→ネイティブ形容詞）
５．DUO３．０ （略→DUO）
６．TOEFLテスト英単語3800 （略→TOEFL3800）
７．英単語・熟語ダイアローグ1800 （略→ダイア1800）
８．ネイティブなら子どものときに身につける英会話なるほどフレーズ１００ （略→なるほど１００）
９．英会話なるほど練習帳（１～５０） （略→なるほど練習帳）
１０．英会話ペラペラ練習帳（５１～１００） （略→ぺらぺら練習帳）
１１．英会話ペラペラビジネス100 （略→ビジネス１００）
１２．スラスラ話すための瞬間英作文シャッフルトレーニング （略→スラスラ英作文）
１３．どんどん話すための瞬間英作文トレーニング （略→どんどん英作文）
１４．総合英語Ｆｏｒｅｓｔ 第６版 （略→森）
１５．ハートで感じる英文法―NHK3か月トピック英会話 （略→ハートで感じる）
・・多いですね（笑）。この上の半分は渡米して１ヶ月ほど経った頃bk1で注文したものです。そして配達方法としてSAL便を選んだのでしたが、それが本当に大きな間違いでした。なんと注文後１ヶ月経っても本が届かないのです。流石にあせって、bk1と日本郵便に問い合わせても追跡は出来ないと門前払い。結局それから更に３週間後に届きました(泣）。よほど大きな物でない限り、海外で荷物受け取るときは絶対EMSがオススメです！
これらのテキスト、どれくらい学習しているかまとめます。
読了、リピートに入っている→５・６・８・１１・１５
８，１１には本当に会話場面でお世話になっています。最強の会話本です。９，１０のテキストが８の練習帳になっているのでこれからルーティンワーク化していきます。
DUOは読了していて何周もしているのですが、最近読んでいないのでCDを聞きながら再度一つ一つ確認していきます。
１５は英語をより感覚的に掴むための必読書です。
なぜ現在の話をしているのにcould・wouldを使うのか、willとbe going toの違いとその他の未来形、theって何よetc.かゆい所に手が届く素晴らしい良書です。オススメ。
学習途中→２・４・７（半分終了）・９・１４
ネイティブスピーカーの単語力シリーズは英語表現力を向上させるための本。
大きい小さい、美味しい不味い、go、take等表現の幅が広いトピックを取り上げ、大西大先生がとても面白く説明しています。英語って面白い！って思わせてくれるモチベーション維持効果有り。
７は量が多いので半分終了させて、リピートしています。このまま当分、前半を精読していきます。
森は最近本当に読むのがキツイです。原因はあまりにも日本語的に英文法を分析しているからです。最近は文法を感覚的に掴めてきたので、日本語というプロセスをかませるのに抵抗を感じます。
これは、引っかかった文法を辞書代わりに引くっていう感じかなぁ。
未読→１・３・１０・１２・１３
１は放置。
３は２，４を終了させてから取りかかります。
そして１２，１３。これがおそらく今後の英会話能力を左右していくと思います。
後ほどまた。
さてさて、そしてスペイン語学習テキストは
①驚くほど身につくスペイン語
②これなら覚えられる！スペイン語単語帳
です。①は大学生協で立ち読みして購入したのですが、なかなかまとまっていて飽きないレイアウトが気に入っています。ただ、文法について細かく書いていないので結局他の参考書が必要になっていきそうです。
ディズニープログラム終了まであと８４日。
しっかり計画立てていきます！
今手元にある英語学習テキストは
１．ＴＯＥＩＣテスト新公式問題集 Ｖｏｌ．４ （略→TOEIC公式問題集）
２．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 基本動詞 （略→ネイティブ動詞）
３．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 動詞トップギア （略→トップギア）
４．ネイティブスピーカーの単語力 形容詞の感覚 （略→ネイティブ形容詞）
５．DUO３．０ （略→DUO）
６．TOEFLテスト英単語3800 （略→TOEFL3800）
７．英単語・熟語ダイアローグ1800 （略→ダイア1800）
８．ネイティブなら子どものときに身につける英会話なるほどフレーズ１００ （略→なるほど１００）
９．英会話なるほど練習帳（１～５０） （略→なるほど練習帳）
１０．英会話ペラペラ練習帳（５１～１００） （略→ぺらぺら練習帳）
１１．英会話ペラペラビジネス100 （略→ビジネス１００）
１２．スラスラ話すための瞬間英作文シャッフルトレーニング （略→スラスラ英作文）
１３．どんどん話すための瞬間英作文トレーニング （略→どんどん英作文）
１４．総合英語Ｆｏｒｅｓｔ 第６版 （略→森）
１５．ハートで感じる英文法―NHK3か月トピック英会話 （略→ハートで感じる）
・・多いですね（笑）。この上の半分は渡米して１ヶ月ほど経った頃bk1で注文したものです。そして配達方法としてSAL便を選んだのでしたが、それが本当に大きな間違いでした。なんと注文後１ヶ月経っても本が届かないのです。流石にあせって、bk1と日本郵便に問い合わせても追跡は出来ないと門前払い。結局それから更に３週間後に届きました(泣）。よほど大きな物でない限り、海外で荷物受け取るときは絶対EMSがオススメです！
これらのテキスト、どれくらい学習しているかまとめます。
読了、リピートに入っている→５・６・８・１１・１５
８，１１には本当に会話場面でお世話になっています。最強の会話本です。９，１０のテキストが８の練習帳になっているのでこれからルーティンワーク化していきます。
DUOは読了していて何周もしているのですが、最近読んでいないのでCDを聞きながら再度一つ一つ確認していきます。
１５は英語をより感覚的に掴むための必読書です。
なぜ現在の話をしているのにcould・wouldを使うのか、willとbe going toの違いとその他の未来形、theって何よetc.かゆい所に手が届く素晴らしい良書です。オススメ。
学習途中→２・４・７（半分終了）・９・１４
ネイティブスピーカーの単語力シリーズは英語表現力を向上させるための本。
大きい小さい、美味しい不味い、go、take等表現の幅が広いトピックを取り上げ、大西大先生がとても面白く説明しています。英語って面白い！って思わせてくれるモチベーション維持効果有り。
７は量が多いので半分終了させて、リピートしています。このまま当分、前半を精読していきます。
森は最近本当に読むのがキツイです。原因はあまりにも日本語的に英文法を分析しているからです。最近は文法を感覚的に掴めてきたので、日本語というプロセスをかませるのに抵抗を感じます。
これは、引っかかった文法を辞書代わりに引くっていう感じかなぁ。
未読→１・３・１０・１２・１３
１は放置。
３は２，４を終了させてから取りかかります。
そして１２，１３。これがおそらく今後の英会話能力を左右していくと思います。
後ほどまた。
さてさて、そしてスペイン語学習テキストは
①驚くほど身につくスペイン語
②これなら覚えられる！スペイン語単語帳
です。①は大学生協で立ち読みして購入したのですが、なかなかまとまっていて飽きないレイアウトが気に入っています。ただ、文法について細かく書いていないので結局他の参考書が必要になっていきそうです。
ディズニープログラム終了まであと８４日。
しっかり計画立てていきます！
お勉強計画
さて、いつまでもうじ虫君になっていては仕方ありません！
今日から４日間、次のマーチャンダイズトレーニングまでお休みです。
皆さんより遅く訪れたGWをいかに有効に生かすか考えることにしませう。
Have To Do リスト
ではまず、僕のJ1ビザを持続させるために絶対やらなければいけないこと
１．UCR online Customer Service Management class
２．UCR online Strategic Marketing and the Marketing Plan class
３．Disney online class（14h)
４．働き続ける（笑）
４は当たり前。じゃなかったらお前何しにここに来たんだって話なのですが、これがなかなか大変なのですよ。
Reprimand systemっていうのがありまして、何回か休んだら始末書的なものを書かされて、それが貯まると強制帰国（Termination）です。くらった二日後には日本に帰らなければなりません（汗）
恐ろしや(´・ω・`)
他にも仕事中に重大なミスを犯したり、ゲストの安全を脅かすようなことをしたら強制帰国。更にズル休みして他のテーマパークに入るとキャストはPartner cardを使って入るので、アクセスログに跡がつき、自分のマネージャーに報告されて強制帰国。
実際１ヶ月半前からタイ人学生が２００人くらいこのプログラムに参加しているのですが、相当数がこれらの理由で強制帰国しています。
恐ろしや(´・ω・`)
１、２は毎週Assignmentが出るのですがその量、まさにアメリカン！
なかなかに大変ですが、なるべく早く片付けるようにしています。
結局はやらなければいけないですからね。
３はとてもユニーク。
ディズニーのオンラインクラスで、Creditがつく好きなクラスを１４時間分取れば良いというもの。
まだ何も取っていないのですが、これはすごく楽しみ。
続きまする。
今日から４日間、次のマーチャンダイズトレーニングまでお休みです。
皆さんより遅く訪れたGWをいかに有効に生かすか考えることにしませう。
Have To Do リスト
ではまず、僕のJ1ビザを持続させるために絶対やらなければいけないこと
１．UCR online Customer Service Management class
２．UCR online Strategic Marketing and the Marketing Plan class
３．Disney online class（14h)
４．働き続ける（笑）
４は当たり前。じゃなかったらお前何しにここに来たんだって話なのですが、これがなかなか大変なのですよ。
Reprimand systemっていうのがありまして、何回か休んだら始末書的なものを書かされて、それが貯まると強制帰国（Termination）です。くらった二日後には日本に帰らなければなりません（汗）
恐ろしや(´・ω・`)
他にも仕事中に重大なミスを犯したり、ゲストの安全を脅かすようなことをしたら強制帰国。更にズル休みして他のテーマパークに入るとキャストはPartner cardを使って入るので、アクセスログに跡がつき、自分のマネージャーに報告されて強制帰国。
実際１ヶ月半前からタイ人学生が２００人くらいこのプログラムに参加しているのですが、相当数がこれらの理由で強制帰国しています。
恐ろしや(´・ω・`)
１、２は毎週Assignmentが出るのですがその量、まさにアメリカン！
なかなかに大変ですが、なるべく早く片付けるようにしています。
結局はやらなければいけないですからね。
３はとてもユニーク。
ディズニーのオンラインクラスで、Creditがつく好きなクラスを１４時間分取れば良いというもの。
まだ何も取っていないのですが、これはすごく楽しみ。
続きまする。
Thursday, May 6, 2010
悔しい、本当に悔しい。
まさか昨日ブログのテンプレ考えてる時に、初投稿がこんなタイトルになるとは思いませんでしたよ（苦笑）。お恥ずかしい。
自分に腹が立っている状態のまま書いているので、内容は全くまとまってないと思います。
今日、アメリカに来て最も恥ずかしく悔しいことがありました。
僕は２月上旬から約３ヶ月間Downtown DisneyのDisney Questでフードキャストとして働いていました。そこでは色んなことを経験し、素晴らしい上司にも巡り会いました。
そしてこの度最初の契約書に記載されていた通り、同じDisney Quest内のアトラクションキャストに異動となりました。
新たなポジションには研修生が僕以外１１人おり全員アメリカ人、研修は全て彼らに合わせたスピードで行われていました。職場にもICPS（International College Program Student）が一人もいない。僕は必死にくらいついて、トレーナーの話す内容を少しでも多く聞き取ろうと常に神経を集中させました。毎日８時間半の研修が終わった後は、流石に帰りのバスで爆睡でしたね。
辛かった。それでも、自分に言い訳すんなと自らを奮い立たせ職場に向かっていました。
そして本日研修最終日５日目（通常は３日で終了なのですが、Disney Questは８つものアトラクションとゲームセンター、そしてギフトショップで構成されている複合施設なので研修に時間がかかるのです）。５時間のお復習いを含めた研修を終え、いつもより長い１時間のランチタイムが設けられました。その後なぜか僕だけマネージャールームに呼ばれたのです。入ると二人のマネージャーが立っていました。そして静かに僕に話し始めました。
「KEN、君はこの五日間本当に良い仕事をしてきた。しかし私達は君にマーチャンダイズのポジションに移ってもらわなければならない。何故なら、ここのアトラクションロールは８つの違うアトラクションがあり、その内半分は一人で全てオペレーションをこなさなければならない。そこには全てゲストの安全という責任が伴う。しかし君には文化の違い、短期雇用、言語の壁（Language Barrier）というハンデがある。私達はゲストの安全を最優先しなければならない。君の気分を害してしまったとしたら本当にすまない。」
そして僕は、「理解できます。ゲストの安全が第一なのは十分分かっているつもりなので、喜んで異動します。」と当たり障りのない返答をし、二人と握手をしマネージャールームを後にしました。
バスストップに着くまで１０分。歩く度に怒りがこみ上げてきた。彼の言ったLanguage Barrierという言葉を、頭の中で何度も何度も繰り返した。
正直に言おう。もし僕の母国語が英語であったら、ここにいた他のどの研修生よりも上手くやれる自信がある。しかし、言葉の違いという大きな壁に僕は押しつぶされている。一反木綿。要はゲストの安全と僕の言語力リスクを天秤にかけて、この仕事は任せられないということでしょ。自分でも分かってる。でもすぐ仕事に慣れる自信があった。だから５ページに渡って書いてあるspiel（ゲストへの説明）も必死に覚えたし、何時間も練習した。誰かに弱音も吐かなかった。
でも何か遭ってからでは遅いし、もしかしたら僕自身がトラブルを引き起こすかもしれない。ゲストの安全を考えられなかったら、この世界で働く資格はない。自分が英語をうまく話せないことにこんなに腹が立ったのは初めてだ。情けなくて、悔しくて、バス亭の待ち席で何度も自分の左腿を殴った。
悔しい、めっちゃ悔しい。
もっと勉強しよう、それしかない。
自分に腹が立っている状態のまま書いているので、内容は全くまとまってないと思います。
今日、アメリカに来て最も恥ずかしく悔しいことがありました。
僕は２月上旬から約３ヶ月間Downtown DisneyのDisney Questでフードキャストとして働いていました。そこでは色んなことを経験し、素晴らしい上司にも巡り会いました。
そしてこの度最初の契約書に記載されていた通り、同じDisney Quest内のアトラクションキャストに異動となりました。
新たなポジションには研修生が僕以外１１人おり全員アメリカ人、研修は全て彼らに合わせたスピードで行われていました。職場にもICPS（International College Program Student）が一人もいない。僕は必死にくらいついて、トレーナーの話す内容を少しでも多く聞き取ろうと常に神経を集中させました。毎日８時間半の研修が終わった後は、流石に帰りのバスで爆睡でしたね。
辛かった。それでも、自分に言い訳すんなと自らを奮い立たせ職場に向かっていました。
そして本日研修最終日５日目（通常は３日で終了なのですが、Disney Questは８つものアトラクションとゲームセンター、そしてギフトショップで構成されている複合施設なので研修に時間がかかるのです）。５時間のお復習いを含めた研修を終え、いつもより長い１時間のランチタイムが設けられました。その後なぜか僕だけマネージャールームに呼ばれたのです。入ると二人のマネージャーが立っていました。そして静かに僕に話し始めました。
「KEN、君はこの五日間本当に良い仕事をしてきた。しかし私達は君にマーチャンダイズのポジションに移ってもらわなければならない。何故なら、ここのアトラクションロールは８つの違うアトラクションがあり、その内半分は一人で全てオペレーションをこなさなければならない。そこには全てゲストの安全という責任が伴う。しかし君には文化の違い、短期雇用、言語の壁（Language Barrier）というハンデがある。私達はゲストの安全を最優先しなければならない。君の気分を害してしまったとしたら本当にすまない。」
そして僕は、「理解できます。ゲストの安全が第一なのは十分分かっているつもりなので、喜んで異動します。」と当たり障りのない返答をし、二人と握手をしマネージャールームを後にしました。
バスストップに着くまで１０分。歩く度に怒りがこみ上げてきた。彼の言ったLanguage Barrierという言葉を、頭の中で何度も何度も繰り返した。
正直に言おう。もし僕の母国語が英語であったら、ここにいた他のどの研修生よりも上手くやれる自信がある。しかし、言葉の違いという大きな壁に僕は押しつぶされている。一反木綿。要はゲストの安全と僕の言語力リスクを天秤にかけて、この仕事は任せられないということでしょ。自分でも分かってる。でもすぐ仕事に慣れる自信があった。だから５ページに渡って書いてあるspiel（ゲストへの説明）も必死に覚えたし、何時間も練習した。誰かに弱音も吐かなかった。
でも何か遭ってからでは遅いし、もしかしたら僕自身がトラブルを引き起こすかもしれない。ゲストの安全を考えられなかったら、この世界で働く資格はない。自分が英語をうまく話せないことにこんなに腹が立ったのは初めてだ。情けなくて、悔しくて、バス亭の待ち席で何度も自分の左腿を殴った。
悔しい、めっちゃ悔しい。
もっと勉強しよう、それしかない。
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