I hope you have been well. It's almost the end of the school year and for many it means preparing for a new school. It can be an anxious time but also an exciting one and I hope that excitement continues with a joy for learning. For those taking the big step in furthering their education, I wish you the best of luck in both your education and forming new relationships. To everyone leaving us this year, I hope you succeed in your future endeavours. I look forward to seeing bright faces in the new school year. Have fun and stay safe!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Last week was the 25th Anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh, so the digital games "Masters Duel" and "Duel Links" have been running special events.
I decided to log-in for the bonuses and complete some missions to gain in-game currency, unlock free cards and see what is new. I managed to get the 25th Anniversary Blue-Eyes White Dragon ensemble for 3000 gems in "Masters Duel"; I'm glad I saved over the years. The game remains mostly unchanged.
"Duel Links" had some major changes with limited cards and the game format. It has been divided into speed and rush duels. This is supposed to be a new and fun way to play but I find it annoying; they just have to keep the anime going, just like Pokemon. I managed to get some freebies but missed the character unlock for rush duels since I started late. They have, however, started another character unlock for rush duels.
If you are a fan of glossy or prismatic cards, I mean, if you are a fan of Yu-Gi-Oh then you should take the chance to play a little in your free-time. Both games should be available on smart phone and tablet in-addition to the PC version. Have fun!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you're keeping well. It's supposed to be cold this week, so be sure to wrap up. During the weekend I had caught up to recent manga chapters and one completed last week, so I decided to search for ones I hadn't read in a while.
The first...CANCELLED! "Awww."
The second... CANCELLED! "No way!"
The third...CANCELLED! "You've got to be kidding me!"
The forth...CANCELLED! "Why God do you torture me so?"
The fifth...HIATUS! "Well, it isn't cancelled but it doesn't help much."
And so, I gave up and took a nap. The sad thing is that they were just getting started and had a rather good premise. They were like gems compared to many of the current releases that got multiple volumes. I'm just hoping those on hiatus progress soon. Have you ever had a manga you enjoy suddenly cancel?
Kind regards
John
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It has been quite a year and I hope everyone gets some rest and comes back rejuvenated in the new year. If you want a funny Christmas song and are a fan of Marvel, I recommend this link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/-E1ULv6LcOk
Have a jolly Christmas and a happy new year!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. On Saturday, the teaching crew got together for a few hours of pool; not swimming but billiards. Unfortunately Shane couldn't attend because he was getting his foot amputated at the clinic (not really but I hope he gets better soon).
I hadn't played pool for 13 years, so I thought I might be a little rusty. However, I still had the knack for it and dominated the table. Well, I say that despite sinking both the black and white ball thereby giving away a single win. It was really fun! I was also introduced to 9s which was a nice change of pace but I still prefer the standard game. I hope we can do it again in the future and many thanks to Mayumi for the treat.
On Sunday, I was a little unsure what to do but decided to revisit an anime I liked. It's called "Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari" and has an incredible opening theme tune. If you're familiar with "Tenchi Muyo", you might like this spin-off. I think I liked it more when I first saw it but it is still enjoyable. I also prepared for a possible playthrough of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" since I have been missing the feeling of exploring the vast north; "Conan Exiles" has been good but I feel a change is needed.
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. On Saturday we had a sports event with a number of competitive activities. It was really fun and everybody seems to have had a wonderful time. One student was really surprising; he must have been the god of sports in his past life. I have no idea how one can move that fast without dropping the egg in the egg and spoon race. Perhaps he mastered the 飛雷神の術 (Flying Thunder God Technique). There will be more events to come in future, so I hope you'll enjoy taking part in those too. Have a great week and stay safe!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. I have been reading a Chinese manhua (comic) called Tales of Demons and Gods for a while now and I have known there to be an animation. However I have never got around to experiencing it. Over the weekend I started watching it and it goes by the name "Yao Shen Ji". Although each episode is short and the 3rd season is censored to an extent, it is still rather good. If you're into the fantasy martial art genre, it is one I would recommend. Have a great week and I look forward to seeing your Halloween costumes!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you're well. On Saturday 23rd September, the Autumn Equinox, we went pear picking. On the way there, I could see Higanbana (Red Spider Lilies) along the roadside. They are a beautiful flower said to line the path to the underworld for souls of the dead to follow and bloom for 1000 years. They appear a lot in "Immortal Cultivation" comic books.
When we arrived, it was quite warm and we sat in a hut where we could eat pears. I had never eaten a Japanese pear before and I found them to be more similar to apples than European pears. The knife used to cut them is well designed; it cuts well and is much safer than a traditional European fruit knife. The pears were firm, juicy, sweet and a little sour in the middle. I really enjoyed eating them.
After eating, we went to pick the pears. I was surprised by how low pear trees grew since I imagined them to be tall like apple trees. I picked small pears but the students who went were professionals who picked big pears. However, mine had a good scent which means good flavour. There were spiders' webs to avoid, so it might not be good for arachnophobes.
After getting hot, we stopped at the farmer's market where they sold grapes, preserves and ice-cream. I had a grape ice-cream cone which had a refreshing taste of summer. Sitting on the bench, eating ice-cream with butterflies flying about was relaxing. The play area was popular with the students, especially the trampoline. A certain brother and sister pair went back for a second serving of trampoline fun.
Once we finished, clouds began to gather. So, we were fortunate to have missed any bad weather. It was a lovely experience and I really appreciate being invited along. I wonder if Japanese pears are available in the United Kingdom. If they are, I'm sure they'd be great in a pie. Do you enjoy eating Japanese pears? Or do you just like picking them?
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are well. I mentioned previously that I am going through a "Conan the Barbarian" phase which impacts my choice of activities at the weekend. Besides revisiting the animation "Conan the Adventurer", I also played "Conan Exiles". I spent time exploring and built a fortress on a cliff near a river. The build took me 4 hours, oops!
I found a rock that looks all too familiar. Which Disney movie is it from?
My character, Akivasha, with her weapons, tools and survival supplies.
Do you see the large structure on the cliff? Yes, I built that.
The forests make for a nice walk, provided you don't get eaten by wolves or bears.
A close up portrait. "Am I pretty?", don't worry I'm not a yokai.
The clear waters are calming after a long fight but really cold.
I just wanted to share some of the experiences with you. Do you have any build suggestions?
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. This weekend I took the opportunity to play more of a game I haven't played in a long time; "Conan Exiles". It's a roleplaying survival game based on the books by Robert E. Howard. Although it is rather time consuming, it is fun to explore the world, battle and build. When I first played years ago, I died in the first 5 minutes but I am still alive after 12 hours of game play over the last 3 weeks. Hopefully I can keep up this streak and not lose my items on death (Have I raised a death flag?).
If you enjoy building, exploring and engaging in combat every so often, it is a game I recommend. You can also play with friends as a group, provided you have friends. The co-operative play can enhance the experience and reduce the time spent gathering resources since they can be shared with your guild (group).
If you aren't interested in the game, the books are worth a read and there are several movies that have been made "Conan the Barbarian" (1982 + 2011 Remake) and "Conan the Destroyer" (1984). There is also a film set before Conan's time with Kull as the main character "Kull the Conqueror" (1997). It's a rather good movie with Kevin Sorbo and the lovely Tia Carrere. With summer vacation just around the corner, you may find some time to watch these films. Have a great week!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. As I have mentioned previously, I was a regular player of "Fortnite". It was already rather money oriented and lately there have been fewer and fewer original developments. However, as a "Founder" (a person who bought the game in its infancy and helped it grow) I would receive regular rewards provided I logged in. As of the latest update, the company has got rid of the reward which shows a clear shift from maintaining cash flow (which is great for the longevity of a business) to chasing purely profit (which is a great way to cripple a business). I have, therefore, ceased playing the game for the long-term.
On the bright side, this gives me the chance to play other games. As if fate prepared for the inevitable loss of players from Epic Games, Steam finally licensed "Magic the Gathering: Arena". I have been a fan of the game since 2014 both online and offline. Surprisingly, they have brought "The Lord of the Rings" to the myriad planes; of which I am a huge fan. The gameplay is similar to Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon but with its own lore background. If you enjoy strategic card games like those or just like collecting the art, you may enjoy "Magic the Gathering". Playing it made for a nice change of pace even though I accidentally played far longer than I would "Fortnite"; matches can be deceptively long.
If you feel bored and are looking for something to do, it's worth checking since it's free to download and play. You can also receive currency as you play for purchases, so you won't have to spend a single penny provided you spare the time. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Kind Regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. I don't have much to say about my weekend but as some of you may know, I took a day off last week due to a long-term lower back injury. Usually it is just painful and restricts my movement with loss of sensation every so often.
However, once in a blue moon, I may lose the ability to to walk without support for 6-8 hours once my back "pops". It is something I have been living with for over a decade, so please rest assured. I really appreciate your asking after me and ascertaining whether I am okay; it's really thoughtful.
From the experience I can advise, "If someone asks a favor to assist in moving a heavy item, refuse and take a financial loss to hire a professional or rent supportive equipment. It may seem a lot at the time but it is well worth safeguarding one's health."
Once again, thank you all for your kindness. Stay safe and enjoy your week!
Kind regards
John
]]>Hello parents and students! I hope you all had a fantastic week full of adventures and excitement. Speaking of weekends, let me share with you a magical journey I embarked on during my own past weekend.
In the enchanting world of Hyrule, where heroes and princesses reign, I found myself immersed in the captivating game called "Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" on the Nintendo Switch. It was an epic quest filled with thrilling quests, mythical creatures, and breathtaking landscapes. With each passing hour, I dove deeper into this virtual realm, unlocking secrets and unraveling the mysteries of the kingdom.
After a few intense hours of gameplay, I decided to take a break and stretch my legs. I hopped on my trusty bike and pedaled my way towards the mall, eager to explore the wonders it had to offer. As I entered the doors of (YouME) Mall, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me.
The mall was like a treasure trove, with its many floors and stores waiting to be discovered. I meandered through the bustling corridors, marveling at the dazzling displays and colorful shops. From fashion boutiques to tech havens, the mall had it all.
As I roamed from one store to another, I couldn't help but feel like an intrepid explorer on a quest for rare gems. I searched high and low, eagerly seeking out unique finds that would capture my imagination and bring joy to my heart. The mall truly was a place of endless possibilities and delightful surprises.
With each step, I felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what treasures I would stumble upon next. Would it be a captivating book from a cozy bookstore? Or perhaps a quirky gadget that would make my everyday life more exciting? The mall held the promise of discovery, and I was determined to uncover its hidden wonders.
As the new weekend drew close, I couldn't help but look forward to the next adventure that awaited me. I longed to explore our lovely town and unearth even more rare gems to see, touch, and cherish. And so, with the memories of Hyrule and the mall still fresh in my mind, I bid farewell to the weekend, eagerly awaiting the next magical chapter in my journey.
Parents and students, may your own adventures be filled with joy, discovery, and the thrill of exploration. Let the world be your playground, and may your weekends be as enchanting as the stories we create within them. Until our paths cross again, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep embracing the magic that awaits.
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. I don't often watch movies but I managed to view the new Super Mario Brothers movie. I hoped it would be as good as the Lego Movie but only expected it to be okay. However I was surprised by how well written it was.
Princess Peach was a little more domineering than I expected and Bowser was a little more soppy. Mario and Luigi matched the character personalities from the games. I didn't get to see Yoshi but there was a herd of them running briefly. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong also made an appearance.
Throughout there were jokes and game references which enhanced the experience, especially for those of us who reminisce about the old games. Furthermore the choices of music really fit the situations in the story; many were from the 70s and 80s which are better than modern music.
When the movie ended, I was left thoroughly satisfied and the goodbye from Lumalee with a "goth" personality was a lovely touch. Not everyone, especially adults, continue to appreciate animations but this movie is one in which I am sure everyone can find enjoyment; it's also less than 90 minutes long.
The movie is one I definitely recommend and it is one for all the family to sit together and relax.
"Now that's a happy ending. Or is it? Because everything's over now, and all that's left is you and the infinite void." - Lumalee
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well and had an enjoyable "Golden Week". I didn't do much besides cleaning, finishing an anime, reading Chinese comic books and completing quests for freebies (free items) in Fortnite. However, I got a message from my sister on Friday.
It was surprising to hear from her because, although we were close, she distanced herself since I lived in Taiwan (R.O.C.). My brother had told me she had got engaged in February, so expected a year or two beforeanything major happened. However, she told be she had her 12 week scan and is going to have a baby in November. Furthermore, she is getting married on 20th May.
I offered my congratulations but I am uncertain how I feel about it all. I wonder if I can watch a bit of the marriage over Skype. Hope you all have a wonderful week!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. The thunder was quite a shock over the weekend, I thought someone tried to assassinate me with a sniper rifle after it left my ears ringing. Besides that I got the opportunity to catch up on some anime.
I watched the majority of the second season of "痛いのは嫌なので防御力に極振りしたいと思います。"; "Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense". It is pretty light-hearted abd easy to watch but this season feels a little fast-paced to be truly enjoyable.
There's also another addition which is an adaptation of one of my favourite mangas; "転生貴族の異世界冒険録,"; "Chronicles of an Aristocrat Reborn in Another World". The manga is really enjoyable and well drawn with a story that progresses well. Sometimes anime adaptations of managa can be a little disappointing but they are doing a very good job so far. They have added some things and removed some things but without too much of an impact on the story's delivery.
Episode 3 just aired and I hope they continue the good work; I'm looking forward to the future releases. If you want to relax, have a laugh and experience a nice plot then I definitely recommend it. Have a great week everyone!
Kind regards
John
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下記の日程で集中講座を実施致します。
ご希望の方は、メールにてお知らせください。
★ 4/15.22、5/13.20.27(
英検5または4級: 10:00〜10:50
英検3または準2級: 16:20〜17:10
英検2または準1級:17:15〜18:05
レッスン料(5回分とプリント代含む)
5級 11,550円 / 4級 12,100円 / 3級 12,650円 /準2級 13,200円 / 2級 14,850円/ 準1級 15,400円
*ECMの生徒以外の方は10%加算されます。
また模試代は別途となります。
レッスンは下松校にて行います。
※周南校でご希望の方は、ご連絡ください。
どうぞよろしくお願い致します。
近藤
I hope you're all healthy after the short break and ready to study. I can certainly say that one thing I didn't do was visit Iwakuni. I know I have been intending to visit but I lost the battle with my lethargic alter ego.
I did, however, take Florence to Tokoyama to catch the bus to the airport. On the way back, I was rather hungry and stopped off at "Bikkuri Donkey"; the stout flavoured soda was...interesting. Then I spent most of my week cleaning, reading, catching up on anime and watching a movie.
The movie was "Black Adam"; a DC work. It was riddled with socio-political agendas which blame colonisation for the inadequacies of those occupying a specific area, instead of those people trying to improve themselves. Then they went as far as claiming their ancestors achievements and pains as their own when they haven't done or received anything. It was rather nauseating. However, once one survives this it isn't a bad action movie.
How was your break? Did you do anything enjoyable?
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. On the weekend, I was invited to visit Kokura City for a Butoh Dance Show with Sankai Juku performing.
Before the show, we explored Kokura Castle and tried the Kokura Quiz and Yabusame Game. It was pretty fun. We also visited the gift shop which stocked some nice items.
We then went to the show which was intriguing. With it being dark and with the addition of rhythmic music being played, it made both of us a little drowsy. However we made it to the end and it was enjoyable. How they managed the lighting on stage was amazing.
After such a long day, we were rather hungry and finished with some Yakisoba; I ordered the Tsukimi Yakisoba. The meal was really satisfying and the music being played were Japanese songs I knew. One I recognised as being sung by a colleague at karaoke a few weeks ago; he sang very well at the time.
Following the meal, we headed home. It was a great day out and I am really thankful for the invite. Have you ever visited Kokura City? What did you do whilst you were there? If you haven't, do you have plans to visit in the future?
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are well. I had rather a lovely Sunday yesterday. We hosted an event in the morning which everyone seemed to enjoy followed by an Othello Tournament and Mario Kart Races. There were some really capable students winning a number of games. It was really fun! If you have the opportunity, you should give it a try.
To top it all off, Mayumi-Sensei, was really kind to take both me and Florence for a birthday meal; it's my birthday this week. We visited "Bikkuri Donkey" for some hamburger "steaks"; I think they are referred to as Salisbury Steak in the United States. I chose the Cheese Fondue Hamburger. It smelled really good but I had to wait for it to cool which tested my self-restraint. Once I bit into it I entered Nirvana! It was juicy and melted in my mouth with a rich meaty and tangy cheese flavour; it was too good. Even the mashed potatoes were really smooth and matched perfectly with the cheese. The meal was extremely satisfying and stayed with me for 4 hours following my return home.
The only downside is that I have been thinking about it all day and am wondering when I can get over it until the next time I have a chance to visit. It's late and I should get home since writing this has made me hungry and I am salivating. Have you had a chance to vist? What are your thoughts?
Kind regards
John
]]>4月16日(日)に下松校にて数学検定を実施いたします。
受験級はかず・かたち検定〜準1級で、幼児から大人まで受験可能です。
お申し込みご希望の方はメールにてお知らせの上、申込用紙(各教室に設置)をご記入をして受験料と共にお持ちください。
締め切りは、3月7日(火曜日)です。
※検定料は2023年度より改定されておりますので、各自数検のホームページにてご確認ください。
※4月16日(日)はすべての級が13:00下松校集合となります。
皆様のお申込みをお待ちしております。
合格目指して頑張りましょう!!
佐々木
]]>すごいなぁー!
今日は青と赤を揃えてきてる。😳😳😳
教室前の待合室にレゴを置いているのですが、幼稚園生の子がこんなの作ってくれました。
高い党だね(^^)
みんなも今度、なにか作ってみてね(^^)
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. This Thursday is a national holiday celebrating Emperor Naruhito's birthday; 23rd Frbruary. I know a few students are planning several days travel to enjoy the extra time. What will you be doing for the Emperor's birthday? Whatever you do, I hope you have a wonderful time.
Kind regards
John
]]>時間:9:00〜11:40(英語・数学・社会)・12:30〜14:15(理科・国語)
参加費は5,500円(5教科で)となります。
実施日:2月19日・3月5日(日曜日)
*締め切りは2月17日(金曜日)です。
参加ご希望の方は、メールにてお名前をお知らせください。
合格目指して頑張りましょう!
近藤
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Most who know me also know I am a fan of Shirobara Coffee. Last week I noticed an advertisement on the carton; "Shirobara Cocoa"! Should be rather tasty, I think. But...I haven't seen it anywhere and it is a limited item. If anyone sees it, I hope they would be generous enough to tell me its location. Have a great week everyone!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you had a restful new year and had a chance to meet family whilst enjoying a big meal. I heard some stories about how my students spent their new year but the one thing most had in common was a trip to the shrine. Did you also make a trip to the shrine? Was it busy or quiet? Once there, did you get a lucky charm or fortune? If you got a fortune, I hope the result was good. I wish you all the best for the up and coming Year of the Rabbit!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Did you have an enjoyable Christmas? Well, it has been quite a year and I think everyone is due a rest over the new year. With 2023 being the year of the rabbit, I'm hoping some of a rabbit's energy rubs off on me; fingers crossed. Looking forward to see everyone's eagerness to study after the new year; have a great one!
King regards
John
]]>Are you involved in any form of training or skill acquisition and it seems like the progress you are making is insignificant? Sometimes only time can tell whether you are truly making progress or not.
So, don't give up on your goals, keep moving. There'll be a time when you'll truly need to apply the knowledge you are acquiring now, and I promise you, when that time comes, you'll be shocked at your ability to deliver.
Be encouraged!
Florence.
I hope you are keeping well. Some of you may have noticed that the Google Search Engine put together a miniature documentary about a certain notable individual, Marie Tharp.
Marie Tharp was an American geologist and oceanographic cartographer who, in partnership with Bruce Heezen, created the first scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor. Tharp's work revealed the detailed topography and multi-dimensional geographical landscape of the ocean bottom.
It was something that had never been done before and with new technology, their theories could be verified. If anyone has the opportunity to try the Google interactive presentation, I would recommend it. Have a great week and stay safe!
Kind regards
John
]]>
I hope you are having a very spooky Halloween Night! Some things to remember, so you can enjoy school tomorrow. When riding your bike, take extra care of zombies stumbling into your path. If you see bats flying nearby, don't stop to admire the view; they could be vampires waiting to snack on your blood. Avoid petting animals without an owner nearby, they might be were-creatures. Keep your eyes peeled if you hear a motorbike, since it is possible a hockey mask wearing crazy person is chasing you with a chainsaw. Lastly, wear sleep masks and ear plugs between 00:00 and 04:00; it's when ghost and spirits are most active. They won't hurt you but they sure can make a racket. I hope this little advice will help bring you a bright tomorrow.
Have a ghoul night!
John
]]>
I hope you are well. We had a great start to Halloween week. Many students made a real effort with costumes. There was a witch, Minion, Ariel, Baby Mario and even Anya Forger. I look forward to seeing more surprises later in the week.
Enjoy
John
]]>It's my first Halloween experience, and I've been having a great time with my students and colleagues. Playing games and doing some of the Halloween activities together.
it's fun!
How about you, what are you doing this week?
I realized that our greatest fears and challenges are things we can actually overcome, only if we confront rather than run away from them.
You'll be amazed, the kind of ability you've got when you eventually do.
Confront that fear today!
Have a great week.
Florence.
]]>I realized that our greatest fears and challenges are things we can actually overcome, only if we confront rather than run away from them.
You'll be amazed, the kind of ability you've got when you eventually do.
Confront that fear today!
Have a great week.
Florence.
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Since Fortnite was updated, it wouldn't run on PC, so I have been busying myself with reading and playing idle games. Idle games are games in which you interact for a short period and actions are performed in real-time whilst you are offline. A lot of them are boring but the one I have been playing has quite a nice storyline and beautiful music and art. It is called "Immortal Taoists" and is free to play provided you don't make micro-payments to the game. Have a great week!
Regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Since Fortnite was updated, it wouldn't run on PC, so I have been busying myself with reading and playing idle games. Idle games are games in which you interact for a short period and actions are performed in real-time whilst you are offline. A lot of them are boring but the one I have been playing has quite a nice storyline and beautiful music and art. It is called "Immortal Taoists" and is free to play provided you don't make micro-payments to the game. Have a great week!
Regards
John
]]>
I hope you are keeping well. Saturday was "Moon Festival" or "Mid-Autumn Festival", so here's a little background on the celebration.
The traditional Mid-Autumn Festival enjoys great popularity in China where it is second only to the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, and in some of its neighboring countries. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Since ancient times, people have celebrated it by worshipping and admiring the glorious full moon, and enjoying osmanthus flowers and fermented-osmanthus wine. The Chinese believe that the full moon represents family reunions. Therefore, Mid-Autumn Festival is also a day for families to get together and for those far away from home to think of their loved ones. Influenced by Chinese culture, certain other countries in East and Southeast Asia also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. In 2006, the holiday was added to the list of China’s first batch of national intangible cultural heritages.
Origins
Mid-Autumn Day, as the name suggests, usually falls in late September. As the full moon implies family reunions, it is also called the “reunion festival.” The Chinese people’s tradition of worshiping the moon and offering sacrifices to it can be traced back more than 2,000 years. The Mid-Autumn Festival also happens to be a harvest season. To show their gratitude to Heaven for a good harvest, Chinese ancients held celebratory activities around this day. At this time of year, it’s cool, but not yet cold. Clear skies and crisp air make it a good time to enjoy the beauty of the full moon. Hence, later, celebrations of the festival laid greater emphasis on enjoying the moon rather than making sacrifices, as new connotations became attached to it.
Ancient customs, rites, myths, legends and other factors of traditional Chinese culture have combined to imbue the Mid-Autumn Festival with rich content and cultural connotations in its evolution. The most famous legends told around the festival are fairy tales about the Moon Palace, relating to such figures as the Moon Goddess, and Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Longji (685-762) and his concubine Yang Yuhuan.
In the seventh century, the Mid-Autumn became an established festival as related celebrations of a bright full moon and feasting became prevalent. In the 10th century, the mooncake, a special dessert for the day, made an appearance, and the festival became even more popular as the accompanying celebrations evolved. By the 14th century, its importance was second only to that of the Spring Festival.
At Mid-Autumn Festival, a memorial tablet to the Moon Goddess is set up in each household with fruits, melons and mooncakes placed in front of it as a sacrifice. The cake must be round and melons and fruits cut into lotus-petal-shaped pieces. Some people also buy joss paper with images of the Goddess and patterns like the Jade Rabbit making heavenly medicine printed on it. After the moonworshipping ceremony, people burn the joss paper and family members share the fruits and moon cakes. At the festival of family reunion, people give each other mooncakes as gifts to express their good wishes.
Apart from the common traditions, different regions also have their unique customs and celebrations on this day. For people in East China’s Zhejiang Province, tidal bore watching is an important event on this day when the Earth is at its almost closest position to the Sun, when the most spectacular tides are formed in the Qiantang River. Its turbulent waves can sometimes reach several meters in height, overwhelming everything in their way, like herds of stampeding horses.
One particular Chinese folk tale relates how in the Moon Palace there was a huge osmanthus tree, more than 1,000 meters tall. Due to his violation of Taoist rules, Wu Gang was banished to the Moon Palace to cut down the tree as punishment. However, the sacred tree could self-heal the cuts Wu made on its trunk. Although hundreds of years passed by, the magic tree still thrived even though Wu chopped it diligently every day. Wu was allowed to rest only on the Mid-Autumn Day.
The eighth month of the lunar calendar is also a season of osmanthus blossom fragrance. Blossoms can be used to make various delicacies. It has therefore become traditional for people to drink fermented wine made from osmanthus flowers on that day, while eating other osmanthus-flavored delicacies.
In Guangzhou, on Mid-Autumn night, kids fix different shaped lanterns on short sticks that are then positioned vertically one by one on a high pole. These splendidly glittering lights, add a new beauty to the festival. Kids enjoy racing to be the first to erect the highest pole hung with the most exquisite and largest number of lamps. In Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, people also have a tradition of making lamps with bamboo strips that are hung in front of a moon-worshipping table. Kids also play with these lamps. In addition, lamps made from grapefruit, orange peel and pumpkin are also popular during this festival.
I hope you enjoyed the read. Have a great week!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. I recently learned some extra uses for togi-jiru; the starchy water left behind after washing rice. Although its primary use is to parboil vegetables, its sediment can be used as a moisturising cream for dry hands or as a deodoriser to remove strong smells such as garlic and curry. I will have to save some the next time I boil some rice. Would you like to try it? Have a great week!
Kind regards
John
]]>Keep learning too!
Enjoy a fruitful week.
Florence.
]]>Hello Friends,
This is a quick one. We know that life teaches us lessons everyday and we need to figure out what lessons there is to learn about everything that happens.
So, I went bowling on the public holiday and I played just one game (10 rounds). Sadly I couldn't hit any strike from the first to the ninth round. At some point I felt discouraged and disappointed cos I had only one last round left.
So I said a prayer and strongly hoped to hit a strike. Boom!
That last one was the breakthrough I had wanted from the beginning. So I learned a lesson never to give up on myself and my aspirations in life.
Stay cool.
Florence.
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I hope you are keeping well. On Saturday, Mayumi, Yuya and myself attended the Tokuyama Summer Festival. It was rather hot but the food being cooked smelled great. I ate the grilled squid which was tasty, but I didn't buy any masks. They were a little small and not as traditional as I would have liked.
The dancing on stage was well done and the bands that played after had some merits. I recognized one of them playing the K-ON anime ending theme from season 1, "Don't say "lazy"."; it was very nostalgic.
I even saw a few of the younger students wearing yukata; they looked a little warm but were really well dressed. There wasn't a mikoshi, unfortunately, but I still had a wonderful time. I would definitely do it again in the future. Did you attend as well?
Kind regards
John
]]>I'm so excited to share my thoughts for the first time here.
On my way to a certain country some few months back, I had a layover for a very long time (twenty-one hours). It was such an exhausting experience.
Worse still, I had no food. Had some money, but it wasn't the currency of the country where I was laying over. I had brought some drinks along with me from the airplane, but painfully they were all seized while I was being checked into the airport.
Wondering how to survive the long waiting hours with no food to eat, no money to spend, no water to drink .... I simply sat quietly at the lounge hoping the clock would tick faster.
However, I had earlier met a "friend" on the plane whom I became glued to. He seemed to be a very experienced traveler who knew the terrain so well. He was also laying over for 11 hours.
After a very long time, he went to the supermarket at the airport and came back with a 33cl bottle of water. Oh, I felt so refreshed!
Then, I realized how important friendship is. Friends, good friends can sometimes be as refreshing as water. They can bring out the best in us with love, care and kindness.
Florence.
I hope you are keeping well. Last week had a shocking event which was really awful. The loss of Shinzo Abe is quite a blow; he did a pretty good job in office and worked hard which affected his health. I hope his family will recover from this trauma and remember his life fondly, instead of the dramatic event at his end. Rest in peace!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. On Sunday, we had an Othello, Mario Cart and Rubic Cube contest. I was supervising the Mario Cart where I was almost unbeatable...hehehe. I heard some stories about the other contests and there were some surprises with the rubic cube. It was really fun playing the retro game on the "Super Nintendo Entertainment System - SNES". I think it is known as the "Famicom" in Japan. I hope everyone had a delightful time; I know I did.
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. Not much to report from my weekend, just some heavy reading of "Tales of Demons and Gods". It is really well done! Take care!
Kind regards
John
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Hope you are well. My weekend wasn't something exciting. I just read manhua/manhwa/manga, watched a little anime and played "Fortnite" before the transition to "Chapter 3 Season 3". I had intended to play the live event but fell asleep and missed it by a hair's breadth. I was pretty annoyed but got to watch it on YouTube. Getting shot is all I seem to do on the new map. Have a great week everyone!
Regards
John
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I hope you had a great "Golden Week" and found time to relax; even with the homework. I didn't do much as nothing went to plan. Hopefully everything will work out during our next break. Have a lovely week!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. It's almost "Golden Week" and I am sure everyone is looking forward to a good rest. I hope I do something interesting or new during that time; maybe visit Iwakuni. Do you have any plans? If you do, please take care and I hope to see you all sound once we resume. Have a marvellous week!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well.
The RMS Titanic was the largest passenger ship of its time in the early 1900s, and the Titanic's builders called it "unsinkable." The ocean liner spanned 882 feet in length and was 106 feet wide. Compare that to the largest cruise ship today, and it's dwarfed in comparison. The Royal Caribbean's gargantuan "floating city" Symphony of the Seas runs 1,188 feet in length and spans 215 feet across at its widest part.
On April 10, 1912, the Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, across the Atlantic Ocean to New York with 2,200 passengers and crew aboard. Five days later, the ship hit an iceberg, its jagged underwater edges slicing a gash in the side of the Titanic and causing it to sink in less than three hours. About 1,500 people perished in the catastrophe.
The shipwreck has since gone down in history and in popular culture as one of the most famous and tragic disasters on the seas. It was further immortalized by James Cameron's 1997 film, "Titanic," starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Now, an Australian businessman is recreating the famed Titanic — and the new ship could set sail across the Atlantic by 2022 for 2,400 passengers. Dubbed the Titanic ll, the new vessel will be a close replica of the original Titanic, right down to the architecture, cabin layout, class categories, restaurants and dining rooms. The length will almost be exactly the same; just a few meters wider for additional stability.
Would you take a ride on the new Titanic? Have a great week!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you had an eventful spring vacation. I tried to have a good rest but I still managed to be a little active.
I got my driver's licence renewed after a two and a half hour lecture; IN JAPANESE! My brain overheated and I couldn't wait to leave once it was over. I also found time to eat takoyaki; I should cut down otherwise I will look as round as one.
Did you do anything nice over the vacation? I hope you did; keep safe!
Kind regards
John
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I hope you are keeping well. You may be familiar with the "Indian Princess", Pocahontas, from Disney's animated movie which depicted her as a grown woman. In truth, she was a child of 10-13 years when she met the English and the events unfolded over a very short period of time. She died at the very young age of 21 or 22, on 21st March 1617; a very different outcome to what one would expect from the movie. Her exact age is unknown due to difficulties in recording such things at the time. I hope everyone has a great week and an eventful "Spring Vacation"!
Kind regards
John
]]>I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
I wish to share my moment of joy in Kudamatsu with you. Kudamatsu is a beautify and convinient I would recommend to everyone. Personally, I do not like populated area and I think a good example to give is Kudamatsu. The people are so nice and awesome.
I cannot forget the moments I kept supporting Renofa FC as a soccer fun. It`s been great.
I love to drive along the cherry blossom street during it`s season. It`s really beautiful.
Have a wonderful week and keep reading and practising English.
Thank You.
Micky.
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I hope you are well. Ever since I ate the marvellous takoyaki the other week, I have had a major craving for more. Freshly made is definitely the best. I also heard there is a dessert version called "Chocoyaki". Where can I indulge in it though? Have you ever tried it? Have a great week and stay safe!
Kind regards
John
]]>How did you spend your weekend ? I hope you had fun.
Make time to read and learn some interesting facts about the strawberry.
Did you know....
I hope you have learn something new from the above information.
Have a great week.
Micky.
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