BR 2-18: Titanic (Claybourne, Daynes, 2006)

'For now, the famous steamship lies in a watery grave, far beneath the waves, at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.' (p.62).

This book is about history of Titanic. All people may know about Titanic an influence of a famous movie. Titanic called unsinkable ship and safety. Then, why Titanic had sunk? - Because of the iceberg. I knew that, but I thought Titanic bumped against floating iceberg. But Titanic crushed into underwater , hidden from view iceberg. And I didn't know Titanic's broken hull has raised. I'm afraid to ride on ship because of Titanic disaster.

Reference

Claybourne Anna, Daynes Katie. (2006). Titanic.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[97 words]

BR 2-17 The Story of Toilets, Telephones & other useful inventions (Daynes, 2004)

"'The notes can travel through air," he realized.' (p.21)

This book is about toilets, telephones, frozen food, soccer nets, and safety razors. I can't imagine the life without toilets and telephones. If we don't have toilet, where can we do? The past days, they had pots, hole or something. Same as this, we can't alive without our telephone. I have to thank to Watson, Bell and all inventors who invent telephone and cellphone. I think we can live comfortable the grace of clever inventors, so we must thank to them.

Reference

Daynes Katie (2004). The Story of Toilets, Telephones & other useful inventions.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[107 words]

BR 2-16 The Swan Princess (Dickins, 2005)

'"If you speak even a weld before the spell is ended, your brothers will die."' (p.33).

This story is about princess Eliza. She had eleven brothers and she liked them, but witch stepmother didn't like her stepsons and stepdaughter. One day, she turned spell into eleven stepsons and they became swans. Eliza also sent to far place. Few years later, Eliza met her brothers and knew truth. She met a fairly in the dream, and she taught how save brothers from witch's spell. She carried out but she is deadlocked... but fortunately, she could save her brothers and she married with a king.

A strong belief is certainly makes good result.

Reference

Dickins Rosie (2005). The Swan Princess.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[122 words]

BR 2-15: Stories of Princes & Princesses (Rawson, 2003)

'"Princes are boring!" she said.' (p.13).

This book has four stories. Each stories about strange Prince or Princesses. Clumsy, rude, dirty, smell... they are strange. But I like second story. This story is about princess, and she didn't want to marry with a prince. So the king let her marry with a beggar. The princess Prue accepted him because he was not a prince. But in fact, he was prince and he disguised into a beggar. When Prue noticed that, she didn't mind he is prince or not. She found true love.

Reference

Rawson Christpher. (2003). Stories of Princes & Princesses.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[105 words]

BR 2-14 The Stinking Story of Rubbish (Daynes, 2006)

'Long, long ago, there was no rubbish on Earth.' (p.3).

This book is about rubbish and history. Before the human birth, there was no rubbish. After human birth, the hygienic was terrible because of rubbish. They didn't have rule of wasting rubbish. They couldn't waste such increasing rubbish. Recently, educating of rubbish is tend to strict. We also learned "three Rs" when we were elementary school student. "Three Rs" are Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle. We also learned "Refuse" and we call "four Rs."

Reference

Daynes Katie. (2006). The Stinking Story of Rubbish.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[96 words]

BR 2-13: The Billy Goats Gruff (Bingham, 2004)

'Biffer lowered his head and caught the troll on his horns.'  (p.44).

This story is about three goat brothers. The oldest Biffer is also wisest of them. He trained his brothers Beanie and Bertie to go to juicy fields. But there was a problem. There was a scary troll and it blocked passer of bridge. Beanie and Bertie could pass to tell coming of bigger one. But Biffer is a big one to troll eats. But brave, strong Biffer fight with his horns and won. I am oldest so I have to learn Biffers bravery.

Reference

Bingham Jane. (2004). The Billy Goats Gruff.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[107 words]

BR 2-12: Stories of Mermaids (Punter, 2005)

'She had a tail instead of legs. - and so did Dan! "Let's try underwater dancing, said Coral."' (p. 47).

This book has three stories. First story is kind and warm mermaid, Harmony. She bravely act to help her sick mother. Second story is about missing pearl. Bad mermaid snatch a great premium pearl from a cheerful mermaid, Marina. She worked hard to get the pearl as premium of seahorse race. Third story is about a pure mermaid Coral. She wanted dancing, but she has only fin. So she asked for give her legs. The limit is a week, she got legs instead of a tail. She fell in love with a man,  but he chose tail and Coral than his legs, so they live happily under the sea. I want to swim under the sea like mermaids.

Reference

Punter Rassell. (2005). Stories of Mermeids.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[149 words]

BR 2-11: The Princess and the Pea (Davidson, 2004)

'Peg gasped. "You want to marry me, a palace maid? Yes, please!"' (p.46)

This book taught us true kindness, and warm heart. Prince Patrick wanted to real princess, means someone has kind heart and thinking. But he can't find such a perfect princess. He saw not real princesses. But he realized that his maid, travel mate has worth as true princess and they got married.

I agree to his opinion. If the look is good, it's not all the one has fine heart. The most important thing is character. I think Prince Patrick is clever and he is also real prince.

Reference

Davidson Susanna. (2006). The Princess and the Pea.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[114 words]

BR 2-10: The shocking story of Electricity (Claybourne, 2006)

Electricity is all around us, making all kinds of machines work. But what is it? And where does it come from? (p.3).

This book is about how we make electricity, who made it, and the history. There are natural electricity, lightning. But we can't know when lightning appears, how we use it. So making electricity is not easy at first. As you know, there were worldwide famous scientist like Faraday, Volta, and Edison. I think we have to thank them to use electricity like this. If there are not electricity, we can't anything. We can't see in the dark night, we can't ride train, and we can't live comfortable room with air conditioner. Electricity is very important in this life.

Reference

Claybourne Anna. (2006). The shocking story of Electricity.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[133 words]

BR 2-09: Cinderella (Davidson, 2004)

”'He strode over to Cinderella. ”I would have searched my kingdom for you,” he said. ”Will you marry me?”' (p.44).

This story is about poor girl. She work hard like a servant everyday, and one day, she heard that her stepsisters are invited to a Christmas Ball. Cinderella haven't allowed to attend it, but her godmother used her a magic and Cinderella became very beautiful lady. She enjoyed with prince, but it was time to fade magic away. But prince's strong love found Cinderella and got married. I think true beauty is inside her heart like Cinderella. I want to be a true beautiful lady.

Reference

Davidson Susanna. (2004). Cinderella.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[114 words]

BR 2-08: The story of Rome (Dickins, 2006)

'Rome can't really have been built by one man. So what did happen?' (p.13)

This story is about history of Roma. Roma has long, great history. I think we learned almost their history in the class of world history, but in this book, there are things I didn't know. I want to visit Roma, so I'm interested in their life. But I don't want to see the ”Games.” I can't understand such a cruel sports.

Reference

Dickens Rosie. (2006). The story of Rome.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[87 words]

BR 2-07: Stage Fright (Stewart, 2004)

'Then Abi shouted out, "Return!" and Uncle Charles jumped. He blinked once or twice and looked around in delight. "I'm back!" he said, amazed.' (p.55).

This story is mysterious story. A boy names Dom was searching his uncle's house and there was much gloomy and dark than he expected. A magician Mesmo got an accident on his stage and his hypnotizing is still continue. Because of hypnotize, Charles and his daughter Jenny got strange. Charles can't speak and Jenny was vanished after she changed into bird as hypnotize. Dom and Jenny's friend Abi solve the mystery together and finally it succeed! I think they are smart children. I want to be like them.

Reference

Stewart Paul. (2004). Stage Fright.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[123 words]

BR 2-06: Little Red Riding Hood (Davidson, 2006)

'"But Grandmother," she cried, "what big sharp teeth you have." "All the better to eat you with," snapped the wolf.' (p.36).

This story is about scary but foolish wolf and a little red riding hood. Her mother send her to grandmother to deliver a pot of vegetable soup. But on the way, a wolf spotted her and tried to eat her. The wolf walked up to her and they became close. She talked about her grandmother and the purpose, so wolf raced off to the grandmother's house and eat her. Foolish wolf slept in disguise and he also ate a girl! But woodcutter found the wolf and helped them, and they got their revenge on him.

If I was this woodcutter, I will keep this wolf to let work as compensation.

Reference

Davidson, Susanna. (2006). Little Red Riding Hood.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[143 words]

BR 2-05: Puss in Boots (Patchett, 2005)

'”Duke of Carabas,” he declared, ”will you marry my daughter?”' (p.44).

This book of story is about a clever cat. Tom, the youngest son of a poor miller got only a cat after his father died. But the cat has wonderful power, he can speak and very clever. Tom was wearing poor clothes, so clever cat let him naked and into the river, and he was waiting for royal coach and helping. Be in this clever cat's debt, Tom could marry with princess, and he became rich and happy with his wife.

I'm keeping a dog, so I want him to bring happy like this.

Reference

Patchett Fiona. (2005). Puss in Boots.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[116 words]

BR 2-04: Stories of Witches (Rawson, 2002)

く

'He kept asking her to turn back into a horse, just to show him the secret. She never did.' (p.19).

This book has three stories. First story is about funny witch. She lost her broomstick, but she wanted to go to the party. She changed a woman to horse, and ride her, go to the party.

Second and third witch are greedy witch. They use their magia power for their benefits. Villagers uses their brain to slay them. 

I can't imagine there are witches in their village in common, but it may be interesting and fun if there are witches in my town.

Reference

Rawson, Christopher (2002). Stories of Witches.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[115 words]

BR 2-03: Christmas around the world (Sims, 2005)

'Cards are written and sent. Presents are wrapped and waiting under the three.' (p.6).

Christmas is the most wonderful and special day in the year. People give presents each other, enjoy great feast, and gratitude to Christ. No Christians people also celebrate and the number is about millions. Of course, I like Christmas. In Japan, we enjoy Christmas about two to three days. But true Christmas lasts for twelve days. I envy that and I think we must take over this historical worldwide precious day.

Reference

Sims Lesley. (2005). Christmas around the world.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[97 words]

BR 2-02: Rapunzel (Davidson, 2005)

"'Ow!" cried Rapunzel. "Why do you always tug so much? Prince Hans never hurts me when be climbs.''' (p. 38).

This story is arranged by Disney, so many people may know this "Rapunzel." But story changes little bit. In this book, Rapunzel was cut her long, magical hair by witch, but in the story of Disney Rapunzel, her hair was cut by prince to kill the witch living with magic power of Rapunzel's hair. But there is a same setting, her tears has healing power. In this book, her tears healed prince's blind eyes. In Disney, her tears healed his injure stabbed by the witch.

Reference

Davidson, Susanna.(2005). Rapunzel.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[105 words]

BR 2-01: Jason and the Golden Fleece (Zeff, 2003)

"'Hurrah for Jason!" cheered the Argonauts. "He's our hero!"' (p.45).

This book is about journey to get golden fleece with Argonauts. Jason, supposed to become king, had stolen his throne by his uncle. To retake his throne, he had to get golden fleece from far place.  When he started the voyage, many people wanted to join it. In the way, many things happened and they fight with them. Jason was helped by many people, and solve problems. At last, he got golden fleece and retake his throne. The feasting and dancing continued a month and celebrated greatly.

Reference

Zeff, Claudia. (2003). Jason and the Golden Fleece.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[110 words]

Essays 2-02a: EXILE

We’re going to tell you about Exile. They have been so popular for more than a decade that any Japanese people should know them regardless of their interests. They liberally have four periods, so we’ll compare three of them except the latest one that started this year.

early years

In 2001, Exile came into being. Atsushi and Shun joined it as new vocals. Hiro, Matsu, Usa and Makidai had already set up a dance group. The name of their first single CD is “Your eyes only ~曖昧なぼくの輪郭~”. Two years later, they released the second album called “Styles of Beyond” and won the first place of album chart for the first time. ‘Song for you’ was so popular among those who loved Shun. In that year, they also appeared on Kohaku Utagassen, a famous TV program broadcasted in every December 31 for the first time and sang ‘Choo Choo Train’, cover of Zoo’s song. They tracked the song in front of Statue of Liberty in New York. The dance in the intro is so famous that many people should have copied it. The next year, they launched the 15th single CD called “real world” and at last won the first place of single chart for the first time. The song was used　on the TV show of professional baseball league. In 2005, they released the best album, “Perfect Best” and it passed the one million mark. It’s consisted in two CDs and a DVD; most single songs are put in the first CD, other songs are put in the second one, and most promotion videos are put in the DVD. Though they were going so strong, Shun regrettably dropped out of the group because of his eye’s hurt and starting his solo work in 2006. They appeared on Music Station and sang a new song, ‘YES!’ and their first single song as the final stage.

Middle years

In 2006, Akira of RATHER UNIQUE joined Exile. He is a dancer, and succeeds in dance club those days. When Makidai and Matsu who are early member went to a club, they saw Akira by chance and they an act of speaking to Akira. Then, Akira became a member of Exile, and he flourish as an Exile’s dance performer. Also, this year, “EXILE VOCAL  BATTLE AUDITION~ASIAN DREAM~” was took place in Nippon Budokan. This was an audition to decide an Exile’s main vocal. Ten thousand people joined this audition. Of cause, Takahiro who is Exile’s present vocal was joined it. The winner in this audition was Takahiro. His skill as a singer, character, looks, and style was evaluated. This year became an important year for Exile and a lot of fan. Then, middle years Exile started in 2006. In 2007, they released 23rd single that name is “道”. This is a graduate song, and very famous for students. It often uses a graduation ceremony in a lot of school. In addition, this song became a song which ranked top of new song. Same year, Exile took place a live which name is “EXILE EVOLUTION 〜SUMMER TIME LOVE〜”. This was a first live with seven members, so a lot of people came this live. Okaxile was appearance this live for the first time. Takashi Okamura who is a comedian and belong to ninety nine. Ninety nine is a name of comedian group. He has a his own program which name is Mechaike. Mechaike is a famous variety TV program. “EXILE EVOLUTION 〜SUMMER TIME LOVE〜”and Mechaile collaborate in this live, and made a Okaxile. Okaxile is continue from now on. December in 2007, Exile released 6th album which name is “EXILE LOVE”. Also, this album got a top of ranking. In 2008, they hold a dome tour for the first time. This live was named “EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2008” This live triggered that Exile started a dome tour. In addition, this live was a last live with seven members. In 2008, they released 28th single “Ti Amo”. This is a love song, and became a famous song. “Ti Amo” got a the 50th record grand prix in Japan. This was a first time for Exile to get a record prize. In 2009, Exile had a own TV program which name was “EXILE GENERATION”. This TV program was known among their fans. Exile’s middle year became a very important year.

late years

In 2009, Kenchi, Keiji, Tetsuya, Nesmith, Shokichi, Naoto and Naoki joined to Exile from Second J Seoul Brothers. In this year, Exile got the second Japan Record Award for 30th single “Someday.” The same year, the Nation festival to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor enthronement of twenty years was held and they celebrated to offered the celebration music “太陽の国.” In next year, they held the first stadium tour “Fantasy” and it mobilized about 1.1 million people. They got the third Japan Record Award for 35th single “I Wish For You” in this year. In 2011, they released 37th single “Rising Sun/いつかきっと…” as the 10th anniversary memorial and reconstruction support song for Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2012, they released the album “Exile Japan/Solo” and it won the first of ranking. And this album made the first place consecutive for ten years. This record was the first for male group artist. And it got a top of ranking for three weeks straight, what’s more this record was also first for them. In 2013, “Exile Pride 〜こんな世界を愛するため〜” was released and it recorded million sales for the first time for single. This song also got the Japan Record Award. The announcement that recruiting of new performer was published and the title was “Exile Performer Battle Audition.” They performed on the NHK year-end grand song festival this year and this stage was last stage for Hiro, the leader of Exile. He announced he had a plan to retire performer of Exile by this year on April. And this third period ended as Hiro retied performer.

They did five tour, released fourteen singles, and released five live DVDs in this third period.

http://exile.jp/index.php

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/EXILE

[1024 words]

BR1-15: The Nutcracker (Helbrough, 2004)

"'Maybe it wasn't just a dream..."' (p.47).

This book is story about nutcracker's world. On Christmas night, Clara went asleep and suddenly turned small and into a wonder world. First, there were many mousses but nutcracker prince saved Clara. Then, Clara and prince went to castle. There were many ballerina and danced beautifully. Then they went to the land of sweets. They enjoyed seeing many kinds of dances. When Clara woke up, it was a normal world. She thought it was only a dream but she reminded that godfather's word "I hope this protects you," so she thought it wasn't just a dream.

Reference

Helbrough, Emma. (2004). The Nutcracker.

London, England: Usborne Publishing.

[103 words]