2013年1月23日水曜日

Movie English

 



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 I watched Up in the Air and Truman Show in my movie English class. I had some report.
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   In the movie, The Truman Show we are shown people who spend almost all of their time watching Truman on television. The Truman in the bath, the workers at the parking garage, the customers in the bar, the Japanese family, etc. "Do you think the people watching "The Truman Show" on television all day, and every day were living better lives than the life Truman was living?"
   "The Truman Show" is real Truman's life, so different to a fiction story. There are real his reaction, an accident, happen to surprise to him and all city person are acter. He growed into a man. Everyone still put on a show to deceive him. It is very difficult. Shown people waited the seacret is out.

   The Truman Show tells the story of Truman Burbank, who's entire world and life had been chosen by Christof, the creator and producer of a television show. All parts of Truman's life, including his career, relationships, education, experiences, priorities, opinions, beliefs, joys and fears had been carefully planned for him without his knowledge. The movie challenges us to consider whether our own lives are made mostly by us or by others, and how much freedom we have to decide for ourselves how we want to live. "Using examples from the movie, discuss any similarities you see in the ways Truman's life is controlled and ways in which ours might also be controlled. How much of our lives is decided by us?"
   We can decide favorite food, friend's given name, whether make child, sleeping time, favorite place, likes persons, want to talk things.

   In the movie, Up in the Air, the main character, Ryan Bingham speaks at a seminar about carrying our lives with us in a backpack." His message was that having too many things in the backpack makes our lives "heavy." In another scene, Ryan convinces his sister's future husband to get married by telling him "Life is better with company." "Discuss the idea about relationships, freedom and family that are presented in this movie. How do you think they apply to your own life? Use exples from the movie Up in the Air."
   I think young woman Natalie's thinking apply to my own life. She is a same generation to me. She is very smart but she thought most important thing is boyfriend, so she choose near company to his place. If I am she, maybe I choice same way.

   Thinking about the movie Up in the Air, do you think the story has a positive message or negative message? Did the movie encourage and inspire you or discourage you? Tell why and give details from the movie.
   Ryan said you remember most important moment your life, were you alone? likes better your company. I think it is possitive massage of this movie. That is, if you think alone, you need someone to live a full life. And every day thinking most important things in my life. Things tend to go wrong in this world of ours. I think it is negative message. Alex has real family. In the end the matter became known to Ryan.

   Your own topic related to either or both movies, Up in the Air and The Truman Show. Select a topic that gives you a chance to discuss new ideas, and be sure to avoid repeating something you have written in response to the other questions.
   I thought what is freedom of human. If my life is controlled someone, whether I am happy. I thought I am not happy, so many people, so many lives. If all my life is safty, it isn't interesting.

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The Difference between Japanese and American Weddings

1.      Introduction 

   I work part time in the wedding industry, so my favorite topic was American Wedding Customs. For example, American often give each other rings, they usually receive gifts rather than money and they have a different type of wedding ceremony. I think the difference between American and Japanese weddings is huge. However, that is because they are different countries.

   American and Japanese people have a different culture and different habits, therefore they think differently.
 

2.      Japanese 

A Japanese wedding begins with a proposal, generally from the man. Research from a Japanese wedding magazine shows that the percentage of men who propose is 83.5%, women who propose is 2 %, and no proposal at all is 14%. From this, you can see that men propose the majority of the time. These proposals happen anywhere from inside the home, at a restaurant, or near the sea.

When proposing, the man offers an engagement ring to the girl. Japanese engagement rings are simple in design, but recently couples have chosen not to offer them. This is because sometimes they will already have an anniversary ring, or they simply do not buy one. About 70% people offer a ring, and 30% do not. Some people offer some other type of gift. For example, they buy pair watches or pair necklaces.

Japanese people term the phrase “June Bride”, but it’s misleading. The Ministry of Health announced that the most popular wedding months in Japan are March and November, coinciding with the spring and autumn seasons.

In Japan, the average wedding cost is \3885000. The average for a brides dress is \430000, engagement and wedding rings cost \578000, flowers costs are \220000 and food costs are \1190000.

In a traditional Japanese wedding there is a ceremony and a reception. There are five types of wedding ceremony. First, a wedding ceremony held at a Shinto shrine. This is the most traditional style in Japan.

First comes, “Sanshin”, when the bride and groom walk into the shrine to Japanese ancient court music. Second, “Shubatsu-Purification Rite” This begins the ceremony, and is done to purify the mind and body. Third, “Kensen Rite of presentation of food to god” this is a rite in which god is offered rice, rice wine and other foods. Fourth, “Norito-soujyou reading of sacred words” the bride and groom from this point on become a married couple, they appeal to the god, give thanks to the god and pray for a long, happy life together. Fifth, “Sankon-no-gi-Exchanging of nuptial cups” together, the couple each take turns to drink various sized cups of rice wine, whilst promising to love eachother. The groom drinks the small cup and then the bride drinks the small cup. The bride drinks the middle cup then the groom drinks the middle cup. The groom drinks the largest cup then the bride drinks the largest cup. Sixth, “Mikushi-azuke-no-gi-Entrusting of the comb” the bride entrusts a comb, a symbol of a woman in ancient ages to the groom. With this, they are united as one and promise to trust and help each other in their new life Seventh, “Seishi-houdoku reading of the vows” the rite where the couple face the god and personally state their vows. With the groom using his right hand and the bride using her left, they hold the vows together. Eighth, “Tamagushi-houten tamagushi rite” the bride and groom pray from the heart and place their feelings into the Tamagushi, then offer it before the god in a method of worship. Ninth, “exchange of wedding rings” the bride and groom consecrate their vows. Tenth, “Tamagushi-houten tamagushi rite” the match maker or family representative prays for a long, happy life for the couple and offersthe Tamagushi, worship before the god. Finally, “Shinzoku-Ieppai” bond tying rite. The relatives of the couple pour and exchange cups of rice wine before the god tying the bonds of the relationships of friends and family. This rite started in the year 1900. It is a traditional Japanese style.

Other kinds of weddings include church wedding, recently, many Japanese people prefer to get married in a church. Recently, some people like valuable weddings. It mean cheaper wedding. For example, 1.5 wedding party, limited midsummer, the deep of winter, a weekday, produce by student planner, their old school wedding and so on. Why would they be popular? It is because young couple doesn’t have a lot of money, but they want to good wedding ceremony, so they choice low cost plan. They can choice good dishes by low cost.
 

3.      American

        The man chooses a special date for when he is going to propose. For example, they will go to an expensive restaurant. Generally, the man says “Will you marry me?”. This is the same in Japan. If the answer is yes, the man gives his new fiancé an engagement ring. They usually contain some sort of gem. During the wedding ceremony, both the man and woman exchange wedding rings. After the wedding, the woman might get both rings turned into one.

    In America, the average wedding cost is $25,449.00(\2086,818). The average wedding dress cost is $1,025.00(\84050). Engagement and wedding rings costs are $6066.00(\497,412). Flower costs are $1,103.00(\90,446). Cake cost is $525.00(\43050). These extravagant cakes are all real. Reception costs are $9286.00(\761,452). American weddings are cheaper than Japanese, because Japanese weddings come with a lot of minor costs.

   Americans also say “June bride” because it is the summer season. This tradition came from Europe, where “June Bride” has another meaning. June is the month of marriage according to Juno, a god worshipped by women. It is said that if a woman is married during June then her life will be happier. This is easy to understand, since the United States was originally populated by immigrants from many lands, primarily Europe.  These immigrants brought their own wedding traditions with them, and these traditions, stirred in the melting pot of the United States, have slowly evolved into the traditional American wedding ceremony. There are a few things that all U.S. weddings have in common.  To begin with, U.S. wedding ceremonies may be either religious or civil.  Most brides prefer a large and rather elaborate ceremony if it is their first wedding. Marriages are not arranged. A typical U.S. wedding takes place between two people who have sought out a partner and have found someone whom they believe they can share their life with.  In other words, in the United States marriages are based on love. They are not arranged to strengthen family business or influence.

   There are Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower girls and a Ring bearer in the ceremony. Bridesmaids can be the bride’s sisters or other relatives, or very close friends. They help the bride in any way possible. Groomsmen are also usually relatives or close friends. They attend to the grooms needs. A Flower girl is usually a young relative. She walks in front of the bride, holding the bouquet and tossing flower petals. The Ring bearer is a young male relative who carried the wedding rings.

   There is a tradition in which the bride wears “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” It is called “Something Four.” If a bride wears them, her married life will be happier. “Something Old” expresses the family prosperity, for example, family connection, an ancestor and tradition. We succeed to ancestral thing and we hope our family’s prosperity. Generally we wear our grandmother and mother used wedding dress, ring, an earring, a brooch, a necklace or a handkerchief. “Something New” is a symbol of the couples new life together. A bride gets a new thing to bless a bride’s new life and happy future. Generally, they made to order wedding dress, wedding shoes, wedding undergarment, a pair of gloves, shoes or underwear. Generally, it is white things. “Something Borrowed” shows the relationship between friends and the neighbors.  It is a new couple gets happy by someone’s happy life. Generally, a bride borrow a handkerchief or an accessory from got married before. A bride borrow friends veil the mainstream of American. And “Something Blue” expresses the blue which is the symbol color of the Virgin Mary meaning purity. Blue is symbol of sincerity, confidence, virginity and purely.  A bride wear it inconspicuous point. Generally, a blue color flower in a bouquet, blue garter belt, tie a blue ribbon to garter belt, blue underwear or blue jewel ring.

   After the wedding, there is a bouquet and garter toss. The groom removes the bride’s garters, which are worn on the leg, and throws it into a crowd of un-married men. Whoever catches the garters is said to be next to marry. American wedding gifts don’t include money and instead are items which will help the married couple start their new life together. A party ensues for a long time after the wedding. Sometimes Japanese people use “Something Four”, but not popular.

   Recently, there has been interest in a different wedding-style. It is a drive-through wedding. It sounds very surprising. It is simply a signature and a kiss then. The newlyweds drive away in no time.


Conclusion 

   I think Japanese wedding ceremonies are very solemn Japanese people don’t dance or organize huge parties. However, Japanese weddings are based on the American models. For example, they give each other engagement rings, they say “June Bride”, a lot of brides do “something four”, and they get married in churches. An overall impression, American wedding is cheaper and more like a party. Japanese wedding is a strict and serious ritual.
Wedding ceremony style is changing simple one, I think. It has a lot of reason. My parent generation got married by design, but my generation isn’t same. Recently, a lot of couple gets married by accident. For example, women become pregnant, so they don’t have save money enough. They have to choice low cost wedding. And young people like small wedding. They think want to cut extra things. Above I think Japanese and American have own wedding culture, but it is changing simple one.

1718words/14388words

Movie in English class

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 I watched two movie Marley and Me and The World's Fastest Indian.
   Marley and Me is based on the true story of newspaper columnist, John Grogan. Although he and his wife, Jennifer had discussed and made plans for their lives together, almost none of their plans happened as they had expected. John's boss at the newspaper in Florida told John "Sometimes life has a better idea." What do you think he meant when he said "Sometimes life has a better idea?" Give examples and details from the movie and from your own experiences. Jennifer had a lot of plan of her life. She didn't want to keep a dog, want to child, but John didn't think so. He approached her with keep a dog. She agreed. Marley became very good family. It is good thing.
   I wanted to go the other university in Tokyo. It is a famous school. I go to this university. I can come from my parental home. This is cheaper than that school. I could go homestay program of America. I can go to a technical school now. If I had chosen the other university, I couldn't go to America and a technical school.

   When Marley died, Jennifer Grogan put a necklace next to him saying to Marley "Your Dad gave me this to celebrate the beginning of our family but our family had already begun." "Describe the relationship Marley had with his family (John, Jennifer, and kids).
   Marley is a troublemaker. He is a handful, but he has a good character. Everyday he is waiting for kids to come home. They looking forward to waiting him. All day, all time Marley is a central figure in his family. He ate a necklace, broken the floor and many furnitures, but John and Jennifer never far from family. Marley is a precious member of family.

   The World's Fastest Indian starts with Burt hanging out with a boy named Tom. Nearly everyone in the neighborhood, including Tom's parents, thinks Burt is disreputable and a bad influence, but that doesn't prevent Tom from spending countless hours in the old man's workshop. "If Tom were your child, would you want him spending time with Burt? Why or why not? Give details and examples from the movie to support your answer."
   I think I want my child spending time with Burt because he know a lot of things and different type of me. My child can get good chance to know other things. I watched this movie, I thought he looks like my grandfather. He use a little dirty language, act despicably, but has expert knowledge. I spent many time together when I was child. I like him. I could many things, so I think it is good for my child.

   The World's Fastest Indian tells the true story of Burt Munto, who traveled from Invercargill, N.Z. to the United States in the early 1960's. "Comparing Burt's life back home to his travels the U.S., what do you think Burt would say about the culture of the United States? How does this compare to your own ideas about the U.S.? Describe with details from the movie.
   He thought the United States is a dreams come true place and huge country. He thought America is a unkind country when he went to there. America has the tipping system. There are a gays. American waste electricity, terrible street. He didn't know a lot of new things. I went to America last summer. America keep to the left, but I feeling out of place. I knew tipping system and other things. I don't same to him.

   Your own topic related to Marley and Me and/ or The World's Fastest Indian. Select a topic that gives you a chance to discuss new ideas, and be sure to avoid repeating something you have written in response to the other questions.
   I remembered my family pet dog pooh. He died last June. My family didn't notice until it was too late. He died alone. My family regreted what we didn't notice. We couldn't say goodbye. Colleen said a dog go away when it die. I thought my dog also quiet when he know die. I thought a dog what gentle animal. I think he thought didn't want sad parting. When Marley ided, Colleen said I don't say nothing, he know. I thought I want to think so. My dog know my family love him.

760words/12670words

BR15: cleopatra


Do you know Cleopatra? She is a three major beauty in the world. She is a queen of Egypt, famous for her beauty, who became the lover of Julius Caesar and later of Mark antony. In Japan call Cleopatra, Yang Kuei-fei and Komati Onono are three major beauty, but in the world, Cleopatra, Yang Kuei-fei and Helene. I didn't know it.
I choose this book because I am interested in her. She has a short black hair and she wear yellow dress. This book has 7chapters. My favorite chapter is chapter 1. This title is Growing up in Egypt. This story is her childhood. She is a mischievous child. She has a deeply make. It is a little difficult story, but I was interested in her. She didn't know her family is Ptolemy. Chapter7 is battle story. I think I feel sad in her life.

Katie, Daynes(2004)Cleopatra, London Usborne
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This term

     I liked movie review because I like watching movie. The other side, I need to many time because I had to watch and write on my blog.  I could write down my memories on my blog. Sometimes I couldn't write my opinion very well. It was difficult for me.
     When I finished to do movie reviews and book reviews, I felt a sense of achievement every time. I could use English many time.
     This Mr.Tomei's class easy to understood what I have to do. I gradually enjoyed writing longest. My favorite movie is Drumline. I could know this movie. I think movie review is hard homework, but it is chance we watch the new movie.
     I disliked we have to write 15000words. Spring term, we write 10000words. We have increased 5000words. It is a little hard for me, but I finish writing this term.

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2013年1月16日水曜日

BR14: the story of Heidi


" Heidi felt cross and tired as Aunt Dete pulled her up the steep slope." (p.3)

Do you know this story? I know it, but I don't know detail. I introduce about Hidi. Heidi a little girl who is the main character in the children's book Heidi by the Swiss Writer Johanna spyri. She makes the lives of people around her much happier and better. I watched this animation video when I was child. I like this movie, so I choose this book. This book has a very famous scene. It is use by a lot of commercials. I think everyone know this scene. Heidi and her friend got on a swing. One more famous scene is her frind could stand herself. Her can't standing, because she is a disabled bidy. It is a emotion scene. I like this scene. This book has 6 chapters. I read first chapter, I felt sad. Because this chapter is sad story. I recommend this book.
Johanna, Spyri(2006) The story of Heidi, London Usborne
150words/11613words

BR13: The story of Flying



" Not so long ago, people were stuck on the ground." (p.3)

Do you like airplane? I love it because it is a very convenience traffic. I want to be cabin attendant or grand stuff. I will a little introduce about air plane. Air plane is a powerd flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces. I studied about air line history in my secound schoool. I had known who made the airplan. I heard this history, I was interested in airplane the business world. I choose this book because I wanted to know airplane. This book has 6 chapters. My favorite chapter is 1. Airplane was made by Wright, Wilbur and Orville 110 years ago. 110years ago people didn't know we can fly any other place. I think it was a very difficult for them. The story wrote some people were surprised he made airplane. It is a interesting story for me.
Lesley Sims(2004) The story of Flying, London Usborn
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