Good evening Today we will talk about how to start a conversation This is an example of what we can ask people who have gone On a trip or vacation. 1.How was your trip/vacation? 2. Did you enjoy the trip? 3. Was the trip enjoyable? 4. Did you find any good spots? (Good spots - 人気 所) 5. How was the weather? 6. Where did you go? 7. Were the people friendly/kind/helpful? •this question refers to the local people not the hotel staff• 8. Did you have any trouble/difficulties? ( trouble/ difficulties- 困った 時) 9. Did you get any souvenirs or Knick knacks? ( souvenirs-おみやげ Knick knacks -小物) 10. How was the food ? 11. Would you recommend me going there? These are some questions you ask but the key point is framing the question. How you say a question can lead to many interesting Conversaciones For example: Jill: How was your trip? Joan: it was awesome Jill: Was the weather good? Joan: it was great, there was a storm But it was on the first day? Jill: that’s great , how was the food ? Joan: it was hot and spicy. I loved it. Jill: You think I should go? Joan : Definetly •definitely- かならず/ 間違えなく• Don’t forget that question framing is important How you say and when you say it See you next time

We continue our learning in April Now we have some sayings: April showers for May flowers Rain rain go away come back another day Rain expressions Drizzle- light rain Shower Raining cats and dogs- heavy The rain from hell/heaven Other expressions Bath - shower Expressions for mucus My eyes are caked My nose was stuffed Words that are mis-pronounced words Cloudy- crowded

“April showers for May flowers” This is a saying used when describing the spring weather. Another is a kids song: Rain rain go away Come back another day. Spring brings so many new ideas and goals What’s your spring dream? Let’s see about Jill and Joan Jill: I need to lose weight Joan: let’s sign up at the new gym around the corner Jill: yeah they are having a campaign, free one week trial. Joan: really Jill: that’s right Joan: I need a new outfit, any sales Jill: well, let’s take a look online Joan: well, let’s get back to work Jill: let’s go to that gym during lunchtime Joan: yeah let’s do that See you later alligator NOTE Campaign: this is a term used for sales. Sign up: this means to start a membership in a organization

The beginning of school part 2 The ceremony that goes with the first day of school is called Inauguration- this is the ceremony that is the beginning of a school year. This is also means the start of something. Examples: Today is the inaugural season of this team. A: Did you hear about the new Chinese restaurant? B: Where? A: it’s down the block from here; they had there inaugural day last week. Note Quiz What month do they start school in the United States? A. August B. April C. September What kind of vehicle do kids ride to school? A. Taxi B. Bus C. SUV What game do kids play in the school yard? A. Marco Polo B. Tag C. Paddy Cake

Hello welcome to the first day of school. Do you remember when you went to school? The three “P’s” are what you needed. Pencil Paper Pen Now today you need the 3 “C’s” Computer Charger Connection(Wi-Fi) Going to school has changed a lot. Well here are some other things we worry about school Fashion- are you in the in Teachers - Can you get along with them Making friends - can you meet people you get along with Circle - people who will help you in the future Here is some vocabulary you could you use: Status In-laws- family that you marry into Awful- not good Pitch in- to help out Comic books - these are books that we read for entertainment Back to Joan and Jill Joan: hey there are so many kids? Jill: first day of school Joan: yes that’s right Jill: wow look at the bags; they are so different Joan: no notebooks Jill: yes look at the computers Joan: how about you did you have a backpack or a case? Jill: backpack Joan: me too Jill: well let’s get to work Joan: yeah, lucky us . We don’t have any worries about teachers. Jill: yeah, we don’t .

Hello, do you know about April fools? April fools Day is a day in which people play pranks on each other. I think the most memorably April Fools prank was when on the radio Orson Wells did a parody of the Story “War of the Worlds”. This caused a shock through the country; many people were panicked by the news and caused by the radio story. Later that evening there was an apology from the radio station saying that it was just a “hoax”. Note Prank -いたずら Hoax - でっち上げ Well see you next time

Good evening Last class we discussed about phobias A phobia is when you have a fear of things. Vertigo Acrophobia These are different fears that people have. We have many different meanings for the start of spring . In Japan cherry blossom viewing is very popular. Here are some terms to remember: Full bloom 満開 Blossom 咲く Cherry 桜 Flower Viewing party 花見 Here are the ladies in a flower viewing party Joan: do you like flowers Jill: not really, I have hay fever Joan: oh that’s too bad. Jill: it’s okay, I am taking medicine for it. Joan: does it make you sleepy? Jill: yes it does. I can’t really drink alcohol either. Joan: I see, well ... would you like to walk in the park and see the flowers ; they are in full bloom. Jill: sure, I have a bit of cabin fever. Note Cabin fever means that when you are indoors for too long Do you get cabin fever? See you next time.

Last time we talked about Easter. Many people like to gather and talk about summer plans. Do you know the Easter bunny. It is a fable that a bunny hides eggs so that young children may find them. Well our story continued with our friends leaving the bar. Joan: do you know Easter Sunday is coming up Jill: Really, I did not realize thst. When I was in elementary school; I went to Sunday school. Joan: you are kidding? Jill: yes I did and my favorite part was when we had picnics and egg hunts. Joan: you don’t say. You must of had a great time. Jill: well we did have to study the Bible. Not always the easiest thing to do. Joan: I bet. I read somewhere that there will be a “Fair” near by. Want to come ? Jill: sure, why not. We might be in an egg hunt. Note: I bet —- I believe you Bet means to gamble on something (お金かかる) Sunday school- this is when young people learn about the Bible and discuss everyday life. It’s common among families to send children out for moral studies. That’s our class for today. See you next time

Good Morning, I wonder if you know what is Easter? Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the last 40 day’s of Jesus Christ. The date is always changing depending on how the calendar year ends up. There are many things that are done during Easter for example: A. Easter roll B. Egg hunt C. Easter bonnets ( women wear bonnets in this Sunday ) D. Easter mass These are the things you might do on this day. Today is the first day of spring so I hope to see you soon

Hello, happy Saint Patrick’s Day Here is another installment of Jill & Joan Barman: hello, how may I help you ladies? Jill: we would like some beers draft please Barman: two cold ones, anything else? Joan: yes, some nuts please Barman: on the way Jill and Joan wait for their drinks and take in the atmosphere Joan: this is great, so many people and they enjoy themselves. Jill: some of them are not even Irish Barman: here are you nuts and draft beer, that will be two-fifty Jill: wow, are you sure? Barman: it’s a holiday, first two drinks half off Joan: here you go, send us another in 10 min. Barman: will do in . Joan: here is something so you don’t forget. Barman: thanks, will have the next round up in 10 minutes. Note: Here is something... this means that the person is passing on a tip. This is a way to ask for a favor. That’s all for today... see you next time

This is an introduction to Saint Patrick’s Day Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland),[4] the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland,[3] and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.[5] Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, cèilidhs, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.[6] Christians who belong to liturgical denominations also attend church services[5][7] and historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.[5][6][8][9] Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,[10] Northern Ireland,[11] the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (for provincial government employees), and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.[12] Modern celebrations have been greatly influenced by those of the Irish diaspora, particularly those that developed in North America. In recent years, there has been criticism of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations for having become too commercialised and for fostering negative stereotypes of the Irish people. This is from Wikipedia I hope it helps. Let’s discuss about using synonyms. Synonyms are words that have the same meaning for example: I can play golf. I am able to play golf. He is coming back home. He is returning home. This is a gadget for cleaning shoes. This is a machine for cleaning shoes. Please take a look and try to find synonyms. Okay back to our dialogue story Jill: what’s going on today? Joan: nothing much, Jill: they are having a special party at the pub on Saturday Joan: Really, it’s Saint Patrick’s day Jill: yes they will be serving dark beer from 10 Joan: wow, are you up for it? Jill: yeah, let’s go Joan: so it’s a date Well the ladies will be in for a long weekend Note Are you up for it... やりたい？ See you next time

Good evening , part 2 Here is the rest of the story... Miguel : once again...sorry for such poor service. Jill: we understand you were busy. So thank you for your politeness Miguel: your welcome. I hope that you come again. Joan: how about we make a reservation for next Wednesday... Jill: how about it Miguel? Could you give us some personal service, huh ? Miguel: okay we will give you the best of the best. Jill: we will expect the best Joan: we do want the best of your place Miguel: we won’t disappoint you. Should I get you a cab? Joan: how about it? A cab , right? Jill: yes please call one... thank you. Miguel: will do please wait 10 minutes or so. Would you like some coffee? Jill: yes that would be nice Joan: any cheesecake? Miguel: by chance that is our dessert for the evening... coming up in a minute. Joan: thanks Jill: yeah thanks Note: Personal personal service- when the best staff takes care of customers Poor- means not good at(下手、苦手) See you next time

Good evening We just had a festival that came up. It’s the doll festival. I wanted to tell you that these customs are no longer followed in the west. But there are other occasions such as a debutante. This is the first time a young lady goes out on the town. It’s the first time she is seen outside without an escort. This is the reason “Cinderella” wants to go to the ball so she can meet a suiter that she can one day marry. Well let’s continue the story from last month Joan : excuse me what’s your name? Miguel: it’s Miguel Jill: are you from a Spanish speaking country? Miguel: well no but my parents were. So they gave me this name so I don’t forget my heritage. Joan: how about the girl you were with.., Miguel: she is my little sister Jill: she is quite beautiful Miguel: i guess so. She made her debut at the local community center in a play. Joan: she is an actress? Miguel: she says she wants to be. Jill: I see. By the way the food is cold. Miguel: my apologies , it’s on the House. Note Heritage:遺産 this is where you are decended from. “On the house” - this is when the management of a restaurant pays for the bill. See you next time

Hello, Hello Today we will discuss on the expression we did on Wednesday. Out of the blue — by chance 偶然に ie. She decided to buy a lottery ticket out of the blue and she won ten thousand dollars. So every day things happen just by coincidence. Another expression is “a fly in the soup” this means a difficulty that arises. Fly in the soup —- 困難な Fly in the ointment We were planing on going to Europe this summer but there is a “fly in the soup” I might have to go on business on the same date . Other words for cream are ointment or rubbing gel-なる薬 The word revenge is usually used to mean attack someone who attacked us (復讐) But sometimes it means another chance to face the same opponent or situation The basketball team we lost in the scrimmage game will be our opponent it’s a chance at revenge. Sometimes we think of these moments as rivalries or feuds (誓い) So we must overcome our rivals with courage and brains. See you next time

Well let’s continue our restaurant story

The two women are waiting for their meal and are ready to order another drink

Jill: Can you spot the waiter?
Joan: well he keeps running around
Jill: I spot a girl overthere, could she be a waitress
Joan: excuse me, could you take our drinks ?
Girl: sorry I don’t work here
Joan: sorry
Girl: I was looking for the waiter
Jill: I guess we are not the only ones.
Girl: actually he is my brother
Joan: really?
Girl: yes he is.
Jill: he is very busy today
Girl: it seems so
Jill: here he comes with our food.
Waiter: here is your food. Once again sorry for the delay . Hey what are you doing here?
Girl: looking for you. You need help ? I can help.
Waiter: okay I will put you on the shift list. Please get a uniform and help out where you can.
Girl: yes sir

It seems we are in a family business. Let’s see where this leads.

Delay—遅れ
Running around -忙しい

Hello again... I hope you are all flexible in reading the blog.
Today let’s talk about spring.
This is the time of year when we get hay fever
Hay fever - 花粉症
Now there many kinds of fever. I mean that things are popular to do or say.

Fever - 人気
For example

Now a days there is a ball and cup fever going around the world.
If you like disco music you would remember “Saturday Night Fever”, this was a famous movie in the 70’s.
Let’s continue our story of Joan and Jill

Joan: here comes the waiter
Jill: I hope we can order
Waiter: how may I help you?
Joan: yes we would like 2 beers and a side order of fries
Jill: also we want some green salad with no dressing and a side plate of tofu
Waiter: okay, anything else?
Jill: that’s all for now
Waiter: okay... let me make sure of your order...you would like fries, a green salad with tofu on the side no dressing and 2 beers.
Joan: that’s right
Jill: you seam busy tonight?
Waiter: yes we are. We are short handed today. Please be patient we will get your order out as soon as possible
Joan: no problem but can we get the drinks quickly?
Waiter: coming right up.

Well the place is buzzing ... I hope our stories does too

Short handed- it means not enough people to do a job or a project.
Coming right up- will be coming soon- すぐに 来ます。

Waku Waku one point lesson

To play with a “ken dama” is to use suppleness to get the ball into the cup.
Suppleness- しなやか
When you use chopsticks they need to be supple.

Another word you can use is lithe.

The fashion model walks lithely across the stage.

Lithe -柔軟

So when we play sports and play traditional games our minds will also become more flexible.

Now we have our pending episode of Jill and Joan

Jill: it’s Valentine’s Day
Joan: yes look at the couples
Jill: yes some are very cute but I am hungry
Joan: here comes the waiter
Jill: wow that guys arms are supple he 3 beer bottles and a tray of food.
Joan: he is very flexible
Jill: he is very busy. I hate to bother him
Joan: but we want food, right?
Jill : yeah and I want a beer too
Joan: excuse me
Waiter: yes, could you wait a moment?
Jill: yeah sure
Joan: yes, please be careful.

Well it seems that out story has added a new character .

Until next time

Tokaiichiba center Class

Preferences - likes and dislikes

Traditional games in the West 

Card games

Billiards

Darts 

Bowling

Do you know old maid?

An old maid is a woman who is single (not married or widow)

A: Corn hole- this is an outdoor game that you play with bean bags.

B: Conversation 

C: Can you play corn hole?

B: What?

A: You know the game you play with bean bags.

B:No, can you teach me

Do you know what “Ken dama” is ?

Valentines Day
This is a day in which people who have love interest and come together and share their  love for each other. This tradition comes from the saint “Valentin” who was impodoned because he was in love with a noble woman. He was sent to prison. He was a christian, so he prayed in his cell so that he could meet the woman he loved. In the end he died in his cell. Still hoping to see his love . Or so they say. We celebrate that day to remember the sacrifice he made for her.

We return to Jill and Joan and their dinner plans

Jill: so could you make a reservation?
Joan: yes but could you believe it took me the whole day.
Jill: How come?
Joan: well you know it is Valentines Day.
Jill: Yeah!!
Joan: Yes it is. I found a place near bay.
Jill: I hope there is a nice bar. So we can meet people.
Joan: yes there is a single bar nearby.
Jill: Great!

The adventure continues. Please remember that Vantines Day is not a day to give chocolate but it’s for couples to share their love for each other. So I hope next week you find your special someone.

Episode 3

The young women are in the park looking at the sky and they start talking about life.

Joan: say...what are you doing tomorrow?
Jill: well...  I have no plans.
Joan: how about we have dinner tomorrow?
Jill: that sounds great
Joan: well... what kind of food do you like ?
Jill: I like Chinese and you?
Joan: I love it...look the eclipse ...it’s happening!!
Jill: yes, I got it on the phone .
Joan: sent it to me when you are done.
Jill: will do. Well, it’s done. See you tomorrow ?
Joan: yeah! Can you send me a list of places ?
Jill: Sure... will do.

It seems the friends are about to continue their relationship and we will follow it also.
See you next time.

Episode 2 of Star gazers

This is the evening of the lunar eclipse

Jill: WOW! so many people with phones out
Joan:  yes there  are. Do you think they will turn out clearly?
Jill:  I don’t know. But there are sure many people. You would think that there is a picnic going on.
Joan: It looks so . Did you eat a snack?
Jill: not really...you want to get something ?
Joan : Sure
Jill : Let’s go.

Well they go into a convenience store but they forget the time ... wait until tomorrow to find out what happens next

Eclipse Conversation

This is talk about a lunar eclipse. An eclipse is when one celestial body covers up another from the view point on the star gazer.

A star gazer is someone who looks at or studied the celestial bodies above.

Here is a conversation between some star gazers

Jill: I can’t wait for the eclipse later tonight
Joan: really ? there is one happening ?
Jill: that’s right.
Joan: how about we go out and watch together ?
Jill: that sounds great . When and where should we meet?
Joan: how about after work ? We can meet at the park near the office.
Jill: that sounds great.
Joan: it’s a date then?
Jill: it is see you soon .
Joan: see you too.

Well this is a sample of 2 stargazer making a date I hope that you tune in next time and find out what they see. See ya later 

Hello, we have entered a new month and it’s time to learn new things. Today we will talk about Groundhog Day, this is traditionally a day in which a groundhog will go outside and check it’s shadow. Depending on whether it sees its shadow or not is how long winter will be. Please check out the conversation below.

Groundhogs Day

Bob: hey, did you see YouTube video?
Jaime: which video?
Bob: you know the one about the groundhog ?
Jaime: yeah about the shadow.  I can’t understand why people out in the country care so much.
Bob: yeah it’s strange. But do you know if winter weather will go on for 6 more weeks 
Jaime: don’t know...let’s check it out

This is a conversation many people have in the United States all the time . So check it out. Next time we will talk about Valentine’s Day . See you soon ....

『大人のための英会話』十日市場地区センタークラス～1月2回目

受験シーズンの到来です！ 

Quiz : 次の言葉を英語で言ってみましょう。4文字熟語編

商業施設：Commercial facility ,All service stop

 (cf; accommodation =宿泊施設）

新装開店 : Reformed(/renovated) shop

大衆食堂 : No frills restaurant, Diner

ex:ANA domestic airline is a no-frills airline

非常階段 : Emergency stairs

防火水槽 : Fire prevention water tank

self sufficiency:自給自足

popular items:人気商品

health care : 健康管理

capitalism : 資本主義

archaeologist : 考古学者

Indian summer : 小春日和

Parking violaion: 駐車違反

Metabolism : 新陳代謝

Free transportation : 振替輸送

Solar battery : 太陽電池

形の表現

球体：ball　（sphere）

長方体：tank　（rectangular）

立方体　:　cube　dice　

vocabulary list

reformed ≒　Changed

renovated　≒　renewed

Frill:something special(特別な（サービス））

steps :（ uniformity 均一な）　

Fire water=whisky

Sphere=ball:球体

sequence : 順序

Violation : 違反

atmosphere : 大気、雰囲気

Hemisphere　: 半球；Japan in in the north hemisphere.

study hard ⇔ hardly　study

Astronomer　：天文学者

shovel snow : 雪かき

Ambulance chaser : Low scale layer (≒Ham and egg layer,A type of layer to look for quick money)

Sue：訴訟を起こす

次のレッスンは　2月14日　９：３０～１１：００　小会議室Bです。

Hello, How are you?

When you meet someone for the first time this greeting is quite common, here are some others you can use:

How is it going?

Where have you been?

What’s going on?

The above question are a cause for someone to give a long story explaining their situation.

Note
Always feel free to interrupt if you can not follow or that you want to ask for more details. You can use these questions for example:

Could you please slow down?

Can you repeat that?

I am sorry I can’t follow you.

If you want to ask follow up questions for example :

How long did you stay?
Could I do that to?
Was it difficult to arrange?

These are the types of question you can ask to further the conversation and enjoy the company of the person.  See you next week.

Louis

『大人のための英会話』十日市場地区センタークラス1月１回目

HAPPY　NEW YEAR To ALL

Year of Dog

Other name of a dog is a canine(K-9)

What sign of the Chinese zodiac are you born in?

What sign are you?  // I was born in the year of the dog.

What is your horoscope?  // I am a leo.

Do you believe in horoscopes?

Yes　I do./No I don't.

Do you believe in the the stars?

For most of western people Oriental people should be Chinese.

宿題：すべての星座を英語で言えるようにしましょう。

自分の星座が何座か言えるようにしましょう。

テキスト『旅行の英会話』P.１１４　クレームとトラブル

It's very important to deal with the customers.

The amount on the bill is wrong. / Can I see the bill?I haven't used it at all./Let me know when you use it/Will you exchange it?/Sure but do you have the receipt?Can I have my money back? / What's wrong with the goods. This is the receipt. / Thank you.(I don't need it)I didn't get the receipt. / I'm sorry .Here's your receipt.I lost my receipt. / We need receipt first before we can exchange goods for money.( I'm sorry. No receipt no refund.)Please call the person who sold me this.　/　What's the problem?（What's wrong)It doesn't work at all.　/　What's wrong with that?（What happened？）How long will it take to fix it?　/It's about 10 days（1 week)Can you fix it and send it to Japan? / I'm sorry it's my first case this kind of problem.Can you wait?

Vocabulary list

Astrology：占星術

Leo(Lion;ラテン語のライオン）: しし座

Pisces : うお座

Social convention : しきたり、慣習

Lukewarm : 生ぬるい、気乗りしない（熱心ではない）

My coffee is lukewarm

My feeling is lukewarm about Governor Koike improve Tokyo Economy

Oriental : 東洋人

Fortune teller : 占い師

Palm reading：手相占い

self employed : 自営業者

Pot Luck : 福袋、[cf；Pot luck lunch]

Jack pot : スロットマシーン 

Prohibited : 禁止されている

Seat charge　:　お通し料（席料）

Declare: 申告する

shop lifting:万引き

Read the room:空気を読む

New Year Supplimental

Sample Conversation

John: How did you spend holidays?/ how was your holidays ?
Bill:   They were very relaxing.
John: Wow, what did you do ?
Bill :  Just stayed home and took it easy; I watched tv all day.

Note:
Taking it easy - not doing anything stressful- 休んでる

Happy New Year

Let’s enjoy English this year

This year is the year of the “DOG”

In the Chinese astrological calendar  every 12 years it goes
into a new cycle. Here are some questions you can ask people:

1. What year were you born in?
2. Do you believe in Chinese horoscope ?
3. What’s your sign?
4. Do you follow your astrological sign?

Here is a sample conversation

A:  Hey, how are you?
B:  I am fine and you?
A: I am okay. What are you doing with that book?
B: I am checking my sign.
A:  Your sign?
B:  Yes, I was born in the year of the dog. How about you?
A:  I really don’t know.
B:  What year were you born in?
A:   I was born in 1993.
B:   Let me check. You were born in the year..,

Well that’s your quiz question , what year was “A” born in.

See you next week.
Louis Llera