Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Trains cross Korea border for first time in 57 years
May 17, 2007
MUNSAN, South Korea–It was New Year's Eve in 1950. Koreans were fleeing the Chinese advance in the North when American soldiers halted their train at the South Korean border, shooting bullets into its steam tank to prevent it running again.
That ill-fated train was the last to try to cross the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, which has remained in a state of conflict since the 1953 ceasefire that ended the Korean War.
Today, trains crossed the heavily fortified border shortly after leaving on test runs along two restored tracks on the west and east sides of the peninsula.
"It is not simply a test run. It means reconnecting the severed bloodline of our people. It means that the heart of the Korean peninsula is beating again," South Korean Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said at Munsan station, 12 kilometres south of the Demilitarized Zone, before boarding the train.
North Korean Councillor Kwon Ho Ung said the two Koreas "should not be derailed from the track or hesitate" in their moves toward unification.
The tests include two five-car trains with 150 people aboard. Both trains will return later today after spending a few hours on the opposite side.
The two Koreas resumed efforts at rapprochement after North Korea agreed in February to take initial steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs.
Associated Press
South Koreans Jostle to Take an English Test
May 17, 2007
SEOUL, South Korea, May 16 — Thailand has its attractions for foreign visitors: its famed temples, seaside resorts, tom yum soup. But what drew Oh Sun-yee to Bangkok recently for a three-day stay was something considerably less recreational. Like an increasing number of South Koreans, Ms. Oh went to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or Toefl.
“It would have been easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to sit for the Toefl in Korea,” said Ms. Oh, 31, who spent two days cramming for the test in her Bangkok hotel room, took it on the third day and then caught the six-hour red-eye flight back to Seoul.
Forget the North Korean nuclear crisis. What has many South Koreans in an uproar these days is the “Toefl crisis.” The Educational Testing Service, which administers the test, reduced the number of slots for test-takers. So with demand for the test far outstripping the available slots, and with scalpers demanding exorbitant prices, desperate South Koreans have been hunting for possible test sites from Japan to Southeast Asia, and even Australia.
Travel agencies have begun offering “Toefl tours” that include test preparation courses, a guaranteed test slot and sometimes even a bit of tourism on the side. One test preparation school estimates that about 500 Koreans a month all told travel to other countries to take the test.
South Koreans make up one of the largest groups of foreign students in the United States — about 93,000 students in 2006, according to the United States immigration authorities. American colleges and graduate schools typically require foreign students to submit Toefl scores with their applications. So it is hardly surprising that the demand for opportunities to take the test is high.
But in recent years, Toefl scores have also become a necessity for many South Koreans with no intention of leaving the country. Many people, from teenagers applying to selective secondary schools to adults applying for jobs — even jobs with no obvious need for fluency in English — must submit Toefl scores. Dozens of universities require a Toefl score for graduation. Government offices and quasi-governmental agencies — city councils, jails, the Korea Racing Association — ask applicants for their scores.
“I think English ability is a basic criterion now,” said Kim Jae-yoon, the human resources director of Chongga Kimchi, a major producer of the traditional Korean dish. The company recently hired an accountant and a manager after factoring in their Toefl results.
The number of people taking the test in South Korea jumped to about 130,000 in 2006, from 50,311 in 2001, according to the Educational Testing Service, based in Princeton, N.J.
The crisis erupted last year, when the company changed testing methods. In September, partly in an effort to tighten security and discourage cheating, the testing service switched to a new Internet-based test that would be given simultaneously throughout the region, about four times a month, and then discarded. Previously, the test was given as many as 50 times a month, as local demand warranted, from a bank of questions.
But the abrupt reduction in the number of times the test would be offered meant that, from September to December 2006, they were prepared to process only about 20,000 tests in South Korea. The testing service had initially expected that it would be able to allocate 64,000 test slots for South Korea in all of 2007. This was so far below demand that, in April, a senior vice president of the testing service’s international division, Paul Ramsey, told reporters in Seoul that an additional 70,000 slots would be created for South Korea in 2007.
But it is unclear whether even that will be enough, with some private cram schools anticipating a demand of 200,000 this year. As an indication of the fierce competition for the available slots, the testing service’s Web site recorded 32 million hits in one day from South Korea when it opened online registration for the July test; available seats were gobbled up “within moments,” according to the testing service.
It is this disparity between supply and demand that sends so many South Koreans abroad.
Ms. Oh, who wants to study marketing at an American graduate school, arranged her Toefl trip to Bangkok on her own.
But travel agencies offer two- to three-day Toefl tours to other Asian locations, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. The packages typically include registration, crash courses and Korean breakfasts for those unwilling to risk indigestion on the important day.
“You don’t know when you’ll ever be able to sign up for the test in Korea, and if you go overseas, you can also enjoy some travel!” says an advertisement for an agency called English-Up.
Agencies say that these tours, which typically cost about $850 to $1,000, airfare included, are almost fully booked for the next few months.
For those who do not want to leave the country, trying to register for Toefl can be like playing the lottery. Two days after the July test was announced, the testing service said registration was open in all locations except South Korea. But later, without notice, it reopened registration for the July tests four times in South Korea as more seats became available. It also offered a one-time-only paper-based test for 8,000 people.
Some South Koreans registered by clicking away frantically at their computers for days on end. Others hired people to register for them. Kim Hye-sook, 29, said she paid a student $100 to secure a seat. “Since I am working, I can’t click on the computer all day,” said Ms. Kim, who wants to study public health in the United States and will take the paper-based test in Seoul on June 3.
The shortage of seats has attracted scalpers who register for the test and then resell the slots for far more than the $170 registration fee. Stories of would-be test-takers cheated out of their money are common.
In April, Mr. Ramsey announced several other measures to help alleviate the problems, including the opening of a testing service office and the creation of a Korean-language page on its Web site. The testing service also said it would provide at least 72 hours’ notice before the test registration, so South Koreans would not have to sit in front of their monitors day after day.
The Toefl crisis has prompted calls for South Korea to establish its own national English proficiency test. “We need a test run by this country,” said Sohn Jung-a, 39, the mother of a ninth-grade girl who registered for the June 3 test in hopes of entering a selective secondary school.
“I don’t know why my daughter has to take the Toefl,” Ms. Sohn said. “She’s probably not mature enough to understand the questions made for older students going to the United States.”
Still, if her daughter does not score well in June, Ms. Sohn said, she plans to send her to the Philippines for a second try.
SEOUL, South Korea, May 16 — Thailand has its attractions for foreign visitors: its famed temples, seaside resorts, tom yum soup. But what drew Oh Sun-yee to Bangkok recently for a three-day stay was something considerably less recreational. Like an increasing number of South Koreans, Ms. Oh went to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or Toefl.
“It would have been easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to sit for the Toefl in Korea,” said Ms. Oh, 31, who spent two days cramming for the test in her Bangkok hotel room, took it on the third day and then caught the six-hour red-eye flight back to Seoul.
Forget the North Korean nuclear crisis. What has many South Koreans in an uproar these days is the “Toefl crisis.” The Educational Testing Service, which administers the test, reduced the number of slots for test-takers. So with demand for the test far outstripping the available slots, and with scalpers demanding exorbitant prices, desperate South Koreans have been hunting for possible test sites from Japan to Southeast Asia, and even Australia.
Travel agencies have begun offering “Toefl tours” that include test preparation courses, a guaranteed test slot and sometimes even a bit of tourism on the side. One test preparation school estimates that about 500 Koreans a month all told travel to other countries to take the test.
South Koreans make up one of the largest groups of foreign students in the United States — about 93,000 students in 2006, according to the United States immigration authorities. American colleges and graduate schools typically require foreign students to submit Toefl scores with their applications. So it is hardly surprising that the demand for opportunities to take the test is high.
But in recent years, Toefl scores have also become a necessity for many South Koreans with no intention of leaving the country. Many people, from teenagers applying to selective secondary schools to adults applying for jobs — even jobs with no obvious need for fluency in English — must submit Toefl scores. Dozens of universities require a Toefl score for graduation. Government offices and quasi-governmental agencies — city councils, jails, the Korea Racing Association — ask applicants for their scores.
“I think English ability is a basic criterion now,” said Kim Jae-yoon, the human resources director of Chongga Kimchi, a major producer of the traditional Korean dish. The company recently hired an accountant and a manager after factoring in their Toefl results.
The number of people taking the test in South Korea jumped to about 130,000 in 2006, from 50,311 in 2001, according to the Educational Testing Service, based in Princeton, N.J.
The crisis erupted last year, when the company changed testing methods. In September, partly in an effort to tighten security and discourage cheating, the testing service switched to a new Internet-based test that would be given simultaneously throughout the region, about four times a month, and then discarded. Previously, the test was given as many as 50 times a month, as local demand warranted, from a bank of questions.
But the abrupt reduction in the number of times the test would be offered meant that, from September to December 2006, they were prepared to process only about 20,000 tests in South Korea. The testing service had initially expected that it would be able to allocate 64,000 test slots for South Korea in all of 2007. This was so far below demand that, in April, a senior vice president of the testing service’s international division, Paul Ramsey, told reporters in Seoul that an additional 70,000 slots would be created for South Korea in 2007.
But it is unclear whether even that will be enough, with some private cram schools anticipating a demand of 200,000 this year. As an indication of the fierce competition for the available slots, the testing service’s Web site recorded 32 million hits in one day from South Korea when it opened online registration for the July test; available seats were gobbled up “within moments,” according to the testing service.
It is this disparity between supply and demand that sends so many South Koreans abroad.
Ms. Oh, who wants to study marketing at an American graduate school, arranged her Toefl trip to Bangkok on her own.
But travel agencies offer two- to three-day Toefl tours to other Asian locations, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. The packages typically include registration, crash courses and Korean breakfasts for those unwilling to risk indigestion on the important day.
“You don’t know when you’ll ever be able to sign up for the test in Korea, and if you go overseas, you can also enjoy some travel!” says an advertisement for an agency called English-Up.
Agencies say that these tours, which typically cost about $850 to $1,000, airfare included, are almost fully booked for the next few months.
For those who do not want to leave the country, trying to register for Toefl can be like playing the lottery. Two days after the July test was announced, the testing service said registration was open in all locations except South Korea. But later, without notice, it reopened registration for the July tests four times in South Korea as more seats became available. It also offered a one-time-only paper-based test for 8,000 people.
Some South Koreans registered by clicking away frantically at their computers for days on end. Others hired people to register for them. Kim Hye-sook, 29, said she paid a student $100 to secure a seat. “Since I am working, I can’t click on the computer all day,” said Ms. Kim, who wants to study public health in the United States and will take the paper-based test in Seoul on June 3.
The shortage of seats has attracted scalpers who register for the test and then resell the slots for far more than the $170 registration fee. Stories of would-be test-takers cheated out of their money are common.
In April, Mr. Ramsey announced several other measures to help alleviate the problems, including the opening of a testing service office and the creation of a Korean-language page on its Web site. The testing service also said it would provide at least 72 hours’ notice before the test registration, so South Koreans would not have to sit in front of their monitors day after day.
The Toefl crisis has prompted calls for South Korea to establish its own national English proficiency test. “We need a test run by this country,” said Sohn Jung-a, 39, the mother of a ninth-grade girl who registered for the June 3 test in hopes of entering a selective secondary school.
“I don’t know why my daughter has to take the Toefl,” Ms. Sohn said. “She’s probably not mature enough to understand the questions made for older students going to the United States.”
Still, if her daughter does not score well in June, Ms. Sohn said, she plans to send her to the Philippines for a second try.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Perfume
Movie æ’¤erfume: The Story of a Murder・
What do you think that it is possible to fell SMELL in movies? If I tell that I felt smell in the movie.・Would you like to watch it?
This movie's theme is Perfume・ They express smell in the movie and you might smell perfect perfume smell・・
This story is based on the best-selling novel by Patrick Suskind, ・
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer・is a story of deadly obsession set in
18th-century France.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouill, orphaned as a new born in the streets of Paris, is alone in the world. He blessed with a remarkable gift. His sense of smell is so refined, so attuned to every blade of grass, blossoming flower and water. Ironically, he was born with no scent of his own. But, he fearless when it comes to the pursuit of a perfect perfume. When he discovers the most intoxicating scent hi has ever experienced ・the natural fragrance of a beautiful young girl ・he learns that the only method to preserve her innocence abd fresh beauty will require murder.
This movie"shighlight are that this movie expresses smell in pictures and 750 naked men and women act in last scene. I expected that how the movie shows smell, what is perfect smell and why 750 people have had to be naked.
You might have same questions, don't you? You could get all answers after you finish watching this movie.
Chisato Fukuyama
What do you think that it is possible to fell SMELL in movies? If I tell that I felt smell in the movie.・Would you like to watch it?
This movie's theme is Perfume・ They express smell in the movie and you might smell perfect perfume smell・・
This story is based on the best-selling novel by Patrick Suskind, ・
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer・is a story of deadly obsession set in
18th-century France.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouill, orphaned as a new born in the streets of Paris, is alone in the world. He blessed with a remarkable gift. His sense of smell is so refined, so attuned to every blade of grass, blossoming flower and water. Ironically, he was born with no scent of his own. But, he fearless when it comes to the pursuit of a perfect perfume. When he discovers the most intoxicating scent hi has ever experienced ・the natural fragrance of a beautiful young girl ・he learns that the only method to preserve her innocence abd fresh beauty will require murder.
This movie"shighlight are that this movie expresses smell in pictures and 750 naked men and women act in last scene. I expected that how the movie shows smell, what is perfect smell and why 750 people have had to be naked.
You might have same questions, don't you? You could get all answers after you finish watching this movie.
Chisato Fukuyama
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Muruel's Wedding.
Have you ever tought about marriage?
I'd like to introduce my best movie. Actually this movie is not just about marriage.
Love, friendship, family, something like that was shown.
The movie title is "Muriel's Wedding".
It was released in 1995. I saw this movie 4 years later in 1999. I have seen it by accident on T.V. Actually, I like to see a movie which is the comedy, drama, romance of the movies. So, When I saw it at first, I wasn't interested in. At the time, just I wanted to kill my time.
Fortunately, it was chanced of me to be aware new world!!
what I mean is, after I saw the movie, I loved ABBA's music pretty much because ABBA's music is usually used in movies for original sound track.
I think movie might have succeeded with ABBA's music which means If the music wasn't used in the movie that couldn't completion.
The movie was directed by P.J Hogan. He was born in Australia. He's other movie is "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Peter Pan" etc.
This story is a heroine Muriel's life.Muriel is a heroine who is talked about her life in the movie. An acteress is Toni Collette who is from Australia.
Muriel lives in a small town which is called Popoise Spit in Australia. She is a fat woman and not receives much recognition from freinds, family. But Muriel has a throb in her's heart. Since in friend's wedding Muriel got the flower of a bride. And then, friends go to Habisto Island for trip. But Muriel was being excluded from friends. So she steal father's money and go in the wake of them. Unfortunately, Muriel is alienated from her's freinds. Meanwhile, she meet a woman who graduated from the same high school.
Her name is Rhonda. After their meeting, they have a lot of new experience. And Muriel goes back home instead of following her. Muriel wants to have a new life. So, she changes her name into Mariel. She works in a video shop.
Oneday, Mariel hears that Rhonda should cut her legs because she'd got a cancer.
Thus, she leaves Rhonda because Muriel was a burden to nursed Rhonda.
Marlel finds a man, who wants to taking part in the Olympic for swim, and he needs Australia citizenship because he's from southAfica and they decide to do a bogus marriage. He is so handsome and sweet and also he is a sports man She is getting famous and then, her friends and her family envy her and her marriage.
One day, all of sudden, her mother killed herself and her father becomes bankrupt. After that, she realizes mean of the life.
Finally, she finishes her bogus mariage and looks for Rhonda whom she left. At long last, they meet and then, they leave for Popoise Spit where they were grown up.
First of I saw this movie, I couldn't think about this movie's mean. Just I think Muriel is stupid woman about marriage. I had a lot of chance to see this movie and I got the impression. Especialy It might be completation movie whit ABBA's music.
I can't forget the ending scene which is Muriel and Rhonda leave for popoise by taxi.
Patch Adams - Laughter is contagious.
This movie is based on a true story, that say about the life of one man: Hunter Patch Adams.
Hunter is a pesrson whot doesn`t know what to do in life, but he isn`t more a young guy, he is old. Because of this his life doesn`t have sense. After a suicide attempt he decided seeks psychiatric help and is institutionalized, because he thing he is crazy.
Living there he see a lot of strange things and one day in meeting he start to make jokes with the others patients, and he realized that with smiles they feel better. When the meet finish, he goes to his room and helps his friend, a crazy guy that has fear to go to the bathroom, because he see imaginary squirrels. Like two boys they start to play, with a lot of imagination Adams suppose is in war versus the squirrels. After kill all them, his friend went to the washroom. In this moment, Hunter discovered that he was born to help people.
Two years late, he goes to a medicine University "Virginia Medical Universityand" in his first daym his roommate says to that he is very old to start medicine school. But he doesn`t worry about this. He start to the school, but he never study, every time he was having funny with others, however this doesn`t affect his scores, Adams was one of the best in the school.
Hunter always complaint the school rules, because he wants to help the patients, and he can`t because only the third years students can go to the hospital.
But Hunter never follow the rules, and he start to goes hidden to the hospital.
One day he enter in a room with a lot of children, he wore a clown clothes and start to play the fool, he really believes in laughter as medicine. The children love it.
Because of this type of behavior he is dismissed from the school althougth he is later reinstated.
With two friends, Corinne and Truman, Hunter makes a clinic to help patients without medical insurance. Corinne is fascinated by Patch`s talent and their friendship turns into deep love. But one day Corinne try to help a psychologically disturbed patient, Larry. But Larry kill her and himself.
Patch is devastated by Corinne`s death, and reconsiders his outlook and question the goodnes of humanity. But after see a butterfly he understand the way of life and returned to the university.
Dimissed from the school for a second time because he ran a clinic and praticed medicine without a license he must attend a hearing where it is decided whether he can graduate.
Patch is able to convince the jury in a final speech that he did his best to help the patients. On this time, a lot of children enter in the jury wearing clown noses, this make the jury think about somethings.
In the end Patch recieved his graduation.
Patch Adams was the first doctor to develop the laughter medicine.
Billy Elliot
Films sometimes open our vision to what is possible for our lives.I will introduce "Billy Elliot"which was made in Scotland in 2000. Billy Elliot is the hero's name. He is 11 years old, and the scene of this movie is set in 1984. In those days almost labors who lived in countryside thought ballet a woman’s field. They tended to hate “sissys”.
Billy’s father and his older brother also had the same opinion and they wanted Billy to become a strong man, so Billy learned boxing.
However one day Billy participated in Ballet class. At first Billy thought it is really strange for a man to play ballet, but he was absorbed in it. He began to feel that dancing was fun. He continued to go to ballet class without saying about it to his family.
He decided to take the examination to enter the Royal Ballet School in London. Unfortunatelly, at that time, labor started to strike. It lasted for a long time. Billy's family became poor, but his father continued to pay fee without knowing that this fee was canged for the fee of ballet.
On Christmas Day, by accident Billy's father noticed the fact. Of course he got angry but at the same time he also noticed Billy's great ability and passion for ballet. Then Billy's family began to help Billy. He passed the examination and finally he became the ballet dancer.
In the last scene, Adam Cooper, who is a famouse ballet dancer in the world, played as a 25 years old Billy Elliot. Everytime I see it, I cry and think that a person who trys or does something with passion is cool and attractive.
There are many famouse T-Rex's songs. He is a God of Rock. Have you ever listened to his songs? They are very enagetic. T-Rex song and Billy Elliot are simillar.
Illusionist
Illusionist
My favorite movie is “The Illusionist” which is amazing, fascinating and superb. The hero, who is really romantic and passionate devotee, loves only one girl in life. He is a magician.
The hero met a magician while he was going to his house after he had helped his father. He was interested in magic. One day, a girl met him and she was interested in his magic. They met secretly every day. Although the parents forbade them to see each other they couldn't be split apart. He tried to do a illusion for her but he failed it. He was caught by her guards. They wasn't able to meet any longer. He decided to leave his hometown.
He became a superb and famous magician and traveled the world. Accidentally she went to see his performance and she volunteered for a trick on the stage. He knew who is she with a first sight but she didn't know who is he. She was engaged two another man, who was a prince. But they fell in love again with the hero. They planed to runaway together from him.
She was killed by someone. The hero thought that the prince might have killed her. He wanted to prove who killed her. He succeeded in making magic which invoked a ghost and made disappear himself, finally he invoked her. The prince was arrested by a murder but he shot himself to death.
Not the end, everything was intentional a trick by the hero and the heroine. Nobody knew it.
If you see the movie, you won’t expect the result.
My favorite movie is “The Illusionist” which is amazing, fascinating and superb. The hero, who is really romantic and passionate devotee, loves only one girl in life. He is a magician.The hero met a magician while he was going to his house after he had helped his father. He was interested in magic. One day, a girl met him and she was interested in his magic. They met secretly every day. Although the parents forbade them to see each other they couldn't be split apart. He tried to do a illusion for her but he failed it. He was caught by her guards. They wasn't able to meet any longer. He decided to leave his hometown.
He became a superb and famous magician and traveled the world. Accidentally she went to see his performance and she volunteered for a trick on the stage. He knew who is she with a first sight but she didn't know who is he. She was engaged two another man, who was a prince. But they fell in love again with the hero. They planed to runaway together from him.
She was killed by someone. The hero thought that the prince might have killed her. He wanted to prove who killed her. He succeeded in making magic which invoked a ghost and made disappear himself, finally he invoked her. The prince was arrested by a murder but he shot himself to death.
Not the end, everything was intentional a trick by the hero and the heroine. Nobody knew it.
If you see the movie, you won’t expect the result.
My Neighbor Totoro
As I was growing up, I seemed to lose my childhood. What do you think about animation? Do you think that only children watch animation? I don’t think so.I watched ‘My neighbor Totoro’ when I was a high school student. This movie was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. He is very famous not only Japan but also all over the world. After this movie was made by Studio Ghibli, it won a lot of prizes. He wanted people to ruminate about warm emotion which disappearing in modern society.
This movie’s background is a beautiful countryside. There are two girls. One girl is Satsuki who is 11 years old. She is a tender and a well-behaved. Another girl is Mei who is 4 years old. She is a curious and a mischievous girl. One day, Mei met small and strange animals by chance. Then, she met a big Totoro who was an acorn tree’s fairy. After then, Satsuki, Mei and Totoro became a friend.
There were so cute and colorful characters. This movie made me fall back into a childish innocence. While I was watching the movie, I was able relive my childhood. The most impressive scene in this movie was when they met Totoro one night. The girls look out to see the three Totoros doing a dance around the garden patch. As they did this, the seedlings start to sprout. The girls ran out to join them, and all five start to dance as the acorn forest starts to grow at an amazing rate into a massive tree. It made my imagination run away. After I watched this movie, I felt something warm in my heart. Sometimes I wanted to go back to when I was a child and not forget my pure heart.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Vanilla Sky
I'm going to tell you about my favorite movie. Since I like watching movies, I usually watchs movie in my free time. Though my favorite genre is thriller and mystery, my favorite movie is 'Vanilla Sky'. This movie is a kind of mystery, but it is almost drama. A diretor is Cameron Crowe and the stars in this movie are Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz. After this movie was made, Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz became a couple. Nowday they are not together anymore.
Why do I like this movie? Does anyone know the movie "Open Your Eyes"? It is a movie which was modeled to "Vanilla Sky". "Vanilla Sky" was remade from "Open Your Eyes". This sentence "open your eyes" involves main topic and it is a last scene. This sentence means 'Don't dream and wake up'. In Vanilla Sky, Tom cruise became ugly because of accident. After this accident, he lost confidence and he was always in pain. Finally, he decided to sleep forever with dream that he want and he did. But he changed his mind in dream and he woke up.
I think we have to do own business by ourself. Nobody do something instead of me. And escaping from my problem makes me be weaker and it lets me lose myself. Since this movie shows this point very well, I like it very much.
If you have a few time and you like movie, I recommend this movie.
Dream Girls
Did you see Dream Girls? I am downloading a movie to improve listening through a Korea site. After I came here, I saw a few movies. Among movies that I saw, this movie was remained in my memory. So I am going to talk about the Dream Girls.The players of this movie are Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy. I didn’t know any of the players in this movie except Beyonce Knowles. Because of this reason, I didn't have any expectation about this movie before I saw this movie. But when this movie finished, I applauded loudly to this movie.
As I explain this movie, the story is about three women who have a dream and a talent and one man who has an ambition. Women’s dream is to be a singer, but it is hard. They had a rough time of it. Women’s all events were related with him, because he had an ambition as I already mentioned. Because of him, sometimes they could success or fail. Through this course, they could be more mature and realize their true dream.
While I was watching this movie, I was affected at the sight of that. At first, I was surprised at the many songs. I felt that this movie is like a musical. In this movie, there were many good musics and players were also good at singing, so I was deeply moved.
And after I watched this movie, this makes me think about my dream again. Actually I always think about my dream, but I don’t know whether I am doing very well or not. Compared with them, I thought that I don’t have enough passion. Through this movie, I could have a chance to remind about my dream.
I was caught up in all songs in this movie, therefore I am listening to these songs everyday. When I become emotional about this one, I will listen to these songs that make me can think about this movie because this movie makes me can think my dream. I can’t forget this one that has everything that is a good harmony between player and player and perfect songs and so on. I applauded loudly about their passion, happiness, dream and future and I was in delight.
The Typical Romantic Movie "Notting Hill" ,but Memorable and Touching
Everyboby can easily imagine meeting a gorgeous actress or a very handsome actor and kissing, and falling in love with, moreover I have an intimate relationship with her or him and get married after much meandering. It would be temporary, however we could be in raptures while imagining.
I am going to introduce a movie dealing with desire which everyone has ever had. I had watched a movie titled "NOTTING HILL" ,which was produced in 1999, a year ago. It is a typical European romantic movie and the film consists things convinced and understood easily. I liked this kind of movie very much, it could not have been better to me.
Let me tell you the summarized story. Hugh Grant ,who is extremely common person, runs a bookstore in NottingHill of Britain. One day, he had a visitor who is the highest movie star "Julia Roberts". After five minutes, he spilt juice on her clothes. The moment she came out after changing her clothes, she tried to kiss him. Afterward they start dating under the pretext of interview. After a little time are passed, he expects that his feelings would be hurt because she is a big star even though he loves her so much. He refuses her proposal, but he realizes that he will regret not keeping her for his whole life, even though he is an irresolute man. Eventually he confesses his ethernal love to her. This movie comes to have a happy ending.
This movie reminds me of such a desire again and the absurd imagine made me smile while I was looking back then. There are times when I feel like accepting the story like a fiction as if it is true. As I believe, I would like to feel soft and comfortable. If you want such a feeling , select this movie without hesitation. I bet.
Box Office Flop
A box office flop or box office bomb is a film that fails to even meet or exceed the cost of the film’s budget when it is released to the public for viewing. A few films considered a box office flop end up earning enough in DVD rentals and sales to eventually turn a profit, however, many others simply are losses to the producers and companies that distribute the films. Sometimes, expectations for a movie and very high budgets far exceed critical reviews and attendance and the movie becomes an instant box office flop.Many factors may result in a box office flop — it may be poorly directed, have a bad script or bad acting. The movie may feature good actors, but the star power alone does not result in expected box office returns. A few classic box office flops have featured extremely well known and popular actors. Although it doesn't necessarily bode well for future salary negotiations, a box office flop doesn’t always taint an actor’s career.
There are two very well known box office flops that all lovers of films
should recognize. These are Ishtar and Heaven’s Gate. Ishtar starred two very well respected actors, Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman, and the film’s budget was 40 million US dollars (USD). When the film was released it was an immediate box office flop, panned by critics, and only made about 30% back of the total costs to make the movie. It thus represented a 70% loss to investors in the film. Beatty and Hoffman have both participated in many far more popular films since, and though they may have had to suffer the embarrassment of starring in a film considered by most to be horrible, they still have been offered plum roles in other films.
Another box office flop that bears mention is the 1980 film Heaven’s Gate, which had 44 million USD budget. The film boasted an impressive cast: Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt, Jeff Bridges, Joseph Cottton, and Willem Dafoe. Director, Michael Cimino was sure to produce a hit after his gripping and powerful 1978 film The Deer Hunter Expectations for the film’s success were extremely high. Yet when it was released, the film only made 1.5 million USD, representing over a 90% loss to its investors.
In recent years, the box office flop often falls into the category of a high budget, epic film, like Waterworld or Alexander that completely fails to capture the interest of critics or audiences. Summer “blockbuster” films are known for their penchant to flop. Action films and epics also mean high budgets, meaning greater likelihood for a film to fail to turn a profit.Sometimes a box office flop is not a bad movie. The now classic Marx Brother’s Duck Soup was a flop. High budgets do not guarantee a good film, and low budgets don’t ensure a bad one. The opposite of the box office flop is a sleeper, a movie made on a tiny budget that earns huge box office returns. The Blair Witch Project made on a budget of 30,000 USD, was a sleeper, and grossed over 200 million USD worldwide. This represents over a 300,000% return on its initial investment.
Just My Luck
I want to introduce a movie which stars Linsay Lohan. She is a marvelous actress and also model. She made her debut in magazines, 'Vanity Fair' and 'It's Totally Raining Teens', and nowdays she has become one of the most famous heroine in Hollywood. She also starred in 'Mean Girls'in 2004 which is a story about teenager student.
Actually, you can guess a story through the title above, It has a close connection with "Luck". You can guess, can't you? Now, I'm gonna give you a synopsis.
Ashiley Olbright who stars Linsay Lohan is a completely lucky girl. First scene of the movie give us a example. It is a heavy rainy day, and she didn't bring an umbrella when she got out a building she lives, so doorman says to her, "You should've brought an umbrella.", but she says, "do you think so?" with a contented feeling. Right after she tells like this, It changes to sunny
such as a lie. After somedays later, she is in a critical situation.Suddenly, her luck is gone! It goes to a man who she kissed in a party she prepared, name is Jake who stars Chris Fine. After, she knows that who stole her luck, and she tries to find him. While she is trying to get back her luck, she is fall in love with Jake. Finally, the movie tell us luck is not important in life, and we could develop our future.
Sound in movies
Have you ever seen "Spider man series"? Have you seen Spider man3 already?I really love Spider man series. Spider man is a hero in N.Y. and was fictional comic created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.First printed was in 1960s.
Peter was the ordinary boy. When he was bitten by a radioactive spider during a science demonstration, he changed. You have known that story yet, haven't you? Do you remember that I used to be in a band and play the drum set?
I love music. So I will give you a presentation in terms of sound in movies.
Sound effects or audio effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds, or sound processes used to emphasize artistic or other content of movies, video games, music, or other media.you know that sound trucks and sound effects make the movie more enjoyable,more funny,more exciting and more scary.
Hard sound effects are common sounds that appear on screen, such as door slams, weapons firing, and cars driving by.
Do you remember sound of Jose?
Only two tones that make us scary. Do you remember sonud of Indian Jones?You felt cheerful,didn't you?
Design sound effects are sounds that do not normally occur in nature, or are impossible to record in nature. These sounds are used to suggest futuristic technology, or are used in a musical fashion to create an emotional mood.
the proccess can be separated into two steps: the recording of the effects, and the processing. Large libraries of commercial sound effects are available to content producers , but on large projects sound effects may be custom-recorded for the purpose.
If the soundtrack is processed through a foley, it can make the smallest sound look perfect on screen and the audience can never guess how much work went into the making of that specific sound.
The most realistic sound effects originate from original sources; the closest sound to machine-gun fire that we can replay is an original recording of actual machine guns. Less realistic sound effects are digitally synthesized or sampled and sequenced (the same recording played repeatedly using a sequencer). When the producer or content creator demands high-fidelity sound effects, the sound editor usually must augment his available library with new sound effects recorded in the field.
When the required sound effect is of a small subject, such as scissors cutting, cloth ripping, or footsteps, the sound effect is best recorded in a studio, under controlled conditions. Such small sounds are often delegated to a foley artist and foley editor. Many sound effects cannot be recorded in a studio, such as explosions, gunfire, and automobile or aircraft maneuvers. These effects must be recorded by a sound effects editor or a professional sound effects recordist.
The most realistic sound effects originate from original sources; the closest sound to machine-gun fire that we can replay is an original recording of actual machine guns. Less realistic sound effects are digitally synthesized or sampled and sequenced (the same recording played repeatedly using a sequencer). When the producer or content creator demands high-fidelity sound effects, the sound editor usually must augment his available library with new sound effects recorded in the field.
When the required sound effect is of a small subject, such as scissors cutting, cloth ripping, or footsteps, the sound effect is best recorded in a studio, under controlled conditions. Such small sounds are often delegated to a foley artist and foley editor. Many sound effects cannot be recorded in a studio, such as explosions, gunfire, and automobile or aircraft maneuvers. These effects must be recorded by a sound effects editor or a professional sound effects recordist.
When such "big" sounds are required, the recordist will begin contacting professionals or technicians in the same way a producer may arrange a crew; if the recordist needs an explosion, he may contact a demolition company to see if any buildings are scheduled to be destroyed with explosives in the near future. If the recordist requires a volley of cannon fire, he may contact historical re-enactors or gun enthusiasts. People are often excited to participate in something that will be used in a motion picture, and love to help.
Sound effect is interesting, isn't it?
If you are interested in my presentation, listen to sound more deeply.
Thank you.
Dear. Adelfa
Hi, Adelfa. How are you doing? This is selina who has been your home for 3 months.
You are supposed to have a lot of clients at your home, right?
It's almost 4 months ago that I left your home, Time flies, right? I'm fine.
I remember the first day we met. At the moment, I was quite happy even though I was so tired. because your family and you gave me warm welcome! I really thanked you. For 3 months that I'd stayed your home. you've treated me like a family member is one thing that I really thank you, because I was a stranger here which means I was afraid of everything that I would meet. I wanted to be like your daughter. What I mean is, at that time, you've made me to be comfortable and encouraged me with friendly advice. So, you me feel Canada was really nice country to live and stay. Besides, when I got a cold, I was nursed back to health by you. I think you must be kind even though I was so rude from time to time. I can't praise your kindness too much.
These days I've felt homesick that towards your home. If I come back home, I'll never forget your family, your home and you. you know what? because of Mother's day. I felt you were my mother in Toronto. I wish you'll have good time with your family. Always take care.
-From selina-
You are supposed to have a lot of clients at your home, right?
It's almost 4 months ago that I left your home, Time flies, right? I'm fine.
I remember the first day we met. At the moment, I was quite happy even though I was so tired. because your family and you gave me warm welcome! I really thanked you. For 3 months that I'd stayed your home. you've treated me like a family member is one thing that I really thank you, because I was a stranger here which means I was afraid of everything that I would meet. I wanted to be like your daughter. What I mean is, at that time, you've made me to be comfortable and encouraged me with friendly advice. So, you me feel Canada was really nice country to live and stay. Besides, when I got a cold, I was nursed back to health by you. I think you must be kind even though I was so rude from time to time. I can't praise your kindness too much.
These days I've felt homesick that towards your home. If I come back home, I'll never forget your family, your home and you. you know what? because of Mother's day. I felt you were my mother in Toronto. I wish you'll have good time with your family. Always take care.
-From selina-
Dear. Mother
Dear Mother,
Mother, This is Rachel. How are you? I am really fine. I hope that you are fine. Although sometimes we call on the cell phone and send E-mail in Korean to each other, writing in English is a first time, isn’t it? Maybe you can’t understand some sentences, but please read carefully.
Because of the Mother’s Day, I am writing this one. So I am very happy, because I can express my feeling to you. Actually it is hard and ackword for me to express to thank. But, today I will be brave and say what I'm feeling.
After I came here, I was deeply touched by many things. Above all, I thank you for everything. Because of the help of you and father, I was able to study here and experience a lot of things. I think that those will give me help in the future. Of course until now, the time passed two months since I came here and I felt something wanting. I should have done my better. So from now when I am doing something, I know that I will have to try to do my better.
And even though I already know your importance, I am realizing more and more here. You always helped me everything in Korea, but I have to solve everything here by myself. Especially when I make a living, I really miss your outstretched hand. As you know, I can’t do anything very well, but nowadays I can do things better than the first time. Also I am realizing the importance of my family. You know that I am alone, although there are many friends in here. But, there is not a person like my family. I have depended on my family until now and I will depend on, because a family is a big energy for me.
I know that you are worried about me every day, every time, so I always havecaution whatever I do. Therefore don’t worry about me. As you know, I am very strong. And I am spending good times with good people and I am experiencing many good things, so I am so happy. I don’t want you to worry about me, so I will not be sick and I will eat very well and I will be always happy.
Of course I miss you and my family, but I can wait to meet you. I have a passion and a dream. I try to be good daughter for you and father, because you and father gave me a lot of opportunity to do something. After I study hard in here, I will prove it to you my good appearance. Until I go back Korea. I don’t want to hear any bad news about my family. Therefore mother, please be healthy, father and sister also. And please give me best regards to father and sister. Now I must stop here for today. Thanks you for everything, mother. I love you.
2007. 5. 8 From. Rachel
Mother, This is Rachel. How are you? I am really fine. I hope that you are fine. Although sometimes we call on the cell phone and send E-mail in Korean to each other, writing in English is a first time, isn’t it? Maybe you can’t understand some sentences, but please read carefully.
Because of the Mother’s Day, I am writing this one. So I am very happy, because I can express my feeling to you. Actually it is hard and ackword for me to express to thank. But, today I will be brave and say what I'm feeling.
After I came here, I was deeply touched by many things. Above all, I thank you for everything. Because of the help of you and father, I was able to study here and experience a lot of things. I think that those will give me help in the future. Of course until now, the time passed two months since I came here and I felt something wanting. I should have done my better. So from now when I am doing something, I know that I will have to try to do my better.
And even though I already know your importance, I am realizing more and more here. You always helped me everything in Korea, but I have to solve everything here by myself. Especially when I make a living, I really miss your outstretched hand. As you know, I can’t do anything very well, but nowadays I can do things better than the first time. Also I am realizing the importance of my family. You know that I am alone, although there are many friends in here. But, there is not a person like my family. I have depended on my family until now and I will depend on, because a family is a big energy for me.
I know that you are worried about me every day, every time, so I always havecaution whatever I do. Therefore don’t worry about me. As you know, I am very strong. And I am spending good times with good people and I am experiencing many good things, so I am so happy. I don’t want you to worry about me, so I will not be sick and I will eat very well and I will be always happy.
Of course I miss you and my family, but I can wait to meet you. I have a passion and a dream. I try to be good daughter for you and father, because you and father gave me a lot of opportunity to do something. After I study hard in here, I will prove it to you my good appearance. Until I go back Korea. I don’t want to hear any bad news about my family. Therefore mother, please be healthy, father and sister also. And please give me best regards to father and sister. Now I must stop here for today. Thanks you for everything, mother. I love you.
2007. 5. 8 From. Rachel
To Hilary
Dear, Hilary
Hi, Hilary.This is Garang. Long time no see. Sorry for late letter. I already had an idea, but too late. How are you? Nowadays, I’m really, really fine, because I am always eating Korean foods and making foods by myself. I had already told you I like cooking.
Sometimes I missed when I lived in your home. You were a first person who I met in Toronto. Before I met you, I saw your picture and information. At that time, I was satisfied with my home stay because you looked like attentive and tender. I can’t forget yoga event especially that I enjoyed with you and Iain. I can’t forget all time which I lived with you. It is valuable time to me.
When I came to Toronto, I couldn’t speak and hear English very well. I wanted to talk with you all time, but I couldn’t. So, always I was in my room. As you know, I’m a little timid. Even though I lived in your home for 2 months, I didn’t say a lot of time with you. I should have been more actively. If I was more activity and outgoing, we could have been more closed. Frankly speaking, I didn’t understand what you say. Even though I didn’t understand, I couldn’t ask again because I was too shy to speak.
Until now, I feel thank you. I experienced Canada’s life and food because of you. Your cook was very good. It was really nice and delicious. You made some foods for me which I never eaten in Korea. Some foods weren’t to my taste, but most foods tasted just right to me. Before I came here, I had known that I had to eat meat unwillingly. But, after I told you my preference, you always prepared extra food for me. So, this is the best thing I thank you. In addition, you always asked how I feel and the my daily routine. When I did my homework, You gave me some help. I offer you my heartfelt thanks for your favor.
I want to visit to your home on summer, and then, enjoy with you in your swimming pool. Keep in touch with me. Always be happy. I have no word to express my gratitude.
2007. 5. 7 From. Garang Shin
Hi, Hilary.This is Garang. Long time no see. Sorry for late letter. I already had an idea, but too late. How are you? Nowadays, I’m really, really fine, because I am always eating Korean foods and making foods by myself. I had already told you I like cooking.
Sometimes I missed when I lived in your home. You were a first person who I met in Toronto. Before I met you, I saw your picture and information. At that time, I was satisfied with my home stay because you looked like attentive and tender. I can’t forget yoga event especially that I enjoyed with you and Iain. I can’t forget all time which I lived with you. It is valuable time to me.
When I came to Toronto, I couldn’t speak and hear English very well. I wanted to talk with you all time, but I couldn’t. So, always I was in my room. As you know, I’m a little timid. Even though I lived in your home for 2 months, I didn’t say a lot of time with you. I should have been more actively. If I was more activity and outgoing, we could have been more closed. Frankly speaking, I didn’t understand what you say. Even though I didn’t understand, I couldn’t ask again because I was too shy to speak.
Until now, I feel thank you. I experienced Canada’s life and food because of you. Your cook was very good. It was really nice and delicious. You made some foods for me which I never eaten in Korea. Some foods weren’t to my taste, but most foods tasted just right to me. Before I came here, I had known that I had to eat meat unwillingly. But, after I told you my preference, you always prepared extra food for me. So, this is the best thing I thank you. In addition, you always asked how I feel and the my daily routine. When I did my homework, You gave me some help. I offer you my heartfelt thanks for your favor.
I want to visit to your home on summer, and then, enjoy with you in your swimming pool. Keep in touch with me. Always be happy. I have no word to express my gratitude.
2007. 5. 7 From. Garang Shin
To my Mom
Hi mom.
This is Jae Wang. How are you? I'm living in Toronto very well.
A few days later it will be mother's day in Totonto, I have a chance to say "Thank you". In fact I'm sorry that I just remind your help on this day, like mother's day. Though I just express thanks to you on one day, I always thank you.
In past over five years I usually lived alone, I seemed not to tell you "Thank you". When I lived alone, you was concerned about me and you gave me a lot of advice. I received your advices in Toronto too. As I received this advice, I could fell that you loved me and helped me. It is a good for me and I like it.
Nodwday, since I can't see you directly, I'm going to tell you directly "Thank you and I love you" after I come back to Korea. Please take care of yourself. Bye.
This is Jae Wang. How are you? I'm living in Toronto very well.
A few days later it will be mother's day in Totonto, I have a chance to say "Thank you". In fact I'm sorry that I just remind your help on this day, like mother's day. Though I just express thanks to you on one day, I always thank you.
In past over five years I usually lived alone, I seemed not to tell you "Thank you". When I lived alone, you was concerned about me and you gave me a lot of advice. I received your advices in Toronto too. As I received this advice, I could fell that you loved me and helped me. It is a good for me and I like it.
Nodwday, since I can't see you directly, I'm going to tell you directly "Thank you and I love you" after I come back to Korea. Please take care of yourself. Bye.
Dear Mother
Dear mother.
It’s been a long time since I have saw you last. How are you? You must be surprised at my unexpected letter, must not be you? Maybe you don’t know. I know that you are busy every day. Today is Mother’s Day.
Since coming here, I noticed that you are a steady mother and in Japan I always sould depend on you. I also noticed that my mother is a cool mother. You can do everything as cool as a cucumber, and especially your inspiration is great.
Actually, I don’t have many memories that you spoke highly of me. You have never praise me. Now, I am trying to do my best to get your admiration.
However I don’t know how to do that. It’s very difficult, because I didn’t come here to do just that. Your ideal daughter and I are very different.
I believe that you will admire if I will really really do my best at something, so I hold on in Toronto where it is 12466km off from Japan.
Incidentally, I have many friends who I am going to maintain friendships until I dead.
It is one thing that I can count it.
Sometimes I feel crying, but I’m fine.
See you next e-mail
Bye
From Namiko
It’s been a long time since I have saw you last. How are you? You must be surprised at my unexpected letter, must not be you? Maybe you don’t know. I know that you are busy every day. Today is Mother’s Day.
Since coming here, I noticed that you are a steady mother and in Japan I always sould depend on you. I also noticed that my mother is a cool mother. You can do everything as cool as a cucumber, and especially your inspiration is great.
Actually, I don’t have many memories that you spoke highly of me. You have never praise me. Now, I am trying to do my best to get your admiration.
However I don’t know how to do that. It’s very difficult, because I didn’t come here to do just that. Your ideal daughter and I are very different.
I believe that you will admire if I will really really do my best at something, so I hold on in Toronto where it is 12466km off from Japan.
Incidentally, I have many friends who I am going to maintain friendships until I dead.
It is one thing that I can count it.
Sometimes I feel crying, but I’m fine.
See you next e-mail
Bye
From Namiko
MOTHER
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Dear Mother.
Mom, I’m your cute son. How is it going? It is already four months since I have been arrived in Toronto. Sometimes we met an image chatting but the network was bad, so that we can’t talk continually. Today is Parents Day. I called you and I expressed my gratitude to you. But you worried about food, study, house and everything for me and brother. Don’t worry. I’m satisfying about my life in Toronto and I live with brother.
On the contrary, I’m worrying about you because you live alone in the house. Father comes back home on the weekends. I always give you a carnation for Parents Day but I can’t do this year. Dong-gun said to give a carnation to you instead of me. “Did you receive a carnation?”
I’m really thankful to you for my life. When I was child, I was weak and didn’t eat well. You forced me to eat the food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I caught a cold, you didn't slept all night. At that time, I wasn’t aware of your feeling. I thought only my feeling but you were not. You prayed to recover my health.
Right now I’m 24 years old. You think that I’m not adult yet. Even I got merried because it’s Korea culture. You always want to take care of me. Thank you but I’m not a kid. You don’t need to worry about me.
Lovely mother, I really miss you when I saw someone, who were mother and son. But I am OK! I will study hard. If I go back Korea, I might be native. You can expect to me.
I love you so much. You are the most important in my life. You have to keep your health.
Remember to love you and father. Good bye mom.
By The last son.
On the contrary, I’m worrying about you because you live alone in the house. Father comes back home on the weekends. I always give you a carnation for Parents Day but I can’t do this year. Dong-gun said to give a carnation to you instead of me. “Did you receive a carnation?”
I’m really thankful to you for my life. When I was child, I was weak and didn’t eat well. You forced me to eat the food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I caught a cold, you didn't slept all night. At that time, I wasn’t aware of your feeling. I thought only my feeling but you were not. You prayed to recover my health.
Right now I’m 24 years old. You think that I’m not adult yet. Even I got merried because it’s Korea culture. You always want to take care of me. Thank you but I’m not a kid. You don’t need to worry about me.
Lovely mother, I really miss you when I saw someone, who were mother and son. But I am OK! I will study hard. If I go back Korea, I might be native. You can expect to me.
I love you so much. You are the most important in my life. You have to keep your health.
Remember to love you and father. Good bye mom.
By The last son.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Mom, you are my guardian Angel.
Dear Mom
I’m your little son. I arrived in Toronto 4 weeks ago and have stayed in a Canadian home, where has lived one woman and dog, and everything is good except food.
How about you? It is hard to say “Thank you” because I haven't know how I express my feeling since I was born. But, I always appreciate to you what you gave to me. In my childhood, as I am very weaker than other children, you always worry about me.
I remember I like a little of mischief so I hurt my body when I had a motorcycle accident.
It was my fault and I thought that why I didn’t listen to your advice and you are like a wise woman for all my life. I regret my decision and dull of thinking, and I apologize to you for my mistake.
Sometimes, I wanted to turn back the time to my childhood, if so I have confidence which rectify my defect of nature.
However, time is so fast. It was just my hope.
Now, I am an adult, but I still a youngster in your heart, and came in Toronto for study English.
Even though, I stay here and don’t go back to Korea but I promise it that is endeavor to recompense for your favor.
I belive that you are my guardian angel for any length of time.
Mommy, I love you forever and miss you.
And, take care of your health.
From Eui Hyun, Kim
I’m your little son. I arrived in Toronto 4 weeks ago and have stayed in a Canadian home, where has lived one woman and dog, and everything is good except food.
How about you? It is hard to say “Thank you” because I haven't know how I express my feeling since I was born. But, I always appreciate to you what you gave to me. In my childhood, as I am very weaker than other children, you always worry about me.
I remember I like a little of mischief so I hurt my body when I had a motorcycle accident.
It was my fault and I thought that why I didn’t listen to your advice and you are like a wise woman for all my life. I regret my decision and dull of thinking, and I apologize to you for my mistake.
Sometimes, I wanted to turn back the time to my childhood, if so I have confidence which rectify my defect of nature.
However, time is so fast. It was just my hope.
Now, I am an adult, but I still a youngster in your heart, and came in Toronto for study English.
Even though, I stay here and don’t go back to Korea but I promise it that is endeavor to recompense for your favor.
I belive that you are my guardian angel for any length of time.
Mommy, I love you forever and miss you.
And, take care of your health.
From Eui Hyun, Kim
Dear My Lovely Mom
How is it going with your health? I believe everything is going well. I would like to go on a family picnic judging from the look at the sky. I write this letter in honor of Mother's Day. Looking back, I have not written a letter to you since I was in military. I am so sorry that I did not express my feelings frequently even though I have lived with a thankful heart.
Suddenly I am reminded of a letter which I received in military from you. A passage was that "I sometimes go to your empty room and stay there for a couple of hours. After doing, I can be touched to the heart as if we are together." The moment I read, I was completely moved to tears. It was a never to be forgotten day.
I am not sure that I have grown up to be a man as well as you expected. But it is an obvious fact that you have taught me as well and inspired me, and supported me in education. You will never know how much it has meant to me.
I think I have not done my best to act up to your expectation. I am quite another man now. I would love to tell you that everything will work out and I promise to do all I can to make sure it does. You do not need to worry about that.
I remember you praying for me many times a day, especially when I took the college aptitude test. You will never know how much I was affected by your sincerity. Moreover, you have been on my side, and you are endeavored to bring conviction to me. Otherwise, who makes me feel like I am more than I ever thought I could be. If you were not my mother, I would not existed the present myself.
My dear mother, please wait for a little longer. After finishing successful lingustics study, I am going to go back home with great knowledge of English. The remainder of your life will be easy and comfortable. I bet! So you must keep your health till then. I swear I will pray for everything related with you. I do love you more than you do.
sincerely yours
son
HWAN KIM
First word.
First word I learn after I was born was you. The unique name, Mother. I can't remember last day when I said to you, "I love you". It might have been long time ago. You know? I always try to say I love you when you look like to life was pressing on you and you need to be cheered up. I didn't sucess every time. Please know that I always appreciate your love even now I may not have said it. I wasn't a good son to you, but I always tried to change. I want to be a good son. I regret when I sometimes annoied you and didn't follow your advice, which helps me and awake me. I have regrets.
Think back to the past days when you fed me, you always want me to buy good things -toys, school material, clothes or something likes that- and I thought that It was a matter of course, Yes, I know. I was stupid, but now I have noticed my mistake. Now the moment I can't see you, I realize your huge heart that I've been shown infinite love. I'm sorry I didn't realize it when were together.
In my whole life, I want to repay you for your favors even though It might be difficult. Daringly, I promise you forever love and I will keep the message I love you until I stand in front of you.
After that, instead of this letter, I'm gonna tell I love you and thank you.
Think back to the past days when you fed me, you always want me to buy good things -toys, school material, clothes or something likes that- and I thought that It was a matter of course, Yes, I know. I was stupid, but now I have noticed my mistake. Now the moment I can't see you, I realize your huge heart that I've been shown infinite love. I'm sorry I didn't realize it when were together.
In my whole life, I want to repay you for your favors even though It might be difficult. Daringly, I promise you forever love and I will keep the message I love you until I stand in front of you.
After that, instead of this letter, I'm gonna tell I love you and thank you.
Happy Mother's Day
Thank you My Mother.
Everyday I asked you prepare my meal
even though you were tired.
But you always made my meal without any sighs.
You always make our family laugh.
When I failed to enter University, you laughed that away.
Thanks to that, I finally could get over.
You always keep our home clean.
It is difficult because we had a pet.
But we can lie on the floor.
I can't express well.
But this is my feeling.
Thank you very much.
Masashi Yano
Dear My Mother
I really respect my mother because she understands everything about me. I think I resemble my mother in character. She is brave, our-going, optimistic, and she does not conform to any stereotype.
Four years ago, as soon as I decided to go to France for one year to learn French, I consulted with her about going there. She answered "yes"very quickly. If I were her, I would hesitate to answer because it was my first time going abroad. And then she said to me "It's your life. You have freedom. It's you that must decide everything. You should not ruin your life."I was really moved by her speech.
After I came back to Japan, I tried to seek jobs as long as I could use French, however I could not get that kind of job.Then, I changed how I thought. I wanted to learn English also, because if I could speak English and French, I could choose many jobs in Japan or abroad. Then, I asked my mother again."Can I go to Canada for one year?"The moment I asked her, she answered yes again quickly. I think she is really a broad-minded person. She said to me"When I was young, I could not do something I liked because my mother and father died early. So, I want you not to feel regret for something in your life. You have a dream and will. Where there's a will, there's a way."
That why I came to Canada to study English, and I can concentrate on studying it. However, on the other hand, I want to be dutiful to my mother because she is rather old. Sometimes, the moment I see women around her age, I am deeply distreseed.
Finally, I believe that deciding my career firmly is filial piety to my mother even if I live in Japan or abroad. I love her with all my heart !
Yuko WATANABE
Four years ago, as soon as I decided to go to France for one year to learn French, I consulted with her about going there. She answered "yes"very quickly. If I were her, I would hesitate to answer because it was my first time going abroad. And then she said to me "It's your life. You have freedom. It's you that must decide everything. You should not ruin your life."I was really moved by her speech.
After I came back to Japan, I tried to seek jobs as long as I could use French, however I could not get that kind of job.Then, I changed how I thought. I wanted to learn English also, because if I could speak English and French, I could choose many jobs in Japan or abroad. Then, I asked my mother again."Can I go to Canada for one year?"The moment I asked her, she answered yes again quickly. I think she is really a broad-minded person. She said to me"When I was young, I could not do something I liked because my mother and father died early. So, I want you not to feel regret for something in your life. You have a dream and will. Where there's a will, there's a way."
That why I came to Canada to study English, and I can concentrate on studying it. However, on the other hand, I want to be dutiful to my mother because she is rather old. Sometimes, the moment I see women around her age, I am deeply distreseed.
Finally, I believe that deciding my career firmly is filial piety to my mother even if I live in Japan or abroad. I love her with all my heart !
Yuko WATANABE
Part D - Unit 14
- A good title for the article would be "Movie making Isn't All Fun".
- Credits are a list of people who made a movie.
- Investors are people who lend the money for the movies.
- Five key factors are given for a successful career in the movie business.
Pact C - Unit 14 - Vocabulary
- Autograph - a signature of a famous person.
- Stagehand - a person who works behind the scenes on a movie or in a play.
- Sitcon - a situational comedy like Friends.
- Streaming video - Video availible online by high speed internet.
- Silent movie - an old movie without sound or audio.
- HDTV - High Definition Television
- Animation - when a movie has characters that are created and not living beings.
- Drive-in - a movie where you bring the kids and the car.
- Gossip columnist - a person who writes about famous people
- Epic - a long, long, long story.
Part B - Unit 14 - Relative Clauses
- His wife, who he met in 1995, is from Toronto.
- The people who attended the party had a good time.
- The man whom(that) I was speaking to is Eriko's husband.
- Toronto, which is the capital of Ontario, is a bigger city than Ottawa.
1. The girl who/that won the lottery is happy.
2. Masaaki, who comes from Japan, is a student at Pacific Gateway.
3. We went to Central Park, which was very beautiful.
4. The movie which/that I saw last night was great.
5. The University of Toronto, which was founded in 1875, is the largest university in Canada.
6. The seals that/which/who live in the Canadian Artic are being hunted and clubbed for their fur.
Part A - Unit 14 Quiz
Part A:
- A pot is taken from the cabinet and filled with water.
- The pot is filled with two liters of cold water.
- About two teaspoons of salt are added to the water and placed on the stove.
- The pot with the water is put on the stove and the stove is turned to the highest setting.
- The dried pasta is added to the boiling water when the water comes to a full boil.
- The pasta is boled for 8 minutes or until it is tender and soft to the teeth.
- The pasta is drained and served with your favortie sauce.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Toronto Transit Commission
We usually use Toronto Transit Commission(TTC). It is a good way to go to any place. But sometimes they have problems.
In march Bay station was repaired. The first day of repair, a train didn't come to Yonge-Bloor station. I was almost waiting for a train for forty minutes. Since I wasn't able to stand anymore, I was walking to Museum station. After this day, subway stopped Museum station instead of Bay station and worked well. But I think they should get prepared to work well from first day. At first day, many people wasted own time.
And on tuesday last week, there was a problem. I didn't know exactly but train stayed at each station for long time. Actually I had enough time to go to my school. But I was late. Not only that day but also many times subway made a problem. I often see that some guys are late because of subway. I think it isn't accident. They should make precautions to prevent this problems.
In march Bay station was repaired. The first day of repair, a train didn't come to Yonge-Bloor station. I was almost waiting for a train for forty minutes. Since I wasn't able to stand anymore, I was walking to Museum station. After this day, subway stopped Museum station instead of Bay station and worked well. But I think they should get prepared to work well from first day. At first day, many people wasted own time.
And on tuesday last week, there was a problem. I didn't know exactly but train stayed at each station for long time. Actually I had enough time to go to my school. But I was late. Not only that day but also many times subway made a problem. I often see that some guys are late because of subway. I think it isn't accident. They should make precautions to prevent this problems.
The Low Birth Rate
Have you ever thought about social problems? Nowadays a lot of social problem are having a big impact on our society. Among those, I am going to talk about a low birth rate. As you know, many countries are suffered from this problem, because this is connected with something like an aging society or a labor shortage. Do you know why this problem has occurred?Above all, the biggest reason is that a country or a company don't have a delivery encouraged policy. Women who have a baby are suffered from many things, because a county or a company don't consider about women living that have to work and to look after their baby as well as making a living. And company also don't like women who have a baby, because of the concern that women with baby might not concentrate on work. For this reason, many women don't want to get pregnant.
Second cause is that women's mind has changed, as comparing with old days. Before women thought that a livelihood is important thing, but nowadays they think that their live is more important than a livelihood. Therefore, a birth rate is decreasing.
Because of those cause, in our society we can see many problems that I already mention. We have to have an economic responsibility to take care of the old, and we don't have enough labor. As you know well, when we take care of the old, a lot of money is spent on them. And because of labor shortage, sometimes we need foreign people who work at low wages. Therefore many people and many companys have a lot of economic damage, so those problem are causing national economic damage. In order to solve this problem, at first a country and a company have to prepare policy to consider about women living, according to policy that will be changed, women also have to change their mind. Anybody has to remember that the birth rate is very important to keep our society prosperous.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Homeless.
I'm going to talk about homeless people.
Have you ever seen homeless people? I've seen a number of homeless people wherever I was. Especially subway stations.
When I saw them, I was curious as to why they should be homeless. So, I chose this topic.
As I see homeless people, they don't have any will to work. I know some of them have big problem at working such as mental problems, pysical defect, or something like that.
And the rest of them who don't have any problem, I think they just wanted not to work. I figured out they could be even construction workers if they had tried. They are just begging to live from hand to mouth. What I mean is they should have had wills to work.
Besides, they are in danger. They are always exposed to the crime. A couple of years ago, I saw a criminal stole homeless's ID was used for crimes on T.V. And also homeless people could be a serious criminal suddenly. It's pretty serious problems. I mean, I don't know if their stuff and they are going to be used for the crime again and again.
One more thing is they are supposed to be protected from staying outside for a long time in the winter. I think they need a place not to freeze to death.
I suggest the government should provide shelters to homeless people which means the government had better build more shelters for homeless people untill they settle down. Furthmore, the government give them a lot of opportunities to work and educate. Of course all the people should be interested in homeless people's life. This can effect to the government.
Please think about their life.
I wish all the homeless people will settle down and be happy.
Thank you.
Have you ever seen homeless people? I've seen a number of homeless people wherever I was. Especially subway stations.
When I saw them, I was curious as to why they should be homeless. So, I chose this topic.
As I see homeless people, they don't have any will to work. I know some of them have big problem at working such as mental problems, pysical defect, or something like that.
And the rest of them who don't have any problem, I think they just wanted not to work. I figured out they could be even construction workers if they had tried. They are just begging to live from hand to mouth. What I mean is they should have had wills to work.
Besides, they are in danger. They are always exposed to the crime. A couple of years ago, I saw a criminal stole homeless's ID was used for crimes on T.V. And also homeless people could be a serious criminal suddenly. It's pretty serious problems. I mean, I don't know if their stuff and they are going to be used for the crime again and again.
One more thing is they are supposed to be protected from staying outside for a long time in the winter. I think they need a place not to freeze to death.
I suggest the government should provide shelters to homeless people which means the government had better build more shelters for homeless people untill they settle down. Furthmore, the government give them a lot of opportunities to work and educate. Of course all the people should be interested in homeless people's life. This can effect to the government.
Please think about their life.
I wish all the homeless people will settle down and be happy.
Thank you.
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