Photo Credit: Author

Insta worthy: “When a picture is good enough to be posted on Instagram.” (Urban Dictionary, 2014). 

Do you like taking pictures? Do you appreciate looking at or creating a good photograph that’s Insta worthy? Do you know that you can learn to effectively communicate through images? What does the English language have to do with photography, and how can it help photographers to master visual literacy? Let’s take a moment to explore this. 

First, in much the same way that English is a language, we can think of photography as a language, too. In fact, it can be argued that photography is a universal language because photographs can depict certain things that are shared by people from many countries and cultures. For example, in photographs, most people can recognize a chair, a tree, a boat, etc. Also, because we all share similar emotional experiences across cultures, many people recognize happiness and sadness when they see people smiling or crying in photographs. The most important thing that photography and the English language have in common is that they are tools we use to communicate with others. 

These tools consist of building blocks that help us to convey messages. As you know, the English language consists of the alphabet, syllables, and words, which are used to create sentences. The alphabet is the foundation of the English language. According to a landscape photographer who specializes in effective communication through photography, when photographers learn how to use their camera and their gear (e.g., a tripod), it is fundamental to gaining the skills needed to communicate through photography (Reddy, 2022). Just as using syllables in the English language helps us to create words, understanding and using the fundamentals of exposure help photographers to create images (Reddy, 2022). Furthermore, the use of words helps English language speakers and writers to convey ideas, and the visual elements found in images help photographers to communicate their ideas, too (Reddy, 2022). 

Both English language users and photographers can communicate a wide array of things, including emotions, ideas, etc. The more words and skills English language users have and the better understanding of visual elements the photographer has, the more literate both will become. An English language student can improve reading literacy, for example, while a student of photography can improve visual literacy. Please look over the three photos that are in this blog. What kinds of emotions do these photos communicate to you? Do you think that they are Insta worthy? Why, or why not? 

If you want to learn more about the visual elements photographers use to convey their ideas, emotions, and more, please go to Part 2 of Taking Insta Worthy Images. 

References 

Reddy, S. (2022, Aug. 6). How to effectively communicate through photography. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx4vYgU_MBY 

Urban Dictionary/. (2014, Nov, 2). Insta worthy. In Urban Dictionary. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=insta%20worthy 

Questions:

1. What does it mean to have an Insta worthy photograph?

2. Why is photography considered a language?

3. In what ways is the English alphabet similar to a photographer's camera and gear?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. An Insta worthy photograph is one that others consider good enough to be posted on the Instagram App.

2. Photography is considered a language because photographers use it to communicate with others. 

3. They are the foundation upon which communicating ideas is built.

Photo Credit: Hudson Hintze @ Unsplash.com

Have you ever seen classical ballet? What kind of image comes to mind when you hear classical ballet? Some might imagine the unique costumes that the dancers wear on stage, a pair of toe shoes, or the scene of dancers are spinning several times. Some might remember pieces such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, or The Nutcracker. It is said that the origin of classical ballet goes back to the 16th century in Italy. Then it was introduced into France and Russia between the 17th and 19th centuries. It is also said that classical ballet started to become known around the world thanks to the great Russian composer Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky, who wrote not only symphonies but also classical ballet music. Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and the Nutcracker were all composed by him. Classical ballet came to Japan in the Taisho era and Japanese people started to enjoy seeing the performances of classical ballet after World War II. 

According to a survey conducted in 2016 by the Showa University of Music, and Toyo University, approximately 360,000 people are learning classical ballet in Japan. They explain that there are some advantages to learning classical ballet both for younger and older people. If we look at classical ballet as children’s accomplishments, it can include both physical and cultural elements. This means that practicing at the bar or dancing for a few hours on stage can build physical strength, and understanding the story behind the scenes can teach dancers about the foreign culture. In addition, dancing in front of many people on stage can give the feeling of self-approval. Some older people may learn classical ballet since it can help them keep fit and improve their memory because classical ballet dancers need to remember so many steps and the choreography with the music. 

As a person who has experienced learning classical ballet, here are some tips to enjoy watching your next performance of classical ballet. First, simply enjoy the dance and music in your own way. Music can often be played by a professional orchestra and the sound of toe shoes touching the ground can be quite fantastic. Second, enjoy guessing the story by looking at the dancers carefully, because they do not speak but use mime to tell the story and express their feelings. For example, pointing to the third finger on the left hand with the right hand means to get married. This mime originates in European culture, where people wear a wedding ring on their ring finger. Finally, imagine how the dancers spent many long hours and endured hardships while preparing for just this one performance so that you can be more impressed by their beautiful dance on stage.

Questions:

Q1. Who composed the music of Swan Lake? 

A. Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky

B. Mozart

C. Bach

Q2. How many people are learning classical ballet in Japan? 

A. 3,600,000

B. 720,000

C. 360,000

Q3. What sound can be fantastic when you see a performance of classical ballet? 

A. dancers singing

B. Toe shoes 

C. piano solo

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

Q1. A

Q2. C

Q3. B

Photo Credit: Florian Schmetz @ Unsplash.com

Are you familiar with the term Luddite? A Luddite is a person who is not comfortable using technology, in many cases because they do not trust technology. In extreme cases, the person wants to destroy technology. The term refers to the participants in a rebellion in England that occurred from 1811 to 1816 during the industrial revolution. Many weavers in England were upset that they were being replaced by machines. Traditional weaving shops could not compete in price with the textile products the factories were producing. The leader of the rebellion was supposedly a weaver named Captain, or King, Ludd, and his followers were referred to as Luddites. They broke into the factories and destroyed textile machinery. These days, referring to someone as a Luddite means you recognize that the person is avoiding, or speaking out against technology because that person thinks it is harmful rather than beneficial. 

Seems like many people are coming to that conclusion. Recently I've been reading a book called Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. In the book, he explains the many ways that his attention, particularly his ability to focus, has been reduced by use of his cell phone. For example, he complains that he has lost his ability to read anything for more than a few minutes, so now it takes him a long time to finish a book. In particular, he blames social media apps, which constantly demand that we give them our attention. He decides the best thing to do is to leave his phone in his apartment in New York and to move to a small town where he can stop using the Internet for three months. In the book, he describes the many positive effects that occur when he stops allowing the Internet and social media to command his focus. {Stolen Focus – Book Summary [https://medium.com/learning-by-proxy/stolen-focus-book-summary-b433453a0383]}

I was surprised to learn that even a few teenagers are concluding that using social media is not in their best interest. “'Luddite' Teens Don't Want Your Likes,” an article recently published in the New York Times, is about a group of teenagers at a high school in New York who have voluntarily decided not to use smartphones. Most of them have flip phones, and a few of them have no phones at all. These students formed a circle called the Luddite Club in their high school, and they meet outdoors to read, paint and draw, and to have discussions about the ideas presented in books they are reading. All of them are critical of society's reliance on social media, especially the need to post and get ‘likes’. Describing the benefits of abandoning social media, one of the students says “when I got my flip phone, things instantly changed. I got my brain back. It made me observe myself as a person.” {New York Times [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/style/teens-social-media.html]}

So, what do you think? Are you happy with your smartphone and your access to social media, or have you been starting to question the benefits of being connected? If you have your doubts, it might be time to consider the taking the Luddite challenge, and see if it works for you.

Questions:

1. What is a Luddite?

A. a dull sound

B. a person who does not like technology

C. a type of rock

2. How did the author of Stolen Focus attempt to regain his focus?

A. he moved to a small town and did not use the internet

B. he took medicine

C. he did yoga

3. What is the name of the circle formed by the high school students who have given up their smart phones?

A. Joy Luck Club

B. Breakfast Club

C. Luddite Club

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. B

2. A

3. C

Photo Credit: AstroAi @ Pixabay

If you want to make learning English a more fun and rewarding experience, one way is to learn through your interests and hobbies. If, like me, you are a science fiction fan, for example, you can use this genre as a tool to improve your English skills. Here are some tips on how to do that. Start by reading short stories or novellas in English. Science fiction is known for its imaginative and thought-provoking stories, such as Kurt Vonnegut’s short story, Harrison Bergeron, or some of Isaac Asimov’s robot stories. However, you should choose stories that are at your level, so one good place to start is at the Ritsumeikan library in the graded reader section, or at the BBP.

Watch movies and TV shows in English with subtitles. Science fiction is a popular genre in both mediums, and there are many great films and TV shows that you can watch to improve your English. Some great examples are Star Trek, Star Wars, or Interstellar. As you watch, pay attention to the dialogue and try to imitate the way the characters speak. If you watch on some streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ you can even watch with English subtitles to help improve your listening and reading at the same time! 

There are also online communities or forums where people discuss science fiction in English. This can be a great way to practice your English skills in a real-life setting and learn from others who share your interests. You can also share your own thoughts and opinions on the stories and characters that you love. 

Use science fiction to learn about new topics and expand your vocabulary. Science fiction often explores futuristic or hypothetical scenarios, and reading or watching these stories can introduce you to new ideas and concepts. There is even a new science fiction dictionary online that explains science fiction words and where they first appeared. {Dictionary of Science Fiction [https://sfdictionary.com/]} As you encounter new words and phrases, make sure to look them up and add them to your vocabulary list. 

Have fun! Learning English through science fiction can be a fun and engaging way to improve your language skills. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, and remember to enjoy the process. With dedication and practice, you can become a proficient English speaker and a true science fiction fan.

Questions:

Q1. What is the name of the short story by Kurt Vonnegut mentioned in the blog?

Q2. How can you enjoy reading and listening to English at the same time?

Q3. Where can you find meanings to words that commonly appear in science fiction novels?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

A1. Harrison Bergeron

A2. Use English subtitles while watching TV series and movies.

A3. In the online dictionary (sfdictionary.com).

Photo Credit: Angele J @ Pexels.com

Do you like to drink milk and eat other dairy products such as cheese or yoghurt? In the UK, where I lived for over 25 years, dairy products were a big part of my daily diet and they are still very popular. Less than 20% of the UK’s population is lactose intolerant, whereas in Japan it’s almost three quarters of the population. For these people, digesting dairy products can be very difficult and troublesome. Both lactose and alcohol intolerance are quite common in Asian countries, reflecting the history of agriculture and food production, and resulting in some small but significant genetic differences between various cultural populations. However, regarding what we eat, the belief that fresh fruit and vegetables are good for our health is widely shared by humans across the globe. 

Even widely-held beliefs can be inaccurate, so just over 20 years ago researchers from Yokohama City University and the National Cancer Center set out to conduct a 20-year-long collaborative study to scientifically verify this idea in relation to the Japanese population. Although past studies in the United States and Europe have shown that eating lots of fruit and vegetables leads to a longer, healthier life, it was the first time such a study had been conducted in Japan. The results have recently been published and they show that people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables are at a lower risk of death compared to those who rarely eat them. 

So how much should we eat each day? One of the recommendations that came out of this research is that people should ideally eat at least 300 grams of vegetables and 140 grams of fruit every day. This is because the study also shows that mortality does not decrease in proportion to the amount of fruit and vegetable intake. Just the right amount each day is enough to maintain a healthier body. With the ever-increasing prices of fresh produce, it may be an economic choice to buy cheaper, processed food, but can you put a price on your health? 

If you’re interested in the statistics of this study, read on. Approximately 95,000 people aged 40 to 69 living in Tokyo and 10 other prefectures nationwide took part in the study. During the 20-year period about 25% of the participants died. Vegetables: risk of death for those who ate lots of vegetables was seven to eight percent lower compared to those with the lowest vegetable consumption. Fruit: Compared to participants who ate the least amount of fruit, those with high fruit consumption had an eight to nine percent lower risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, no connection between eating a lot of fruit and mortality from cancer and respiratory diseases was found.

{Link to Science Japan summary of study [https://sj.jst.go.jp/news/202211/n1101-01k.html]}

Questions:

Q1. What percent of Japan’s population is lactose intolerant? 

Q2. Which Japanese university was involved in the 20-year study? 

Q3. How many prefectures made up the population of participants in the studyå?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

A1. Almost 75% 

A2. Yokohama City University 

A3. 11. Tokyo + 10 more

Photo Credit: Tamanna Rumee @ Pixabay

Do you know what day is the busiest shopping day in America? You may think that many holidays and special events in America are busy shopping days, but there is one special event in America that is the busiest, and that is “Black Friday.” 

Maybe you have heard about “Black Friday” before. There are three unique facts that you should know about “Black Friday” in the United States. First, Black Friday is a busy shopping day because it is considered to be the start of the Christmas shopping season. Unlike in Japan, many people buy Christmas presents for many friends and family in the US. Second, Black Friday is always on the same Friday every year – the fourth Friday of November, on the day after Thanksgiving. Third, Black Friday gets its name from the shorthand phrase “in the black” which refers to “profits” and a successful business period. 

One interesting thing about Black Friday is how the day has recently become popularized in Japan in the past few years. It’s common now in Japan to see many shopping centers promote Black Friday sales heavily during the month of November. However, while Black Friday has become familiar to many Japanese people in recent years, Black Friday in America is very different from Japan. 

First, unlike Japan, where Black Friday signs are now seemingly everywhere all throughout November, In America, Black Friday is only during one single day – the fourth Friday in November. As Black Friday in the U.S. is only during one day, many stores compete with each other to begin their Black Friday sales earlier than other rival stores. For example, many stores will advertise special Black Friday sales and promotions that begin at midnight or very early in the morning on Friday. It’s very common to see people in the U.S. line up very early in the morning and stand in line for hours in front of their favorite stores so they can be among the first people to enter the store and get the best Black Friday deals. Sometimes, you can see people bring tents and even camp out in front of their favorite stores at very early times in the morning so they can secure their place in line and be among the first to rush into the store. The competition to get the best Black Friday deals is very intense! 

Another interesting thing about Black Friday is how it has begun to change in recent years. While Black Friday used to be just a one day event, many Black Friday shopping deals now start earlier on the day before, on Thursdays, and end later, on the following Monday. Black Friday is proof that many special events can gradually change over time!

Questions:

Q1. What is the busiest shopping event in America?

Q2. Why is Black Friday a busy shopping day?

Q3. How has Black Friday changed in recent years?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. Black Friday

2. It is considered to be the start of the Christmas shopping season. It is also an event with many special sales and promotions

3. Many Black Friday deals now start earlier on Thursdays and end later on Mondays

Photo Credit: designecologist @ unsplash.com

Are you ready to enjoy your summer vacation after spring semester? I would like to introduce you to local information about fireworks near BKC, Ritsumeikan University. In Shiga, Japan, firework displays are a popular summertime tradition. These displays are usually held from July to September throughout the country, including Shiga. One notable event is the Lake Biwa Great Firework Festival, where 10,000 fireworks are launched into the air over Lake Biwa. This stunning display of light is accompanied by jets of fountain water, creating a harmonious spectacle. The festival takes place on August 8th, 2023. The launch time is from 19:30 to 20:30. The festival is held in Otsu city, which has convenient access by train from Kyoto and Osaka. You can take the JR Tokaido Line to Otsu Station and then transfer to the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line to Hamaotsu Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the festival venue. 

Another fireworks event in Shiga is the Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks, which will be held on September 5th to 8th, 2023. The launch time is from 20:30 to 20:50 each day. The venue for this event is Nagahama Port in Nagahama City, and it can be accessed by an 8-minute walk from JR Nagahama. For more information, please visit the link: https://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0725e00792/data.html

In addition to these specific events, there are likely other firework displays and festivals that take place in Shiga during the summer season. These events provide an impressive show and are a fantastic way to enjoy the summer in Shiga. Please check official websites or local sources for the most up-to-date information on firework events in Shiga. Enjoy!

Questions:

1: What is the Nagahama Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival known for?

2: How many fireworks are launched during the Lake Biwa Great Firework Festival?

3: When does the Lake Biwa Great Firework Festival take place?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

Answer 1: It is known for launching more than 10,000 fireworks, focused in the always impressive star mines, beautifully illuminating both the summer sky and the stunning Lake Biwa.

Answer 2: 10,000 fireworks are launched into the air over Lake Biwa during the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival.

Answer 3: It will be held on August 8th, 2023.

Photo Credit: Kai Reschke @ Pixabay

Have you ever wondered why Japan has curry when none of your near Asian neighbours have it? Some of you may be fully aware of the answer, but some of you may not. The answer is Japanese curry is from the English via India. In the Meiji period, the Japanese Navy worked closely with the Royal Navy and it was introduced to the Japanese public in the 1870s from the Japanese Navy. To this day in the Japanese Navy, Friday is curry day. 

And, talking about Indian food, what do you think of? Curry? Of course. Spicy? Usually. Potatoes? Tomatoes? In fact, chillies, potatoes and tomatoes were introduced to India from South America in the 1600s by the Portuguese, and they, the Indians, made wonderful use of them. Then chillies spread to China, Korea (imagine kimchi without spice) and the rest of Asia. 

Why do Americans call chips (British English) French Fries? French Fries are from Belgium from Spain from Peru and Bolivia. They’re called “French Fries” in America because that is where Americans first saw them, in France. The British famous dish of “fish and chips” was possibly also introduced from Portugal as the Portuguese have a longer tradition of frying fish and vegetables (like tempura). Potatoes have become such an important food around the world that 350 million tonnes were produced in 2020 with 25% of them grown in China. 

Tomatoes also have an interesting history, travelling from Mesoamerica (the slim part between North America and South America) to the rest of the world. Imagine a salad or pizza (most pizzas) without tomatoes or a lot of other European foods. However, when tomatoes were introduced to Europe, people would not eat them and only grew them to look pretty in the garden. The reason for this was the belief that tomatoes were poisonous. 

This blog is too short to explore this topic in any real detail, but it might inspire you to think about where your food is from. We all share one tiny planet in a huge galaxy and an unimaginably big universe. We are lucky we are close enough to each other that we can share ideas, foods, herbs and spices, art, music, and everything that makes us an active member of the human race. And, on a final note, I will end with a quote (possibly from Robert Baden-Powell – founder of the Scouts organisation): “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.”

Questions:

1. Who introduced curry to Japan?

A. Indian

B. Chinese

C. British

2. Where did chilies come from?

A. Korea

B. South America

C. Portuguese

3. Why did Europeans not eat/use tomatoes at first?

A. they thought they were poisonous

B. they thought they were dirty

C. they did not like things from America

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. C

2. B

3. A

Photo Credit: Remaztered Studio @ Pixabay

The joy of sports is something that I have had since childhood. I have been playing some kind of sport for over 40 years. Whether it be playing basketball or going to watch pro games, sports have played an important role in who I am. 

When people think about sports, the first thing that comes to mind is often the physical benefits of doing sports and of course this is true. People who participate in sports often maintain a healthier body weight and suffer from fewer chronic diseases. There are also the psychological benefits of sports. Sports require communication skills, leadership and the ability to create and maintain interpersonal relationships. 

While all of these factors are important, I think there is one that is often overlooked. Sports are a vehicle for self expression. As an athlete I am constantly reminded of the fact that no matter how many athletes do the same sport, no two athletes do it exactly the same way. In the example of basketball, there have been countless words written comparing Lebron James, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but in truth, each is uniquely a different athlete and expresses their game different ways. 

For me, the day to day preparation, practice, and eventual performance of competition form is not only an athletic endeavor but also an artistic one that is uniquely human. The same can be said of the individual and community experiences of fan bases. Groups of fans often have their own attire and rituals associated with their favorite teams and players, and these rituals often mimic those of religious groups. These shared experiences give a certain meaning to the fan bases and collectively identify them as members of a community. 

In short, it is my hope that in some way you may begin to see the benefits of sports as not limited to only the physical and psychological, but also reaching into the society in general.

Questions:

1. What are some benefits of sports?

2. Who are the athletes mentioned in this entry?

3. How long has the author been playing sports?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

Answers:

1. a. Physical benefits of health,

    b. psychological benefits of communication skills, leadership, and interpersonal relationships,  

    c. the opportunity to express oneself.

2. Lebron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant

3. Over 40 years