Photo Credit: ShotPot @ Pexels.com 

 

In this blog I would like to share with you some of the things I think about motivation. In my life I have been able to become a gold medalist in a national competition and a silver medalist in two sports (weightlifting and athletics). In addition, I have also won a world championship in weightlifting. In order to do this, I had to stay motivated for long periods of time to achieve my goals. This wasn’t just weeks or months but years of sustained practice. I have identified 2 factors that helped me stay motivated and might help you reach your goals. 

 

First, when I want to try to achieve a big goal, I break it down into smaller goals. These are on a weekly and monthly basis. Many people have suggested this step in the past but the real trick is to accept your failures as steps towards progress. No one progresses towards a goal on a straight line. Often times it is two steps forward and one step back in order to get to where you want to go. You absolutely must not be discouraged by failure and instead understand that all efforts have purpose. 

 

Secondly, I would advise you to make habits that you can sustain every week. Many people struggle to find time to practice but if you make it part of your daily or weekly routine it is much easier to sustain because it is just what you do. In my opinion people begin to stress when they are continually looking for time instead of establishing a routine that can be followed. 

 

In conclusion, although these two factors might not work for everyone, they can be simple but powerful tools in achieving larger goals. Breaking down a larger goal and establishing a routine are not groundbreaking ideas but they are easy enough to follow. By reducing the stress of trying to achieve something, you can instead focus on actually achieving it. 

 

 

 Questions:

 

1. What is the first key to motivation?  

 

2. What is the second key to motivation? 

 

3. What is the one thing you shouldn't do when trying to achieve a goal?  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

 

Answers

A1. Break it into smaller pieces. 

A2. Create a routine. 

A3. Be discouraged. 

Photo Credit:  Yan Krukau @Pexels.com 

 

In this short blog post I’d like to give you a brief overview of a relatively new hobby of mine that developed into an obsession (and my wife would probably say addiction). That hobby is collecting autographs. 

 

What are autographs? Well, they are handwriting or signatures, usually of a famous celebrity or historical figure. Some people have no interest in autographs, but for others autographs are like a special ‘memory captured in time’, and a tangible way to feel connected to someone they admire or to physically preserve a small piece of history forever. 

 

There is, however, a dark side to autograph collecting. Autographs can fetch staggering prices at sales or auctions. For example, a full set of authentic Beatles autographs can fetch well over $30,000 USD. Because people are willing to pay exorbitant prices for autographs, fakes and forgeries are everywhere. 

 

Harassment of celebrities is also another ugly side of the autograph collecting ‘industry’. In America, especially, there are numerous, professional autograph collectors who refer to themselves as ‘graphers’. These graphers are not unlike paparazzi who stalk celebrities wherever they go, often putting themselves and the public at risk by relentlessly chasing celebrities with little regard for safety. Often these graphers have multiple items for the celebrity to sign when they are finally able to track one down. Graphers are not fans of the celebrity, but instead see their targets as money making opportunities. Recently many famous celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Ringo Starr and Steve Martin have stopped signing autographs altogether, due to the unruly behavior of professional graphers. 

 

Autograph collecting can be a fulfilling pastime and if you are willing to wait, also an investment opportunity. Autographs, by their nature, will only increase in rarity over time and subsequently, their value will also increase exponentially. Autographs also make for fantastic ready-made display pieces around the home! However, given the vast number of forgeries on the market, it really pays to do your research and only trust autographs that have been authenticated via reputable companies such as JSA, PSA and Beckett. 

 

Happy collecting! 

 

 

Questions

 

Q1. What can fetch over $30,000 USD?  

 

Q2. How do ‘graphers’ view the celebrities that they follow?  

 

Q3. Why does the value of autographs rise over time?  

 

Answers

A1. A full set of Beatles autographs.  

A2. As money making opportunities.  

A3. They become rarer. 

Photo Credit:  Tim Mossholder @Pexels.com  

 

When most Americans think about vacation spots, Oregon is not usually a top choice. However, it's something of a hidden gem situated in the Pacific Northwest of the US. There you will be able to explore many natural sights like towering forests, pristine coastline, and majestic mountains. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or urban charm, Oregon offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. 

 

Oregon is a great place if you want to enjoy nature. Crater Lake National Park showcases the deepest lake in the United States, formed within the caldera of an ancient volcano. The Oregon coastline stretches for over 360 miles, adorned with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. The Columbia River Gorge, a breathtaking river canyon, offers cascading waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints. For hikers and outdoor adventurers, Oregon's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities. The state is home to the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches over 2,650 miles from the California border to the Washington border, passing through stunning wilderness areas like the Three Sisters Wilderness and Mount Hood National Forest. Additionally, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area entices thrill-seekers with its vast expanse of shifting sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding and ATV rides.  
 

Oregon's vibrant cities and cultural treasures complement its natural beauty. Portland, known as the "City of Roses," captivates visitors with its eclectic neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and renowned culinary offerings. Explore Powell's City of Books, one of the world's largest independent bookstores, or wander through the enchanting Lan Su Chinese Garden. 

 

For wine enthusiasts, the Willamette Valley beckons with its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries, producing award-winning Pinot Noir. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of small towns like Ashland, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, or Bend, a hub for outdoor recreation and craft breweries. Oregon's cultural heritage is also steeped in Native American history. Visitors can learn about the state's indigenous communities at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute or explore the artifacts at the Museum at Warm Springs. 

 

Oregon's allure lies in its harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural treasures. Whether you seek the serenity of nature or the vibrancy of city life, Oregon delivers an unforgettable experience. From the towering peaks of Mount Hood to the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, every corner of the state offers a unique and captivating journey. So pack your hiking boots, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure, and embark on an extraordinary voyage to the natural and cultural wonders of Oregon. 

 

 

Questions:

 

Q1. True or False: Oregon is known for its nature.

 

Q2. Oregon is a relatively popular place to visit in the US.

 

Q3. Which best describes Oregon?  

a. A sprawling city-scape  

b. An outdoor paradise

c. A resort getaway

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

 

Answers 

A1. True

A2. False

A3. b

Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt @Pexels.com 

 

The ancient Greeks told stories about their gods and heroes. These stories, or myths, helped to form western culture. There are many English words that come from Greek mythology. Two such words come from the story of Narcissus and Echo. Below is a retelling of the myth based on the writing of Ovid, a Roman poet. 

 

Once there was a youth named Narcissus, who was 16 years old but appeared to be a man. He was so handsome that others fell in love with him. However, Narcissus cared only about himself and spurned the many youths who sought his attention and love. 

 

Hera, the queen of the gods, was looking for her unfaithful husband, Zeus. She saw the nymph Echo playing in the woods. Hera was envious of Echo’s gaiety, or cheerfulness, and so she cursed her by making it impossible for her to speak except for repeating what others said. 

 

Echo would often see Narcissus walking through the woods alone or with friends and, like all the other maidens, she fell in love with him. 

 

One day, when Narcissus was in the forest alone, he heard Echo step on a branch. “Who is there?” he called out. Echo could only respond by repeating his words, “Who is there?” 

Narcissus responded, “Come to me.” 

And Echo replied, “Come.” 

“Why?” replied Narcissus. “Why are you avoiding me?” 

“Avoiding me,” replied Echo. 

“Come and introduce yourself,” said Narcissus, “I wish to meet you.” 

“Meet you,” replied Echo. 

 

She came out from behind a tree and up to Narcissus. She put her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. But Narcissus pushed her away and ran. 

 

Echo disappeared into the forest and found a cave where she hid herself--her heart still loved Narcissus. Eventually, Narcissus’ arrogance angered the gods. One day, he grew thirsty and found a small pond. One of the gods made the pond silvery bright so that, when Narcissus bent over to take a drink, he saw his own reflection, which was so beautiful that it matched that of the god Apollo. Narcissus fell in love with the image of his own face. He stared into the pond and forgot all else, including food. He remained for days until his body grew weak. Narcissus knew he was close to death and called out, “Farewell.” 

 

Echo heard him and responded, “Farewell.” She went back to her cave and lived there all alone. Her body wasted away and shriveled up until it was gone. The only thing that remained was her voice, which still repeats back what is said. 

 

From this story, we get the English words narcissist and echo. What do you think they mean?

 

Glossary 

myth: a traditional story often involving supernatural beings, such as gods, faeries, and nymphs.

spurn: to reject because you think the other person is unworthy

nymph: a nature spirit

arrogance: thinking that you are better and more important than others; overbearing pride

reflection: the image of something in a mirror or clear body of water 

 

 

Questions: 

 

Q1. After reading the story, what do you think the word narcissist means?  

a. a handsome young man

b. someone who thinks about or admires only him or herself

c. someone who enjoys walking in the forest  

 

Q2. What is an echo?  

a. someone who lives in a cave 

b. a young woman who is in love 

c. the sound that repeats back to you when you call out 

 

Q3. Why did Narcissus die?  

a. He didn’t eat because he couldn’t stop looking at his own reflection 

b. Because Echo no longer loved him 

c. He had nothing to drink 

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

 

Answers

A1. b

A2. c

A3. a

Photo Credit: Armin Rimoldi @Pexels.com 

 

As university students, you often find yourself very busy with studying. And often, it can be difficult and not very exciting. Personally, when I was a student, I dreaded studying. It became so bad that my grades suffered in high school and even in my first year as a university student. I had to make changes! Studying doesn't always have to be such a tiring process. You can take steps to make it just a little easier and fun. Here are a few things that I have used to make my university life more exciting and allowed me to be a great student. 

 

Find a study buddy: studying with a friend or classmate can make the time go by faster and make it more fun. You can quiz each other, discuss the material, and help each other stay motivated. Finding friends from class can help you enjoy your social life and study life much more. 

 

Take breaks: don't try to study for hours on end without taking a break. Get up and move around, stretch, or grab a snack every 20-30 minutes. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting burned out. There are even some methods invented to help concentration while studying such as the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of work then take a short 5-10 minute break and repeat. After a few rounds, take a long break). 

 

Make studying fun: if you're not enjoying yourself, you are less likely to remember the material. Try to make studying more fun, such as listening to music, taking a walk, or doing something else you enjoy while you study. One way I started enjoying classes was to dig deeper into the materials. I asked questions and volunteered to answer in class as much as possible. Being wrong is okay as long as you try. 

 

Take care of yourself: make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising. When you're taking care of yourself, you will have more energy and focus, which will make studying more enjoyable. Often, we study late at night and don't sleep enough. Try to make a sleep schedule. Also, this will help you not feel so sleepy during classes. 

 

Find a quiet place to study: if you can, find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. This will help you focus and avoid distractions. Listening to instrumental music may also help you focus. Personally, I like to listen to Lo-Fi music when I need to concentrate. 

 

Don't be afraid to ask for help: when you are struggling with the material, do not be afraid to ask for help from your teacher, a tutor, or a friend. Requesting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Especially when studying languages, don't be afraid to come to the BBP and ask for tips on studying languages. You may also find some study buddies there. 

 

Studying doesn't have to be all work and no play. Take some time to enjoy learning. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself. The more you enjoy yourself, the more you will learn. 

 

Questions:

 

Q1. How long do you study before a short break when using the Pomodoro method?  

a. 15 minutes  

b. 20 minutes  

c. 25 minutes 

 

Q2. When studying you should:  

a. eat junk food  

b. make sure to get enough sleep  

c. study only late at night 

 

Q3. What type of music does the author like to listen to when studying?  

a. Hip-hop  

b. J-pop  

c. Lo-Fi 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

Answers

1. c

2. b

3. c

Photo Credit: Martin Pechy @Pexels.com 

 

“What is the best way to improve your English in Japan?” If someone asked you this question, what would your answer be? My answer is simple: “BE ACTIVE AND STUDY HARD IN YOUR ENGLISH CLASSES!” 

 

… Alright, alright, I see the fed-up look on your face, so I will stop joking around and give you another answer. (Oh, but I am NOT joking about being active and studying hard in your English classes. Please be active and study hard!) Whenever I’m asked that question, my answer would always be “extensive reading.” Do you know what extensive reading is? Some of you might be disgusted by the thought of reading in English. Have no fear. Extensive reading is very different from what you did in high school and maybe what you are doing now in your reading classes. In fact, the reading done in a lot of English reading classes in Japan is the opposite of what extensive reading is. That kind of reading is often called “intensive reading.” 

 

Intensive reading is about … ・reading difficult reading passages, ・reading in detail, ・reading with a dictionary, ・translating a lot into Japanese, ・trying to understand 100% of the reading passages, ・and focusing on learning grammar and vocabulary. 

 

Are you feeling sick and about to throw up? Again, don’t worry. Extensive reading is completely different. 

 

Extensive reading is about … ・ 

reading a lot, ・reading easy books, ・reading enjoyable books, ・understanding 80~90% of the book, ・reading without using a dictionary, ・and reading without translating. 

 

As the name suggests, extensive reading is about reading a lot. But also, it’s about reading books that are easy and interesting for you. That is why another name for extensive reading is “pleasure reading.” 

 

I hope you have become interested in extensive reading. Next time, more about why we do extensive reading and how to do it! To be continued! 

 

 

Q1. What is intensive reading?  

 

Q2. What is extensive reading?  

 

Q3. What is another name for extensive reading?  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answer

 

A1. It is reading difficult passages and trying to understand everything by using a dictionary and often translating. The focus is learning grammar and vocabulary. 

 

A2. It is reading a lot of easy and enjoyable books without using a dictionary and without translating. The focus is enjoying reading the books.  

 

A3. Reading for pleasure

Photo Credit: Ksenia Chernaya @Pexels.com

 

I started cooking for myself when I was studying abroad in France. My French roommate often cooked French food with great pride, and that influenced me to become an admirer of French cuisine. I was just a beginner at the time, so I just enjoyed making sauce or dressing. However, at the end of the stay, I could grill meat well and make dishes using ingredients which had been unfamiliar to me, such as sour cream and herbs.

 

Before studying abroad, I had no interest in food at all. I had no appetite, didn’t enjoy eating, and so I had no interest in cooking. However, after returning to Japan, my parents said that I ate far better. I may have learned the joy of eating in the country of gastronomy. In addition, I was interested then in well-balanced meals and ingenuity for delicious food.

 

And after I left my parents' house and started living alone, I naturally started cooking. I was still a beginner. Sauteed vegetables weren't as crispy as I had hoped, and I didn't grill meat enough well to get the ideal tenderness. In particular, I still needed to study French cuisine. I also learned to analyze the food served every time I ate out. How fully are they grilled? What ingredients combined with what? What do they make the sauce with?

 

About 20 years have passed since then. Nowadays, cooking is essential for my better life. Now I know a lot of recipes and I can prepare the dishes for dinner, thinking of keeping a little for the next day's lunch box. I can also meal prep so that I can eat as soon as I get home. I’m looking forward to going to the supermarket thinking, "What dishes will I be able to eat this week with today's shopping?" Of course, I don't forget to take a break by eating out or getting takeout and learn a lot from the food made by professionals. I couldn’t have imagined that I would cook so much. People change.

 

Questions

 

Q1. When the author started cooking, she made

A. sour cream

B. sauce or dressing

C. a grilled steak

 

Q2. After returning to Japan, ...

A. the author ate better

B. the author started cooking well

C. the author lost interest in food

 

Q3. In order to eat as soon as she gets home, the author

A. buys some takeout.

B. goes to supermarket.

C. meal preps.

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. B

A2. A

A3. C

Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko @Pexels.com 

 

With the development of the Internet, we now have more opportunities to come into contact with authentic English. But some people may still not know how to learn it. So here are two study methods I recommend. First of all, speaking practice can be done by yourself alone without studying abroad. You can practice by explaining something and checking it with an English-English dictionary. For example, imagine trying to explain to an alien (who somehow knows English) what a table is. What would you say in English? First, explain it somehow in English, then try looking up “table” in an English-English dictionary - I recommend the Oxford Learner's Dictionaries on the Internet. As a definition of “table”, you'll see "a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs". (When explaining to aliens, however, I recommend adding “It’s” at the beginning of the sentence, like “It’s a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs”.) You might understand the sentence when you read it, but you might not have explained it so well. If so, this study method is perfect for you. Remember the sentence and you will be able to use the phrase "consists of" and the adjective "supported" from now on. Then, next time you see a table, say aloud “it's a piece of furniture that ...”. 

 

In addition to defining vocabulary, Oxford Learner's Dictionaries also tells us how to use the vocabulary. For example, for a “table” that we checked above, you can see on the same page fixed expressions such as “at a/the table” and “set the table” and their simple example sentences. Since it is a learner's dictionary, the example sentences are short and simple. In other words, by memorizing example sentences and saying them over and over again, you can practice speaking and master many expressions. And in order to improve your listening skills, it is important to listen to a large number of enough easy sentences which you already know the meaning of. To do that, I recommend Motion Pictures Videos produced by Disney. Since they are made for children, they speak English slowly and clearly. I’m sure you remember the story of your favorite movie, so you can listen knowing the meaning of the sentences. And above all, the biggest advantage of this method is that you can enjoy it. 

 

With the internet and good audio equipment, there are many ways to study English. I hope you find the perfect way for you. 

 

 

Questions

 

Q1. Which is not mentioned as something you can check in the English-English dictionary?  

A. the definition of the word  

B. the sentence examples  

C. the pronunciation  

 

Q2. Which is mentioned as a reason why movies for children are good to listen to?  

A. because their English is simple  

B. because the story is easy to understand  

C. because there are no rude expressions  

 

Q3. What is the biggest advantage to listening to the movies?  

A. It is authentic English.  

B. It is easy to remember the phrases.  

C. It is fun.  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

 

Answers

A1. C

A2. B

A3. C

Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto @Pexels.com 

 

I have moved five times in the last 20 years, so I got the hang of the various tasks involved in moving. Now, I’ll let you know my tips for finding a good apartment and moving well. 

 

If you plan to move at the end of March, you should start looking for your apartment in November. First, research online. Check the terrain and hazard map of the new location. Check also the locations of supermarkets and convenience stores. Find out if express trains stop at the station and how often trains come. Then, research the market price of the rent and work out which apartments you can rent. 

 

If possible, go to a real estate agent in December to see the apartments. One of the reasons to go so early is that real estate agents are not busy during this period and take their time to talk with you. If you go in February or March, they are too busy to be as helpful. 

 

In December, they already know that some apartments will be available at the end of next March. In that case, you cannot see the inside of the room because someone lives there, but you can check the entrance or surroundings of the building. You can do that even if you go there in February and March, but the difference is that your real estate agent has time to spare, so you can consult with them. If your real estate agent has seen another room in the same apartment, you can ask what it’s like inside. Also, you can ask them about the security of the area or how busy it is after dark, and, if the rent is cheaper than that of others, they may be able to tell you why. 

 

In addition, some apartments are already available in December, and if you find an available apartment you like, you are lucky. Some kind apartment owners sign the contract in December but let you start paying the rent from the end of February or March. That's the main reason I recommend to start apartment-hunting in December. Owners want to make sure that you take the apartment from the next April, so they hope that you make a decision quickly, so this gives you an advantage. (It is also important to make a good impression on the real estate agent. The real estate agent may let the owner know what you’re like. So, don’t forget to be neat and polite when you see your real estate agent.) 

 

There is one more benefit when you decide in December; you are sure of moving. Some people cannot move at the end of March because there are so many moves in Japan then that they cannot find an available moving service. When you decide early, you can also choose the day and the time you want to move. The only downside to signing a contract in December is the rent. Even if the owner waits until the end of February or March, in March you will have to pay double rent; you need to pay for your current apartment and your new apartment. But if you can get over that, I’m sure it's best to sign in December. 

 

 

Questions

Q1. If you plan to move at the end of March, you should start looking for your apartment ...  

A. in November  

B. in December  

C. in March  

 

Q2. If possible, it’s better to go to a real estate agent …  

A. in November  

B. in December  

C. in March  

 

Q3. The only downside to signing a contract in December is ...  

A. that the real estate agents are busy  

B. that you have to pay double rent  

C. that the owners are not in hurry  

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 

Answers 

A1. A

A2. B

A3. B

Photo Credit: Pixabay @Pexels.com

It was during the coronavirus pandemic that I started baking sweets. I heard that the library in the neighborhood would close for a while because of the pandemic, so I borrowed a cheesecake recipe book just because I liked its cover. And a year of mastering cheesecakes began.

 

I had only a whisk, but no other tools or ingredients. I went to the store to buy cake molds, flour and so on. I was nervous then not only because I was in an unfamiliar sales floor for utensils, but also because I thought there might be a mysterious virus floating around. (Now it’s clear I was too nervous. It was before the virus spread, so it could not have been there at that store.)

 

Anyway, I got what I needed, and enjoyed making all sorts of cheesecakes for about a year. Making Cheesecakes is deep. You can make an endless variety of cheesecakes, changing the quantity of different ingredients such as cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon, fresh cream and cookies. Each time I made it, I made improvements, pursuing my ideal sourness, sweetness, firmness and the base (that is the bottom part of the cookie dough).

 

But I don’t make cheesecakes today. I finally found and realized my favorite cheesecake, but I quit because it was hard to clean up. There were a lot of used large tools to wash that were covered with sticky cream cheese. However, my cheesecake-making boom led me to the next step. I started baking many other sweets and now I make scones, muffins, American soft cookies, apple pie, tarte tatin (which resembles apple pie), ganache, rocky road fudge (chocolate mixed with nuts and dried fruit), and more. Before the pandemic, I couldn’t have imagined that I would make so many sweets.

 

Maybe I wouldn’t have started making sweets without the pandemic. Since then, I spend my days off in a different way, so I think it was a turning point in my life.

 

Questions

 

Q1. The author borrowed a cheesecake recipe book because ...

A. she liked its cover

B. she was asked to do that

C. she always wanted to make a cheesecake

 

Q2. When she went to the store to buy cake molds, she was ...

A. happy

B. sad

C. nervous

 

Q3. She stopped baking cheesecakes because ...

A. she was too busy

B. it was hard to clean up

C. she was tired of cheesecakes

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

 

Answers

A1. A

A2.  C

A3.  B