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Living with Poison
How do you feel when you hear the word "poison"? You will probably feel scared, or you might remember scenes from some detective movies or TV programs. Obviously, the term does not have any positive connotations.
Despite the impression we receive from the word, poison sometimes plays an essential role in our lives. For example, professor Funayama at Nihon Pharmaceutical University explains that there is basically no distinction between "poison" and "medicine". According to him, we distinguish the words only by whether the element is beneficial to the human body. We call it “poison” when it does harm to our bodies. Medicine, on the other hand, does good for our bodies. Both have in common that they have a particular influence on our bodies. We, in a sense, live with poison.
A lot of creatures live with the poison as well. For example, some animals risk their mobility to eat poison, and others intake it to protect themselves from predators. You often see sleeping koalas when you visit a zoo. They often spend their days sleeping most of the time. This is because they cannot survive without eating eucalyptus leaves, a plant which is poisonous to their body. They sleep to digest the harmful substances in the leaves.
Some frogs and snakes intake poison from their food and utilize it to protect themselves. Toads, for example, have a potent poison called bufotoxin in their body. Dogs and cats sometimes, unfortunately, lose their lives when they eat the frog while they are taking a walk. The tiger keelback, yamakagashi in Japanese, are bold enough to eat the poisonous toads, and they use the toad-derived poison as a weapon against their predators. Poison dart frogs, toxic frogs, save poison in their body using the same method. Wild poison dart frogs eat some ants and millipedes (yasude in Japanese) with poison and keep the poison in their skins. Interestingly, captive-bred poison frogs lose their toxicity because they don't have the chance to capture such food.
"Poison" might sound scary, but the substance with the label can be a blessing to animals, including us. It will be interesting to see how other creatures make use of poison.
Photo Credit: Doug Brown@pexels.com
Blog Quiz
Q1. According to professor Funayama, how are poison and medicine different?
Q2. What can happen when dogs eat a toad?
Q3. What do tiger keelbacks and wild poison dart frogs have in common?
Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.
Quiz Answers
Q1. A substance is called poison when it has a negative influence on the human body. Medicine refers to a substance with a positive effect on the human body.
Q2. It can lead to a deadly accident for the pet.
Q3. They both capture poisonous creatures and save the poison in their body.
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03.25Two Famous UK Seaside Resorts
Photo Credit: Marcel Hergaarden @pexels.com
Being born in the northwest UK seaside town of Blackpool and still maintaining family connections there, and then moving to the southeast coast’s Brighton as an eight-year-old, more than qualifies me to make a comparison of these two iconic British holiday destinations. While their similarities in things such as their beaches and amusement parks unite them, they both have some obvious differences that make them particularly unique.
The northwest’s Blackpool is in the county of Lancashire. Primarily known for its iconic, 158-meter Blackpool Tower, built towards the end of the Victorian age in 1894, Blackpool has become something of a favorite destination for northerners wishing to take a holiday by the sea. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the most popular amusement parks in the UK, has entertained northern families for generations long before Disneyland was even a possibility for Brits. Blackpool is known for its lively, if somewhat tacky, atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to stag and hen parties.
Head down to the south-coast county of East Sussex to discover Brighton. Brighton’s image is a product of its vibrant arts scene and at times bohemian atmosphere. One major tourist attraction in the town is the 19th century Royal Pavilion. This small palace, famed for its exotic Indian-style architecture, is also a popular venue for events and concerts. Brighton Pier, which offers a variety of traditional British seaside arcade games and carnival rides, is a big hit with both Brits and overseas tourists.
Both Blackpool and Brighton have long stretches of beaches that are popular with tourists and locals. Blackpool's beach is wide and flat, making it perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles for kids. On the other hand, Brighton's beach is a bit more rugged, with pebbles rather than sand, and perhaps feels more romantic as you stroll along the promenade while looking out over the English Channel to France.
The accommodation and restaurants of the two resorts is another big difference. Blackpool has “cheap and cheerful” traditional seaside B&Bs, while Brighton boasts a selection of more upmarket boutique hotels, guest houses, and self-catering apartments. Brighton also has a larger selection of quality continental-style restaurants, with a wide range of food on offer for most budgets. In Blackpool, low-cost fish and chips, £1 burgers and pies are the preferred option of big working families.
Love them or hate them, Blackpool and Brighton are both popular seaside resorts that have a wide range of attractions to keep tourists happy. In the end, choosing which one to visit is all down to what you want from a seaside holiday experience.
Questions:
Q1. What is the main focus of the text?
a. Comparing two famous UK seaside resorts
b. Describing the history of Blackpool Tower
c. Discussing the architecture of the Royal Pavilion
d. Exploring traditional British seaside arcade games
Q2. What is one similarity between Blackpool and Brighton mentioned in the text?
a. Both have pebble beaches.
b. Both are located in Lancashire.
c. Both offer a variety of continental-style restaurants.
d. Both have iconic amusement parks.
Q3. Which resort is known for its lively atmosphere and catering to stag and hen parties?
a. Blackpool
b. Brighton
c. Lancashire
d. East Sussex
Scroll down ↓ for the answers
Answers
A1. A
A2. D
A3.A
BBP Staff -
03.18Sharing Ideas, Making Connections: Leaders' Dialogue on Future Initiatives
Photo Credit 1: Yan Krukau @ Pexels.com
Recently, I had a very interesting and meaningful discussion with my class. I mean meaningful in the sense that we had a chance to reflect about our own stages of life.
A student presented about what it means to be an adult. As a concluding remark, he asked his classmates "Are you an adult?" I, the eldest in the room wondered, “Am I indeed an adult”? Perhaps, many of you also asked yourselves the same question at a certain moment. The meaning of this question is different for all of us. I thought of the “inner child” that resides in us no matter what age we are. In a morning newspaper, I read about the oldest woman in Germany -- 113 years old. I am sure that no one would doubt that she is beyond adult. Yet, in the article, she told the story of her dreams at night when she sees her “mama” and their shopping trip for a Sunday dress. When she awakes from the dream, she finds herself talking to her mother as if she were still 13 years old and then she slowly awakes and realizes that it was a dream. She chuckled during the interview saying that although she is 113 years old, she is still calling out to her “mama”.
What are the “rites of passage” as explained by Victor Turner, when we transition into the various stages of life? Are the process of finishing 4 years of university and then looking for a job, finding a partner and then marrying, and thinking of children, the proper markers and rites in the “stages of life”?
On July 21, 2023, Ritsumeikan University senpais (seniors) and kōhais (juniors) got together and exchanged ideas under the title "Sharing Ideas, Making Connections": Leaders' Dialogue on Future Initiatives (SKNC Event Summer 2023). It was a very fruitful event sending off graduating seniors to their new stages of life as either graduate students, bankers, human resource management specialists, or workers for international human rights organizations. The senpais who successfully finished their four years were giving back to kōhais who yearned to gain from their experiences. As I sat on the side and watched the very talented Ritsumeikan University students and their transitioning into adulthood, I witnessed the true essence of being an "adult", and that is paving the path for the next generation. I am always grateful for the opportunity to watch and also learn from my students.
Questions:
1) What is the main idea of the essay?
2) Who presented about being an adult?
3) What was the main aim of the event that was described?
Scroll down ↓ for the answers
Answers
A1. Defining adulthood
A2. A student
A3. Senpais and kōhais exchanging ideas
Jackie J. Kim-Wachutka -
03.11Enjoy Aussie Sweets!
Photo Credit: Karen Laark Boshoff @Pexels.com
Have you ever enjoyed Aussie sweets? What comes to mind when you think of Aussie sweets? There are a lot of traditional and popular sweets in Australia. Let’s explore some of them!
First of all, there are Lamingtons. A Lamington is a square-shaped sponge cake covered with chocolate and coconut sprinkles. There are various theories, but it is generally believed that Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, who was a governor of the Queensland colony between the end of 18th and the early 19th century (or his wife). Lamingtons are really popular in Australia. Australian people have enjoyed National Lamington Day on the 21st of July since 2006.
Next, there is pavlova. This is a meringue-based dessert. Making pavlova is not that difficult. First, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, bake slowly in an oven on low-heat. After the meringue base is cooked, cover it with whipped cream and your favourite fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi fruit, and passion fruit. A pavlova kit is available at a supermarket, and you can make one very easily with the kit. Pavlova is also quite popular in New Zealand, and the debate about whether pavlova was originally born in Australia or New Zealand is still ongoing.
Another popular sweet is Anzac biscuits. The main ingredients are oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, and dried coconut (if you want). “Anzac” means the allied forces of Australia and New Zealand that were established during World War Ⅰ. Anzac biscuits were originally made for soldiers by their mothers or wives. That’s why the long-lasting and nutritious ingredients are used for the biscuits. They are sold at supermarkets all year round, but they are particularly popular on the 25th of April, which is the Anzac Day.
These are three very popular Aussie sweets, but of course, there are other famous sweets such as Tim Tams, too. By the way, did you know that Australians consume the most ice cream per year all over the world, according to some surveys? New Zealand comes second. As it is said that these two countries have had a very close relationship historically and culturally, it seems to be natural for the countries to have similar taste in desserts. Regarding ice cream, you should try “Hokey Pokey” flavour when you have a chance of travelling in New Zealand or Australia. It was not originally born in Australia but in New Zealand. It is said that Hokey Pokey is a nationally popular flavour there. The flavour is quite similar to caramel, but it is actually made from golden syrup. Golden syrup is boiled down until it becomes crunchy, and it is mixed up with vanilla ice cream. Many people enjoy the rich flavour and crunchy texture. It is also popular in Australia. There are plenty of tasty sweets in Australia. It might be nice to enjoy their taste and also think about their historical and cultural background while you enjoy them.
Questions:
Q1. “Aussie” means _____
a. Australian
b. Austrian
c. Summer
d. Spring
Q2. Which of the following are not Australian sweets?
a. Anzac biscuits
b. Good-day cakes
c. Lamingtons
d. Tim Tams
Q3. Australians consume more ice cream per capita than Japanese. True or false?
Scroll down ↓ for the answers
Answers
A1. a
A2. b
A3. True
BBP Staff -
03.04Motivation
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.
Jason Stayanchi -
02.26Can I get Your Autograph?
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.
BBP Staff -
02.12A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts and Adventurers
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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
BBP Staff -
02.05The Story of Narcissus and Echo
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
Rex Stewart -
01.29Studying Doesn't Have to be Boring
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
BBP Staff -
01.22The Best Way to Improve Your English in Japan
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“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
Ryo Kurose