An Interview With Mark (Click Link)
by Uka O'Hara
Author's note: Uka has been having some technical difficulty with logging and posting on the site, so I am uploading this interview piece on her behalf. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by her for about an hour. It is very interesting to talk about yourself and then see the content written up as an interview article. Uka gave me a chance to review the content of what she wrote based on the audio recording, and we worked together to revise and edit it. I hope many students can try a similar genre in the future!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Arisa's second piece "A new world"
Author's Note: It is a poem in which I tried to express my feeling towards becoming an author from a reader.
Reading has always been my greatest hobby and I sincerely love books.I also admired those of who actually write books, the authors, because I think literature and any kinds of writing pieces have power to give people powerful influence, and here I mean good influences. But I have never imagined of becoming an author, because I thought I am not good enough and I didn't own skills and talents. However, in this course, I had great joy for creating my writing pieces and getting comments from others. It felt great when some people commented on my blogs and academic writing pieces, especially when the comments are positive ones. So I tried to express my joy of becoming an author. At the first part I tried to introduce the books that have influenced me in my childhood. Then I expressed what I think it is like to be an author.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oqNR2I7JTMSHJvYA78r1d4ur5PHdGon200-DCljySiU/edit
Reading has always been my greatest hobby and I sincerely love books.I also admired those of who actually write books, the authors, because I think literature and any kinds of writing pieces have power to give people powerful influence, and here I mean good influences. But I have never imagined of becoming an author, because I thought I am not good enough and I didn't own skills and talents. However, in this course, I had great joy for creating my writing pieces and getting comments from others. It felt great when some people commented on my blogs and academic writing pieces, especially when the comments are positive ones. So I tried to express my joy of becoming an author. At the first part I tried to introduce the books that have influenced me in my childhood. Then I expressed what I think it is like to be an author.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oqNR2I7JTMSHJvYA78r1d4ur5PHdGon200-DCljySiU/edit
Arisa's first piece "A letter to the future me"
Author's Note:
When I started this piece, I actually did not know the exact reason why I decided to write a letter to the future me. But now I think it was because I had anxiety for myself and also for my future, and that made me want to send myself some sort of message to cheer myself up. There are things that make me worried, such as my studies, future career, my relationship with my family and friends. I also think a lot of my future, especially the ways to live independently and also things concerning with my marriage or other important events to come in the future. Voices from TVs, books and news papers talking about how bad the future for the current young will be, often make me feel scared and confused. I honestly do not have any idea how to be prepared for the coming future. The only thing I can always do is to believe in myself and be strong by making the best out of what I have. So I wanted to tell myself in the future to be strong enough to stand by herself and also to be happy with people around her. That is the reason why I wrote the letter and I think I have managed to write it with my sincere concern for the future me.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_92fUt7Sbe_ZGRkZDVlMjctZGM2Yy00MDI1LWFmODgtMWU0MDkxYjc4YzM1
When I started this piece, I actually did not know the exact reason why I decided to write a letter to the future me. But now I think it was because I had anxiety for myself and also for my future, and that made me want to send myself some sort of message to cheer myself up. There are things that make me worried, such as my studies, future career, my relationship with my family and friends. I also think a lot of my future, especially the ways to live independently and also things concerning with my marriage or other important events to come in the future. Voices from TVs, books and news papers talking about how bad the future for the current young will be, often make me feel scared and confused. I honestly do not have any idea how to be prepared for the coming future. The only thing I can always do is to believe in myself and be strong by making the best out of what I have. So I wanted to tell myself in the future to be strong enough to stand by herself and also to be happy with people around her. That is the reason why I wrote the letter and I think I have managed to write it with my sincere concern for the future me.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_92fUt7Sbe_ZGRkZDVlMjctZGM2Yy00MDI1LWFmODgtMWU0MDkxYjc4YzM1
Mitsuru's 3rd piece: The Letter to Freddie Mercury
TITLE: The letter to Freddie Mercury
https://docs.google.com/
Author's note
My favorite rock band is QUEEN. Freddie is the vocalist of it. I am always given confidences from their songs. Before I decide the topic of 3rd piece, I thought to write the letter to my partner. However, I remember there is person I love more deeply than him.
Freddie is the one. Please read it while listening to the songs that I wrote in this letter on YouTube.
Mitsuru's 2nd Piece: The Pillow Book by Seisyonagon
TITLE: The pillow book by seisyonagon
https://docs.google.com/
Author's note
I learned about the pillow book on Classical Japanese Literature2
course in this term, therefore I want to write it.
The sense of feeling beauty is important in our life. This text show it for us.
Special thanks for my hometown because I can imagine all location and
creatures in this text.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
"6 Prefectures in 6 Days" by Kazuki
6 Prefectures in 6 Days
Author’s note:
This is a travel journal about my travel in last summer. Through writing this journal, I remembered a lot of things in the travel and I wrote them.
"Haiku on My Travel" by Kazuki
Haiku on My Travel
Author’s note: These are haiku on my trip. I went to some places and felt many things, so I made haikus from these feelings. Yu advised me about the layout of this piece, thank you.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ehShZAROkF5m1EiIJW60xlums0WYCMXogIDhvQ_pmo/edit
Friday, November 11, 2011
"For My Dearest Friend" by Tetsuro
"For My Dearest Friend"
Author's Note:
I do not know this will be categorized as a writing in which genre.
It seems like a letter, but it is also a kind of a poem.
I just write everything I think about my dearest friend.
>I am sorry for late posting. My PC somehow lost access to the Internet last night, and I could not post this.
Author's Note:
I do not know this will be categorized as a writing in which genre.
It seems like a letter, but it is also a kind of a poem.
I just write everything I think about my dearest friend.
>I am sorry for late posting. My PC somehow lost access to the Internet last night, and I could not post this.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
A Guide of Minzoku buyo class by Mio
"A Guide of Minzoku buyo class"
Authors note: I tried to write a guide of a PE class, Minzoku buyo class because this class was so fascinating for me, so I wanted to introduce how this class was good. If you did not finish PE classes, , I recommend this to you! This class gave me the different view of the traditional Japanese dance.
Authors note: I tried to write a guide of a PE class, Minzoku buyo class because this class was so fascinating for me, so I wanted to introduce how this class was good. If you did not finish PE classes, , I recommend this to you! This class gave me the different view of the traditional Japanese dance.
Epitaph for Myself
Epitaph for Myself
Author's Note:
An epitaph is a very short sentence on a gravestone. It is a message for whom visit one's grave after one died. Some thank them, some are humorous, and some are profound, but all of them are results of the reflection of the dead. Epitaphs reflect values and characters of the dead.
Author's Note:
An epitaph is a very short sentence on a gravestone. It is a message for whom visit one's grave after one died. Some thank them, some are humorous, and some are profound, but all of them are results of the reflection of the dead. Epitaphs reflect values and characters of the dead.
"Winter has come" by Buchi
Author's note : This is a poem about winter.
First, I began to write a set of haiku; however, it became a poem in spite of my will. I wrote it because I like winter even though it is too cold. I wanted to tell readers that winter is not only a cold season but also warm season in my sense.
I want to say thank you for Mitsuru, who gave me advise about rhymes and Mark, who suggested me to include progressive forms.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mZPf_FUuegHJIkjBPplaot3pX_m54z2im2SiRKzFVfs/edit?disco=AAAAAEIQQL8
First, I began to write a set of haiku; however, it became a poem in spite of my will. I wrote it because I like winter even though it is too cold. I wanted to tell readers that winter is not only a cold season but also warm season in my sense.
I want to say thank you for Mitsuru, who gave me advise about rhymes and Mark, who suggested me to include progressive forms.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mZPf_FUuegHJIkjBPplaot3pX_m54z2im2SiRKzFVfs/edit?disco=AAAAAEIQQL8
"Stand up 2 Your ways" by Genta
"Stand up 2 Your ways"
Author's note:
My 3rd piece is a short poetic story. It is based on my memory in 2007, but I failed to describe it as the reality because of the lack of my ability.
I found it difficult to describe the things in detail through writing this.
In this story, I quoted the verse of the songs as follows
"After dark" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENARATION
"A knife in the water" by ART-SCHOOL
"Rose flower" by Quruli
I wanted to inweave the lyrics in the dialogue at heart.
Actually I didn't try to do because I thought that making them independent would express the feeling more.
Author's note:
My 3rd piece is a short poetic story. It is based on my memory in 2007, but I failed to describe it as the reality because of the lack of my ability.
I found it difficult to describe the things in detail through writing this.
In this story, I quoted the verse of the songs as follows
"After dark" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENARATION
"A knife in the water" by ART-SCHOOL
"Rose flower" by Quruli
I wanted to inweave the lyrics in the dialogue at heart.
Actually I didn't try to do because I thought that making them independent would express the feeling more.
"Recommendation of Bjork's works" by Kaori
"Recommendation of Bjork's works" (Link here)
Author's note:
I am sorry to publish this a little late.
Here I will introduce you some of Bjork's works. I am sure it is not a fair review as I love her works, but I hope you to enjoy to touch a part of her world.
I put caution mark (!!) on some of them. Be careful to watch the videos please.
Author's note:
I am sorry to publish this a little late.
Here I will introduce you some of Bjork's works. I am sure it is not a fair review as I love her works, but I hope you to enjoy to touch a part of her world.
I put caution mark (!!) on some of them. Be careful to watch the videos please.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
"Usual Days" by Riki Nozawa
"Usual Days" by Riki Nozawa (Link)
Author's Note:
This is a poem about usual days. I'm always amazed by the passing speed of usual days. I think one of the reason that swiftness of usual days is lack of special events or experiences. I expressed my astonishment by this poem.
Author's Note:
This is a poem about usual days. I'm always amazed by the passing speed of usual days. I think one of the reason that swiftness of usual days is lack of special events or experiences. I expressed my astonishment by this poem.
A letter to Roku by Meiko
A letter to Roku by Meiko (Link)
Author's note:
I wrote a letter to my dog, Roku. He is mixed, a boy, and 5 years old. I love him very much.
Usually, I talk face to face with him (of course he cannot speak, but he can show his feeling only by expression,) but I tried to write down because the contents was important and I wanted to leave it. When I go home in Christmas vacation, I will read it for him.
I couldn't get comments because I didn't have time to share this in class.
I will continue blogging, so please feel free to leave comments! Thank you.
Author's note:
I wrote a letter to my dog, Roku. He is mixed, a boy, and 5 years old. I love him very much.
Usually, I talk face to face with him (of course he cannot speak, but he can show his feeling only by expression,) but I tried to write down because the contents was important and I wanted to leave it. When I go home in Christmas vacation, I will read it for him.
I couldn't get comments because I didn't have time to share this in class.
I will continue blogging, so please feel free to leave comments! Thank you.
"Engrish" by Hisashi Tsuchiya
"Engrish" by Hisashi Tsuchiya (Link)
The final piece is a short story about "Engrish" which is English Japanese or Asian(?) people speak. The reason English they speak is called Engrish is they don't understand the differences between L and R, S and SH, or S and TH pronounciations. The story is about such an irony. If you come up with your own one, please share!
Thanks.
The final piece is a short story about "Engrish" which is English Japanese or Asian(?) people speak. The reason English they speak is called Engrish is they don't understand the differences between L and R, S and SH, or S and TH pronounciations. The story is about such an irony. If you come up with your own one, please share!
Thanks.
"Invisible" by Hisashi Tsuchiya
"Invisible" by Hisashi Tsuchiya (Link)
Author's note:
I wrote a poem about personalities or individualities. Some people try to hide themselves or be someone else, afraid of being different from others. But that's not good because being who we are is special and interesting. I described how miserable it is not to be live the way you are.
Thanks, Arisa, for cheking my grammar error.
Thanks, Genta and my theme wrting course's teacher Ms.Ueno, for commenting.
Author's note:
I wrote a poem about personalities or individualities. Some people try to hide themselves or be someone else, afraid of being different from others. But that's not good because being who we are is special and interesting. I described how miserable it is not to be live the way you are.
Thanks, Arisa, for cheking my grammar error.
Thanks, Genta and my theme wrting course's teacher Ms.Ueno, for commenting.
"Reasons to be happy" by Riki Nozawa
"Reasons to be happy" by Riki Nozawa (Link)
Author's Note:
This is an essay(?) about happiness. This essay pays homage to Greg Egan, science fiction writer. His novel "Reasons to be cheerful" is very imaginative and stimulating. He gave me completely new view of happiness, and I want to express this strong inspiration.
Author's Note:
This is an essay(?) about happiness. This essay pays homage to Greg Egan, science fiction writer. His novel "Reasons to be cheerful" is very imaginative and stimulating. He gave me completely new view of happiness, and I want to express this strong inspiration.
"40 Weeks" by Hisashi Tsuchiya
"40 Weeks" by Hisashi Tsuchiya (Link)
Author's note:
This is about Mother, and I wrote about it through my experience in my high school days that I was tricked by spam e-mail and paid some money. Our mother knows everything about her kids!
Thank you.
Author's note:
This is about Mother, and I wrote about it through my experience in my high school days that I was tricked by spam e-mail and paid some money. Our mother knows everything about her kids!
Thank you.
"Tragic change of a girl's feeling" by Yosuke Azetaka
"Tragic change of a girl's feeling" by Yosuke Azetaka (Link)
Author's note;
I want to introduce the bad side of the aids from all over the countries to Tohoku. The baddest aid is cash compensation (“Gienkin” in Japanese) because, according to Jonathan Wolff who is a professor of philosophy/political philosophy at the London University, Governments cannot give cash compensation for ever and cash compensation injure their character and self esteem. Cash compensation has 2 problems. First, there is a problem about mismatch. In this world, it is true that victims need more money to live, but only money cannot compensate for them because what they want is very diverse and sometimes everybody cannot buy what they want such as rights and domination. In this world, there are many problems people cannot solve using money. Second, there is a problem about “humiliating”. To get the cash compensation, it is needed for victims to reveal their shame to their government (Shameful revelation=”恥辱の告白”). After revealing their shame to get the cash compensation, their self esteems are injured and feel humiliated. It leads to stigmatization. The relation between victims and governments, and between victims and supporters, will include the relationship of “higher and lower” in subconsciousness of all people. It makes it impossible for people to maintain their social equality. Also, cash compensation makes it more difficult for victims to live without cash compensation itself. Due to cash compensation, victims’ sense of autonomy decrease. Someday, the amount of cash compensation decrease or vanish. Then, how will the victims live without cash compensation? Therefore, governments should not do cash compensation for victims themselves.
Author's note;
I want to introduce the bad side of the aids from all over the countries to Tohoku. The baddest aid is cash compensation (“Gienkin” in Japanese) because, according to Jonathan Wolff who is a professor of philosophy/political philosophy at the London University, Governments cannot give cash compensation for ever and cash compensation injure their character and self esteem. Cash compensation has 2 problems. First, there is a problem about mismatch. In this world, it is true that victims need more money to live, but only money cannot compensate for them because what they want is very diverse and sometimes everybody cannot buy what they want such as rights and domination. In this world, there are many problems people cannot solve using money. Second, there is a problem about “humiliating”. To get the cash compensation, it is needed for victims to reveal their shame to their government (Shameful revelation=”恥辱の告白”). After revealing their shame to get the cash compensation, their self esteems are injured and feel humiliated. It leads to stigmatization. The relation between victims and governments, and between victims and supporters, will include the relationship of “higher and lower” in subconsciousness of all people. It makes it impossible for people to maintain their social equality. Also, cash compensation makes it more difficult for victims to live without cash compensation itself. Due to cash compensation, victims’ sense of autonomy decrease. Someday, the amount of cash compensation decrease or vanish. Then, how will the victims live without cash compensation? Therefore, governments should not do cash compensation for victims themselves.
-------------------------------------------------
cf) What should governments do?
The money, which now government pays for cash compensation, should be used for making more works, affiliations and education, making people more autonomy and eliminating poverty.
↑
creating new social systems→change the current social systems
&
targeted resource enhancement; ex) PC→give PC to victims only to use. ×to resell the PC to get money
-------------------------------------------------
I thank Hisashi for his comment to my piece. He gave me an advice that my piece was vague and it was difficult to undersrand what I mean. Therefore, I revised my piece and add some information related to the contents to the author's note. Thanks, Hisashi!
''On the Morning'' by Natsuki Shimizu
''On the Morning'' by Natsuki Shimizu (Link)
Author’s Note:
I made this haiku according to my real life in the morning. It is getting cold outside these days and it is really hard for me to get up in the morning because I have a poor circulation. I found that we need to create haiku with candid and straightforward words to express what we want specifically with a limited number of words.
Thank you:)
Author’s Note:
I made this haiku according to my real life in the morning. It is getting cold outside these days and it is really hard for me to get up in the morning because I have a poor circulation. I found that we need to create haiku with candid and straightforward words to express what we want specifically with a limited number of words.
Thank you:)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"Recommendation to Join Debating Society" by Kumiko Dojo
Recommendation to Join Debating Society
Author's note: This is an explanation about debating. Actually, this was supposed to be my 1st publishing, but became the last one since I wanted include so many things that I couldn't organize it easily. I would like you to read this and to be interested in debating even a little bit!! Big thanks to Kumon who is my old "sekume" for commenting and my debating friends for giving me some ideas about this essay
Short Story by Kumiko Dojo
Author's Note: This is a short story about what we can think about unseen existence. It is based on what I felt when I listened to Buddhist priest.
I thank my grand father for giving me an idea which I hadn't had. Thank you Tomo who is not in this class, but giving me comments about this.
11/7 - Final Class! + Self-Eval Email Assignment
Wednesday 11/9 - Final Class:
In this class, everyone, including me, will make a short presentation of 1~2 min. to the whole class. The purpose of the presentation is twofold:
a) To share what you published or plan to publish. Explain the theme, genre, main characteristics and highlights of your pieces.
b) Share what you learned about yourself and yourself as a writer (which is the final blogging topic). What have you discovered about what you like to write, what you have found is difficult, how you've developed your skill for the process etc. How's your skill of choosing a theme/genre, getting a mentor text, using a writer's notebook, finding a time/place to write, drafting, sharing/getting feedback, revising, editing, publishing.
Friday 11/11 is the deadline for your Self-Evaluation and Reflection: In an email to me, please answer the following 5 questions:
1) How was your blogging of 20 topics, 100 words or more? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to thinking carefully about the topic and write your ideas thoughtfully even if roughly?
2) How was your publishing of 3 different genres? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to experience the process of writing and develop yourself as a writer?
3) How was your participation in the You class? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Did you actively attend and support other classmates through feedback and commenting on blogs or published pieces?
4) Based on the above, if you were me (the instructor Mark), what final course grade (A Excellent, B Good, C Satisfactory, D Unsatisfactory ~E) would you give yourself and why?
5) Finally, what was your impression of the YOU class? What was good for you? Also, how can it be better next year? I would appreciate your suggestions!
In this class, everyone, including me, will make a short presentation of 1~2 min. to the whole class. The purpose of the presentation is twofold:
a) To share what you published or plan to publish. Explain the theme, genre, main characteristics and highlights of your pieces.
b) Share what you learned about yourself and yourself as a writer (which is the final blogging topic). What have you discovered about what you like to write, what you have found is difficult, how you've developed your skill for the process etc. How's your skill of choosing a theme/genre, getting a mentor text, using a writer's notebook, finding a time/place to write, drafting, sharing/getting feedback, revising, editing, publishing.
Friday 11/11 is the deadline for your Self-Evaluation and Reflection: In an email to me, please answer the following 5 questions:
1) How was your blogging of 20 topics, 100 words or more? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to thinking carefully about the topic and write your ideas thoughtfully even if roughly?
2) How was your publishing of 3 different genres? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to experience the process of writing and develop yourself as a writer?
3) How was your participation in the You class? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Did you actively attend and support other classmates through feedback and commenting on blogs or published pieces?
4) Based on the above, if you were me (the instructor Mark), what final course grade (A Excellent, B Good, C Satisfactory, D Unsatisfactory ~E) would you give yourself and why?
5) Finally, what was your impression of the YOU class? What was good for you? Also, how can it be better next year? I would appreciate your suggestions!
A poem by Kumiko Dojo
Author’s note: I want to share my old poem made in a class when I was 17. I made revised some but not much. This poem is reflected my idea of existence of life. I do not remember what feelings I had when I made this poem, but I remember I really liked it. Please do not try to understand but feel and imagine. Also, please check the shape of the poem.
Thank you,Natsuki and Mark for commenting!!
Short Letters to My Precious Families by Chihiro
by Chihiro
Author's Note:
This is my 3rd piece, Short Letter to My Precious Families.
It has 3 letters to each 3 member of my family.
For me, it is difficult to speak my honest mind in a voice.
Moreover I felt I had lacked in communication with my family.
So, I decided to communicate my real intention through writing.
(First I wanted to write a will and testament as a letter, but it was gloomy in writing....)
Poem for "The house shone by the Sun" by Kaori
"Poem for "The house shone by the Sun"" Link here
Author's Note:
This is a poem for my favorite music. WIll you please read and see this with the music as BGM; I put a link on Youtube on the first page of this article.
The house shone by the Sun, in Japanese 陽のあたる家, was produced by Taro HAKASE, who is a famous violinist. Unfortunately I have not watched, but this music was once a theme of a TV program.
In this poem, I tasked me two rules. However, I will not write here to ask you as a quiz...the answer will be shown when you click comment. Enjoy reading!
Special Thanks: Yu K (, Yohei O. who is not in this class)
Yu again helped me to publish this article. Without his cooperation, I would not be able to include the original music in this! Thank you so much!!
Yohei is who made me and this music met. Thank you to introduce this music to me.
Author's Note:
This is a poem for my favorite music. WIll you please read and see this with the music as BGM; I put a link on Youtube on the first page of this article.
The house shone by the Sun, in Japanese 陽のあたる家, was produced by Taro HAKASE, who is a famous violinist. Unfortunately I have not watched, but this music was once a theme of a TV program.
In this poem, I tasked me two rules. However, I will not write here to ask you as a quiz...the answer will be shown when you click comment. Enjoy reading!
Special Thanks: Yu K (, Yohei O. who is not in this class)
Yu again helped me to publish this article. Without his cooperation, I would not be able to include the original music in this! Thank you so much!!
Yohei is who made me and this music met. Thank you to introduce this music to me.
Translation of "Kon and Aki" by Chihiro
Kon and Aki (English) Kon to Aki (Japanese)
by Chihiro
by Chihiro
Author's Note:
My 2nd piece is a translation of a Japanese picture book, Kon and Aki. I guess some of you have seen this picture book when you were a child. In my childhood, I also loved it and asked mother to read again and again.
For a picture book, of course, pictures are the most important contents. But I’m really sorry I couldn’t show the beautiful pictures with my translation. I could just upload the videos of telling Kon and Aki from Youtube, but they are grainy. If you have time, go to ICU library and borrow the picture book.So please watch it.
In translating, it is difficult to translate Japanese onomatopoeic words into English natural expressions. After I finished it, I was really made to realize I should have read more English sources and learned how to tell stories in English. It'll be the biggest reflective experience I gained through the 2nd publishing. If you find an unnatural expression, please feel free to tell me as a comment.
Hayashi, Akiko. Kon and Aki [Kon to Aki]. Fukuinkan Shoten. 1989. Print.
For a picture book, of course, pictures are the most important contents. But I’m really sorry I couldn’t show the beautiful pictures with my translation. I could just upload the videos of telling Kon and Aki from Youtube, but they are grainy. If you have time, go to ICU library and borrow the picture book.So please watch it.
In translating, it is difficult to translate Japanese onomatopoeic words into English natural expressions. After I finished it, I was really made to realize I should have read more English sources and learned how to tell stories in English. It'll be the biggest reflective experience I gained through the 2nd publishing. If you find an unnatural expression, please feel free to tell me as a comment.
"A story of Tumbl(e)r" by Genta
"A story of Tumbl(e)r"
Author's note:
My 2nd piece is a short story inspired from the web application, Tumblr.
The word "Share" and "Reblog" are the actual function of Tumblr.
And the proverb is my cherished words. I didn't write the meaning in the story and I won't here.
Why don't you research the meaning if you're interested in it.
I also get happy if you start Tumblr. Please tell me if you tumbling!!
As usual, I can't tell anything about the story.
But I want to live so as to review my life with pleasure in the end like Genta in the story.
Author's note:
My 2nd piece is a short story inspired from the web application, Tumblr.
The word "Share" and "Reblog" are the actual function of Tumblr.
And the proverb is my cherished words. I didn't write the meaning in the story and I won't here.
Why don't you research the meaning if you're interested in it.
I also get happy if you start Tumblr. Please tell me if you tumbling!!
As usual, I can't tell anything about the story.
But I want to live so as to review my life with pleasure in the end like Genta in the story.
The Battle on Tatami by Soichiro
"The Battle on Tatami" by Soichiro (Link)
Author's Note:
This is report of my experience. As a member of Chiba, I took part in the kyogi karuta tournament of Kokumin-bunka-sai 2011 in Kyoto. That was held on 11/4~11/5. We Chiba team battled with other prefectures team. I really enjoyed fighting with Chiba team members. I would write about my experience on the tournament and feedback in this article. If you have something unknown about karuta, please read my 2nd publish. It will help you!
Author's Note:
This is report of my experience. As a member of Chiba, I took part in the kyogi karuta tournament of Kokumin-bunka-sai 2011 in Kyoto. That was held on 11/4~11/5. We Chiba team battled with other prefectures team. I really enjoyed fighting with Chiba team members. I would write about my experience on the tournament and feedback in this article. If you have something unknown about karuta, please read my 2nd publish. It will help you!
Kyogi Karuta by Soichiro
"Kyogi Karuta" by Soichiro (Link)
Author's Note:
This is a hand book published for people who do not know about kyogi karuta. kyogi karuta has two aspects. One is Japanese traditional culture, the other is very exciting sports. I have played kyogi karuta since I was junior high school student. I started it because my friend played. I practiced kyogi karuta hard at high school, and took part in nation-wide karuta tournament three times. Thanks for kyogi karuta, I made many friends and get precious experience. However, kyogi karuta is miner sports. So, there are few people who know about kyogi karuta. I want many people to know what ikogi karuta is and how interesting it is. This hand book offers basic information on what is Kyogi karuta.
Author's Note:
This is a hand book published for people who do not know about kyogi karuta. kyogi karuta has two aspects. One is Japanese traditional culture, the other is very exciting sports. I have played kyogi karuta since I was junior high school student. I started it because my friend played. I practiced kyogi karuta hard at high school, and took part in nation-wide karuta tournament three times. Thanks for kyogi karuta, I made many friends and get precious experience. However, kyogi karuta is miner sports. So, there are few people who know about kyogi karuta. I want many people to know what ikogi karuta is and how interesting it is. This hand book offers basic information on what is Kyogi karuta.
Favorite Ramen Shop by Soichiro
"Favorite Ramen Shop" by Soichiro (Link)
Author's Note:
This is an article about my favorite ramen shops. It offers my review and basic informaiton of the shops. Going ramen shop is one of my hobby. I have gone to about 50 ramen shop so far. I picked out 3 ramen shops of my best. These 3 are very popular and introduced in magazines many times. I would be very happy if you can go the shops and enjoy it.
Author's Note:
This is an article about my favorite ramen shops. It offers my review and basic informaiton of the shops. Going ramen shop is one of my hobby. I have gone to about 50 ramen shop so far. I picked out 3 ramen shops of my best. These 3 are very popular and introduced in magazines many times. I would be very happy if you can go the shops and enjoy it.
What I learned in Iwate by Mio
"What I learned in Iwate" by Mio Uemura (link)
Authors note : I decided to write about this topic because I want more people to know about my volunteer experience in Iwate. Also, I wrote the report, not to forget the feeling through my experience. If you are hesitate to go Tohoku for volunteer, I recommend you to try it! For me, this experience gave me different view toward volunteer.
Authors note : I decided to write about this topic because I want more people to know about my volunteer experience in Iwate. Also, I wrote the report, not to forget the feeling through my experience. If you are hesitate to go Tohoku for volunteer, I recommend you to try it! For me, this experience gave me different view toward volunteer.
Times of a day
"Times of a day" by Meiko (link)
Author's note
I wrote poems by image of my favorite pictures, Times of a day. These pictures were painted by Alfons Maria Mucha, a Czech lithographic painter. I tried to express changing minds depending on times of a day as the pictures show.
Mio advised me to add an explanation of the pictures and Mucha.
I think it made it easier readers to enjoy pictures and my poems.
Thanks, Mio.
Author's note
I wrote poems by image of my favorite pictures, Times of a day. These pictures were painted by Alfons Maria Mucha, a Czech lithographic painter. I tried to express changing minds depending on times of a day as the pictures show.
Mio advised me to add an explanation of the pictures and Mucha.
I think it made it easier readers to enjoy pictures and my poems.
Thanks, Mio.
''My Family'' by Natsuki Shimizu
''My Family'' by Natsuki Shimizu (Link)
Author’s Note:
This is a poem which expresses my family. Before writing this poem, I discussed what we were with my family. We are really united, often go for a trip and chat together all the time!! I cannot believe my life without my father, mother and sister. I wrote words one by one as I feel intuitively.Thank you:)
Author’s Note:
This is a poem which expresses my family. Before writing this poem, I discussed what we were with my family. We are really united, often go for a trip and chat together all the time!! I cannot believe my life without my father, mother and sister. I wrote words one by one as I feel intuitively.Thank you:)
Monday, November 7, 2011
"One Day of My Life in Fall" by Yosuke Azetaka
"One Day of My Life in Fall" by Yosuke Azetaka (Link)
Autor's note;
Autor's note;
I wrote about a series of haikus related to my one day in fall. Through these haikus, I want to express the joy of writing English haikus. I want to emphasize the daily life's splendor which we lose consciousness of at all times.
Thank Soichiro and Buchi for their advices. Soichiro gave me an advice that I should attach more pictures, so I attached more pictures. Also, Buchi gave me an advice that I should not use same words in different haikus, so I changed some words. Thank you!
"Haiku of the four seasons" by Yu Kominami
"Haiku of the four seasons" (link) by Yu Kominami
Author's note: This is my third, last publishing. I started working on the four haiku since the class on English haiku, and finally feel it is ready.
The images I used are all from google images, as I didn't have any available personally.
The publishing is about what I would feel in each of the four seasons in Japan.
I thanks Kaori for advising me on the arrangement of the phrases, and they look pretty neat overall now. Thank you!
Author's note: This is my third, last publishing. I started working on the four haiku since the class on English haiku, and finally feel it is ready.
The images I used are all from google images, as I didn't have any available personally.
The publishing is about what I would feel in each of the four seasons in Japan.
I thanks Kaori for advising me on the arrangement of the phrases, and they look pretty neat overall now. Thank you!
"A little tale in the night" by Kaori Yamamoto
"A little tale in the night" Link here
Author's Note:
This is a little long story to call "a little tale". It takes 11 pages and I suppose it is long to read, although it is not enough to discuss WHO I AM...which is the theme of this tale.
(If you cannot see all of the pages, wait for a while or select all. It will gradually appear.)
There's no answer about this question, as students of this class gave comments to my blog. I am interested in what you think after you read this tale.
I do not write too much here about the contents of this article, so I will write only one more thing. Name, that is important to us I think. As an author, I tried to give my characters best names as I could. I hope you like your names, which you were given from the other person and which you gave you.
Special thanks: Yu K, Mark
They helped me a lot in opinion and grammer. Thank you very much!!
Author's Note:
This is a little long story to call "a little tale". It takes 11 pages and I suppose it is long to read, although it is not enough to discuss WHO I AM...which is the theme of this tale.
(If you cannot see all of the pages, wait for a while or select all. It will gradually appear.)
There's no answer about this question, as students of this class gave comments to my blog. I am interested in what you think after you read this tale.
I do not write too much here about the contents of this article, so I will write only one more thing. Name, that is important to us I think. As an author, I tried to give my characters best names as I could. I hope you like your names, which you were given from the other person and which you gave you.
Special thanks: Yu K, Mark
They helped me a lot in opinion and grammer. Thank you very much!!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
"Dialogue with Myself" by Yu Inoue
"Dialogue with Myself"(Link to the third piece)
by Yu Inoue
Thank you Yu.K. He suggested that my third piece should need an image in order to express what dialogue is more effectively. As a result of his advice, my piece became more conspicuous. Thank you!
"Guide to Jimbo-cho" by Tetsuro
Guide to Jimbo-cho
Author's Note:
Jimbo-cho is the greatest town of books in the world. Since I was in elementary school, I have loved reading, and also loved bookstores, where I can see a lot of books. I visited there for the first time when I was 10 years old with my father, and jimbo-cho is my favorite town since then. I want you to know about this interesting town through my guide.
Author's Note:
Jimbo-cho is the greatest town of books in the world. Since I was in elementary school, I have loved reading, and also loved bookstores, where I can see a lot of books. I visited there for the first time when I was 10 years old with my father, and jimbo-cho is my favorite town since then. I want you to know about this interesting town through my guide.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
"Tranquil Garden" by Genta
"Tranquil Garden"
Author's note:
My 1st piece is the set of 3 poems. These are written with my unconscious, so I don't know the meaning of them. Simply I wrote as I wanted to.
But I like these poems because I think I succeeded a play on words and make the atmosphere of the words unique.
Hisashi gave me comments that point out the influence of the songs I love. I didn't notice it and was surprised that I was unconsciously influenced by my favorite things. The fact helps me to know who I am.
Thanks, Hisashi!
Author's note:
My 1st piece is the set of 3 poems. These are written with my unconscious, so I don't know the meaning of them. Simply I wrote as I wanted to.
But I like these poems because I think I succeeded a play on words and make the atmosphere of the words unique.
Hisashi gave me comments that point out the influence of the songs I love. I didn't notice it and was surprised that I was unconsciously influenced by my favorite things. The fact helps me to know who I am.
Thanks, Hisashi!
"A Conversation" by Yu K.
"A Conversation" (Link)
Author's note: This is my second published piece. I was thinking of publishing some haiku, but thought I could work on it a bit more. Instead I have this short story of 50words. I entered this short story in the Extremely Short Story Contest that Mark showed us in class. I came up with it when I was brushing my teeth.
I thank Kaori for giving me advice on the choice of background images, which helped a lot. Thank you!
Author's note: This is my second published piece. I was thinking of publishing some haiku, but thought I could work on it a bit more. Instead I have this short story of 50words. I entered this short story in the Extremely Short Story Contest that Mark showed us in class. I came up with it when I was brushing my teeth.
I thank Kaori for giving me advice on the choice of background images, which helped a lot. Thank you!
New Anthem for Japan
New national anthem (link)
Author's Note:
Japan urgently needs a new national anthem. I mean, whoever's heard of anyone singing it out of joy? Either they're being forced to sing it, or they cannot sing it from their hearts because of the general mood of disapproval for openly singing it. Japan's 'Kimigayo' is too loaded with meaning that it no longer functions as an anthem.
This is my satirical take on a new anthem of Japan. And yes, Yu K., it does read more like a pledge. The verses are all random because the melody should also be random.
But wouldn't it be great if we had such a non-serious national anthem? This anthem can be sung by everyone: for rightists and nationalists, the literal meaning can be sung. For leftists and basically most (?) people, the critical, satirical meaning can be sung.
Thanks Yu K. for your feedback!
I hope it isn't too crude!
Author's Note:
Japan urgently needs a new national anthem. I mean, whoever's heard of anyone singing it out of joy? Either they're being forced to sing it, or they cannot sing it from their hearts because of the general mood of disapproval for openly singing it. Japan's 'Kimigayo' is too loaded with meaning that it no longer functions as an anthem.
This is my satirical take on a new anthem of Japan. And yes, Yu K., it does read more like a pledge. The verses are all random because the melody should also be random.
But wouldn't it be great if we had such a non-serious national anthem? This anthem can be sung by everyone: for rightists and nationalists, the literal meaning can be sung. For leftists and basically most (?) people, the critical, satirical meaning can be sung.
Thanks Yu K. for your feedback!
I hope it isn't too crude!
Nov. 2 Wed: Class Content and Homework
Welcome back after the festival, everyone!
Class Content / Homework
1. Warm-Up: How's your writing going? What did you blog about religion? What's your goal for today?
2. Directions for finishing up the term. November 10th is the final day for assignments to be considered for evaluation of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory etc. in each category.
Class Content / Homework
1. Warm-Up: How's your writing going? What did you blog about religion? What's your goal for today?
2. Directions for finishing up the term. November 10th is the final day for assignments to be considered for evaluation of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory etc. in each category.
- Blogging and commenting: We'll keep the same groups for one more week. We'll discuss your Obituary on Monday. Try your best to finish all 20 blog postings by November 10th
.In addition to posting them on my blog, let's all share our Obituaries as a comment on the Obituary posting below. Be creative with these! - Publishing 3 different genres: Toward the end, you might have to make a choice to either 1) write very short pieces, 2) focus on only two longer pieces, or 3) submit one more pieces as "incomplete" pieces. In the end, you will self-evaluate your engagement in the publishing process as Excellent, Good, or Satisfactory. Good luck with finishing as much as you can up to Nov. 10th!
- Final classes next week and Self-Evaluation/Reflection submission:
s
Monday 11/7: Final peer review time: We will discuss your obituaries content and then use the remaining time for you to get feedback from classmates on your final publishing pieces. We will make groups of 3 or 4 writers, and you will show your drafts to each other to discuss how to improve and finish the pieces. Make sure you have a draft of your second or third piece!
Wednesday 11/9 - Final Class: In this class, everyone, including me, will make a short presentation of 1~2 min. to the whole class. The purpose of the presentation is twofold:
a) To share what you published or plan to publish. Explain the theme, genre, main characteristics and highlights of your pieces.
b) Share what you learned about yourself as a writer (which is the final blogging topic). What have you discovered about what you like to write, what you have found is difficult, how you've developed your skill for the process etc. How's your skill of choosing a theme/genre, getting a mentor text, using a writer's notebook, finding a time/place to write, drafting, sharing/getting feedback, revising, editing, publishing.
Friday 11/11 is the deadline for your Self-Evaluation and Reflection: In an email to me, please answer the following 5 questions:
1) How was your blogging of 20 topics, 100 words or more? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to thinking carefully about the topic and write your ideas thoughtfully even if roughly?
2) How was your publishing of 3 different genres? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Were you able to experience the process of writing and develop yourself as a writer?
3) How was your participation in the You class? Excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory? Did you actively attend and support other classmates through feedback and commenting on blogs or published pieces?
4) Based on the above, if you were me (the instructor Mark), what grade (A~E) would you give yourself and why?
5) Finally, what was your impression of the YOU class? What was good for you? Also, how can it be better next year? I would appreciate your suggestions!
(Week 8 Fixed Topic Sample) Religion: Do I Believe God Exists?
Whether God exists or not is a difficult question and, as far as I know, there is no easy answer and...frankly I don't know what I believe. That's the honest truth.
I often characterize my religion as "honest, confused truth-seeker humanist" and stay open to all possibilities.
When people tell me they believe or, more suspiciously, claim to know for sure that God exists, I often wonder whether they should ask themselves whether they mean "want to believe".
Some believe that God should be defined the "creator" of our world, but I am not sure whether it is ever possible to prove or disprove that a creator exists, so that line of discussion seems meaningless to me. However, I do believe that something called God exists in our minds, and each of us has a different perception of what that is.
So, in that sense, yes, I do want to believe in God and feel that this belief is a beneficial belief.
Before I explain that, I need to tell you my definition of "God." My personal definition or interpretation of God is "the ideal good of our existence, personified." In other words, God is and SHOULD BE the most perfect "personality" we can imagine as our idol or leader, with the most power and most attractive personality we can idealize. We should worship that and learn from it. Children should be taught to revere it and believe it and become like it.
God is our ideal of the person we want to serve and live under. Since different individuals and different societies have different ideals, they have different images of "God" or gods. In some societies, they have not yet agreed upon what a perfect leader's traits will be, so they do not have a "God" or they prefer to have many gods with various personalities including those who "demons" or "devils" who cause trouble and are in conflict with other gods. In any society, I think the pursuit for some type of "God" will always continue, and different groups and societies will always continue to argue what God should be like, or what God wants from humans.
The Christian God/Jesus/Holy Spirit has many desirable characteristics. He loves humans, values modesty and forgiveness, and rewards those who do good in their afterlife. I think that is pretty close to my own ideal.
Extra: Last, for those interested, here is a clever satirical essay called "American Jesus" by Roger Pulvers, columnist of the Japan Times. This is a very sharp jab at politics and religion in America.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111106rp.html
I often characterize my religion as "honest, confused truth-seeker humanist" and stay open to all possibilities.
When people tell me they believe or, more suspiciously, claim to know for sure that God exists, I often wonder whether they should ask themselves whether they mean "want to believe".
Some believe that God should be defined the "creator" of our world, but I am not sure whether it is ever possible to prove or disprove that a creator exists, so that line of discussion seems meaningless to me. However, I do believe that something called God exists in our minds, and each of us has a different perception of what that is.
So, in that sense, yes, I do want to believe in God and feel that this belief is a beneficial belief.
Before I explain that, I need to tell you my definition of "God." My personal definition or interpretation of God is "the ideal good of our existence, personified." In other words, God is and SHOULD BE the most perfect "personality" we can imagine as our idol or leader, with the most power and most attractive personality we can idealize. We should worship that and learn from it. Children should be taught to revere it and believe it and become like it.
God is our ideal of the person we want to serve and live under. Since different individuals and different societies have different ideals, they have different images of "God" or gods. In some societies, they have not yet agreed upon what a perfect leader's traits will be, so they do not have a "God" or they prefer to have many gods with various personalities including those who "demons" or "devils" who cause trouble and are in conflict with other gods. In any society, I think the pursuit for some type of "God" will always continue, and different groups and societies will always continue to argue what God should be like, or what God wants from humans.
The Christian God/Jesus/Holy Spirit has many desirable characteristics. He loves humans, values modesty and forgiveness, and rewards those who do good in their afterlife. I think that is pretty close to my own ideal.
Extra: Last, for those interested, here is a clever satirical essay called "American Jesus" by Roger Pulvers, columnist of the Japan Times. This is a very sharp jab at politics and religion in America.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111106rp.html
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