Skip to main content
FOREVERGREEN: Evergreen Language School Podcast

FOREVERGREEN: Evergreen Language School Podcast

By Russell Johnson

Hosted by Evergreen Language School in Yutenji, Tokyo, we talk about English and Japanese study tips, what's new at Evergreen, and other topics.

On this podcast, I invite instructors, staff members, and students to talk about their interests, the school, studying English, Japanese, or any other language, and just about anything they want to talk about. We will also have 'mini' lessons to learn grammar, vocaulary, idioms and expressions, Kanji (Chinese writing style), and more.
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode No40 Maurice and Russ Discuss Eavesdropping and Donuts

FOREVERGREEN: Evergreen Language School PodcastAug 28, 2021

00:00
02:45
Season 3 Episode 1: Hiking, Climbing, and Rollercoasters (Part 1 of a 2 Part Discussion)
Jan 15, 202209:37
S2E37: Phrase of the Week: 'Take it with a Grain of Salt'

S2E37: Phrase of the Week: 'Take it with a Grain of Salt'

Maurice and Russ discuss a mutual friend and the genius animator, Hayao Miyazaki.

TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT: Do not believe 'everthing' someone tells you because they like to stretch the truth.


A: I think we may have a mutual friend.

B: Really? Who?

A: Yoshi.

B: Yoshi who?

A: Yoshi Otsuka.

B: Yea. Yea. I know Yoshi. Who do YOU know him?

A: We met several weeks ago at an art class in Tokyo.

B: Yea?

A: Yea. A group of artists get together weekly and draw models, still lives, etc. You know.

B: Yea...

A: Anyway, we started talking during one of the breaks. He’s a really interesting guy.

B: Really? How so?

A: Well, he was telling me how he met Hayao Miyazaki while on a tour at Studio Ghibli.

B: (Tsk!) He told you he Met THE Hayao Miyazaki while on a tour at Studio Ghilbi?

A: Yea.

B: I was ON that tour with him.

A: You don’t say.

B: Yea. And on that day, we saw Hayao Miyazaki’s car. I believe it’s a Citroen 2CV.

A: Sounds about right.

B: Anyway, it was backing out of the driveway, and we caught a glimpse of it, but honestly, I don’t think Miyazaki was driving it.

A: How do you know?

B: Well, Hayao Miyazaki doesn’t have curly, black hair, last I checked.

A: (Chuckle) Hmm. I see.

B: Anyway, Yoshi tends to stretch the truth a bit. He’s a nice guy, but you should definitely take his stories with a grain of salt.

A: I hear you...Hmm. Say, speaking of Hayao Miyazaki, I hear he’s coming out of retirement to do one more movie.

B: You don’t say.

A: Yea.

B: Yea, I…You know, I’m not surprised because he keeps telling everyone he’s finished and then he says, “No. One more!”

A: Um Hmm.

B: And I’m just like, ‘Hey man, why don’t you just tell the world – just be honest – work until you die.’

A: (Chuckle)

B: Just tell everybody, just, “I’m gonna work until I die. That’s it. You know, I’m not retiring anymore.

A: Exactly, you know, it’s like umm…If you retire what is he going to do? That’s the only thing that he really can do, right?

B: Exactly! So you could say making movies in Studio Ghibli is the ‘Ikigai’, the ‘rasison detra’. Um, the reason that he gets up in the morning.

A: Yea.

B: So.

A: Exactly.

B: I don’t blame him, hey it’s really hard to uhh fill your day up if you don’t have anything interesting to do.

A: Yea. I just wish that he would do something a little more daring.

B: (Chuckle)

A: Not the traditional 10-year old boy, 12-year old girl. 12..oh..12 – 10… Do something else. You know? He’s 80. He’s 81 now.

B: Well, I mean. If it’s broke. They say if it’s (NOT) broken, don’t fix it, right?

A: Yea…

B: So, he’s made a lot of money. He’s gotten to this point, he is Hayao Miyazaki with all those little boys and girls, you know?

A: Which is why this is the perfect time to take a chance. He’s already proven himself repeatedly.

B: You think so?

A: I know so.

B: Have you talked to him before? Have you met him?

A: I saw him backing out of his driveway once.

B: (Laughter)


The conversation continues...

Dec 01, 202105:48
S2E36: Useful Phrases: "THIS ISN'T MY FIRST RODEO"

S2E36: Useful Phrases: "THIS ISN'T MY FIRST RODEO"

Listen to Russ give safety advice to Maurice. Maurice deflects it by saying that he is not a novice. Listen to the different ways he says this.


VOCABULARY:

1. This isn't my first rodeo: I have experience in this situation./ I am competent.

2. I've been around the block: I have a lotof experience in something. You cannot fool me.

3. You could say that: It is partially true./ a sarcastic way of saying that what someone said is true.

4. Regardless: despite the prevailing circumstances.

5. I wasn't born yesterday: —used to say that someone is unlikely to believe something that is not true or to trust someone who is not trustworthy.

6. sketchy: untrustworthy/ used to describe a person, place, or thing that may be dangerous or untrustworth, like 'a sketchy part of town.'

7. seedy: disreputable and trustworthy. -'a seedy person' or 'a seedy part of town'


Russ: So, what do you have lined up for this weekend?

Maurice: I’m going to meet up with some friends, and we’re going to hang out in Kabukicho.

R: Kabukicho, on a Saturday night?

M: Yea. What’s the problem?

R: Better be careful. I hear it’s a pretty rough part of town. You know, like don’t go into any back alleys, and don’t talk to strangers, and don’t drink too much there, and ...

M: Listen, Russ, this isn’t my first rodeo, OK? I mean, I’ve been around the block, alright?

R: Really.

M: Yea. Remember; I’m from Atlanta. College Park to be exact.

R: So, you’ve seen a lot of things, right?

M: You could say that.

R: Regardless, people are stressed out these days, and some of them are starting to lose it.

M: Hmm. You’re referring to the train incidents...with people setting fires on board, right?

R: Right. Now, I know you weren’t born yesterday, but just try not to take unnecessary risks.

M: Unnecessary risks...? Like What?

R: Like going to certain areas at night that might be sketchy.

M: Sketchy?

R: Yea. You know? Potentially dangerous.

M: I know what it means, Russ. I don’t find that area sketchy or seedy at all. I feel totally at ease there.

R: OK. If you say so.

M: I DO say so.

R: Excuse me!

M: You’re excused.

Nov 10, 202101:43
S2E35: "Hayakuchi Kotoba" TONGUE TWISTERS

S2E35: "Hayakuchi Kotoba" TONGUE TWISTERS

Mako, Maurice, and Russ have fun trying to say Tongue-Twisters. Please joing along.


1. 'Pad kid poured curd pulled cod.'

2. 'Brisk brave brigadiers brandished broad bright blades, blunderbusses, and bludgeons—balancing them badly.'

3.  'If you must cross a course cross cow across a crowded cow crossing, cross the cross coarse cow across the crowded cow crossing carefully.'

4. 'How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?'

5. 'Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager managing an imaginary menagerie.'

7. 'Rory the warrior and Roger the worrier were reared wrongly in a rural brewery.'

8. 'Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.'

9. 'I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.'

10. 'The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.'

11. 'Can you can a canned can into an un-canned can like a canner can can a canned can into an un-canned can?'

12. 'Thirty-three thirsty, thundering thoroughbreds thumped Mr. Thurber on Thursday.'

13. 'Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.'






Nov 09, 202110:46
S2E34: 'It's Halloween' with Mako, Maurice, and Russ
Oct 27, 202113:39
S2E33: THE PHRASE OF THE WEEK 'To Let the Cat out of the Bag' w/Maurice

S2E33: THE PHRASE OF THE WEEK 'To Let the Cat out of the Bag' w/Maurice

Listen to a short story about someone 'letting the cat out of the bag' and answer the questions below.

Look at the new vocabulary first. The answers are at the bottom.


NEW VOCABULARY

a: duties: a responsibility (職務)

b: confidential: intended to be kept secret (マル秘)

c: to be fired/ to fire (someone): to be terminated from your job for something that the company deems was your fault (クビになる)

d: procedures: an official way of doing things (手順)

e: to ensure: to make certain that something will happen

f: colleagues: a co-worker - someone you work with (同僚)

g: to reveal: make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others 

h: violation: the breaking of a rule (違反)

I: to disclose: make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others


LISTENING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What was one of Maurice’s duties of his job?

a. to fire people

b. to share information

c. to keep secrets

d. to keep people involved


2. Who was complaining about the job?

a. Maurice

b. the person being fired

c. the person doing the firing

d. other employees


3. When Maurice says, “I slipped”, what does he mean?

a. He fell down.

b. He made a mistake.

c. He fired someone.

d. He found a cat.


4. What does ‘Let the Cat out of the Bag’ mean?

a. to tell someone information that was supposed to be kept secret

b. to lose a cat

c. to go shopping

d. to fire someone


5. What is the main point of this story?

a. It is difficult to fire people.

b. You should be careful not to disclose secret information.

c. Cats are quick.

d. Do not talk to other co-workers at work.











answers: 1.c  2.d  3.b  4.a  5.b

Oct 27, 202102:22
S2E32: (PART 2): Marius and Russ Discuss Deep Space (Advanced English)

S2E32: (PART 2): Marius and Russ Discuss Deep Space (Advanced English)

This second part of the conversation transitions to Marius' college town to space, space exploration, and sci-fi movies.



1. Space is Cool!

    Deep Space: 深宇宙 outer space (the physical universe beyond the earth's atmosphere)


2. Uchu Sen Kan Yamato (Star Blazers): a sci-fi Japanese animated television series that started in 1974.


3. What’s your favorite planet?

    Terraforming: テラフォーミング "Earth Shaping"


4. Michi Tono Sogu (Close Encounters of the Third Kind): a 1977 sci-fi movie written and directed by Steven Spielberg.

     Budweiser: Budweiser is an American-style pale lager produced by Anheuser-Busch, part of AB InBev introduced in 1876.


5. Serious Space Talk

    The Final Frontier: 最後のフロンティア (a part of a country, region, etc. that is the last to be settled, explored, or developed.)

    The Space Time Continuum: 時空間連続体 any mathematical model which fuses the three dimensions of space and the one dimension of time    

    into a single four-dimensional manifold.

    Free Will: 自由意志the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one's own discretion.

    Misnomer: a wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term.

    Worm Hole: ワームホール a hypothetical connection between widely separated regions of space–time.

Oct 26, 202116:35
S2E31: (PART 1) Marius and Russ~German University Towns and Buying Cigarettes as a Kid

S2E31: (PART 1) Marius and Russ~German University Towns and Buying Cigarettes as a Kid

Murius and I like to jump from topic to topic sometimes. He has an interesting point of view on many subjects.


1. Retaining New Vocabulary

    ito: intention 意図

2. The Weather

    Slush: partially melted snow or ice

    Bamburg: a town in Germany

    Heidelberg: a town in Germany


3. Marius and University


4. University Towns and Food

    Doner Kabab: a type of kebab, made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.


5. Drinking, Voting, and Voting Ages

    Juxtaposition: 並置 side by side

    Bitter: having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.


6. Buying Cigarettes as a Kid

Oct 26, 202114:17
S2E30: "宇宙へ行こう!! - Let's go to Space!!"

S2E30: "宇宙へ行こう!! - Let's go to Space!!"

Maurice, Mako, and Russ talk about going to space. They talk about their favorite planets and their astrological signs.

モーリス、マコ、ラスの3人は、宇宙に行くことについて話しています。自分の好きな惑星や星座についても話しています。


PEOPLE DISCUSSED

1. Yusaku Maezawa: former CEO of ZOZO Town and billionaire

2. Jean-Michel Basquit: American Modern Artist (December 22, 1960 – August 12, 1988)

3. Richard Branson: a Billionaire



NEW TERMS AND VOCABULARY

1. neglect: fail to care for properly

2. up close: クローズアップ

3. yellow dwarf: 黄色いドワーフ

4. gas giant: a large planet of relatively low density consisting predominantly of hydrogen and helium, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune.

5. Pluto: めいおうせい (Meiousei)

6. Saturn: どせい (Dosei)

7. Neptune: かいおうせい (Kaiousei)

8. Libra: てんびんざ

9. Sagitarius: いてざ

10. LongーWinded: Someone who talks a lot (at tedious length)


Come join us at Evergreen Language School! Visit our webpage at www.evergreen.gr.jp!!




Oct 20, 202108:22
S2E29: Mako, Maurice, and Russ Discuss 'Squid Game' (No Spoilers) and Childhood Games

S2E29: Mako, Maurice, and Russ Discuss 'Squid Game' (No Spoilers) and Childhood Games

What games did you play as a kid? I have fond memories of playing games with neighborhood kids even until after dark. I never got tired of playing these games. We also discuss reading scary books and Japanese Traffic Signals.


NEW TERMS:

1. Binge Watch(ビンジ・ウォッチ): To watch multiple episodes in rapid succession

2. Eerie(不気味):

3. Spooky(スプーキー)

4. Case in Point: for example

5. Formulaic: Set rules (predictable)

6. Pennywise: A scary clown from the Stephen King book ‘IT’

7. Double Whammy: A double setback or unpleasant effect

8. High Five: High Touch

Oct 19, 202115:10
Autumn Campaign ~ TOEIC Bridge Lessons!!

Autumn Campaign ~ TOEIC Bridge Lessons!!

Come study TOEIC Bridge at Evergreen Language School.


店の上、お申し込みいただくか、お電話(03.3723.4785)またはホームページ(www.evergreen.gr.jp)で詳細をご確認ください。

Oct 19, 202107:09
S2E28: EAVESDROPPING PRACTICE~Changing Topics

S2E28: EAVESDROPPING PRACTICE~Changing Topics

Let's listen to a little more of this conversation. Try to answer the questions below. The answers are at the bottom.


1. The author thinks that people __________________ speak loudly in museums.

a. should

b. shouldn’t

c. will

d. didn’t


2. “We’re not studying for the SAT test.”-Why did Russ say this?

a. It isn’t necessary to be so quiet.

b. It is necessary to be quiet.

c. He is not prepared for the test.


3. Russ thinks that if everyone is doing it, it’s _____________.

a. Not o.k.

b. O.k.


4. Russ suddenly changes the topic. Why did he do this?

a. He has no confidence.

b. He wants to yell in a museum.

c. He noticed that someone left their computer on the table.

d. He likes society.


5. “I think that’s pretty bold.” -What is Russ referring to?

a. Someone leaving their computer on the table.

b. Someone taking her computer.

c. Someone yelling in a museum.






Answers: 1)a   2)a   3)b   4)c   5)b   

Oct 19, 202103:59
S2E27: EAVESDROPPING PRACTICE ~ A Piece of Art

S2E27: EAVESDROPPING PRACTICE ~ A Piece of Art

Let's sharpen our listening skills once again as we listen to the two discuss a piece of art hanging on the wall in front of them as they sip their coffee.

Listen carefully and answer the questions below.


The answers are at the bottom.


1. “…later down the road…”probably means which of the following?

a. in a different town

b. on a different street

c. later in the conversation

d. on a different day

2. “…but you planted that idea in my mind quite early in the conversation, didn’t you?”-What does this probably mean?

a. She thought about starting a garden.

b. She gave him an idea indirectly

c. She didn’t give him an idea.

d. She gave him an idea directly.

3. Why did Russ ask her “on a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rank this art”?

a. He wants to know how she feels about it.

b. He wants to sell her the art.

c. He wants to buy the art.

d. He cannot count well.

4. “I think you’re focusing on the red. You’re not focusing on that ___________ background.”-Fill in the blank.

a. grand

b. bland

c. brand

d. gram

5. “So __________________ depends on people.” – Fill in the blank.

a. interpretation

b. communication

c. understanding

d. information

6. Which room does he think the art should go in?

a. the kitchen

b. the living room

c. the bathroom

d. the bedroom















Answers: 1)c  2)b  3) a 4)b 5) a 6) c

Oct 19, 202103:16
S2E26: FREESTYLE (Unscripted) Phrase of the Week ~ 'Let Your Hair Down'

S2E26: FREESTYLE (Unscripted) Phrase of the Week ~ 'Let Your Hair Down'

I usually write out the Phase of the Week, but this week, I will shoot from the hip.

This week's phrase: LET YOUR HAIR DOWN means to relax and not care what others think about you.


NEW PHRASES:

Break from the Norm: Do something you don't usually do.

Shoot from the Hip: To do somethin without preparation

Freestyle/(Freestyling): to improvise

Get the Gist of Something: To understand the main point of something

Literal Meaning: taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration.

Figurative Meaning: departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.

Kick Back: To Relax

Crack Open (a book): To read a book

I Digress: To go off topic when speaking

Shuten (終点): The Last Stop

Oct 16, 202106:54
S2E25: Ei San and Russ Discuss DAIKANYAMA, TOKYO

S2E25: Ei San and Russ Discuss DAIKANYAMA, TOKYO

Ei San and I continue our talk as we discuss the town of Daikanyama, Tokyo. In all of these years, I have only been there two or three times. I have a lot of curiosity about this town. Ei San answers some of my questions.

Oct 16, 202105:37
S2E24: Ei San and Russ Discuss Italy, Nagano, Izu, and Hakone

S2E24: Ei San and Russ Discuss Italy, Nagano, Izu, and Hakone

Ei San, one of our students at Evergreen Language School, and I sit down after her class and 'shoot the breeze' (チャット)  about travel, art, and rice wine.

Listen to how the topics lead from one to another quite naturally.


Topic One: How to dress in ‘in-between’ Weather

Topic Two: Taking a Pleasure Train (Introduction to the topic of Travelling)

Topic Three: Travelling to Italy

Topic Four: Italian Art Festival

Topic Five: Nagano Expo of 2005

Topic Six: Domestic Travel

Topic Seven: Sake and Rice

Topic Eight: Methods of Travel

Topic Nine: Izu and Hakone

Oct 16, 202108:17
エヴァグリーンランゲージスクールの秋のビジネス英語キャンペーン: Autumn Business English Campaign at Evergreen Language School

エヴァグリーンランゲージスクールの秋のビジネス英語キャンペーン: Autumn Business English Campaign at Evergreen Language School

ビジネス英語 秋のキャンペーン


エヴァグリーンランゲージスクールでは、「ビジネス英語キャンペーン」を開催中です。

今から2021年12月21日まで、ビジネスクラスのレベルチェックと体験レッスンを無料で実施しています。また、登録料も無料です。

利用できるのは、「対面」クラスのグループレッスン、プライベートレッスン、セミプライベートレッスンです。

オンラインプライベートレッスンを受講すると、無料で15分追加になりますので、50分レッスンが65分レッスンになります。

ビジネス英語には4つのレベルがあります。初級、初中級、中級、上級の4つのレベルがあります。

l 初級クラスでは、自己紹介の練習、仕事上の問題についての話、各国の料理についての話、面接の練習などを行います。

l 初中級クラスでは、キャリアプランの話し合い、交渉術の練習、企業での接待のロールプレイ、製品のプレゼンテーションなどに取り組みます。

l 中級クラスでは、ミーティングの管理、ネットワーキングの練習、お金の話、職場での倫理についての話などを行います。

l 上級クラスでは、フォーマルなビジネスレターやインフォーマルなビジネスレターの書き方、Eメールでの対立解消、交渉の練習、電話会議のロールプレイなどを行います。

祐天寺と自由が丘の2校あり、駅から徒歩2分の便利な場所にあります。


Evergreen Language School is now holding a Business English Campaign.

From now until December 21st 2021, we are offering free level checks and trial lessons for business classes. There is also no registration fee.

Available are ‘Face to Face’ classes group, private, and semi-private lessons.

If you take a private online lesson, you will get an additional 15 minutes free of charge, so a 50-minute lesson becomes a 65-minute lesson.

We offer 4 levels of Business English: Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Advanced.


In Elementary Classes, we practiceintroductions, talk about problems at work, discuss food from different countries, practice interviewing techniques and more.

In Pre-Intermediate Classes, we work ondiscussing career plans, practice negotiating skills, role-playcorporate entertaining, present products and more.

In Intermediate Classes, we work on managing meetings, practice networking, discuss money, talk about ethics at work and more.

In Advanced Classes, we write formal and informal business letters, work on conflict resolution in e-mails, practice negotiating, role-play teleconferencing and more.

We have 2 convenient locations, Yutenji and Jiyugaoka, both only 2 minutes from the station on foot.


There’s no time like the present. What are you waiting for?

Oct 14, 202103:45
S2E23: Idiom: 'Pass it Down' (The Watch): A Short Conversation

S2E23: Idiom: 'Pass it Down' (The Watch): A Short Conversation

To Pass Something Down means to give something to a younger person, usually someone within your family.

To Pass Something Down: 年下の人に何かを与えること、通常は家族の誰かに


You can pass down different things like the following:

a family recipe (家族のレシピ)

a piece of jewerly (宝石のような一品)

a wedding dress (ウェディングドレス)

a camera (カメラ)

shoes (靴)

etc... (などなど。)


1. Pass (something) down: to give something to a younger person, usually someone within your family.

2. Sentimental Value (感傷的価値): the value of an object deriving from personal or emotional associations rather than material worth.

3. Look After (something) (誰かや何かの世話をする。): to take care of someone or something

4. A Burden (負担) : a load

Oct 09, 202105:54
S2E22 Magnitude 5.9 'What Were You Doing?' マグニチュード5.9 '何をしていたのですか?'

S2E22 Magnitude 5.9 'What Were You Doing?' マグニチュード5.9 '何をしていたのですか?'

Listen to what one person was doing during the recent trimmer in Japan.

先日の日本の地震の際、ある人がしていたことを聞いてください。


Podcast: Welcome to Night Vale 'Faceless Old Woman'

Oct 09, 202104:06
S2E21 Phrase of the Week: 'A Fish out of Water'

S2E21 Phrase of the Week: 'A Fish out of Water'

To feel like A FISH OUT OF WATER means to feel awkward or unhappy because you are in an unfamiliar situation.


TRANSCRIPT

a. How was your camping trip last week?

b. Oh...the camping trip.

a. Yea. How was it?

b. Let’s just say that I was like A FISH OUT OF WATER.

a. That bad, eh? How long had it been since you went camping?

b. How long had it been? It was my first time.

a. So, what happened?

b. Well, I didn’t know how to do anything. They asked me to pitch a tent. I didn’t know how to do that. They asked me to collect some firewood. I didn’t know how to do that. They asked me to build a fire. I didn’t know how to do that either. I felt like A FISH OUT OF WATER. (chorally)

a. So, why did you go?

b. For the hotdogs and beer!!

a. Hotdogs and Beer? What are you talking about? I meant, why did you go if you didn’t know how to do anything?

b. I don’t know. I figured someone would show me how to do them.

Oct 09, 202103:07
S2E20: 'Jit and Russ - Walk and Talk'

S2E20: 'Jit and Russ - Walk and Talk'

Jit and Russ take a walk around the streets of Yutenji after his (Jit's) Japanese lesson at Evergreen Language School. Listen in as they discuss coffee, architecture, Kanji, mountain climbing, and more.

Jit と Russ は、エバーグリーンランゲージスクールでの彼(Jit's)の日本語レッスンの後、祐天寺の街を散歩しました。コーヒー、建築、漢字、山登りなどについて話しています。

Part 1: Curry & and Old Toyota

Part 2: Buildings & Humidity

Part 3: Architecture & Coffee

Part 4: Does Anyone Live Here Anymore?

Part 5: Beans and Water

Part 6: Japanese Class

Part 7: Kanji & Street Signs

Part 8: Kanji Kanji Kanji

Part 9: Black Mountain Climbers and Mt. Everest

Part 10: Which Way Are You Going?

Oct 08, 202113:23
S2E19: Phrase of the Week: 'Bite the Bullet'

S2E19: Phrase of the Week: 'Bite the Bullet'

To "bite the bullet" is to “accept the inevitable impending hardship and endure the resulting pain with fortitude”. The phrase was first recorded by Rudyard Kipling in his 1891 novel 'The Light that Failed.'

to bite the bullet」とは、「避けられない差し迫った苦難を受け入れ、その結果生じる痛みに不屈の精神で耐える」ことです。この言葉は、ラドヤード・キップリングが1891年に発表した小説「The Light that Failed」の中で初めて記録したものです。


NEW TERMS

1. down: sad/depressed

2. hold the phone: Wait a moment.

3. duck out: leave secretly

4. It's not the end of the world.: It's not as bad as you think./あなたが思っているほど悪くはありません。

5. Bite the Bullet: accept or confront a difficult situation

6. Here goes nothing.: used when one is about to try doing something new, difficult, or unpleasant~ "I've never skied before, so here goes nothing."

7. A Slap on the Wrist: a mild/liht punishment

8. Lucky you.: used to express envy at someone else's good fortune./は、他人の幸運を羨む気持ちを表すのに使われます。


PART 1

a. Are you OK? You seem down.

b. I have a meeting with Ms. Garcia.

a. What about?

b. I don’t know. She sent me an email saying she wanted to see me in her office at 1pm, but I don’t think I’m going to go.

a. Wait, hold the phone. She scheduled a meeting with you, but you’re not going?

b. I don’t think so. I think I’ll duck outearly.

a. Did you do something wrong?

b. Well, I called in sick a few days last week. Then I was late twice this week.

a. OK. Well, it’s not the end of the world, right?

b. I guess not, but I’m just not in the mood for being yelled at.

a. Just BITE THE BULLET and go and see her. It probably won’t be as bad as you think.

b. (Sigh) OK. Here goes nothing. (knocking on door sound.) Hello? Ms. Garcia?


PART 2

a. So, how did it go?

b. Not bad. Not bad at all. She just told me to be careful and to give more notice when I call in sick. She also told me to try to be on time.

a. Hmm…She gave you a slap on the wrist. Lucky you.

b. Yep! That’s exactly what I got.

Oct 06, 202101:29
S2E18 - Eavesdropping in Autumn

S2E18 - Eavesdropping in Autumn

We sit down again for another eavesdropping session. Try to answer the questions below. The background music is a little loud, so listen carefully.

The answers are at the bottom.


1. Which one is true?

a. She doesn’t eat brown rice at restaurants.

b. She eats brown rice at home.

c. She doesn’t eat brown rice at home.


2. How did she finish this sentence?

“But anyway, I ________________________ today.”

a. want rice

b. didn’t have

c. had


3. Which statements are not true? Choose 2.

a. She likes all kinds of sandwiches.

b. She doesn’t like any kind of sandwiches.

c. She has never eaten a sandwich.

d. She likes chicken sandwiches.


4. What day is it?

a. Friday

b. Saturday

c. Sunday


5. Which statement is true?

a. She will wake up at 8am to watch a new show.

b. She will wake up at 8am to watch a news show.

c. She will wake up at 8am to watch a new news show.


6. Which statement is true?

a. She watches one news show on Sunday morning and another on Saturday evening.

b. She watches one news show on Sunday morning and another on Saturday morning.

c. She watches one news show on Sunday morning and another on Saturday afternoon.


7. Fill in the blank.

“Some news channels...or some news sources...they only ________ the surface.”

a. slim

b. spin

c. skim








answers: 1.c  2.c  3.b/c  4.b  5.b  6.a  7.c

Oct 05, 202106:02
S2E17 -Eavesdropping Again! 'Noisy Cafe Listening Practice'

S2E17 -Eavesdropping Again! 'Noisy Cafe Listening Practice'

1. Let's try to listen in on another co,nversation. The cafe is especially loud today with the clatter of dishes, the cleaning of machines, and music, but it is possible to EAVESDROP on this pair.


1. "He gets better with age." - What does this mean?

a. He is better when he is older.

b. He was better when he was younger.


2. Most of the protagonists are...

a. spies

b. 10-year old girls

c. old ladies


3. According to the woman, which is true?

a. Hayao Miyazaki doesn't support women.

b. Hayao Miyazaki doesn't care about women.

c. Hayao Miyazaki cares about women.


4. Which one is true?

a. Russ does not want to meet Hayao Miyazaki.

b. Russ would like to meet Hayao Miyazaki.


5. What would is the woman trying to think of?

a. stubborn

b. combative

c. argumentative


6. How old is Russ's grandmother?

a. 10

b. 92

3. 80


7. Russ thinks his grandmother should _____________________.

a. stop smoking

b. meet her hero

c. continue smoking.






answers: 1.a 2.b 3.c 4.b 5.a 6.b 7.c



Sep 25, 202107:34
S2E16: Neil and Russ, Birds and Photography

S2E16: Neil and Russ, Birds and Photography

It has been over a month since Neil and I have sat down for a chat. It was great catching up with him. We discussed our favorite past imes, or hobbies. The bird on the cover is the 'rose-winged parakeet' that Neil talks about. If you listen closely, you can hear it, too.

Sep 25, 202107:19
S2E15 PHRASE OF THE WEEK: 'Back to Square One'

S2E15 PHRASE OF THE WEEK: 'Back to Square One'

BACK TO SQUARE ONE

This means ‘back to where you started...and that you have made no progress’. You will need to start ALL over again. Perhaps, this time, with a different plan, a more successful one. Let’s listen to two short conversations to see how this phrase can be used.


USEFUL VOCABULARY

a. rack your brain: try really hard to remember or think of something

b. figure out: discover the answer

c. to crash (of a computer): when a computer program stops functioning properly and exits

d. Hello, Stranger!: jokingly said to someone you know but have not seen for a long time.

e. come up with: to produce or think of something when pressured or challenged

f. curn out: to produce something quickly, like ideas, books, etc.

g. rack (our) brains: try hard to think of or remember something


CONVERSATION #1

a. What’s the matter?

b. I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out how to install this program?

a. What kind of program is it?

b. It’s just a photo editing program. Anyway, I finally figured it out when the computer crashed. When I turned it back on, the program was missing, so now I’m BACK TO SQUARE ONE.

a. Listen, it can’t be that difficult.

b. But, it is that difficult. It’s all in Japanese.

a. Isn’t there a language option that allows you to switch to English?

b. No. I’ve already checked.

a. How about this button?

b. I said I already che.... Hmm. That’s funny. I tried that before, but nothing happened.

a. Well, it seems to be working now.

b. ...

a. Excuse me. I didn’t hear that.

b. THANK YOU!

a. You’re welcome.


Hmm, it seems like it wasn’t such a big problem after all. Now, let’s listen to another short conversation.


CONVERSATION #2

a. Hello, Stranger!

b. Oh, hey Russ.

a. What’s up?

b. Well, you remember I was trying to raise money to start a bird-watching school for kids and teens?

a. Yea. I remember that. How’s it coming along?

b. Well, it WAS coming along fine.

a. WAS? What happened? You didn’t lose the money, did you?

b. No! I’m not that careless.

a. Then what happened?

b. Well, it seems it’s a lot more difficult to raise money than I thought.

a. So, are you BACK TO SQUARE ONE again?

b. Yea, basically. I’ve gotta come up with some new ideas.

a. How about after work we get together and try to churn out some ideas?

b. Oh, we can rack our brains.

a. Alright. Sounds good. Sounds good.

b. Yea. Ok. See you then.

Sep 25, 202102:14
S2E14 PART2 Jit and I Sit and Talk (AUTUMN THEME)

S2E14 PART2 Jit and I Sit and Talk (AUTUMN THEME)

This is the final part of the conversation between Jit and Russ. Try to answer the listening comprehension questions below. The answers are posted at bottom.

1. Jit went to Yokohama this month to eat Abura Soba. 

a. True

b. False


2. Russell has never had Abura Soba.

a. True

b. False

c. Not Mentioned


3. When Russell says, “I think that’s kind of sad,” what does he mean?

a. His dog is sad.

b. He has not been anywhere new recently

c. He has never eaten Abura Soba.


4. Russell can use _____ different stations to get to work.

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3


5. “I guess in the sense of Corona, going anywhere outside of your house is probably ‘frowned upon’…” – What does “frowned upon” mean?

a. It makes you sad.

b. It makes others sad.

c. Other people disagree with it.


6. What river borders Kawasaki and Yokohama?

a. The Tsurumi River

b. The Tama River

c. The Yagami River


7. When did Jit go to the Tama River?

a. Last Monday

b. Last Sunday

c. Last Friday


8. Which statement is true?

a. Jit ate lunch at the Tama River.

b. Jit ate lunch after he went to the Tama River.

c. Jit ate lunch before he went to the Tama River.


9.  What is Russell’s biggest fear?

a. Seeing a dog in the grass

b. Walking in grass without shoes or socks on

c. Seeing a bear along the river


10.“I can do it on dirt. I can do it on concrete.” – What does “it” mean?

a. swim

b. walk without shoes or socks on

c. eat lunch











ANSWERS

1.b 2.c 3. b 4.c 5.c 6.c 7.a 8.c 9.b 10.b

Sep 19, 202106:56
S2E13 ~ PART ONE Jit and I Jump from Topic to Topic (AUTUMN THEME)
Sep 19, 202108:16
S2E12 More Eavesdropping (with Questions)

S2E12 More Eavesdropping (with Questions)

Let's get ready to eavesdrop!! Listen to this conversation in a bustling coffee shop and see if you can answer the questions below.

1. What is the topic of this conversation?

a. How to hire new models

b. The height of models

c. The thinness of models

d. The salary of models


2. According to the woman in the conversation, nowadays in Japan, we can see young Japanese models who...

a. are super thin

b. are a little larger than usual

c. like to grin

d. like to sin


3. Which one did the man say?

a. “15 ... 16 years ago”

b. “50 ... 60 years ago”


4. According to the man in the conversation, the idea of beauty...

a. never changes

b. changes


5. Where is ‘Twiggy’ from?

a. America

b. England

c. Canada


6. According to the woman, what used to be a symbol of wealthy people?

a. being overweight

b. being underweight

c. being of average weight


7. According to the man, which was true in the past?

a. It was fashionable for rich people to be the same weight as the rest of the population.

b. It was not fashionable for rich people to be the same weight as the rest of the population.

c. Rich people did not think about the weight of other people.

Sep 18, 202106:23
S2E11 Another Moment with Marius Part 2 - Talking with Strangers

S2E11 Another Moment with Marius Part 2 - Talking with Strangers

Marius and I finish our conversation this week discussing talking to strangeres in Japan.

Sep 18, 202110:35
AUTUMN CAMPAIGN: Autumn Campaign 'JLPT' Lessons

AUTUMN CAMPAIGN: Autumn Campaign 'JLPT' Lessons

エヴァグリーンランゲージスクールで日本語能力試験の勉強をしてみませんか?

10週間コース

登録料無料

9月25日(土)スタート


Come study for the JLPT test at Evergreen Language School!

10-Week Course

No Registration Fee!

Starts Saturday September 25th


Sep 17, 202103:31
S2E10 Another Moment with Marius - The Guitar Man Part 1
Sep 17, 202109:02
S2E9 Phrase of the Week ~ "Bite Your Tongue!"

S2E9 Phrase of the Week ~ "Bite Your Tongue!"

This week's new phrase is 'Bite Your Tongue.' Let's listen to two examples of it in two separate conversations.


USEFUL PHRASES:

1. "Don't get me started...": Used to shorten a conversation or avoid a topic.

Example:

a. What did you think about Junko's new boyfirend?

b. Don't get me started.

a. Oh...so, you didn't like him. I understand.


2. "Bite Your Tongue!": Don't say that! / You should not have said that!

2a. "I bit my tongue.": I didn't say anything.


3. "Good Call.": You made a wise decision.

CONVERSATION #1

a. Did you enjoy the party?

b. Actually, it was more like a ‘get together’.

a. OK. Did you enjoy the ‘get together’?

b. It was ok.

a. Just ok?

b. It was pretty good.

a. How was the food?

b. Don’t get me started on the food.

a. Hmm...It was that bad?

b. Yea.

a. Did you say anything about it?

b. I wanted to, but I decided to BITE MY TONGUE, instead. I didn’t want to be rude.

a. Good call.


USEFUL PHRASES:

4. "...Not My Cup of Tea.": It wasn't my style. / I didn't like it.


CONVERSATION #2

a. So, how did you like my performance?

b. Your performance?

a. Yes, my singing? How did you like it?

b. Hmm…

a. Well? You heard it, right?

b. Yes, I heard it.

a. So?

b. Well, it really wasn’t my cup of tea.

a. What?

b. It means that I really didn’t like it.

a. I know what it means?

b. Have you ever thought about taking singing lessons?

a. BITE YOUR TONGUE!!

b. What? I’m just being honest!

a. You’re just being a (Bleep!)

Sep 17, 202102:26
S2E8: Phrase of the Week ~ "I've Got Bigger Fish to Fry."

S2E8: Phrase of the Week ~ "I've Got Bigger Fish to Fry."

BIGGER FISH TO FRY:  to not be interested in something because you have more important, interesting, or profitable things to do. I didn't pursue it in detail because I'm afraid I had other fish to fry at the time.


*take credit for (something): to allow people to believe that one did something that deserves praise or special attention - "I did all the work, and she took the credit."

*ancient history: something that is already long familiar and no longer new, interesting, or relevant.


TRANSCRIPT

A: Knock Knock? Busy? I just saw Matthew. He’s in his office now.

B: So?

A: So??? Weren’t you looking for him? You told me he stole your presentation idea and took credit for it. I thought you wanted to get back at him.

B: That’s ancient history.

A: ...It was last week!

B: I don’t have time for suck pettiness. I’VE GOT BIGGER FISH TO FRY.

A: Like what?

B: If you must know. I’m trying to land this new client. And if I do, it could mean a raise and a promotion for me.

A: I get it...But what about Matthew?

B: I’ll deal with him later.

A: Ok...By the way, do you need any help?

B: Yea, you can close the door on your way out.

SLAM!!!

Sep 10, 202101:11
S2E7: 'CURRENT EVENTS' 時事問題~ Food Waste

S2E7: 'CURRENT EVENTS' 時事問題~ Food Waste

Here at Evergreen Language School, we specialize in teaching conversational English and Japanese, reading, writing, listening, test preparation, business, KIDS English and so on. One of the other things we love to do is discuss CURRENT EVENTS 時事問題. We do this in classes and in our Saturday afternoon LOUNGE from 12pm - 12:50pm. Here is one of the topics we are discussing this week. Please listen and follow along by reading the transcript below. Also, come and join us for 1-free LOUNGE or sign up for online lessons.

TRANSCRIPT

Food Waste:

"I read recently that Starbucks decided to do their part to reduce food waste. This is how – They will be marking down select bakery products by 20% several hours prior to, or before, closing. In addition, they will donate part of the revenue of these discounted sales to a local non-profit which provides meals for children across Japan."

What do you think about this?

"I started working at a fast-food restaurant near my house when I was 16 and worked there for 2 years. This was back in the 80’s. Each night, after closing, we had to count all of the cooked leftover food – that means the hamburgers, the French fries, the apple pies...Mmm...I loved those fried apple pies. I still do, but now, I have to watch my waste line. I remember when they started baking their apple pies instead of frying them. They were still good, but not as good. I don’t go to fast food restaurants for healthy food. I go there for a guilty pleasure. I digress. Where was I?"

"Oh yea. So anyway, we had to count the food at the end of the day. Then, depending on which manager was working that night, we were either allowed to take that food home for free, OR we had to throw it away in the trash. Throw it away in the trash? I never understood the logic behind that. Right? Ok, so you don’t want your employees to take it home and eat it because...maybe you don’t want them to get sick and sue the company? Ok. But it wasn’t sushi, which has a very short shelf life. A fast-food hamburger can sit on your table for a month and still be eaten, right? They’re loaded with preservatives. They last forever."

"Anyhow, if the food is unsellable, meaning it can’t be sold, but is still edible, or can be eaten, there are other choices aside from throwing it out. Right?"

"Let’s go back to that 20%. Ok. They reduce the prices of some of the food items by 20%. How about if the store closes at 9pm, but now it’s 8:30pm, and there is still a lot of food left? Will they mark it down to 50% or to 75%, or will they just throw it out if it’s not sold?"

"So, we’re talking about avoiding food waste AND donating revenue to non-profit organizations to help those who are in need of food."

"What do you think about this? Are restaurants and other food industry businesses doing enough to help curb, food waste and to help those who are in need of food?"

NOW, LET'S SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS TOPIC...

Sep 07, 202107:10
S2E6: "Let's Go Shopping!!!" - Pt.1 (with NARRATION)

S2E6: "Let's Go Shopping!!!" - Pt.1 (with NARRATION)

I love going shopping in Japan. Follow the NARRATION below as you listen.

1. So, the Kosui nashi is just a category of pear. It has no particular meaning.

2. So, the Kodowari nashi just means ‘more special’. The word ‘kodowari’ can be used for many different things. It just means that, for example...a kodowari ‘aji’ – ‘aji’ means ‘taste’, so it’s a special taste, but his word is reserved for...many something that’s hand-made, and it’s not like mass produced in a factory. There’s a limited amount.

3. When we’re shopping, I like to keep things moving.

4. She says it doesn’t look that good, but since it’s only 300 yen, that she just wants to try one.

5. I’m a little superstitious, so when we’re shopping together, I don’t like it when someone walks between us. It’s like their breaking...like an invisible rope or something that connects us, so I have to walk in front of that person to walk around them. It’s an old habit.

6. A ‘biniru-bukuro’ is a plastic bag.

7. It seems like half of what we buy goes inside a biniru-bukuro.

8. Of course, we recycle and reuse them at home. I use it at work, so...so I try to make sure that each plastic bag gets a lot of mileage before we’re finished with it. Mileage...means usage. We use it a lot before we throw it away.

9. I usually eat bananas before and after running. She asks me if I want bananas. I already know what the answer is, but I think about it anyway.

10. We usually get flowers when we go shopping, and since they’re right by the entrance, we get those first. But, I think we should get them last because they might get crushed by all of the other things that we buy, but she says if we wait until the end, there might not be any flowers left. But, there are always flowers left.

11. An ‘Eringi’ is a kind of mushroom. These days, you can find them all year ‘round. They’re really good in nabe, stir-fry, and spaghetti dishes. I’m sure there are many others, too. I like mushrooms; I’m a mushroom man.

12. Next, we get kimchee. We eat kimchee a lot. I used to put kimchee on cheese toast. I called it ‘Kimchee Cheese Toast.’ I don’t do that anymore.

13. It seems like the public announcement system is continuous; it never stops. It reminds me of an Onsen trip we took in 1998. And, we were on the tour bus, and the bus guide spoke continuously, even when everyone was tired and sleeping, she was still talking. That’s what it reminds me of.

14. Saikyozuke – This is a kind of salmon with a paste on it, with Saikyo-miso paste; you fry it up in a pan or in the oven. Usually, every Thursday, we have some kind of fish plus natto and kimchee.

15. There is a store worker standing on a box, organizing items on the top shelf. It looks kind of dangerous.

16. The wheel of the cart sounds a little wobbly now. Hmm...

17. Sometimes, the translation is too easy – Osakana Sausage.

18. She asks me if I still want to eat cereal because summer is almost over. We usually eat cereal in the summer when it’s hot.

19.That’s a pretty interesting phrase - The Usual Suspects ~ It just means ‘the usual things that you do’ or ‘the usual things that you buy’ – ‘the usual people or things that are suspected or thought of in a particular situation. For example, “What did you have for breakfast? ~ Oh, The Usual Suspects...toast, eggs, bacon.” That’s what I usually have. “Who did you go to the concert with? ~ The Usual Suspects.’

20. Next, we go to the egg section. I guess there’s an egg called the ‘Kiyora’ egg. I guess it’s the kind of egg. I don’t think it’s the company name. It’s just the egg brand. It reminds me of a trip we made to Gunma about 8 years ago. And, we stopped on the side of the road, and there was an egg vending machine. You could go there and buy fresh eggs. I’d never seen that before.........

Sep 06, 202109:56
S2E5: "Let's do some more EAVESDROPPING!!!"

S2E5: "Let's do some more EAVESDROPPING!!!"

Let’s return to the first episode of Eavesdropping and listen to a little more of the conversation.

In this episode, there is still background noise. Listen to how the background noise becomes part of the conversation. Also, listen for digression, which means ‘getting off topic.’ This happens twice toward the end.


Curry Queen: So, do you buy a newspaper?

Russ: Uhh...Sometimes…-

CQ: (Rewinding Sound done with mouth) How do you check the news? How do you get the news?

R: How do I get my news information?

CQ: Mmm.

R: Sometimes, online.

CQ: Mm.

R: Uh. Sometimes, I get a lot of it from TV.

CQ: Uhh...Japanese TV or...

R: Japanese TV.

CQ: Hmm!

R: Yea. So, I get...

CQ: To study Japanese.

R: No, to get the news. (slight chuckle)

CQ: Right.

R: But, at the same time, It...is a way to study Japanese, Yes!

CQ: Hmm…

R: Uhh...Yea! I get most of my news from TV, but...sometimes on Saturdays, uh, I get the weekend edition...

CQ: Uh. Newspaper?

R: ...of The Japan Times...

CQ: Oh.

R: ...mixed with the New York Times. So, some American, New York, international news plus some Japanese news. It’s a good combination.

CQ: Mm. Eh. How do you think of Japanese journalism? You...can get enough information from the TV news?

R: I don’t get all of the information because of the language barrier. But um...I think...(Sound of Machines Being Cleaned)I guess they have to clean the machines, huh?***(digression)

CQ: Uhn...

R: My God, I’m hun...I just realized how hungry I am. Just 10 seconds ago, I just got really hungry. ***(digression)

CQ: Oh...Uh...

R: It just hit me like that.

CQ: Hmm...

R: Umm...’Un! Shun Shun Shun Shun Shun!!!...’ (Imitating the noise of the machine)

CQ: Very disturb us.

R: Yea. They are the disturbers.

CQ: Intentionally.

R: Inten...Yea, it is intentional.

CQ: Because you didn’t buy a drink.

R: Yea, so they’re taking it out on me. Um...But your question was...

CQ: Well, I feel that Japanese journalism, especially TV news?

R: Yea.

CQ: Is very...superficial.

R: Superficial? I think so, too! It’s not...It’s no HARD-HITTING.

CQ: Mm...

R: You know? Like, there’s a war going on, or like the U.S. is pulling out of Afghanistan, for example. There’s a lot of stuff going on, but their TOP STORY...

CQ: Mm...

R: …is something insignificant.

CQ: Mm.

R: You know?

CQ: Mm...

R: So, that’s not good for society, you know?

CQ: Mm...

R: ...Tell us what’s going on around the world, too...You know?

CQ: Mm...

R: So, that’s how I feel.

Sep 05, 202103:41
S2E4: PHRASE OF THE WEEK: 'Reinventing the Wheel'

S2E4: PHRASE OF THE WEEK: 'Reinventing the Wheel'

PHRASE OF THE WEEK: Reinventing the Wheel

To reinvent the wheel means to do something again, or try to improve something that is already perfected and cannot be improved.

I love this idiom. I remember my old boss, Tom Davis, using this term with me when I was trying to recreate teaching material that already existed. To reinvent the wheel is a form of wasting time without realizing it. When you think about it, the wheel is a perfect invention. How can you possibly make it better, by making it rounder? Impossible, right?

In the following conversations, you will hear this idiom used twice. What is the situation, and do you agree with Jun in the end?


NEW TERMS:

1. What are UP TO? = What are you doing?

2. What's SHAKING? = What are you doing?


TRANSCRIPT:

PART 1

Russ: What are you up to?

Kenji: Excuse me?

Russ: What’s shaking?

Kenji: Pardon me?

Russ: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Kenji: Oh, I’m just making a PowerPoint for next week’s presentation.

Russ: But, didn’t Cathy already make a PowerPoint last year on this same subject?

Kenji: Yea, I think so, but I think it needs to be updated.

Russ: Updated? Are there any new updates to add to it?

Kenji: I’m not sure yet, but there might be.

Russ: Listen, don’t waste time trying to reinvent the wheel. We have other things that you can be working on now.

a. OK...like what?

Russ: Like...I don’t know...uh...ave you finished making the new training manual yet?

Kenji: No.

Russ: Ok then.

Keji: Ok then, what?

Russ: Ok then, do that.

Kenji: Now?

Russ: Yes, now.


...Later, that same day...


PART 2

Jun: What’s wrong?

Russ: Oh, I just got through talking with Kenji.

Jun: Oh yea? What happened?

Russ: Well, he was spending all this time on making a PowerPoint that had already been made. I asked him why he was doing it, and he said it needed to be updated.

Jun: Oh yea! That sounds like Kenji, alright. Always trying to reinvent the wheel.

Russ: That’s what I told him!

Jun: But, on the other hand, maybe it’s not such a bad idea.

Russ: It’s a waste of time!

Jun: Maybe not. Maybe, this is a good way for him to learn more about the job.

Russ: Hmm...I see your point, but we have a lot of things to get done now. We don’t have time for that.

Jun: OK. Whatever you say.

Sep 05, 202102:56
S2E3: 'Inside the Vault' with Marius

S2E3: 'Inside the Vault' with Marius

Let's reach inside the vault and listen to a short conversation between Marius and Russell that was recorded almost a month ago.

We discuss hats, the Olympics, the heat, and summer fashion.


I say 'the vault' because important things are kept inside vaults. In this situation, I am referring to old recordings that have not been uploaded yet.

Vault:  金庫


"I don't need to look like Cary Grant." - Russell

This means that it is not necessary for me to dress so stylishly and traditionally, like the actor, Cary Grant.


"...like bring the Yukata back...I've not worn one, but they seem airy..." - Marius

This means that people should start wearing the Yukata again on a normal basis because they seem to be comfortable in the summer.


Sep 02, 202104:28
S2E2: Conversation Ins and Outs: Repetition

S2E2: Conversation Ins and Outs: Repetition

Emphasis on the importance of intonation, pause, pitch, and REPETITION.

NARRATION

You will hear 2 short conversations about the same topic. The first conversation is longer and features short sentences and questions. Listen for how repetition, pause, pitch, and intonation are used. The second conversation is shorter and more to the point. In English, we use a mixture of these kinds of conversation styles for different purposes.

CONVERSATION 1

a. Can you give me a lift?

b. A lift?

a. Yes, a lift. I need a lift.

b. Where to?

a. Where to? To the store.

b. To the store?

a. Yes.

b. What do you need to get?

a. What do I need to get?

b. Yes.

a. Some eggs.

b. Some eggs?

a. Yes...... So?

b. So what?

a. So, can you give me a lift to the store to get some eggs?

b. ‘Fraid not.

a. ‘Fraid not?

b. That’s right. I’m afraid I can’t help you.

a. Why not?

b. Because I have a big exam coming up.

a. Coming up?

b. Yes, coming up.

a. When?

b. In a week.

a. In a week?

b. Yes, a week.

a. OK. I’ll wait.

……………

b. Well, you can’t wait here!

a. I can’t wait here?

b. No, you can’t.

a. I can’t? Why not?

b. Because you can’t.

NARRATION

Ok, that was over-exaggerated, but the main point of the repetition was for confirming information. It seems like they can’t really believe what the other one is saying so they have to repeat it. The repetition might also be used because they did not clearly understand each other.

When he asked for ‘a lift’, which means 'a ride somewhere by car usually', she repeats, ‘a lift?’ This may be because she does not know what a lift is. It might also mean that she wants more explanation or details. She is not ready to give him an answer just yet.

Now, let’s listen to a more direct version of this conversation.

CONVERSATION 2

“Hey, can you give me a lift to the store to pick up some eggs.

I’m afraid not. I got a big exam next week that I need to study for.

Oh, I see. Ok. Thanks anyway.

Sorry.

No problem.”

NARRATION

Here, it seems like there is no confusion and that the two speakers understand each other fine. Therefore, there was no need for confirmation  repetitions. They may have misunderstood each other, but at the time of this conversation, they believed that they understood each other perfectly.

Thank you for listening to ‘Conversation Ins and Outs’, and join us next time.

“Next time?”

“Yes, next time.”

Sep 01, 202103:18
Season 2 Episode 1: EAVESDROPPING 'Two Guys on a Train Talking about ANIME'

Season 2 Episode 1: EAVESDROPPING 'Two Guys on a Train Talking about ANIME'

1.speaking off ______________ : used to introduce a remark about a topic recently alluded to.

2. to pick up: to buy something

3: to fit one's standards: to be good enough for someone - Some people have high standards with certain things like movies, food, or art.

4. calcified:hardened - In this context, it means that his standards are old fashioned and unable to change.

5. to prove one's worth: to show how good, useful, or courageous you are

6. to get rid of: to be free of something - to throw it away

7. genderize: to assign a gender to someone or something


Maurice: I just asked...Speaking of manga, I just picked up a bunch of uh...’Assassination Classroom’.

Russ: What’s that?

M: It’s a manga and anime...ha ha...It might fit your standards. I don’t know. Hey, man, you’re getting kind of old, you know? Your standards might have gotten calcified over past few years, you know?...I don’t know.

R: ‘Assassination Class-’ oh...Wait! Hold on...’Assassination Classroom’.

M: Yea, because I was always interested because the main plot is the kids are trying to kill their teacher, so I’m a teacher, you know, and it’s like ‘OK, you have to...um...prove your worth by um...getting rid of the teacher, but the teacher’s teaching you how to kill him or trying to teach you how to save the world by killing him...by being stronger than him, so...

R: Is that an octopus? What is that? A squid?

M: I don’t know, Man! He’s something. IT’S something. I don’t even want to genderize...It’s something. Yea, this is the first thing. I just picked it up.

R: Oh, I see. OK. Well...Their background art is better than their character art.

M: So, you’re particular about the actual characters themselves.

R: I am particular about the art style – the...

M: Ok so, Who..who...Which artist fits the bill for you?

R: Well..

M: Highly stylized.

R: Hayao Miyazaki is great, but I just wish he wouldn’t do everything about 10-year-old girls. Uh...Otomo Katsuhiro, the guy who did ‘Akira’.

M: OK.

R: And there’s one called...

M: You’ve read the manga?

R: I have the manga.

M: You have the manga, ok. That was one of the first manga I actually, like read all the way through.

R: And there’s one that came out called ‘Tekkonkinkreet’. Right here, 2006. Some of the best art style, most original Japanese animation style...

M: I feel like I’ve seen some memes with these characters...

R: Look at that! Look at that! That’s amazing! That’s amazing!

M: Yea. That’s pretty cool!

R: Now, that’s what I’m talking about. It has to be of this caliber for me to even sit down and...

M: What about uh...What’s the dude? He did ‘Slam Dunk’. He did uh...He does ‘Vagabond’ as well.

R: What’s that, a basketball story?

M: Yea. ‘Slam Dunk’, but the next one he did was…yea, ‘Vagabond’...I feel like he did ‘Vagabond’, but I read ‘Vagabond’ – I was like, ‘Yea, they put a lot of detail in the background and also the facial expressions of the characters because it was based off of Musashi Miyamoto...if you...if you like that kind of stuff…


Sep 01, 202102:53
Episode No38b 'EAVESDROPPING': Upper-Intermediate Listening Practice and ANSWERS

Episode No38b 'EAVESDROPPING': Upper-Intermediate Listening Practice and ANSWERS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. She bought a radio. True or False?


         Curry Queen: “My ‘Curry Queen’ story was taped again on the radio.”


2. This was her first time sending a message to the station. True or False?


         Curry Queen: “My ‘Curry Queen’ story was taped again on the radio.”

         Russell: “You sent a message to a radio station.”

         Curry Queen: “Again.”


3. The host of the program and the program’s music are both positive. True or False?


         Curry Queen: “The opening message of that program was very positive, but the personality of the radio program – he’s kind of…

         Russell: “It doesn’t really coincide with the music.

         Curry Queen: “I don’t mean he’s negative, but he’s not positive…He’s more cynical.”


4. The program host doesn’t listen to the program’s music. True or False.


         Russell: "How did he respond?"

         Curry Queen: "He never…He’s usually putting eyedrops in."

         Russell: "So, he’s not really paying attention."

         Curry Queen: "No."



5. The program host will change his behavior after reading her letter. Trueor False?


         Curry Queen: "So, from now on, he’s paying more attention to the opening, and he will think how different from his attitude and opening   

         music."


6. She plans to send the radio station weekly letters. True or False?


         Russell: "Is it your intent to send them a message every week?"

         Curry Queen: "No."


7. Where do you think this this conversation takes place? Why do you think so?


The answers may vary, but judging by the sounds of the machines in the background, a mixing machine, clinging and clanging noises, etc...and there were no outside sounds like cars, trucks, or birds, we can probably guess that they were not in a library, but in a place where it is OK to speak at a normal conversational volume. If you said a coffee shop, you are right!

Sep 01, 202105:07
Episode No41: "Phones are People, Too?"
Aug 28, 202102:41
Episode No40 Maurice and Russ Discuss Eavesdropping and Donuts

Episode No40 Maurice and Russ Discuss Eavesdropping and Donuts

Just a short, sometimes silly, conversation that started off on the topic of 'eavesdropping' and turned into something else.



Aug 28, 202102:45
Episode No39: Daily Routines and Rhinos with Jitendra

Episode No39: Daily Routines and Rhinos with Jitendra

I love how this conversation gets OFF topic then back ON topic again the ENDS then BEGINS again. It is a very natural and organic conversation. I hope you enjoy it.


Topic #1: Jit's Japanese Lesson This Morning at Evergreen

Topic #2: Daily Routines

Topic #3: Running Away from Rhinos

Topic #4: Daily Routines

Topic #4: Fear and Animals


Vocabulary and Terms

Playing Possum: Pretending to be dead

An Organic Conversation: An organic conversation flows naturally and allows each participant to add to the conversation without worrying about what they are going to say



Aug 26, 202112:04
Take Online Lessons at Evergreen Language School

Take Online Lessons at Evergreen Language School

EVERGREEN英語学院/日本語学校

email: info@evergreen.gr.jp

phone#: 03.3713.4958

webpage: www.evergreen.gr.jp


We offer flexible online lessons to meet your needs. Contact us today!

Aug 26, 202103:32
Learn Business English at Evergreen Language School

Learn Business English at Evergreen Language School

祐天寺校ーYUTENJIー

TEL 03-3713-4958


自由が丘校ーJIYUGAOKAー

TEL:03-3723-4785


email: info@evergreen.gr.jp




Aug 24, 202102:48
Episode No38a 'EAVESDROPPING': Upper-Intermediate Listening Practice

Episode No38a 'EAVESDROPPING': Upper-Intermediate Listening Practice

Upper-Intermediate LISTENING PRACTICE:

Have you ever eavesdropped on someone? What is eavesdropping? Eavesdropping is when you secretly listen to a conversation. Japanese say

“盗聴:とうちょう” Tōchō.


When learning a second language, this is a useful activity to help you with your listening skills. I do this sometimes when I’m waiting in line at the store, riding on the train, or just walking down the street. This activity can be considered rude, so please be careful while doing it.

Let’s practice some eavesdropping for a few minutes on a conversation right now, shall we?

First listen to the conversation straight through. Next, listen to it again while taking some notes. Finally, read the questions below then listen to it a third time and try to listen for the answers to the questions.

Ok. Here we go!








QUESTIONS:

1. She bought a radio. True or False?

2. This was her first time sending a message to the station. True or False?

3. The host of the program and the program’s music are both positive. True or False?

4. The program host doesn’t listen to the program’s music. True or False.

5. The program host will change his behavior after reading her letter. True or False?

6. She plans to send the radio station weekly letters. True or False?

7. Where do think you this this conversation takes place? Why do you think so?




So, how do you think you did? It might have been a little difficult to hear because of the background noise, but when you are out in public, there is usually background noise, unless you are in a library or some other kind of quiet place.

I will post the answers next week along with the transcript. Goodbye!

Aug 22, 202105:08
Episode No37: 'Insomnia' 不眠症

Episode No37: 'Insomnia' 不眠症

What happens when Insomnia sets in on a hot, summer night?


Grammar: The simple present tense is primarily used to tell this story.


NEW VOCABULARY

Insomnia: inability to sleep - fuminsho(不眠症)

Cacophony: a harsh mixture of sounds - sōon (騒音)


TRANSCRIPT

It’s 4:02am, and I have been lying hear awake since about 1:35am.

So, I get up. I walk into the hallway and check on Poodle #1. His little poodle fan is on. I think he’s awake

Next, I check to make sure the door is locked. I check to see if the door is locked maybe 8 or 9 times a day. It’s my job.

Then I walk upstairs. I stop and look outside the window. I see no activity. Suddenly, a man in a white t-shirt rides by on his bicycle. He looks and sees me.

I continue upstairs. I open the kitchen door.

I look in the refrigerator. I’m not hungry, just looking. I think poodle #2 is awake.

I turn on the fan.

I turn the TV on.

I look around. Ahh. I know this show. I’ve seen this show. It’s called ‘MUST BE UKTV’. It only comes on early in the morning. It’s a live house somewhere, somewhere in the UK.

One Time One Night – I don’t know this song. But this performance was aired in 1987 February 20th. This was one month before my 16th birthday. Still 15. Not driving yet, but I was dating.

The next group they show is The Smithereens, ‘Behind the Wall of Sleep’, on air 1987 January 30th. This seems like a group my, my old friend Chris would have listened to. I’m not sure. Chris and I used to draw a lot when we were kids. We’ve slowed down with our drawing these days, but we… try to encourage each other to keep going.

I look outside; good, it’s still dark. I check my phone. Sunrise is at 5:04 this morning, in about 20 minutes.

Next is ‘The Pretenders’. I like The Pretenders. The song is ‘2000 Miles’, on air February 1983. Wow! That’s going way back.

I was only… I was only 12 then.

I think I’ve changed a lot since I was 12. But in some ways, I haven’t changed much at all since then.

Next, The Pretenders sing ‘Middle of the Road.’ I know this song. It’s famous. It makes me think of video game arcades of the early 80’s.

Back then, in the early 80’s, they all had that same video game smell – spilled Coca-Cola, French fries, hamburgers, and dirty quarters.

They also had the same sound, that same cacophony of electronic video game noises.

Finally, I turn the channel, and there’s a show that shows Shinkansens travelling across Japan. That’s it, just Shinkansens travelling. And I wish I were on one...going somewhere in Japan.

Well, it’s time to wake up now, I guess.


Song List

Los Lobos - One Time One Night

The Smithereens - Behind the Wall of Sleep

The Pretenders - 2000 Miles

The Pretenders - Middle of the Road

Aug 22, 202107:12
Episode No36 Introducing, 'Jitendra'

Episode No36 Introducing, 'Jitendra'

Jitendra 'Jit' is one of our newer students here at Evergreen Language School studying Japanese. He and I sat down for a few minutes to talk about his origins and what he does here in Japan. I really enjoyed this talk and learned a lot from him.



Aug 19, 202111:26