Smile of Water ~ Writing Essay "Secret of Kumamoto"~

We can always drink delicious water in Kumamoto. When I came to Kumamoto, I was surprised because people can drink the water from the faucet directly. Yes, everyone know water in Kumamoto is so good. However, do you know why does it so delicious?? Many other prefecture don't allow people to drink running water. On the other hand, people who live in Kumamoto can do it. I want to talk about secret of delicious water.



First, Kumamoto's water is underground water. It is including rich mineral. Rain soak into the underground over many years. The rain is purified and percolated through the stratum and become the city water.These process are naturally. It isn't use any medicine. I mean we drink taste of nature!! One of the reason is Kumamoto prefecture's water is 100 % undergraund water, so it is delicious. Besides, there are many sources to store the water such as sira-river source, Kikuchi source, and so on. There are seven sources that was chosen as great place of water in Japan. We can see and taste springwater there. You should go there at least once!



Second, there are many trees and plants in Kumamoto. That is very good for the delicious water. I said the water is store in the underground. The trees and plants are usuful to store the water. Mt Aso can much water for a long time. There are many good tree and plants. More trees there are, more great water is produced.


However, underground water in Kumamoto has decreased gradually. We used the water without intention, but because people think Kumamoto has much enough to use whenever we want. Yes, Kumamoto is called "city of water"often. People tend to misunderstand the water is prodused forever, but it's worng. Water is used more and more everyday. On the other hand, trees have been cut year after year, and they can't store the water enough. It mean underwater can't be produced!! Did you notice about it? Maybe, most of people didn't. We have to care about the water.

If water lost in the world, we couldn't live anymore. We can drink delicious and safty water whenever you want if you turn on the tap in Kumamoto, because Kumamoto's water is 100 % underground water, and it is produced in the nature. It is so happy life, right?? In the other prefectures, we can't. Therefore we have to save the wonderful water. It has a limit. We should do whatever we can. We recieve the smile of water every day, so we have to appriciate to it.


http://www.city.kumamoto.kumamoto.jp/mizu_midori/contents02.htm
[442 words]

About Iraq War ~MR~

I watched the movie whose title is " Lions for Lambs". This movie was really difficult, but I have to think about the war.

I want to explain about the story. First, there were three situations. One is in the presidential aide's room. Presidential aide and a woman who was a journalist are talked about new policy of the war. Presidential aide said it is important for America to win. She had some doubts to him, so continued the interview. Next is field in Afghanistan. Two students go there and fight in the dangerous place. They had big dream and tried the country. However, they couldn't achieve it, because they were killed by the enemy. Third situation was professor's office. The professor , who was the teacher of two student fighting in other place, called his lazy bt clever students and talked to him how to live.

After watching this movie, we have to think wether what is right or not. It was really difficult and serious. People always feel fear because of terror. I think we don't have to turn away the big problems. I hope the terrible war finish as soon as possible.

[197 words]

http://movies.foxjapan.com/ooinaru/

The Relationships with People ~ MR 2-01~

I watched the movie whose title was "Miss Doubtfire". This movie had a few important theme. They are relationships, communication, and Love for children. Today, I will talk about these. At the beginning, we have many relationships in the daily life. It affects communication, job, and so on. We can't avoid concerning with people in our lives, so how to have relationships is important. I will talk about three points for making good relationships.



First, we mustn't be selfish. Daniel, who is the main character in the movie, was selfish a little bit at the first time. He did whatever he wanted, so he lost his job and divorced. In the live, there were many irritation, desire, and so on. However, we have to control these emotions. Of course, you opinions are significant, so you can insist them. You have to know that to insist your opinion and get selfish are quiet different. In the movie, Daniel told his opinion for TV program to the director. It was great job, wasn't it? To insist the opinions appear because the person think of important things such as others, futures, and so on. Selfishness is for only yourself. The first dinner time, he would try to make his children stayed his house. That is his selfishness. If you are always selfish, no people respect you. People need some patience in the life.


Second, to be considerate makes good relationships. Daniel discovered his wife's hidden effort in his house keeping life. He noticed what important to think about others is. When he became Miss Doubtfire, he can listen to all of people carefully. All of people become cordial with him. I say not only to treat people kindly, but also to treat sometimes strictly. He scolded his children when they did wrong behaviors. To spoil is never consideration. Consideration is trying to be better for the people.


Finally, we need to keep having feeling of gratitude. The nearer person he or she is, the more we tend to forget to have it. Do you say "Thanks" to your close person, such as family? We feel it is natural that there are some helps from family. Then, we have to notice it is the most important in our life. Maybe most of people can't live without the closer person. Daniel didn't say it to his wife. Although she was always scolded instead of Daniel, he didn't have feeling of gratitude. After that, he noticed he made mistakes. Therefore, don't forget say "Thanks" to others. It makes your making relationships smoother.

Now, I want to tell about communication. You know, it is a kind of relationships, but also important for life. When you can make a good relationships, you have to keep it. The way is communication. When you communicate with others, you have to hear their opinion. Daniel and the producer of TV program talked each other and succeded. If you only insist what you want to say, people don't want to talk with you any more. communication is mutual things. It is made up each other not only you. Then, you can communicate whoever you want if you care of it.


The last important theme is love for children. In the movie, Daniel gave much love to his children. He really loved them, so the children also loved him even after the divorce. In growing up the children, the most important things is love. They don't need outward family. Even if there are many money, food and clothes, they can't stand loneliness. All of the poeple can't live alone even adults, so children need it surely. When children were gaven much love from their parents, they will give it their children. It is good circle, isn't it?

In conclusion, relationships, communications, and love for children are necessary for your lives.We should not be selfish, have consideration, and have feeling of gratitude to others. It you care there points, you can make good relationships in your life. We can't live alone. Therefore, we have to be concerned and communicate with people. You may be helped by many people even if you don't notice. You are so happy. then you have to give the happiness to your children. It will be great tresure for them.


http://image-search.yahoo.co.jp/search?p=%E3%83%9F%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%80%E3%82%A6%E3%83%88&ei=UTF-8

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%80%E3%82%A6%E3%83%88

http://www.screenplay.co.jp/sp_series/isbn4-89407-133-9.html

[ 726words]

The main fall flower is "cosmos". Of course you know this flower, don't you? They have many coloers and can make relaxed people. I'd like to talk about cosmos today.

The name of "Cosmos" came from Greece "kosmos". It means peace and harmony. Cosmos were often said that it integrate methodicaly. Therefore cosmos express universe and world.After being found American continent by Columbus, some Spanish brought cosmos back to their hometown from Mekisico, and Gabanires, who was the curator of botancal garden, named "kosmos".

I can collectedonly these informations. I will write about more if I find the information about cosmos.

[104 words]

http://gogen-allguide.com/ko/cosmos.html

http://www.ofuro.jp/flower/cosmos/cosmos.html

I love Disneeeeey!!

How many times have you been to Disney Land?? I love Disney Land so I always go there when I visit my friend's house in Tokyo.I went there in summer vacation. It is known to many people as a dream land. I think so, too. I am never tired of there. All of things in Disney Land makes me happy, and I can enjoy all day because of three good points about Disney Land. That is the reason why I like that place. Therefore, I want to explain the three points.

First, there are many attractions. It makes me exciting. I always get "fast pass" in order to ride popular attractions. Especially, the three best of mountains is great. In the "Sprush mountain", you can see many cute characters, but you can't be relived because it the boat that you ride fell down suddenly at last. "Space mountain" is speedy roller coaster. You are in the space, so you can see only so much stars. the coaster go around in the situation. You can't think ahead which direction the coaster go. And then, you can see all around of Disney Land when you ride "Big thunder mountain". The landscape is so nice both of day and night. You should ride this one the last.

There are not only roller coaster but also shows, ghost house, and so on. My favorite is "It's a small world". t is a good unknown spot. There are the people not so much. I mean you can ride it soon without waiting. And then, you can learn about culture in it. You travel all over the world, and the many dolls, that wear cultural uniform, play tradition instrument, sing a song. You can be relaxed in it!!

Second, I can eat many delicious food there. Do you know that there are two kinds of spot where you can eat? One is restaurant, the other is small shop. In the restaurant, you can eat many tradition food, Chinese, Italian, and so on. It is a little expensive, but you can feel rich. They are so delicious. You can eat with characters in some restaurant. In small shop, you can buy light meal. It is less expensive than in restaurant. It may be good idea that you call at many shops and eat many kinds of foods. I will give you some recommendations. When you want to eat at restaurant, how about "Polynesian Restaurant". There are Riro and Stich and they show you their performance.

Third, you can see many interesting, cute, and beautiful view there. Do you know about "Hide Mickey Mouse"? In the Disney Land, there are many Mickey you don't notice. For example, figure on the wall, shape of the tree, and so on. They control even shadow!! The shape of shadow is Mickey. I was surprised when I know the existence. I never find it, so I try to find it next time. And then, of course, there are many characters and they are so cute and funny. They sometime appear, so you should take pictures with them. You can see many characters also in the parade. I recommend you night parade. It is so beautiful. Many lights twinkle, and I admire it.

Why do you feel that Disney Land has fantastic view? Because there are no garages on the ground and all of flowers is not die. They care about detail point, so we can enjoy the environment. Besides, we can see many type of world in each area. I mean you can see traditional building in Western Land, cute building in Fantasy Land.

These are the reason I like Disney Land. It makes me happy, so I forget my trouble in daily life. Especially, I like around Cinderella castle. I can see many parade, fire works, shows, and so on. And then, I feel that I come to dream land there the best. I really want to go there again and again!!


http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdl/
[661 words]

Writing assignment 2-01 rewritten: Let's study our earth!!

How much knowledge about the earth do you have? There are many wonderful things on the earth, for example, countries, animals, archaeological creature, nature, and of course human beings! Most of people don't care that where they are, how they live, and so on. We have too less knowledge about the earth. I want to introduce this web site "National Geographic Kids". If you see this site, you can discover what you didn't know. There are many good points to learn in this web site. I found this web site because of my teacher. He recommend this site when I told him that I like geography. Since then, I see this web site most of every day. I really like this web site. Now, I want to start introducing it.


First of all, you can check your geographic skill. You can know where the country is and many trivia about the country through the game. I recommend you one game, "Geo Spy". You may be know many countries name, but do you know where they are? You should click the right place of the country in this game. If you chose wrong place, this game give us the answer, so you can learn about it easily. Of course, I play this game many times. I can not get high score now, but I want to keep trying. Anyway, this site has a lot of games. More games you try, more knowledge you can get. Besides, you can see many archaeological things on it. You will be moved by the wonderful landscape even if you are not interested in the history. If you like animals, you should try animal games. You will see cute characters.



Second, you can watch many animals on this site such as penguins, dolphins, lions, pandas and so on. Of course, there are many pictures, movies, games about animals. There are particular explanations. I moved because these wonderful animals live somewhere on the earth. I have never seem wild elephants, cheetah, and so on. Do you know that elephants sometimes hug by wrapping their trunks together as greeting and affection? Also, there are some animals I've never heard. If you like animals, I recommend this relatives site, here. And then, some of strange plants, like a Venus flytrap, are on it. I have heard about it but I didn't think it is a such interesting plants.


Third, you will know about many human beings and cultures, politics, history and so on. How do the foreign people live in daily life? And then, how do the other countries people think about Japan? You can know about both of them. Therefore, we can reconfirm our own country and learn other countries. It is important for me because even if you have many knowledge about others, it is no meaning when you don't know about yours. After that, you should check the other countries. Each country has each good individuality. All of the people live hard. When you travel foreign countries, you'd better to check this web site. You can learn the country before the trip. It makes your trip comfortable!!



You know, you can get many kind of knowledge in this site. There are many fantastic things on the earth. After I see this site, I try to care about the earth. Although the earth is the planet that I have live, I was too unconcern for it until now. We have to cherish our planet because many living things, are on it. Therefore, we should know about it more and find what we can do for the earth. That is why I recommend to study about the earth.


[616 words]

"The last lecture"

This time, I want to introduce "The last lecture". I heard about this class through TV news. Many people look this class by You Tube. Actually, I was impressed by this teacher's story.

He is RandyPausch. He is a professor of Carnegie Mellon University. He taught his students computer science. However, he was pronounced on death by doctor. This last lecture is his last lecture. He assumed to know he would die. His life had been left only from three month to six month at that lecture. However, he had never make people feel sad. He never express his sadness. Now, he has been died.

He talked about how to realize own dreams through his life. When you hear the "lecture", you may feel boring. However, this lecture is fantastic!! I was given courage to face many difficulties. He always achieved his dream by himself. His talking teachnic was also great. I could laugh sometimes and I listened closely.

It is difficult to have your way. However, if we didn't anything, it would not come true. To challenge is so imprortant. Don't be afraid. Just do it. Maybe, he want to say such a thing. At first, I couldn't feel that his life was a little. He was pwerful, and his lecture was really fantastic. If you face big problem now, you should check this movie. You will be given some courage. His lecture was written on the book. Therefore, you can read it. That is long lecture a little bit, but it is worth to watch.

[216 words]

total: 6898 words

http://www.randomhouse-kodansha.co.jp/last_lecture/index.php

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BB%E3%83%91%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5

Seven Flowers

bushclover a pink kuzu vine

Do you know "Seven flowers of autumn"? They are famous among Japanese people. They are ornamental plants. They are bushclover (hagi) , Japanese pampas grass (obana) , kuzu vine (kuzu) , a pink (nadeshiko), Patrinia scabiosaefolia (ominaen), wort (fuzibakama), and a belflower (kikyo).

Japanses culure has "Seven harbs of spring". We eat "nanakusagayu" in spring. Japanese people have believed that it remove bad things from our body. Actually, it is good for our health. Nanakusagayu make up the less nutritions. So, we can prevent from catching cold.

On the other hands, seven flowers of autumn does not have special event. We just enjoy watching it. Ancestry people often read Haiku watching these flowers. It become because of Yamanoueno-Okura. He read the Haiku about that seven flowers at first. Then, people strated to enjoy seing it.

I can't explain all of seven flowers, but I will explain about my favorite. My favorite flower of seven is a belflower. It is so cute, isn't it? It is called also balloon flower, because it looks like balloon before it bloom. We can see it from June to September. Gardening flower has pink and white but it is perpul generary. It is used as good medecine. we sometimes put it in the bath tab.

Autamun is beautiful season. There are many color in the nature. Why don't you attend to the nature? Maybe, most of people are not interested in it. However, the flowers are good cultures . We should not forget about it.

[255 words]

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E8%8D%89

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%AD%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A7%E3%82%A6

http://www.hana300.com/aki777.html

Halifax!!

I will talk about Halifax in Canada today. I really want to go there. I'm taking the test in order to go abroad. I apply to "SMU" in Halifax. I will tell you why I am interested in there.

First, Halifax has many nature, history and modern buildings. I can see Halifax in many point of view. Nature and history is connected with culture. I can see thinking of Canadian by them, especially history. Halifax is oldest city where speaking English in Canada started. I mean when I see Halifax history, I can learn to start of Canada.

Second, Halifax is near the Prince-edoward island. It is model place of "Anne of Green Gables", written by L.M. Mongomeri. The picture is Anne's house. It is nice, isn't it? There are beautiful nature and I can see the view in the novel. It seem to dream!!

Finally, people are so friendly. There are many races in Canada, so they are generous even Japanese. Besides, they often hold volunteer. I want to attend it and communicate with many people. I think I can fell Canada on my body through my experiences.

I want to learn cultures, natures, history, and how to communicate with people. It will be hard life, but it will be good for me. I keep trying!!

[221 words]

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%82%A8%E3%83%89%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E5%B3%B6

Hydrangea

It is too rain, isn't it? I guess everyone is disappointed because of rain. However, you must not always be disappointed. When you change the point of view, you can see the beautiful flower in this season. Do you know what it is? Yes, answer is "hydrangea"."Hydrangea" is "Azisai" in Japanese. Do you know why it is called "Azisai"? I checked it.

"Azisai" can be separated "azi" and "sai". "Azi" was "adu" in the past. That mean "gathering", especially gathering of small things. And then, "sai" means "indigo blue". Therefore, "azisai" mean that gathering of indigo blue flowers. Yes, "azisai" is consisted of many small blue flowers. It has many variety of colors, so it is sometimes called "Sichihenge（七変化）". Besides, in Nigata and Saga prefecture, it is called "sichimen-chou(turkey）" because turkeys change their color of skin to blue, purple, and red.

It is called "hydrangea" in English. It came from Greece. "Hydr-" means "water", and "angeion" means "vessel". Therefore, "hydrangea" express "vessel of water". The ancient people imaged water jar, I think.

Next, do you know why hydrangea has many variety of colors? It depends on the composition of soil. If the soil is acid, it bloom blue flowers. On the other hand, if the soil is alkaline, it bloom red flowers. Most of Japanese hydrangea have blue flowers, because Japanese nature soil is acid. European ones, called "western hydrangea", are red because of alkaline soil. However, we can make soil by using fertilizer, so we can see many type of hydrangea in one country. Therefor, the language of flower is whim in Japan. However, French language of flower is "a woman full of vigor" and "patient love". It is interesting, isn't it? Which color do you like the best? I like purple one the best!!

Finally, I will talk about history of hydrangea. Hydrangea was born in Japan, and it has grew up since Nara period. European hydrangea was Japan in origin. In edo period, Seabolt, who is a Dutch doctor, brought back it in his country. It is beginning of Western hydrangea. And then it was amended in the European country, there are many kinds of hydrangea now.

June has a lot of many rain, so people are likely to be disappointed. When you are demoralized, you should see hydrangea. It must be make you relaxed, and you can feel good point of rainy season.

[402 words]

http://gogen-allguide.com/a/ajisai.html

http://www.kasaya.net/ajisai/1_ajisai/ajisai_4.html

http://www.yatadera.or.jp/cont4-1.html

Chibi-Gyara☆

Do you know "Chibi-gyara"?? It is a kind of poem. It always give me courage and power. The book was written by "Bon-boyague". I think he is a good writer! Therefore, I will introduce "Chibi-Gyara".

There are many animals in the book. For example, cats, penguins, monkeys, dogs, and so on. They are so cute. And then, there are some massages with animals. For example, "It is no problem even if you lose your way. Everyone lives in their life for the first time." My translation is not good, but it is really good message. It says that people are often confused in the life, but it is natural things. It is not only about you!! His massages makes me happy.

"Chibi-Gyara" was published part one to part seven. I always make relaxed by it. You can find it in the book store. I write on web adress. Please check it!!

http://www.bonboya-zyu.com/bonboya-zyu/index.html

[155 words]

Think anout "Cats" ~Writing Essay: Performance Review1-04

Today, I will talk about my favorite musical. I love musical, but most of my friends are not interested in musical. I want to tell you about goodness of musical, so I introduce "Cats" that is played by "Gekidan-Siki". "Cats" is my favorite musical. Now, let me start.

At first, I will talk about story of "Cats". Maybe you know, "Cats" is story about cats, and this day has special ceremony. The top of cats is decided this night. Many cats have each peculiar characteristics, funny, caprice, glutton, and so on. Their similarity is that all of them aim top of the cats. They appeal their ability in order to be chosen as top of the cats. And then, some accidents happen in the ceremony. For example, atrocious cat carry off one old cats, which was respected by all cats! Of course, one cat is chosen as the top of the cats!! They solve all of the problem by amazing way. It is so interesting.

Next, I will talk about "cats". There are too many cats, so I introduce main cats and my favorite cats. First, "Old Deuteronomy" is old but dignified cat. He decide the top of the cats. He is respected by all cats. However he was carried off by "Macavity", which is a desperate criminal cat. Next, "Grizabella" is poor cat. She was beautiful actress cats and fascinated by her performance, but now she is castaway. Every cats don't want to approach her except "Shirabab". Shirabab is cute kitten. She has interested in Grizabella. As the result, Grizabella can be the top of the cats because of Shirabab. "Mr. Mistoffolees" is a wonder cat. He can use magic, but he doesn't think it is special. He found Old Deuteronomy. And then, "Mancstrap" is a leader of the cats. He saved Old Deuteronomy from Macavity. Finally, my favorite cats are "Mungo Jerry" and "Rumpleteazer". They are couple of thief. They are not important cats, but so funny. I'm really sorry because I can't introduce all of the cats. The other cats are also unique, so please check them!!

Next, I will talk about what is the wonderfulness of "Cats". I have been fascinated since I saw "Cats". All of contents is great. First, songs and dances are so exciting. Words have mean one by one. They express all of feeling by songs and dances. It is so amazing. Second, you should attend the performing art. Performing art was made big size, For example there are big tennis racket, shoes, bottle, and so on. The reason is this is cats story. We are not human but cats in the playhouse. We can have cat's viewpoint. That means it appeals what cats feel about human, their name, their life and so on. It is interesting, isn't it? And then you should notice about cats' name. They have strange names. It says that all cats want special name, only one in the world.

"Cats" gives me impression. "Cats" is the best musical I have ever seen. Story is clearly, songs ans dance is powerful, and you can be attached to the cats. If you need more information, you should check the web page. I recommend you this musical having confidence.　If you see it, the way to think the "cats" will change!!

[546 words]

http://www.shiki.gr.jp/applause/cats/

The Letter Written by Peper Crane

Do you know what this is(Two pictures on the right side)? This is paper cranes!! There are 1000 cranes and they make one letter. This length is one meter and width is also one meter. It is so big, isn't it?? My sister and her friends made this today. They are member of soft tennis club, and the tournament will hold on Sunday. They made it for their senior. They wish their team mate win the tournament making the crane. However, why Japanese people make "senbazuru"?? I checked it today.

In Muromachi period, making "senbazuru" started as a game. And then, it speared commoner in Edo period. People think crane is auspicious bird because there are old saying, "crane is one thousand years and turtle is ten thousand years". That means crane and turtle is long life animals. Crane is easy to make by paper, so people start to make it for sick people with to wish on the crane. People believe "senbazuru" has the power to heal disease.

There are a famous story. There were a girl who was damaged by atom bomb in "world war Ⅱ" . She had terrible disease, leukemia. She kept making paper cranes, with package of medicine, in the hospital. She liked to run, so she wanted to run thoroughly. She had never given up to live. However, her dream didn't come true. Her name is Sadako Sasaki. There are her stature in the Atomic Bomb Memorial Dome in Hiroshima. It is sad story, but we mustn't forget her. I think "senbazuru" is also symbol of peace.

Now, people send it with their wishes. The crane was held piece by piece, so the cranes have much warm heart. The people who receive it will be so happy. When you want to cheer your important person, why don't you make "senbazuru" and send it? It surely make them happy.

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8D%83%E7%BE%BD%E9%B6%B4

http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/kids/KPSH_J/hiroshima/sadako/sadako_a_1.html

[316 words]

My Listening Training

Hi! I will introduce my listening training. First, I listen to English music, for example, Celine Dion's CD, Disney music, and so on. Second, I often go English lounge. Finally, I listen to some story in English. I will explain more detail!!

Nowadays, I listen to music that is sung in English. I was not interested in it, but my friends know a lot of English song, so I try to listen to it. Sometime, it was too fast to hear, but I listen to many times. I can enjoy it. Therefore I listen to it on the train every morning.

And then, I often go English lounge. I can listen to interesting topics in English. I not only listen to English, I practice speaking English. I can see many people in the room. That mean I can make many friends! The more people I meet, the more English skill I can improve.

Finally, I have started to listen some stories on the Internet. My teacher introduced the homepage, I can hear many stories that I have known already and not known yet. I can hear interesting stories. I heard a few stories, and I recommend you "Lazy Jack". The picture that is above this post. It was so funny story. It was not so difficult or long, so I could heard it smoothly. It is good training!! Here is the address → http://storynory.com/2008/04/21/lazy-jack/

I can increase the opportunity to listen to English. I think these are good exercise for me because it is not strict. I can do it on my pace. You should try it. Then, you should hear "Lazy Jack"!!

[272 words]

Dandelion

Today, I searched "dandelion". Do you know it?? It is "tanpopo" in Japanese. Dandelion is yellow flower that bloom in spring. We can see it many times, but I have never thought about it, so I decided to consult for it.

There are some English words that came from French. In 1066, Normandy who is from France conquer England. Therefore French became an official language in England at that time. This is the reason why some English come from French. Do you want to ask me why did I explain about it?? Because dandelion is one of words that came from French!!

It comes from "dents de lion", it means teeth of lion. "Dents" means teeth and pronounces it "dan", and "de" means "of". Dandelion has serrate leaves and they look like teeth of lion, so it was called dandelion.

If you find dandelions on the road, please check their leaves. You can see it like a lion's teeth!!

[160 words]

・Reference

http://www.geocities.jp/tampopo7007/namae.htm, http://www.globalheart24.com/english.htm

Dogwood☆

Today, I will talk about "dogwood". Do you know what is dogwood? You may be surprised at it. Dogwood is ... "Hanamizuki", the tree that bloom white or light pink flowers!!! I can see it at my school, home and so on. I like dogwood very much, so I wanted to know how to say English, and looked up my dictionary. I was so surprised because I can't image dog with that flower. Therefore, I looked through about dogwood.

At first, dogwood isn't Japanese tree. In 1912, mayor of Tokyo prefecture, Yukio Ozaki, sent cherry blossom to America. And then, America gave us dogwood as a recompense. This is origin of dogwood in Japan. Dogwood is so popular in America, but why they call dogwood?

I found one famous theory. Dogwood's bark has effect to get rid of flea that dogs were infested with. However, this is unbelievable because dogwood seems not to be a medicine. And then, the most believable theory is that "dogwood" was called "dagger wood" at first. "Dagger" means general term of weapons. Dogwood is hard, so it was used as material of dagger. And then, people called it "dagwood". Finally it became "dogwood". That means dog and dogwood have no relationship. It is so interesting, isn't it??

Dogwood is birthday flower of April 23. It is today! I could find an interesting story about flower, so I will write reports like this since then.

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refernce→http://diary.jp.aol.com/a7cs8crf/476.html

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%8F%E3%83%8A%E3%83%9F%E3%82%BA% E3%82%AD