Quick BitesShort topics from English conversation classes at a school in Japan.
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The Fukuoka City Government assembly members rejected the Mayor's proposal to build a ropeway system between the city's main passenger ferry port and the business and shopping district, Hakata City. The idea was voted down owing to cost. It's purpose would have been carrying visitors more quickly . Have there been any plans that your local government either rejected before confirmation or cancelled after approval? Did you agree with the project or would you have spent the money on something else? Are there any ongoing infrastructure projects at the moment where you live? 
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Bohemian Rhapsody, the story of rocker singer Freddie Mercury's life is still showing at cinemas almost three months after its original release. It has achieved phenomenal success.
He died at the end of 1991 from AIDS. The movie features 20 minutes of rock numbers including Don't Stop Me Now, BR and We Are The Champions. Do you have a particular favourite from Queen? What rock anthem do you love most? A Japanese high school student went to court this month to have his name changed from the highly unusual Prince to a more sensible Hajime, meaning 'begin' (again), he explained. He was happy with the name he had been given by his parents, and he warned parents to think about the burden their children may have to carry with such names. Do you like your name? How was yours or your children's name(s) chosen?  Karl Lagerfeld, who was a fashion designer, died on 19th of last month. His estate was estimated to be worth 176,000,000 Euros. He loved his cat so much that he wanted to leave his wealth to the cat, however, in France, people can't leave their estate to animals. Another possibility is to set up a charity/foundation for (taking care of) cats. In that case, a charity can receive an inheritance. Would you leave all or part of your estate to a pet? What sensible thing should happen to the money, do you think? In another life, if you could be an animal, what would you be?   Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan Chief Executive, was released from jail on bail this week after being confined for 108 days. Hoping no-one would notice his departure, he disguised himself as a workman wearing a cap, glasses and overalls and drove off in a small Suzuki van.
Apparently, he had been held in a small cell with no heating. The bail amount, one billion in this case, is the sum the court demand before releasing an accused before trial. It is determined based on their wealth and is returned to the payor following the close of the court case. Whether legal costs and any damages awarded to a victim are deducted from it, I'm unsure. Is it the highest bail amount ever to be set in Japan, do you think? Actually, no. That 'prize' goes to a Chief Executive involved in a beef mislabelling scam earlier this century. Do you remember 'Hannan'? Google it, if you can't remember. Did you find out anything new and surprising recently? Fukuoka Dome has recently re-opened following....... following...... The Fukuoka Art Museum has also undergone....... undergone...... Which verb or verbs are most appropriate for buildings that now include new features and decoration and improved access and safety standards; renovate, refurbish, modernize, restore, renew, reform, refine, repair or maintain? ...And, do you know the noun form? To help you along, here are brief definitions. Restore means to bring something old, or ancient even, back to (near) original appearance or function. Renew refers to a licence to do something, such as a passport or driving licence. Reform is reserved for offenders who become law abiding people. Refine talks about making improvements to an existing process. Repair is best used for items which have broken or electrical items which have stopped working. Renovate or refurbish mean to make improvements to a building or vehicle which became out-dated, worn or below standard. Maintain is to check and keep something in good working order. Which do you think is appropriate in these cases?  The smallest baby in the world was born at Keio Hospital in the summer of last year (2018) weighing only 268 gram! If the mother had waited until the full term, the baby would have died in the womb because the baby wouldn't have received enough nourishment. He was delivered by caesarian (section) at 24 weeks. He grew up little-by-little and has recently left hospital as a healthy baby able to feed normally. Congratulations! Do you know your birth weight and date and time of birth?  |
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