2009年11月30日
My New Computer
Hi Team,
Sorry I didn't give you any feedback on last week's comments, but I was rushing to finish making the changes to my PhD thesis. I have sent it to my supervisors, so I just have to wait for their comments now. If they think it is okay, I then have to send it back to the examiners to be checked again, so it's not over yet.
Yesterday afternoon, I was a judge at a Japanese speech contest in Seto organized by the Seto International Centre and the Seto Rotary Club. There were seven students in the 留学生 category, and seven people in the 一般部. I felt a bit strange being a judge because most of the contestants spoke Japanese much better than I do! Anyway, there were some really good speeches, and I met a lot of very interesting people.
Now that I have finally finished making the changes to my PhD (for the moment, anyway!), I spent today setting up my new computer at home. I bought a lovely new iMac a couple of weeks ago, but I just left it in its box while I was still working on the thesis.
Actually, I got very lucky with the timing when I bought this computer. I can't remember if I told you this story or not (I'm sure Tomo will remind me if I have!), but I had planned to buy a 24-inch iMac before I went back to the UK. On the day I wanted to go to buy it, a friend who wanted to come with me couldn't make it, so I decided to leave it until after my trip. While I was in the UK, I went into the Apple Store in Chester, and there was a lovely big iMac sitting on the counter. It looked really big, so I asked if it was the 24-inch model, and the guy said, "Oh no, they stopped selling those last week. This is the new 27-inch model with the new magic mouse." Not only had the monitor got bigger, but the price had been cut by about fifty thousand yen! Anyway, when I got back to Japan I ordered the new model with lots of upgrades, which ended up costing the same as the base model of the 24-inch would have done. I now have a computer with 8GB of RAM and a 2-terabyte hard drive! Me using a computer like this is a bit like an 8-year-old child driving a Ferrari, but I will have plenty of time to study when the PhD is finally out of the way.
Your comments about Japanese mothers and sons were all very interesting. I think family life is one of the biggest differences between Asian and Western cultures, so it is very difficult for me to understand. When I was back in the UK, I asked my brother where Oliver (the new baby) sleeps, and he said "in his own bedroom, of course." I know that it is common in Japan for children to sleep with their parents until they are quite big, but that seems really strange to westerners.
Anyway, I'm going home now to play with my new computer some more. There is no special topic for this week, so please feel to talk about anything you want.
Bye for now,
David
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Hi Gussan,
I hadn't heard 'terabyte' before either, but I think we will be hearing it a lot more in the future. Anyway, this is my first comment from my lovely new computer :-)
- David Barker
- 2009年11月30日 21:10
Hi David,
It sounds like you are having a good time with your new computer. This story was new to me, so as far as I remember, you hadn't talked about it before.(笑)
By the way, I had never heard the word 'terabyte'. メガバイト→ギガバイト→テラバイトですよね？ I can't imagine how much memory your computer has!
Anyway, you had a busy weekend, so have a lot of fun with your lovely new computer;-)
Hi Gussan,
＜It was too hot to look around,
Ah, I see. The seasons in Australia are the opposite to Japan! I just remember that. You visited wine regions? Did you find some nice wine? Please send me one!(Just joking.)
See you soon,
Tomo
PS Gussan, I prefer white wine to red;-)
- Tomo
- 2009年11月30日 22:43
Hi David,
I'm a bit surprised that you hadn't opened the box for a couple of weeks, in spite of the computer is really lovely for you!;-) As Tomo said, I also can't imagine how much memory it has. Actually I don't understand even the meaning of "megabyte".＾＾；
Anyway, have a lot of fun!
Hi Gussan,
It sounds you had a great time in Australia! Just to tell you, I prefer red wine.;-)
Bye for now,
Maki
- Maki
- 2009年11月30日 23:15
Hi there,
I think it is a good idea to visit wineries in Australia when you go there.
There are many famous places for wine.
To take a trip to Australia you don't have jet lag. It is also a good point.
Have you ever seen flower trees jacarandas?
They are very beutiful.
You can find their pictures on the Internet.
See ya,
- Gussan
- 2009年12月 1日 04:17
Hi David,
Did you have a lovely time with your computer last night?
Sorry to say, I have no idea about 8GB of RAM and a 2-terabyte, and all I know is the 27-inch model is big!
Anyway, have fun with your new computer!
Hi tsuneko,
I'm glad to hear that your husband is OK now.
> もし夫が両親を軽んじたら即離婚です。←I agree with your idea.
Hi Gussan,
You visited Australia on your private trip?
When I were to visit wineries, I'd like to enjoy the atmosphere instead of tasting wine itself!
By the way, I googled jacarandas, flowers are very beautiful!
Have a nice day, everyone!
Anne
- Anne
- 2009年12月 1日 07:42
Hi David
I would like to watch Oliver's pretty photo again!
Hi tuneko
Thank you for sending a message on Novemnber 28th.
Could you tell me about 牛すじ？
Do you often eat 牛すじ？Can you get easy at meet shop or supermarket?
I've been in Tokyo sice I was born and I hardly ever see 牛すじ.
I imagine that it is very hard and needs so long time to cook...
I hear that Kansai people uses 牛すじ to cook curry and おでん.
Hi Nao
I really hope you get KinKi Kids concert ticket!
I have to listen to their new album "J album" till their consert!!!
Green
- Green
- 2009年12月 1日 12:44
Hi Team,
Gussan, I also did a Google search for 'jacarandas', and I saw a lot of pictures of jacaranda trees. They are so pretty! The flowers are light purple, but I thought it looked a bit like cherry trees in Japan. I wonder if Australian people do Jacaranda blossom viewing like Japanese people.
Anyway, I'm going to my son's elementary school because there is a ‘jugyo sankan’.
See you all later,
Tomo
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 1日 13:52
Hi David,
It sounds like your PhD is almost out of the way. Have you been busier this year than usual? You have permanent residential. You will obtain PhD. You have a new brand computer. What is your next plan?
Hi everybody,
I'm going to buy Harry Potter's DVD today. The price of advance selling is cut by five hundred yen. I didn't watch the movie at the theater. I'm thrilled to watch it finally.
By for now,
May
- May
- 2009年12月 1日 15:47
Ｈｉ Ｇｒｅｅｎ
Thank you!If I get a ticket,I'll tell you:)
Anyway,I'm going to buy a new CD!I want to listen to it soon.
By the way,do you watch ’ＲＯＭＥＳ’？I watched it.'Green' you love is very cool!I think he is a good actor.
Nao
- Ｎａｏ
- 2009年12月 1日 16:44
Hi David
You got a new PC.Sounds great!I think Mac PC is very cool.I'm jealous of you.
Hi May
Have you bought Harry Potter's DVD yet?I didn't watch them at the theater,too,but I watched them on TV.I like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix of all.
Nao
- Ｎａｏ
- 2009年12月 1日 17:04
Hi May,
Thanks for reminding me! I just pre-ordered a DVD of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" on Amason! They say it will come out tomorrow and will arrive in a few days. As you know, I watched the movie at a theater, but I'm looking forward to watching it again on DVD. Let's talk about the movie later;-)
Hi Nao,
Glad to hear that you also like Harry Potter. Actually, I'm a big fan of it. I read all the books both in Japanese and English and watched all the movies so far. When I was reading the final book in English, I thought to myself, "I'm glad I've been studying English!" because I didn't have to wait until the Japanese version came out, which means I was able to know the ending about one year earlier:)
I have to cook dinner!
See you soon,
Tomo
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 1日 18:55
Hi Gussan,
I also googled "jacaranda". Its flowers are very pretty and leaves are like ferns. It's interesting!
Hi Everyone,
It was a lovely day here and the moon is very beautiful tonight, but it's cold!
Sweet dreams!
Maki
- Maki
- 2009年12月 1日 22:21
Hi David
You got a new PC? That’s nice!
I have been thinking buying a new PC for a couple of months, so your story made me think seriously.
Hi everyone
How was your day?
I have been busy with my work these days due to strong yen. Many clients send money to their home countries through us at yen is strong. While yen is strong, I want to go abroad but I do not think I can take a long vacation until next spring. My sister who lives in US is expecting a baby next March, so I am hoping to visit her sometime next April or May.
Hi Gussan
I also took a look at some pictures of jacarandas in the Net. They are beautiful. It might be more beautiful if you see real one.
bye for now
- amo
- 2009年12月 2日 00:27
Hi there,
I'm glad that some of you saw the pictures of jacarandas on the Internet.
When I saw them from airplane, the contrast of colors between violet and brown, I mean soil or bricks, was vivid. It made good impresion.
Unfortunately, I heard, Aussie don't admire jacorandas as we Japanese do cherry brossoms.
But Japanese are often moved when they saw them.
I think jacarandas deserve the admiration.
In Adelaide early summer is the best season to see them. If you have a chnace, please see them.
I'm sure that you will be moved.
Bye for now.
- Gussan
- 2009年12月 2日 04:11
Hi Nao
Yes,mｙ daurhter and I watch "ROMES" every Thursday.
Did you watch it,didｎ't you?
I'm glad!
We can't wait broadcastｉｎｇ ｏｆ next story!!!
May,Nao and Tomo
My daghter likes Harry Potter series and have some DVD,too.
She likes Hermione.
She was pretty when she was child and she is beautifl now!
Who is your favorite caracter in "Harry Potter"?
Green
- Ｇｒｅｅｎ
- 2009年12月 2日 13:02
Hi David and everyone,
David, guess what I'm listening to now? - your interview! I got the January issue of the English Journal today, yay!(Sorry, I'm very excited. lol) I'm going to study with this magazine and the CD this month. Of course, I'll be joining this blog as usual;-)
Green, your daughter likes Harry Potter, too? That's nice! Actually, my oldest son likes it, too. When I was reading the last book of Harry Potter in English, he was reading the 6th one "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"(in Japanese, of course). When he finished it, he asked me what was going to happen in the final book. I said to him, “No, you should wait until the Japanese version comes out. I don't want to spoil the ending.”, but he didn't give up, so I gave him some hints.
＜Who is your favorite character in "Harry Potter"?
Harry, of course, Dumbledore, Lupin, and Hagrid. もっと書きたいですがこのへんで・・（笑）
Talk to you soon,
Tomo
PS May, the DVD I ordered on Amazon yesterday has already arrived here! I think they are doing a good job. Anyway, I'm going to watch it tonight:)
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 2日 17:34
Hi amo,
Your sister's baby is due next March? So you are going to have the third nephew or the fifth niece, right? That's great! I hope you can go to the US to see your sister and her new baby next spring!
Tomo
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 2日 18:29
Hi Tomo,
I didn't realise there was a CD as well! I hope I didn't say anything stupid...
- David
- 2009年12月 2日 20:52
Hi David,
Don't worry, you didn't:)
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 2日 22:31
Hi May,
Have you got the DVD? I hope you enjoy watching the video.
＜Who is your favorite character in "Harry Potter"?
→ Except three main characters, I like Maggie Smith. She played as " Minerva McGonagoll.
Hi amo,
Are you planning to go to the US to see your sister's family?
That sounds nice! I hope you can go there and see the new baby.
Hi Tomo,
You did? Lucky you! I need to wait few more days to get the book at the bookstore.
Hi David and everyone,
I've finished reading the book " How to Win Friends ＆Influence People" in English which David had recommended.
It was a really great book . There are a lot of tips how to have a good relationship with others.
Bye for now,
Anne
- Anne
- 2009年12月 2日 22:47
Hi David and everyone,
Anne, yes, I got it yesterday. Lucky me!（笑）
I listened to another one of the interviews(Johnny Depp's one) today. To be honest, I couldn't understand it at all. I was able to catch some parts or words(or just the sound of the English), but it was too difficult for me to understand what he is saying.. I kind of felt down and lost my confidence a little, but then I listened to David's interview again and rebuilt my confidence. That's why I like your English, David!（笑）
Actually, I'm reading English Journal for the first time now, but I have to say that it's a very interesting magazine for English learners. I should have read it sooner. Anyway, I'm going to try Johnny Depp's interview again and the other one later(There are three interviews.), and I'll try to make the most of the magazine.
See you soon,
Tomo
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 3日 17:41
Hi Tomo,
You've got the book already?! Lucky you!!
I will order it at the ALC online store on 5th, so I have to wait for it maybe until Tuesday. Can't wait! But I
have no idea where I can get it near here. I'm still a stranger in this town...
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to both reading your interview and listening to David's one!;-)
Bye for now,
Maki
- Maki
- 2009年12月 3日 23:15
Hi David and everyone
It was pretty busy yesterday, but it was much worse today. I could not take a break after 5 pm. I grabbed a quick lunch and backed to my desk 30 minutes later.
I was a bit tired and I almost missed my stop tonight.
Hi Tomo and Anne
Thank you for your comments.
I am really looking forward to seeing them.
Tomo> Speaking of “EJ”, I used to read (listen to) it, so I know how good it is. You can listen to many kinds of English that is the most important thing. Because they speak naturally, it is a quite different from “text book conversations” (nobody talks like that slow and clear). By the way, I am going to buy one this weekend, so I can enjoy listening David’s interview and also Johnny’s one.
good night and sweet dreams
- amo
- 2009年12月 3日 23:44
【訂正】
but it was too difficult for me to understand what he is saying.. → but it was too difficult for me to understand what he was saying..
時制が合ってないですね。
Hi Maki,
Yes, I've got it! I'm very lucky, and I'm really grateful for this blog and all the people I met here.(including you, of course:))
＜I'm still a stranger in this town...
I understand what you mean. Moving house is very stressful, and it takes a long time to get to know the new area, doesn't it?
Hi amo,
You are right. It's very important for us(language learners) to meet 'the real thing' as often as possible. I'm going to listen to Johnny Depp's interview with the transcript today. I couldn't understand it yesterday, but I think(hope!) the transcript will help me to catch the English. I'll keep trying;-)
Hi David,
I'm looking forward to reading your new entry and feedback!
Speak to you soon,
Tomo
- Tomo
- 2009年12月 4日 08:07
Hi Tomo
Your oldest son likes Harrry Potter and he reads the books,doesn't he?
WHen my daugter was elementary schoolchild,
she read books a lot.
In these days she reads book only in morning reading time at school・・・
You read Harry Potter in English,didn't you?Great!!!
I have seen it.
It was as thick as Japanese version!
Green
- Green
- 2009年12月 4日 12:57
Hi Gussan,
I saw jacarandas on the Internet,too. I was't expecting the flowers were purple color. You enjoyed a beautiful view from an airplane. Lucky you!
Hi Tomo,
I watched the latest DVD of Harry Potter. It was interesting,but the screen was dark. I thought TV was not good. I'd like to watch the last program of the series at a theater.
Hi Maki,
Did you order EJ on Amazon? I'm going to buy EJ at the bookstore,but there isn't a big bookstore near here. I'll get it as soon as possible. I'm looking foward to hearing your impression about Tomo's interview.
Hi Nao and Green,
I've heard that it was difficult to get the concert tickets of ジャニーズ. Do you have a special way to get them?
And did you talk about Japanese TV program titled "ROMES"? I misunderstood it was a foreign drama. I read that as "ローマズ”.
My favorite characters in Harry Potter are the three main characters and Jinny.
Hi amo,
It sounds like the world economy has affected your job and you have been very busy. Would it last to the yearend? I hope you'll feel relaxed with your sisters family,incliding a new baby,next spring.
Hi Anne,
You read a book David had recommended and got a lot of important things,did you. I'd like to read the book in Japanese soon.
By for now,
May
- May
- 2009年12月 4日 14:21
Hi Tomo
You read books of Harry Potter in English,didn't you?You are a big fan of Harry Potter.I read the only Japanese version.I wanted to read the latest book when the Harry Potter was published in English,but the book is so long,so I gave up reading in English.You are great!I should study English hard like you.
Isn't it difficult to read the English version?I'll try to read the English version again.
Ｔｏｍｏさんは色々な方法で英語を勉強していらっしゃるんだな～と思いました。私も映画や雑誌などにも目を向けてみます！
By the way,you have already got the new one!Lucky you!!
Hi Green
I'm looking forward to watching 'ROMES' every week:),but I couldn't watch it because of my job..でも、見れるときは大倉君の役がとてもいいなぁと思って見ています。普段着（？）の大倉君を見れるのも楽しみのひとつです。笑
Your daughter also likes Harry Potter.Good!I like Hermione and Dumbledore:)When I watched it,Hermione was so cute,and now she is very beautiful.
Nao
- Nao
- 2009年12月 4日 14:25
Hi May
As you said,it's difficult to get tickets of ジャニーズ.I'm a member of KinkiKids fan club,so I can get a ticket of Kinkikids.けれど嵐などのグループではファンクラブに入っていてもチケットを取ることは難しいみたいです。。
Yes,we talked about 'ROMES' of NHK program.I don't know 'ローマズ'Is 'ローマズ' a foreign drama?Is it fun?
Hi team
I'm sick now..,but fortunately I don't have a new ful.I suffered from otitis media,中耳炎には生まれて初めてなりました。耳鼻科に行くのは内科に行くよりなんだか怖かったのですが、勇気をだして行ってきました。
It's colder and colder,so take care!
Nao
- Ｎａｏ
- 2009年12月 4日 15:01
Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
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- Eliseo Munyer
- 2011年9月 1日 06:21
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- bilete avion
- 2011年10月30日 06:59
Hi Tomo,
I visited Australia on private trip. My pourpose was visitining wine regions in Australia.
It was too hot to look around, but I could enjoy the trip.
Hi David,
Your new PC's HD is 2-terabyte.
I've heard the unit terabyte for PC fot the first time.
You don't need any extra memories.
I suppose that you did a big shopping.
I'm not sure the prices of Mac in UK but, in Japan retailers don't disccount Mac PCs.
Anyway I envy you.
See ya,