New Toeic Books

Recently, I have been working on the new version of the Toeic books written by Emiko Matsumoto. (Click the TOEIC label at the bottom of this post to see past post about the first set of books.) 

I have finish the first draft, which Emiko had sent me, Listening: parts 1, 2, 3 & 4, and Reading: parts 5 & 6. With Reading part 7 still yet to do.

Everything looks very good and I hope that these books, when they are published, sell well. 

The target score for these books is 450, aim at the beginner Toeic test taker or first time taker. 

Though, for those of you who have a higher ability, I would still recommend the new books as well because they have some useful points for all levels and abilities.

Well that is for now, however I we keep you all in the loop (= up dated) on the progress of the books plus their likely publishing dates & pricing.

Also please check out Emiko's blog. It has lots of useful information for those of you who are going to take the Toeic test or are interested in Toeic. Just click the link or click on her name "Emiko" to be (re)directed to her blog page.

The Cove, Green Peace & other Warmongers

May I ask why as Americans (and increasing Australians & New Zealanders as well, sad really becoming like Americans) you try to force other cultures to conform to what you deem is acceptable.


Japan and the other whale/dolphin eating nations have been fishing these food resources for over 1000 years. Their fishing activities have had little (basically no) impact on either whales or dolphins numbers. In fact it was the western countries (the U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, western European countries, etc) greed that decimated the whale/dolphin numbers, not as falsely stated the whale eating nations.


Furthermore, that attacks on Japan have a strong element of racial, Sweden and Norway hunt whales too but I guess since they are white it is ok for them, considering the makers of "The Cove" and members of Green Peace also other groups tend to be WHITE MIDDLE-CLASS (in many cases: ignorant) moralizing missionaries.


Questions, should India start making documentaries about Americans (Westerners) eating and mistreatment of cattle and how cattle are treated as  only materials and a manufacturing process, now that would be interesting.
Or how about Muslims, Jewish campaigning and to show their disgust for westerners eating pork.


It is just other form of racism or prejudice, food-racism, basically we (westerners) don't eat it so other people/cultures shouldn't be allowed to eat it as well.


America! think before you talk. And learn to respect other cultures, your culture is good but it is far from perfect. Westerners seem to have the belief that they are the saviors of the world and are here to teach and force other cultures to change, what they deem to be inferior, barbaric &, or primitive, ways.
No consideration of the cultural, social, economic destruction their actions may cause  or their impact on the local communities.
No! these so-called earth-friendly groups just come to some place and tell, demand, the people there to stop/ change a practice because it is wrong (wrong in western eyes). Now, isn't this just high arrogance.


Yes! these groups are WAR-MONGERS because their actions are attacks and if they were done on a country to country level, they would be considered acts of war. These groups also physically attack local communities and people (fishermen, farmers, hunters, shopkeepers, eating-places) who are only trying to making a living to support their families. Then when the local people defend themselves against the attacks, perpetuated by the so-called earth-friendly groups, these groups complain. The groups seem to think that it is ok for them to attack anyone but it is wrong for local people to defend themselves from the physical and verbal attacks.


Case in point; Greenpeace commit acts of piracy against fishermen, Greenpeace physically attack the fishermen and sometimes hurt them. Greenpeace deem these acceptable actions and consequences, but when the fishermen fight back; Greenpeace cry foul to the whole world.


Yes, I understand that these groups are trying to improve the planet in some way, but they are all hypocrites because they demand that people of other cultures, lower economics status, developing / undeveloped areas, etc change and, or stop their historical-traditional-cultural practices first. These groups should concentrate on their own countries/cultures first, once they have done that then may ask, yes ask, not demand that others join their cause. This will not occur though because these groups think they are somehow holy and righteous, that they the only ones who can save the planet and any person or culture that gets in the way of this must be destroyed. Of course, they would not say this directly, but this is their intended purpose.


Me, by writing this will most likely be attacked for my criticism of the so-called earth-friendly groups because like religion, the church (all forms) and (some) governments, any criticism must crushed and any type of opposition to their position must be eliminated i.e. they are right and just, everyone else who disagrees is Wrong, Stupid, Satan or Criminal.


I do agree that Japan should not call its fishing of whales, etc "scientific". No Japan should say: "We are fishing whales as a food resource and if you don't like it, well that is your opinion but we are not going to stop just (some) westerners have guilt because they cause most (if not all) of the environmental problems.". Basically, the to hell with you westerners and Two/One finger up to you.


Beside the international community can decide a quota system; stating how much each country can fish. I am quite sure the whale-eating countries would readily accept this. We as citizens of the Earth must respect all cultures and traditions, whether we like them or not.
There is room for all things. If these traditions and cultures naturally died out then so be it. But it must be because this is a natural flow of things, all cultures will die some day. We do not need to force the issue because we deem it wrong through know cultural perception.


One final point or should I say rant:
Don't you vegetarians and vegans start feeling all smug and self righteous. Your activities cause just much threat to animals and the environment as anyone else. Pray tell you may ask!?
Well since you consume planet matter and this material requires land and lots of it, which in turn requires the clearing of natural habitats that displaces and will endanger a large number of planet and animal species. It requires far more land to produce plant based source food than it does animal based source food. Plus the land need to grow the food is the same land that wild species also need.


Hydroponics I hear you say, well mmm, yes, actually NO. For minimal land use, yes you have a point. But as for water conservation no. True they recycle the water but that can only be done a limited amount of time before they need to add more "fresh" water. also they need to add nutrients to the water so the plants can grow and this comes for bio-waste: old food, vegetation and manure, the last one requires animals. And in all likelihood you people would start complaining about the treatment of animals to get the manure.


Warmongers, now why would I place such a description of these earthy-friendly groups. Well it is because be it directly or indirectly they encourage people to commits acts of violence just as surely as religion, politics and  national-pride as well as the leaders that represent these. Therefore they are no better than any other group that allows it's members, supporters, followers, etc that stand by and allow these actions to occur.


That is it everyone I have had my say. I leave you with a final thought.


NATURE does not care, Nature just keeps on moving.
Kill all the animal life; nature does not care,
Kill all the plant life; nature does not care,
Kill all the human life; nature does not care.
Nature just continues to move on.
It make no difference to nature.
And that is the point,
Nature Does NOT CARE.
Only we do, silly humans.


Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: Manners

" Manners "


Social manners,
what are these?


Polite formulas to keep things balanced?
Consideration for others?
To create a homogenised beings?


Business manners,
are they really?


Or just ways to derive profit?
To polite ways to take your money?
To con, cheat, deceive?


Table manners,
Why have them?


Why not, just eat?
hands, fingers, feet.
It is the same, yes?
Once inside the tummy.


Manners,
who made them?


What if,
what if we did not have them?


What if then?




Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: " Softlife "

" Softlife "

Here I sit smoking a cigarette,

on the other side people are sick.

I sit drinking wine,

there people lack even water to drink.

Sitting here,

sitting in my soft life.

People die for basic needs,

die not having, what I take for granted.

Do I truly feel this,

do I really see it.

No I do not,

not in my soft life.

Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: "I Know I Have Said It"

" I Know I have Said It "

I know I have said.

I know you have heard it.

A million times,

a million times,

a million and more times.

But each time is the first time.

The first time for me.

Each time it is new.

It makes my heart skip a beat.

Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: Keep On Believing

"Keep On Believing"

Children keep on believing,
fly around the world tonight.

Children keep on dreaming,
recreating the world each night.

Children keep on imagining,
building castles in the sky.

Children keep on seeing things,
with your eyes filled of wonders tonight.

Children keep on being children,
the world needs your magical light.

Syrbastyian (Amaya) 

Poem: Capable of

"Capable of"

What am I capable of?

I am capable of many things.

The greatest kindness, generosity and love.
The greastest evil, violence and coldness.

Yes I have these qualities.

What am I able to do?

I will give you all that I have.
My money, my clothes and yes my life.

I can give nothing.
Unfeeling.

I can,
harm or help
hurt or heal
damage or repair
destory or build.

Yes I have these qualities.



Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: There Is No Thing

 "There Is No Thing"

There is not one thing,
you can do to me that we harm me.

There is nothing, no pain,
you can give me that will hurt me.

There is nothing you can do,
to make me blink.

I am nothing, stone, ice, cold.
I am numb to all harm or pain,
that you can cause me.

World you can do nothing to me.
I survive, I live, I survive.
I always do.

But be warn.
Harm the ones I love,
harm my sweetness,
My wrath will know, no bounds.
I will tear your soul apart.

Syrbastyian (Amaya) 

Poem: Do Nothing

"Do Nothing"

Millions cry,
yet we do nothing.

Millions can't see,
yet we do nothing.

Millions can't fill their bellies,
yet we don't do anything.

Millions are sick!
Millions DIE!

Yet we do Nothing Nothing and NOTHING.

Syrbastyian (Amaya) 

Poem: Changes

"Changes"

Changes, good or bad.
They happen,
they are in ways needed.

Changes,
needed, wanted or not.

They bring new things,
sometimes good, some not,
but its a part of life.

Changes are all the time.

We don't see them at times.

Think we, they stay the same,
but in everything there is change.

All things change.

Syrbastyian (Amaya) 

Poem: Come With Me

"Come With Me"

Come with me,
you and I.

Go with me,
a new life.

Dance with me,
together in rhythm.

Come with me,
you, me, us,
this time.

Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Poem: IF YOU ASK

"If You Ask"

If you ask me to cook for you,
I will say sure what would you like.

If you ask me to massage you,
I will say certainly what oil would you like.

If you ask me to kiss you,
I will say definitey its my pleasure to.

If you ask me to hold you,
I will say absolutely I will hold you all night.
If you ask me to die for you,
I will say, yes I am able to,
BUT I will live for you and not die, that I promise you.

Syrbastyian (Amaya)

Chikako Yamashita, Photographic Art Work

One of my friends, CHICAKO YAMASHITA ( 山下千香子 ),  recently had a exhibition of her photographic art work. 


The title of the exhibition was " SHIMMERING " or " YURAGI ( ゆらぎ ) " in Japanese.

I really like her work and I believe that you too will also like her work.


Chicako also does commercial work as well, so if you want to get the perfect image or photograph for your business needs, wall art - decorative, personal request, etc then Chikako is the person you must definitely hire.


Here are the links to her web-site and blog:


Web-site:  http://photofac.net


Blog:   http://photofac.exblog.jp





Here are some examples of her art: The photographs at the beginning of this (top, 2 female models) are fashion shots for a magazine and the one below are her own personal art (work). 

Here is Chicako's profile in English and Japanese:

Chicako Yamashita/ photographer＆writer

Profile
Born in Tokyo.
Completed the professional photographers’ course of TSG(Tokyo Shashin Gakuen/ Tokyo Photography School).
Studied video making at London College of Communication (Formerly named: London College of Printing), University of the Arts London.

Exhibitions
2006 group exhibition“Colors; Superb Photographers 022”,“2008 Prints Exhibition "（@ T’s salon, Tokyo）
2008group exhibition“2008 Prints Exhibition”（@CCAA Ramp-zaka Gallery, Tokyo)

山下千香子／ヤマシタチカコ　フォトグラファー＆ライター Profile 東京生まれ、横浜育ち。 東京写真学園プロコース本科修了。大学卒業後、会社勤めを経て渡英。ロンドン芸術大学London College of Printing (現London College of Communication)でビデオ制作を中心に学ぶ。帰国後は編集プロダクションにて主に映画関連の書籍・フリーペーパーなどの編集・取材・執筆を幅広くこなす。2005年に独立し、フォトグラファー＆ライターとして活動中。 Exhibitions 2006年 　グループ展「Colors～極上写真家022～」（東京・渋谷　T’s salon） 2008年 　グループ展「2008枚展」（東京・四谷　CCAAランプ坂ギャラリー）

TOEIC Books on Sale

（青山学院大学講師／駿台外語綜合学院講師／日米英語学院講師）
上智大学大学院博士前期課程修了（言語学、英語教授法）。専攻は、言語テスティング。大学や英語学校で、大学生、ビジネスマンを対象とした資格試験対策を行い、TOEFL,交換留学プログラム準備、カウンセリングを含め短期間で目標突破へと導くことを得意とする。指導科目は主にTOEIC900、730、550突破、英検1級、準1級、TOEFLiBT100、80突破コースなど。認知科学、心理学、自己開発プログラムに関心があり、一眼レフカメラが趣味。

松本恵美子

http://emikotoeic.blog83.fc2.com/ 


http://matsumoto.nichibei-shibuya.com/

書名：新TOEIC(R) TEST 必達 550点〔リスニング編〕
著者：松本恵美子
定価：945円（税込み）
ISBN:4-532-40579-3
ISBN-13:978-4-532-40579-3
出版社：日本経済新聞出版社
出版日　11月25日

書籍名： 新TOEIC(R)TEST必達550点〔リーディング編〕
著者名： 松本恵美子
価格： 945円（税込み）
ISBN-10： 4-532-40578-5
ISBN-13： 978-4-532-40578-6
出版社： 日本経済新聞

出版社

Well the books went on sale in the book store in Japan on Sunday (22nd November 2009). 


I went and check out a few book store to see how the books were selling. The "Listening" book is selling more that the "Reading" one but this is understandable since most Japanese struggle more with listening part of the Toeic test than the reading part. 


I do hope that the books are a marvelous success, Emiko (The author) has worked hard on them to make a book that will benefit everyone wishing to take the Toeic test. 


With this I have put Emiko Matsumoto's photograph, Bio-info and a link to her blog {Click the title of my blog} (sorry all in Japanese). Plus as you can better pictures of the two books and there covers.  So what are you waiting, quickly run to the book-store, jump on-line and buy the books today, no now, before they are all sold out. Seriously everyone, they are wonderful books and will definitely help anyone wanting to get a better score in the Toeic test. So I do highly recommend that you buy them for yourself, someone you know or please recommend them. Furthermore the cool thing about the books is the size: large enough to be read easily but small enough to be carry in a bag, jacket-pocket. So you can use the books basically anywhere plus with the listening section being down-loadable, well you are free to practice just about anywhere. 


Enjoy everyone.


Syrbastyian (Amaya)   

Toeic Books

http://matsumoto.nichibei-shibuya.com/

http://emikotoeic.blog83.fc2.com/

A colleague of mine , Emiko Matsumoto 松本恵美子, at Nichibei Eigo Gakuin Shibuya school 日米英語学院渋谷校 has been working on some Toeic books for the listening and reading parts of the Toeic test. 

Ms. Emiko Matsumoto asked me if I could help with the books by checking the English for grammar, structure, vocabulary use and naturalness.

I was only too happy to do this for her because I had never done this type of book editing work before and also if someone who is going to write something to be publish I want me to help, I will assist them in any way I can.

So now the books are finished. 

The titles of the books are:

新TOEIC TEST 必達 550点 「リスニング編」 

新TOEIC TEST 必達 550点 「リーディング編」

or in Roman letters:

shin TOEIC TEST  hittatsu 550 ten" "Listening hen"

shin TOEIC TEST  hittatsu 550 ten" "Reading hen"

They are being published by Nippon Nikkei Keizai Shimbunsha 日本日系経済新聞社.

They will be on sale at book stores throughout Japan on the 22nd of November 2009, Sunday. 

The price will be 945yen each and there is a web-site in which you will be able to download the listening material and some other things as well.

I enjoyed doing this work very much and I hope that the books sell well, so you guys out there BUY A COPY even it you do not need one. Want a signed copy, then hey, get a copy and I will sign it and more importantly I will ask Emiko, the author, to sign it as well.

In all seriousness though, I believe that if you are studying for the Toeic test, interested in taking the test, or know someone you is, then you should get these books or recommend the books to the people you know; these books will help you to get a higher score in the Toeic test.

I am proud of the work done and hope that more work like this will follow. 

I would very much like to thank Emiko for asking for my help. I enjoy the work quite a lot. Also I am humble by the fact that Emiko had my name put on the front cover of the books under her name. This is a great honour, a wonderful surprise and I am full of gratitude.

Eventually I hope to be writing my own material but probably not text books but poetry or stories (fiction and non-fiction), then again I think that all my years of teaching have given me something to write about in a text book that may benefit people who wish to develop and improve their English communication skills. 

I have included some photographs of the (possible) covers. The covers will look something similar to these photos. My apologies for the low quality of the photographs, I took them with my mobile phone.

There you have it. That is what I have been doing recently. 

Buy a copy, it will make you feel good about yourself, lol.

Syrbastyian (Amaya) 

Short-Story: The Magic Castle, Yellow Room

" The Magical Castle, Yellow Room "




Once upon a time there lived a most lovely and amazing cute princess, who lived a magical castle in the land of Easthugeisland.
 
One day the princess decided that she wanted to eat yellow-marshmallows, so she went to the yellow-room, where all the yellow things are kept in the magical castle, but she could not find the yellow-marshmallows.


Where are the yellow-marshmallows, she asked herself. 


She had looked everywhere: in the yellow-wardrobe, under the yellow-tables, behind the yellow-curtains. Everywhere yellow and anything yellow she looked in, under, behind, beside, above, on top of, below, around just everywhere! and still she could not find the yellow-marshmallows. 


She was feeling very tired and a little sad, and was about to give up on her search for the yellow-marshmallows.
When all of a sudden she realised that, that morning, she had just created yellow-marshmallows because she had dreamt of roasting yellow-marshmallows for the picnic next week in her dream. 


Happy with her self discovery, she set about asking her servants (who would do anything for the amazing cute and wonderful princess) to make yellow-marshmallows to roast at the amazingly wonderful picnic next week. 


Tomorrow she will be able to wake up to the delight of knowing that next week she will be able to roast yellow-marshmallows the amazingly wonderful picnic. 


And, life was wonderful and fantastic for the most lovely and amazingly cute princess. 


She lived her days happily ever after.


"The end."

By Syrbastyian (Amaya) Vzampfyier