Hello there, I hope you are doing well.
We’ll have clear skies next week! It would be a great idea to dry your clothes and leave your futon or mattress outside to sunbathe.
Let’s start today’s article with some good news! For most of us, we’re looking forward to the long vacation in winter. The pandemic wouldn’t be over by that time, so the government is currently considering extending the winter holidays by a week. This would help people observe social distancing, given that tourist spots and temples would be crowded in the last weeks of the year. Are you for or against this?
ー初めにー
Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:
Here’s a brief explanation of the last rebus:
As I’ve mentioned last week, don’t pay attention what the numbers specifically are. Instead, simply categorize them as “numbers”. Then, as you can see in the middle, there’s the word “safety”. So, the phrase is, “safety in numbers”, which is a thought that being in a group would make every one in that group feel safe and secure.
Were you able to figure out the answer?
As promised, we have a new activity from this time onward.
Here’s how it would go:
I will add here a link to this week’s song, and you would have to guess what the words are in the blanks. I know that it’s easy to look up / search the lyrics online, but try to take it as a challenge!
Here’s this week video:
(Fast forward to 0:48)
So, it’s gonna be _____ or it’s gonna go down in _______
You can tell me when it’s over, hmm, or if the _____ was worth the pain
Got a long list of ___-lovers, they’ll tell you I’m ____
Cause you know I love the players and you love the ____
It’s going to be short for this week, but it will be increasingly longer next time!
ー続いてー
Today’s Idiom:
“to take a rain check”
This is used in both formal and casual conversations, which means “to refuse an invitation/offer”.
It is a polite way of saying no, as sometimes, saying the word “no” can be a little too direct.
Here’s a sample conversation:
A: Hey! I’m going for some drinks with our team later. Do you want to join us?
B: Sorry, I might have to work overtime tonight, so I’ll have to take a rain check. I’ll be available next week, though!
And for a video reference, here’s what I found:
I hope this helps!
ー最後にー
Today’s Column:
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54635810
Gap recently released information that it could potentially close all of its stores in the UK because of their losses due to the current pandemic. They are not the only company that’s suffering, but they are taking this as an opportunity to restructure their business and opt for an online shop. In Japan, one of their biggest shops, which was located in Harajuku, closed down, following the closure of Forever 21 in Shinjuku. What’s your opinion about this?
Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.
Ryo