Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

 

A few more weeks until Christmas! Do you have any plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

 

https://japantoday.com/category/sports/japan-pledges-support-to-vaccinate-tokyo-olympic-athletes

Let’s start today’s article with an update regarding the Olympics. The government has pledged/promised to vaccinate athletes, volunteers and the staff members who will come and help with the Olympics. It’s a good initiative to help the participants and the audience feel safer. However, it’s been a concern of those who have read this news that the government will use tax money for the vaccines. What’s your opinion about this?

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 0:19)

Oh tell me, tell me, tell me how to turn your love on

You can get anything that you want

Baby, just shout it out, shout it out

Baby, just shout it out

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 1:24)

One thousand____ people all scattered like ____

And there’s a drunk man ______ in a pile of trash

He hears the sounds of karaoke and a ________ ____

He wakes up and checks his reflection in a _____ glass

 

ー続いてー

 

Today’s Idiom:

“break a leg”

 

It’s a very common phrase that is used now by a lot of native speakers! It means, “good luck”! The reason why is because people believe it’s bad luck to tell someone “good luck” or something like that because it would make the other person feel pressured and nervous, so in replacement, they choose a phrase that would sound bad, but the intention is good.

 

Here’s a sample dialogue:

A: I’m going to deliver a presentation to foreign investors next week!

B: Don’t worry, have enough rest, and break a leg!

A: Thanks! I’ll stay at home this weekend to work more on my presentation notes!

 

This phrase is more casual than formal and here’s a visual video explanation of the phrase:

I hope this helps!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-55222730

Before the year ends, let’s look back at the winners of the Earth Photo competition. These are photos taken all over the world and they look really mesmerizing. It’s nice to be reminded that the world we live in, despite the problems, is beautiful. My favorite photo is the old man looking at the distance. I just love the colors and the composition of the photo! What’s your favorite?

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo