2024/4/13(土)SMC

President's Remark: SM Kei Narisawa

He pressed the point that we are always positive about getting a new blood into our society. Secondly, though we welcome our endeavor, we have no choice but limit time for each person's lecture, word of the day, and prepared speech to 6 min, more or less. It may be that we have grown to be a group big enough.

Word of the Day: SM Noro

Word of the day – “take”

Let's study the word "take" from various angles.

Activity 1: Basic Definitions

Try to check the different meanings of the word "take" as used in the sentences below: -> Which means…

1.    She will take the bus to school.

2.    Please take one cookie from the jar.

3.    They take pride in their handmade crafts.

4.    Can you take this call?

5.    I didn’t take him seriously at first.

Activity 2: Synonyms

Choose a synonym for the word "take" in each sentence. -> Paraphrase it.

1.    Could you take my hand as we cross the street?

2.    I will take your advice on that matter.

3.    He decided to take a piece of candy without asking.

4.    She didn't take the joke very well.

5.    Will you take me to the airport tomorrow?

Activity 3: Antonyms

Find an antonym for "take" in the context of each sentence and rewrite the sentence using the antonym. -> Make the opposite sentence.

1.    Please take a seat.

2.    I’ll take your coat.

3.    Did you take any photos during your trip?

4.    It's important to take notes during the lecture.

5.    They decided to take the shortcut home.

Activity 4: Use in Sentences

Use the word "take" in a sentence of your own for each of its meanings listed below:

1.    To pick something up with one's hands.

2.    To remove something from a place.

3.    To consume (food or drink).

4.    To accept or receive something.

5.    To understand or interpret in a particular way.

Activity 5: Phrasal Verbs <- when we have enough time

Phrasal verbs are phrases that consist of a verb plus a preposition or adverb that changes the meaning of the verb. Identify the meaning of each "take" phrasal verb below:

1.    Take off –

2.    Take up –

3.    Take after –

4.    Take back –

5.    Take over –

Activity 6: Creative Writing <- when we have enough time

Write a short paragraph using at least five different forms or meanings of the word "take." Try to be creative and show the versatility of the word in your writing.

Activity 7: Most frequent usage of transitive verb form “take”

<- when we have enough time

1.    Require (It takes something)

l  It takes imagination for us to solve the trick.

l  It takes patience for us to overcome the problems.

l  What’s it going to take for you to say yes?

l  It doesn’t take much for me to get drunk.

l  You have what it takes.

l  I’ll do whatever it takes.

2.    Accept, Receive (Somebody takes something)

l  How did he take it?

l  How did he take being cheated on?

l  How did she take her company going bankrupt?

l  He took his pet dying badly.

l  He took it like a champ.

l  I’ll take that as a yes.

l  Don’t take this the wrong way.

l  Don’t take it seriously.

l  He takes me for granted.

Let's go through the activities and refer to the sample answers.

Activity 1: Definitions

1.    To travel by means of a vehicle.

2.    To select or pick up.

3.    To have or show pride or pleasure in something.

4.    To deal with or assume responsibility for something or someone.

5.    To regard or consider in a specific way.

Activity 2: Synonyms

1.    Could you grab my hand as we cross the street?

2.    I will accept your advice on that matter.

3.    He decided to steal a piece of candy without asking.

4.    She didn't understand the joke very well.

5.    Will you accompany me to the airport tomorrow?

Activity 3: Antonyms

1.    Please leave a seat.

2.    I’ll return your coat.

3.    Did you give any photos during your trip?

4.    It's important to ignore notes during the lecture.

5.    They decided to avoid the shortcut home.

Activity 4: Use in Sentences

1.    I will take the book from the shelf to read it.

2.    You shouldn’t take items from stores without paying.

3.    It's important to take your medicine after breakfast.

4.    They didn't take the offer, as it was too low.

5.    Some people take his comments too seriously.

Activity 5: Phrasal Verbs

1.    Take off - to remove something (usually clothing), or when an airplane begins its flight.　

2.    Take up - to begin a new hobby or interest.　

3.    Take after - to resemble a family member in appearance or behavior.　

4.    Take back - to retract something said, or to return an item to a store.

5.     Take over - to assume control or responsibility for something.　

Activity 6: Creative Writing

Sample Paragraph:

Yesterday, I decided to take a new route on my walk home. I took my time, taking in the scenery around me. It’s fascinating how taking a moment to observe can take your mind off things. I even took a few photos to remember the path. Halfway through, it started to rain, and I had to take cover under a nearby tree. That’s when I met a stray cat, and guess what? It decided to take me up on my offer of a dry spot. I guess it’s true what they say, sometimes you take a chance, and you end up with a new friend.

Lecture: SM Kei Narisawa

<Do you find any difference in each pair?>

1) It might be a long time before someone finds you if ever.

    It might be a long time before someone finds you.

2) How much longer can I live?

    How long can I live?

3) Are you any better than yesterday?

    Are you better than yesterday?

4) I wondered if I ever could reach the destination.

    I wondered if I could reach the destination.

Just I expected everyone was shy, so I called on some members and they tried to come up with an answe.But to be honest with you, there’s no such thing as one and only answer to each question. I was happy that everyone came off as positive about delving into details of grammar. 

Table Topic Speech

(1) When do you feel most like yourself?

(2) What is your greatest challenge?

(3) If I could grant you one wish what should you wish for?

(4) If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?

(5) If your life was a novel, what would be the title and how would your story end?

(6) What is the meaning of 'peae' to you?

(7) If you coud live one day of your life over again, what day would you choose?

(8) What are three moral rules you will never break?

Prepared Speech

(1) Fre! Fre! TAKERUFUJI: SM Koizumi

 Have you ever watched sumo live?

I've watched it twice. Once when I was a kid in the 3rd grade, and the other time was after my Kanreki celebration at the Ryougoku Kokugikan Stadium.　I've always been interested in sumo, watching legends like Taiho, Wakanohana, Wajima, Chiyonofuji, and other Yokozuna with unique personalities. Akebono from the USA was the first foreign Yokozuna, and since then, most Yokozuna have been from Mongolia. But I've always hoped for a strong Yokozuna from Japan.

Recently, I was surprised to see two newcomers in the makuuchi division. I started paying close attention to them from the 8th day out of the 15 days of the tournament. Takerufuji had 8 wins, followed closely by Oonosato with 7 wins and 1 loss, showing impressive strength.

In the second half of the tournament, there was drama. Takerufuji defeated Komusubi Abi, his rival Oonosato, and Ozeki Kotonowaka without a single loss from the first bout. It was an incredible performance, reminiscent of Taiho's achievements 64 years ago. Congratulations!

But on the 14th day was tough. He faced Asanoyama, and if he won, he could have secured the championship. Losing was disappointing, and to add to it, he injured his right foot. After the bout, he had to leave the dohyo in a wheelchair.　To our surprise and joy, he returned and clinched the Grand Sumo title. Yes, Takerufuji has made history by winning the title in his makuuchi debut, breaking a 110-year record. Congratulations!

A century ago, Rōgoku made history, but he only reached the rank of Sekiwake, not Yokozuna. I sincerely hope Takerufuji becomes the fastest Yokozuna after his makuuchi debut. It would be wonderful to have a Japanese Yokozuna again. Go for it, Takerufuji, and onwards to becoming the next Yokozuna!

(2) Enjoying Cherry Blossoms: SM Kaneko

Last week, I visited the Sagamihara Citizen Sakura Festival. The cherry-tree avenue in front of City Hall is a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms. Fortunately, the timing of the event coincided with the peak bloom. Alongside the gorgeous cherry blossoms, there were various performances and street stalls, ensuring that visitors enjoyed themselves immensely.

A few weeks before the event, I had heard some news about the cherry blossoms on Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin in the US. Comments from visitors such as "sheer beauty" or "absolutely breathtaking" left a lasting impression. The festivals held there are as grand as those in Japan. I learned that those cherry trees were gifts from Japan in 1912, and the actual sender was the then Mayor of Tokyo City, Yukio Ozaki, who hailed from modern-day Sagamihara city. This fact fills me with a sense of pride, and it underscores the beauty of the friendship between the two countries, akin to the beauty of cherry blossoms.

(3) Chat-GPT: SM Ishimura

I asked Chat-GPT how to lead a healthy and enjoyable life for elderly people, It says elderly individuals can benefit from the following methods;

Balanced diet ; Consuming nutritious foods is crucial, incorporate fresh vegetables, fruits, quality proteins, and healthy fats into your diet in a balanced manner.

Regular exercise ; Moderate exercise is essential for maintaining health. Aim to engage in low-impact activities like walking, stretching or swimming daily.

Social connections; Interacting with friends and family is vital for mental well-being. Participate in community activities and share hobbies to reduce feelings of isolation.

Emotional well-being ; Managing stress and making time to relax are important. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to maintain inner peach.

Exploring new hobbies and interests; Keep yourself engaged by discovering new hobbies or interests. Explore areas like painting, cooking, music, or reading that interest you.

Regular health check-ups; Regularly monitor your health and address any issues promptly. Follow medical advice and undergo routine health check-ups.

Maintaining an active lifestyle ; Having a positive attitude and being open to new challenges is crucial. Seeking new experiences and learning can add vitality to Your daily life.

By adopting these methods, elderly retirees can enjoy healthy and fulfilling days.

(4) Would you like to fly with your pet?: SM Takahata

She talked about growing demand in Japan for allowing pets to accompany passengers in the casbin after the collision between a JAL plane and a plane of the Japan Coast Guard at Haneda Airport. And she introduced the details of a new service, "Fly With Pet" by the StarFlyer. She also talked about the important point in emergency evacuation from aircraft, "evacuate with nothing but yourself." In the event of emergency, pets in cabin, which is treated as "baggage", must be left behind. She said "can pet owners really do that?" There seems to be plenty of room for discussion.

(5) Okinawa: SM M.G

Haitai(hi),  cya-ganju(How are you)

I want to introduce two Okinawan proverbs.

One is "Ichariba cho-de"(onece we meet, we become brothers and sisters)

The other is "Nuchi du takara"(Life is precious).

Okinawa's peace monument was built in 1995 to remember the 50th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa. It has names who died in the war, including Japanese solders, Okinawan civilians, Koreans, Taiwanese, British and Americans without distinction between Allies and enemies.

Ichariba cho-de. Nuchi du takara. nife-de-biru.

(6) Good news and sad news: SM Eda

Meeting Schedule

In-person: 9:30 AM on Apr. 27 at Oyama Community Center (small conference room)

(Coordinator: SM Kei Narisawa, Word of the Day: SM Takahata, Lecturer: SM Yoko Narisawa)

Zoom: 7:30 PM on Apr. 15 and 22