I can't stand it! How many people are pertinent to discuss a technical issue? When my boss and I mapped out our team management, we haggled over trivial thing like above question. He insited on limiting the number less than or equal to four. To the contrary, I insisted that the number of people doesn't matter. Seven people would be still acceptable. Small number might be preferable to deeply discuss. However I can't understand such a limit should be applied. I believe that a chairperson, though I always play a role as, should/can facilitate the meeting. What a weird boss he is!!

"Rossana", "Africa", "I won't hold you back", "99" and "St. George and the Dragon". Legendary Rock group -- TOTO's songs. I expected too much those songs from old albums. Now TOTO is visiting Japan for its concert. I got a ticket and looked forward to going. But I was disappointed by many brand new songs. Most songs they performed were ones I've never heard. On the second thought, I might be wrong. One of their purpose would be promotion for TOTO's new album -- "FALLING IN BETWEEN". It's no wonder they perform songs out of it. But "Africa" at encore was any port in a storm.

Osaka is very an interesting town in Japan. Amazing, exciting, deep! I visited Osaka during Golden Week. This is the first time to hang around. At the first face, there is no big difference between Tokyo and Osaka. Modern, skyscraper city, tidy. But once you enter the renowned downtown area,"Doutonbori" and "Shinsekai", you would be fascinated by unique world. Chaotic atmosphere would overwhelm you.We went to one Okonomiyaki restaurant -- Japanese-style pancake containing vegetables and other foodstuff. One talkative, brisk, crisp lady served us with humor. Apparently,there is such a woman even in Kanto area. But chaotic environment and talkative personality would be good matching. I'd like to visit thereonce again.

I have a brief that vocabulary should be placed in the first place for proficiency. I had a chance to talk with one lady who had just started her life as teacher of English in high school. Her English is fluent and her response is good. She has gone abroad to study for 4 years. She seems to be proud of her English. It's no doubt that her English is better than me. But I could find the room to have a slight edge in. Those are vocabulary and natural expression, I believe. I noticed her vocabulary in her English is quite limited. She doesn't know even "pollution". Hmm, it might slip her mind, may be. How about "wear the pants"? When we talked about the dress code in her school, I said she might wear the pants in her school. I intended to just play a joke on her. But she had no sense of humor. Essentially, she doesn't know the real meaning. One native English speaker hearing our conversation gave me a wink. Besides,when I asked her about her new start as a teacher of English, I used the expression, "What springs to your mind about new start in your life?".
She) Spring?
Taka) Yep
Taka) What springs to your mind about new start in your life?(Slowly)
She).........
Taka)What do you think of new start in your life?
She)Aha! well I think bra bra bra ...(She starts to express her idea)
Now my English is far below her English. But I have a confidence that I can catch up with her. I won't be beaten.