January CROSSROADS Language Studio’s Newsletter 2005

ANCIENT NEW YEARSThe celebration of theNew Year is the oldest ofall holidays. It was firstobserved in 4000 years
ago. In the years around2000 BC, the Babylonian
New Year began with thefirst New Moon (actuallythe first visible crescent)after the Vernal Equinox(first day of spring).
The beginning of spring is a logicaltime to start the New Year. After all, it
is the season of rebirth, of planting newcrops, and of blossoming. January 1, on
the other hand, has no astronomical or
agricultural significance. It is purely
arbitrary.
The Babylonian New Year celebration
lasted for eleven days. Each day had its
own particular mode of celebration, but
it is safe to say that modern New Year's
Eve festivities pale in comparison.

Other traditions of the season include
the making of New Year's resolutions.
That tradition also dates back to theearly Babylonians. Popular modernresolutions might include the promise to
lose weight or quit smoking. The early
Babylonian's most popular resolution
was to return b o r r o w e d farmequipment.
Traditionally, it was thought that one
could affect the luck they would havethroughout the coming year by what
they did or ate on the first day of theyear. For that reason, it has becomecommon for folks to celebrate the firstfew minutes of a brand new year in thecompany of family and friends. Parties
often last into the middle of the night
after the ringing in of a new year. It wasonce believed that the first visitor on
New Year's Day would bring either goodluck or bad luck the rest of the year. It
was particularly lucky ifthat visitor happened
to be a tall dark-hairedman.
Story by Adam(These words are in color in the story)

Joshua Says: Well, it’s the New Year again. But, what an eventual year we had in
2004! First, of course was the biggest event of the year, our move to Okaido and thebeginning of so many new learning programs and other ideas for our school. The parties
and events we held in the new building were great, especially the X’mas party and theBenefit Concert that preceded it – take a look at the photos on page 3. So, what’s in store
for this year? Plenty! So, keep an eye on the Notice Board…..

This month we will add Yoga and Guitar/Song Writingclasses to Cooking and Aroma Therapy in the new “PetiteCosmopolitan” program at Crossroads. And, as it is “resolution time”
just now, it’s the perfect time for many people to start something new.
These programs are very interesting, so spread the word!
Junko Says:

Adam Says: Now is the time of the year for New Year's Resolutions!
Just think, everyone gets a fresh start from nothing. We can wipeaway all the failures of the past and look ahead to a new beginningand a fresh start! So what was your New Year’s resolution this year?
Greg Says: Happy New Year everyone! I hope all of you are planning tostick to all the resolutions, if any, you have made for 2005. Mine don’t
usually last more than a few days. Back in Australia it was beautiful
weather (40 degrees) and now since coming back to Japan it has been socold. But I really don’t have anything to complain about when I take into
consideration what the people in S. Asia have endured during the tsunamis.
Natacha Says: L a t e l y , I h a v e b e e n n o t i c i n g t h a t m a n y p e o p l e i nJapan are not shy about throwing their garbage on theground. In Canada, this would be seen as a very disrespectfulthing to do and someone would probably ask them to “pick itup”. Respecting nature is respecting all life!

Steven Says: “A Big Thanks” to all of you who supported theNiigata/Nihama Benefit concert on the 18 of last month, and a
special thanks to those of you who purchased the C.D. The “Songfor Yuta” C.D. is still available at Crossroads’ front desk foranyone who would still like to have a copy. Magnolia and I will behappy to sign your copy, if you would like it “personalized”!
Magnolia Says: Welcome to all of the new students who have joined
the “Yoga in English” classes. To live long and prosper is the hopeof everyone, regardless of nationality or race. Therefore, here is thefirst of my monthly inspirational quotes: Always begin at thebeginning: This means beginning with who you are right now, how
you are right now, and where you are right now.
Natasha Says: Pozdravlyayu s novym godom! (happy new year!) In this season

I always miss merry parties in Russian.On Jan.1st families get together
around a New Year tree (like an X’mas tree) and exchange presents. After
this, we visit many friends’ houses and havebig parties...endless toasts,
many songs, dances...all night long!! Compared to this, Japanese New Yearparties are like...funerals! Generally speaking, Russian people areoptimists
and always think of how to ENJOY their lives before all else.

Yuka Says: How were your Holidays? I had a chance to see some of myfriends from my school days. Despite the long absence, we had a wonderfultime. They brought me happy memories of my younger days. Happy New
Year to you all, and may all your dreams for 2005 come true!

Elijah Says: At the Christmas Party, I played some songs with Magnolia,
Steve and my own band members. It was an improvised session. We had an
exciting time. Although I don’t communicate in English at that well, I can stillplay with foreign musicians. Music is a fantastic communication tool!!
Izumi Says: Last August my Swiss friend came to Japan with her boyfriend.
They traveled around Japan by JR and they also came to my house. All of myfamily were really excited! We went to Uchiko, Ozu, Dogo and other places.
They enjoyed Japanese culture – especially Japanese gardens. But they weresurprised at how narrow Japanese houses are. Normally, in Switzerland,people have large gardens. Now they are planning to travel from Arasuka toArgentina! Please wish them Good Luck!

COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
AS + ADJECTIVE + AS
To compare people, places, events or things, when there isno difference, use AS + MUCH + AS:* Peter and John are both 24 y/o. Peter is as old as John.
* Moscow is as cold as St. Petersburg in winter.

Here are some shots of theNiigata/Nihama benefit Concert
for those who missed it…..

COMPARATIVE + THAN
To compare the difference between two people, things orevents:* A car is more expensive than a bicycle.
* The ocean is bigger than a lake.

NET LESSONS:
Are you too busy to come to CROSSROADS
to study? Try our lessons on the internet!
It’s CROSSROADS in your home or office!
You get CROSSROADS’ great teachers,
teaching programs, even classmates, all online! Call for details.

NET SITE OF THE MONTH: Here are…… and, some from ourX’mas party after theconcert…

some fantastic winter images of auroras fromYellowknife, Canada. These amazing photos aredefinitely worth seeing! Have a look at:

http://www.blue-moon.ca/2004jan.html
Don’t forget to take a look at the NET
NOTEBOOK in our Open-house lounge.
You’ll find games, news and English study
sites.

Phone: 0120-21-7594
Tel: (089) 921-7595
Fax: (089) 921-7319
E-m ail:info@crossroadsco.com
WebSite:www.crossroadsco.com