August The Newsletter of

CROSSROADS Language Studio 2003

Summer has always made people act alittle crazy. Maybe it’s too much beer,
which looks so cool and tempting on
those hot summer afternoons, or perhaps
it’s the freedom of being outside
again, after months spentstaying in to escape thecold and rain. Summer
craziness is an international
thing, and many countries havecreated their own sports andevents to celebrate it! Here are just a fewof them:Beer Can Regatta in Australia - Thisis part of a week-long festival in Darwin.
Competitors must make boats out of theirold beer cans, and then race them at sea!
The competitors are so drunk (and theboats are so weak) that most of them areunable to finish the race!

The Running of the Bulls in Spain – Angrybulls are released onto the streets ofPamplona, and are then encouraged to run
through the town.
Local men (and adventure-seekingtourists) run with them, in a fast andVERY dangerous race to the bullring.
Bathtub Racing in
Belgium – On August 15th, inthe village of Dinant, 350
bathtubs are raced down alocal river. The competitors are
not only judged on how fast
their tub goes, but also on how
beautiful it looks!
Bog Snorkeling in Wales – Everyyear, on the last day of August, people
wearing snorkeling gear jump into asmelly bog, and then doggy-paddle
downstream at hi-speed, whilst trying to
avoid getting water scorpions in theirbathing suits!
So what are you waiting for?
Let’s get the snorkeling gear and GO!

GLOSSARY (These words are in orange in the story)

Joshua Says: It’s time again to welcome a new teacher to Crossroads!
Everyone at Crossroads, students and staff alike, are looking forward tothe guidance, fun and surprises Duncan has in store for us and we will doour best to make him feel at home here in Matsuyama. I know everyone
shares a welcome to our new teacher – Welcome aboard Duncan!!
Junko Says: We held our Summer beer-garden party on the 13th of lastmonth, and wouldn’t you know? It rained!! Some of the heaviest rain wehave seen in Matsuyama in a long time. Still, many students turned upand we had a very enjoyable time. I even think the rain actually helped tocreate a more intimate and friendly atmosphere!
Joanna Says: Tamara and I recently took a trip to
Universal Studios, Osaka. We had a great time wandering
around New York, and watching the colourful Hollywood
parade in the sun. The Jurassic Park ride was scary though!
Here’s a picture of Tamara and I enjoying the drop!
Tamara Says: Well, it looks like I have travel fever
again. Last month I went to Osaka to visit USJ and theaquarium. Next month I’m off to Okinawa for some fun inthe sun. Where do you think I should visit in September?

Duncan Says: Hi! I started working at Crossroads on the first of August- and it’s great to be back in Japan! It’s especially good to be in thewarmer climate of Shikoku_(I used to work in Obihiro-shi, Hokkaido, andthe winters there almost killed me!), and it’ll be nice working in a big city
like Matsuyama. Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting you all!
Greg Says: I recently heard a friend of mine playing the guitar and they
were so good that I was inspired to learn to play it myself! So I boughtmyself a new guitar, and I can now play both C and G chords, and I’mhoping that one day I’ll be able to be a traveling Mariachi.
Playing the guitar is a great way to relax when you have a hangover!
Yuka Says: What are your plans for this summer? Going to the seaside,
climbing mountains or taking a trip to a foreign country? Well, one thing
I don’t want to miss is the firework festival. It was so fantastic last yearthat I can’t wait for it to come around again this year! Who knows, I mayeven run into some of you there also.

Mutsuko Yasuoka says: I have been showing my clothing designs in Paris, Francesince 1976. My next show is coming up in September. I’ve been working really hard
all year and can’t wait for my show to start. Wish me luck! (Bonne chance!!)If you’ll be in Paris in the fall make sure to ask me for an invitation.
Beer garden Party 2003!

Thank you all for coming!

Idioms – ‘ A Piece of Cake’‘A piece of cake’ is used todescribe something that is very easy(maybe because nothing is easier thaneating a nice piece of cake!)._For example:
My English homework was a piece of cake!
(My English homework was very easy!)

Mayumi Tsuchitani is studying English
at Crossroads to get ready for her
upcoming trip. She is planning onliving, working, and studying in Canada
for one year. If you have any tips aboutliving overseas, please let her know!!

NET LESSONS:
Are you too busy to come to CROSSROADS
for English lessons? Try our lessons on theinternet! It’s CROSSROADS in y o u r
home! You get CROSSROADS’ greatteachers, materials, even classmates, online! Call for details.
NET SITE OF THE MONTH:
go to www.launch.com to check out all of
your favorite singers and their newest
videos.
NET NOTEBOOK:
Take a look at the internet activity
notebook in our open-house. You’ll findgames, news and English learning sites.

Phone: 0120-21-7594
Tel: (089) 921-7595
Fax: (089) 921-7319
Email:info@crossroadsco.com
Web Site: www.crossroadsco.com