March CROSSROADS Language Studio’s Newsletter 2005

My pet and me
More and more, we see people walking
on the streets with their pets. Many
humans find comfort and affection with
our fury friends. Over the past fewyears, researchers havediscovered that owning a
pet can reduce bloodpressure, heart rate andcholesterol and, less stressequals fewer visits to thedoctor. But not only that!
In a one-year study, it was
discovered that dogs helped
their owner lose an average of
11 pounds. When doggy wants togo for a walk, mummy has to go
out for a walk too!
For most of us, animals remind us ofour nurturing and protective nature andmake us feel more responsible. It’s truethat these days, people are becoming
less and less connected with nature. Theemotions that we have when we see adeer running across our path are simply
overwhelming. But, now-a-days where
can you have such an experience? Of
course we can see wild animals at thezoo but they have become domesticated.
Their wild instincts are almost gone.

Still, having these incredible animals
close by can give us a feeling of true
connection with nature.
The friendship between humans andanimals comes from an ancient mutual
dependence. Some believe that animals
can help people live longer and healthierlives. In the Celtic tradition, horses arecalled as aman cara – soulfriends. Animal therapy isoften used to help disabledchildren. Horses anddolphins, especially, areable to reach people in a
profound way. The
dolphin can modify its
actions in order to workwith a human. If it iswith a child, it will reduce
speed and power. As for horses,
well, they might respond negatively topeople who are too hyper, but if you aretrue in your intensions, horses will
respond to you positively.
But if you can’t have a pet, or be in thecompany of animals, you can always
donate your time at a rescue
organization, or just go for a walksomewhere in nature. You
neverknow who might crossyour path.

Story by N a t a c h a(These words are in color in the story)

Joshua Says: My apologies!! In last month’s Newsletter we stated that the EBC
program about our new Petite Cosmopolitan courses was going to be on the 3rd ofthis month. Unfortunately, it was rescheduled after we went to print and wasaired on the 25th of last month instead. If you missed it, we have a copy available
that you can watch. Just ask Junko in the office! It’s really worth seeing.
Junko Says: I’ve just read another very interesting article about studying English. The
theme is, ‘understand your purpose for studying English to help you improve’. In otherwords, maintain a clear idea of why you are studying. The article also talks about sometechniques to help with study such as “reading with your ears” and “studying grammar
rhythmically, not logically”. I couldn’t agree more as we give this very same advice and use
these techniques, at Crossroads! It proves that great ideas do become universal, eventually.

Adam Says: Well, for the most part I’m happy to say that the winter season
is almost behind us. Looking ahead to spring is the most gratifying time ofthe season for me. It’s a time when Mother Nature performs her magic. Also,
I’m looking forward to viewing my first ever cherry blossoms. I hope everyone
enjoys this magnificent season.
Greg Says: It’s good the coldest month of the year in Matsuyama has finished.
February is typically the month I get “as sick as a dog”, but this year luck was on
my side. Along with most others, I am looking forward to welcoming in the warmer
months and enjoying the good times at the beer gardens. I am sure Crossroads will
have plenty planned for the rooftop this year, so get ready for some fun!
Natacha Says: On Tuesday the 8th, I went to Monk Jazz Bar.What asurprise! The MDQ (Monk Dream Quartet) played and it was absolutely
fantastic music. A duet, including the funky guitar of the bar’s master, createda lively ambience. As usual, Ms. Kurita made us dance on our chairs withrhythmic variations on the piano.So, if you are free on the second Tuesday ofevery month from 9:30, drop by at Monk Jazz Bar for mind-blowing music!
Steven Says: It is almost 6 months since I began teaching at Crossroads
and it’s true that; “time flies when you’re having fun”. The months haveabsolutely flown-by while getting to know my students and starting newCosmopolitan classes. The warm weather is just around the corner and wehave some great plans for Summer activities up on the rooftop garden atcrossroads. I am really looking forward to a fantastic Summer!
Magnolia Says: Life’s lessons come in all shapes and sizes and often at times
when we are least expecting them… recently I received some “Yogi Herbal Tea”
from America and couldn’t wait to try it. When I opened the teabag, I wassurprised to find a small quotation: “Socialize with compassion and kindness”.
So, as I slowly sipped my Yogi Tea, I contemplated these simple words andwondered what life would be like without friends, family and chance meetings.
Yuka Says: The other day I went to see the film “The Phantom of theOpera” which I had long wanted to see. It was just fantastic, especially themusic, which was great! I may have to wait a long time, but I hope to see thestage version of this musical someday. For the time being, I’m having a goodtime reading the original novel written by Caston Leroux.

Shinobu_Says:_ I traveled_to Cheju Island and Seoul last week. It
was a very interesting trip because I had a chance to see a lot ofarchitecture and traditional houses that have many exotic features. I
was especially impressed by a traditional village in Cheju which haspreserved many features in contrast with modern houses in Seoul.

Your contributions for our Newsletter!
Many thanks to those who have alreadycontributed! But, we want more of you tohelp make our Newsletter even more
exciting!! If you have a story, photos, etc.,that you would like to see “published”, justhand them to your teacher, or to Junko in theoffice, and we will put you in the “A Word
From You” column here on this page.

NET LESSONS:
Are you too busy to come toCROSSROADS 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, allon-line! Call for details.

Crossroads
would liketo invite more Students tojoins our NET-lessons. For
those who are too busy,
too far away from us herein Matsoyama, or if you
just like to study in thecomfort and safety of you
own home, then this i s
the course for you! Just
give us at call to hear thedetails.

ANIMAL IDIOMS!
Here are some animal idioms to go with our featurearticle…
A little fishy – something doesn’t seem quite right.
The police officer thought her story sounded
a little fishy, so he arrested her on the spot.

Howcananimals
help
humans?
Have a look at this article about animal therapy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4171505.stm

Barking up the wrong tree – to come to the wrongconclusion.
You’re barking up the wrong tree, it’s
not the software that’s causing theproblem, it’s the server.

Don’t forget to take a look at the N E TNOTEBOOK in our Open-house lounge.
You’ll find games, news and English study
sites.

Let the cat out of the bag - to divulge a secret.
We want to get Ron to the party without
him suspecting anything, so don’t let thecat out of the bag!

NET SITE OF THE MONTH:

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