June CROSSROADS Language Studio’s Newsletter 2004

June – In name of a Goddess
June marks the beginning of summer.
It is a colorful month, since nature is infull bloom. People also spend much
more time outdoors, because of the niceweather and longer daylight. How did
this wonderful month get its namethough?
June is named after the Roman
Goddess Juno Lucina from Roman
Mythology. She was associated withlight and childbirth. The name “Lucina”
comes from the Latin word “lux”
meaning light. Therefore, when a childwas born, it was said to have been“brought into light.” Women who
worshipped Juno, had to untie knots
and unbraid their hair to have a safedelivery, because they believed that any
tangles in their hair might haveblocked the delivery.
Juno also symbolized thematronly qualities desired for Roman
women. She was a wise counsellor andloyal wife of Jupiter.

She was so brave and strong, that sometimes
Jupiter himself feared her. Juno was known
for preparing women for marriage, and it issaid that she was present at, and watched
over, all marriage ceremonies. To this day,that is why so many people consider June to
be a very favorable month to get married.
Finally, Juno, was also responsibleforprotecting the city of Rome. Before being
attacked, some sacred geese in the temple ofJuno, which the Romans had built for her,
warned them of the coming danger. The
warning gave the Romans the opportunity todefeat their enemies, and, hence save theircity. The church Santa Maggiore wasconstructed in Rome, near the site of thetemple of Juno, in her honor.
Does the Japanese word for June –Rokugatsu - have a special
meaning as well?
Story by Grace(These words are in color in the story)

Joshua Says: We’re almost there! A few more boxes to unpack, some touching up
here and there, store this or that and we will be ready! For what? For the big opening
party, of course! Get ready to have a great time helping us celebrate the opening ofour new school. We will be notifying you very soon of the date and time. Invite all
your friends and prepare to have some FUN!!
Junko Says: Have you noticed the view from our front windows overlooking
Okaido? It is so interesting watching people walking this way and that along thebusy street below; doing their shopping, rushing, strolling, laughing, frowning,stressed, relaxed – every day, different! And in summer, we will be able to watch theSummer Festival go by along Okaido from the “best seats in the house”!!
Grace Says: My trip to Kobe during Golden Week was absolutely fabulous!! Being
back in a big city was very pleasing. I really appreciated the cosmopolitan and friendly
atmosphere, as well as the culture. The bird’s eye view of the city from Mt. Rokko wasalso spectacular, and the Italian and Mexican food I ate, so delicious!!

Rachael Says: During the ‘Golden Week’ Holiday I spent three days in a fragrantand friendly town called “Tanohama”. I think it’s the friendliest town I’ve
encountered in Japan. The local people welcomed us gladly to celebrate the ‘Golden
Week’ festivities with them, including watching a Noh drama, as well as drinking
and eating plenty of fresh local fish…. Mmmmmmm……
Greg is back in Australia this month to attend to his very ill father who is in hospital.
We hope things work out for him and his Dad, and we wish them both the best ofluck. We look forward to Greg returning to Matsuyama in a few weeks. All the best
Greg, and see you soon.

Richard Says: Oh, what a month of May it was! I am now, finally, a member of the“I love Natto” fan club, found my supplier of fresh basil and organic chick peas andeven found a German brewery and sausage factory just over the hill. Please shareyour thoughts with me about “Natto” and tell me where I can find a pair ofWellingtons!! (the English name for an item of clothing for the ‘rainy season’).
Natasha Says: May 9th is Victory Day. 20 million people devoted their lives todefending our lands from the Nazi Germany invasion. It is customary in our country
for couples to visit unknown-soldiers monuments and dedicate flowers before theirwedding ceremonies. Japan lost in the last war… so maybe war is now taboo…but forme it seems very strange that Japanese people do not now show respect for soldiers.
Yuka Says: When you are so tired and stressed out, what do you do? Go for a drive,
go shopping, clean up your room, or do nothing? I always eat something sweet – icecream, cake, cream caramel and pie. All of these make me happy, and these are thethings that cause me regrets later, too!

Eiichi says: I went to Union City near San Francisco in California. There was a good
shopping mall near my hotel. I was able to eat many dishes, for example, Mexican,Chinese, and so on. I like Mexican dishes. However, I can’t eat Mexican food inMatsuyama!!
Kaori says: On 23 May, I participated in a Kendo competition at Ehime Budoukan. It
was the last time for me to compete while still a university student because I am in 4thyear now, so I devoted all my spirit to the competition. My parents came along to watch
me too. I lost in the second round, but I think it was the best competition of my life.
Great participants and the best conditions, everything was so good! I think if you
continue to make an effort, it will bare fruit.

Summer, seems to be a very busy time
for people, as they either do or makethings. But, how do we decide whichverb to use to describe the action?

NET LESSONS: Are you too busy tocome to CROSSROADS to study? Try ourlessons on the internet!
It’s CROSSROADS in your home oroffice! You get CROSSROADS’ greatteachers, teaching programs, evenclassmates, all on-line! Call for details.

We use do to talk about work or jobs.

NET SITE OF THE MONTH:

We use make when we speak aboutbuilding, constructing, producing or
creating.

If you are planning to travel abroad thissummer, you can find out about theweather at your destination at this web
site: www.worldweather.orgDon’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.

Edward, did his homework in the den.
Lucy, usually does her housework onSaturdays.

Daniel m a d e a huge mess while
painting his office.
Before visiting her sister in Argentina,
Janet will make a list of things to takewith her.

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