Welcome to
The Point
The First All English Newspaper in Kumamoto City, Japan
My name is Randall Miller. I have started an English newspaper here in Kumamoto City Japan named The Point. There are lots of Japanese adults who like to learn and practice English. There are also a lot of Japanese students who enjoy learning English. My newspaper gives Japanese a chance to practice and learn English with a native speaker. Japanese people can exchange emails in English with my native speaking English staff. Japanese can also learn idioms, American culture and other English grammar with our newspaper. My goal is to help improve Japanese citizens in English and to give them a safe and comfortable opportunity to practice English with native speakers. I print the newspaper once a month. My magazine reaches up to 150,000 citizens in Kumamoto City and surrounding areas.
Exchange emails with a native speaker of English
If you really want to improve your English skills, you should practice exchanging emails with a native speaker. Answer the questions below and send your answers to one of our staff members. You can also practice your speaking by skype or meeting in person.
Topic: Relationship
1. Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
2. Where is a good place to go on a first date?
3. Do you want to hold hands in public?
4. What would make you break up?
5. How often do you want to meet your boyfriend or girlfriend?
6. Are you a jealous person?
7. What would you do if your parents didn't like your boyfriend or girlfriend?
8. Would you date someone twice your age?
Send your answers to someone on our staff. We will correct your English and answer you. Write the staff’s name in the subject. Email: bluehillesl@yahoo.com
Male Female
David (USA) Sharon (Canada)
Randall (USA) Lisa (Canada)
Grammar 1
so far = not finished, more to go
Ex. I wrote 6 letters so far.
1. I've been to 10 countries so far.
2. I've had 3 girlfriends so far.
3. He has bowled 6 games so far.
4. She has baked 36 cookies so far.
Grammar 2
Ex. Even if you pass an English test, it doesn't mean your English level is high.
1. Even if a wild animal is sleeping, you should not approach it.
2. Even if a lady if cute, it doesn't mean she has a boyfriend.
3. Even if the electricity is turned off, you should not touch a wire.
4. Even if there are cookies on the table, you should if it is ok to eat them.
Foreigner's Voice
I was sitting in my apartment one afternoon and I was getting hungry. I decided to go to Hotto Motto which was close to my apartment. It was such a beautiful and sunny day, I decided to walk to get my food. On my way, I saw a police car pass me. I just kept walking and to my surprise, the same police car had made a u-turn. The two police officers in the car turned the red and blue lights on and pulled in front of me. I wasn't nervous because I had not done anything illegal. The first police officer got out of the car and walked up to me. He asked me for my passport of foreigner card. I asked the police officer, "What did I do wrong?" I had only been in Japan for a few months so I could not speak much Japanese. The second police officer got out of the car and told me that I had not done anything wrong. The officers were just stopping me to check my papers to make sure I was in Japan legally. I thought this was not a good way to welcome foreigners into Japan. While I was standing there with the police car lights on, the Japanese in their cars passed by and slowing down wondering what I had done wrong. I felt like a criminal even though I had not done anything wrong. It was so embarrassing so I wondered how many Japanese citizens know that Japanese police stop foreigners at random to check their papers. I didn't feel good so I never walked anywhere again. I hate when Japanese people ask me if I like living in Japan because this bad memory always comes to mind.
English Idioms
Idiom 1 - burn bridges = make a friend an enemy
Example:
Sam: I don't like Brenda anymore.
Ben: You should burn that bridge.
Idiom 2 - Wear your heart on your sleeve = fall in love quickly
Example:
Jill: I just met Danny a month ago but I think I love him.
Ray: You fall in love quickly. You wear your heart on your sleeve.
Idiom 3 - All ears = waiting to listen
Example:
Charles: I had a good time in Brazil.
Rachel: Tell me about your trip. I'm all ears.
Idiom 4 - wet behind the ears - inexperienced, new to something
Example:
Student: I'm going to start a new company.
Teacher: Good luck but you are wet behind the ears.
December 2022
American Culture
Most American boys start working out and trying to build muscle in high school. All schools have a gym complete with weights. There are lots of sports in high school that require muscles and power. There is American football, wrestling, boxing and even in other sports like basketball and baseball require power. Sometimes the main motivation is that a lot of girls like boys with muscles. In football, the bigger a boy is the better he can play the game. However, in basketball a player doesn't want huge muscles because it makes it harder to run and dunk. Basketball players usually want to tone their muscles to get a 6-pack and toner muscles. In America, muscles usually mean a person can fight and protect their girlfriend. A lot of high school boys try to get some bulk and definition in their muscles. Most boys continue to try to get bigger in college or after graduating high school. Some high school may drink protein shakes or take vitamins in order to get bigger muscles. Although it is not common, some high school boys discover illegal drugs like steroids.
Carter G. Woodson
On December 19, 1875, Carter G. Woodson was born in Canton, Virginia. His parents were former slaves and were very poor. Carter’s family was large, and he was needed to work on the farm. He was not able to go to school regularly. By the time he was seventeen, he had taught himself to read, write and do math. He finally graduated from high school and college. He received a Ph. D. degree in history from Harvard. He went on to teach French, Spanish, English and history in a Washington D.C high school.
In 1915 Woodson organized the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization was founded to collect and keep records about African Americans, and to publish books on African American life and history. Carter Woodson spent his whole life researching African American history. He published many books and journals.
In 1926, Woodson had the idea for Black History Week. He worked hard and made it a reality. Each year during the second week in February, exhibits, lectures and programs make people aware of the important contributions of African Americans.