[英語] カテゴリの記事

全30件 (30件中 1-30件目)

1

• なごり雪

  私のよりはちょっと前位の世代の懐メロですが、私も非常に好きな歌なので、YouTubeの転載テストに使ってみます。「youtubeのブログへの転載の仕方」の通りに、キャット・マクドウェル Kat McDowellの「ナゴリユキ」を。 [ということで、実験してみたのですが、書き込み時にエラーで弾かれました。調べてみたところ、楽天プログはYoutoubeからの動画転載は不可能とのことです。残念・・・。仕方ないので、動画にリンクを貼っておきます。]キャット・マクドウェル Kat McDowell　「ナゴリユキ」で、耳コピ歌詞に挑戦。ニュース聞き取りよりも格段に難しいです。(^^;)自力で聞き取れたところは緑、聞き取れずに人様のサイト[Club U5!]を参考にしたところはブルーです。Club U5!と意見が違うところは赤にしておきました。この参考にさせていただいたサイトが商用目的利用禁止なので、こちにもそれに準じます。個人利用は勝手にどうぞ。-----------------As I sit with you waiting for your train 時計を気にしてる季節はずれのsnow frakes began to fall東京で見る雪 yeah, you sigh, "won't see this anymore" 寂しそうに I saw a tear well in your eye 名残雪も　knows exactly when to fall and the snow it lingers on 季節の後でdarlin' you were never more beautiful than you are right nowyou could never be anymore beautiful right now---------------------動き始めた汽車のwindowに顔をつけてyou said something that I, I coudn't hear君の唇がgood-byと動くことがI'm scared, so 下を向いてた seasons come, seasons go幼い君も大人になるとyou don't notice it at all darlin' you were never more beautiful than you are right nowyou could never be anymore beautiful right now-----------------------君が去ったホームに残り 落ちては溶ける snowflakes 見ていたdarlin' you were never more beautiful than you are right nowyou could never be anymore beautiful right nowyou were never more beautiful than you are right nowyou could never be anymore beautiful right now--------------[参考]　○　club U5! 洋楽のギターをやる人にはお勧めなサイト

  2008.01.11

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• 動画で英語

  右の「お気に入り一覧」にある医学都市伝説の6/15付けエントリで見つけた、最近流行のYou Tubeにある動画です。制作フジテレビ、とか最後に入っているので、著作権的に真っ黒だと思いますが、それはそれとして、この番組のセンスは素晴らしいです。同じ人がこのシリーズ番組をいくつかアップしていますが、成人が日々の生活で絶対使わないであろう語彙を取り上げた物(つまり実用向きではありません)を二つピックアップしました。下の方、邦訳が「おまえのかあちゃんでべそ!」になってるフレーズが秀逸で大笑いしました。・　Zuiikin Gals II　　・　Hasta La Vista: Zuiikin English

  2006.06.19

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• 終わっていた「減量の旅」

  昨年の7月末に、「アメリカ横断減量の旅」という、減量目的で米大陸を徒歩で横断しているオハイオ生まれのSteve Vaughtという人のサイトをご紹介しました。体が重くて数キロ歩くのもやっとな人が、３０００キロを1日20マイル歩くという計算で６か月の予定を組み、昨年の4月10日に自宅のある南カリフォルニアをニューヨークに向けて出発したのですが、一日10マイルがやっとという超スローペース。先が長そうでつい足が遠のき、今回実は半年ぶりにチェックしてこの一年以上かかった徒歩旅行が5月9日にゴールしたことを知って感動しました。写真を見る限りではあんまりよくわかりませんが、当初410ポンドあった体重が今年の２月には308ポンドと書いてあるので、未だかなりいい体格なものの実に成人女性一人分くらいの減量をしています。体重コントロールはセルフコントロールの問題で、太っている自分は不幸だし子供の教育にもかかわるので、「自分の人生を取り戻すため」にこの旅を決めたSteve、目標を達成し、家族の他たくさんの人の支援を受けた今、少なくとももう不幸な人じゃないですね。・・・と、ここまで書いて一旦アップした後、一応日本語でサーチをかけてみたら、つい先ほどアップされたばかりらしいライブドアニュースを発見。人生はなかなか、物語のようにはいかないんですね。-----[ソース: http://news.livedoor.com/webapp/journal/cid__2012967/detail ]“太っちょ男”の米国横断に疑惑浮上　一部は歩いていなかった？　１８０キロを超す肥満の男性が昨年、減量するために米国横断の徒歩旅行に果敢に挑戦。ことし５月に、出発から１年１カ月かけて遂にニューヨークに到着し、メディアの温かい歓迎を受けた。ところが、この徒歩旅行をめぐり、男性が途中で距離をごまかしたのでは、との疑いが浮上している。米メディアが報じたもので、事実ならば、徒歩旅行の評価にも疑問符が付くことになる。これに対し、この男性は、この報道は事実ではないと反論している。（ベリタ通信＝江口惇）　米カリフォルニア在住の元海兵隊員スティーブ・ボートさん（４０）が徒歩旅行を開始したのは、２００５年４月。ホテルや野宿したりしながらことし５月ニューヨークに到着。旅行中、行程を記録したジャーナルを自らのホームページに掲載していたため、「太っちょ男の徒歩旅行」としてメディアの関心も高く、ニューヨークに着いたときは、すっかり「時の人」になっていた。　ニューヨークの上空には取材用のヘリが舞い、朝のワイドショーにもゲスト出演した。１年１カ月間の徒歩旅行で減った体重は４５キロ。「あまり体重が減っていない」との陰口もあったが、ともかく英雄好きの米国人の感情を刺激する挑戦旅行だった。　ボートさんの体重が増えだしたのは、昔人身事故を起こし、相手が死亡してから。うつ病にも悩まされた。家庭には二人の子どもがあったが、妻との関係もうまくいっていなかった。これを打開しようと、思い立ったのが、徒歩による米国横断旅行だった。　しかし、これに水を差す報道が最近飛び出した。２６日付の米紙ワシントン・ポストは「本当にすべて歩ききったのか不明」とする記事を掲げた。　記事によると、疑惑がもたれているのは、ニューメキシコ州での旅程。同州のアルバカーキから約１８８キロ離れたサンタロサまでの行程が、不自然だというのがその理由だ。　ボートさんのホームページによると、アルバカーキからサンタロサまでの移動時間の極端に短くなっている。ワシントン・ポスト紙の情報源の一人になっているのは、ボートさんの妻エープリルさん（３３）。　エープリルさんは現在、ボートさんと離婚訴訟中。当時、ボートさんは、妻に毎日連絡を入れており、妻はその話から、アルバカーキからサンタロサまでは、実際は歩いていないとの見方をしている。その場合、車のヒッチハイクで移動した可能性もあるが、その辺の事情はわかっていない。　これに対し、ボートさんも早速反論。記事は間違いで、実際に歩いていると語っている。アルバカーキからサンタロサまでの日程に混乱があるのは、ボートさんの旅行の日程を知って、熱心に追いかけてくる一群の女性グループを追い払うために、日程を操作したためだという。　昨年、ボートさんが旅行を開始するとメディアの話題に上り、これを知ったテキサス州のドキュメンタリー制作者が取材を始めた。また出版社からも本出版の誘いがあり、一部の金が先払いされた。　しかし、ニューヨーク到着後、本の内容をめぐり出版社と調整がつかなくなり、出版は見送られる公算が大きいという。またドキュメンタリー作品も、ボートさんの旅行の一部の日程に混乱があるとして、中止されることになった。ボートさんは失業中で、現在小さなモーテルに泊まっている。-----

  2006.06.09

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• 猫と犬

  今日は久しぶりの晴天で、例によって起床は遅かったんですがあわてて洗濯機を回しました。「暖かい」を通り越して暑かったので、散歩はせずに最短距離で買い物に行き、いい気分でワインを開栓しつつ、さすがに皮は市販ですが手作りの餃子を焼いて昼食兼夕食を、と思ったら、突然の土砂降り。"It's raining cats and dogs."というのは、ある程度英語をやった方なら出くわす慣用句ですが、なぜ猫と犬か、いまいち釈然としないな、と思いつつ洗濯物を避難させました。餃子は最近のマイブーム、というよりは上手に焼けるようになりたくて、このごろ週に一度は作っています。もともと実家で頻繁に作っていた時期があり、毎回 100個近く作るので作業要員に駆出され、皮に具を包むのだけは子供の頃に既に体得していましたが、自分で焼いてはいなかったのでなかなかうまくいきません。今日は、今までにないほどいい焼き具合に出来上がり、気をよくしてついついワインを飲みすぎてそのままうたた寝し、気づいたら日が暮れてました。(^^;)

  2006.05.20

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• アメリカ横断減量の旅

  久しぶりの英語ネタ、2ちゃんねるの痛いニュース+で拾いました。39歳のSteveという南カリフォルニアに住む男性が、妻もかわいい子供二人もいて結婚生活は幸せだけど、太っているので毎日がハッピーじゃないと言って、サンディエゴ(南カリフォルニア)からニューヨークに向けて、減量のための徒歩旅行を4月10日に始めています。減量はわりと身近なテーマですし、時事問題のように単語も難しくなく、当人と奥さんが書き込んでいるJournalはほどよい短さです。難を言えば、現在位置とともに、当初体重と現在体重を表示してあればもっと面白いのにと思いました。おおもとのサイトで該当部分を探せなかったのですが、２ちゃんねるによれば、当初182キロ（400ポンド）あった体重が、現在23キロ（50ポンド）減ったそうです。ちなみにアメリカはいまだにポンドとマイル表示の国ですが、1ポンドは0.545でkg、１マイルは約１．６kmです。三ヶ月以上経過して、まだカリフォルニアの隣のアリゾナにいるという、かなりのスローペースですが、もともとの体重を思うと、歩くこと自体、相当な努力をしているんでしょうね。当分楽しめそうです。TheFatManWalking.comhttp://www.thefatmanwalking.com/

  2005.07.25

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• Facts of Life

  久しぶりの英語ネタ、2000年頃に流行ったチェーンメールの一種をご紹介します。ただし、メールで知り合いに流すのはネチケット違反なので、ご注意を。--------------------------------1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.2. At least 15 people in this world love you, in some way.3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to　be just like you. No kidding! I know some of those people.4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't 　like you.5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.6. You mean the world to someone.7. Without you, someone may not be living.8. You are special and unique, in your own way.9. Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look. 　You most likely turned your back on the world.12. When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you 　probably won't get it. But if you believe in yourself, you probably 　sooner or later will get it.13. Always remember compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.14. Always tell someone how you feel about them,. You will feel much 　better when they know.15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that 　they are great.

  2005.04.04

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• HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL

  今日のジョークは、「猫への薬の与え方」です。私も実家で猫と同居していたことがあり、初めて薬を飲ませるときはどうしていいかわかりませんでしたが、おとなしい猫でしたし、コツをつかめば一瞬で済んだので、かわいい飼い猫を簀巻きにするようなまねはしたことがありません。念のため。-------------------------HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL1. Grasp cat firmly in your arms. Cradle its head on your elbow, just as if you were giving baby a bottle. Coo confidently, "Thats a nice kitty." Drop pill into its mouth.2. Retrieve cat from top of lamp and pill from under sofa. 3. Follow same procedure as in 1, but hold cat's front paws down with left hand and back paws down with elbow of right arm. Poke pill into its mouth with right forefinger.4. Retrieve cat from under bed. Get new pill from bottle. (Resist impulse to get new cat.)5. Again proceed as in 1, except when you have cat firmly cradled in bottle-feeding position, sit down on edge of chair, fold your torso over cat, bring your right hand over your left elbow, open cat's mouth by lifting the upper jaw and pop the pill in - quickly. Since your head is down by your knees, you won't be able to see what you're doing. That's just as well.6. Leave cat hanging on drapes. Leave pill in your hair.7. If you're a woman, have a good cry. If you're a man, have a good cry.8. Now pull yourself together. Who's the boss here anyway? Retrieve cat and pill. Assuming position 1, say sternly, "Who's the boss here, anyway?" Open cat's mouth, take pill and...Oooops!9. This isn't working, is it? Collapse and think. Aha! Those flashing claws are causing the chaos.10. Crawl to linen closet. Drag back large beach towel. Spread towel on floor.11. Retrieve cat from kitchen counter and pill from potted plant. 12. Spread cat on towel near one end with its head over long edge.13. Flatten cat's front and back legs over its stomach. (Resist impulse to flatten cat.)14. Roll cat in towel. Work fast; time and tabbies wait for no man-or woman.15. Resume position 1. Rotate your left hand to cat's head. Press its mouth at the jaw hinges like opening the petals of a snapdragon.16. Drop pill into cat's mouth and poke gently. Voila! It's done.17. Vacuum up loose fur (cat's). Apply bandages to wounds (yours).18. Take two aspirins and lie down.--------------------------

  2004.12.21

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• 3 Guys in Heaven / 天国の三人の男

  今日は、英語ジョークネタです。三人の男が死んで天国に行き、妻に誠実であったかどうかという基準で、天国での乗り物が決まります。他の女など見向きもしなかった男が、ロールスロイスを与えられたのですが･･･。-----------------------------3 Guys in Heaven Three guys die and go to heaven. The first goes up to St. Peter who says, "I have only one question before you go into heaven: Were you faithful to your wife?" The guy answers, "Yes, I've never even looked at another women." St.Peter says, "See that Rolls-Royce over there? That's your car to drive while you're in heaven." The second guy gets the same question, and answers, "Once I strayed, but I confessed to my wife and she forgave me and we worked it out." St. Peter says, "See that new Buick over there, that's your car to use in heaven." The third guy answers the same question, "I have to admit, I've chased every girl I saw, and was with a lot of women." St. Peter says, "Okay, but you were basically a good guy, so that old VW Bug over there is yours to use while you're in heaven. The three guys go off on their separate ways. A few weeks later, guy #2 and guy #3 are driving along when they see guy #1's Rolls Royce parked outside of a bar. They stop and go into the bar and find guy #1 with empty bottles all around him, face down with his face in is hands on the bar. They come up to him and guy #2 says, "Bud, what could possibly be so bad-you're in heaven, you drive a Rolls Royce, and everything is great!" He says, "I saw my wife today!" The other two answer, "That's great! What's the problem?" He answers, "She was riding a skateboard!"-------------------------------------

  2004.12.16

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• BARBIE

  久しぶりに英語のジョークネタ。今日はバービー人形の話です。笑えない人もいるかもしれませんが。 -----------------------------Ralph was driving home one evening when he suddenly realizes that it's his daughter's birthday and he hasn't bought her a present.He drives to the mall, runs to the toy store and says to the shop assistant, "How much is that Barbie in the window?"In a condescending manner, she says "Which Barbie?" She continues, "We have Barbie Goes to the Gym for $19.95, Barbie Goes to the Ball for $19.95, Barbie Goes Shopping for $19.95, Barbie Goes to the Beach for $19.95, Barbie Goes Nightclubbing for $19.95, and Divorced Barbie for $265.00".Ralph asks, "Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.00 when all the others are only $19.95?""That's obvious" the sales lady says. "Divorced Barbie comes with Ken's house, Ken's car, Ken's boat, Ken's furniture...----------------------

  2004.12.06

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• Engineer in Hell

  ネタに詰まったら英語ジョーク、というわけで、今日のタイトルは、「地獄のエンジニア」。理系万歳的な話です。あの世でも快適に暮らしたかったら、弁護士よりもエンジニアになりましょう。----------------------------Engineer in HellAn engineer dies and goes to heaven. But St-Peter denies him entry and sends him away. So he knocks on the Gates of Hell, and they let him in. After a few days, he starts to think that hell is not a very comfortable place to live, and he decides to make some improvements. After a few weeks, they have flush toilets, escalators, and even satellite TV. Of course the engineer becomes a very popular guy. Some time later, God calls Satan up to find out how things are going. "Great!" Satan says. "Ever since that engineer arrived, we've been improving the place. We have flush toilets, escalators, and even satellite TV"!"What?" God replies..."you have an engineer? It's a mistake, he should be up here. Send him back right now"."No way" says Satan. "We're keeping him"! "If you don't send him up" says God "I'll sue you"! "Oh yeah?... and where do you think you'll find a lawyer?!!!" ----------------------------

  2004.11.08

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• TRUISMS

  今日は、英語ジョークネタです。"truism"　とは、自明の理とか、わかり切ったこと、というような意味です。気に入ったものを訳してみます。「誰か一人からアイデアを盗むことは剽窃行為というが、たくさんの人間から盗めばそれはリサーチという。」「金で愛は買えないが、それにとても近いものをレンタルすることはできる。」-------------------------TRUISMSIf at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off nowA conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checksExperience is something you don't get until just after you need it.For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.No one is listening until you make a mistake.The severity of the itch is proportional to the reach.You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.The colder the X-ray table, the more of your body is required on it.The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.Money can't buy love. But it CAN rent a very close imitation.If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.-------------------------

  2004.11.06

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• 国連の採用ミッション

  とりあえず体調の不安がなくなるまでは、転職予定はないのですが、外務省の国際機関人事センターのメルマガは購読していたりします。昨日、久しぶりに来たメルマガに、Ｐ４（部課長の補佐職以上といった感じでしょうか）以上を対象とした国連の採用ミッション（人事担当者の訪日です）のお知らせがありました。もっと若手向きは年に一回程度はある感じですが、このクラスの採用ミッションは非常に少ないです。年齢４０歳位で、修士卒以上、専門分野で相応の職務経験があり、英語か仏語が堪能な方は挑戦してみてはいかがでしょうか。採用が決まれば、良くも悪くも世界が変わるような経験ができるかもしれません。あと、今日のお知らせで、国連職員採用争試験の告知がありました。こちらは、もっと若い人向けです。今回からセキュリティ分野が追加されたそうです。ご興味のある方は、以下のサイトを参照してみてください。私は外務省の回し者ではありませんが、国際機関で邦人職員はもっと増えるべきだと思っています。外務省国際機関人事センター------------------------------Nov-4-2004 To: All Japanese staff members and candidates for international organizations. >>>>>>UN Recruitment Mission (P-4 or above)

  2004.11.05

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• What you learn from movies

  今日は英語のジョークネタです。タイトルは、「映画から学ぶこと」。お楽しみ下さい。映画好きなら結構笑えると思います。いくつか訳すと、こんな感じです。「爆弾の爆発を止めるのに、どの線を切るか迷う必要はない。必ず正しい線を切ることができる。」「キッチンには電灯のスイッチがない。夜キッチンに行くときは、冷蔵庫の戸を開けて、明かりの代わりにしなければならない。」「いつでも訪問先の建物のすぐ前に駐車することができる。」----------------------------All beds have special L-shaped cover sheets which reach up to the armpit level on a woman but only to waist level on the man lying beside her.All grocery shopping bags contain at least one stick of French Bread.Once applied, lipstick will never rub off - even while scuba diving.The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window in Paris.All single women have a cat.When in love, it is customary to burst into song.If you decide to start dancing in the street, everyone you bump into will know all the steps.A full moon can occur for several nights in a row.The person you trust most at work is probably the one who is trying to kill you.Should you need to diffuse a bomb, don't worry about which wire to cut. You will always choose the right one.The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place. No-one will ever think of looking for you in there and you can travel to any other part of the building you want without difficulty.If you need to reload your gun, you will always have more ammunition - even if you haven't been carrying any before now.You're very likely to survive any battle in any war unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home.Should you wish to pass yourself off as a German officer, it will not be necessary to speak the language. A German accent will do.A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds.If a large pane of glass is visible, someone will be thrown through it before long.The Chief of Police is always black.When paying for a taxi, don't look at your wallet as you take out a bill - just grab one at random and hand it over. It will always be the exact fare.Large loft-style apartments in New York City are well within the price range of most people - whether they are employed or not.Kitchens don't have light switches. When entering a kitchen at night, you should open the fridge door and use that light instead.If staying in a haunted house, women should wear their most revealing underwear when investigating any strange noises during the night.Word processors never display a cursor on screen but will always say: Enter Password Now.If a killer is lurking in your house, it's easy to find him. Just relax and run a bath - even if it's the middle of the afternoon - then look in your bathroom mirror and he will suddenly appear behind Medieval peasants had perfect teeth.Although in the 20th century it is possible to fire weapons at an object out of our visual range, people of the 23rd century will have lost this technology.Any person waking from a nightmare will sit bolt upright and pant.It is not necessary to say hello or goodbye when beginning or ending phone conversations.It is always possible to park directly outside the building you are visiting.At least one pair of identical twins is born evil.----------------------------

  2004.11.01

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• SOFTWARE UPDATE INFORMATION

  ジョークネタですが、ソフトの更新情報を装った一種のチェーンメールです。ちょっと難易度は高めですが、気楽に読んでみてください。テクニカルな文章に見えますが、実はそうではありません。ソフトウエア管理と人生のマネジメント両方によい示唆を与えてくれます（笑）。-------------------------------More bugs found in WIFE1.0 software.SOFTWARE UPDATE INFORMATIONI'm currently running the latest version of GirlFriend and I've been having some problems lately. I've been running the same version of DrinkingBuddies 1.0 forever as my primary application, and all the GirlFriend releases I've tried have always conflicted with it.I hear that DrinkingBuddies won't crash if GirlFriend is run in background mode and the sound is turned off. But I'm embarrassed to say I can't find the switch to turn the sound off. I just run them separately, and it works okay.GirlFriend also seems to have a problem co-existing with my Golf program, often trying to abort Golf with some sort of timing incompatibility.I probably should have stayed with GirlFriend 1.0, but I thought I might see better performance from GirlFriend 2.0. After months of conflicts and other problems, I consulted a friend who has had experience with GirlFriend 2.0. He said I probably didn't have enough cache to run GirlFriend 2.0, and eventually it would require a Token Ring to run properly. He was right as soon as I purged my cache, it uninstalled itself.Shortly after that, I installed GirlFriend 3.0 beta. All the bugs were supposed to be gone, but the first time I used it, it gave me a virus. I had to clean out my whole system and shut down for while.I very cautiously upgraded to GirlFriend 4.0. This time I used a SCSI probe and also installed a virus protection program. It worked okay for a while until I discovered that GirlFriend 1.0 was still in my system. I tried running GirlFriend 1.0 again with GirlFriend 4.0 still installed, but GirlFriend 4.0 has a feature I didn't know about that automatically senses the presence of any other version of GirlFriend and communicates with it in some way, which results in the immediate removal of both versions.The version I have now works pretty well, but there are still some problems. Like all versions of GirlFriend, it is written in some obscure language I can't understand, much less reprogram. Frankly I think there is too much attention paid to the look and feel rather than the desired functionality. Also, to get the best connections with your hardware, you usually have to use gold-plated contacts. And I've never liked how GirlFriend is totally "object-oriented."A year ago, a friend of mine upgraded his version of GirlFriend to GirlFriendPlus 1.0, which is a Terminate and Stay Resident version of GirlFriend. He discovered that GirlFriendPlus 1.0 expires within a year if you don't upgrade to Fiancee 1.0. So he did, but soon after that, he had to upgrade to Wife 1.0, which he describes as a huge resource hog. It as taken up all his space, so he can't load anything else. One of the primary reasons he decided to go with Wife 1.0 was because it came bundled with FreeSexPlus.Well, it turns out the resource allocation module of Wife 1.0 sometimes prohibits access to FreeSexPlus, particularly the new Plug-Ins he wanted to try. On top of that, Wife 1.0 must be running on a well warmed-up system before he can do anything. Although he did not ask for it, Wife 1.0 came with MotherInLaw 1.0 which has an automatic pop-up feature he can't turn-off.I told him to try installing Mistress 1.0, but he said he heard if you try to run it without first uninstalling Wife 1.0, Wife 1.0 will delete MSMoney files before doing the uninstall itself. Then Mistress 1.0 won't install anyway because of insufficient resources.I suppose the moral of the story is: know your system's hardware, it's software requirements and compatibilities and be damn careful about what software you install and when and how you upgrade.--------------------------------

  2004.10.23

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• CHILDREN

  今日も英語ジョークネタです。子宝に恵まれない夫婦がバチカンに行く神父さんに相談しました。まもなくバチカンに旅立ち長期滞在予定の神父さんは、現地で夫婦の願いがかなうように祈りとともにろうそくを灯すと約束します。15年後に神父さんが戻って夫婦の家に挨拶に行ったら、夫婦の家は上から下まで子供だらけ、夫の方は神父さんが灯したろうそくの火を消しにバチカンまで旅行中だった、という落ちです。==========================CHILDREN ---------There once was a husband and wife couple who, trying as hard as they could, were unable to produce little children. After consulting everyone who would listen to their problem, they were still unsatisfied. Finally, they consulted their family priest."My children," the priest began, "The Lord will listen to your prayers, and I am sure that you will be blessed with children shortly. In fact, I am planning a stay in Rome, and while I am visiting the Vatican, I will light a candle for you.""Thank you, Father, thank you!" said the couple. Before leaving, the priest turned and said, "I am sure everything will work out just fine for you. My stay in Rome will be for quite some time - 15 years. But when I return, I will be sure to pay you a visit."And so, 15 years came and went, and the priest returned to the States. While resting on his porch one mid-summer morning, he remembered the promise of paying a visit that he had made 15 years ago.Upon arriving at the residence of the two troubled people who sought his council years previously, he rang the doorbell. Sounds of crying and screaming children filled the air!Overjoyed by the thought that their prayers had been answered, he entered the house. More than a dozen children filled the house from top to bottom! In the midst of all the chaos, stood the wife."My dear," the priest said, "your prayers have beenanswered! And where is your husband? I wish to congratulate him too on your miracle!""He just left for Rome," she said in a very desperate tone."Rome? Why did he go to Rome?" asked the priest.She hesitated, sobbed, and finally blurted out,"TO BLOW OUT THAT DARN CANDLE YOU LIT!"==============================

  2004.10.20

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• THE FISHERMAN KNOWS BEST　

  今日は英語のジョークネタですが、珍しく下ネタ系ではなく、「金持ちになったときにやりたいことは、実は金持ちでなくてもできることかも」という哲学的な話です。怠け者の漁師に、通りすがりのビジネスマンが忠告をするのですが・・・。------------------------------THE FISHERMAN KNOWS BEST - Submitted by Tim Morasch ----------------------------One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family."You aren't going to catch many fish that way," said thebusinessman to the fisherman, "you should be working rather than lying on the beach!" The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled andreplied, "And what will my reward be?""Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!" was the businessman's answer."And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman,still smiling. The businessman replied, "You will make money and you'll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!""And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman again.The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman's questions. "You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!" he said."And then what will my reward be?" repeated the fisherman.The businessman was getting angry. "Don't you nderstand?You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!"Once again the fisherman asked, "And then what will my reward be?"The businessman was red with rage and shouted at thefisherman, "Don't you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won't have a care in the world!"The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, "And what do you think I'm doing right now?"---------------------------

  2004.10.19

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• THE PILL

  すごい雨風で、夕方五時過ぎに外出したら、ズボンがしっかり上まで濡れましたが、駅の構内で私の前を歩いていた背広の男性は、上着までびっしょりでした。ただ、濡れてもいい格好で土砂降りの中を歩くのは、結構気持ちが良かったりもします。今日のジョークは、下ネタ系です。お楽しみ下さい。セックスレスに悩む妻が医者に相談したところ、まだテスト中のバイアグラのような新薬をこっそり食事に混ぜるよう指示され、その薬が効きすぎた、という話です。============================THE PILL - Submitted by Uri Dub ------------------------------------A lady goes to the doctor and complains that her husband is losing interest in sex. The doctor gives her a pill, but warns her it is still experimental and tells her to slip it into his mashed potatoes at dinner. So, that night at dinner, she does.About a week later she's back at the doctor. She says, "Doc, the pill worked great!! I put it in the potatoes like you said! It wasn't five minutes and he jumps up, rakes all the food and dishes on the floor, grabs me, rips all my clothes off and ravages me right there on the table!" The doctor says, "I'm sorry, we didn't realize the pill was that strong. The foundation will be glad to pay for any damages.""Naah... ", she says, "that's okay. We aren't going back to that Restaurant anyway."************

  2004.10.09

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• BUSINESS IS BUSINESS

  ネタに詰まったときは、英語のジョークネタです（笑）。宗教ものですが、めずらしく下ネタではありません。いくつか単語を拾っておきます。Popeがローマ法王、donate は寄付する、Let me get back to you　は「折り返しご連絡します」です。The Lord's prayerは「主の祈り」で、'Give us this day our daily bread'は、「我らの日用の糧を今日も与えたまえ」。-----------------------------------BUSINESS IS BUSINESS After watching sales falling off for three straight months at Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Colonel calls up the Pope and asks for a favor.The Pope says, "What can I do? "The Colonel says, "I need you to change the daily prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken'. If you do it, I'll donate 10 Million Dollars to the Vatican."The Pope replies, "I am sorry. That is the Lord's prayer and I can not change the words." So the Colonel hangs up.After another month of dismal sales, the Colonel panics, and calls again."Listen your Excellency. I really need your help. I'll donate $50 million dollars if you change the words of the daily prayer from 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken.'"And the Pope responds, "It is very tempting, Colonel Sanders. The church could do a lot of good with that much money. It would help us to support many charities. But, again, I must decline. It is the Lord's prayer, and I can't change the words."So the Colonel gives up again. After two more months of terrible sales. The Colonel gets desperate. "This is my final offer, your Excellency. If you change the words of the daily prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken' I will donate $100 million to the Vatican." The Pope replies, "Let me get back to you."So the next day, the Pope calls together all of his bishops and he says, "I have some good news and I have some bad news. The good news is that KFC is going to donate $100 million to the Vatican."The bishops rejoice at the news. Then one asks about the bad news. The Pope replies,"The bad news is that we lost the Wonder Bread account."-----------------------------------

  2004.10.04

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• THE DENTIST

  再びジョークネタ、今日は歯医者さんの話です。二年前に顔が数日脹れるほど苦労して親知らずを一本抜き、まだもう一本抜歯が必要な下の歯があります。こんな上手な歯医者さんが近所にいるならぜひ通いたいところです。=========================================THE DENTIST - Submitted by Harsh Javeri--------------------A guy and a girl met at a bar. They started getting along really　well they decide to go to the girl's place for a drink.A few drinks later, the guy took off his shirt and washed his hands.He then took off his socks and washed his hands.The girl looked at him and says: 'You must be a dentist!'Flabergasted, the guy responded 'Yes, that's amazing how did you figure that out ?'The girl said: 'Easy .... you keep washing your hands'One thing led to another, they migrated to the bed and things became more passionate. After they were done, the girl said: 'You must be a GREAT dentist!'The guy was very very surprised, and said 'Yes, I sure am a great dentist ... How did you figure that out??'The girl said: 'Easy ... I didn't feel a thing'--------------------

  2004.10.02

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• The Mailman's Last Day

  英語ジョークです。著作権を気にしてこれまでサイトのＵＲＬを貼っていたのですが、あちこちに同じ話が掲載されており、問題なさそうなので、今回直接書き込みにしてみます。３５年もの間同じ地域の郵便配達をしていた人の退職日の出来事の話です。「落ち」を読んで笑えなかった方がいれば、解説します。退職日にプレゼント、というのは少し奇異な感じがする方もいらっしゃるかもしれませんが、例えばイギリスはクリスマス翌日の２６日に、郵便やさんに一年の感謝を込めて、多少の額を包む習慣がありますし、フランスでも年末に似たようなことをするという話を聞いたことがあります。--------------------- It was the mailman's last day on the job after 35 years of carrying the mail through all kinds of weather to the same neighborhood. When he arrived at the first house on his route he was greeted by the whole family there, who congratulated him and sent him on his way with a big gift envelope.At the second house they presented him with a box of fine cigars. The folks at the third house handed him a selection of terrific fishing lures.At the fourth house he was met at the door by a strikingly beautiful woman in a revealing negligee. She took him by the hand, gently led him through the door (which she closed behind him), and led him up the stairs to the bedroom where she blew his mind with the most passionate love he had ever experienced. When he had had enough they went downstairs, where she fixed him a giant breakfast: eggs, potatoes, ham, sausage, blueberry waffles, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. When he was truly satisfied she poured him a cup of steaming coffee. As she was pouring, he noticed a dollar bill sticking out from under the cup's bottom edge. "All this was just too wonderful for words," he said, "but what's the dollar for?" "Well," she said, "last night, I told my husband that today would be your last day, and that we should do something special for you. I asked him what to give you." "He said, 'Fuck him, give him a dollar.'" The lady then said, "The breakfast was my idea."---------------------

  2004.09.26

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• PRETENDING TO BE MARRIED

  英語ジョーク４つ目。宗教ネタです。司祭と修道女が吹雪の中で道に迷い、小さな小屋で一夜を明かすというストーリー。priest(司祭)は通常男性を指すようで、女性形はpriestess。count(伯爵)とcountess, hostとhostessなどが同じ変化をします。表題は、「結婚している真似をする」位の意味でしょうか。ちなみに、プロテスタントの聖職者は牧師さんと呼ばれ結婚も認められていますが、カトリックの司祭や修道女は結婚はできません。PRETENDING TO BE MARRIED

  2004.09.24

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• The Little Old Lady and the Bet

  英語のジョーク、三つ目です。おばあさんが銀行の頭取に、どう考えても勝てるはずのない賭けをふっかける、という内容で、やっぱり結局下ネタなんですが、結構読んで感心しました。現実に同じことをやっても、うまくいきそうな気もします。英語的にも、体のこの部分って、こういう表現なのか、というのが、勉強になりました。決して試験に出ることはないと思いますが･･･。"square"は、ここでは文字通り、「四角い」という意味です。THE LITTLE OLD LADY AND THE BET--------------------------------A little old lady went into the Bank of Canada one day, carrying a bag of money. She insisted that she must speak with the president of the bank to open a savings account because, "It's a lot of money!"After much hemming and hawing, the bank staff finally ushered her into the president's office (the customer is always right!). The bank president then asked her how much she would like to deposit.She replied, "$165,000!"and dumped the cash out of her bag onto his desk.The president was of course curious as to how she came by all this cash, so he asked her, "Ma'am, I'm surprised you're carryingso much cash around. Where did you get this money?"The old lady replied, "I make bets."The president then asked, "Bets? What kind of bets?"The old woman said, "Well, for example, I'll bet you $25,000 that your balls are square.""Ha!" laughed the president, "That's a stupid bet. You can never win that kind of bet!"The old lady challenged, "So, would you like to take my bet?""Sure," said the president, "I'll bet $25,000 that my balls are not square!"The little old lady then said, "Okay, but since there is a lot of money involved, may I bring my lawyer with me tomorrow at 10:00 am as a witness?""Sure!" replied the confident president.That night, the president got very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of a mirror checking his balls, turning from side to side, again and again. He thoroughly checked them out until he was sure that there was absolutely no way his balls were square and that he would win the bet.The next morning, at precisely 10:00 am, the little old lady appeared with her lawyer at the president's office. She introduced the lawyer to the president and repeated the bet: "$25,000 says the president's balls are square!"The president agreed with the bet again and the old ladyasked him to drop his pants so they could all see. The president complied. The little old lady peered closely at his balls and then asked if she could feel them. "Well, Okay,"said the president, "$25,000 is a lot of money, so I guess you should be absolutely sure."Just then, he noticed that the lawyer was quietly banging his hand against the wall. The president asked the old lady, "What the hell's is the matter with your lawyer?"She replied, "Nothing, except I bet him $100,000 that at10:00 am today, I'd have The Bank of Canada's president's balls in my hand.--------------------------------

  2004.09.19

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• Beach pick up strategies

  今日は英語のジョークネタ第二段、「海岸でのナンパ法」。ビーチでモテる秘訣をVitoにこっそり聞いたUradimirは早速真似するが、なぜかうまくいかないという話ですが、それにしても、「ナンパする」とか「引っ掛ける」って、"pick up"を使うんですね。直訳すると「拾い上げる」という感じで、なんだか日本語よりも語感は悪いですね。 BEACH PICK UP STRATEGIES

  2004.09.15

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• Weight Loss Program

  多国籍だった昔の職場で、英語のジョークをばら撒くカナダ人同僚がおり、結構秀逸なものがあるのでご紹介します。でも、とても面白いと思うものは大体下ネタなんですよね。---------------------------------- A fellow was reading the paper one day lamenting the fact that his doctor has ordered him to lose 75 pounds. Next thing he sees is an advertisement for a guaranteed weight loss program. Guaranteed like heck, he thinks to himself. But lets see what they think they can do.He calls them on the phone and subscribes to the 3 day, 10 LB weight loss program. The next day there comes a knock at his door, and when he answers, there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nikes and a sign hanging around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, If you can catch me, you can have me. Well, without a second thought he takes off after her (like who wouldn't). A few miles later, huffing and puffing, he finally catches her and has his way with her. After he kisses the girl one last time and thinks to himself with a nod, I like the way this company does business. For the next two days, the same girl shows up and the same thing happens each time. On the fourth day, he weighs himself and, sure enough, he has lost 10 pounds.Deciding that he likes his somewhat more slender physique, not to mention the method of treatment, he calls the company back and subscribes to their 5 day, 20 LB weight loss program. He thinks that losing pounds in only 5 days seems like a lot, but he is intrigued by what their workout schedule might be like this time.As expected, the next day there comes a knock at his door. When he answers it there stands a 22 year old knockout dressed in nothing but a pair of Reeboks and a sign hanging around her neck. She is simply stunning, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, If you can catch me, you can have me.He's out the door like a shot. This gal is in excellent shape and it takes a while to catch her. But when he does, it is worth every cramp and wheeze. She is wonderful, the best he has ever had. He is really looking forward to the next four days...For the next four days, the same girl shows up and the same thing happens each time, much to his delight. On the sixth day, he weighs himself and, unbelievably, he has lost another 20 pounds. I love this company, he thinks to himself, I never knew losing weight could be so easy and so much fun.Feeling much better about himself, he decides to go for broke and subscribe to the companies 7 day, 50 pound weight loss program. Are you sure, sir? Asks the representative on the phone. This is our most vigorous program. Absolutely, says he, I love your program. I haven't felt this good in years!The next day there comes a knock at his door and he enthusiastically answers it. There stands before him a 200 pound perfect specimen of a man dressed in nothing but racing spikes and a sign around his neck. He introduces himself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, If I can catch you, I can have you.----------------------------------

  2004.09.13

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• 英語のスパム(2)

  新作が来ました。またしてもリベリアネタです。フィルタリング機能があっても、こういうの、つい読んじゃうんで、結局だめですよね。まったく・・・。---------------------#45 RICHARD AVE.INDEPENDENCE LAYOUT,Jorg.South Africa. Dear Friend,Im FRANCIS GOODHEAD, A Liberian, personal Assistant to A Minister who mysteriously disappeared but now confirmed killed. I have personally discovered some huge amount of money,totaling 36mUSD which I want to remove away from my Country.The money is in the bank account opened here in South Africa by the late Minister for an Iranian oil merchant, who died a year before the Minister was adopted and murdered. This was for the purpose of running of oil business in South Africa.As the personal assistant to the Minister and also kindred, I was directly involved in the opening of the account. The Minister opened the account with a foreign name and the account was without heir or next of kin for security reasons. The local bank here can only release the fund to a foreigner with correct documents and information, which I will provide all to you.The late minister was dubious. I must confess. He made his money from mismanagement of Government fund, kickbacks and over invoicing of contract sums awarded in Liberia during his tenure. I have all the correct Information. Cooperation, confidentiality and abiding with instructions are what are needed from you. You are not necessary required to travel to South Africa.I need your assistance, Which must include providing safe bank account information in your country to lodge the fund and also your assistance on acquisition of residential building in your country and investing into profitable ventures.Moreso investing some percentage into any Foundation that caters for upbriging of less previledged children all over the world.At the conclusion of this business, you will be given 25% of the total amount,5% toFoundation that caters for upbriging of less previledged children, 65%will be for me,while 5% will be for expenses both parties might haveincurred during the process of transferring.Im right now I am in South Africa. But the people here and the system of financial institutions in place is the scum of the earth. I need decent person of transparent contents of character, to transact with.Contact me immediate through my e-mail address for more details...Best Regards,FRANCIS GOODHEAD.

  2004.09.09

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• 迷惑メール、英語版

  すでに「古典」と化している気がしますが、いまだに古い手口に内容をもっともらしく更新した形のこんなメールが撒かれているようです。今日のネタにしてしまいましょう。ものすごくおおざっぱに要約すると、自分は元リベリアのテイラー大統領の下で国防関係の高官をしており、フランスで武器の買い付けをしようとした矢先に大統領が国を追われた。自分と自分の家族のために、この買い付け資金をマネーロンダリングする手伝いをしてくれ、という趣旨です。リベリアの前大統領はたしかにテイラーで、今年８／１１に国を追われています。ちょっとした現代史の勉強にはなりました。----------------------------From:Major Joseph WilliamsDate:06/09/2004Attn:Sir,I am Major Joseph S. wlliams,a senior security officer under charles Taylor,former Liberian President.Having got great affection and absolute appreciation for your human and personality,I wish to contact you for absolute help to safeguard and bank this sum of USD$48m( Forty Eight Million Dollars)into your account for me,preferably we can split the sum into three bank accounts if your account will not accommodate all the sum.presently this money is in the security vault in Europe.I am a senior security officer in charge of arms and ammunition of Charles Taylor troops.I and three officers were assigned to purchase arms and ammunition in france,on getting to Ghana,we heard a news that U.S.A. government had giving an ultimatum for our president,Charles Taylor to leave the country for a political asylum with immediate effect.Perhaps,we saw this as a golden opportunities to divert the funds $48.million for our personal usage,then the funds were deposited in a security company for safe keeping, although they do not know the content till this moment.The arrangement of keeping this money is as a result of helping ourselves and family since our president has been sent out by U.S government on political asylum in Nigeria.The future of my family depends on this fund and as much as i will be very grateful if you can assist me to bank this fund.unfortunately two of my partners lost their lives on return to monrovia to take their families out to europe, and we all were immediately declared wanted as those who worked closely with the government of deposed Taylor,i am presently in canada seeking political assylum and the Government here does not know about my presence here.Note:I don't want the leadership of president Charles Taylor to have idea of where i am and the fund.When this fund is cleared and banked in your nominated account,my confident will meet with you to establish an investment with your assistance on my family behalf,until i am out of my travail.For your reward and expected sevices,25% will be for you,while 75% will be for my family investment.For now, you can contact me through this email addressMay happy days & a fair future awaits you as you deserve.ThanksMajor Joseph S. Williams----------------------------

  2004.09.07

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• 横メシのマナー

  　先日、昔お世話になった上司の声がかかって、シンガポール人の偉い人と接待山歩きにいきましたが、今日は短期派遣で今職場にいるアメリカ人とその家族に友人、さらに派遣アメリカ人の友人とたまたま知り合いだった同僚、というわけのわからないメンバーで夕食をしました。　仕事がらみの相手なら、話題に困れば最悪仕事の話をすればいいんですが、派遣のアメリカ人はともかく、その家族は専業主婦と高校生の子供だし、友人は米国の院生で中国で環境関係のリサーチをしているといい、正直共通の話題作りはほとんど不可能だし、なれない話題を振っても振られても英語はぼろぼろで、かなり苦しみました。まだまだ修行が足りません。　欧米へ出て、ある意味日本人が浮く理由のひとつは、食事時などの会話にあります。語学が上手かどうかというのはこの際二の次で、サービス精神とマナーの問題です。日本と違って適度にお互い話題を提供し、話がとぎれたりしないようにすることが最低限のマナーなんですが、話題提供を平気で人にだけ押し付け、黙っていて平気あるいは「Yes, No」しか言わず、手持ちのネタも尽き果てた相手は腹の中でなんて無礼なやつと怒りを感じる、というシチュエーションをあまりにもよく見聞きします。心当たりがあれば気をつけましょう。　ただし、いくつになるのか、結婚しているのか、なぜ結婚しないのか等、一昔前の日本ではごく当たり前だった個人や家族のプライバシーに突っ込みすぎた話題は男女を問わずＮＧですので、週末は何してるの、とか相手の趣味あたりから攻め、自分も適度に相手がつっこみやすいネタを振ってあげます。相手が自分で振ったネタなら、家族の話も、さらに発展させるのはＯＫです。ただしこの場合でも、なぜ子供をつくらないのかという失礼な突っ込みは論外なのは言うまでもありません。

  2004.08.16

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• 英語の勉強方法（学生さん向け）

  昨日に引き続き、英語ネタにしてみました。子供の頃はあまり外国に興味もなかったし英語も好きではなく、就職もほとんど国内業務が大部分のところに入ったのですが、なぜか外国関係の仕事が多い今日この頃です。グローバル化の時代、結局嫌いだ何だと言っても、会社勤めをする限りは、いつかどこかで英語が必要になる確率は高いと思います。そのときになって苦労するよりは、学生のうちにある程度のとこまでやっておくと、いろいろいいことはたくさんある、と自分の反省をこめてしみじみ思います。前に日記でご紹介した野口悠紀雄の「超勉強法」にもありますが、中学・高校生の場合、学校の英語の成績をあげる方法は非常にシンプルで、教科書丸暗記に尽きます。若い時期にこれをやると、この年になっても、ニューホライズンの「Long long ago, a little girl lived with her mother near the woods.」で始まる北斗七星の謂れになった女の子の話の出だしは未だ覚えています。期末テストの範囲をばっちり覚えられれば、かなりいい点をとれるというのは経験から言っても真実です。ヒヤリングやスピーキング強化には、ラジオの基礎英語とか続基礎英語がお金がかからないし内容もいいのでお薦めです。あと、洋書の値段も昔よりは安いですから、本を読むのが好きな人であれば、お気に入りのシリーズを洋書で読んでみる、というのが力がつきます。個人的にはトム･クランシーが好きですが、ハリポタのシリーズでも有名どころでシドニー・シェルダンでもいいかもしれません。確かに語学のセンスがある人というのがこの世には存在しますが、語学の場合は数学とかと違って地道に積み上げれば確実に能力は向上します。英語に限らず、語学ができると、将来にわたって結構いいことありますから、だまされたと思って勉強してみてください。

  2004.06.05

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• 

  英語の勉強方法

  　国外で働かないかという話をもらった数年前に、けっこうみっちり嫌いな英語をやりました。今でも英語は大嫌いですしまだまだ修行中の身ですが、とりあえずTOEICは900点をゆっくり越えます。　海外赴任のためのハードルは私にとっては非常に高く、赴任の試験にパスするまでに三年もかかりました。英語の勉強期間は実質二年、短期集中(というわりには長くかかってますが・・・)で、必要最低限のお金と最大限の労力を払う方式なので、「楽しく勉強」というスタンスとは対極にあるかもしれません。　まず一番お金をかけたのは、英語学校です。良い先生のいるところで、一年半ほどライティングをみっちりやりました。最近英会話学校が流行ですが、ネイティブの赤ちゃんのように何年もひたすらインプットしていく効率悪い方式を取るつもりならともかく、普通の学校教育で英語を外国語として勉強してきた人の場合書けないものが話せるわけはありません。　会話については、試験直前の半月ほど、マンツーマンで集中的に「泥縄」をやってしのぎました。実は特に会話が嫌いなので、自分で決めたとはいえ連日仕事の後に数時間もやったこれが、英語の勉強でもう二度と嫌と思うくらいつらかった思い出です。　次に少しお金をかけたのが、朝の英字新聞でした。当時通勤は一時間近く電車にのっていたので、キオスクで一番安いデイリーヨミウリを買い(今ならデイリーヨミウリよりもヘラルドトリビューンをお薦めします)、一通り読んだ後、一つだけ記事を選んでわからない単語全てにマーキングし、その日のうちに単語を辞書で全部調べます。ある程度以上のレベルを狙う場合、ボキャブラリーは非常に重要です。　ヒヤリング対策に、毎朝流していたテレビのニュースを、ラジオのFENに変え、夜の「やさしいビジネス英語」は極力毎晩聞いていました。　この他に、仕事で朝から深夜まで大量の英文を読むようなことをしていた時期が、一番力がついたような気がします。 今日は、「あると便利」のページに、車のハンドルに装着する、運転手用の簡易デスクを追加しました。こんなやつです。

  2004.06.04

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• おすすめの英語辞書

  「ネットでみつけた変な物」のページに、電球型温度計と試験管型温度計を追加、「キッチン用品」にはパイレックスに加えて銀色を基調とするキッチン用品のサブカテゴリを加えました。英語は好きでもないし、得意でもないですが、就職した後にそういう仕事を担当する機会が増え、とりあえず仕事だとやらなきゃ仕方ないので、こなしているうちになんとかなってきつつあるかな、という感じです。で、以下、お奨めの辞書です。・英和: ジーニアス　大修館書店　英和は、職場でも研究社のを使っている人とジーニアスを使っている人がいますが、個人的にはジーニアスは、英語を書く用途に向くと思います。・英英:　Cobuild English Language Dictionary: Helping Learners With Real English　やっぱり書く人向けですが、学習者にもお奨め。・その他　- The Elements of Style, W. Strunk and E.B. White. MacMillan 師匠にもらった大切な本です。 - 経済産業用語和英辞典　東洋経済新報社 テクニカルな文書を縦から横にするには非常に便利な辞書で、だいぶお世話になっています。 - Choose the Right Word, S.I. Hayakawa and E. Ehrlich, HarperPerennial　 見出し語はそれほど多くありませんが、基本的単語の正しい使い方がわかります。昔の英語学校の先生のお奨めでした。和英はあまりよくないなと思いながら、中学の時にかったものをそのまま使っています。和英辞書がどうでもいいのは、和英を使う必要がある場合は、とりあえず和英で糸口をみつけておいて、次に同じ単語を英和や英英で引き倒すからです。もちろん、良い和英を持っているに越したことはありませんが、どなたかご存知なら教えてください。ちなみに、旅行用には、私用でも商用でも、三省堂のポケット版の英和・和英、行き先によっては仏和・和仏を、保険として持ち歩きます。たいてい使いませんが、具合が悪いとか、普段使わないボキャブラリを必要とするシチュエーションで、あるとないのでは大きな違いがあります。ご参考になれば幸いです。

  2004.04.21

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