Well, many of us have only wondered how great it would be to learn another language and just that. Others have decided that they are going to 'give it a try'. A few have decided, "Let it rip! I'm going to do it no matter what the cost!"
Let me tell you this. The last part is the correct mentality. You are probably wondering why or (those who are a bit sharper than the rest) what are those costs?
Why?
Learning another language is not easy. If the book says "Learning _______ in 90 days", it is lying. A language can take many years to learn especially if you are a busy person and/or if the language is completely different to yours. For example, English and Japanese are different not only the way it is spoken, but how it is written (from alphabets to sentence structure). You are going to need that mentality in order to dedicate yourself to it.
What are the costs?
First, time. You are going to need to dedicate time to your new language at least once a day. Second, MONEY! Yes, grammar books, dictionaries, classes, etc... tend to be a bit expensive (just look at Rosetta Stone!). Third, motivation. You are probably going to need to motivate yourself from time to time, especially if it is taking a bit too long.
In other words, wondering and giving it a try does not work. You have to be decided and dedicated without faltering.
Good luck to you all.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Monday 30 July 2012
変なアイドル Weird Idol
Sorry, I don't know how to write Furigana. Tonikaku, anyways, I had never seen such a strange person in my life.
田中れいな
Tanaka Reina. She is a member of the girl pop group Morning Musume. Well, in the music videos, concerts, and photo books, she portrays this Yankii (rebel) character; always dressing in such a way and her face helps portray that a lot.
But, her Blog says otherwise. The way she behaves and writes in her blog portrays a totally different character. She acts strange. I.e. she does one called 'cotton Reina' where she takes photos of herself while wearing cotton pads on her cheeks and places it on her blog. She also gives away her secrets.
SEE! Two totally different persons. I must admit, it is admirable that she can act that way in the internet (where everybody can see what you are doing), even though she has a large number of fans.
Makes you wonder, which one of the two Tanaka's are real? Or, if any of the two are real.
I can't understand actors! Why can't they have just one personality?! It makes my brain hurt!
(Tanaka Reina; surname; first name(all Japanese names are like that) )
She does look cool
But, her Blog says otherwise. The way she behaves and writes in her blog portrays a totally different character. She acts strange. I.e. she does one called 'cotton Reina' where she takes photos of herself while wearing cotton pads on her cheeks and places it on her blog. She also gives away her secrets.
Perry the Platypus :)
Makes you wonder, which one of the two Tanaka's are real? Or, if any of the two are real.
I can't understand actors! Why can't they have just one personality?! It makes my brain hurt!
(゜ロ゜;)
Sunday 29 July 2012
What Women do That Makes Me Laugh
I don't want to sound sexist, but you have to admit that the tricks that women pull to attract men are funny.
The Butt!
Yes, women eventually find out that some men are suckers for women's bumpers. So, they eventually learn to stick it out or swing it a bit more while walking just to attract men's attention. Ironically, the women that mostly do it are the ones that lack it!
The Breasts!
Oh, baby! Another juicy trick! They eventually get the HANG of bouncing it and sticking it out. Sorry for those who are flat, but you've got your pointers, too. (From a man who likes the flatness! Leaves space for imagination!)
The Guilty Routine!
Some of them have the knack of making you feel guilty for what you have done. I.e., when they ask for some money and you refuse, they'll probably go like "You are mean" or "So that's the way you are, huh?" others are pros and go to crying in their performance or bring others to the fight!
The Innocent Routine!
Oh! They must be professionals to pull this off! They pretend that they will never hurt a fly! Acting like little kids and pretending to be friendly! Cunning, huh? But, that's one of the tricks.
Over Flattery! or The Kiss Ass Routine!
Some acquire this technique. They begin to motivate you, saying that you are special or smart or good looking even though you are probably butt-shit ugly and probably a screw ball. It works! Trust me!
The Close Contact!
Oh yes. Some are aggressive and will begin by holding your hands. Then, they start hugging you. And, it continues further down the line. If, you know what I am talking about.
The Live Image!
Some like to give a sample of what they can do. A perfect example is licking a lolly pop or eating a banana slowly.
Well, if you don't learn from this post. My friend, you are in deep trouble. All of this written through experience. So, guys, watch out!
The Butt!
Yes, women eventually find out that some men are suckers for women's bumpers. So, they eventually learn to stick it out or swing it a bit more while walking just to attract men's attention. Ironically, the women that mostly do it are the ones that lack it!
The Breasts!
Oh, baby! Another juicy trick! They eventually get the HANG of bouncing it and sticking it out. Sorry for those who are flat, but you've got your pointers, too. (From a man who likes the flatness! Leaves space for imagination!)
The Guilty Routine!
Some of them have the knack of making you feel guilty for what you have done. I.e., when they ask for some money and you refuse, they'll probably go like "You are mean" or "So that's the way you are, huh?" others are pros and go to crying in their performance or bring others to the fight!
The Innocent Routine!
Oh! They must be professionals to pull this off! They pretend that they will never hurt a fly! Acting like little kids and pretending to be friendly! Cunning, huh? But, that's one of the tricks.
Over Flattery! or The Kiss Ass Routine!
Some acquire this technique. They begin to motivate you, saying that you are special or smart or good looking even though you are probably butt-shit ugly and probably a screw ball. It works! Trust me!
The Close Contact!
Oh yes. Some are aggressive and will begin by holding your hands. Then, they start hugging you. And, it continues further down the line. If, you know what I am talking about.
The Live Image!
Some like to give a sample of what they can do. A perfect example is licking a lolly pop or eating a banana slowly.
Well, if you don't learn from this post. My friend, you are in deep trouble. All of this written through experience. So, guys, watch out!
Saturday 28 July 2012
There is Still Hope!
Sometimes, you just can not help but to feel that this world is a survival of the fittest. People biting people like animals, metaphorically speaking and in the literal sense too. Hope is something that is very easily said to exist, but so difficult to find.
Well, I was in a neighbouring town eating tacos. It caught my attention, when I saw a man in his sixties stand up, pick up the surrounding garbage and throw it away, take out a piece of cardboard so that my family and I could sit, and sit down without asking anything in return. That man, no matter how small it was what he did, gave me hope. A hope that showed me that there are still people that are nice and generous and that, some day, this world will change for the better.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can help people, please do without waiting for a thank you.
Well, I was in a neighbouring town eating tacos. It caught my attention, when I saw a man in his sixties stand up, pick up the surrounding garbage and throw it away, take out a piece of cardboard so that my family and I could sit, and sit down without asking anything in return. That man, no matter how small it was what he did, gave me hope. A hope that showed me that there are still people that are nice and generous and that, some day, this world will change for the better.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can help people, please do without waiting for a thank you.
Friday 27 July 2012
Thursday 26 July 2012
People's Ignorance
I must say that people can be quite ignorant when it comes to other cultures. Unfortunately, I am from a community where, if you are cleared skinned, you are what we call a "gringo". It is a nickname from anyone who is from the US. But, people here use it for anyone who is cleared skin. I am Hispanic and I am, also, called that, just because, my skin is a bit clearer than the rest. And, that is because I am Hispanic!
If you are Asian, I am sorry, but the people here suffer from complete bigotry. If you are ASIAN, you are a "Chino". That means that you are Chinese. It does not matter if you are Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, etc... You are Asian, so you are a "Chino". Of course, there are exceptions. There are, only, a few who can truly appreciate other cultures.
My father, as well as I, is learning another language. He is studying Mandarin. Today, it was his first day. The rest of my family only came to my house just to make fun of him. They are my family, but I consider them no less than ignoramuses. Idiots! And, last but not least, bigots.
I, too, have suffered horrible remarks, because I am learning Japanese, listen to Japanese Music, and adapting some of their culture which I found that shows a great deal of modesty.
Like they say, "Patience; what is needed to survive in a world filled with idiots."
If you are Asian, I am sorry, but the people here suffer from complete bigotry. If you are ASIAN, you are a "Chino". That means that you are Chinese. It does not matter if you are Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, etc... You are Asian, so you are a "Chino". Of course, there are exceptions. There are, only, a few who can truly appreciate other cultures.
My father, as well as I, is learning another language. He is studying Mandarin. Today, it was his first day. The rest of my family only came to my house just to make fun of him. They are my family, but I consider them no less than ignoramuses. Idiots! And, last but not least, bigots.
I, too, have suffered horrible remarks, because I am learning Japanese, listen to Japanese Music, and adapting some of their culture which I found that shows a great deal of modesty.
Like they say, "Patience; what is needed to survive in a world filled with idiots."
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Phrase from a Wise
Yu Su Ze Bu Da
I, also, dreamt this phrase. I woke up in my dream and pronounced this Mandarin phrase. A language which I had never touched.
It means, that if you rush things, you will never reach your goal.
Word from the Wise, take a tip from your elders. This phrase is an ancient Chinese proverb.
Youkoso, boku no yume. (ようこそ、僕の夢。）
The title says: Welcome to my dream! This dream is quite strange. Have you ever dreamt a person that you have never met or seen in any place? Well, I did.
I was having a cup of tea with this beautiful maiden. It was in the morning. I knew, because the sun wasn't as bright or as hot as in the afternoon. The sky, as always, was in its magnificent blue. There were buildings of great heights that it appeared as if they were touching the sky. Not many greenery was around, with the exception of the bushes that surrounded the small cafe we were in. The table, where we sat, was of pure white as well as the chairs. They gave this nostalgic feeling to my dream. The maidens face was clear of any impurities or imperfections. She was laughing so brightly that it portrayed her hidden purity. What a shame that I could not hear her magnificent voice through her laughter. Her hair was dyed giving her this false blond colour with the black linings in between. Her knotted hair prevented me from learning the true length of it. Her eyes were closed because of her laughing, preventing me from learning her true eye colour, but not from learning that she was of Asian race. As she laughed, her cheeks puffed out without a dimple in sight. She was using a uniform-styled, white shirt with a pink ribbon attached to her collar. A brown, checkered skirt covered only the upper part of her white thin legs. I felt a strange joy just by being with her.
Sorry, can't describe any more. I can only remember so much. ごめんなさい。Gomennasai. I'm sorry.
本当に。hontouni. Really.
I was having a cup of tea with this beautiful maiden. It was in the morning. I knew, because the sun wasn't as bright or as hot as in the afternoon. The sky, as always, was in its magnificent blue. There were buildings of great heights that it appeared as if they were touching the sky. Not many greenery was around, with the exception of the bushes that surrounded the small cafe we were in. The table, where we sat, was of pure white as well as the chairs. They gave this nostalgic feeling to my dream. The maidens face was clear of any impurities or imperfections. She was laughing so brightly that it portrayed her hidden purity. What a shame that I could not hear her magnificent voice through her laughter. Her hair was dyed giving her this false blond colour with the black linings in between. Her knotted hair prevented me from learning the true length of it. Her eyes were closed because of her laughing, preventing me from learning her true eye colour, but not from learning that she was of Asian race. As she laughed, her cheeks puffed out without a dimple in sight. She was using a uniform-styled, white shirt with a pink ribbon attached to her collar. A brown, checkered skirt covered only the upper part of her white thin legs. I felt a strange joy just by being with her.
Sorry, can't describe any more. I can only remember so much. ごめんなさい。Gomennasai. I'm sorry.
本当に。hontouni. Really.
Influences
I live in a country, even though it is a third world country, it has a good amount in technology. Almost everybody has a laptop or a computer. Now, when it comes with influences, United States is the most influential in the country. Well, I guess it is obvious, since we do get broadcasts from the US. Go Yankees! Just kidding.
We are also adapting the culture less lifestyle from the US. Everybody who is from the US, how many of you practice or even know about your culture? Few, right? Well, I'm not surprised. As the United States advanced in technology, it, also, forgot its culture.
A great place to admire, I must say, is Japan. Japan, even though, it is advanced in technology, it has kept a great deal of its culture. I know. I've talked to Japanese people in person. One of them being Kouta Murakami（村上孝太）. Apart from the T.V. and live interviews, you can see it with them anywhere they go.
It is kind of interesting how it just takes one person to influence a community. I began bringing the Anime pop culture to my little town. I've influenced quite a few and, now, many have began watching Anime. Same thing with the different fashions and music. Someone brought it and, now, everybody wears it or listens to it.
We are also adapting the culture less lifestyle from the US. Everybody who is from the US, how many of you practice or even know about your culture? Few, right? Well, I'm not surprised. As the United States advanced in technology, it, also, forgot its culture.
A great place to admire, I must say, is Japan. Japan, even though, it is advanced in technology, it has kept a great deal of its culture. I know. I've talked to Japanese people in person. One of them being Kouta Murakami（村上孝太）. Apart from the T.V. and live interviews, you can see it with them anywhere they go.
It is kind of interesting how it just takes one person to influence a community. I began bringing the Anime pop culture to my little town. I've influenced quite a few and, now, many have began watching Anime. Same thing with the different fashions and music. Someone brought it and, now, everybody wears it or listens to it.
Tuesday 24 July 2012
IRONY
I knew that someday it would come to this. Asian people attacking Asians. For you who don't know, these are famous Japanese artists from the pop group Morning Musume(モーニング娘). How do I know?
もちろん、僕はファンです。(mochiron, boku wa fan desu.) Of course, I'm a fan! But, today, I am not going to talk about my reasons why I am a fan, but the following picture:
Top left: Kamei Eri; Next to her: Tanaka Reina; Bottom left: Michishige Sayumi
(Surname, Name)
Yes! They are doing the 'Asian eyes'! According to them, that is how Koreans look. Oh the irony! It's like a fat man making fun of a fat girl!Don't worry! kinishinai!（気にしないよ！） They apologized. So, it is ok! (^_^)
My opinions:
Well, I'm Hispanic, but if this man appears with a sombrero and a burro (donkey) to mock me, I would laugh and tell him that he forgot the chubby wife with the football team-sized family.
If I was Asian, especially Korean, I would have laughed it off because of the irony.
Interesting persons like that come one in a million. They have caught my interest. Don't you guys think so?
[UPDATE]: http://www.tokyohive.com/2010/11/morning-musumes-michishige-sayumi-apologizes-for-controversial-blog-pictures/
Rosetta Stone
Sorry for making you wait. Gomenasai.
Well, this is my review of Rosetta Stone, the language learning program.
.JPG)
First of all, Rosetta Stone, as stated above, is a language learning program that involves total immersion. In other words, they are going to show you pictures and make you say some words. It is like if they threw you to the language's country that you are learning.
Since, I'm learning Japanese, it is, as if, I was thrown in the middle of Japan without a clue of how to get to the bathroom. Don't worry, it's virtual, so you won't really get lost into the opposite gender's restroom, unless you want. DON'T DO THAT!
Pros and Cons:
I like the fact that it is repetitive. The images and the voice aid help a lot. By voice aid, I mean that you'll have to repeat the pronunciation. By the second and further lessons, it returns to the previous lesson which helps a lot in remembering the vocabulary. In the end, it has the milestone which forces you to use everything that you have learned. (Failed it once :P)
Cons, my favourite. It is really expensive. You can buy it on Amazon for more than USD $300. Of course, you can get it illegally, but it has this protection that, if it is not activated with the CD key, you will not be able to access many of the lessons (Good thing there is a crack ~whistle~). Another con is that, if you are the type of person that needs the why's and how's to learn something, you are going to have a hard time. Probably, you are going to need a grammar book. Tonikaku, anyway, you are going to spend a lot of money.
Okay my little ghost friends, if you are following my blog, do you think that I should continue placing pictures and using my bits and pieces of Japanese? Please comment if you are following. :D
[UPDATE]: Forgot to mention that it made me feel like a three year old. I forgot the pacifier XD.
Next stop, ummm... I got lost.
Well, this is my review of Rosetta Stone, the language learning program.
.JPG)
This picture is not for the Japanese language
First of all, Rosetta Stone, as stated above, is a language learning program that involves total immersion. In other words, they are going to show you pictures and make you say some words. It is like if they threw you to the language's country that you are learning.
Since, I'm learning Japanese, it is, as if, I was thrown in the middle of Japan without a clue of how to get to the bathroom. Don't worry, it's virtual, so you won't really get lost into the opposite gender's restroom, unless you want. DON'T DO THAT!
Pros and Cons:
I like the fact that it is repetitive. The images and the voice aid help a lot. By voice aid, I mean that you'll have to repeat the pronunciation. By the second and further lessons, it returns to the previous lesson which helps a lot in remembering the vocabulary. In the end, it has the milestone which forces you to use everything that you have learned. (Failed it once :P)
Cons, my favourite. It is really expensive. You can buy it on Amazon for more than USD $300. Of course, you can get it illegally, but it has this protection that, if it is not activated with the CD key, you will not be able to access many of the lessons (Good thing there is a crack ~whistle~). Another con is that, if you are the type of person that needs the why's and how's to learn something, you are going to have a hard time. Probably, you are going to need a grammar book. Tonikaku, anyway, you are going to spend a lot of money.
Okay my little ghost friends, if you are following my blog, do you think that I should continue placing pictures and using my bits and pieces of Japanese? Please comment if you are following. :D
[UPDATE]: Forgot to mention that it made me feel like a three year old. I forgot the pacifier XD.
Next stop, ummm... I got lost.
Monday 23 July 2012
Phrase from the Fool
"Life is like swimming in a water current; you can let it drag you away or you can go against it."
Sunday 22 July 2012
The Aftermath of the Fair
As you can see, business is a cruel war. Well, enough with the drama. This is a week after the Benque Fiesta finished.
My aunt, her son and my cuz
I was dragged there, but it was better than being at home.
The cheap rides from my country; the spinning top
There used to be tons of people during the Benque Fiesta, but, either way, there was quite a few even though the events ended a week ago.
More cheap rides
Well, its not over a hundred like in the Fiesta, but with about 20 or more people for what remained is still a lot.
Sorry guys. Next time, I'll blog about the real Benque Fiesta and post some pictures. Wait a year though. :P
IDOLS's Curse
Sorry that I am not going to talk about Rosetta Stone. I don't have many complaints for it, yet. This is a bit more important, though.
It must be tough being an idol. I was reading in the internet about one of my favourites from JPOP(Japanese Music) called Takahashi Ai. It was just random search and the list of what I find as privacy violation was huge! According to the story, she is THOUGHT to be dating a comedian who is about twelve years older than her.
Now my question is why should we care?! In the end, it is her life; her business. She can talk to anyone, anywhere, any time, and in any way! She is still human just like you and me.
This reminds me of the situation that I was in once. I, when I was younger, fell into a drain because the weight of a bike that was twice as big as me pushed me towards it. It was like a perfectly horrible situation that got worse. I fell, not only in the drain but, also, in a hibiscus bush where I had to hold a branch from puncturing my eyes. I was in a curved position with the bicycle on top of me. I was incapable of moving. As it happened, two women were passing only to point to their children what had happened to me. It was as if my misery became a form of entertainment.
Now, if people would have seen me drinking or smoking or with a girl, I would have become the talk of the town. The same thing with Idols. If they are in trouble, the paparazzi wouldn't give a damn and just continue filming because it will make great news for the morning to come. But, if the idol is seen with another person who the paparazzi does not recognize, it becomes the talk of the day!
People, stop caring about other persons' private lives and start caring about how you can help them, because there is only one world where we are living in; here.
It must be tough being an idol. I was reading in the internet about one of my favourites from JPOP(Japanese Music) called Takahashi Ai. It was just random search and the list of what I find as privacy violation was huge! According to the story, she is THOUGHT to be dating a comedian who is about twelve years older than her.
Now my question is why should we care?! In the end, it is her life; her business. She can talk to anyone, anywhere, any time, and in any way! She is still human just like you and me.
This reminds me of the situation that I was in once. I, when I was younger, fell into a drain because the weight of a bike that was twice as big as me pushed me towards it. It was like a perfectly horrible situation that got worse. I fell, not only in the drain but, also, in a hibiscus bush where I had to hold a branch from puncturing my eyes. I was in a curved position with the bicycle on top of me. I was incapable of moving. As it happened, two women were passing only to point to their children what had happened to me. It was as if my misery became a form of entertainment.
Now, if people would have seen me drinking or smoking or with a girl, I would have become the talk of the town. The same thing with Idols. If they are in trouble, the paparazzi wouldn't give a damn and just continue filming because it will make great news for the morning to come. But, if the idol is seen with another person who the paparazzi does not recognize, it becomes the talk of the day!
People, stop caring about other persons' private lives and start caring about how you can help them, because there is only one world where we are living in; here.
Saturday 21 July 2012
Phrase from the Fool
"There is no greater wise man than the fool as there is no greater fool than the wise."
Phrase from the Fool
"The best relations are formed when persons, who have traversed through a similar form of suffering, meet."
Friday 20 July 2012
Weed Eater + Rain = Disaster
I have no idea how I was convinced, but I mowed the lawn after it had rained. Normally, it's not a problem if your lawn is flat. Unfortunately, MINES ISN'T! Apart from the pebbles, sand, and the remains of the base of a house, it is filled with many gaps and weeds that are tough to mow. Of course, you can't use a lawn mower. You'll probably end up getting stuck in one of the gaps. So, you have to cut it with a weed eater. It'll, probably, throw all the dirt, rocks, the dog's turd, raccoons, bottles, etc... directly at you (to be more precise, your mouth; most likely turd).
Today, of all the days, it rained. "The grass is softer when it rains, so it's easier to cut." That's what they told me. As if! The stupid machine got stuck on the weeds so many times that I forgot to count! It was like Grass Superman! After I finished, I looked like a 18 year old boy who just returned from war with all the dirt covering my body!. Don't trust everything that you are told!
Next stop, ROSETTA STONE!
Today, of all the days, it rained. "The grass is softer when it rains, so it's easier to cut." That's what they told me. As if! The stupid machine got stuck on the weeds so many times that I forgot to count! It was like Grass Superman! After I finished, I looked like a 18 year old boy who just returned from war with all the dirt covering my body!. Don't trust everything that you are told!
Next stop, ROSETTA STONE!
Thursday 19 July 2012
Good Morning Everyone!
OHIOGOZAIMASU, MINA! Ok, that's practically the most I know in Japanese that and トイレはどこですか。(Where is the bathroom?)
First of all, welcome to my blog! My name is Alfredo Kuylen. I know what you are wondering about. Why did I label my blog "The Messenger's Complaints."? Well, apart that the messenger was chosen because of my eternal post of a luggage boy and, apparently, a mail man, since I'm delivering messages to and fro without stop! >:( Complaints, probably because this is a blog that will talk about my different complaints of the many hilarious and, if not, horrid situations that take place in the world (or what I care about :P).
This blog consists of:
- My daily life in learning Japanese.
- My comments about some Anime and anything Anime related.
- JPop also included.
- Comments about the ridicules of life. (like that guy over there that sits down when he pees.)
!!WARNING!!: IT CONSISTS OF EVERY TYPE OF COMMENTS! THIS INCLUDES STEREOTYPING AND DARK COMEDY!
SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
>RASH
>GETTING PISSED AT STUPID COMMENTS
>PROBABLY CURSING ME, THEN CURSING YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU CANNOT CURSE ME DIRECTLY!
AGAIN, ようくぞう！Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy it, even if it is a wondering spirit using the computer.
Feel free to comment, ask questions, and suggest topics.
First of all, welcome to my blog! My name is Alfredo Kuylen. I know what you are wondering about. Why did I label my blog "The Messenger's Complaints."? Well, apart that the messenger was chosen because of my eternal post of a luggage boy and, apparently, a mail man, since I'm delivering messages to and fro without stop! >:( Complaints, probably because this is a blog that will talk about my different complaints of the many hilarious and, if not, horrid situations that take place in the world (or what I care about :P).
This blog consists of:
- My daily life in learning Japanese.
- My comments about some Anime and anything Anime related.
- JPop also included.
- Comments about the ridicules of life. (like that guy over there that sits down when he pees.)
!!WARNING!!: IT CONSISTS OF EVERY TYPE OF COMMENTS! THIS INCLUDES STEREOTYPING AND DARK COMEDY!
SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
>RASH
>GETTING PISSED AT STUPID COMMENTS
>PROBABLY CURSING ME, THEN CURSING YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU CANNOT CURSE ME DIRECTLY!
AGAIN, ようくぞう！Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy it, even if it is a wondering spirit using the computer.
Feel free to comment, ask questions, and suggest topics.
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