Australia is a very dry country. So water restrictions are in place in many regions in response to chronic drought. These rules differ from state to state. Because of the water shortage, people try to use less water in their everyday life. Washing dishes is one example. Many people wash dishes in warm sudsy water and then skip rinsing them. They shake off the suds and then place the dishes directly on the rack. Some people would be surprised to see this unique way of washing dishes. But it’s a very eco-friendly way of using less water and less detergent.

“Without You” is K.J.’s fifth single. One of the leading pop singers in Japan, K.J. is best known for his catchy melodies. “Without You” is no exception. But in this song, he also focuses on the lyrics. “This song has a story within, the story of my first love,” he said in one interview. As always, you can see his pursuit of the “simple is best” concept. This song is also his first attempt to sing in a band. For those used to seeing him perform solo with a guitar, his performance with a band might come as a surprise. The CD also comes with a karaoke version of “Without You,” and a remix of his latest hit, “If Only.” Based on his true life experience, this song will be another one of his masterpieces. It’s definitely a must-buy!

Dear Candace,

I’d like to reserve a place for my family and myself at the Fourth of July Picnic. I’ll be bringing my husband and three kids, so there will be five of us altogether. I thought I would bring guacamole and tortilla chips. They always seem to be popular. Also, we have a portable picnic table and about ten outdoor chairs. We use them when we invite people over for barbecues.

The chairs are stackable. Would you like us to bring those, too? If so, just let me know.
Thanks!

Jane DiAmato

P.S. Are there going to be any games or sporting events this year?

America is truly a melting pot of the world’s ethnic groups. Roughly 80% of Americans are considered “white,” 13% are African American, and 4.5% are “Asian.” The rest are natives of Alaska, Hawaii, or another Pacific island. About 15% of the population come from Spanish-speaking countries. These people come from places like Spain, Mexico, and Central or South America. In fact, most people in America have immigrant backgrounds. A typical “white” person in America might be part British, part German, and even part Italian. To be “American,” then, is to be a mixture of ethnic groups.

Dear Sarah,

Happy birthday! How was the big 21 celebration? Hope things didn’t get too crazy and you had to spend your first night as an adult in jail.
Just kidding. I know you out of all people would never get yourself in a mess. I’m sure you had a good time with your family and friends.
I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the party. You know I would have been there in a heartbeat if it hadn’t been for my crazy job. But you know what? Since you’re 21 now, we can officially go out for drinks! It feels great to be an adult, doesn’t it? Although I couldn’t celebrate your birthday, my thoughts are always with you. May your twenties be filled with joy and happiness.

David

P.S. Did you like my present?

This winter, the weather in Alaska has been warmer than usual. Meteorologists blame these warm temperatures on weather changes in the Arctic region. “It’s a very strange weather phenomenon,” said Julie Smith of the PLES Weather Center. First, the melting ice creates large amounts of open water. The heat from this open water warms the air above it. Then this warm air moves southward. “Alaska is the first area to feel this warm air,” said Smith. This warm air also pushes northern weather patterns into southern regions. Alaska gets warmer, and Florida gets cooler. Scientists continue to study the effects of melting Arctic ice on global weather.

Hi Ryan,

Sorry that I was out of touch recently. My computer broke down a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to call you, but I couldn’t because I didn’t know your new phone number. I knew that you had sent it by e-mail, but I forgot to write it down in my address book. And I couldn’t access my e-mail account. I know I’m making a lot of excuses, but things happen sometimes and I can’t help it.

Apparently, my computer was infected with a virus. I had the anti-virus program installed on my computer, but it didn’t detect the virus! How is that possible? I can’t believe I wasted my money on something that didn’t even work! I was not happy at all, of course, so I bought a new laptop. Which means I’ll be back in touch with you from now on. OK, well enough ranting. Call me when you have time.

Sean

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Grand Valley on Tuesday. The center of the quake was 30 km away from the valley. Many roads are cracked, some partially collapsed. Two days after the quake, aftershocks continue to be felt in the area. It is feared that continuous rain may cause even more destruction such as a landslide. No deaths have yet been reported, but many people have been reported missing. Damage from the quake is estimated at 500 million yen.

The latest “Mastering Real English” is Johnson’s second book on English learning. While his last book dealt mostly with written and formal English, this book teaches us the use of informal English. Each chapter contains five dialogues which all together make one storyline. This book is probably for people who already have a basic understanding of English grammar. Johnson gives us useful expressions and phrases in English. In this book, you learn how to communicate in English in situations related to school, home, shopping, and travel. Although I found most of the expressions useful, the book could have been better if he had given us more choices. For example, there are many ways to greet people other than the most typical “How are you?” Also, 1800 yen is a rather high price for a 250-page English-learning book. I’m sure you can find similar books in the market for a lower price. In short, I would give this book three stars out of five.

Dear Ellen,

How’s it going? 10 hours after leaving your sweet abode in Hawaii, I finally made it to Tokyo. You won’t believe the journey I had. I got pulled aside at the airport in Japan and was asked all sorts of questions, in JAPANESE! I guess they thought I was illegally entering the country. Of course, I wasn’t doing anything illegal, but I have to say I don’t think I’ll be traveling again anytime soon. It was very traumatic and I felt humiliated. Anyhow, I just want to say thank you for letting me stay at your apartment. It was the greatest trip I’ve ever had! What’s more, I was able to save lots of money! Next time you come to Tokyo, please let me know. You’re always welcome to stay at my place. Looking forward to seeing you soon again.

Love, a very traumatized Ann