Notes:
labor pain 分娩(ぶんべん), 陣痛;
be relieved ほっとした;
delivery 分娩(ぶんべん), 出産;
miracle 奇跡;
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Last night I got an e-mail from my sister. She said, “My labor pains have started. Come back to Okinawa ASAP!!” This morning, on my way to Okinawa, my sister called me up and said, “Sorry, but the baby has already been born!” I was relieved and learned that a safe delivery is like a miracle. Finally, I met the two-hour-old baby. Our family is filled with great joy. Although I couldn’t attend the birthing, I’m so happy now because I have a new family member. There are now 17 people in my family! Can you believe it? We’re such a big family!! Ha ha ha… (written by student Miss Miyali, Medical School, Shimane University; edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)

Notes:
Beard: あごひげ;
Moustache: 口ひげ;
competition: 競技(会),コンテスト;
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The World Beard and Moustache competition has just been held in a small town in Germany. Men with the longest, biggest and most unique facial hair compete for prizes. Not surprisingly, most of the competitors are from Europe or North America. Asians and Africans usually don’t have much facial hair. This year the team from America, called Beard Team U.S.A., did very well. They got 6 first-place wins. You can google the name of the competition to see the many different beards and moustaches. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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▽See different moustaches and beards on Google: