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In the United States, the first name of the president often becomes a popular name for parents to give their new-born sons. Dwight was popular in 1945 and 1953; Franklin was most often used in 1933. Barack Obama is different. His names aren’t just popular in the U.S. Parents in other countries are also giving their children the name Barack, Obama, or Barack Obama. For example, according to BBC, in a south-west Kenyan province, 15 babies were born on America’s election night last year. Of them, five were named Barack Obama and three girls were called Michelle, after Mrs. Obama. Somehow I doubt Yukio or Miyuki have become popular baby names since Mr. Hatoyama became Prime Minister of Japan last fall. What do you think? (by Prof. Carmella Lieske)
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Whenever I get the chance, I love to see festivals. Japan is full of great festivals and I would strongly recommend seeing some of them such as the Snow Festival in Sapporo, the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, the Gion Festival in Kyoto or the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi. All are really unique and interesting. But there is one festival I would really like to see overseas which is the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is usually held in February or March which is the perfect time for students to go, but for people who work like me it is difficult to take time off. But maybe this year I will be brave enough to ask my boss for a long holiday in February.(by Prof. Wendy Tada)
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