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The long holidays are here! For some lucky people, Golden Week lasts more than a week. Others just get four holidays off. But many people have to work over Golden Week. Garbage collectors are coming by my house today and on Thursday to pick up the garbage. Transportation workers keep the subways, buses, trains, and planes running so that we can go anywhere we want to. Cashiers and stock clerks keep the supermarkets open so that we can buy food any day, and convenience store clerks keep their stores open 24/7. For those on holiday, enjoy yourselves, but for those who are working, thank you! (by Prof. Douglas)
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Notes
weasel イタチ;
raccoon dog タヌキ；
boar　イノシシ;
squirrel リス;
skunk スカンク;
rabies 狂犬病;

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In Japan, it seems like there are more and more wild animals living together with people. I have seen weasels and raccoon dogs in Nagoya, and I have seen news about deer, monkeys, wild boars, and bears in the countryside. It’s the same in the U.S. In Portsmouth, N.H., where my sister lives, there are squirrels, raccoons, turkeys, and skunks. A fox in Washington, D.C. has been in the news recently. Everyone was excited to see it until it bit nine people and had to be killed. It had a dangerous disease called rabies. Luckily, there is medical treatment for rabies, so the people who were bitten are safe. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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