*******************************
Going to the doctor used to be different in Japan and the U.S. In Japan, you would walk in and wait until the doctor sees you. In the U.S., you would make an appointment in advance. Recently this is changing. Now there are clinics in the U.S. where you can go without an appointment, and there are clinics in Japan that require an appointment. I went to a clinic yesterday with an automated appointment system. You call a number, type in your number, and make an appointment without talking to anyone. It is convenient because you can do it at any time, day or night. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
*******************************

******************************
I like candies, cookies, chocolates; I like all sweets very much! In particular, I really love cakes. When I was three or four years old, I ate cake for the first time. At that time, my father had to take up a job in another city, leaving my family behind in Shimane. I was a very little child, so I cried a lot and felt lonely without him when he was going to his workplace. Finally, he decided to cheer me up by giving me a cake as a special present. I don’t remember the taste, but I clearly remember I was really happy. The other day, while on holiday, I ate cakes and talked about this with my parents. It was also special time for me. (written by student Miss Tamura; edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
******************************