Notes :
recession: 不景気，不況;
mainstream:（情勢などの）主流，主潮;
fad: 気まぐれ，一時的流行;
statistic: 統計値;
Inc.:［企業名に後置］incorporated（株式会社の）;

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Merry Christmas!
Despite the recession that has seriously affected the American economy, iPads are at the top of shoppers’ lists, becoming more mainstream than other gifts. Bob Cardina, 26, plans to buy one for his parents for Christmas. His parents live in Tampa, far from him, so he is excited to be able to video chat with them ― them on their new iPad and him on his iPhone. But is this just a fad? It seems not. According to statistics nearly 64 million tablets will be sold worldwide by the end of the year, and 73 percent of them will be iPads.　Apple Inc.’s iPad in particular is being used as a learning tool in schools, a digital cash register in shops and a menu at restaurants.　Which means that if you don’t have one this year, don’t worry; you will probably get one soon! (by Prof. Simon Smith)
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Notes:
consist of: 構成される（～から成る）;
spectator: (スポーツ・ショーなどの)見物人，観客;
costume: 服装;
moreover: さらに;
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Shimadai held an International Party in he University Hall on the 10th of December. The party consisted of two events, a meeting and a party. I took part as a performer at the meeting, but because I felt very tense, I didn’t sing as well as I would have liked. As a spectator, though, I heard some great Japanese traditional music and saw some foreign traditional costumes (there was also a fashion show). Afterwards, we went to a dining room and had a buffet-style party which was a good opportunity to talk with Japanese and other foreigners, making new friends and having lots of fun. Moreover, it was totally free so if you missed it, make sure that you participate next year.
(written by student Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, edited by Prof. Simon Smith)
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