If you haven’t read My Family and Other Animals, do so – preferably with a child. It’s great that ITV is showing The Durrells so a new generation can meet this family of talented oddballs, but read the book before you watch it. //Summary -…

Sarah Paine EP 2: Why Japan Lost World War II 1)Sarah Paine's lecture discusses why Japan lost World War II, focusing on cultural and strategic factors. She argues that the Bushido code influenced Japan's decision-making, emphasizing honor…

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China (1991) 1)Few books have ever had such an impact as Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China. Since its first publication it has been published in 37 languages and sold more than 13 million copies (while sti…

The Wizard of Oz (1939) Commentary/Synopsis: 1)This is a live-action adaptation of the classic novel The Wizard of Oz by American children's author Lyman Frank Baum. It is a classic fantasy musical about the adventures of a young girl who …

Wuthering Heights（1939） Synopsis:Samuel Goldwyn produced the film, which was directed by William Wyler in 1939. Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur adapted Emily Bronte's novel, one of the great works of English literature. The film stars Me…

Spartacus (1960) //Summary - Level-B2// Spartacus, a Thracian enslaved person, is taken to a gladiator school where he endures hardships but finds love with Varinia. After witnessing her being sold, he leads a revolt, escaping to Mount Ves…

It wasn't the "beauty of the courtesans", the "high level of education", or the "poor working conditions"... Why Westerners who came to Japan were amazed by the Edo courtesans. That's why so many "prostitutes" could appear on NHK's Sunday …

America is a country that "believes war is necessary." Can President Trump change that? Emmanuel Todd talks about world problems. //Summary - Level-B2// Emmanuel Todd discusses global conflicts, highlighting the U.S.'s role in sustaining w…

The economy isn't working - for people or the planet. It's time for a new narrative. //Summary - Level-B2// Our current economic model prioritizes financial growth over human and environmental well-being, leading to inequality, resource de…

Opera: La Traviata (The Lady of the Camellias) See the heart-stopping opera masterpiece Verdi's La Traviata in a popular production at the Royal Opera House! 1)Story:In mid-19th century Paris, Violetta, a high-class prostitute, enjoys the …

For the first time in Japanese history, the Japanese team won the World Confectionery Championship for the second time! Why did Japan win so decisively against France? //Summary - Level-B2// Japan won the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie fo…

[Review of "The Seed of the Sacred Fig"] We are witnessing a film that was made at the risk of one's life The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) follows Iman, a state official pressured to fabricate charges against protesters. Using Chekhov’s G…

Aristotle On Why Leisure Defines Us More than Work //Summary - Level-B2// Aristotle believed that leisure is more important than work for a fulfilling life. Many people, however, do not know how to use their free time well. He criticized s…

"Thus Spoke Zarathustra(1883)" by Nietzsche(1844-1900) //Summary - Level-B2// Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra introduces ideas like the "death of God," nihilism, and the "Superman." The phrase "God is dead" means traditional values like…

Vice President JD Vance Delivers Remarks at the Munich Security Conference //Summary - Level-B2// Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Munich Security Conference, thanking the hosts and emphasizing the importance of shared democratic value…

"Modern Words" - Katsura Yonedanji "Operakugo" //Summary - Level-B2// Operakugo is a fusion of opera and Rakugo, developed over 25 years. Singer Katsuya Kikuchi first coined the term after adapting a Rakugo story into an opera. The concept…

US aid suspension hits Russian independent media and NGOs //Summary - Level-B2//Former US President Donald Trump's decree suspending international aid and USAID funding has severely impacted exiled Russian NGOs and media, many of which rel…

Are Japanese and Polynesians the only people who recognise insect sounds as "voices"? //Summary - Level-B2// Japanese and Polynesians may be the only ones who hear insect sounds as "voices" due to how their brains process language. Their v…

Can you explain Setsubun in English? 1)Summary:Setsubun in around Feb 3rdholiday for the end of winterbean-throwing"Devils out! Happiness in!"And people eat beans as numbers as their age. 2)In Japan, there is an event called “Setsubun” at …

Barbara Taylor Bradford, a million-selling novelist known for ‘A Woman of Substance (1979),’ has died at 91 November 25, 2024 A)Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British journalist who became a publishing sensation in her 40s with the saga “A Wom…

North and South (1855) by Elizabeth Gaskell North & South is a British television historical drama programme, produced by the BBC and originally broadcast in four episodes on BBC One in November and December 2004. The serial is based on th…

The world's English mania - Jay Walker //Summary - Level-B2// Englishmania is spreading worldwide, especially in China, where students study intensely to secure better opportunities. English is seen as a key to success, not forced by Ameri…

Jane Eyre (1824) //Summary - Level-B2// Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Brontë in 1847, tells the story of an orphaned girl who grows up facing hardship and discrimination. She becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in lov…

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No 1 //Summary - Level-B2// Gustav Mahler was born in 1860 in Bohemia and showed musical talent from an early age. His First Symphony, completed in 1888, reflects his love for folk music. The symphony is youthful ye…

Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott (1868) //Summary - Level-B2// During the Civil War, Mr March leaves for war, asking his four daughters to grow into good "Little Women." Meg, the eldest, experiences wealth but …

Trump proposes the US taking ownership of Gaza Strip //Summary - Level-B2// Former US President Donald Trump proposed that the US take ownership of Gaza, redevelop it, and remove unexploded weapons. He suggested it could become an economic…

Tulsi Gabbard full Senate confirmation hearing for intelligence chief (Jan. 30, 2025) 1)To bring about regime change in 7 countries in 5 years for Israel's benefit: Project for the New American Century(PNAC)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pr…

Donald Trump’s Florida projectHow the Sunshine State, once America’s dead end, became its new seat of power. //Summary - Level-B2//Donald Trump’s Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, has become a global political hub. Once built as a luxurious retr…

RFK Jr. Lands Heavy Blow on ‘Socialist’ Bernie Sanders After Calling Him Out Face-to-Face for Pocketing Millions from Big Pharma 1)Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came out swinging at Vermont senator Bernie Sanders for his deep-pocketed ties to Big …

Mona Lisa to Get Own Room After Louvre Renovation French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the Mona Lisa will get its own room inside the Louvre museum as part of a major renovation and expansion of the Paris site that will take…