Christchurch Earthquake

Thanks for everyone who has e-mailed or phoned to inquire about my family in New Zealand following the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. Your concern is most appreciated.

My family live in the North Island so did not get the earthquake where they live. I lived in Christchurch for six years before coming to Japan and my daughter was born there. So we have friends there. I really hope they are okay. Apparently one friend's house is currently unliveable so they are sleeping in a camping van.

If you can donate even a small amount to help the people of Christchurch, please do so at one of the many collection boxes placed in supermarkets etc. here in Japan, or online to the New Zealand Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

For more information, images and video, have a look at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ 

This Guy is Awesome

Check out this guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boZ4DeaFyXQ&feature=fvsr

buzzwords

Here are some "Teenglish" buzzwords you may find useful if you read or write English e-mails, text messages or social networking sites. NJY

1 diss - Disrespect.

2 fail - Expression of disapproval for something or when someone does fail at something. Sometimes spelt with a ph and epic fail (or epic phail) is the highest form of failing.

3 ftw - For the win, used to show enthusiasm for something, eg "kittens FTW".

4 hai - Hi.

5 idc - I dont care.

6 idk - I dont know.

7 ily - I love you.

8 irl - In real life.

9 jks - Jokes.

10 k or kk - Okay.

11 meh - Expression of indifference.

12 noob - A new person, also newbie, often used to make fun of someone you don't like.

13 pwn, pwned, pwnage - To "own someone", beat them at a game or teach them a lesson.

14 plz - Please.

15 props - Proper respect.

16 rents, rentz or rentals - Parents.

17 rofl - Roll on the floor laughing.

18 soz - Sorry.

19 srs - Serious, seriously.

20 sup - What's up? What's happening?

21 tbh - To be honest.

22 totes - Totally.

23 ty - Thank you.

24 w.e - Whatever.

25 zomg - Expression of amazement or shock at something even more amazing than omg (Oh My God).

Waitangi Day

February 6th is Waitangi Day in New Zealand - the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between  representatives of Britian and various Maori chiefs.